The ship left from west side of Manhattan which meant almost no pre-cruise travel for us! Plus, the boat was big and packed with activities. First, if you can afford to travel in the Haven, it's worth it! In a lot of ways, you'll have a different cruise experience because it helps you avoid the lines. When you have 4000 people on a ship, it's impossible to avoid lines but the Haven lets you avoid many. In the Haven, the rooms are terrific and large for families including a living room and separate bedroom for the kids. The king size bed was incredibly comfortable. Plus, in the Haven, you have access to your own restaurant for all mean and it's a very good restaurant. There's a butler for unlimited room service and a concierge to help with all your activities planning. When you do venture outside of the Haven, the lines are inevitable but don't consume your trip. Just be wary about the lines to do the ropes course, slides, etc. as these can be the worst. The shows on the ship are great and not to be missed including Second City, Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque de Soleil. The kids clubs are superb and the health club for massages and working out is top level. Our best meals were in Cagneys and the Haven Restaurant but the food all over the boat is very good and will exceed your expectations. Having made this our first cruise, we would consider another cruise. This is a big step forward for us.