From the Haven to the Yacht Club in 3 months - a crazy detailed review!

[Leeloo74]

Thanks for the comparison Dr. Cocktail. I think the only thing that's keeping me from trying MSC YC is the size of their suites. They seem a bit small compared to Haven suites we've had.

[happyscmom]

Thanks for this review! I'll never be able to afford Haven OR Yacht Club, but it is very interesting. We did a cruise on Divina last March (cheapest inside room). I was neverous about it, but I thought it was WONDERFUL! For a cheap cruise, the food was much better than the free food on NCL (IMO). We are cruising NCL again soon, so I haven't given up the brand, but it is good to know that there are good options out there!

[Dr. Cocktail]

Understood. How did you like other things on the Divina outside of TYC in comparison to Norwegian? Casino, shows, cleanliness etc?

 

Cleanliness SUPERB!

 

Daily vacuum tracks in the cabin!

 

Love the fact that they use NO disposable cups/glasses anywhere! All washed and much more environmentally friendly.

 

Casino busy when I walked through. Have no clue about how loose/non-loose!

 

 

Only saw one production show - The Witches of Paris. Hilariously bad. Like really. Reminded me of those bad European variety shows you zoom past with your remote control. The Michael Jackson tribute show is supposedly fabulous but we left the ship before it was performed.

 

 

The gelato is complimentary for Yacht Club members throughout the ship. It is SPECTACULAR and evil at the same time. I tried not to make eye contact when I walked by.

 

 

Again, I am a SUCKER for elegant hors d'oeuvres and the daily Yacht Club presentation is great.

[dexddd]

Thanks for the info!

 

Back by the aft pool you can also smoke port side.

[dexddd]

Thanks for the comparison Dr. Cocktail. I think the only thing that's keeping me from trying MSC YC is the size of their suites. They seem a bit small compared to Haven suites we've had.

 

To us based on several Haven and only one YC that is the biggest draw back.

 

The YC service was MUCH better than anything we've had on NCL.

[dexddd]

In the future, when I am a better person, I hope that I will have the self restraint not to respond to mean spirited responses like yours. I am not that person yet.

 

As it appears that you appear to need things spelled out for you, let's get started:

 

Haven Declines:

 

• No more crab cakes at breakfast, no more house smoked salmon at lunch, no more steak at lunch, a huge reduction in the amount of available lobster
  
• Complete reduction of included wines by the glass - Meridian is the only Chardonnay available
  
• Removal of most top shelf liquors from the Haven Bar - most are now available at a surchare
  
• When I first started sailing in the Haven, my gratuities, beverages, complete dining package (that is, full open dining in the specialties with NO limitations) and a nice on board credit were included. I now get a beverage package with far fewer inclusions and maybe a credit depending on time of year and some wifi. And - I now pay a “service” charge for what is supposedly a perk
  
• Escape has a much larger Haven dining room with the same size galley as Breakaway/Getaway (confirmed by the Restaurant Manager) frequently resulting in looooooooooooong wait times and drawn out meals
  

Embarkation

 

I have arrived in Miami each and every time about 30 minutes before embarkation began. In each instance, I ultimately boarded the ship after general embarkation began. I would have much rather gone to the general check-in. The check in staff checked in the loudest and pushiest first instead of creating a list when you walked in to do it in sequence.

 

I had to deal with my luggage myself and had no priority in the security line.

 

From the instant I pulled up at the pier to the Yacht Club white tent, I was personally escorted every step of the way all the way up to ship in an organized, stress free manner. With alcohol.

 

Incorrect conclusions

 

Those who know me and have seen my previous reviews understand that I have no hidden agenda. I say it like it is and do not have fixed opinions based on loyalty.

I didn’t spend literally hours writing this review to prove a point - I wrote it to help other CruiseCritic members just as they have helped me in choosing an appropriate ship.

 

Isn’t that the point of CC - to share information and experiences in an honest, straight-forward manner?

