Haven = Bleh

[geegee1]

You obviously didn’t read my post. Which part of kids will be kids wasn’t clear?

 

 

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Wasn't criticizing you, I was asking a question.

 

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[RickinNYC]

Wasn't criticizing you, I was asking a question.

 

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Don't know if there's a sign stating everyone must be quiet. Next month will be our first venture into Haven territory. I think, however, the biggest beef some folks have is that the Haven is very clearly advertised with the mindset that it's a "haven" from the rest of the ship, hence peaceful.

 

 

One way or another, I've never cruised NCL thinking I'll be far from the madding crowds. Considering we can only travel during peak school break times (husband is a public school teacher/dean), crowds, lines and yes, loud kids, are par for the course for us.

 

My own solution is going to be purchasing passes to Vibe and get away from children, however, I've been told time and again it's not necessary by other experienced Haven-ites. Seems the kid factor is the exception and not the rule. We shall see. I know I'll definitely be packing my AirPods just to tune in and zone out as necessary.

[apietros]

Don't know if there's a sign stating everyone must be quiet. Next month will be our first venture into Haven territory. I think, however, the biggest beef some folks have is that the Haven is very clearly advertised with the mindset that it's a "haven" from the rest of the ship, hence peaceful.

 

 

One way or another, I've never cruised NCL thinking I'll be far from the madding crowds. Considering we can only travel during peak school break times (husband is a public school teacher/dean), crowds, lines and yes, loud kids, are par for the course for us.

 

My own solution is going to be purchasing passes to Vibe and get away from children, however, I've been told time and again it's not necessary by other experienced Haven-ites. Seems the kid factor is the exception and not the rule. We shall see. I know I'll definitely be packing my AirPods just to tune in and zone out as necessary.

 

Unless it is new, there is no sign. There is, however, a sign on ONE hot tub saying 'Adults Only'. Therefore, children are welcome in the second hot tub.

[DebQ5]

Don't know if there's a sign stating everyone must be quiet. Next month will be our first venture into Haven territory. I think, however, the biggest beef some folks have is that the Haven is very clearly advertised with the mindset that it's a "haven" from the rest of the ship, hence peaceful.

 

 

One way or another, I've never cruised NCL thinking I'll be far from the madding crowds. Considering we can only travel during peak school break times (husband is a public school teacher/dean), crowds, lines and yes, loud kids, are par for the course for us.

 

My own solution is going to be purchasing passes to Vibe and get away from children, however, I've been told time and again it's not necessary by other experienced Haven-ites. Seems the kid factor is the exception and not the rule. We shall see. I know I'll definitely be packing my AirPods just to tune in and zone out as necessary.

 

I completely agree with everything you noted in this post. This week works best for my family, it is what it is. We definitely know that it will be crowded and sometimes there's nothing like a good crowd #Karaoke! We too will bring our headphones, and as long as we don't get hit by flying food in the Haven restaurant, or can't find a stool at the bar because the 7 year olds are ordering shirley temples, I think we'll be good.

 

Have a great cruise! I hope you'll be writing a review.... :)

[coffeebean]

Everyone is obviously entitled to their opinions, that is what makes the forum a good place to come to, BUT.. it just cracks me up when one person posts a negative thread and people actually say "OH MAN, thanks for the heads up..no way I'm going to try the Haven now". LOL...it's one opinion!

 

Personally, it's not for me. I don't need a Concierge or a Butler, I would find them intrusive, but I've read how so many people love it and I think that's great. To each their own. NCL has so much diversity to offer for all their guests.

I somehow feel it is more than one's opinion regarding kids presence in the haven. Either they are allowed and are there or they are not allowed and are not there. NCL does allow kids in the haven pool area so that is not an opinion. It is reality and sometimes those kids can be loud and obnoxious. It is a roll of the dice what you are going to get on your specific cruise. For my money, I'm not taking the chance so I will not ever book the haven.

[Laszlo]

Don't know if there's a sign stating everyone must be quiet. Next month will be our first venture into Haven territory. I think, however, the biggest beef some folks have is that the Haven is very clearly advertised with the mindset that it's a "haven" from the rest of the ship, hence peaceful.

