the haven yacht club

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MSC Yacht Club * VS* NCL Haven ????

By trician24 , May 10, 2018 in MSC Cruises

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We are hooked on the NCL Haven, however, the prices keep creeping up especially as new ships come out. On the NCL board a lot are mentioning how they may switch to MSC now that they have the Yacht Club. The word is the prices are much cheaper. Can those of you who have stayed in both suites compare the ship, suites and overall experience. Thanks in advance!

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I have done both, and found the "suites are better on NCL, but on every other measurement I prefered the Yacht Club. The lounge was head and shoulders better..and is in fact a lounge and not just a bar. The food selection is top notch and fresh, and the evening music is classy. The Pool area is also head and shoulders better on MSC. Having a Bar and grill on the pool deck is sweet. Made to order breakfast is top notch out on deck. A great place for breakfast or lunch at the pool.

The restaurant was also in favor of MSC. The Haven restaurant had the same menu each meal, abd even though you could choose a different entre each evening, it was strained to be choosing from the same menu for every dinner and every lunch. The menu was varied and changing for each meal and service was superb on MSC. Wine was free flowing at dinner. It was enjoyable taking your time, and never feeling rushed. But if you wanted a quick in and out meal, it might not be for you.

On another much played differentiation, the children in the Yacht club seems better mannered. On some MSC ships most Yacht club cabins will not hold a family, so the amount of children was lowered.

I may get a bit of disagreement on this, but in the way of a butler, I give the nod to NCL, however the service provided by all of the team really makes up for it. On NCL the butler took care of you in the cabin and perhaps getting you to a show or on and off the ship...but the other staff at the bar/lounge and around the pool lacked in service on NCL....but the service throughout the yacht club was top notch everywhere in the Yacht club.

I have done both, and found the "suites are better on NCL, but on every other measurement I prefered the Yacht Club. The lounge was head and shoulders better..and is in fact a lounge and not just a bar. The food selection is top notch and fresh, and the evening music is classy. The Pool area is also head and shoulders better on MSC. Having a Bar and grill on the pool deck is sweet. Made to order breakfast is top notch out on deck. A great place for breakfast or lunch at the pool.   The restaurant was also in favor of MSC. The Haven restaurant had the same menu each meal, abd even though you could choose a different entre each evening, it was strained to be choosing from the same menu for every dinner and every lunch. The menu was varied and changing for each meal and service was superb on MSC. Wine was free flowing at dinner. It was enjoyable taking your time, and never feeling rushed. But if you wanted a quick in and out meal, it might not be for you.   On another much played differentiation, the children in the Yacht club seems better mannered. On some MSC ships most Yacht club cabins will not hold a family, so the amount of children was lowered.   I may get a bit of disagreement on this, but in the way of a butler, I give the nod to NCL, however the service provided by all of the team really makes up for it. On NCL the butler took care of you in the cabin and perhaps getting you to a show or on and off the ship...but the other staff at the bar/lounge and around the pool lacked in service on NCL....but the service throughout the yacht club was top notch everywhere in the Yacht club.

I have done both and totally agree with every thing stated here.

I did the YC on the Magnifica Christmas 2016.

I had looked at the NCL Spirit for the same dates and itinerary and a suite on the Spirit was more that double the price of the YC and the Spirit doesn't even have a Haven.

I have never been in the Haven but I was on the April 14th sailing and was in the YC, I feel MSC is now our cruise of choice. and I am a diamond plus. I cannot say enough good things about the YC.

Our butler Victor escorted us to shows and even the next cruise desk plus off the ship and even delivered pizza from room service. Booked YC for Sept 22nd while onboard,

When Victor escorted you to shows, had you made reservations beforehand?

Done both....MSC YC on the Divina and Meraviglia. Haven on Breakaway (x2).

Great experiences both, but different.

First, the Haven...

-Concierge took care of escorting you upon embarkation

-Concierge takes care of escorting you to and from shows and seating you in the “preferred” areas of the theaters.

-Concierge takes care of booking dinners and any billing or customer service issues

-Special embarkation lounge

-Butler takes care of all cabin related dining, entertainment and snack delivery. Depending on ship, they also wil escort you on the ship

-Haven bar and restaurant, as well as private pool and lounge areas

-Butler meets you at a curb tent to check you in and escort you to the lounge, where he will also carry luggage for you while getting onto the ship. Tux and tails seems to be the dress requirement

-Butler also doubles as part of the wait staff in the YC lounge

-Butler handles all in suite dining and drink requirements

-Concierge takes care of all booking of shows and billing/customer service issues (as well as internet issues)

-Restaurant manager available on embarkation in the YC lounge to assist booking all restaurants.

