What is going on with Haven Pricing?

[Granny DI]

I have always paid the bills, made the budgets and played travel agent.  I assumed this role because my husband traveled a lot on business....most of the time out of the country...plus I am the frugal one. My husband told me when I booked our first cruise in 1998 not to tell him the cost as it would spoil his vacation if he knew the cost. We started in balcony rooms and now enjoy suites. I rarely tell him the cost. I have tried to cut corners over the years but find he is very unhappy with anything less than a Haven aft suite on the Breakaway. I told him the cost after our last cruise in the Haven last month on the Breakaway. He also knows the cost of our aft Haven suite for the Encore in 2020.  He has no problem with either.  I always look for the lowest prices with the most goodies. I have a budget and if everything is over my budget we don’t cruise.  We took early retirement years ago to enjoy life so my theory is if we don’t cruise in the cabins we love our kids will spend the money on something they love.

[takeadip]

21 minutes ago, Granny DI said:

I have always paid the bills, made the budgets and played travel agent.  I assumed this role because my husband traveled a lot on business....most of the time out of the country...plus I am the frugal one. My husband told me when I booked our first cruise in 1998 not to tell him the cost as it would spoil his vacation if he knew the cost. We started in balcony rooms and now enjoy suites. I rarely tell him the cost. I have tried to cut corners over the years but find he is very unhappy with anything less than a Haven aft suite on the Breakaway. I told him the cost after our last cruise in the Haven last month on the Breakaway. He also knows the cost of our aft Haven suite for the Encore in 2020.  He has no problem with either.  I always look for the lowest prices with the most goodies. I have a budget and if everything is over my budget we don’t cruise.  We took early retirement years ago to enjoy life so my theory is if we don’t cruise in the cabins we love our kids will spend the money on something they love.

As a 43 yr old captain of industry I must say: I LOVE THIS POST. 

[Tscruiser646]

50 minutes ago, Granny DI said:

I have always paid the bills, made the budgets and played travel agent.  I assumed this role because my husband traveled a lot on business....most of the time out of the country...plus I am the frugal one. My husband told me when I booked our first cruise in 1998 not to tell him the cost as it would spoil his vacation if he knew the cost. We started in balcony rooms and now enjoy suites. I rarely tell him the cost. I have tried to cut corners over the years but find he is very unhappy with anything less than a Haven aft suite on the Breakaway. I told him the cost after our last cruise in the Haven last month on the Breakaway. He also knows the cost of our aft Haven suite for the Encore in 2020.  He has no problem with either.  I always look for the lowest prices with the most goodies. I have a budget and if everything is over my budget we don’t cruise.  We took early retirement years ago to enjoy life so my theory is if we don’t cruise in the cabins we love our kids will spend the money on something they love.

Exactly correct!  I try to keep my money in an interest account as long as possible and do not really use credit cards, except with a larger bill.  Then use promotion if available (rarely)  with no interest to keep interest on MY money until the last second.  Every couple faces finances differently.  I also get a huge savings with Total Rewards.  Each family has their own guidelines and budget needs (and available resources for discounts).  To each his own.  Judgement of others shows flaws in character so I just dismiss and wish the best for everyone.  Enjoy your cruise and live life to your fullest possible without hurting others or yourself on the journey.  Great post!

[SailBreakaway]

We started in The Haven in 2014 when they had the old upsell program. We got hooked and after the current bidding program replaced it, we payed full price in Haven on high demand routes for 2500pp or less one year in advance.  Now, we have returned to Balcony rooms, Vibe and Spa passes, Specialty Dining each night, and are content. The pricing has driven us out and the high demand routes and seasons we sail have yielded the bidding process worthless (as they sell out the Haven) especially in NY. 

 

The courtyard is great, the lounge is great, the reataurant is great (but gets old) and we always fought that overwhelming urge to have to eat there and spend time there to make the investment worth while. We realized we were losing out on many aspexts of the BA and BA+ class offerings. 

 

The ability to get away from crowds and kids is great, however nearly each time we’ve sailed there were Non Haven kids and families in the Haven and were annoying as heck. We’re  positive many just entered unchallenged. 

 

Anyway for me, I’d rather take my 10k$, cruise twice comfortably instead of once. 