 

 

One way or another, I've never cruised NCL thinking I'll be far from the madding crowds. Considering we can only travel during peak school break times (husband is a public school teacher/dean), crowds, lines and yes, loud kids, are par for the course for us.

 

My own solution is going to be purchasing passes to Vibe and get away from children, however, I've been told time and again it's not necessary by other experienced Haven-ites. Seems the kid factor is the exception and not the rule. We shall see. I know I'll definitely be packing my AirPods just to tune in and zone out as necessary.

 

Just back from a 2 week sailing on the BA. My wife and had a Spa Balcony (not Haven) we also made the mad dash to get Vibe passes which we did. 30 plus Vibe passes went to people in the Haven. I heard it time and time again during the cruise, we are in the Haven but thank god we got Vibe passes. From what I heard their were a bunch of loud kids staying in the Haven. Keep in mind we only had 150 under 21. Makes me glad we did not get an upgrade offer LOL

[coffeebean]

Congratulations on raising a well behaved, respectful daughter. Unfortunately your daughter is the exception rather than the norm. Also, I wouldn’t consider a 13 year old a child. I would limit entry to kids under 12. Look, my point is kids have a ton of activities to do on today’s ships - water slides, rock climbing walls, arcades, activity centres, go-carts, rope courses etc. etc. etc. I just don’t think hot tubs should be added to their entertainment list. I’m not a pediatriction but I also believe that hot tubs can be dangerous for small children as they can raise heart rates to dangerous levels. Maybe the answer isn’t restrictions but enforcing good behaviour protocols for both children and adults.

I don't want to go off topic in this thread but just want to say one thing about the temperature of the water in hot tubs. Most of the hot tubs I've been in on ships are not hot......not even warm sometimes. I wouldn't call them hot tubs.....more like tepid tubs.

[mjkacmom]

Don't know if there's a sign stating everyone must be quiet. Next month will be our first venture into Haven territory. I think, however, the biggest beef some folks have is that the Haven is very clearly advertised with the mindset that it's a "haven" from the rest of the ship, hence peaceful.

 

 

One way or another, I've never cruised NCL thinking I'll be far from the madding crowds. Considering we can only travel during peak school break times (husband is a public school teacher/dean), crowds, lines and yes, loud kids, are par for the course for us.

 

My own solution is going to be purchasing passes to Vibe and get away from children, however, I've been told time and again it's not necessary by other experienced Haven-ites. Seems the kid factor is the exception and not the rule. We shall see. I know I'll definitely be packing my AirPods just to tune in and zone out as necessary.

We are outside NYC, that is our spring break, I’d be buying Vibe passes. Having 5 kids, I know they can be noisy without misbehaving. I shy away from long car trips, my kids get along great, rarely argue, but are very chatty and laugh a lot. There are times I ask for 5 minutes of quiet, but can’t really get mad at them for talking, laughing and singing.

[RickinNYC]

We are outside NYC, that is our spring break, I’d be buying Vibe passes. Having 5 kids, I know they can be noisy without misbehaving. I shy away from long car trips, my kids get along great, rarely argue, but are very chatty and laugh a lot. There are times I ask for 5 minutes of quiet, but can’t really get mad at them for talking, laughing and singing.

 

 

Talking? Laughing?! SINGING?! The HORROR of it all! [emoji15]

 

 

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[KarimaJ]

When we cruised Thanksgiving week, the Haven wasn’t bad at all. There were a few kids (tweens) but they weren’t overly noisy or bothersome. Yes they were playing games and having fun but it wasn’t bad and this was a holiday time. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

 

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[CruisingSince1982]

Who would have thought? Maybe all the cheerleaders for the Haven are the same fools that show up with their 5 kids?

 

The Haven is essentially family harbor. Absolutely every single moment we have gone in, pool is loaded with kids. Splashing, screaming, snorkeling the hot tubs, you name it.

 

Sold a sanctuary, but apparently it's just an extension of the kids club. Definitely won't make that mistake again.

 

To anyone else who may be considering it.... If you are hoping for a quiet, relaxing courtyard like NCL portrays it... Buyer beware.

 

Unless Encore has a Haven like Epic, that is the only ship I would book Haven on. Posh makes it worth it. I would never spend the money to be crowded in to an area with kids.

