Buyers Remorse

[Shoppie124]

I am having buyers remorse....  My only cruise experience was an awful cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco (HAL).  It was a work trip so I didn't get to do much in the way of activities.

 

We are booked in the Haven on the Breakaway (End of August).  We booked the Haven because the HAL cabin was barely big enough for me let alone my 6'7" husband and my tween who wears four outfits a day

 

The price of the cruise didn't get me... it was getting to Miami (I could fly to Europe cheaper), the hotel in Miami before the cruise and the hotel in Ft Lauderdale after (because of flight costs), excursions (OMG!  I spent a small fortune - None of them are booked via NCL due to cost)

 

As I add it up, It is costing me a small fortune...  We could have gone to Europe (4 different countries) for 12 days cheaper - all in with spending money.

 

I haven't met a dollar I didn't like to spend but I'm starting to have remorse over this vacation.  My husband rarely goes on vacation with us due to health issues.. 

 

Experienced cruisers... make me feel better...please....

[meglet]

For me anyway, there is nothing like cruising.  The slow sailaway that allows your mind and body to "catch up" with each other after a really stressful year of work and family life.  The luxury of watching that sailaway on your private balcony with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  Yeah, your cruise is probably the same amount of money as a Europe trip, but I'd prefer a cruise over slogging through airports, dealing with jet lag, figuring out where to eat every night in a new city, fighting crowds. I hope you enjoy the Haven!  I've been in suites before, but never on an NCL ship with a Haven and I can't wait.

 

HAL Neptune suites are large and quite nice if you ever have that option.

[amygutman]

Haven = Heaven. 

 

My husband, myself (late 40s) and 10 yo brought my parents and in-laws (late 70s) on a Christmas vacation 2 years ago - the Haven staff pulled out the stops to make everything EASY for our parents. Escorts, pampering, room service, tons of low impact activities for them...it was perfect. 

 

If you have a family member with ill health, then knowing you can sit by the covered pool and just relax, enjoy and be taken care of for a week - that is money worth spending. The travel aspect is not fun...but you would be flying to the Med anyway, correct?

 

We have never ever regretted spending extra on the Haven. To us - it is priceless. 

 

Have a great trip! Amy

 

 

[Beachiekeen]

I’ve never been in the Haven but I think it will be heaven like the PP said. But I know how you feel, our upcoming cruise on the POA is downright astronomical as cruises go, however the way I think of it is, we are spending the same amount of money we would spend anyway, it’s just on a cruise rather than a land vacation.  

 

To me, there is no vacation as relaxing as a cruise. I hope you and your husband have a wonderful time!

[Pete's Girl]

24 minutes ago, Shoppie124 said:

I am having buyers remorse....  My only cruise experience was an awful cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco (HAL).  It was a work trip so I didn't get to do much in the way of activities.

 

We are booked in the Haven on the Breakaway (End of August).  We booked the Haven because the HAL cabin was barely big enough for me let alone my 6'7" husband and my tween who wears four outfits a day

 

The price of the cruise didn't get me... it was getting to Miami (I could fly to Europe cheaper), the hotel in Miami before the cruise and the hotel in Ft Lauderdale after (because of flight costs), excursions (OMG!  I spent a small fortune - None of them are booked via NCL due to cost)

 

As I add it up, It is costing me a small fortune...  We could have gone to Europe (4 different countries) for 12 days cheaper - all in with spending money.

 

I haven't met a dollar I didn't like to spend but I'm starting to have remorse over this vacation.  My husband rarely goes on vacation with us due to health issues.. 

 

Experienced cruisers... make me feel better...please....

You mention that your husband doesn't vacation with you often because of health challenges.  I totally get that.  Would he be able to do Europe in the way that you've described?  If the answer is no, then regardless of cost, you made the right decision with your cruise.

 

I am disabled and I LOVE to travel.  But my condition makes it very hard to go anywhere.  I have little energy on a good day, on challenging days, I'm in bed.  However, getting away from my environment is so pivotal to combating the depression and angst that goes along with dealing with health challenges.  Because of that, cruising really works well for us.  If my mobility is challenging, I can park myself somewhere....anywhere....and get that change of scenery.  I have the option to do as little or as much as I like....and depending on the itinerary, I can wake up in a different place each morning....with little to no exertion.  How cool is that???  