 

The Thermal Spa and Vibe (first come first serve) with Specialty Dining gives us nice places to retreat to and great food every night to look forward to. How do you top Le Bistro. Just can’t! The Haven Restaurant Cheers atmosphere where “everyone knows your name” is really great but, the food selection after a few days grows old. 

 

NCLH’s business plan clearly is to create demand, and drive revenue as high as possible by pricing to the max based on the demand they create. They have created this demand and as long as the market is willing to meet their lofty pricing they will continue to raise the cost, however as some have said, I think with the massive supply entering the market- X-Edge, Virgin, Holland, YC on MSC, Carnival’s new ships with higher end ship within a ship market, and on and on, the point of diminished returns will emerge and the pendulum will swing back toward center and beyond again. When it does, I’d consider it. 2500$ and less pp is a great price point, and its good to see they are re-emerging in last minute pricing again, as a previous member noted. 

 

 

 

[browniegirl]

On ‎2‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 9:32 PM, ugagal07 said:

Our December 14-21 Breakaway sailing is currently selling the cheapest Haven for $8200 without drinks, dining, or airfare and is $9700 with those perks added.  We are booked in a mini suite for $3200 with drinks and dining included in that price.  Yes, a mini isn't the Haven, but it's almost a third of the price.  We loved the Haven on the Epic, but that was before this bidding nonsense and we actually got a great last minute upsell when I called.

I am with you all.  I haven't sailed in anything less than a suite in years but with the pricing of suites and the haven now, forget it, just booked my first minisuite for 2021 on the Gem, no, it won't be quite the same and the price is still pretty high for a ms....but it's MUCH cheaper than a suite or haven and I didn't have to put a deposit down, used 2 cruise rewards!  And got free dining, drinks etc.... still be awesome!

[browniegirl]

16 hours ago, Bonobochick said:

This is where I am. 😶 I've only sailed NCL and I'm platinum so I appreciate the perks that come with that status level. Looking at Bermuda cruises in June, they're running about $1800 with taxes (and not including perk gratuities) for a studio. I'll hold out to see if they fire sale the week I want close to the sailing date but I'm making alternate plans already, which includes checking out other cruise lines Bermuda prices. 

Yes I am platinum as well so it is nice to get at least some added perks on board even if not in a suite or the haven!

[erdoran]

21 hours ago, Tscruiser646 said:

When the woman makes a VERY good salary with multiple positions and surprises her husband with a gift, that is her prerogative.  Best wishes and prayers and thoughts to you and your family.  I wish you a life of happiness.  Have a nice cruise.

Nice to find other successful, professional women around; I feel very out of place a lot.

19 hours ago, Granny DI said:

I have always paid the bills, made the budgets and played travel agent.  I assumed this role because my husband traveled a lot on business....most of the time out of the country...plus I am the frugal one. My husband told me when I booked our first cruise in 1998 not to tell him the cost as it would spoil his vacation if he knew the cost. We started in balcony rooms and now enjoy suites. I rarely tell him the cost. I have tried to cut corners over the years but find he is very unhappy with anything less than a Haven aft suite on the Breakaway. I told him the cost after our last cruise in the Haven last month on the Breakaway. He also knows the cost of our aft Haven suite for the Encore in 2020.  He has no problem with either.  I always look for the lowest prices with the most goodies. I have a budget and if everything is over my budget we don’t cruise.  We took early retirement years ago to enjoy life so my theory is if we don’t cruise in the cabins we love our kids will spend the money on something they love.

Yeah, my hubby actually doesn't like travel, this is new to him.  He's another who if he doesn't get a Haven suite we might as well stay home!

[Mike_DeA]

On 2/8/2019 at 8:30 PM, Battle Bots said:

 

 

What about the out of control adults?

Seems Maniacal Cruiser is back....

[dexddd]

17 hours ago, Mike_DeA said:

Seems Maniacal Cruiser is back....

Was quickly added to ignore list.

[tumblew467]

I have to say yes the prices are steep for the Haven. I have also noticed that they  really  went up considerably, I could not afford the prices they have. However I have been lucky enough to book thru casinos at  sea and they have saved me a ton. Its the only way I can book.  And if I look for the 3rd and 4th guest free, its a win win situation for me. 

