Would a "suite space" appeal to you?

[BNBR]

It may have been your review that opened my eyes. Kids jumping in the pool, playing Marco Polo, etc. Lots of noise.

 

If no kids, it would have been nice and I'm sure it's hit or miss. But who wants to roll the dice with a $6,000+ room that it might be a disaster? Even still, the ships are lacking in so many other ways that if the Haven didn't have all the kids, it's still such a lesser product than Royal has. Why would anyone pay more for a Haven suite when you can get an Oasis GS for much less? No brainer!

[Eslader]

I'm much more interested in an adults only section than a suites-only section. I kind of fail to see the point of setting aside an area only for people who happened to spend more money on their room than other people. If I wanted to be away from people who spend less money than I do, I would rent a private beach house for a week instead of going on a mass-market cruise ship.

 

Just because someone spends a lot more on their room than other people does not mean I will enjoy their company or want to be in the same area as them, and the inverse is also true.

[BNBR]

I think the idea of the Haven is brilliant. "Ship within a ship" - so you get the ultra luxurious, private yacht type experience but also have access to the family fun, entertainment, etc. of a mass market ship. NCL just failed miserably in implementation and ship design.

[JoieNsk]

I kind of like the idea of "suite space". As an option. Especially on a big ship during high season.

 

But for our preferences it is not THAT important. We never sit at the pool, I only do couple laps in the morning - when the pool is empty anyways. We almost never have breakfast in the "suite" restaurant - as I feel like I need to kind of "dress up" for that and I don't feel like doing it in the morning on my vacations. We would get some drinks once in a while in a lounge, but we never use the lounge that much so it would make a financial difference for us. And stuff like that.

 

We book suite type cabins for the opportunity to eat in the room instead of going to the restaurant, for their spacious bathrooms and for additional bedrooms/sleeping places - if we do a family trip. Also we like a "no-line" privileges, and for us that is one of the most valuable perks after the room itself.

Edited March 6, 2018 by JoieNsk

[JoieNsk]

I would also add that so-called "luxury cruise lines" have no appeal for me so far. I don't like to socialize with people I don't know. And that is what you HAVE to do on the "small ships".

 

On the contrary - on the big ship, if I travel with my husband only and we need a small table, I know that being in the "suite" would guarantee that we can have romantic dinners together - instead of sitting with some other couple at the same table. At least with Disney you are not guarantied to get table just for two of you - unless you stay in a Concierge level room.

[RFerrington]

Having enjoyed Norwegian both in and out of The Haven, I wonder if we will see more offerings like that on other lines. The Loft deck, with the restaurant and lounge is a start, but no designated outdoor areas is definitely a strike against it on Oasis class.

 

Now, knowing there is potential backlash to this question from those who don't stay in suites, I am still curious: For those that have done suites, how much would more dedicated suite only space be a selling factor on RCI?

 

For me, after experiencing The Haven, it would be a huge draw.

 

Thoughts?

 

Wow. After reading all of these responses I think I am now torn about whether I would want this or not. If I had NOT read the responses first, I think my answer would have been, "yes, of course !". ...but the idea of an exclusive pool area filled with loud children playing "Marco/Polo" gave me a shudder.

 

At the same time, people who book suites with children have the same expectations as we, who do not have children, have. I suppose if you have unruly children who are loud and jump around in the pools then they are likely to be unruly in the Suites Lounge or wherever else they may be, with their parents. Luckily, I have not found that kind of behavior to be the normal case, so maybe you just have to take your chances and hope that you aren't one of the unlucky ones who gets a pack of wild children.

 

I think I will still be inclined to say "yes". I think that the only part missing from the current Suites Program is a private pool area. While I am not a pool lounger kind of person, I would still like to have a place where I could enjoy a private pool area. Whether there is a way to ensure that it is quiet and restful is another matter.

[BNBR]

Wow. After reading all of these responses I think I am now torn about whether I would want this or not. If I had NOT read the responses first, I think my answer would have been, "yes, of course !". ...but the idea of an exclusive pool area filled with loud children playing "Marco/Polo" gave me a shudder.

 

At the same time, people who book suites with children have the same expectations as we, who do not have children, have. I suppose if you have unruly children who are loud and jump around in the pools then they are likely to be unruly in the Suites Lounge or wherever else they may be, with their parents. Luckily, I have not found that kind of behavior to be the normal case, so maybe you just have to take your chances and hope that you aren't one of the unlucky ones who gets a pack of wild children.

 

I think I will still be inclined to say "yes". I think that the only part missing from the current Suites Program is a private pool area. While I am not a pool lounger kind of person, I would still like to have a place where I could enjoy a private pool area. Whether there is a way to ensure that it is quiet and restful is another matter.

 

What's the difference between a private pool area and the solarium pool? Both are generally equally filled with guests. One is just exclusive, but open to families. At least the solarium has a view, too. And it's adults only, so no rolling the dice.

 

We really felt the same way you do, but the Haven just doesn't deliver. More importantly, the rest of the ship is so subpar that it's not just the Haven that matters.

