Breakaway Haven vs Seaside Yacht Club

[daggct]

My family has booked the Breakaway for our cruise in Dec 19, but I'm beginning to wonder if we've made the best choice.

The only cruise we've been on is the Harmony Dec 18. We loved almost everything about it, having both the unlimited beverage and dining plans. Our favorite thing was the entertainment- Grease, Ice Shows, Aqua Theatre, etc (production shows hold more value to us than the headliners or music groups). The one thing we hated was the search for chairs every day because we are not early risers. We figured booking the haven would help alleviate that issue. Now that I'm reading more reviews, I'm wondering if the Seaside might also be a good fit? 

Anybody have experience with both? FWIW- We would only book Haven or Yacht. There is a difference in price, large but not prohibitive. We are beholden to school schedules (two high schoolers) so both ships will be full.

 

Thanks!

PS- Cross posting on MSC to get info from both.

[DaCruiseBug]

1 hour ago, daggct said:

My family has booked the Breakaway for our cruise in Dec 19, but I'm beginning to wonder if we've made the best choice.

The only cruise we've been on is the Harmony Dec 18. We loved almost everything about it, having both the unlimited beverage and dining plans. Our favorite thing was the entertainment- Grease, Ice Shows, Aqua Theatre, etc (production shows hold more value to us than the headliners or music groups). The one thing we hated was the search for chairs every day because we are not early risers. We figured booking the haven would help alleviate that issue. Now that I'm reading more reviews, I'm wondering if the Seaside might also be a good fit? 

Anybody have experience with both? FWIW- We would only book Haven or Yacht. There is a difference in price, large but not prohibitive. We are beholden to school schedules (two high schoolers) so both ships will be full.

 

Thanks!

PS- Cross posting on MSC to get info from both.

 

Definitely go on the Seaside over the Breakaway. It's a brand new ship and the Yacht Club is much more inclusive compared to the Haven. All YC rooms also have access to the thermal spa. The Yacht Club has it's own private pool, bar & lounge area, don't have to pay fees on the beverage package, includes everything in the mini-bar & room service, and the experience starts curbside from the time you arrive at the port to the time you get off. You get priority elevators, escorts on/off the ship. It's great! The only thing the Haven has on the Yacht Club is the different Haven suites...whereas the YC is either a Deluxe Suite (a little bigger then a mini-suite on NCL) or the Royal Suite.

[graphicguy]

Sailed both.  Both are great.  

 

In brief...

 

-Entertainment on the Breakaway is hands down better than either of the MSC cruises (both in the YC) I took (Divina and Meriviglia).  MSC entertainment, while not bad, tends to stray a bit from the "show themes" on NCL.  You won't see anything like Burn the Floor, Cirque Dreams, Escape the Bigtop, Rock of Ages, etc.  

-I liked the Butlers on MSC.  As soon as we hit the pier, there was a Butler with tux and tales swooping us up, grabbing our caryons to take us to check in, and then onto the ship, where another Butler deposited us in the YC and Top Sail Lounge.  Really easy!  Butlers on NCL will guide you to checkin, but you're on your own from there to get to your cabin and the Haven

-Concierges in the HAVEN are the best I've experienced on any cruise line.  There is NO DETAIL they won't handle for you.  Billing problem?  Impossible reservations?  Issue with dining?  Great seats for a show that's sold out?  NCL Concierges seem to work miracles.  That's not to say MSC concierges aren't good.  They are.  They just aren't as detail oriented or able to do what seems can't be done that NCL's concierges can do.

-Food....very subjective.  I liked the food on MSC. Some say they didn't.  The NCL Haven Restaurant is wonderful.  I did like EATALY on MSC as a specialty choice over LaCucina on NCL.  But, I'm 100% Italian, so I'm particular about my Italian food.  MSC does Italian better (naturally).

-Cabins are similar, so either Haven or MSC YC you'll be happy with.  Unless, you get a Spa Haven Cabin on NCL.  It has a whirlpool tub right I the room, which we used a lot.

-MSC has some really nice "bling" with the Swarovsky (sp?) crystal stair cases.  But, NCL has to trademark huge, color changing chandelier.  So, pick the bling you like.

