Celebrity vs NCL Haven at Christmas

[MarEll1]

Hi All - I know there have been comparisons done here before but I have trouble with the search feature. We are looking at a cruise over Christmas with 3 adult kids to celebrate husband's retirement. Not finding what we want (at a decent enough price!!!) on Celebrity. TA suggested NCL but I’m a little nervous! Any thoughts or links up past posts would be appreciated.

[George C]

1 hour ago, MarEll1 said:

Hi All - I know there have been comparisons done here before but I have trouble with the search feature. We are looking at a cruise over Christmas with 3 adult kids to celebrate husband's retirement. Not finding what we want (at a decent enough price!!!) on Celebrity. TA suggested NCL but I’m a little nervous! Any thoughts or links up past posts would be appreciated.

Look at MSc yacht club very similar suite perks compared to celebrity, ship within a ship , premium liquor package and WiFi is included, lounge has live music all night , outside area has pool , restaurant , hot tubs , lots of chairs . Can save money with inside cabins in yacht club also . Only issue is you all would need to book YC .

[zitsky]

2 hours ago, MarEll1 said:

Hi All - I know there have been comparisons done here before but I have trouble with the search feature. We are looking at a cruise over Christmas with 3 adult kids to celebrate husband's retirement. Not finding what we want (at a decent enough price!!!) on Celebrity. TA suggested NCL but I’m a little nervous! Any thoughts or links up past posts would be appreciated.

In order to help you….. what is it you’re “nervous” about?  You’re worried about picking the “right” cruise line?  What is it that you “want” on Celebrity?  A certain price, specific excursions etc?

[MarEll1]

I’ve read some really bad reviews of NCL. Our kids have never cruised before - I want it to be a good experience for them. With Celebrity there is a comfort level as I’m familiar with it.

[zitsky]

13 minutes ago, MarEll1 said:

I’ve read some really bad reviews of NCL. Our kids have never cruised before - I want it to be a good experience for them. With Celebrity there is a comfort level as I’m familiar with it.

If the kids are adult many people like Celebrity.  Plenty of things to do on and off ship.  

[MarEll1]

5 minutes ago, zitsky said:

If the kids are adult many people like Celebrity.  Plenty of things to do on and off ship.  

Yes, I know they’d be happy with Celebrity. The issue is limited availability and price. So TA suggested The Haven on NCL., 

[zitsky]

36 minutes ago, MarEll1 said:

Yes, I know they’d be happy with Celebrity. The issue is limited availability and price. So TA suggested The Haven on NCL., 

Are you looking at different dates and different ships?  Is there a reason you’re just looking at this one?  

You’ve already said you’ve heard bad things about NCL.  My first cruise 10 years ago was on NCL.  It was nice but all I remember was Cagney’s because we were invited in.  We weren’t in a suite.  So what does it mean that I don’t remember anything else?  

On the other hand I can remember lots of things I like about Celebrity.  1) food 2) service 3) entertainment 4) excursions 5) bars.

[MarEll1]

4 minutes ago, zitsky said:

Are you looking at different dates and different ships?  Is there a reason you’re just looking at this one?  

You’ve already said you’ve heard bad things about NCL.  My first cruise 10 years ago was on NCL.  It was nice but all I remember was Cagney’s because we were invited in.  We weren’t in a suite.  So what does it mean that I don’t remember anything else?  

On the other hand I can remember lots of things I like about Celebrity.  1) food 2) service 3) entertainment 4) excursions 5) bars.

We are very limited in dates due to daughter in laws work schedule unfortunately.

[zitsky]

4 minutes ago, MarEll1 said:

We are very limited in dates due to daughter in laws work schedule unfortunately.

If I were you I would pick the Celebrity cruise and have a good time.  
 

I’ve been on NCL, Viking, Celebrity.  I keep going back to Celebrity.  I’m not a super frequent cruiser.  Just 4-5 on Celebrity.

 

 

Edited August 8 by zitsky

[MarEll1]

30 minutes ago, zitsky said:

If I were you I would pick the Celebrity cruise and have a good time.  
 

I’ve been on NCL, Viking, Celebrity.  I keep going back to Celebrity.  I’m not a super frequent cruiser.  Just 4-5 on Celebrity.

 

 

We are not frequent either - only 4 cruises, 1 RSSC and 3 Celebrity though do have one coming up. I think we will do Celebrity and just accept we’re paying a premium for not booking ahead and cruising during the holidays. 

[zitsky]

5 minutes ago, MarEll1 said:

We are not frequent either - only 4 cruises, 1 RSSC and 3 Celebrity though do have one coming up. I think we will do Celebrity and just accept we’re paying a premium for not booking ahead and cruising during the holidays. 