[lovescats5]

We have never stayed in a Haven suite but have been in a RCCL suite 2 years in a row. For us the balcony was the place to go for peace and quiet. We could also people watch from our balcony. We liked the fact that Star Class included all the extras while the Haven Suites only gave the first 2 the included drink package and some specality dining. With only 2 that is not a problem but with 4, two people have to purchase the packages which are not cheap. One day we will book an S1 or H1 because they are the suites with the balcony and for us the balcony is the important feature of any room.

[Shippy]

Yacht Club pool area adult only?

 

We have done Yacht Club several times on both Divina & Seaside. Rarely has there been a child in the pool. Actually it does not seem like there are ever any children at all in the yacht Club areas.

AND......you can get a Yacht Club cabin....which has ALL alcohol included...cheaper than a Grand Suite on Royal.

[Clarea]

We have done Yacht Club several times on both Divina & Seaside. Rarely has there been a child in the pool. Actually it does not seem like there are ever any children at all in the yacht Club areas.

AND......you can get a Yacht Club cabin....which has ALL alcohol included...cheaper than a Grand Suite on Royal.

Appreciate the info.

[Milwaukee Eight]

We have done Yacht Club several times on both Divina & Seaside. Rarely has there been a child in the pool. Actually it does not seem like there are ever any children at all in the yacht Club areas.

 

AND......you can get a Yacht Club cabin....which has ALL alcohol included...cheaper than a Grand Suite on Royal.

 

 

 

Is the cabin the same size as a GS on Oasis Class? I thought I read somewhere that Suites were much smaller in Yacht Club than typical Full Suites on Royal?

 

 

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[golden6911]

I got an upsell to the Haven on our last cruise, but never used the pool. I went up to the haven to check it out but it was too quiet and lonely for my tastes. I preferred hanging out at the pool deck, and if I wanted a quiet space, I really loved the thermal spa pass for that.

[momofmab]

We've done suites on both RCI & NCL (but not Haven). We book suites mostly for the larger room and being able to eat breakfast & lunch in a dedicated suite restaurant. I like to people watch and meet new people, so being isolated in a Haven-like area doesn't really appeal to me. We don't care about a butler, rarely use the concierge and never feel comfortable with the whole escorting on & off the ship drill. Every time I price-check the Haven, it just seems so ridiculously expensive - I can't bring myself to justify the cost for 2-3 people, just have a small pool area and bar. Maybe when my teen is off to college and we have the luxury of traveling during less popular weeks, I will have better luck finding a realistic Haven fare. I wouldn't mind trying it once, but not at the going rates.

[leisuretraveler223]

I got an upsell to the Haven on our last cruise, but never used the pool. I went up to the haven to check it out but it was too quiet and lonely for my tastes. I preferred hanging out at the pool deck, and if I wanted a quiet space, I really loved the thermal spa pass for that.

 

 

Thanks for mentioning this. There is a HUGE qualifier with The Haven as far as I'm concerned: The lounge, restaurant, pool deck, etc... are only a substantial draw IF your stateroom is in the Haven itself. NCL has some Have staterooms that are located in other areas of the ship, and you have access. I do not find this nearly as appealing as being in the Haven proper.

 

I agree with your comments about the pool. I still spent time at the regular pool deck. The experience I loved be in the Haven was waking up and grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting by said quiet pool area to start my day.

 

Again, there are a lot of responses that make it sound like the idea of the Haven is to hide away from the rest of the ship and passengers the entire time, and nothing could be farther from the truth. If that is what someone is after, there are better and cheaper ways to have such a vacation. I like the fact that it is there for some interim respite. I might find myself enjoying the pool deck most of the morning and midday, but then I might want to slip up there for a little while in the afternoon for some quiet reading. Also, when my wife is getting ready for the evening, I can slip down the hall and grab a cocktail, maybe bring her a glass of champagne, and not feel like I left our little enclave.

[jules815]

It may have been your review that opened my eyes. Kids jumping in the pool, playing Marco Polo, etc. Lots of noise.

 

This is why we haven't booked Haven yet. That, and the room I was looking at seemed to have a weird layout. It looked a little small with a round bed in the center of the room.

 

Just booked a cruise for January 2019 with MSC in their Yacht Club. I know children are allowed in their pool area, but being January, and a few weeks after the holidays, there shouldn't be too many, I hope. :o I've read mixed reviews about MSC Seaside, but only very favorable about YC, so we'll see. Price for their Deluxe Suite (looks comparable to a Sky Suite on X, but with a nice shower with a seat and a rain shower, and no tub) was 2k less than X, with a lot of things included. We did the status match for their Black status. I'm sure we'll have a nice time and it's always fun to try something new.

[spookwife]

I'd want an adult only suites area. they have implemented so many family suites or multi bedroom suites that you can cram a couple of generations worth of people into one room now that anyone who equates a suite deck to a quieter, more refined deck is bound to be disappointed.

 

I wouldn't use a pool, but mr spook might if it was one of those endless ones he could do laps in. Id use a hot tub that I could reasonably expect to not be contaminated by pee. I want a lounger in the shade though. and nice pool boy to bring me an iced towel and a fruity umbrella drink.

