Which Haven Cabin?

[krittykat]

Cruising on the Breakaway in December.  Originally planned on a Haven Aft Penthouse, 1 Bedroom for my hubby, adult daughter and I. I like the idea of the large balcony and aft view. But wondering if that is worth being so far away from the Haven itself.  Which would you recommend - Aft Penthouse or 2 Bedroom family villa? And why?

[BirdTravels]

In either room, the daughter gets a sofa to sleep on. The aft or forward rooms are nice because there are a separate living room (for the daughter). The 2 BR gives you an extra full bath for the daughter. 

 

Personally, I would take the 2BR in the Haven complex. You get a medium size balcony. And almost immediate access to the sun deck and indoor deck (air conditioned sunshine). The daughter gets her own [tiny] room and bathroom. 

[FLcruisergrl]

The views from the aft and the size of that balcony can’t be beat! We practically lived on our deck 9 balcony on our Breakaway cruise. The walk to the Haven wasn’t bad at all. 

[brookie848]

I think there are two questions you need to answer.

 

First, how attached are you to the aft balcony? If you spend a lot of time on the balcony and love it then it may be worth the annoyance of someone sleeping in the living room. Is everyone in your family on the same schedule? That is one of the greatest things about three people in a 2-bedroom. There is room to spread out if people wake up early or stay out late.

 

The second question is how much privacy does your daughter want? We love the 2-bedrooms because the third person gets their own room and bathroom. It may not be a large room, but it is perfect for sleeping and having privacy to get ready.

 

I also like being in the Haven complex. I feel that even if we don't ask a lot of the concierge, it is still nice to walk past their desk and say hello. I also like the convenience of having the bar and restaurant close by. And my husband likes the convenience of stopping in the courtyard to get M&Ms and pound cake when he walks through.

 

Good luck with your decision.

[Georgia_Peaches]

We have done an aft penthouse on Breakaway, deck 9 which has the largest deck and the master bath facing the ocean.  We absolutely LOVED this room.  We used our balcony for breakfast in the morning and pre-dinner cocktails.  We napped on the balcony and had some fantastic people watching as they returned to the ship on port days.  I like a lot of shade and this balcony had it in spades.  But unlike your situation, we only had 2 people.

 

The 2 bedroom family suite will give your daughter a proper door for privacy unlike the aft suite which has a convertible sofa in the living room.  And the 2 bed is also located within the Haven complex which is a little more convenient.  If we were traveling with a third person, we'd probably opt for the 2 bedroom over the aft for these reasons.

[BEACHBARB]

My 2 sisters and I have been in a forward facing Haven (lots of storage, tiny balcony, noise from crew at night below widows) and been in aft Haven twice.  Loved the aft but this past cruise got tired of the long walk to the Haven area so next cruise we are going with a 2 bedroom.  Being close to all the amenities in the Haven will be worth it we think.

[gmbhardy]

We’ve sailed on the Bliss twice, but not in the Haven. We have however stayed in an aft Haven suite on the Getaway with our adult son. We loved it. The balcony is nothing short of amazing. There is a certain level of privacy in that the master bedroom has a door and connecting washroom. The hike to the Haven proper is a bit of a hassle but in my opinion the aft experience and balcony trumps the walk. We’ve also stayed in courtyard suites and spa suites but like the aft suites the best.

[krittykat]

Thanks all. You have given me a lot to think about. I have booked the aft penthouse.  I think I  may put in a bid for the 2 bedroom if the chance comes up.

[maja651]

One thing no one has brought up is the  major convenience factor when located in the  Haven for things like escort off the ship for tender ports, for debarkation, for escort to shows with Haven group, etc.  For these types of things, you meet in the Haven complex. It is especially nice on debarkation day if you have a carry on, so you don’t have to lug it to the Haven complex to debark. Plus - you won’t have to fight for an elevator UP to the Haven to go DOWN to debark.

[Sea saw 56]

4 hours ago, maja651 said:

One thing no one has brought up is the  major convenience factor when located in the  Haven for things like escort off the ship for tender ports, for debarkation, for escort to shows with Haven group, etc.  For these types of things, you meet in the Haven complex. It is especially nice on debarkation day if you have a carry on, so you don’t have to lug it to the Haven complex to debark. Plus - you won’t have to fight for an elevator UP to the Haven to go DOWN to debark.