You don't seem to understand that this site is called Cruise Critic …. It’s not called NCL sycophant.

 

I didn’t need to rationalize my choice - I very clearly spelled out Divina’s shortcomings. You seem unable to acknowledge NCL’s.

 

We were on just 4 weeks ago in two rooms, one being a square plus one of the Royals.

 

I think you did a great objective review and in places where things are subjective gave your best opinion.

 

I also think your second rebuttal post was very accurate too based on what we've seen.

 

We really like Le Muse food and our service was always great. I was actually expecting worse for the pool area as far as shade and sun but there was maybe 25% occupancy and many times less. Plus I'm not a big sun person so we often sat by the bar under the canopy or by one of the few tables that had an umbrella.

 

A couple other things off the top of my head. The DSC on MSC is $12.50 for all rooms. The expedited elevator service was fantastic (it was not always working though) and it was two elevators (I was incorrect in only thinking it was one elevator).

 

The pools are well spread out and there is the nice size inside pool (for everyone) plus the back pool is adults only.

 

I'm not sure if you'll post any pics so maybe I'll add a couple (I have a whole bunch on the "Pebbles Rad Grad Trip" review over on the MSC boards.

Edited September 13, 2017 by dexddd

[brookie848]

Embarkation

 

 

I have arrived in Miami each and every time about 30 minutes before embarkation began. In each instance, I ultimately boarded the ship after general embarkation began. I would have much rather gone to the general check-in. The check in staff checked in the loudest and pushiest first instead of creating a list when you walked in to do it in sequence.

 

I had to deal with my luggage myself and had no priority in the security line.

 

From the instant I pulled up at the pier to the Yacht Club white tent, I was personally escorted every step of the way all the way up to ship in an organized, stress free manner. With alcohol.

 

Our last Haven check-in (Getaway, in February) was a cluster. We arrived pretty early, but people pushed in front of us. They actually called our names once, but someone pushed ahead. Of course, the pushers were checked in first. After that, I stood next to the desk to ensure that wouldn't happen again.

 

I've been considering other lines simply because of the incredible price increases. A cruise on the Bliss in 2019 is over 2x what we paid for our cruise on the Getaway in 2017. This is for the same cabin category...and not taking into consideration all of the extra service fees. Honestly, if I'm going to pay over $15,000 for a week's vacation (and that's just cruise fare!), it's not going to be on a 7-day cruise to islands I've already been to multiple times...no matter how nice the ship is!

 

I've looked at MSC and a few other lines, but haven't decided on what we would like to do just yet. We will definitely continue to sail on NCL, but only if the prices make sense. And for us, for the Bliss...they don't.

[Two Wheels Only]

I think the only thing that's keeping me from trying MSC YC is the size of their suites. They seem a bit small compared to Haven suites we've had.

On Seaside, the largest Yacht Club suite ( Royal Suite) is slightly larger than a H6 on BA/GA/Escape. The Royal Suite only has 1 bathroon vs. 2 full bathrooms in the H6. There are only 2 Royal Suites on Seaside. If you want 2bedroom/2bathroom suite on Seaside, it can be done but not with Yacht Club amenities.

 

Maybe MSC will address these shortcomings on either the Meraviglia Plus class or the World class ships that are going to be built.

[Dr. Cocktail]

We were on just 4 weeks ago in two rooms, one being a square plus one of the Royals.

 

I think you did a great objective review and in places where things are subjective gave your best opinion.

 

I also think your second rebuttal post was very accurate too based on what we've seen.

 

We really like Le Muse food and our service was always great. I was actually expecting worse for the pool area as far as shade and sun but there was maybe 25% occupancy and many times less. Plus I'm not a big sun person so we often sat by the bar under the canopy or by one of the few tables that had an umbrella.

 

A couple other things off the top of my head. The DSC on MSC is $12.50 for all rooms. The expedited elevator service was fantastic (it was not always working though) and it was two elevators (I was incorrect in only thinking it was one elevator).