[Milwaukee Eight]

I'd want an adult only suites area. they have implemented so many family suites or multi bedroom suites that you can cram a couple of generations worth of people into one room now that anyone who equates a suite deck to a quieter, more refined deck is bound to be disappointed.

 

 

 

I wouldn't use a pool, but mr spook might if it was one of those endless ones he could do laps in. Id use a hot tub that I could reasonably expect to not be contaminated by pee. I want a lounger in the shade though. and nice pool boy to bring me an iced towel and a fruity umbrella drink.

 

 

 

You really just think it’s just kids who pee in the pool and especially a hot tub?

 

 

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[ONECRUISER]

This is why we haven't booked Haven yet. That, and the room I was looking at seemed to have a weird layout. It looked a little small with a round bed in the center of the room.

 

Just booked a cruise for January 2019 with MSC in their Yacht Club. I know children are allowed in their pool area, but being January, and a few weeks after the holidays, there shouldn't be too many, I hope. :o I've read mixed reviews about MSC Seaside, but only very favorable about YC, so we'll see. Price for their Deluxe Suite (looks comparable to a Sky Suite on X, but with a nice shower with a seat and a rain shower, and no tub) was 2k less than X, with a lot of things included. We did the status match for their Black status. I'm sure we'll have a nice time and it's always fun to try something new.

If it's same week as MLK lot of families travel week of a Federal Holidays. Millions workers get that day off, Federal workers, Active Military, State/Local Govt. For 30 years only took my kids on Cruises or to Disney the week's of MLK, Presidents Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Was always cheaper, has more kids then reg off season but still not many as Spring, Summer, and Xmas Breaks... But anyway, Enjoy your Cruise!

[jules815]

If it's same week as MLK lot of families travel week of a Federal Holidays. Millions workers get that day off, Federal workers, Active Military, State/Local Govt. For 30 years only took my kids on Cruises or to Disney the week's of MLK, Presidents Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Was always cheaper, has more kids then reg off season but still not many as Spring, Summer, and Xmas Breaks... But anyway, Enjoy your Cruise!

 

 

 

We’re the 12th, but that’s good to remember. A few years ago we did a Disney trip in February not realizing that was a winter break for east coast schools.

 

 

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[BNBR]

I'd want an adult only suites area. they have implemented so many family suites or multi bedroom suites that you can cram a couple of generations worth of people into one room now that anyone who equates a suite deck to a quieter, more refined deck is bound to be disappointed.

 

I wouldn't use a pool, but mr spook might if it was one of those endless ones he could do laps in. Id use a hot tub that I could reasonably expect to not be contaminated by pee. I want a lounger in the shade though. and nice pool boy to bring me an iced towel and a fruity umbrella drink.

 

The other problem with the Haven, besides it being a daycare, is that it's entirely enclosed. Looks really cool in pictures, but not as cool in person. Even on the upper deck of the haven, the glass is frosted so you can't see out or in. But they definitely have a ton of loungers, shaded, with pool boys to bring you any drink (or food) that you want.

[bonsai3s]

"Suites only space"...it's coming...Spectrum of the Seas. ;)

[DebJ14]

We definitely feel this would be a great thing. We only sail in suites on Princess and RCCL. We loved the Yacht Club on MSC. From the moment we pulled up to the ship in Miami until our Butler bid us farewell at the gangway, we had a really special experience on the MSC Divina.

[Shacky316]

If I didn't want to be around people I would stay home. I'm not staying in a suite so that I can ONLY be with others who stay in a suite.

 

I think the way Royal does it is fine.

 

Royal does not do it fine. Several times I have alerted security during my recent Anthem voyage that teens were bum rushing up the sun suite deck entrance when ever the door opened. As a Sky/Star Class passenger, I think enforcement of the rules would be a priority, but it is sadly not.

[CruiseRook91]

I am pretty loyal to Royal, I've been tempted to try Celebrity and probably will for our next cruise and I have been looking at other options as well. However, the only thing that has made me consider NCL is The Haven. I think the idea of it is exactly what I would look for in a cruise, Luxury experience but with the ability to enjoy the "party" aspect of cruise lifestyle. After reading these comments though, it seems like the implementation does not meet the standard that their market has set.

 

We are doing a GS for the first time in October and I can't wait to see the difference from standard cruising. I think I would love Yacht Club too but I'm not sure I would love MSC based on the reviews I have read, just not my style.

[melissaga]

The one thing I missed a little was the Haven. However, we cruised on what is now one of the smaller Havens. I don't recall the ship off hand, but there were only something like 24 suites in the Haven. That said, having a genie on RCL MORE than made up for that. The Solarium and the private suite sun deck took the place of the Haven pool and sundeck area for us. Now that we've experienced RCCL's Star Class, I don't think we'll be trying anything else for a long time. It really did feel like a ship within a ship, without the actual enclosed space, if that makes sense. When I read reviews of others' experienced on the very same cruise, I felt like we were on a completely different cruise!