Haven Questions

[kitty-sail]

My favorite for Haven breakfast is those chocolate pastries. To die for. I usually wind up wrapping one up to save for later.

[complawyer]

i'm torn between the eggs benedict or the french toast. and of course dont forget a glass of champagne or mimosa with breakfast

[TSUmom]

14 minutes ago, complawyer said:

i'm torn between the eggs benedict or the french toast. and of course dont forget a glass of champagne or mimosa with breakfast

For me french toast and mimosa and my DH steak and eggs 

[complawyer]

right on!

[Yinster]

Haven breakfasts are spot on. On my first cruise, I had everything off the menu, trying a different item each morning.

 

Nowadays it's french toast and side of bacon and house potatoes. Can't get enough of the house potatoes

[complawyer]

still, i'm partial to the eggs benedict. i try and talk my wife into ordering the french toast, knowing that she'll never finish it so i'll for sure get some.

 

by the way, the haven buffet is also amazing. what a choice of goodies, and if your server is nice, he/she will bring you a cappuccino or a latte without charging you. if they do this for you, be nice and slip them a few extra pesos

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, complawyer said:

still, i'm partial to the eggs benedict. i try and talk my wife into ordering the french toast, knowing that she'll never finish it so i'll for sure get some.

 

by the way, the haven buffet is also amazing. what a choice of goodies, and if your server is nice, he/she will bring you a cappuccino or a latte without charging you. if they do this for you, be nice and slip them a few extra pesos

I love the Eggs Benedict.  You are so right.  Also, I will never forget the first time I had the Steak & Eggs.  You referred to the buffet.  I think you mean the one in the Dining Room.  OK, now we are talking.  51 weeks a year I crave Lox.  I would never go to a restaurant and order Lox and Bagel with Steak & Eggs.  However, when you can get one or two pieces of lox off that buffet before your breakfast comes, it makes me so happy.

Please allow me to add one more thing.  French Press Coffee. No words......

[TSUmom]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I love the Eggs Benedict.  You are so right.  Also, I will never forget the first time I had the Steak & Eggs.  You referred to the buffet.  I think you mean the one in the Dining Room.  OK, now we are talking.  51 weeks a year I crave Lox.  I would never go to a restaurant and order Lox and Bagel with Steak & Eggs.  However, when you can get one or two pieces of lox off that buffet before your breakfast comes, it makes me so happy.

Please allow me to add one more thing.  French Press Coffee. No words......

Oh yes the French Press Coffee!!

[BrocktonCruiser]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I love the Eggs Benedict.  You are so right.  Also, I will never forget the first time I had the Steak & Eggs.  You referred to the buffet.  I think you mean the one in the Dining Room.  OK, now we are talking.  51 weeks a year I crave Lox.  I would never go to a restaurant and order Lox and Bagel with Steak & Eggs.  However, when you can get one or two pieces of lox off that buffet before your breakfast comes, it makes me so happy.

Please allow me to add one more thing.  French Press Coffee. No words......

They typically had a small buffet in the Haven Restaurant at breakfast, with fruits, pastries, meats and cheeses, cereal etc. that you could use alone or as a supplement to breakfast items off the menu.  Very nice.

 

The French Press coffee also a great perk, although we normally had to ask the waiter not to press it, so it could steep longer.  They tended to press the ground too soon.

 

 

[complawyer]

yes, im referring to the breakfast buffet in the haven restaurant. with all the great things on the haven breakfast menu, as well as the haven buffet, it's a wonder people dont lapse into a food coma.

 

but "what a way to go"

[FLcruisergrl]

9 hours ago, kitty-sail said:

My favorite for Haven breakfast is those chocolate pastries. To die for. I usually wind up wrapping one up to save for later.

I love the almond croissants-still dream about those things! I also like the pancakes with the bananas and the crab cake Benedict (only found this on the Sun).

[kitty-sail]

7 minutes ago, FLcruisergrl said:

I love the almond croissants-still dream about those things! I also like the pancakes with the bananas and the crab cake Benedict (only found this on the Sun).

Did I mention those pastries were low cal (LOL)

 

PS: They have the nerve to put a scale in the bathroom. I dread even looking at the scale when I get home.

Edited August 31, 2021 by kitty-sail

[Treasure Hunter]

Out of six cruises on NCL , three were in the Haven. We go Haven when it’s just the two of us ( with family we all get mini , or now Club suites). We love the Haven with or without the restaurant. I do feel the quality especially of the meat makes it the best restaurant on board. I would love to try Crystal but my husband doesn’t want to dress for dinner like we used to on Princess 30 years ago ( tux, white dinner jacket etc.) He also fell in love with the big airy room at the front of the ship on the Bliss. We have three more NCL cruises lined up. Thanksgiving week on Encore ( back to the club suite) and the Getaway Haven in February and Haven on the Breakaway in September. In between is the Sky Princess ( aft suite ) and Celebrity Equinox ( Celebrity suite) in January. Except for the non smoking casino on Celebrity, we love the Haven best. It costs a fortune,  so it’s discouraging to hear that people take pride in cheating their way in. 

