The Haven vs. The Retreat: Why I Stopped Booking NCL Suites in 2026
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
I've been paying a premium on NCL for something that they aren't actually delivering anymore.
The reality is the exclusivity I was paying for on NCL has started to feel crowded.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Is NCL's The Haven still worth the heavy price tag in 2026? After sailing in both Norwegian's Haven and Celebrity's Retreat recently, I made a tough decision: I've stopped booking NCL suites. In this video, I break down the "Battle of the Suites" to show you exactly why Celebrity Cruises is now offering better value, better food, and—most importantly—better peace and quiet for empty nesters. If you are about to drop $5,000+ on a luxury cruise suite, do not book until you watch this comparison! ABOUT THIS CHANNEL: Welcome to Empty Nester Cruising! My channel is dedicated to empty nesters like you, offering a delightful mix of cruise tips, travel hacks, and entertaining content to enrich your newfound freedom. We help you find the best cruise of your life without the expensive mistakes! #NCLvsCelebrity #TheHaven #TheRetreat #CruiseTips #EmptyNesterCruising #LuxuryCruise #NorwegianCruiseLine #CelebrityCruises