We are in our mid sixties, stayed in a 9th floor aft penthouse suite for the 1st time in January on the Getaway.

We normally stay in an owners suite, DOS, or GV.  We really enjoyed the huge aft balcony, and even tho we are "old", did not mind the walk to the Haven for meals, escorts off the ship for tenders and debarkation were no problem either, nor elevators, luggage, etc.  The concierge helps those in the aft balcony just as much as those in the complex proper (at least in our experience).

It was actually our 1st BIG ship, other than a 15 day Epic TA, even tho we are Plat+ with lots of NCL suite time.

That aft balcony was much more attractive to us than a tiny balcony in the Haven complex.  Enormous!

We learned that the savings on an aft suite is worth it.  Even at our age we don't mind walking a bit to work off all those good meals and yummy drinks!

The only issue may be that the shower in the guest bathroom is VERY TIGHT, I used it but I am 4'-11" and only weigh 110 pounds.

[krittykat]

15 hours ago, Sea saw 56 said:

We are in our mid sixties, stayed in a 9th floor aft penthouse suite for the 1st time in January on the Getaway.

We normally stay in an owners suite, DOS, or GV.  We really enjoyed the huge aft balcony, and even tho we are "old", did not mind the walk to the Haven for meals, escorts off the ship for tenders and debarkation were no problem either, nor elevators, luggage, etc.  The concierge helps those in the aft balcony just as much as those in the complex proper (at least in our experience).

It was actually our 1st BIG ship, other than a 15 day Epic TA, even tho we are Plat+ with lots of NCL suite time.

That aft balcony was much more attractive to us than a tiny balcony in the Haven complex.  Enormous!

We learned that the savings on an aft suite is worth it.  Even at our age we don't mind walking a bit to work off all those good meals and yummy drinks!

The only issue may be that the shower in the guest bathroom is VERY TIGHT, I used it but I am 4'-11" and only weigh 110 pounds.

Thanks for that information.  I have booked the aft balcony on 10. My daughter is small - 5'4", 125lbs.  She can handle the small bathroom. She would like the privacy of her own room but understands that it might come with a large price tag.  I like the idea of the large balcony. I have never had this nor have I had an aft view.  I am interested to experience this.
Not being in the Haven complex is a little disappointing but it sounds like aside from the walk - it would be the same experience.

[CTnewcruiser]

We stayed in an aft Haven suite on the Getaway with our teenaged son.  The walk to the Haven was a bit of a hassle, but what I really didn’t like was that access to the bathroom was only thought the bedroom.  If my son who was sleeping on the couch in the living room had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, he had to open the door and creep into our room.

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, CTnewcruiser said:

We stayed in an aft Haven suite on the Getaway with our teenaged son.  The walk to the Haven was a bit of a hassle, but what I really didn’t like was that access to the bathroom was only thought the bedroom.  If my son who was sleeping on the couch in the living room had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, he had to open the door and creep into our room.

 

 

Why didn't he use the small bathroom that is opposite the entrance door when you first enter the suite?

[Vyhanek]

Definitely the 2 bedroom.   Daughter will be more comfortable with her own space, her own bed AND a separate place to keep her stuff.    Her having to have a make shift bedroom in your living room area, monopolizes the living room.    You won't be able to enjoy the living room as much.    

 

Ive found when Im  in the Haven the size of my own personal balcony isn't as important as long as I have one.   But a bedroom for all adults.....that is important.   

[david_sobe]

I've been in a forward penthouse and Haven penthouse and Haven 2 bedroom suite.  Sorry I cant give my 2 cents about an aft penthouse.   However, I booked the forward penthouse for the price of course.  But I was surprised what a difference it made not being in the Haven.  We felt like outsiders who were just granted access.  If price or budget is not an issue, IMHO it is definitely worth a little extra to stay in the Haven.  All the Haven amenities are at your doorstep (restaurant, pool, sundeck, concierge, etc).  You get to know the staff better too since they see you more too.

Edited April 10, 2020 by david_sobe

[Georgia_Peaches]

4 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Why didn't he use the small bathroom that is opposite the entrance door when you first enter the suite?

Great question.  There is no reason for a third party to have to access the master bath during the night.  The second full bathroom is a spectacular bonus to this category.