NCL Haven vs. RC Entertainment/Better Ports

[tomservo]

We were in an aft Haven cabin on the Getaway (Breakaway class ship, Bliss is Breakaway+), and we had a great experience. If you've never tried the Haven, it's worth trying it for yourselves to see if the perks are worth it to you. Everyone values different aspects of cruising differently, which is why you see so many people who enjoy the Haven and those who don't think it's worth it. We enjoy it and think it's worth it, especially with young kids (my kids are 3 and 5 as well!). My wife doesn't like large crowds and likes to be able to get away to the Haven courtyard and sundeck to relax, and with the Bliss you also have the Haven Observation Lounge. As someone pointed out earlier, having the separate living area for our kids to sleep in from our bedroom was key. You could also use the bedroom during the day to nap your youngest while hanging out in the living room (the bedroom can get pretty dark if need be). We actually might be on the same sailing as you in March, we have a Haven cruise on the Bliss out of NYC booked.

 

Here's a link to my picture review of our Getaway sailing in the Haven:

 

To answer some of your specific questions:

On 5/27/2019 at 11:02 AM, Castle511 said:

All valid points -- especially entertainment.  It was ridiculous how much more RC offers for kids compared to NCL.  

We haven't sailed on the Oasis yet, but I felt that there was more than enough fun stuff for a 3/5 yo to do on the Getaway. Yes, there is more on the Oasis, but I think for your kids they would be ecstatic either way so I would focus more on what you want to do on each ship.

 

On 5/27/2019 at 2:59 PM, Castle511 said:

My kids can have a blast in a puddle, so I was thinking the haven pool, while shallow, would be just fine.  Is swimming and playing discouraged in the pool?  I don't want to be "that" parent that ruins it for everyone else.

 

We swam in the Haven pool and hung out in the Haven hot tubs. Swimming in the Haven pool is totally fine, although keep in mind it's pretty small and not very deep. This should give you an idea of the size.

 

Like I said, you won't know how much you like it until you try it for yourself. The Bliss is a great ship, and I think the Haven is a good/great product. If you can try it for a good price, I'd say go for it, especially the aft cabins. Many believe it's the best cabin on the ship (Owner's Suite aside). Finally, don't forget the Oasis is coming to Bayonne in 2020. Why pick when you can do both? 

 

You should post this thread on the NCL forum as well to get some opinions from the other side.

Edited July 24, 2019 by tomservo

[5280mom]

We have sailed in the Haven twice with NCL in a 2 bedroom suite.  Awesome set up and we truly enjoyed the Haven areas-pool, restaurant, priority embarkation, disembarkation, show seats, etc.  However, outside the blissful seclusion of this area, the ships are a crowded and noisy experience.  To be fair, we have been on the Getaway and the Epic, both large ships but no bigger than the Oasis which never felt crowded or noisy.  We will no longer be considering this line for several reasons.  Also, I would not consider rooming outside the immediate Haven area.  Having to haul your pool stuff and kids to the Haven to swim, relax at the bar or eat is not an ideal situation.  

[tomservo]

I should also mention that the following Haven perks were key for us with our children:

 

Priority Embarkation - Kids waited in the priority lounge on the dock and had juice and snacks while I checked in, then we were escorted on board.

 

Priority Debarkation - We were escorted off the ship via the crew elevators (which our kids loved) and bypassed all the lines all the way to customs. This probably saved us an hour or so of getting off the ship.

 

Reserved seating for shows - You may or may not use this, but I've heard that you may have to wait 20-30 minutes in line for some of the Oasis shows. There is reserved seating at most shows for Haven guests, no need to wait in line.

 

In room dining - if your kids are having a hard time at the restaurants, your butler can bring you a full course meal to your room from of the restaurants, including specialty and the Haven restaurant.

[tomservo]

2 minutes ago, 5280mom said:

We have sailed in the Haven twice with NCL in a 2 bedroom suite.  Awesome set up and we truly enjoyed the Haven areas-pool, restaurant, priority embarkation, disembarkation, show seats, etc.  However, outside the blissful seclusion of this area, the ships are a crowded and noisy experience.  To be fair, we have been on the Getaway and the Epic, both large ships but no bigger than the Oasis which never felt crowded or noisy.  We will no longer be considering this line for several reasons.  Also, I would not consider rooming outside the immediate Haven area.  Having to haul your pool stuff and kids to the Haven to swim, relax at the bar or eat is not an ideal situation.  

For us the Aft suite was worth being outside of the Haven, but I get what you're saying, we would like to try being in the Haven one day as well. 

[Glide_Path]

I did a 2 bedroom haven on the Getaway with my then 4 year old, also did Harmony and Oasis with him when he was 3 and then 5.   He really enjoyed the Oasis class ship more.  There's just more "kids" things to do.  Carousel, balloon animal, face painting, ice show, water show, kids splash area, parades... just my 2cents. 

[mjkacmom]

I could be wrong, but I think kids don’t have to be potty trained on NCL, but parents are given a pager since they don’t change them.

[sandebeach]

On 5/27/2019 at 2:59 PM, Castle511 said:

 

Yeah, our assumption is if we are on the Bliss it's unlikely we'll be attending the shows (and to some extent that may be true on RC).  We have a refundable deposit on an aft haven cabin.  While not in the haven, we liked the balcony size for all of us and it fit better with our budget. 

My kids can have a blast in a puddle, so I was thinking the haven pool, while shallow, would be just fine.  Is swimming and playing discouraged in the pool?  I don't want to be "that" parent that ruins it for everyone else.

 

Thanks!

My husband’s favorite cabin remains the aft Haven suite. That large aft balcony is wonderful! Your kids can play out there. I would also consider the “perks” that come with the suite versus a non-suite cabin, on any ship.