-The Waterfront on NCL is my favorite feature on any cruise ship.  It's just a great way to drink and dine while having fun watching the blue water drift by with a cool breeze.

 

It used to be MSC YC was significantly less expensive than NCL's Haven.  But, that gap has narrowed considerably.  Shop around and compare.

 

Can't go wrong with either....probably give a slight nod to NCL Haven.  Their service is just THAT GOOD!

[tomservo]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

-Food....very subjective.  I liked the food on MSC. Some say they didn't.  The NCL Haven Restaurant is wonderful.  I did like EATALY on MSC as a specialty choice over LaCucina on NCL.  But, I'm 100% Italian, so I'm particular about my Italian food.  MSC does Italian better (naturally).

 

Head to head, what do you think about The Haven Restaurant vs Le Muse?

[Two Wheels Only]

Both are excellent but there are differences...

 

Stateroom choice mostly favors NCL. Seaside has 3 Yacht Club choices. Interior (not applicable in your case), Deluxe Suite that sleeps either 4 or 5 (roughly the size of a H5 which only sleeps 3), and the Royal Suite which sleeps 4, has a hot tub on the balcony, a complimentary cabana, and separate livingroom/bedroom (difficult to book, only 1 bathroom).

 

Breakaway Haven has the H6 which sleeps 4, has a (mostly) huge balcony, separate livingroom/bedroom and 2 full bathrooms, the H4 which is a 2 bedroom with bathrooms, as well as the H3 and H2 which also have separate livingroom/bedroom. In other words, if 4 (or more) in a stateroom, Breakaway has many more choices than Seaside.

 

The Seaside Yacht Club sundeck beats the BA Haven sundeck/courtyard. On Seaside, it is all one deck but has 2 hot tubs (lukewarm, though), a pool (2.5 feet deeper than the Haven pool...be aware), a bar and a buffet/grill combo with lots of choices and even made-to-order items. Many more staff members are poolside to deliver drinks, help to carry food back to your cabana/lounger/table. The Breakaway courtyard has a retractable roof while Seaside does not so if it rains, BA has an advantage. Otherwise, Seaside easily wins.

 

Overall service is better in the Yacht Club as butlers are more easily found and utilized. If not your butler, another butler will be around to tend to your needs. Haven concierges have been better for me but I only have experience with 1 Seaside concierge. She achieved everything asked but there was more "resistance" to my requests.

 

The Haven restaurant is "nicer" but the menu is limited and doesn't change much. For breakfast, the Haven steak and eggs is a favorite of mine, though. The variety of the Yacht Club gives a slight edge to MSC. I could easily have 21 meals in a week in either and be happy.

 

Priority anything is mostly equal for both. Priority elevator on Seaside takes time to master but is worth it. Skipping tender lines coming or going is great on both lines.

 

I could go on and on as far as non-Haven vs. non-Yacht Club for both ships but I'll wait for your questions.

 

Feel free to ask about anything.

[graphicguy]

If you’re going on the Divina, which is sailing the Caribbean, I’ll take the Haven.  The Muse on Divina is the opposite end of the ship from the Yacht Club.  Haven Restaurant is actually IN the Haven.

 

As far as food?  They’re both equal.  Liked MSC’s Le Muse Restaurant food on Meriviglia (Mediterranean) quite a bit.  But, I liked the Haven restaurant food better when I was sailing from U.S.  Can’t explain it.....just the way it was.  Steaks were better in Haven.  Seafood was better in Le Muse.  Everything else?  I’d give a slight advantage to the Haven Restaurant.

 

Wish I could be more clear cut, but really can’t.

[dexddd]

12 minutes ago, tomservo said:

 

Head to head, what do you think about The Haven Restaurant vs Le Muse?

Le Muse wins I'd say.  They have a set selection then changing items each night.  Food was very good in Le Muse as was service (we had Arthur).  

[dexddd]

We'll be on Seaside in 4 weeks and one day then again in June.  Have done Divinia YC and well aware of Seaside YC.  YC over Haven in our book except for rooms.   I also really did not like the BA or our time on it in Haven.  Our Escape cruise this summer was much better though.