Differences....

The YC lounge is nicer than the Haven, but does not have access to outdoor dining or drinking areas. Beautiful space with entertainment every evening, and snacks throughout the day. Also has it’s own bar.

The YC also has its own restaurant. Didn’t use it much as you were required to wear long pants and collared shirts. Plus, there were other better venues for dining available.

Haven restaurant was more relaxed and had access to any specialty dining or MDR food on the ship to serve in the Haven. Haven restaurant seemed to have better food than the YC restaurant.

YC delivered a daily newspaper to your suite every day.

Haven staff seemed to engage more on a personal level and seemed to offer better service, remembering your favorite drinks or food preferences in the Haven restaurant.

YC staff was around but did not engage with you until you called for them.

In short, two sides of the same coin. I preferred the Haven. But, hard to go wrong with the YC on MSC given the price delta between the two.

helen haywood

I must point out that Divina and Seaside (and perhaps others) definitely do have outdoor dining and drinking areas...The One Pool Bar.

You're right. I was specifically pointing to the Haven's outdoor area where you can eat and drink specifically!

YC has the indoor bar and snack which overlooks the front of the ship, but it's still indoors.

I haven't been on Seaside yet, but we were on Divina and there definitely is an outdoor buffet and grille and bar outdoors.

I'd agree with all of that except disagree as you guessed about the butlers. NCL butlers for us have been, on average, lackluster. More recently, I think they are just plain overworked. Duties for butlers also appear to be a bit different as on NCL they take care of your in room needs. We've never been escorted anywhere by a butler on NCL.

In YC the butlers are more in number and do lounge service, pool area service, I saw them vacuuming rooms, we got escorted first night to dinner, and they escorted us off the ship and met us at the pier (or tender spot) to get us back on the ship.

OP - a couple other things - NCL Haven DSC is $17.50 pp/pd vs MSC $12. MSC includes the minibar in the room. YC drinks include soda, water, coffee, and gelato around the ship. NCL charges the 20% service fee on the "value" of dining and beverage packages.

Formula280SS

You're right. I was specifically pointing to the Haven's outdoor area where you can eat and drink specifically!   YC has the indoor bar and snack which overlooks the front of the ship, but it's still indoors.

I don't know what you're talking about. The Seaside Pool Bar and Grille has seating at the bar, tables in front of the bar overlooking the pool, seating under cover on the side (a seating area much larger than the Haven) "in addition to" the incredible indoor bar and lounge with open glass two decks to accommodate the Yacht Club restaurant.

So, IMO, not "indoors."

I don't know what you're talking about. The Seaside Pool Bar and Grille has seating at the bar, tables in front of the bar overlooking the pool, seating under cover on the side (a seating area much larger than the Haven) "in addition to" the incredible indoor bar and lounge with open glass two decks to accommodate the Yacht Club restaurant.   So, IMO, not "indoors."

The Yacht Club bar and lounge which also has OUTDOOR seating and tables.

We absolutely hate the YC. Definitely NCLers should stick with the Haven.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Hmmmm. Methinks someone is talking smack about the YC to keep the NCLers away, eh? :D:D

MizDemeanor

I am enjoying all sides of opinion, but I agree that is a heavy dislike comment. :confused:

Two Wheels Only

You might be correct......;)

4. If you can swing the Yacht Club, do so!! Truly an awesome experience. Gigantic lounge, top bow private pool, grill, hot tubs, bar, butlers, restaurant, it does in fact feel like a yacht!

We absolutely hate the YC. Definitely NCLers should stick with the Haven.   Sent from my iPad using Forums

Need to see a lot more reviews / comments like this.... keep the demand low and prices affordable. 😜

Three YC bookings thru spring 2020 just in case.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

One other thing comes to mind - Haven has free PPV movies ranging from 60-100 (our last trip had just under 100, recent reports saying 60 ish). MSC has tons of tv channels though vs. NCL limited so not really much difference.

[emoji6]   Three YC bookings thru spring 2020 just in case.   Dennis   Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Us too!   Sent from my iPad using Forums

Us three (3, literally). ;p:D:p

It's just terrible. ;)

Have been on over 50 cruises so far....majority on RCCL. Never tried the Haven, but was turned off by NCL the way were nickel and dimes on there. After trying the Yacht Club on the Divina, we were vastly impressed and are booked again on the new Seaside in November.....THEY REALLY WOWED US!!!

