loved Carnival but hated the crowded pool - is Havana the only option?

[BarefootMom]

Hi all, My family has only done one cruise. It was a 5 night last April on the Triumph and we really enjoyed it. The one thing we did not get to do was use the pools or hot tubs at all because they were filled with little kids the whole time. My husband, my teen girls (14, 17) and I love little kids but are researching whether there are other options and I think the Havana pool option would work and wish it were on more ships. Is it just Vista and Horizon? Are there any other pool options that I do not know about? Serenity appears to be over 21 I believe so that means my girls could not go in...

 

Do other cruise lines have pools that would allow 14, 17 year olds but maybe are not so little-kid filled? Thanks!

[crewsweeper]

Vista and Horizon only ships with Havana area.

 

Serenity is 21 and up. No pool except on Vista. maybe Horizon but haven't seen pictures yet as it was just launched and gets first pax tomorrow.

 

The way to avoid tons of youngsters cavorting in the pools and hot tub is to travel at times when schools are in session. But that might not be possible for your family.

 

Most cruise lines that offer adult only pools it's 21 or over. Some RCCL ships have "lap" pools that keep kiddos away, but can be taken up by water volleyball or water aerobics classes. And lap swimmers at time.

[BarefootMom]

I was afraid that would be the answer :)

For now, we can only go on school breaks so I guess we will have to deal with it ...that really makes that Havana option appealing to me for sure...if only it were on more ships!

[grandmarnnurse]

Hi all, My family has only done one cruise. It was a 5 night last April on the Triumph and we really enjoyed it. The one thing we did not get to do was use the pools or hot tubs at all because they were filled with little kids the whole time. My husband, my teen girls (14, 17) and I love little kids but are researching whether there are other options and I think the Havana pool option would work and wish it were on more ships. Is it just Vista and Horizon? Are there any other pool options that I do not know about? Serenity appears to be over 21 I believe so that means my girls could not go in...

 

 

 

Do other cruise lines have pools that would allow 14, 17 year olds but maybe are not so little-kid filled? Thanks!

 

 

 

Most adult area pools are meant for adult only, so teens are not allowed. NCL Haven must be like Carnival’s Havana area, so families can book them, and it is a much more peaceful, private area, but it comes with a hefty price, at least the Haven does. I’m not familiar with the Havana’s price point. One problem with the cruise you chose was that it was a 5 day cruise. Try booking a longer cruise—-something over 7 days—as many families are reluctant to book longer cruises due to higher price and time constraints.

 

 

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[NYcruzzer]

Most adult area pools are meant for adult only, so teens are not allowed. NCL Haven must be like Carnival’s Havana area, so families can book them, and it is a much more peaceful, private area, but it comes with a hefty price, at least the Haven does. I’m not familiar with the Havana’s price point. One problem with the cruise you chose was that it was a 5 day cruise. Try booking a longer cruise—-something over 7 days—as many families are reluctant to book longer cruises due to higher price and time constraints.

 

 

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No age restrictions in NCL's Haven area. Quite common to read complaints from passenger about unruly kids in the Haven pool and hot tubs. As a matter of fact many Haven passengers pay extra for access to Vibe (adults only ) area..

[firemanbobswife]

Vista and Horizon only ships with Havana area.

 

Serenity is 21 and up. No pool except on Vista. maybe Horizon but haven't seen pictures yet as it was just launched and gets first pax tomorrow.

 

The way to avoid tons of youngsters cavorting in the pools and hot tub is to travel at times when schools are in session. But that might not be possible for your family.

 

Most cruise lines that offer adult only pools it's 21 or over. Some RCCL ships have "lap" pools that keep kiddos away, but can be taken up by water volleyball or water aerobics classes. And lap swimmers at time.

 

Vista does not have a pool in Serenity but Sunshine does.

[Out of Iowa]

If you are an Early Bird, I've often found the pool open and available before 9 am - and no one but "reserved" chairs in the vicinity. The entire pool is likely to be empty. Early Bird gets the worm!

[Homosassa]

Families are also welcome in MSC's Yacht Club.

[Tjcalley]

We used the Aft pool on the Magic last year and the chairs were always crowded but not the pool and there were no kids either

[riclop]

Hi all, My family has only done one cruise. It was a 5 night last April on the Triumph and we really enjoyed it. The one thing we did not get to do was use the pools or hot tubs at all because they were filled with little kids the whole time. My husband, my teen girls (14, 17) and I love little kids but are researching whether there are other options and I think the Havana pool option would work and wish it were on more ships. Is it just Vista and Horizon? Are there any other pool options that I do not know about? Serenity appears to be over 21 I believe so that means my girls could not go in...

 

Do other cruise lines have pools that would allow 14, 17 year olds but maybe are not so little-kid filled? Thanks!

Havana pools are the best as far as crowds.

[SNJCruisers]

NCL Haven must be like Carnival’s Havana area, so families can book them, and it is a much more peaceful, private area, but it comes with a hefty price, at least the Haven does. I’m not familiar with the Havana’s price point.