[pattycakes]

Why? If they can behave properly, what’s the problem?

It's not just about behavior --- it's about health and safety - some examples: http://kidspluspgh.com/doctors-notes/hot-tub-safety/

When children are tall enough, they should not use a hot tub for more than five minutes at a time, especially at the maximum temperature of 104°F. Even then, young children should avoid full body immersion and should instead use the “jump seats” on the side that permit only waist-high immersion. You can dropping the spa temperature to 98 degrees allow for longer soaks — but never more than 15 minutes at a time.

Consider your hot tub temperature.

The CPSC has documented several deaths as the result of extremely hot water (approximately 110°F). High temperatures can cause drowsiness, which can lead to unconsciousness and result in drowning. Additionally, increased body temperatures can lead to heat stroke and possible death. Currently, there are established required temperature controls that help make sure hot tub and spa water temperatures never exceed 104°F.

[BostonGal35]

there is a big difference between "kid noise" and "screaming, yelling, out of control".

kids playing and splashing in a pool doesnt bother me. a kid doing cannon balls in a pool, soaking people on nearby loungers is not ok.

kids playing marco polo probably wouldnt bother me. kids running around on the pool deck squirting a super soaker is not ok.

kids in a restaurant dont bother me. kids that are misbehaving/screaming/crying in a restaurant whose parents do not take them out is not ok.

kids unsupervised, whether behaved or misbehaving is not ok. parenting doesnt stop at sea. but the way some of these kids are, tells me parenting isnt happening at home. the fact that they are on a cruise ship changes nothing. these kids are the same ones running up and down the aisles of the grocery store, screaming/talking in the movie theater, and pushing/shoving/cutting in line at land buffets.

[mjkacmom]

Talking? Laughing?! SINGING?! The HORROR of it all! [emoji15]

 

 

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Lol I know, I feel like a horrible person sometimes because after a while, in an enclosed vehicle...

 

There are some people who just don’t like kid noises. My dad has a pool, but will yell at kids for splashing and laughing (he has Alzheimer’s, which doesnt help, but he’s always been like this). Kids just make more noise than adults, even if not misbehaving.

[DarkJedi]

The fun things about these sorts of threads is that the second someone makes a thread discussing what children shouldn't do, all the parents come out of the woodworks talking about how their child is different, how they have never seen the types of examples that are being posted about, and about how the adults are so much worse.

 

Meanwhile the adults who travel without children just want to know where these perfect children are when they go on vacations...

[PTC DAWG]

there is a big difference between "kid noise" and "screaming, yelling, out of control".

kids playing and splashing in a pool doesnt bother me. a kid doing cannon balls in a pool, soaking people on nearby loungers is not ok.

kids playing marco polo probably wouldnt bother me. kids running around on the pool deck squirting a super soaker is not ok.

kids in a restaurant dont bother me. kids that are misbehaving/screaming/crying in a restaurant whose parents do not take them out is not ok.

kids unsupervised, whether behaved or misbehaving is not ok. parenting doesnt stop at sea. but the way some of these kids are, tells me parenting isnt happening at home. the fact that they are on a cruise ship changes nothing. these kids are the same ones running up and down the aisles of the grocery store, screaming/talking in the movie theater, and pushing/shoving/cutting in line at land buffets.

 

Regarding getting splashed on a lounger, when you sit that close to a pool, I sort of expect it. I have a pool in my backyard...folks will sit right beside it, and when their kids start playing and splashing, they act surprised. It's a POOL.....have fun.

[BostonGal35]

Regarding getting splashed on a lounger, when you sit that close to a pool, I sort of expect it. I have a pool in my backyard...folks will sit right beside it, and when their kids start playing and splashing, they act surprised. It's a POOL.....have fun.

 

have you been in a Haven on a small ship? the lounge chairs have no place but to be close to teh pool. there is no upper deck like on the large ships.

[sverigecruiser]

have you been in a Haven on a small ship? the lounge chairs have no place but to be close to teh pool. there is no upper deck like on the large ships.

 

Is that a new thing? When we cruised on the Jade the Haven had a large upper deck.

[intoit77]

One suggestions for those that may not aware ,and don't want to cruise with lots of kids.