I’ve cruised on holiday before and am doing it again.  There is often a premium.  When many people want the same thing, prices go up.  But holiday cruises are nice on Celebrity.  There are some decorations.  I really think you will have a good time.

[George C]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

Are you looking at different dates and different ships?  Is there a reason you’re just looking at this one?  

You’ve already said you’ve heard bad things about NCL.  My first cruise 10 years ago was on NCL.  It was nice but all I remember was Cagney’s because we were invited in.  We weren’t in a suite.  So what does it mean that I don’t remember anything else?  

On the other hand I can remember lots of things I like about Celebrity.  1) food 2) service 3) entertainment 4) excursions 5) bars.

While I will not cruise ncl haven is a suite area with suite restaurant and perks , not sure if I would sail on Celebrity without a suite . 

[bundtkate]

I've not been on Celebrity yet (booked for Summer 2025), but I've been on NCL in the Haven and would happily recommend it. The food is excellent, both in the Haven and in the specialty restaurants (Le Bistro is the best food I've had at sea and that includes Viking river). The suite areas are elegant with quiet areas (pool, sundeck) and more lively spots (bar area and surrounding lounge). The staff are excellent all over, but especially those in the Haven. The bartenders create some amazing concoctions you'd likely never have ordered yourself that are still wonderful. Servers will find you pretty much anywhere to make sure you have a drink or snack if you want one. The concierge and butler kept offering to help with things I'd never have asked them to. They booked dinner for our party of 10 and offered to escort our entire party off at port on our wedding day even though we were the only ones in the Haven.

Now if you leave the Haven, that is a different environment. NCL is a resort line and has everything you'd expect in that category. It can get crowded and families with young kids are common. I don't mind this per se (I've cruised more on Royal than any other line) and I have no way to compare to Celebrity's non-suite areas, but I'd assume Celebrity has a more elevated experience overall. One thing that grated on me after a while was how photographers would constantly block major thoroughfares for photo ops. Often, these were bottlenecks where you either had to wait or backtrack substantially trying to get from one place to another. The pool deck was also weirdly small and felt super enclosed due to the prime top deck real estate eaten by the go kart track. This may be less of a problem on older ships, but the Haven isn't as nice on those, as I understand. That said, there are really pleasant places on the rest of the ship as well. We were a huge fan of the waterfront and could usually be found on the shady side of the promenade with a glass of something.

 

There were only two things I found genuinely disappointing on NCL and those were the MDR food (not a problem if you're in the Haven, but we gave it a try since we were sailing with others) and the shows. The former was seemingly composed entirely of salt and the latter were just, well, odd. People say MSC has strange shows, but NCL Joy had this bit where people were dressed up like fish on swings making bloop noises and that was far weirder than anything I saw on MSC. I don't cruise for the shows so we just skipped the rest without a problem, but I hear Celebrity's shows are pretty top notch so NCL will be different in that respect. It's also worth noting that NCL does not provide suite guests with their top drink package. You get the basic alcohol package with free at sea (should you choose to get it), but you'd have to pay to upgrade for premium which I understands comes included with the Retreat.

Overall, I'd expect you to find the Haven to be a pleasant and elevated experience with easy access to some of the fun features of a resort-style ship when you want it (and an easy way to escape when you don't), but if you have any specific questions about it, I'm happy to help. While I can't do the direct comparison to Celebrity (yet), I've cruise on a fairly wide variety of lines (Royal, NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club and non-suite, Viking River, and HAL) so hopefully I can find a comparison that will help if needed. 🙂

[omahabob]

4 hours ago, MarEll1 said:

I’ve read some really bad reviews of NCL. Our kids have never cruised before - I want it to be a good experience for them. With Celebrity there is a comfort level as I’m familiar with it.

I’ve read some really bad reviews of every cruise line out there. Same with really good reviews. I've learned to take them all with a grain of salt. People too often assume everyone else has their same wants, needs and desires. There's nothing wrong with NCL.

 

You can search all cruise lines with specific dates using cruiseplum.com, including by class  of cabin. Might give you a better idea of your choices.

Edited August 9 by omahabob

[MarEll1]

Thank you @bundtkate! What we are  comparing at this point is an 11 night Eclipse Southern Caribbean in Aqua or a 10 night Breakaway Dominican Republic and Antigua in the Haven Penthouse Suites. Both very close to the same price. 2 60 year olds and 3 late 20s “kids”.  We have not sailed AQ before but I think we’d be happy with Blu. Husband thinks there would be more for the kids to do on NCL, but they are adults. I don’t think they care about water slides etc. We do like the shows on Celebrity and the different bars/lounges. Just not sure what to expect on NCL. Any thoughts appreciated.