Families can book the Haven on NCL at a ridiculously high price point, IMHO. It is nothing like the Havana area, where no one under the age of 12 can be booked into a cabin and those in that age range can only come into the area after 7:00 PM each day. The Havana area also has inside cabins, which the Haven doesn't have. The Havana area gives you a relaxing outdoor area with two hot tubs and a small pool to relax in in a kid free atmosphere during the day. The Haven on NCL also gives you a dedicated restaurant with upgraded food.

[BNBR]

Families can book the Haven on NCL at a ridiculously high price point, IMHO. It is nothing like the Havana area, where no one under the age of 12 can be booked into a cabin and those in that age range can only come into the area after 7:00 PM each day. The Havana area also has inside cabins, which the Haven doesn't have. The Havana area gives you a relaxing outdoor area with two hot tubs and a small pool to relax in in a kid free atmosphere during the day. The Haven on NCL also gives you a dedicated restaurant with upgraded food.

 

NCL does deals where your 3rd and 4th sail free. Many Haven cabins are multi-room family cabins. We found this out the hard way when the Haven area was completely taken over by kids last month... as in COMPLETE takeover from opening to close by kids under 10 and toddlers.

 

I would think the Havana area is substantially better than Haven and most likely cheaper. Havana has a view, too. Haven is totally enclosed with no ocean view.

[Sizzlechest]

The main reason I booked a cruise on the Horizon this summer is that I was able to snag one of the few Havana rooms that can accommodate 3 passengers. The Vista class ship seems like it's going to be as crowded as the Breakaway class on NCL. Having that exclusive area at the back plus the patio will make all the difference, I hope.

[jimbo5544]

The main reason I booked a cruise on the Horizon this summer is that I was able to snag one of the few Havana rooms that can accommodate 3 passengers. The Vista class ship seems like it's going to be as crowded as the Breakaway class on NCL. Having that exclusive area at the back plus the patio will make all the difference, I hope.

It makes a huge difference, almost like being on a different ship then the rest of the people on the ship.

[SNJCruisers]

 

I would think the Havana area is substantially better than Haven and most likely cheaper. Havana has a view, too. Haven is totally enclosed with no ocean view.

Haven does have an ocean view area up on the deck that is on the other side of the locked door adjacent to the Vibe area. Price wise, the Haven is at least twice as much, but you do get all 5 of the perks that NCL promotes. And then you pay for the grats on the drinks and dining packages.

[stevefrisco]

It makes a huge difference, almost like being on a different ship then the rest of the people on the ship.

 

 

How much more are these cabins? I was thinking of trying a new CCL ship this fall but that's not a ringing endorsement.

 

 

edit: I just did a mock booking, they are almost double the price of normal balconies! Holy cow!

[jimbo5544]

How much more are these cabins? I was thinking of trying a new CCL ship this fall but that's not a ringing endorsement.

 

 

edit: I just did a mock booking, they are almost double the price of normal balconies! Holy cow!

 

 

 

Depends on the sailing and when you want to book. We just had two open up for our July 3rd. Sailing in the Horizon and they were a steal. Way down from when we first booked.

 

 

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[WhyIsTheRumGone23]

Our experience has been that during Spring Break there may be a lot of little kids. The best alternative is to book a ship that has Water Works. Most of the littler kids will occupy themselves there, leaving the pools somewhat emptier. Of course then the twenty somethings will take their place! :cool:

[mpdog42]

How much more are these cabins? I was thinking of trying a new CCL ship this fall but that's not a ringing endorsement.

 

edit: I just did a mock booking, they are almost double the price of normal balconies! Holy cow!

 

 

Especially from Jimbo, He market's Carnival better than Carnival Does...:D

 

Mike

[stevefrisco]

Depends on the sailing and when you want to book. We just had two open up for our July 3rd. Sailing in the Horizon and they were a steal. Way down from when we first booked.

 

 

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I just checked a few in the fall, they seemed a little more reasonable. The first I saw was more expensive than a Suite which blew my mind! They are all balconies correct? I saw a couple more that were 200 cheaper than a suite, still more than I'd like to spend but maybe with a casino perk or something it might be reasonable if we do the Vista.

 

Really hadn't considered doing a Havana until you made the comment about how uncrowded it was. I'm scared of new ships on any lines because I'm don't like to feel crowded. I guess that's why I always seem to be on the Pride:D.

 

Before your comment about Havana Cabins, the one newer feature that really interested me was a Cloud 9 cabin. We've had people in our group do them and I've made friends with people in them and I didn't understand what the big deal was. Now that I've been on a health kick the past couple years, I think I'd enjoy having one with the old lady if we ever do a cruise by ourselves. Do you prefer Havana to Cloud 9? Do any perks overlap?

[SNJCruisers]

I just checked a few in the fall, they seemed a little more reasonable. The first I saw was more expensive than a Suite which blew my mind! They are all balconies correct?.....Do you prefer Havana to Cloud 9? Do any perks overlap?

