Royal Suite class vs. NCL Haven

[BCirlin]

(Posted this in the NCL forum, too...)

 

My family and I (46, 41, 11) are planning a cruise next Thanksgiving, and I'm looking at a GS in Allure, or trying the Haven class on NCL Escape.  We've done the Royal Suite Class on Harmony of the Seas, and really enjoyed all the perks.  The majority of the Haven perks seems pretty similar (priority boarding, private restaurant/ sun deck, etc.).  I'm just curious if there are any huge differences- better or worse- that I'm missing.  Anyone who's done both, I'd love your insight!

[robbysbabe]

I am responding to you with current reservations of 3 GS with Royal and 1 Haven with NCL.  As my pending D+ status and free casino offers are with RCCL; that’s why the scale is tipped with reservations....  

 

However.... I would defiantly give NCL Haven the edge over RCCL.

I explain it to people as “it’s a cruise within a cruise.”

 

The Haven is exclusive to its cabins only.  There is no loyalty status members that crowd your club (as I’ve seen this be a problem for some with RCCL as of late.)

 

The Haven has its own pool with retractable roof - regardless of climate; you can still swim and you won’t be imposed upon to “share” due to rule changes at the main pool (as you could be with Royal in the Solarium.) There’s never any crowding or fights for chairs - The Haven has only so many cabins and it’s extremely spacious.  Actually the pool area is wonderful - they will bring your drinks, food, snacks etc. to where you are sitting (even in the pool or hot tubs - LOL!!)

 

Their exclusive restaurant never requires a reservation - opposed to Coastal Kitchen.

 

All The Haven rooms offer Butler and Concierge Services - there are no tiers; Haven Class is just that regardless of room type with the same benefits.

 

My favorite part is that it’s quiet.  Again with limited the guests it’s truly a relaxing venue.  If the crowd/noise gets too much - you just escape to the Haven.

 

Obviously none of things have stopped me from booking and enjoying my RCCL Cruises - but dollar for dollar... my pick would be Haven!

Edited November 13, 2018 by robbysbabe

[elhenry]

I have only cruised Haven once, and it was in an “Owners Suite” on NCL Jewel. Several GS and one RFS on Royal, never on Allure.

 

I was not as impressed by the Haven pool. Then again, we were sailing Spring Break and the pool was filled with screaming kids, it was the size of a postage stamp, and the chairs and canopy beds 😉 all taken, so it was scarcely a “Haven”.  Actually I prefer the Solarium, particularly on the Anthem, but it is true it is not exclusive to Suite guests. We never ate on any exclusive venue on NCL, but I never found the Coastal Kitchen on RCCL to be overcrowded or undermanned.

 

Where NCL did excel was the butler (ours was wonderful), although I have never cruised in a “Genie” class Suite with RCCL, so that may be the equivalent. And the cabin! We got a deal on the OS on NCL, and it was The. Best. Cabin. I have ever been in.

 

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, BCirlin said:

(Posted this in the NCL forum, too...)

 

My family and I (46, 41, 11) are planning a cruise next Thanksgiving, and I'm looking at a GS in Allure, or trying the Haven class on NCL Escape.  We've done the Royal Suite Class on Harmony of the Seas, and really enjoyed all the perks.  The majority of the Haven perks seems pretty similar (priority boarding, private restaurant/ sun deck, etc.).  I'm just curious if there are any huge differences- better or worse- that I'm missing.  Anyone who's done both, I'd love your insight!

The following link has a peek at our NCL Escape cruise in the Haven earlier this year. 

 

 

[lovescats5]

We have looked at Haven rooms on several of the NCL ships and the big drawback with the rooms, in my opinion,  are a lack of a larger balcony, except for the large multi-bedroom Haven rooms.  We have enjoyed the RCCL Star Class and having talked to several NCL Haven people it sounds like the genie is a better deal and more personal than the butler.  Also, we sat down and figured out the cost for the drink package and  specialty restaurants (unless you get a booking that includes this for 2) it was cheaper to sail RCCL in Star Class.  We would still like to be able to book the Haven Garden Villa but cannot justify the cost.  Of course, this is just my personal opinion and when we look at rooms the first place we look is the balcony size as that is where we spend a lot of time.