 

The pools are well spread out and there is the nice size inside pool (for everyone) plus the back pool is adults only.

 

I'm not sure if you'll post any pics so maybe I'll add a couple (I have a whole bunch on the "Pebbles Rad Grad Trip" review over on the MSC boards.

 

Hey, I loved your review on the MSC boards! If I were a nicer person, I would have commented at the time!

 

Sorry ... photos are sooooooooo beyond my computer skills. Feel free to add pix!!!

 

I think we were extra sun blasted as except for the day we returned to Miami, we were always sailing Westward into the sun. I really like to lie and read and it wasn't really possible.

 

I didn't mention the elevator service as it didn't particularly work well on our sailing.

[Dr. Cocktail]

Our last Haven check-in (Getaway, in February) was a cluster. We arrived pretty early, but people pushed in front of us. They actually called our names once, but someone pushed ahead. Of course, the pushers were checked in first. After that, I stood next to the desk to ensure that wouldn't happen again.

 

I've been considering other lines simply because of the incredible price increases. A cruise on the Bliss in 2019 is over 2x what we paid for our cruise on the Getaway in 2017. This is for the same cabin category...and not taking into consideration all of the extra service fees. Honestly, if I'm going to pay over $15,000 for a week's vacation (and that's just cruise fare!), it's not going to be on a 7-day cruise to islands I've already been to multiple times...no matter how nice the ship is!

 

I've looked at MSC and a few other lines, but haven't decided on what we would like to do just yet. We will definitely continue to sail on NCL, but only if the prices make sense. And for us, for the Bliss...they don't.

 

My last Escape sailing was also in February. I am extremely suspicious that we might have been in the check-in room at the same time. I was extremely aware of a couple that "gave up". At the time, I told my partner that it would take me 30 minutes to train the staff on how to do a more efficient check in!

[jacksonx]

Great review;

I posted a similar, slightly less eloquent Haven vs YC review after my YC cruise in May/June, but didn't post it to the NCL board in fear that more would defect and drive up demand :)

 

We actually liked Le Muse; they were very accommodating with our kids, and thought that (for the most part) the food was quite good.

The service was out of this world.

 

In the future, if both products are the same price and NCL included a drink/dining package, it'd be a toss up. My kids liked the kids club on NCL better, and they have cruises out of NYC, so we might go with that.

 

However, the price for the YC was less than half of the Haven, so that's not currently even a thought to consider NCL again at this point.

 

I wonder how much longer NCL will be able to get away with this?

[Cruising...our happy place]

What a great review and comparison, Dr. Cocktail! Always heard MSC has some of the cleanest ships. Heard the children's programs are good too. Still seems like the new kid on the block in the US market IMHO. After being long time NCL fans, we are considering the Divina or Seaside next year.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[sverigecruiser]

On Seaside, the largest Yacht Club suite ( Royal Suite) is slightly larger than a H6 on BA/GA/Escape. The Royal Suite only has 1 bathroon vs. 2 full bathrooms in the H6. There are only 2 Royal Suites on Seaside. If you want 2bedroom/2bathroom suite on Seaside, it can be done but not with Yacht Club amenities.

 

Maybe MSC will address these shortcomings on either the Meraviglia Plus class or the World class ships that are going to be built.

 

For me that's one of the best things with MSC. Very few 2 bedroom suites in the Yacht Club = very few children in the Yacht Club.

 

We only need one bedroom so that's good for us.

[Bra_BE2014]

For me that's one of the best things with MSC. Very few 2 bedroom suites in the Yacht Club = very few children in the Yacht Club.

 

 

 

 

Exactly [emoji4]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[tmilak]

"mic" :p

 

 

Extra credit for naming the singer, group, movie, and actor.

Singer is Randy Watson, group (Sexual Chocolate) movie ( Coming to America) actor (Eddie Murphy).

 

Do I win a free cruise???????????

