RCCL suites vs "the haven"

[juliea344]

Can anyone who has sailed in both of these types of accommodations compare the 2 for me? I recently fell in love with RCCL sky class suites. I don't think I could go again without the perks. Are both lines apples to apples? I'm comparing future cruises and the Haven seems to be much more expensive than sky class suites. I was told NCL was the more affordable cruise line. Am I missing something? Because I see no comparison. The Haven definitely prices me out. Thanks?

 

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[Granny DI]

Can anyone who has sailed in both of these types of accommodations compare the 2 for me? I recently fell in love with RCCL sky class suites. I don't think I could go again without the perks. Are both lines apples to apples? I'm comparing future cruises and the Haven seems to be much more expensive than sky class suites. I was told NCL was the more affordable cruise line. Am I missing something? Because I see no comparison. The Haven definitely prices me out. Thanks?

 

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I just returned from Liberty of the Seas in the Owners Suite. It was the exact cost as Haven Aft Suite 12304 that we cruise every year. My DH said NO MORE suites on the RCL. We love the Haven AfT suites on NCL. We voiced our concerns and were told only the Oasis Class ships compare withe NCL Away ships.

[juliea344]

I just returned from Liberty of the Seas in the Owners Suite. It was the exact cost as Haven Aft Suite 12304 that we cruise every year. My DH said NO MORE suites on the RCL. We love the Haven AfT suites on NCL. We voiced our concerns and were told only the Oasis Class ships compare withe NCL Away ships.

Thanks. What made the Haven better? Owners suites are more expensive but I can get the grand suite for less...

 

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[Granny DI]

Google Breakaway Haven Aft Suite 12304. Then Google Grand Suite on the ship you plan to sail. You'll see what I'm talking about. We prefer the Grand Suite but none were available. We got our goodies on our RCL cruise from Diamond benefits. The goodies on the Breakaway came from being in a Haven suite. We are sailing NCL this summer for 14 days in a suite. We get free internet, drinks and specialty restaurants included in the price. RCL gave us nothing other than Diamond benefits. Will sail RCL again but not in a full suite.

[George C]

Google Breakaway Haven Aft Suite 12304. Then Google Grand Suite on the ship you plan to sail. You'll see what I'm talking about. We prefer the Grand Suite but none were available. We got our goodies on our RCL cruise from Diamond benefits. The goodies on the Breakaway came from being in a Haven suite. We are sailing NCL this summer for 14 days in a suite. We get free internet, drinks and specialty restaurants included in the price. RCL gave us nothing other than Diamond benefits. Will sail RCL again but not in a full suite.

 

Do not understand how you can compare NCL suite with RCCL non-suite, RCCL has some really nice suite perks , we did GS on last 4 and next to RCCL cruises, also we were able to get GS for 1600 each for 7 day cruise , I am sure Haven cost much more

Edited March 9, 2017 by George C
add info

[Granny DI]

i assumed a sky suite was a suite. Years ago we took an upgrade from a sky suite to a Royal suite on a Celebrity ship. The sky suite was just a balcony with perks. I'm just comparing full suites between the two cruise lines. We cruise in anything from an ocean view to a Haven suite.

[George C]

i assumed a sky suite was a suite. Years ago we took an upgrade from a sky suite to a Royal suite on a Celebrity ship. The sky suite was just a balcony with perks. I'm just comparing full suites between the two cruise lines. We cruise in anything from an ocean view to a Haven suite.

 

Sky suite is a suite but Celebrity is not same line as RCCL

[Granny DI]

RCL owns Celebrity, RCCL and Azamara. We have sailed all three numerous times. Sky Suites must be on Oasis class ships. We have not sailed in a Sky Suite on RCL.

[Clarea]

RCL owns Celebrity, RCCL and Azamara. We have sailed all three numerous times. Sky Suites must be on Oasis class ships. We have not sailed in a Sky Suite on RCL.

Sky suites are on both Oasis and Quantum class RC ships.

