Regular Joe in The Haven

[nhtravels]

25 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

  Don't families staying in the Haven come out to do other things?  I really don't know.

Sometimes yes.  And sometimes no.  

Our multi-generational family was in the Haven last week on the Joy.  And it was not the greatest weather, so for our little grands benefit, we did spend a good part of the day at the Haven pool.  At night though, when they were settled for the night, you can be sure that this Gigi and Bumpa roamed the ship - the bars, the Waterfront and the casino!

[vacation44]

@nitecapt I do not believe you stated what is the date of the cruise.    Are you past final payment?  

[nitecapt]

27 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

@nitecapt I do not believe you stated what is the date of the cruise.    Are you past final payment?  

Yup...past final payment so all I can do is grin and bear it

[psac]

If you’re miserable about a vacation before going on the vacation, you will be miserable ON the vacation for sure. Nothing will convince you the vacation is worth it if you already hate it now. 
 

it really sounds like you should have been part of the planning. Whether they left you out to surprise you, or because they intentionally thought you would say no, or you just thought your wife would make a good decision, it obviously didn’t work out well. You should find out if it’s past final payment (did you pay for it yet, or just the deposit?), because if it’s not paid, you should ask for another family discussion to see what the options are. Can you agree to do family thing outside of the Haven if you just book a balcony?  Will they actually be in the Haven if you book the Haven room?  Are some of the cheaper Haven cabins available?  (Even if you move to the same type cabin without the extended balcony — one flight up— you might save $1000.). Are the dates flexible to choose a cheaper week?  (Maybe not if they’re working around the grandkids’ school schedules.)

 

Personally we love the Haven, and we’re an ordinary Joe and Jane, but we live in a small house, don’t go crazy on every day expenditures, etc., so we can splurge on our vacations!  That’s what we like to spend our money on.
 

If you can’t picture yourself enjoying the trip, then you need to do something. 

 

ps — in terms of you not going at all, your wife would still pay close to the same amount as both of you if she went herself, since the cabins are made for dual occupancy, unless the cabin the rest of the family are in is big enough to fit her in it. 

[psac]

1 minute ago, nitecapt said:

Yup...past final payment so all I can do is grin and bear it

…in that case, there really isn’t much you can do, except do more research as to how you can get the most out of this trip, so you will actually look forward to enjoying it, as opposed to just spending the five days counting how much paid for everything, grinning and bearing it like you’re at the dentist or something unpleasant.  If you’re excited about the trip, then you hopefully will actually enjoy it!

[Georgia_Peaches]

I’ve never met anyone in the Haven (myself included) who wasn’t a “regular Joe” (or Jane). Haven is totally worth it in my opinion but I love a suite experience.  Ive also been in a regular balcony stateroom too. Had a great time. 

[ChiefMateJRK]

48 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Haven is totally worth it in my opinion

Even at eight large for five days?

[david_sobe]

Going back to the original complaint from the OP about all the "extras" in the Haven.  Yes NCL will still nickel and dime you in the Haven. You will pay extra for internet, specialty dining, spa services, any activities, excursions, soda, drinks etc.  Its definitely not all inclusive. You will actually pay more for daily gratuities for cleaning your cabin, etc.

Dont get me wrong, I love the Haven but its more marketing in making people "feel" special than actually treating them special.  

If you go back many years, the Haven had better fluffy beach towels, got several liters of spring water, drink specials in the Haven bar, etc.  All that is gone. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

8 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Even at eight large for five days?

No, that’s too much for 5 days,imo.  But the price for 5 days doesn’t change the clientele…people who are paying 8k pp for 5 days are still “regular Joe’s”…they’re just not in their right minds. 

[goldmom]

Since you are past final payment, just go and enjoy the cruise.

In answer to your other question.  Yes, if you don't want to upgrade to unlimited minutes,  you can also use your wife's Free at Sea internet minutes.  Just sign in through her account.  Also, if you don't upgrade to the unlimited minutes make sure to sign out every time you are finished otherwise those minutes disappear fast.

[JustAPilot]

Can we also comment on how NCL is charging $8,000 for a 5 day cruise to Bermuda? That’s pure robbery, stealing candy from a baby. 😂

[laudergayle]

If you bought NCL Booksafe insurance and you cancel for no covered reason you could, after a lengthy process, get a future cruise credit that could be used on several cruises in the future. Credit of either 75-100% based on what coverage you purchased minus cost of insurance.

 

however, that probably isn’t the best choice for you as it 1) you will have still paid the $7800 now, 2) you don’t seem to be a “lover of cruising” — understandable considering your time spent previously as a captain, 3) DH will likely be very unhappy if you cancel.

 

so, IMO, here’s the choice “you” have to make:

1) go and find that very expensive lounger, and soak up the quiet time in the Haven (as the rest of the ship will be hopping), and enjoy family as much as you want.