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Out of six cruises on NCL , three were in the Haven. We go Haven when it’s just the two of us ( with family we all get mini , or now Club suites). We love the Haven with or without the restaurant. I do feel the quality especially of the meat makes it the best restaurant on board. I would love to try Crystal but my husband doesn’t want to dress for dinner like we used to on Princess 30 years ago ( tux, white dinner jacket etc.) He also fell in love with the big airy room at the front of the ship on the Bliss. We have three more NCL cruises lined up. Thanksgiving week on Encore ( back to the club suite) and the Getaway Haven in February and Haven on the Breakaway in September. In between is the Sky Princess ( aft suite ) and Celebrity Equinox ( Celebrity suite) in January. Except for the non smoking casino on Celebrity, we love the Haven best. It costs a fortune,  so it’s discouraging to hear that people take pride in cheating their way in. 

Incredible calendar. I am very envious.  I stayed in n a Celebrity Suite, we took our son whom stayed on the sleeper sofa. Great time was had by all. Just got off Crystal and never did anything other the casual.  That said, Haven in November with Adult kids for our belated and several times cancelled, Anniversary Cruise. 

[Treasure Hunter]

What did you like about Crystal? ( that might makes us move from the Haven) I love my slots and good entertainment. Loved Choir of Man and Jersey Boys. Not a fan of chamber music.

[Gatordad1967]

The best part about the Haven, is that it is not overcrowded like the rest of the ship.  Hopefully that never goes away.

 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Treasure Hunter said:

What did you like about Crystal? ( that might makes us move from the Haven) I love my slots and good entertainment. Loved Choir of Man and Jersey Boys. Not a fan of chamber music.

Sorry for the late response.  First and foremost, I don't like the Haven, I LOVE the Haven.  I simply can't wait for November 27, 2021 for my Children to have their first opportunity in the Haven.  

 

On to your question.  The secret to Crystal Cruises for Haven Lovers is to do a 7-day Cruise.  We did the Bahamas or you can do Bermuda out of New York or Boston.  The reason why is totally informal in everyway.  Just like the Haven.  

 

Crystal Cruises:

Food: If you are a Foodie, Crystal Cruise is outstanding.  Not just good or above normal, outstanding. The Main Dining Room called the Waterside is just lovely.  Better then the Haven, just because of the variety.  Just like the Haven, if you want something special, you ask the night before and your have it.  The Crystal specialty restaurants were over the top. Especially the Chinese and Italian.  The meats were the finest quality I have ever had on any cruise.  That is something for me to say because I am picky.  

All Inclusive:  Crystal is a new level of all inclusive.  I will give you a few examples. I told our butler (I will explain later about the butler) I liked Grey Goose Lemon and my wife like Chardonnay.  Within minutes a liter of Grey Goose Lemon and two bottles of wine were in the mini refrigerator.  The mixers, waters, sodas all included. The afternoon snacks were shrimp, crab, fruit and it was great quality.  You never had to show your room card to get a drink or get into a meal.  

The Service: Over the top, crazy good and it was every single crew member. 

Stateroom: They were ok but the key was when you leave your stateroom, everyone and I mean everyone is treated the same on the entire ship.  I had a Penthouse that came with a butler.  Nice but if I ever go back I will save the money and just get a room with a veranda.  The room stewards do everything the butler does just not as often.  Spirits, Wine but the afternoon snacks are only with Penthouse and above.

Great Cigar Lounge:  The very best in every way and you could go to the back of the ship on most decks and have lounge chairs and smoke a cigar.  This back area on most ships are high dollar suites.  On Crystal they are for everyone.  

Value:  Here was the big deal for me and I I did this initially.  The cost of this Luxury Cruise was much less then any suite in the Haven.  Any everything was included except for excursions.  It was a super value to me as one that is used to and likes the Haven. This only holds true on the Ocean voyages to places like Bahamas and Bermuda.  So I felt, lets give it a try.

 

Now for the Cons:  Due to Covid, a ship that holds 980 had 210.  I need more people and action then that.  I love big ships.  The entertainment was how do I say, "No Good" but that is me.  I wanted Choir of Men, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys just like you.  It was NOT there.  No live music at the pool.  Most of the crown was older and I am 64.  Many of the folks that travel Crystal over and over were not my cup of tea.  The pool and hot tubs were empty, like no one.  No music by the pools.  After a few days were were completely bored.  Bingo was cancelled twice due to lack of participation.  Nice small casino with some High-End Players playing serious money which is a fact but not a con. 

 

Conclusion:  I like the "Ship-With-In-A-Ship" approach better because I want action, energy, great shows, then want to go away from the crowds.  However, if I wanted 100% pure pampering and to have chill out time with absolutely no worries, it is and will always be Crystal Cruises.  It is just different.