 

Because of my challenges, I find that the Haven offers me exactly what I need to have a relaxing vacation.  I don't have to walk around looking for loungers...I don't have to get up at 6am and join those who drop towels for hours just to save themselves seats....there is a restaurant close by that offers very little wait time...and I can enjoy lunch around the pool without worrying if I'll lose my balance and fall due to so many lounges literally placed on top of one another.  It's relaxed, it's beautiful, and it's stress-free.  We budget every year so that we can be in the Haven.  Not because we're made of money (although I'm with you...there is not a dollar I don't like to spend), but because you can't put a price tag or a dollar value on relaxing vacations and what it does for your mental health....especially when you've got significant challenges.

 

I say go on this cruise....forget the cost, it's already paid for....and make amazing memories with your family.  Celebrate the fact that your husband is traveling with you....and enjoy every second of it.  At the end of the day, having your family with you for the week...in a way that will make things easier on your husband....trust me...it's priceless.  Have fun!!!

[RDH377]

I agree, the Haven is worth it. Did a Garden Villa with 7 of us total on the Gem from NYC to Bahamas. This cruise was at the request of my MiL. None of us, ranging in age from late 40's to 90, had ever been on a cruise before. Boy, does the Haven staff take care of you, zero stress from the moment of check-in to being escorted off the ship and to your bags at voyage end. Just one example,

 

Sister-in-law was feeling seasick on the day we had booked the Japanese restaurant to celebrate in-laws 60th anniversary. 6 of us went to the restaurant and sis stayed in the cabin. Called the butler to request ginger tea to the cabin. Before it arrived, sis came to the restaurant. Restaurant manager called the butler to have him bring the tea to the restaurant. Before he could make it sis went back to the cabin. Butler then showed up and after being informed took the tea back to the suite. All with a smile and concern for her well-being. Oh, and the suite was stocked with ginger tea everyday for the rest of the trip without us asking.

 

Last note, I am 6'5" myself with bad joints/back. Plenty of room in the suite, plenty of space in the haven area, room service anytime if you want it, priority reservations at any restaurant etc., and the shower was fine for my height though your husband will have to bend a bit. Bon voyage.

[graphicguy]

So, sounds like the real thorn in your side is the flight to and from Miami and the hotel stays?

 

Not sure where you’re flying from.  But, this far out, you should be able to get some pretty decent fares flying in and out of MIA.  Not sure the hotels you’re staying at, either.  I know I can stay pre-cruise in MIA for around $100/nite.  No, not the 4 Seasons, but decent enough hotel to spend the night before the cruise.

 

Give us a little more info and we might be able to help.

[Shoppie124]

9 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

So, sounds like the real thorn in your side is the flight to and from Miami and the hotel stays?

 

Not sure where you’re flying from.  But, this far out, you should be able to get some pretty decent fares flying in and out of MIA.  Not sure the hotels you’re staying at, either.  I know I can stay pre-cruise in MIA for around $100/nite.  No, not the 4 Seasons, but decent enough hotel to spend the night before the cruise.

 

Give us a little more info and we might be able to help.

We're flying out of Buffalo, NY... The flights are book - it would have cost me over $2k to fly in/out of Miami.  We are flying in/out to FLL and taking an Uber/Lyft (saving us over $700).

 

We are staying near the cruise port in Miami two days before (cost benefit of flight cost vs hotel/meals for an extra night).  Then one night near FLL (again cost benefit of flight cost vs meals/hotel for an extra night)

[LVCruiser65]

Just got home from a week in the Escape's Haven.  I know you're stressed right now between the cost , preparation and anticipation. I get that. I've been there. All I can say, is once you get to the terminal and say "We're in The Haven" it will all be a dream. The rooms are huge. Service is excellent. Cruising is great for the mere fact that you unpack and your hotel takes you to all your destinations. Relax and be Pampered!! 

Edited May 15, 2019 by LVCruiser65
Grammar

[graphicguy]

 

 

18 minutes ago, Shoppie124 said:

We're flying out of Buffalo, NY... The flights are book - it would have cost me over $2k to fly in/out of Miami.  We are flying in/out to FLL and taking an Uber/Lyft (saving us over $700).

 

We are staying near the cruise port in Miami two days before (cost benefit of flight cost vs hotel/meals for an extra night).  Then one night near FLL (again cost benefit of flight cost vs meals/hotel for an extra night)

OK...so you’ve already got your flights booked.  Good move flying into FLL.

 

So, sounds like you’ve crossed all your “T”s and dotted your “i”s.

 

I know I sailed in Europe about 18 months ago, and found it to be less expensive than sailing in the Caribbean, too.

 

But, the amount I had to spend on extra hotel nights just to rest up before and after cruising the Mediterranean gobbled up all the relative savings.

 

Haven is one of the greatest ways to cruise I’ve ever experienced.  Not sure what category of Haven cabin you booked, but the service will be the same......outstanding.  It will be NOTHING like your HAL cruise out of Vancouver (assuming it was a repositioning cruise to San Francisco).  I’ve actually done that trip myself on HAL a few years ago.  It was cheap, but still not worth the money.