 

[browniegirl]

37 minutes ago, tumblew467 said:

I have to say yes the prices are steep for the Haven. I have also noticed that they  really  went up considerably, I could not afford the prices they have. However I have been lucky enough to book thru casinos at  sea and they have saved me a ton. Its the only way I can book.  And if I look for the 3rd and 4th guest free, its a win win situation for me. 

 

Sorry for being naïve but even though this will be my 9th cruise on ncl, I do not know much about casinos at sea.  How does it work if you don't mind me asking?

 

Thanks!

 

Leah

[JustAPilot]

I don't think you save anything considering the people who get free cruises through the casino blow quite a bit of money at the casino. 

[SailBreakaway]

On 2/13/2019 at 8:20 AM, browniegirl said:

I am with you all.  I haven't sailed in anything less than a suite in years but with the pricing of suites and the haven now, forget it, just booked my first minisuite for 2021 on the Gem, no, it won't be quite the same and the price is still pretty high for a ms....but it's MUCH cheaper than a suite or haven and I didn't have to put a deposit down, used 2 cruise rewards!  And got free dining, drinks etc.... still be awesome!

I think we should start a support thread- Previous Haveners Rehab- It’s ok! We did it and we turned out fine! We survived! Now we walk up that gangway three times for every one time we used to! For us it was hard walking past the Haven room with snacks for boarding and boarding first (however now that we have platinum its not such a big deal anymore) and walking past the magic door on Deck 15. But otherwise I felt more freedom and better about my decision over all. I guess for folks like us that save to do this, have a fixed vacation budget, because its the best time we spend on this planet, it makes sense to cruise more frequently without Haven premiums, but honestly, if we had more disposable income, we would pay the premium for the Haven and sail more, but that just isnt our reality. So YMMV with this discussion. 

 

We were just on the Gem and the Haven pricing was phenomenally high for our Bermuda cruise. We did a great MS, Thermal Spa, and had such a great time on her. She is such a great ship with so much to offer, we didnt even miss the Haven. Same with the Escape, and the new BA Plus class, that new Haven observation lounge looks to die for, but, theres another one for the ship, and, there is SO much great food and stuff to experience on the new ships, for a week, we will never end a day feeling anything less than great and blessed to be here. 

 

Side note:

We loved the upgrade and upsell department before the bidding stuff started. I knew though, as many used tk mention here, that all great things like that will come to an end, and it did. 

 

If you want the orices to come down, dont pay them. When the upcoming outrageous new ship capacity hits the market in the next few years, with more and more high end lines like Regent 7Seas, Viking, Azamarra, Virgin (these new young guys are going to hit the legacy carriers HARD you watch), and the new Celebrity ships (Edge) and makeovers, and Carnival’s new ship in a ship concepts, and the mind boggling capacity RCCL will have with all these mega ships, the supply and demand pedulum is going to swing. I for one, will be hanging onto it as it swings back the other way!!

 

 

[tumblew467]

3 hours ago, browniegirl said:

Sorry for being naïve but even though this will be my 9th cruise on ncl, I do not know much about casinos at sea.  How does it work if you don't mind me asking?

 

Thanks!

 

Leah

Casinos at sea is the casino program on NCL. If you use the casino make sure you get a casino card. When you come back  from your cruise you can call them and ask them if they have any offers for you. Even if its a free inside you can always upgrade. There is a casino chat room on cc. There is a lot of info there too.

[tumblew467]

1 hour ago, JustAPilot said:

I don't think you save anything considering the people who get free cruises through the casino blow quite a bit of money at the casino. 

Well maybe some do. However my last 2 cruises I hit  several jackpots that week and it paid for my trip and then some.

[SailBreakaway]

Stay Focused all... Over here!.....Yup here....Haven Pricing. Awesome! 

[browniegirl]

1 hour ago, SailBreakaway said:

I think we should start a support thread- Previous Haveners Rehab- It’s ok! We did it and we turned out fine! We survived! Now we walk up that gangway three times for every one time we used to! For us it was hard walking past the Haven room with snacks for boarding and boarding first (however now that we have platinum its not such a big deal anymore) and walking past the magic door on Deck 15. But otherwise I felt more freedom and better about my decision over all. I guess for folks like us that save to do this, have a fixed vacation budget, because its the best time we spend on this planet, it makes sense to cruise more frequently without Haven premiums, but honestly, if we had more disposable income, we would pay the premium for the Haven and sail more, but that just isnt our reality. So YMMV with this discussion. 