There are six different types of cabins in the Havana area. Inside, lanai, aft balcony, premium balcony, aft corner balcony and suite. I checked for some of the sailings later this year and not all of the categories were available, especially the insides. So, here is a sampling of the prices for a non early saver in each of the categories for an eight day sailing to the Southern Caribbean at the end of the summer in 2019, leaving on August 24.

Inside.....$2292

Cabana (Lanai) cabin 5219 $3712

Aft balcony cabin 6471 $3702

Premium Balcony cabin 6467 $3802

Premium Vista balcony (corner) cabin 8465 $4022

Suite $5652

As a comparison, Spa 9 insides are 2092 and Spa 9 Balconies are $3282

These prices are all inclusive of taxes and are for two people.

We have sailed on the NCL Escape 3 times and each time we were lucky enough to obtain Vibe passes, which is the closest thing to the Havana area that there is with the other cruise lines. No kids allowed and about 75 passes sold per sailing. Private bar, hot tub, padded loungers. It's a respite from the crowds and I believe that this is what the Havana area is. As soon as I found out about it, I snagged a cabin for the end of August out of NYC and again on the sailing I just provided numbers for. Both times in an inside. No need to drop an additional 1420 just to have a lanai. That 1420 will pay for Cheers, gratuities, specialty dining and still have some left over. :D

[stevefrisco]

There are six different types of cabins in the Havana area. Inside, lanai, aft balcony, premium balcony, aft corner balcony and suite. I checked for some of the sailings later this year and not all of the categories were available, especially the insides. So, here is a sampling of the prices for a non early saver in each of the categories for an eight day sailing to the Southern Caribbean at the end of the summer in 2019, leaving on August 24.

Inside.....$2292

Cabana (Lanai) cabin 5219 $3712

Aft balcony cabin 6471 $3702

Premium Balcony cabin 6467 $3802

Premium Vista balcony (corner) cabin 8465 $4022

Suite $5652

As a comparison, Spa 9 insides are 2092 and Spa 9 Balconies are $3282

These prices are all inclusive of taxes and are for two people.

We have sailed on the NCL Escape 3 times and each time we were lucky enough to obtain Vibe passes, which is the closest thing to the Havana area that there is with the other cruise lines. No kids allowed and about 75 passes sold per sailing. Private bar, hot tub, padded loungers. It's a respite from the crowds and I believe that this is what the Havana area is. As soon as I found out about it, I snagged a cabin for the end of August out of NYC and again on the sailing I just provided numbers for. Both times in an inside. No need to drop an additional 1420 just to have a lanai. That 1420 will pay for Cheers, gratuities, specialty dining and still have some left over. :D

 

Thanks so much for the info. I agree re: the 1420, that goes pretty far in the casino for me:D I looked into that vibe pass, those seem like a great value. A lot of options it seems. We personally prefer inside cabins to any category so we are extremely flexible. I am vacillating though between wanting the cheapest cabin on the ship and trying something like Havana or Cloud 9 or whatever is similar on another line. Thanks again re: the info on the vibe passes, I've been invited by a few gambling buddies to go on one of their comped cruises, I'm sure I'll get on one in the next few years.

[SNJCruisers]

Thanks so much for the info. I agree re: the 1420, that goes pretty far in the casino for me:D I looked into that vibe pass, those seem like a great value. A lot of options it seems. We personally prefer inside cabins to any category so we are extremely flexible. I am vacillating though between wanting the cheapest cabin on the ship and trying something like Havana or Cloud 9 or whatever is similar on another line. Thanks again re: the info on the vibe passes, I've been invited by a few gambling buddies to go on one of their comped cruises, I'm sure I'll get on one in the next few years.

Many posters have written that once you go balcony, you never go back to an inside. That is how I feel about drink packages on board and it's how I know I'm going to feel about the Havana area. My last four cruises have all had a restricted area of the ship I could go to in order to escape the crowds. Three times on the escape in Vibe and our recent cruise on the MSC Seaside in an inside cabin in their Yacht Club. I would try seeing which cruises in the future have inside Havana availability and pull the trigger. I checked on two sailings in Oct and Nov of this year and they were both sold out.

[stevefrisco]

Many posters have written that once you go balcony, you never go back to an inside. That is how I feel about drink packages on board and it's how I know I'm going to feel about the Havana area. My last four cruises have all had a restricted area of the ship I could go to in order to escape the crowds. Three times on the escape in Vibe and our recent cruise on the MSC Seaside in an inside cabin in their Yacht Club. I would try seeing which cruises in the future have inside Havana availability and pull the trigger. I checked on two sailings in Oct and Nov of this year and they were both sold out.

 

 

I think we're the oddball lot re: balconies. We've tried balconies a few times and just don't see the big deal. I don't think we utilize them enough when traveling in a large group. I just had my first oceanview and enjoyed it on deck 1. Not sure I'd enjoy it as much higher up in the ship. For me, I cruise partly to get away from work and catch up on sleep. Nothing beats the darkness of an inside cabin for sleeping, especially when the cabin stays nice and cool!

[JaxsMama]

Pick a cruise w a port you don't care to visit. Then spend that day at the empty pool on the ship.

 

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