 

Have fun.  You’ll love the Haven.

[buddylover]

55 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

So, sounds like the real thorn in your side is the flight to and from Miami and the hotel stays?

 

Not sure where you’re flying from.  But, this far out, you should be able to get some pretty decent fares flying in and out of MIA.  Not sure the hotels you’re staying at, either.  I know I can stay pre-cruise in MIA for around $100/nite.  No, not the 4 Seasons, but decent enough hotel to spend the night before the cruise.

 

Give us a little more info and we might be able to help.

We cruise in and out of FLL and MIA multiple times a year and haven't seen $100/nite in MIA for a Long Long time.  What time of year and what hotels do you stay in pre-cruise for $100/nite in MIA?  Just curious as I have 2 more booked cruises for FLA and can't find a hotel for under close to double that??

[graphicguy]

6 minutes ago, buddylover said:

We cruise in and out of FLL and MIA multiple times a year and haven't seen $100/nite in MIA for a Long Long time.  What time of year and what hotels do you stay in pre-cruise for $100/nite in MIA?  Just curious as I have 2 more booked cruises for FLA and can't find a hotel for under close to double that??

I've stayed in a couple for around $100/nite.  In all frankness, it's been about a year since I stayed in Miami, so prices could (and do) change depending on time of year.  But, I try to stay around the Whole Foods Market around "Bricknell" (sp?).  

 

I can get really good meals at the Whole Foods (and a nice cold beer) without spending $$$ eating out at the restaurants at some of those trendier places.  Plus, I can walk to Whole Foods, negating the need for Uber/Lyft/Taxi.

Edited May 15, 2019 by graphicguy

[Shoppie124]

4 minutes ago, buddylover said:

We cruise in and out of FLL and MIA multiple times a year and haven't seen $100/nite in MIA for a Long Long time.  What time of year and what hotels do you stay in pre-cruise for $100/nite in MIA?  Just curious as I have 2 more booked cruises for FLA and can't find a hotel for under close to double that??

I'm in the same boat for Miami.  I think the hotel was $189 a night.

[graphicguy]

1 minute ago, Shoppie124 said:

I'm in the same boat for Miami.  I think the hotel was $189 a night.

IIRC, I think I stayed at the Aloft and Holiday Inn for a LOT less than $189/nite.

[buddylover]

15 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I've stayed in a couple for around $100/nite.  In all frankness, it's been about a year since I stayed in Miami, so prices could (and do) change depending on time of year.  But, I try to stay around the Whole Foods Market around "Bricknell" (sp?).  

 

I can get really good meals at the Whole Foods (and a nice cold beer) without spending $$$ eating out at the restaurants at some of those trendier places.  Plus, I can walk to Whole Foods, negating the need for Uber/Lyft/Taxi.

I think it is probably longer ago than 1 year.....look again....especially Bricknell near the port.....hardly anything under DOUBLE that....Please state hotel name and date of stay.....those days are over and I am a good shopper for 'value'.

[graphicguy]

4 minutes ago, buddylover said:

I think it is probably longer ago than 1 year.....look again....especially Bricknell near the port.....hardly anything under DOUBLE that....Please state hotel name and date of stay.....those days are over and I am a good shopper for 'value'.

Last time I was down that way was Sept '18.  I believe I stayed at the Holiday Inn around that area....about ¾ mile from the Whole Foods I alluded to.

[FLAHAM]

$189/night (or higher) is roughly the going rate for a decent downtown hotel in many of the largest US cities these days. 

[graphicguy]

Just did a quick look at the Holiday Inn Miami and this popped up first.....

 

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/miami/miaex/hoteldetail

[Philatelyisforme]

I feel your pain.   We are booked on the Oasis next March (yes Spring Break makes it so much worse).   We are flying from Vancouver to Miami, and my flights to Copenhagen were cheaper than it is for me to fly to Miami.   I managed to find a fairly decent deal on one way airfare out of Seattle so I did that but then factoring in the hotel the night before the flight to Miami, the hotel the night before the cruise (I too would love to know where I can get a $100 a night hotel in Miami as the one I have currently booked is $250) then the cruise.    Really really REALLY starts to add up fast.    I had a mild panic attack in the bathroom this morning after I calculated it.     I just have to remember its great memories for my daughter....right?

 

Hope you have a great trip!

[Nic6318]

Hi

 

It looks like it's bought and paid for. You can't back out without some financial loss. So it's a done deal. 