I have never been in the Haven but I was on the April 14th sailing and was in the YC, I feel MSC is now our cruise of choice. and I am a diamond plus. I cannot say enough good things about the YC.   Our butler Victor escorted us to shows and even the next cruise desk plus off the ship and even delivered pizza from room service. Booked YC for Sept 22nd while onboard,

Victor is wonderful as is his assistant Alexis [emoji4]

OrlandoSingleCruiser

While most posts indicate that the Haven and the YC have similar levels of service and amenities if you take into consideration price it's a no brainer in favor of the YC. One other thing that isn't mentioned is that with a YC room you get access to the Spa whereas in the Haven you only get it if you have a Spa Suite. On NCL it's $200 per person for spa access so there's another $400 potentially that you save.

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MSC Yacht Club VS NCL Haven: A Luxury Cruise Comparison

Although MSC first introduced the ship-within-a-ship concept back in 2008, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven also offers top-notch services.

So, what will be your pick between MSC Yacht Club vs NCL Haven?

While MSC Yacht Club offers 6 categories of cabin/stateroom, NCL Haven offers 9 types of suites. Also, NCL Haven’s suits are much larger including 2/3-bedroom villas. Both offer 24-hour concierge and butler services. Moreover, NCL Haven offers more exclusive dining and entertainment options than MSC Yacht. But NCL Haven is more expensive than MSC Yacht Club.

So, what will you choose between these two fine ship-within-ship experiences? Follow the article as we’ll help you judge both.   

MSC Yacht Club Vs NCL Haven: The In-Depth Comparison

Both MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven are top of their name. So before diving deep into their services, let’s have a brief look at their competitive offerings. 

So, now we’ll discuss the details of each factor of MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven. You can compare and judge both to pick one for your holiday retreat in these luxurious voyages. 

Stateroom / Cabin Size – MSC Yacht Club Vs NCL Haven

NCL Haven offers 9 types of different suites and cabins while MSC Yacht offers only 6 categories of cabins. 

Compared to NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club offers smaller cabins. Let’s see what are the categories of cabins offered by MSC Yacht Club .

• The Owner’s Suite: It’s the largest suite offered by MSC Yacht Club. It has 1055 sqft of space, separate dining and living room, 269 sqft of balcony with hot tub, etc.
• The Royal Suite: 667 sqft of space, separate dining and living room, 355 sqft of balcony with hot tub, etc.
• The Duplex Suite: It has two levels with 635 sqft of space, separate dining and living room, 248 sqft of balcony, etc.
• The Deluxe Grand Suite: 269-463 sqft of space, separate living room, 86-129 sqft of balcony, etc.
• The Deluxe Suite: 269-366 sqft of space, and 86 sqft of balcony.
• The Interior Suite: 226 sqft of total space. 

NCL Haven’s suits are humongous compared to MSC Yacht Club. Let’s see what NCL Haven’s suits look like. 

• 3-Bedroom Garden Villa: The largest one in NCL Haven perfect for 8 people. It has 6694 sqft of space, a private dining room, a large living room, and 3.5 baths. Has a hot tub on the balcony.
• 2-Bedroom Family Villa: 504 sqft of space with a master bedroom, a bath, and a private balcony. This is perfect for 6 people.  
• The Deluxe Owner’s Suit: It has 1307 sqft of space with a large dining and living area, a large luxury bath, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A large balcony is also included for 6 people to enjoy.  
• The Owner’s Suit: It has 824 sqft of space with a large living and dining area, one balcony, or two in some ships. This is ideal for 4 people.  
• Aft-Facing Penthouse: This suite has 655 sqft of space with a king-sized bed, a generous living area, and a balcony for all. 4 people can easily enjoy the facilities of this penthouse. 
• The Deluxe Spa Suite: This is the smallest suite in NCL Haven. It has 309 sqft of space with a king-sized bed. Also, there’s a balcony with a hot tub and oversized waterfall showers with jets. It is close to the Mandara Spa Suite and also offers free access to the Thermal Spa Suite.  
• Forward-Facing Penthouse: This is another modest penthouse in NCL Haven. It has 451 sqft of space with a king-sized bed with a forward view. Also, there’s a large dining and living area and a balcony.
• Courtyard Penthouse: The courtyard penthouse of NCL Haven is perfect for a romantic retreat. It has 440 sqft of space with a romantic atmosphere, a private balcony, guest allowance, and living and dining areas.  
• Spa Suite: This suite also has access to Mandara and Thermal Spa Suite. It has 378 sqft of space with a relaxing decoration, a balcony with a hot tub, and oversized waterfall showers with jets.