[juliea344]

Sorry, I meant sky class suites. That's basically all the suites besides junior suites and the super luxurious star class suites. A grand suite is sky class. What is the least expensive type of haven cabin? Maybe they are just all sold out on the dates I'm looking and that's why haven is loads more $.

 

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[Debde]

Can anyone who has sailed in both of these types of accommodations compare the 2 for me? I recently fell in love with RCCL sky class suites. I don't think I could go again without the perks. Are both lines apples to apples? I'm comparing future cruises and the Haven seems to be much more expensive than sky class suites. I was told NCL was the more affordable cruise line. Am I missing something? Because I see no comparison. The Haven definitely prices me out. Thanks?

 

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What ship are you looking at on NCL? I've switched from Royal to NCL because of the Haven so I can probably answer your comparison question.

[paulh84]

Sorry, I meant sky class suites. That's basically all the suites besides junior suites and the super luxurious star class suites. A grand suite is sky class. What is the least expensive type of haven cabin? Maybe they are just all sold out on the dates I'm looking and that's why haven is loads more $.

 

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The Haven Courtyard Penthouse is typically the cheapest. It's usually priced around $3000/pp for a 7 day Caribbean cruise with the Forward Facing Penthouse usually $100-$200 more.

 

With the way NCL does their upsell bidding deal now, I would never pay full price unless you really wanted a particular cabin.

[juliea344]

What ship are you looking at on NCL? I've switched from Royal to NCL because of the Haven so I can probably answer your comparison question.

I was thinking breakaway or getaway.

 

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[luckyinpa]

ive never been on a royal ship but arent we forgetting that the haven area is literally a separate area? (i can only speak from Breakaway experience and i have no clue if royal has this but i think not?).

 

you have a haven area with a very tiny pool and 2 hot tubs. you have a special area for spa treatments in haven area. you have the haven bar and restaurant (you do have CK on royal). you have a separate sun deck and fancy places to sit on comfy clamshell type things. dedicated server for the haven area and you can have meals next to the pool.

 

im' not saying which line is better, just that you cannot really make apples to apples comparison since haven is totally different than what i believe royal has for suites.

 

also i'm assuming royal gives you free drinks/wifi/specialty restaurants since haven does. but if they dont then thats a big deal for some people.

[Debde]

I was thinking breakaway or getaway.

 

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I have sailed on breakaway. There is huge difference in a courtyard suite on to a sky class grande suite on Royal. NCL wins hands down.

 

First off-with NCL-when you book any Haven suite you get the current promotions. they are:

Drink package-dining package- shore excursion credit-free WIFI. All included in your cruise fare. Right there is a huge enhancement. A free drink package, that includes all drinks, including frozen ones and private bar far out shines the suite lounge with limited complimentary drinks for a few hours.

 

You also get a butler.

Private Haven area with restaurant, bar, courtyard, sun deck and all of this is private. You never have to leave and never fight any crowds.

Embarkation-private area at the port that serves snacks while waiting to board. You are first on the ship and escorted immediately to the Haven where drinks and food begin.

Private escorts to shows which guarantee the best seats.

 

They have freestyle dining down to a science and we loved it. None of this pre-booking anything. When you are in the Haven-you get priority dining and never have to pre-book months in advance. The concierge will even remind you to book the restaurants that fill up so you don't miss out. IE:-Cagneys steak house and Teppanyaki {sp?];)

 

Specialty coffee maker in each suite so you don't have to go to the lounge to get one.

A concierge team-not just one. They always have time all day long and night to assist you since they are right outside the bar area at all times. Not just a few hours at a time twice a day.

 

 

I just don't see Royals sky class comparing at all. You should try NCL for yourself and then you'll know.

[juliea344]

I have sailed on breakaway. There is huge difference in a courtyard suite on to a sky class grande suite on Royal. NCL wins hands down.

 

First off-with NCL-when you book any Haven suite you get the current promotions. they are:

Drink package-dining package- shore excursion credit-free WIFI. All included in your cruise fare. Right there is a huge enhancement. A free drink package, that includes all drinks, including frozen ones and private bar far out shines the suite lounge with limited complimentary drinks for a few hours.