2) stay home and forgo the expensive experience you already paid for — let DH enjoy by herself

3) cancel…see above 

 

If you’ve never been to Bermuda, it’s beautiful and the locals are so polite and nice.  Also, I believe at the Royal Dockyard in Bermuda they have free wifi.  You have to log out of ships wifi and onto theirs.  
 

Regardless of what you choose…this situation will always “sting”. Sometimes it will bother you more than others…so try not to dwell on it.  What’s done is done.  Get the best out of it.  And have that hard discussion with DH so it doesn’t happen again. 
 

 

[nitecapt]

I have been to Bermuda and I took a ship to France as a young person (believe it or not, the SS France) and I assume that entertainment had moved ages on, but so have I. If I were 40 or so and in good orthopedic health, I would be doing all that with the kids. Too bad I can't bring the pups as emotional support animals!!

Thanks for all your suggestions

[laudergayle]

3 minutes ago, nitecapt said:

I have been to Bermuda and I took a ship to France as a young person (believe it or not, the SS France) and I assume that entertainment had moved ages on, but so have I. If I were 40 or so and in good orthopedic health, I would be doing all that with the kids. Too bad I can't bring the pups as emotional support animals!!

Thanks for all your suggestions

If you have orthopedic struggles (they’re real and they suck), you may want to consider renting a scooter onboard so you can easily get around the ship.  You will see several onboard. The Joy is a big ship.  The entertainment is worth seeing.  Make sure your puppy sitter sends you pictures.  

[Sthrngary]

I went back to original post and re-read it.  This was your first post on CruiseCritic.com and as you can see, lot of kind folks responded including myself.  You have been given advice, thoughts and opinions.  Some suited you and other did not.  That is what social media is all about.  Different frames of reference. 

 

No with all due respect, it is clear you will be going on my favorite of the NCL Ships the NCL Joy, in one of my favorite suites in my favorite area the Haven.  You have made your final payment whether it was your idea or not.  Time to shift the focus from the way you found out about the cost and cabin to having the time of your life and the people that love you.

 

Read the streams on how to have the best time in the Haven, they will serve you well.  I want to give you some very heart felt advice.  It is time to simply forget about the investment you made or if it will be worth it.  That is out of your control and based on your posts, you enjoy every ones company in your family. If you continue to feel somewhat manipulated based on your many posts, I assure you, this will not be a pleasant five days.  I know, I have made that very mistake.  

 

Now focus on the Haven Horizon Observation Lounge, a very comfortable chair looking at the ocean with possibly a nice cup of coffee.  It was my special and private place.  Focus on the great time you will and have an I do suggest going on the go carts.  I am 65 and had a ball.  Now focus on enjoyment.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

 

 

[nitecapt]

Thank you for your great advice. I have listened and heeded. I will go and of course enjoy as much as I can while I worry about things at home and will do EXACTLY as you say, relaxing and watching the sea go by. They Captains who run these boats are like bus drivers. I know, having been there on a lesser level. It's a job that makes you responsible for many people while at the same time being relatively routine.

[Sthrngary]

7 minutes ago, nitecapt said:

I will go and of course enjoy as much as I can while I worry about things at home

We all worry about things at home.  Just life.  However it is better on a cruise ship than anywhere else in the world.  The worry never goes away.  Life however is to short not to embrace the positive aspects that make it worth living.  

[cruiseny4life]

I feel for you. I really do. That was not a nice surprise to spring on you! My husband and I would be having a disagreement or two about spending that kind of money...ok, in all reality, he'd probably be the one upset with me as I'm more likely to spend that kind of money without telling him. Oooopsie, but I'd never spend that much without first discussing it with him! 

 

Anyway, now that we know you're going and aren't canceling, do everything @Sthrngary stated and more. It's going to be difficult, but change your frame of reference. Instead of being upset, be happy you'll be on a lovely ship. I've cruised Joy and love it! First of all, be sure all arrangements for your dogs, your home, etc. are taken care of well in advance of the cruise. Confirm these arrangements a couple weeks ahead of time! I remember a time my mom canceled dog sitting on me, so we had to find a kennel two weeks before our cruise. Argh! We have four dogs and a cat. It can be tough to find a place for all of them at one time. We also have several fields and gardens to maintain, as well as a small (like very small) hydroponic operation. 

 

Now, when your pre-cruise arrangements are made, sit back, relax, and enjoy your cruise! As Gary says, make the Haven Horizon Lounge your favorite place. You'll find snacks, including marvelous deviled eggs, a Starbucks coffee machine (at no additional charge), and comfy chairs with lots of windows looking out on the sea! Spend time here. Talk to your grandchildren. Head up to the Haven Library and play chess or cards with the grands. 

 

You really can have a great time despite the many challenges you're facing! Please, please do your best to make all the arrangements you can ahead of the cruise, so you're not worrying about them while cruising. And, ignore the money...until after the cruise. I know, I know...harder said than done.