 

What type of room do you have on BA?  Most of the YC rooms are smaller than Haven rooms.

 

Everyone has already covered pretty much the key points.

[daggct]

Thank you all for your input. 

 

We are booked in two Courtyard suites on the Breakaway, and would choose two similar suites on the Seaside, so I'm not sure there would be a huge difference there. And, fwiw, the ports are exactly the same also.

 

I guess I'm most worried about the entertainment and food. On the Harmony we ate at specialty restaurants and saw a show every night. Concierges would be great so I don't have to worry about reservations, besides that we're pretty low maintenance.

 

[graphicguy]

16 minutes ago, daggct said:

Thank you all for your input. 

 

We are booked in two Courtyard suites on the Breakaway, and would choose two similar suites on the Seaside, so I'm not sure there would be a huge difference there. And, fwiw, the ports are exactly the same also.

 

I guess I'm most worried about the entertainment and food. On the Harmony we ate at specialty restaurants and saw a show every night. Concierges would be great so I don't have to worry about reservations, besides that we're pretty low maintenance.

 

Great....if you love entertainment, you're going to love Breakaway.  Food on NCL will not disappoint.  Make sure to have at least one dinner outside on the waterfront.  It's just so nice to be able to dine watching the water go by with a breeze.

[Formula280SS]

1 hour ago, daggct said:

Thank you all for your input. 

 

We are booked in two Courtyard suites on the Breakaway, and would choose two similar suites on the Seaside, so I'm not sure there would be a huge difference there. And, fwiw, the ports are exactly the same also.

 

I guess I'm most worried about the entertainment and food. On the Harmony we ate at specialty restaurants and saw a show every night. Concierges would be great so I don't have to worry about reservations, besides that we're pretty low maintenance.

 

 

We've enjoyed both NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club (test cruise on Divina and the Seaside, both B2B's).  

 

If entertainment is critical to you, MSC is a different vintage than all of the other cruise lines.  We liked the variety of short shows; others did not.  If you want a production quality major event, NCL is more dedicated to that.

 

The food perspective is so subjective.  We're heading back to Seaside 3/2/19 for another B2B.  We totally were pleased with the YC food.  It might be a bit under Haven if you don't know how to ask for what you want exactly how you want it.  The Italian meal plan is spread out through courses of smaller portions.  It was great for us.  Haven was also great.  Tough to pick winner, other than YC venue is A* overlooking the YC lounge forward.  Stunning.

 

We also were luck to have Arthur as our waiter.  Made everything A+.  Recommended nights to dine outside, which we did.  The Asian Market Kitchen was a major repeat favorite for us.  NCL (Escape and Bliss this past few months) have more specialty restaurants, but we weren't in the Haven on these recent cruises.

 

Why?

 

We booked long ago before the YC became popular.  We're doing B2B's on Seaside (and future ships) for about half of what we paid on NCL for the Haven.  So, 2-1 is pretty hard to turn down.

 

Other than entertainment and food, your identified important factors, is the YC venue versus the Haven.

 

Haven pool, enclosed and small and no view and very limited loungers.

 

YC top deck pool and bar and grill "way, way over the top" in comparison.

 

Haven top deck sun lounging - hope for no wind.

 

YC top deck sun lounging - wind considerably blocked by bar and grill.

 

Haven lounge, very, very nice.

 

YC lounge, totally stunning.  Not even close.

 

Haven pool bar and grill, none.

 

YC pool bar and grill, BEST at sea for us.

 

This is very subjective.  Hope you have a great time in either venue.

 

[rabidstoat]

8 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Butlers on NCL will guide you to checkin, but you're on your own from there to get to your cabin

 

I was in a Haven Spa room once and when I checked into the haven area, they had someone escorting us to the boarding area. Now, I had a problem with my key card so I was stuck, but she took the other people further on and I assumed she was taking them personally to the Haven lounge, at the least. And I thought that maybe the butlers would then help you with the room, I know someone was talking about how their butler explained the room amenities and coffee maker and such.

 

Is this not the case?

[LorraineP]

Hands down MSC Seaside YC.  Done both & after doing NCL Haven we said not worth it. After doing YC we booked YC again. No comparison for what you get with YC. 