 

You also get a butler.

Private Haven area with restaurant, bar, courtyard, sun deck and all of this is private. You never have to leave and never fight any crowds.

Embarkation-private area at the port that serves snacks while waiting to board. You are first on the ship and escorted immediately to the Haven where drinks and food begin.

Private escorts to shows which guarantee the best seats.

 

They have freestyle dining down to a science and we loved it. None of this pre-booking anything. When you are in the Haven-you get priority dining and never have to pre-book months in advance. The concierge will even remind you to book the restaurants that fill up so you don't miss out. IE:-Cagneys steak house and Teppanyaki {sp?];)

 

Specialty coffee maker in each suite so you don't have to go to the lounge to get one.

A concierge team-not just one. They always have time all day long and night to assist you since they are right outside the bar area at all times. Not just a few hours at a time twice a day.

 

 

I just don't see Royals sky class comparing at all. You should try NCL for yourself and then you'll know.

Thanks! I really love RCCL but the Haven is definitely tempting me. The fact that most Haven rooms are forward is a big deterrent. I don't understand why they did that. For us seasick folks it's a little scary. [emoji27]

 

 

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[cb at sea]

No cruise line beats NCL's suite perks....!

[Debde]

Thanks! I really love RCCL but the Haven is definitely tempting me. The fact that most Haven rooms are forward is a big deterrent. I don't understand why they did that. For us seasick folks it's a little scary. [emoji27]

 

 

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Pick the courtyard suites towards the back of the Haven. They are considered mid-ship.;)

I had one forward facing suite on Royal and will never do that again on any cruise line so i know what you mean!

[UptonSL68]

I've sailed on both ... aquatheater suite on Harmony and a Haven Courtyard on the Getaway. Hands down the Haven. Service is a million times better and NCL really makes it a suite experience (restaurant, pools, bar, the concierge) where RCCL feels like all they want to do is drain your bank account. On RCCL your show reservations mean nothing, the embarkation lounge is non existent, the concierge doesn't know your name. NCL actually feels like a special boutique hotel.

 

 

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[mafig]

What has stopped me from booking the Haven on NCL are some reviews where the entire cruise experience is impacted by out of control kids. Some of those suites are large and will, of course, be booked by families with children. Its when the parents allow those children to have run of the Haven area, unsupervised, where it can be a problem. I just can't see spending all that $$$ and taking the chance.

 

We did MSC's Yacht Club last year. Less people. Suites are smaller. And less $$$.

[Paulxyz2004]

RCL owns Celebrity, RCCL and Azamara. We have sailed all three numerous times. Sky Suites must be on Oasis class ships. We have not sailed in a Sky Suite on RCL.

 

 

Well actually RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.) owns several cruiselines including RCI (Royal Caribbean International), Celebrity and Azamara.

 

Sky Suites is a cabin category on Celebrity. There is no Sky Suite on RCI. RCI has Sky Loft Suites and there is the Sky class category within the different Suite categories on RCI.

[luckyinpa]

Thanks! I really love RCCL but the Haven is definitely tempting me. The fact that most Haven rooms are forward is a big deterrent. I don't understand why they did that. For us seasick folks it's a little scary. [emoji27]

 

 

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haven spa suites on the breakaway are on deck 14 and more mid ship. i agree bout worrying about seasickness. i was in a forward owners suite under high winds and waves and could barely stand. its the tradeoff for the nice room i guess.

 

in my spa suite it wasnt nearly as bad 2 decks down.

 

i have to correct one statement made above. haven doesnt always get the best seats at shows. they have a few rows on the left side of the theater reserved mid way up on the breakaway theater. and they unrope those 10 minutes before showtime for everyone. so they are truly reserved but i wouldnt call that location the best.

 

if they really wanted something special the would have comfy seats for haven in the theater!

[Granny DI]

I have sailed on breakaway. There is huge difference in a courtyard suite on to a sky class grande suite on Royal. NCL wins hands down.