 

We were just on the Gem and the Haven pricing was phenomenally high for our Bermuda cruise. We did a great MS, Thermal Spa, and had such a great time on her. She is such a great ship with so much to offer, we didnt even miss the Haven. Same with the Escape, and the new BA Plus class, that new Haven observation lounge looks to die for, but, theres another one for the ship, and, there is SO much great food and stuff to experience on the new ships, for a week, we will never end a day feeling anything less than great and blessed to be here. 

 

Side note:

We loved the upgrade and upsell department before the bidding stuff started. I knew though, as many used tk mention here, that all great things like that will come to an end, and it did. 

 

If you want the orices to come down, dont pay them. When the upcoming outrageous new ship capacity hits the market in the next few years, with more and more high end lines like Regent 7Seas, Viking, Azamarra, Virgin (these new young guys are going to hit the legacy carriers HARD you watch), and the new Celebrity ships (Edge) and makeovers, and Carnival’s new ship in a ship concepts, and the mind boggling capacity RCCL will have with all these mega ships, the supply and demand pedulum is going to swing. I for one, will be hanging onto it as it swings back the other way!!

 

 

thank you and YES we need a previous havener rehab board lol...….Your advice is fantastic and thank you for that.  Makes me feel better about my decision!!  But still might get my cabin changed to different local...….

 

Leah

[bamafamof5]

On 2/7/2019 at 11:32 PM, ugagal07 said:

Our December 14-21 Breakaway sailing is currently selling the cheapest Haven for $8200 without drinks, dining, or airfare and is $9700 with those perks added.  We are booked in a mini suite for $3200 with drinks and dining included in that price.  Yes, a mini isn't the Haven, but it's almost a third of the price.  We loved the Haven on the Epic, but that was before this bidding nonsense and we actually got a great last minute upsell when I called.

 

We are on the same cruise Dec 14-21 currently staying in the Haven.  I feel forced to book the Haven due to having 3 kids.  Due to my kids ages, I don't feel comfortable booking 2 rooms.  The Haven suites allow up to 5 people.  Maybe this is why there are more kids in the Haven?  I booked our cruise with the high pricing.  I'd love book a cheaper room and bid up, but the only way we could do that is to book 2 rooms.  Then we'd risk the rooms being separated.  So yeah I am one cruisers paying an absurd amount of money for our Haven suite.  This is our first time cruising NCL.  We've been on Princess and RCCL pre-kids.  We were trying to find a kid friendly ship.  If there is a better ship where I can have a better experience for less money, I am all ears!!  I checked MSC but every time I put in 5 people it says the rooms are all booked.  Leads me to believe they don't have a room that accommodates a party of 5.

 

Our cruise has the 6 free, we opted to drive instead of fly (700 pp was ridiculous), and it was around 9500 w/out gratuities.  Which boils down to 1900 pp.

 

I'm reading all these negative reviews and thinking I should cancel.  One of the most important things is the Splash Academy being limited.  If we can't get my kiddos into their respective age group programs it will make for a miserable trip. 

[GeezerCouple]

7 minutes ago, bamafamof5 said:

 

We are on the same cruise Dec 14-21 currently staying in the Haven.  I feel forced to book the Haven due to having 3 kids.  Due to my kids ages, I don't feel comfortable booking 2 rooms.  The Haven suites allow up to 5 people.  Maybe this is why there are more kids in the Haven?  I booked our cruise with the high pricing.  I'd love book a cheaper room and bid up, but the only way we could do that is to book 2 rooms.  Then we'd risk the rooms being separated.  So yeah I am one cruisers paying an absurd amount of money for our Haven suite.  This is our first time cruising NCL.  We've been on Princess and RCCL pre-kids.  We were trying to find a kid friendly ship.  If there is a better ship where I can have a better experience for less money, I am all ears!!  I checked MSC but every time I put in 5 people it says the rooms are all booked.  Leads me to believe they don't have a room that accommodates a party of 5.

 

Our cruise has the 6 free, we opted to drive instead of fly (700 pp was ridiculous), and it was around 9500 w/out gratuities.  Which boils down to 1900 pp.