 

I hope I helped you.  It was fresh in my mind.

 

Cruise well. 

 

 

 

[orchestrapal]

Thanks for your comparisons.
We agree on every pro of Crystal and even with your cons which are PROS for us.  Love the quiet by the pool and the refined crowd with few children.

Once Crystalized we find no turning back even if our suite is not as large as we would like. For us that is the the only easily overlooked con. 

[Treasure Hunter]

Very much helpful. I’ll stick with the Haven. After two days on Crystal I’d probably shoot myself.

[Sthrngary]

16 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Very much helpful. I’ll stick with the Haven. After two days on Crystal I’d probably shoot myself.

Ok, consider this as I am.  If I was going to Europe and wanted the full luxury experience; when covid is over ONLY.  I would do Crystal Cruises 100%.  Why?  Smaller ship, easier port entry and you are going for the ports and destinations.  If I was doing the Caribbean, Mexico, ect for 7 days or less, it would be Haven, Yacht Club or Retreat.   In those situations, I could care less about the ports or even getting off the ship.  Having a variety is nice and it depends on what your end game is.  If you want 100% pure relaxation and pampering, Crystal.  If you want the pampering and big ship experience, Haven.  Isn't it nice to have both.  That is what cruising provides us.  Pretty cool. 

[Sthrngary]

31 minutes ago, orchestrapal said:

Thanks for your comparisons.
We agree on every pro of Crystal and even with your cons which are PROS for us.  Love the quiet by the pool and the refined crowd with few children.

Once Crystalized we find no turning back even if our suite is not as large as we would like. For us that is the the only easily overlooked con. 

I am sure you know that I was a first time Crystal Guest.  I enjoy the cruise very much.  My comparison was at the request of the poster.  I have had issues with the Haven Courtyard being overtaken and it was not pleasant.  That is why I now never book during school vacation and holiday times in the Haven or any other Mainstream Cruise brand.  I adjust my booking know what I know now.  

 

I CAN VERY MUCH see why anyone could get Crystalized.  Just on the service alone with is the best I have ever had.  My suite was a comedy of errors that worked out very nicely for me.  My comparison was focusing on any stateroom on Crystal is as good as most suites on the Haven with the exception of the Butler on Crystal Penthouses and above.  We had Engin who was without a question the best butler I have ever had on any cruise.  No comparison.  As I responded above, it is very nice to have a choice when evaluating what your needs are on your next journey.  

 

Thank you so much for posting. 

 

Cruise well.

[Treasure Hunter]

Ok, I agree if ports are the reason to go. We were supposed to be on the Enchanted Princess in a big Aft Suite on this October 10. Cancelled by Princess for the second time. It was Rome to Malta, Sicily, etc. 😢. But on Caribbean cruises we don’t get off the ship anymore. Oceania has been nice in Europe too. I remember Oceania parking within walking distance of St Mark’s in Venice. I miss the Pacific Princess.  I’m open to trying Crystal in Europe if you promise we don’t have to dress up. Booked for May round trip Paris to D-Day beaches on Tauck riverboat. But might cancel for third time if France doesn’t get covid numbers down. Just took our first American Cruise line on Columbia/Snake for Lewis and Clark. My husband loved the history. Too quiet for me, but met some great people.

[Treasure Hunter]

I gamble while my husband reads. We both go to the shows and love trivia but neither of us drink alcohol anymore. Like good food but happy with someone else cooking and cleaning up . Just love being on the ship and seeing the ocean. I only like my own kids so Celebrity with smoke free casinos is now leading the pack.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Ok, I agree if ports are the reason to go. We were supposed to be on the Enchanted Princess in a big Aft Suite on this October 10. Cancelled by Princess for the second time. It was Rome to Malta, Sicily, etc. 😢. But on Caribbean cruises we don’t get off the ship anymore. Oceania has been nice in Europe too. I remember Oceania parking within walking distance of St Mark’s in Venice. I miss the Pacific Princess.  I’m open to trying Crystal in Europe if you promise we don’t have to dress up. Booked for May round trip Paris to D-Day beaches on Tauck riverboat. But might cancel for third time if France doesn’t get covid numbers down. Just took our first American Cruise line on Columbia/Snake for Lewis and Clark. My husband loved the history. Too quiet for me, but met some great people.

I want to clarify because I want no one to misunderstand.  If you take Crystal to Europe, yes the dress is not the same casual as the Bahamas.  When you go over 7 days, it gets kind of fancy.  You won't like that nor would I.  Since your below post said you like to gamble in a smoke free environment and you only like your kids (I agree, I only like your kids also.  Can my kids travel with you. LOL) I could not agree with you more on the Celebrity Choice especially in the Retreat which is lovely.  I would love to do one of their newer ships in Europe.  

[Treasure Hunter]

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