[Two Wheels Only]

Do I win a free cruise???????????

No trophy for 2nd place. ;p (already answered HERE)

[david_sobe]

In the future, when I am a better person, I hope that I will have the self restraint not to respond to mean spirited responses like yours. I am not that person yet.

 

As it appears that you appear to need things spelled out for you, let's get started:

 

Haven Declines:

 

• No more crab cakes at breakfast, no more house smoked salmon at lunch, no more steak at lunch, a huge reduction in the amount of available lobster
  
• Complete reduction of included wines by the glass - Meridian is the only Chardonnay available
  
• Removal of most top shelf liquors from the Haven Bar - most are now available at a surchare
  
• When I first started sailing in the Haven, my gratuities, beverages, complete dining package (that is, full open dining in the specialties with NO limitations) and a nice on board credit were included. I now get a beverage package with far fewer inclusions and maybe a credit depending on time of year and some wifi. And - I now pay a “service” charge for what is supposedly a perk
  
• Escape has a much larger Haven dining room with the same size galley as Breakaway/Getaway (confirmed by the Restaurant Manager) frequently resulting in looooooooooooong wait times and drawn out meals
  

Embarkation

 

I have arrived in Miami each and every time about 30 minutes before embarkation began. In each instance, I ultimately boarded the ship after general embarkation began. I would have much rather gone to the general check-in. The check in staff checked in the loudest and pushiest first instead of creating a list when you walked in to do it in sequence.

 

I had to deal with my luggage myself and had no priority in the security line.

 

From the instant I pulled up at the pier to the Yacht Club white tent, I was personally escorted every step of the way all the way up to ship in an organized, stress free manner. With alcohol.

 

Incorrect conclusions

 

Those who know me and have seen my previous reviews understand that I have no hidden agenda. I say it like it is and do not have fixed opinions based on loyalty.

I didn’t spend literally hours writing this review to prove a point - I wrote it to help other CruiseCritic members just as they have helped me in choosing an appropriate ship.

 

Isn’t that the point of CC - to share information and experiences in an honest, straight-forward manner?

You don't seem to understand that this site is called Cruise Critic …. It’s not called NCL sycophant.

 

I didn’t need to rationalize my choice - I very clearly spelled out Divina’s shortcomings. You seem unable to acknowledge NCL’s.

 

You forgot the big fuzzy beach towels the Haven would get and the liters of spring water that were in every suite. Unfortunately there are some who never sailed Haven or Courtyard more than 7 years ago to see all the changes and cut backs. Back then everything was different in the Haven. I can understand the cut backs. Every company is doing it. But I don't understand the doubling of price for Haven suites. I agree with most of the OP's comparison except the suites themselves. I think NCL has bigger and better sized suites than MSC.

But the no brainer is bang for the buck. You can score an equal and better experience in the Yacht Club at half the price as NCL's Haven. Hands down, no comparison.

[kba1988]

@Dr. Cocktail - great review and thanks for your honest comparison. We are sailing YC for the first time on Seaside.

[euromaster]

We just sailed the Epic Haven; will be sailing on Breakaway Haven in March and MSC Seaside YC in May so I really appreciate your comparison. And your response to your "cruise critic critic" was also right on. We loved the Haven on the Epic...but that was our first time in Haven....but wasn't crazy about the Epic itself. We also sailed the Getaway steerage class and the design of that ship was so much better than the Epic....so we are excited about the Breakaway...and doubly excited about being in Haven.

 

Have watched all the Youtube videos on MSC Seaside Yacht Club.....and am quadruply excited to be sailing in YC on Seaside. My perspective so far on Haven vs YC.... they're both great. But your comparison will help me appreciate the differences between the two.

 

And you really shouldn't have to defend yourself on this board from people who may have their own agenda. I'm a big boy. I can make up my own mind if you're a "homer" for MSC or just trying to help future cruisers in their choices. Clearly you fall into the latter category...and i thank you.