Haven on the Epic

[Hammergirl]

I am trying to decide if the Haven is something we would want to spend the extra money on and I keep going back and forth. Can anyone tell me exactly what is included for Haven guests? I have been reading but it seems like just when I think I have it figured out, someone say that something is not included. Is Posh included? How about special seating at shows?

[jmh0603]

I have only been in the Haven on the Getaway. We booked Haven for our 10/22 cruise on the Epic. Based on what I have read I believe Posh is included. Also, when I was in the Haven last year; there is special seating for Haven guests. You have to get to the theater during a specific time, the concierge will tell you. After a certain time they take the reserved seating notification away. They were also able to make reservations for the comedy shows so we didn't have to wait in line as well as specialty dining. Also, you can order room service through the butler.

[BirdTravels]

I am trying to decide if the Haven is something we would want to spend the extra money on and I keep going back and forth. Can anyone tell me exactly what is included for Haven guests? I have been reading but it seems like just when I think I have it figured out, someone say that something is not included. Is Posh included? How about special seating at shows?

 

The Havens on the Epic is the best in the fleet. They have a large dining room (doesn't overflow into the pool area). And a large outside dining room. They have a steam room, sauna, and private gym that overlooks the courtyard. The pool is double the size of the other ships since it does not have the [useless] lounge chairs in water. Two jacuzzis. One minor drawback is that the courtyard does not have a retractable roof. It has a large lounge area with bar to sit and relax.

 

You have access to the Posh Club (vibe equivalent) which has a very large, multistory sun deck and private bar and small water feature. Unlike the vibe, they only offer a few (less than 10) passes for non-havens guest, so it is almost exclusively Havens guests there.

 

There is a reserved seating area for shows on the left side (same as all of the big ships). If we see the concierge staff, we have them help us bypass the entry line and go get our own seats front and center.

 

Like all ships, if you have reservations for the Cirque, they will escort you into the dining room before it opens through a side entrance so that you get the best seats in the house.

 

Standard suites amenities and butler and concierge service.

 

Our last trip on the Epic (we've been on her 6 times), we selected a forward facing 2 bedroom penthouse. It has a solarium balcony (enclosed forward facing balcony with windows that open) so that we could enjoy air conditioned sunshine.

[jmh0603]

This is getting me so excited for our trip in October. I booked the Haven because we are celebrating my mom's 70th birthday and thought it would be awesome to do with her. I can't wait.

[jemz1949]

Is the Posh area adults only?

[BirdTravels]

Is the Posh area adults only?

Technically. On our most recent cruise, kids were coming and going telling mom and dad where they are going. Didn't stay, but it is the only sun deck for the Havens, so there is some under-18 foot traffic and short visits while they "negotiate" with mom/dad on their activities.

[Indyopie]

I have been asking myself this very question all week....is it really worth the extra money for the Haven? Just booked two B6 large balconies on the Epic for March 2019 and am thinking about changing to a 2BR Haven to celebrate our 20th anniversary (better late than never!) and our twins graduating high school. Thought about doing it when we sail the Escape March 2018 but prices right now are more than I want to consider.

 

BirdTravels, I think once DH reads your response I'll have no choice :). If you are going to try it, might as well do it on the "best of the fleet".

[Hammergirl]

Thank you so much for your replies! Right now I am trying really hard to make my decision and this just made it harder. LOL

 

If I choose an aft facing haven room, will I be unhappy with it being so far away from the Haven? That is my main struggle right now as the price is good for that room, but it seems strange to have it so far away from everything.

[kalypso333]

Thank you so much for your replies! Right now I am trying really hard to make my decision and this just made it harder. LOL

 

If I choose an aft facing haven room, will I be unhappy with it being so far away from the Haven? That is my main struggle right now as the price is good for that room, but it seems strange to have it so far away from everything.

 

I would not book a Haven stateroom outside of the Haven area. I found the Epic very crowded outside of the Haven area and it is quite a walk from one end of the ship to the other - especially since we spent 80% of our time in the Haven compound. A huge part of the appeal of a Haven cabin is walking out your stateroom to an exclusive, quite area with name recognition by all staff. The Posh area is absolutely included (only on Epic) and is very large. The restaurant is very good, but after 13 days onboard the menu did feel limited - the specialty restaurants will become respite.

 

Kip

[DMH15]

Thank you so much for your replies! Right now I am trying really hard to make my decision and this just made it harder. LOL

 

 

 

If I choose an aft facing haven room, will I be unhappy with it being so far away from the Haven? That is my main struggle right now as the price is good for that room, but it seems strange to have it so far away from everything.

 

 

 

The only way I would recommend aft, which I love by the way, is if I had thermal suite passes as the spa is aft.

 

We made that long trek from a forward Owners Suite to the spa and fitness center. It was far. We were not jazzed with the spa, which was a surprise to us and in contrast to most.

 

In fact I loved the Epic Haven's workout room, (right across the hall from our suite) and even had my second massage in one of the Haven's treatment rooms.

 

If I cruise Epic again I would not get a spa pass. So, I would definately only book a suite inside the Haven proper.

 

 

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[BirdTravels]

Thank you so much for your replies! Right now I am trying really hard to make my decision and this just made it harder. LOL If I choose an aft facing haven room, will I be unhappy with it being so far away from the Haven? That is my main struggle right now as the price is good for that room, but it seems strange to have it so far away from everything.

 

First let me say that we probably have had more Havens rooms outside the Havens complex than inside. We are just off the Breakaway where we had a Havens spa suite (outside the main Havens complex).

 

That being said, it is a veeerrry long hike back and forth to the Havens and Posh Club from an aft room. Aft rooms have beautiful 180+ degree views which are wonderful ways of spending time at sea. You just have to be ready to walk the length of the ship. We would take the elevator up to the pool deck and walk to the private glass elevator up to the posh club (vs. walking down the narrow interior hallways).

[Hammergirl]

Thank you so much, that is really helpful! I will nix the Aft Haven room.

[jinteso]

First let me say that we probably have had more Havens rooms outside the Havens complex than inside. We are just off the Breakaway where we had a Havens spa suite (outside the main Havens complex).

 

That being said, it is a veeerrry long hike back and forth to the Havens and Posh Club from an aft room. Aft rooms have beautiful 180+ degree views which are wonderful ways of spending time at sea. You just have to be ready to walk the length of the ship. We would take the elevator up to the pool deck and walk to the private glass elevator up to the posh club (vs. walking down the narrow interior hallways).

 

I have an Aft-Facing Penthouse on the Breakaway for next June. Is it the same LONG walk on the Breakaway as on the Epic? Maybe I will switch. Also, I have a DOS on the Dawn. Considering that there is no Haven on the Dawn, is it still worth it on the smaller ships? TIA - Joe

[TYSONBOXER]

We had the aft facing Penthouse on the Breakaway and found it to be wonderful. First the suit itself is bigger. It has separate main bedroom with own bathroom. Living room and dining area and small bathroom with shower. The balcony is huge. Nothing like having breakfast on balcony in morning. The walk is far but you get use to it. and it never hurts to walk off all that food you will be eating. My advice is if you want a bigger room and balcony go with aft penthouse.

 

 

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