So, NCL wins regarding stateroom and suite sizes for more room space and additional accommodations. So complete your NCL e-docs and get aboard its luxurious services. 

Concierge Service

Both NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club offer a 24-hour concierge and butler service. With the experienced and capable service of a butler, your every need and assistance will be met on both cruises. 

Moreover, for any additional bookings or purchases, the concierge can help you anytime you need. With the world-class services of the concierge of both NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club, it’ll be worth it.  

Dining & Entertainment – MSC Yacht Club VS NCL Haven

MSC Yacht Club offers a private dining area for its guests as part of the ship-within-a-ship experience. Their dedicated restaurant will provide sophisticated à la carte menus for you to taste. 

On the other hand, NCL Haven offers priority reservations for all its customers in all dining and entertainment facilities. Compared to MSC Yacht, NCL Haven offers specialty menus brought directly to your suite from any of the restaurants fleetwide. And so, NCL Haven is superior to NCL Suits . 

For entertainment, MSC Yacht Club offers a theater and a casino, a Parisian-Inspired Cabaret, MSC Aurea Spa, and more. Also, you’ll have a dedicated water park and a robotic thrill ride called Robotron. 

On the other hand, NCL Haven offers an exclusive cocktail party with the ship’s officers, Broadway shows, musicals, etc. NCL also offers exotic entertainment options with its variety of comedy and night events. The night is never dull onboard NCL Haven. 

MSC Yacht Club offers a separate pool, restaurant, and lounges for its guests. On the other hand, NCL Haven also offers a dedicated section of the ship for its cruisers. 

NCL Haven’s self-contained area is specifically designed for a one-of-a-kind experience for its passengers. This dedicated space includes special and separated entries, venues, dining, and entertainment facilities. 

Also, both MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven offer priority embarkment and disembarkment for their passengers.  

Price Range

In terms of price, NCL Haven is a bit more expensive than MSC Yacht Club . For example, the interior cabins on MSC Yacht Club cost $2800 for 2 people with a balcony that costs $4100. 

On the other hand, NCL Haven costs $3000 per person on an average weeklong trip in its suits. But this price may vary based on availability, time of the year, last-minute sailings, etc. And the larger the suits, the more it will cost you. 

MSC Yacht Club VS NCL Haven: What Is Best for You?

So, now you have an idea of both MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven’s services. It’s time for you to decide which one is best for you. At a glance, NCL Haven offers more freestyle cruising with exciting and exotic entertainment options. 

Conversely, MSC Yacht Club’s Parisian-inspired Cabaret and Aurea Spa are wonderful entertainment options that can compare with the Haven. Also, NCL Haven is a bit more expensive with similar services to MSC Yacht. 

But the exclusive and specialty menu service in your suite can only happen in NCL Haven. So, choose which you like. 

For more luxury cruise options, you can compare Norwegian Cruise Line with Holland America . Holland America also provides many premium and luxury cruise services.  

Can Haven Guests Have Visitors?

Yes, Haven guests can have visitors. But the visitors must be pre-registered with the Haven concierge at the reception. Also, the guests need to provide details of the visitor’s arrival time and departure. 

Are Children Allowed in NCL Haven?

Yes, children are allowed in NCL Haven. Many of its areas are children-friendly while some areas are only for adults. The Haven Sundeck is only for guests above 16 years of age while the courtyard pool is for all. 

Is Room Service Free in The NCL Haven?

The guests enlisted in the NCL Haven suits don’t have to pay for room services. But there’s a 20% gratuity and additional charges for non-complementary beverages through room service. 

So, now choose a pick for your next sailing between MSC Yacht Club vs NCL Haven. 

There’s always something missing in one while the other has it. Choose a cruise line service that you see fit with your preference and trip goal. But if you’re a solo cruiser and love activities, go for the NCL Haven. You’ll have a much good time. 

I'm a travel writer and content creator who loves to explore new places. I've been to over 20 countries, and I'm always on the lookout for my next great adventure. I love the excitement of airports, the thrill of new experiences, and the feeling of being surrounded by new cultures. I share my travel stories and tips on my website, where I hope to inspire others to explore the world.

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South Haven Yacht Club

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Russian Court Extends WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich’s Detention

A Russian court extended the detention of Evan Gershkovich by three months, almost a year to the day since The Wall Street Journal reporter became the first U.S. journalist to be detained there on an allegation of espionage since the end of the Cold War.

The 32-year-old reporter, whom the U.S. government deems wrongfully detained, has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison since March 29 last year, on an allegation that he, the Journal and the U.S. government vehemently deny.