 

The planning, deciding whether you would rather go to Europe or a cruise, are typically thought out beforehand. The choice was made by you to choose an exclusive onboard experience. There is nothing to worry about now, you are going to have a wonderful time. 

 

Most people don't spend that much on a cruise. Figuring that there are thousands of people sailing with you, so relatively there would only be a handful spending as much. 

 

As some have already answered, the question you are likely asking is... are these exclusive cabins worth the exclusive cost? By the end of August, you will be able to tell us what you think. Personally I would rather go on 2-3 maybe 4 less expensive cruises rather than one expensive one, but that's me. 😁

 

have a great cruise

[FLcruisergrl]

On 5/15/2019 at 8:18 AM, Shoppie124 said:

I am having buyers remorse....  My only cruise experience was an awful cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco (HAL).  It was a work trip so I didn't get to do much in the way of activities.

 

We are booked in the Haven on the Breakaway (End of August).  We booked the Haven because the HAL cabin was barely big enough for me let alone my 6'7" husband and my tween who wears four outfits a day

 

The price of the cruise didn't get me... it was getting to Miami (I could fly to Europe cheaper), the hotel in Miami before the cruise and the hotel in Ft Lauderdale after (because of flight costs), excursions (OMG!  I spent a small fortune - None of them are booked via NCL due to cost)

 

As I add it up, It is costing me a small fortune...  We could have gone to Europe (4 different countries) for 12 days cheaper - all in with spending money.

 

I haven't met a dollar I didn't like to spend but I'm starting to have remorse over this vacation.  My husband rarely goes on vacation with us due to health issues.. 

 

Experienced cruisers... make me feel better...please....

But it’s the Haven! You’re going to be totally and completely spoiled. Yes, you could’ve gone to Europe, but would it have been in the same style as the Haven?

[bonvoyagie]

Not sure when you booked your flights - but now the cost of jet fuel is low and airlines have good rates. I usually start looking at airfare about 300 days out from when I want to cruise. I see where united has some good fares between Buffalo and Miami right now at around 300/per person RT. I don't often travel on embarkation day and try to stay in a hotel that offers free pickup from the airport and delivery to the cruise terminal - saves a lot on taxi/ubers.

 

Once you get on a longer cruise (sorry but Seattle to SFO is not much of a cruise and it was for work. The cruise ship is a fantastic floating/traveling hotel with full entertainment and meals included.

 

Relax and enjoy it. You will love the suite life on NCL.

[Shoppie124]

7 hours ago, Philatelyisforme said:

I feel your pain.   We are booked on the Oasis next March (yes Spring Break makes it so much worse).   We are flying from Vancouver to Miami, and my flights to Copenhagen were cheaper than it is for me to fly to Miami.   I managed to find a fairly decent deal on one way airfare out of Seattle so I did that but then factoring in the hotel the night before the flight to Miami, the hotel the night before the cruise (I too would love to know where I can get a $100 a night hotel in Miami as the one I have currently booked is $250) then the cruise.    Really really REALLY starts to add up fast.    I had a mild panic attack in the bathroom this morning after I calculated it.     I just have to remember its great memories for my daughter....right?

 

Hope you have a great trip!

You are totally right about the memories 💕

[buddylover]

16 hours ago, bonvoyagie said:

Not sure when you booked your flights - but now the cost of jet fuel is low and airlines have good rates. I usually start looking at airfare about 300 days out from when I want to cruise. I see where united has some good fares between Buffalo and Miami right now at around 300/per person RT. I don't often travel on embarkation day and try to stay in a hotel that offers free pickup from the airport and delivery to the cruise terminal - saves a lot on taxi/ubers.

 

Once you get on a longer cruise (sorry but Seattle to SFO is not much of a cruise and it was for work. The cruise ship is a fantastic floating/traveling hotel with full entertainment and meals included.

 

Relax and enjoy it. You will love the suite life on NCL.

We, too, try to book when flights open about 330 days out (as we book cruises when they 'open' too).....but lately, even with the cost of fuel low, the price of tickets is HIGH!!  It depends, of course where you are flying to and from, tickets to FLA from Chicago are around $400 on the low side...we used to fly rt for about $225 and they had zoomed up when fuel went up in cost, and have NOT come back down....hmmmm!!

[nicoleinwi]

I guess main take away form this is check out all costs before booking. 

 

But go and you will have a great time.  We had a cruise to Bermuda last summer and I thought it was pricey ($6300 for everything for DH & I).  I knew the cost going in and was fine with it.  But then as the trip got closer I started thinking about wanting to go elsewhere for that price.  We still went and it was one of favorite cruises.  Sometimes the ones that you don't think will be, will end up being your favorite.