 

Sail on cruises that are 2 weeks long , rather than 1 week.

(and when school is in session , to make double dog sure)

 

On our last cruise in mid to late September , we did a 2 week Atlantic Canada/ New England cruise , that went between Quebec and Boston.

 

My (at the time) 5 year old twins, were the ONLY children passengers on the ship !

 

All of our cruises have been longer than one week (other than the one to Alaska) , and we have NEVER had issues with kids. (even from before we had our own kids) .

 

 

In April we are doing a 3 week Panama Cruise from New Orleans to Seattle. We are fully prepared that our 7 year olds twins , might be the only young passengers on the ship.

Edited February 27, 2018 by intoit77

[dshanesmom]

Staying in the Haven on Breakaway in a few weeks and all these stories are making me anxious because our trip is over spring break. Be that as it may, my only thought is “kids will be kids”, and they’ll play, splash and be loud. It is what it is. I put FULL blame on their parents when they don’t do anything to rectify the situation. Haven or in the real world, that’s the way it is. The kids don’t piss me off. The parents do.

 

 

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Hi Rick

We've been on a few cruises with you before (last on Breakaway when you organized the fun roll call meeting) We always have to travel on school holidays due to my job and the kids but have to say the groups in the Haven last week were OBNOXIOUS. I have two rambunctious son's and rarely let them go to Haven pool-there were diapered babies in the splash/chair area which didn't bother me as I wasn't laying there but the worst was a group of 3 brothers or cousins throwing water filled balloons around all while the Dad sat with his beats earphones on watching his MacBook. I always book the Haven but we stay in aft suite so we use Haven for meals and drinks mainly. I noticed sign on one of the hot tubs that said adults only, but that guy was in there with his kids. Hopefully you have a better week and unfortunately I spoke to other people who were annoyed with what was going on in there (from 8 am until afternoon-they never really left eating both meals in there) and nothing was done. Supposedly the father and mother got heated with a female senior citizen who complained to them about their kids behavior. Maybe keep the card they give out at meet and greet and contact the hotel director is your cruise has people like this.

[Bklynjo]

Was this a winter sailing? If it is a winter sailing, the kids probably can't go into the other pools on the ship or enjoy the water slides. We travel with my grandsons and stay in the Haven. They rather be on the water slides and ropes course then spend time in the Haven pool.

[amygutman]

Interesting thread.

 

I've been in the Haven three times with family (husband, 8 yo son) - Gem and Breakaway. Looking forward to the Haven on the Escape in June then back to the Gem. We always book the H4 2 Bedroom suite that is a perfect family suite - and absolutely marketed to families online via travel agents if not specifically on the Haven videos. Are there kids? Sure. Sometimes a lot, sometimes a few. The rare time the kids are unaccompanied and misbehaving - all it took was a quick discussion with the pool attendant / Concierge to fix the problem. When the parents have been in attendance - it's usually the parents who need to be spoken to - not the kids.

 

Common courtesy is unfortunately not common - but an expensive premium in the Haven. The pool / private deck are a wonderful luxury, and 110% better and less chaotic than the regular pool deck when we venture out to the kids area. Make your displeasure known to the concierge and butler. If they know you are not having a good time and will not book a Haven again because of the inconvenience - this tends to make problems go away.

[stanmoto98]

... You probably think kids should be seen and not heard, too, huh?!

Actually, yes! When in public, kids (just like adults) should be respectful, well-mannered, and on their best behavior! Especially in a setting where others have paid to have a relaxing vacation.

[FLcruisergrl]

Actually, yes! When in public, kids (just like adults) should be respectful, well-mannered, and on their best behavior! Especially in a setting where others have paid to have a relaxing vacation.

 

When stated in this sense, I absolutely agree with you! Not all children yell, scream, run around, and play when in the Haven. There were several well behaved kids on my sailing, whereas the over 18s were playing football in the pool. 🙄

[sjbdtz]

I am amazed that people will pay what they do for the Haven. For the same costs, and often less, you can sail the luxury lines, and have a much better experience.

 

 

I don't get this comparison. I sail mostly with Haven access, but have ZERO interest in a luxury line. I fear not enough casino, far too intrusive staff, not enough ship-wide amenities and entertainments.

 

 

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