In a closed hearing at the Moscow City Court, a judge granted the request of investigators from the Federal Security Service, or FSB, that Gershkovich remain behind bars awaiting trial until June 30.

Russian law allows investigators up to a year in criminal cases deemed particularly complex to prepare for a trial, but grants further extensions in exceptional circumstances.

Tuesday’s ruling, the fifth extension of Gershkovich’s detention, comes ahead of the one-year mark of his detainment on Friday and amid efforts by the Biden administration to secure his release. The U.S. government says Gershkovich has never worked for it and isn’t a spy.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy said outside the court that Gershkovich remained remarkably resilient but his continued detention was “particularly painful” given that this week marks a year since he was detained.

“The accusations against Evan are categorically untrue. They are not a different interpretation of circumstances. They are fiction,” she said.

Gershkovich’s detention is “not about evidence, due process or rule of law,” Tracy said. It is about “using American citizens as pawns to achieve political ends,” she added.

The Wall Street Journal said in a statement, “It’s a ruling that ensures Evan will sit in a Russian prison well past one year. It was also Evan’s 12th court appearance, baseless proceedings that falsely portray him as something other than what he is—a journalist who was doing his job. He should never have been detained. Journalism is not a crime, and we continue to demand his immediate release.”

Russian investigators haven’t publicly presented evidence for their allegation against Gershkovich. Moscow has said it is acting in accordance with its laws. Most of the court proceedings have taken place behind closed doors.

Last week, Jason Conti, general counsel for Journal publisher Dow Jones, told a panel hosted by the National Press Club in Washington that the U.S. government should consider immediate consequences, including sanctions, against authoritarian countries that wrongfully detain reporters.

The Biden administration sanctioned the FSB about a month after Gershkovich, who was accredited by Russia’s Foreign Ministry to work as a journalist, was detained during a reporting trip in Russia. The sanctions were in the works before Gershkovich’s detention, senior administration officials said at the time, with President Biden saying the move would apply further pressure on Russia.

Gershkovich’s designation as wrongfully detained commits the U.S. government to work to secure his release. He and Paul Whelan, a Michigan corporate-security executive serving a 16-year sentence for espionage in a Russian penal colony, are the only Americans categorized by the State Department as wrongfully detained in Russia.

President Vladimir Putin, who was re-elected for a fifth term earlier this month, indicated in February that he would be open to a prisoner swap for Gershkovich if Moscow and Washington reached an agreement. Putin declined to give a time frame for a deal and didn’t specify who Moscow was demanding in return for Gershkovich. But he made clear reference to Russian operative Vadim Krasikov, now serving a life sentence in Germany for gunning down a Chechen émigré in a Berlin park in 2019.

Days after Putin’s remarks, associates of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic penal colony in February, said a proposal to trade him and two unnamed American citizens held by Moscow for Krasikov had been under discussion.

Putin told a news conference earlier this month that, days before Navalny died, he had agreed to exchange him with prisoners in the West, on the condition that the opposition politician—the Kremlin leader’s most potent critic—never return to Russia.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan later told reporters that U.S. officials had never heard a Russian official “raise Navalny as part of a prisoner swap” in any conversations between the two sides. Relations between Washington and Moscow have deteriorated starkly since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Responding to a request for comment on the progress of negotiations on a possible exchange for Gershkovich, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that communication between Moscow and Washington is ongoing, but didn’t provide further details.

“There are certain contacts in this area. But they must be carried out in silence,” Peskov said in an email to The Wall Street Journal. ”Our counterparts know our position well.”

Sullivan said there are continuous efforts to secure the release of both Gershkovich and Whelan and the U.S. government had “not slackened one inch in our zeal to get the two of them out,” he said.

The White House has also called for the release of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was taken into custody in October and later charged with failing to register as a foreign agent. She was subsequently also charged with spreading false information about Russia’s military. State Department officials have said Russia has brought baseless charges against Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen. The U.S. is closely monitoring her detention but hasn’t reached a decision on whether she is being wrongfully detained, a State Department official said.

The Moscow City Court has rejected several appeals by Gershkovich’s lawyers, at least one of which requested that he be transferred to house arrest, agree to constraints on his movements or be granted bail. The reporter’s initial pretrial detention was scheduled to expire on May 29 last year.

Under Russian law, investigators and prosecutors have wide latitude to request further extensions of detention before the case goes to trial. A conviction for espionage can carry a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. It is rare for a court to acquit a defendant in such cases.

Write to Ann M. Simmons at [email protected]