NCL Breakaway 7/16 Upgrade to Haven Experience

[sharonann24]

We booked the Breakaway in early June, and selected this cruise because the ship sailed from NY and we could drive to the pier from CT rather than fly. This made our trip so much easier (although I can't wait to go back to Europe, but that is another post!). I read several of the posts about the crowded pool area and was a little concerned about how my DH would react for an entire week. When we got the offer to bid for an upgrade to the Haven we decided to go for it, and our offer was accepted.

 

From the moment we entered the pier and started the embarkation process our "Haven experience". We were quickly ushered to the priority embarcation area where we received our cruise cards, etc. We waited approximately 15 minutes and the boarding process began. We were escorted to the Haven lounge because the staterooms were not ready. The sunroom/dining area of the Haven is beautiful! Anoop, the concierge and his staff welcomed us, the waiters were ready with beverages and sliders as snacks and our trip began!

 

 

Our stateroom though not in the Haven proper was spacious and lovely. We had an H7 cabin and were very happy. The service we received from our steward Arvin and butler Jeffrey was fantastic. One of the days we went ashore we missed lunch and Jeffrey made sure that we had a tray of sandwiches waiting along with the other afternoon treats.

 

 

The best thing about this experience was the sundeck and mini pool area which meant we didn't have to deal with the MASSIVE crowds at the pool. It was extremely crowded from the start of the cruise and impossible to find anywhere to sit in peace. Lots of kids and teens, even spilling over into the corridors outside the 15th and 16th deck. I know this is prime family vacation time and there were many large groups, reunions, etc. which is wonderful, but that was not the vacation experience we wanted this time.

 

 

The Haven restaurant service was excellent! I celebrated my birthday on the last night of the cruise and they really did a wonderful job. We also loved the specialty restaurants, especially La Cucina, Cagney's and Le Bistro. Teppanyaki was entertaining but way too much food!

 

 

The concierge staff assisted with changing reservations, answering questions and generally enhanced the experience.

 

 

Disembarkation was also a breeze as Haven passengers had a separate line. We left the ship at 830, and exited, collected luggage, went through customs, located our car and were on the highway back to CT by 9 and home at 1015!

 

 

Needless to say this was a wonderfully relaxing vacation experience and I would probably do it again. Although DH and I traveled alone (we are now empty nesters, active and in our 60's) there were many families, singles, etc.also in the Haven.

 

 

The only issue we had was with the pool area in the Haven which is small, and had two hot tubs. There were children in the pool and they were extremely noisy, with virtually no parent supervision. We generally tried to ignore them by remaining on the sundeck, but it was very distracting. The last day of the cruise they were so rowdy that many of the passengers, not just us, complained. They were finally asked to leave, but again this was more a parenting issue.

 

 

All in all we are happy with our decision to upgrade. This was our first NCL cruise and I will be considering NCL again in the future--in the Haven! Missing it already!

[autrucheplume]

Thanks for your review!! We are Haven cruisers as well - looking forward to my short Norwegian Sky cruise later this week, and then another 7 day cruise in the Haven on one of the newer ships soon!!

[Clarea]

Thanks for the report. I take it there is no adult pool area in the Haven?

[booklady26]

I take it there is no adult pool area in the Haven?

 

 

There's hardly room for the one pool, let alone two and the Haven pool on the Breakaway is TINY. The pictures on line make that area look deceptively large.

 

You can't even lounge by the pool for a good part of the day since that area is used for breakfast and lunch (in addition to the Haven Restaurant). You have to go upstairs to the sun deck, either inside or outside, and then go downstairs to get wet. It's a bit of a hassle but sure is better than fighting the hordes and chair hogs at the main pools.

 

The last time we were on the Breakaway, I was so glad were in the Haven. We walked past the main pool on a hot, sunny sea day. I'm not a germaphobe, but there is no way I would have gone into that pool which was packed wall to wall with people, many of whom had drinks or beers in their hands. Sorry, I know that's gross.

 

I've been on the Breakaway 3 times and am always amazed at the poor design of the main pool area. The sports area takes up almost half of the pool deck and is used by relatively few people in comparison to those who use the pools and sun areas. Then there's the kids area, with sprinklers as well as a pool. Which leaves a very small area for the main pool.

[Clarea]

I appreciate the explanation.:)

[sharonann24]

The pool area in the Haven is small but we were just content to cool off. We spent most of our time on the sundeck and loved the fact that we could have sun and shade options.

[riclop]

Thanks for sharing.

[cruisestan2]

Thanks for the review we are going on Brekaway in September and look forward to Haven

[Laszlo]

Just wondering, on port days is their someone to take off Haven guest? My wife and I have booked at 14 day cruise, we have private excursions which start first thing. Just wondering how fast we will be able to get off?

[autrucheplume]

Just wondering, on port days is their someone to take off Haven guest? My wife and I have booked at 14 day cruise, we have private excursions which start first thing. Just wondering how fast we will be able to get off?

 

Yes, the concierge will tell you where to assemble and then they'll escort you off the ship. The Haven guests are typically some of the first off the ship, from my previous experience.

[Laszlo]

Yes, the concierge will tell you where to assemble and then they'll escort you off the ship. The Haven guests are typically some of the first off the ship, from my previous experience.

 

Great! Thanks!