 

From this day on, you WILL have the best five days ever! 

[quagmire0]

Just my opinion, but the Haven is simply a luxury item.  You are basically paying for a nicer room and a place to hide away from the rest of the passengers. It's 1st class while most are in coach. Personally, I wouldn't book it unless it was just my wife and I or I just had money to burn(or someone else's money, as in your case 😉 ). I'm just fine getting an interior cabin that I use to bathe, change, and sleep in. My version of splurging would be a balcony cabin. 😂

Edited May 31, 2023 by quagmire0

[ChiefMateJRK]

1 hour ago, quagmire0 said:

Just my opinion, but the Haven is simply a luxury item.  You are basically paying for a nicer room and a place to hide away from the rest of the passengers. It's 1st class while most are in coach. Personally, I wouldn't book it unless it was just my wife and I or I just had money to burn(or someone else's money, as in your case 😉 ). I'm just fine getting an interior cabin that I use to bathe, change, and sleep in. My version of splurging would be a balcony cabin. 😂

My long lost brother!!🤣

[Peachypooh]

16 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I’ve never met anyone in the Haven (myself included) who wasn’t a “regular Joe” (or Jane). Haven is totally worth it in my opinion but I love a suite experience.  Ive also been in a regular balcony stateroom too. Had a great time. 

We have been on 11 cruises most of them in the Haven. Only the last one did I meet a couple who tried to act as if they are better than me (we were both in the Haven) trying to determine if I was "worth their time" by asking if I had a private jet. Then they called me fat ( I could stand to lose 20 pounds) It was bizarre. So not like the typical NCL cruiser. I just walked away and pointed them out to my son-in-law who wanted to confront them. LOL I just said no we are not at a ballgame we don't want to make a scene at the Haven bar. LOL

[jbcallender]

You might feel guilty getting priority tendering and boarding and reserved seating in the shows, but at the same time, it's kind of nice too.  Breakfast in Cagney's is great.  Priority tendering means you get to sit in a hot fiberglass tube longer than other people so it's a double edge sword.  I loved the bedding in our suite and the bathroom with separate shower was very nice!  The big problem with the Haven is that it's really hard to go back!  Relax and enjoy it.  You'll meet some really nice people, too.  Most people are not snobs, just people that worked all their lives and now want to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

[BirdTravels]

On 5/30/2023 at 8:53 AM, nitecapt said:

 

I guess my question is..is The Haven a worthwhile expenditure? Will I be like a fish-out-of-water with the upper echelon? Will I cringe as my party is lead past the passengers in steerage who are patiently waiting in line? I realize the ‘worth’ of something is subjective, but I’m looking for some feedback. 

 

There are no “upper echelon”. Just Average Janes and Joes. Just like an airplane. Almost all Average Janes in first class, but willing to spend more money to be comfortable. It is totally NOT like the titanic, if they is what you are worried about. Short and a polo shirt are fine for the Haven restaurant. 
 

Enjoy. We can afford to sail in the Haven once a year. The rest of the year (5ish cruises) in steerage. 

[uneamie]

On 5/30/2023 at 12:29 PM, nitecapt said:

I have a dog that is sick, with anxiety issues (very bad) a sister who had a heart attack and a stroke and my wife's aunt is 102 and failing. There are lots of reasons I don't want to go. The timing and financial reasons are the least of them. I have been retired 6 years and they have asked me back to work 5 days a week at substantial $. I was on a cruise years ago and did not want to partake in any of the festivities. At 72 I will not be go carting, swimming, going to shows and I am on a strict diet and eat VERY little food. I would only relax in a deck chair and surf the net....maybe even work. I love the grandkids and love interacting with them but they will be off on their own and ai will have little opportunity to interact with them or the step son and daughter which I would gretaly enjoy.

May I suggest you tell you wife nicely that you are just not interested in doing a cruise and ask her if she might like to take a friend along with her. Cabin fare in the Haven I believe is for 2 people in one cabin. I am not sure if they have Solo Haven cabins so taking a friend might help ease the cost and your wife having a companion. 

[graphicguy]

56 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

There are no “upper echelon”. Just Average Janes and Joes. Just like an airplane. Almost all Average Janes in first class, but willing to spend more money to be comfortable. It is totally NOT like the titanic, if they is what you are worried about. Short and a polo shirt are fine for the Haven restaurant. 
 

Enjoy. We can afford to sail in the Haven once a year. The rest of the year (5ish cruises) in steerage. 

Frankly, I’ve met more than my fair share of fellow Haven sailors who insisted on telling me how successful and well off they are.  That usually tells me they’re neither!

 

I only sail in the Haven when I can score a deal.  Fact of the matter is, of I can’t find a fare at the bottom of the price curve, for any cruise, on any cruise line, in any cabin, I’m not cruising!  😉