[graphicguy]

18 hours ago, daggct said:

Thank you all for your input. 

 

We are booked in two Courtyard suites on the Breakaway, and would choose two similar suites on the Seaside, so I'm not sure there would be a huge difference there. And, fwiw, the ports are exactly the same also.

 

I guess I'm most worried about the entertainment and food. On the Harmony we ate at specialty restaurants and saw a show every night. Concierges would be great so I don't have to worry about reservations, besides that we're pretty low maintenance.

 

Thought you might enjoy some pics you will experience once on board.  These are from my Haven Cruise on the Breakaway a few years ago....

 

 

This is Adrian and I believe Virginia, concierges.  I don’t think they are on the Breakaway any longer.  But, whomever you have, they will be great.  This is the area you will meet with them to have all your booking, billing, reserving, done for you.  They made all my impossible requests, possible.  NCL has the best Concierges....

 

 

Haven Restaurant (actually in the HAVEN)....

 

 

Two tiered Haven Pool and Hot Tub....there’s actually a private area to get a massage so you don’t have to go to the Spa to get one.....

 

 

[graphicguy]

We had breakfast in the Haven outdoor area every a.m. (although we could have had breakfast in the Haven Restaurant, too)....compete with mimosas.....

 

 

If it rains, they can actually close the roof to the Haven pool and hot tub area so you can keep using it....

 

 

Haven lounge and bar area where you can relax, meet up, get a drink, etc.  The large table is actually a large screen where you can look at your photos....

 

 

Private outdoor area for quiet time in the Haven....

 

[graphicguy]

Outdoor area where you can get dinner, have drinks, or just hang out to relax, read, etc....

 

 

 

Fruit art in the outside Haven Area where there are snacks....

 

 

You are escorted by the concierge to the best seats at the shows....

 

[graphicguy]

Hope that helps.  You’ll have a great time on your cruise!!!!!

[daggct]

Thanks @graphicguy

 

 

I think we'll probably stick with the Breakaway. We loved the RCCL entertainment and thought MSC might be similar, and we could save $$ at the same time. But it sounds like it's not quite what we were hoping for. It will stay on my list for when we travel without the kids and shows are not as meaningful to us.

[graphicguy]

21 hours ago, daggct said:

Thanks @graphicguy

 

 

I think we'll probably stick with the Breakaway. We loved the RCCL entertainment and thought MSC might be similar, and we could save $$ at the same time. But it sounds like it's not quite what we were hoping for. It will stay on my list for when we travel without the kids and shows are not as meaningful to us.

You’re more than welcome.  You will enjoy it.

 

Have fun!

[LisaLisa87]

On 2/23/2019 at 4:56 PM, daggct said:

I think we'll probably stick with the Breakaway. We loved the RCCL entertainment and thought MSC might be similar, and we could save $$ at the same time. But it sounds like it's not quite what we were hoping for. It will stay on my list for when we travel without the kids and shows are not as meaningful to us.

 

It sounds like you've made your decision, but FWIW, our 15 year old DD loved the shows on Seaside. They were different from the shows on RCCL, but we all enjoyed them. We'd love to try the Haven, but for the dates we've priced, the YC is generally about half the price. 

[DaCruiseBug]

2 hours ago, LisaLisa87 said:

 

It sounds like you've made your decision, but FWIW, our 15 year old DD loved the shows on Seaside. They were different from the shows on RCCL, but we all enjoyed them. We'd love to try the Haven, but for the dates we've priced, the YC is generally about half the price. 

 

What we liked about the MSC shows is that they were usually about 40-45 minutes long which is a good length. Also, we enjoyed having butlers from the YC in the theater that block off a section just for YC guests so we didn't have to get there 15-20 minutes early for seats.

 

As i've said...the facilities of the Yacht Club put the Haven to shame! On the Seaside there's 2 hot tubs and an actual pool. Not sure how you can call whatever that is in the Haven a pool. The restaurant, lounge, and bar are also all within the YC. No need to leave...ever! The priority elevator was just the cherry on top. Oh...and the BEST pizza you'll ever have.