 

First off-with NCL-when you book any Haven suite you get the current promotions. they are:

Drink package-dining package- shore excursion credit-free WIFI. All included in your cruise fare. Right there is a huge enhancement. A free drink package, that includes all drinks, including frozen ones and private bar far out shines the suite lounge with limited complimentary drinks for a few hours.

 

You also get a butler.

Private Haven area with restaurant, bar, courtyard, sun deck and all of this is private. You never have to leave and never fight any crowds.

Embarkation-private area at the port that serves snacks while waiting to board. You are first on the ship and escorted immediately to the Haven where drinks and food begin.

Private escorts to shows which guarantee the best seats.

 

They have freestyle dining down to a science and we loved it. None of this pre-booking anything. When you are in the Haven-you get priority dining and never have to pre-book months in advance. The concierge will even remind you to book the restaurants that fill up so you don't miss out. IE:-Cagneys steak house and Teppanyaki {sp?];)

 

Specialty coffee maker in each suite so you don't have to go to the lounge to get one.

A concierge team-not just one. They always have time all day long and night to assist you since they are right outside the bar area at all times. Not just a few hours at a time twice a day.

 

 

I just don't see Royals sky class comparing at all. You should try NCL for yourself and then you'll know.

 

 

Thanks! Your review was excellent! Since I'm prone to seas sickness we always book the aft suites. It's a hike to the Haven but the aft suites are worth the effort. RCCL gave us nada in the Owners Suite. Coffee maker was after thought for RCCL...it had to be plugged in next to the bed and not in the dining room. Plus they had coffee packages that only makes four cups...thus you have to make 3 cups to get the right strength. There is no comparison between NCL Haven and RCL suites. Haven is the best.

[brookie848]

Thanks! I really love RCCL but the Haven is definitely tempting me. The fact that most Haven rooms are forward is a big deterrent. I don't understand why they did that. For us seasick folks it's a little scary. [emoji27]

 

 

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If you are looking at NCL rooms online, take a look under Spa cabins. There is a Spa Haven Cabin category that shows up there and not under the Haven category. With that cabin comes all of the Haven benefits, along with a thermal spa pass.

 

Please note that the private restaurant for dinner is only available on the newer ships (Epic, Getaway, Breakaway, Escape and the yet-to-sail-Bliss). The smaller ships have a restaurant available for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner.

 

Another nice thing about the Haven/NCL is that you don't need a minimum amount of people to book a cabin. Every time we've cruised, we've booked 2-bedroom Haven cabins (which sleep six). This is not a problem, even if you only have two people in the cabin.

 

I'd love to try Royal, but the fact that I have to book the highest suite category to even get close to what I get in the least expensive suite on NCL has not allowed me to pull the trigger yet. Granted, the base prices might be higher, but I think you get a good bit with the price (specialty dining and drink packages, mainly).

[Debde]

i have to correct one statement made above. haven doesnt always get the best seats at shows. they have a few rows on the left side of the theater reserved mid way up on the breakaway theater. and they unrope those 10 minutes before showtime for everyone. so they are truly reserved but i wouldnt call that location the best.

 

Yes-sorry about that. I was thinking along the lines of the cuirque/dinner shows that you are escorted in early for prime seats.

They do escort you in the theater and have someone checking to make sure you do have a seat on that left side. My last Royal cruise I was completely turned off at the ice show. I arrived 20 minutes early to find the entire section full and was told no one was ever there checking so anyone sat in that section. No one was there to even assist in finding us a seat. NCL always makes sure suite guests at least have a seat. One of the concierge team is always there for all shows to assist.you if need be.

Speaking of seat- If you are on a Royal ship that does not have a suite lounge-good luck finding a seat at what Royal calls its concierge lounge for happy hour. With the Haven and its own bar/lounge it really does make for a wonderful experience. Lets not forget it is a fully stocked bar. Not the limitations on what you can order in the concierge lounge.

Last I was following they were converting some of the concierge lounges to suite lounges but not quite sure how far they got with that.