 

I'm reading all these negative reviews and thinking I should cancel.  One of the most important things is the Splash Academy being limited.  If we can't get my kiddos into their respective age group programs it will make for a miserable trip. 

 

I haven't tracked which ship you'll be on, but don't most NCL have the same 2BR suites that are in the Haven, but NOT in the Haven?  Same amount of space for 5 or 6, but much less expensive, and still get the various "suite perks".

 

GC

[bamafamof5]

3 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

I haven't tracked which ship you'll be on, but don't most NCL have the same 2BR suites that are in the Haven, but NOT in the Haven?  Same amount of space for 5 or 6, but much less expensive, and still get the various "suite perks".

 

GC

Not according to the research I've done.  The only other option is an oceanview and that is way too small of a cabin for the 5 of us.  Plus no privacy.

 

https://www.cruisemapper.com/cabins/Norwegian-Breakaway-584 

[GeezerCouple]

1 minute ago, bamafamof5 said:

Not according to the research I've done.  The only other option is an oceanview and that is way too small of a cabin for the 5 of us.  Plus no privacy.

 

https://www.cruisemapper.com/cabins/Norwegian-Breakaway-584 

 

It depends upon the ship, and there is no NCL ship that has "nothing" between a Haven suite and an oceanview!

 

GC

[Two Wheels Only]

6 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

I haven't tracked which ship you'll be on, but don't most NCL have the same 2BR suites that are in the Haven, but NOT in the Haven?  Same amount of space for 5 or 6, but much less expensive, and still get the various "suite perks".

 

Not for Breakaway. The "outside of the Haven" suites sleep a max of 4.

 

[Two Wheels Only]

19 minutes ago, bamafamof5 said:

I'm reading all these negative reviews and thinking I should cancel.  One of the most important things is the Splash Academy being limited.  If we can't get my kiddos into their respective age group programs it will make for a miserable trip.

 

Being a Haven guest gives you the opportunity to board before general boarding begins. You have the opportunity to sign your kids up for the clubs before others will be allowed onto the ship. 

[Peachypooh]

57 minutes ago, bamafamof5 said:

 

We are on the same cruise Dec 14-21 currently staying in the Haven.  I feel forced to book the Haven due to having 3 kids.  Due to my kids ages, I don't feel comfortable booking 2 rooms.  The Haven suites allow up to 5 people.  Maybe this is why there are more kids in the Haven?  I booked our cruise with the high pricing.  I'd love book a cheaper room and bid up, but the only way we could do that is to book 2 rooms.  Then we'd risk the rooms being separated.  So yeah I am one cruisers paying an absurd amount of money for our Haven suite.  This is our first time cruising NCL.  We've been on Princess and RCCL pre-kids.  We were trying to find a kid friendly ship.  If there is a better ship where I can have a better experience for less money, I am all ears!!  I checked MSC but every time I put in 5 people it says the rooms are all booked.  Leads me to believe they don't have a room that accommodates a party of 5.

 

Our cruise has the 6 free, we opted to drive instead of fly (700 pp was ridiculous), and it was around 9500 w/out gratuities.  Which boils down to 1900 pp.

 

I'm reading all these negative reviews and thinking I should cancel.  One of the most important things is the Splash Academy being limited.  If we can't get my kiddos into their respective age group programs it will make for a miserable trip. 

Hi and welcome to Cruise Critic. We had an awesome time on the Gem with our grandchildren. It was high season so there were lots of kids but we never were shut out of any of the Splash Academy  programs. They have 2 bedroom non Haven suites on deck 11 that are very nice. Just a point of reference for you since you are thinking of canceling. Any Jewell class ship will

probably be the same.

[Notnewtoit]

Have an OS booked for Alaska in August. It's expensive, I like the experience and am pretty sure my 75yo mother will have the time of her life. I'm paying for life to be a little less hectic, a little easier, a little more pampered and and little more up market for her; not sure that makes me an idiot, but maybe. I made some $ busting my ass in a medtech startup, taking some financial risk and making good decisions; that's how I afford it.

 

Anyway...  FYI... our cabin price has dropped $800pp since I booked it and NCL have refunded the $1600 difference in full. Not feeling ripped off here. 

 

I can't afford a Ferrari much as I might like one... but that doesn't mean they are a bad company or product.