[bundtkate]

Our trip on NCL was when my husband and I were both in our early to mid 30s with my best friend and her husband (same age as my husband and I), my late 60s parents, and some aunts and uncles all in their late 50s to early 60s. I heard zero complaints from any of them so based on demographics alone, it sounds like it would suit y'all just fine. That said, I'd wager your kids would be happy on Celebrity too. I'm obviously speculating a bit, but I'm not majorly older than your adult children and I've found things to enjoy across every line I've sailed. The older Celebrity ship might give me pause (I tend to prefer newer ships and went with Apex for our first Celebrity cruise), but my last cruise was on HAL which definitely has a certain reputation and I still had a good time.

 

If you asked me whether I'd choose AQ or the Haven, I'd jump at the chance to sail in The Haven again, even now I'm a bit closer to 40 than I was. It was just that good. I have such fond memories of the amazing service, the delightful outdoor dining area at the Haven restaurant, and the lovely views of the Panama City skyline from the Haven sundeck. It allowed us to be adult children and enjoy all the amenities of a megaship when we wanted to and retreat to the quieter Haven enclave when we were feeling a little more middle aged. We're still trying to replicate the french toast from the Haven restaurant years later.

As far as what to expect, I've found most of my cruises to be more the same than different. They each have their own vibe, but I've found my vibe on all of them. As omahabob said, there are good and bad reviews of everything and this one is just my opinion, but if you're up for trying something new, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying the Haven. If the price and itinerary is right, it's worth a try for sure.

[Crazy planning mom]

I’ve sailed on both NCL and Celebrity and enjoyed them both in regular balcony cabins.  I would say the mdr is better on Celebrity but it was still ok on NCL.  Since it’s your kids first cruise, they probably will enjoy it either way since they don’t have other cruises to compare it against.  Celebrity skews older but on a holiday sailing that probably will be less so.  If you feel more confident with Celebrity and can swing the price, I would book that for your own piece of mind.

 

[Lighthousepointdream15]

A few weeks ago we returned from an 8 day ABC cruise with our adult children, early 30’s and late 20’s. We were in two adjacent sky suites. The previous year we sailed on the NCL Prima in a two bedroom Haven suite. At the end of the trips the “kids” remarked about how much more they liked the Celebrity experience than the NCL. The Haven is nice but the menu in the restaurant never changes. The service outside the Haven is less than stellar. The service in the Haven was good but not at the level of Luminea. They just seemed to be going through the motions. I will say that we did love the Haven only elevators. The 2 bedroom suite felt dark and crowded while the sky suites are light and airy. 
 

We did enjoy the go carts and all the other fun things on the Prima but that’s about 10 minutes. The gym on the Prima is small and crowded. 
 

The suite on the Prima came with WiFi and a beverage package but you do have to pay to upgrade them. The WiFi was spotty at best. I don’t know if they have upgraded in the last year. 

The specialty restaurants on the Prima were very good but none of them can compare to the experience of La Voyage and Eden.  
 

I hope my family’s experience helps make you decision. 

 

[jwlane]

16 hours ago, MarEll1 said:

  what we want (at a decent enough price!!!) 

Good luck with that on any ship during Christmas.

[PhillyFan33579]

16 hours ago, MarEll1 said:

Hi All - I know there have been comparisons done here before but I have trouble with the search feature. We are looking at a cruise over Christmas with 3 adult kids to celebrate husband's retirement. Not finding what we want (at a decent enough price!!!) on Celebrity. TA suggested NCL but I’m a little nervous! Any thoughts or links up past posts would be appreciated.

Assuming your husband is only going to retire once, I would stick with Celebrity. From reading your posts in this thread, it seems obvious to me you will have a good time on Celebrity. I think it is great trying other cruise lines, but why risk possibly having a lesser experience on another cruise line celebrating such a special event. I did a B2B on Wonder when I retired in December 2022. As of today they are the two most expensive cruises I have been on (at the time Wonder was RCI’s newest ship and these cruises were over Christmas and New Year’s), but I have never regretted the money I spent on these cruises. 

[MarEll1]

Thank you all for sharing your past experiences! We will go forward with the Celebrity cruise in AQ, which honestly my D and DIL might enjoy more. The price is giving me pause but as @PhillyFan33579 says, husband is only going to retire once. I wish we could swing the Beyond holiday cruise in Retreat, but even Concierge is more expensive than AQ on Eclipse and Retreat is just outrageous. And 5 sea days in the Caribbean with an infinite veranda instead of a balcony is a no go.