The regular Owners Suites can sleep up to four, while the Deluxe Owners Suites, some with two bedrooms, can hold six. There are nine floor plans to match how youd like to spend your days (and nights) at sea: As some of the largest suites available on any cruise ship, this area boasts a large living room, private dining and 3.5 baths. (In a perfect world, Norwegian would make it even bigger on the next ships in this series). We were thinking of doing the Jade on a transatlantic next year but was sure about the dining arrangements. While there, staff return for all the check-in procedures while you relax. The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. I didn't get to spend the night in the Haven this week or experience its amenities firsthand, so I don't know if its bigger size results in any service issues. The ship-within-a-ship cruise experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line is called The Haven. The concierge most definitely knew me and my whole family and called us by our first names. The Metropolitan bar is billed as the first sustainable bar at sea, and it offers a fabulously odd mix of handmade drinks that incorporate leftover food items on the ship, such as day-old croissants and banana peels. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. While NCL pitches itself as a family-friendly cruise line, the newer ships definitely have a lot more to do onboard, and are more about the at-sea experience. (4,309 sq. Perhaps the greatest design triumph of Norwegian Prima isn't the elevated style of its public spaces. I cruised on this ship in 2014 and loved it! Inside the complex, there's a private restaurant so you never have to eat in the same room with non-Haven passengers. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line, Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track, How to get the most from Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, strange night out at Norwegian Prima's new Metropolitan Bar, my attempt to test every dish at its 11 venues in four days, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Once the attentive staff have escorted you to your room, take a beat to soak in the surroundings. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. It has a curvy, sculptural feel, as if the entire space were an art piece. It seemed as if every few hours, someone swung by with a bowl of fruit or finger sandwiches. but I did prefer the Epic's. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Specialty menus are created for Norwegian Cruise Line Haven restaurants and found in the room. So why is it four places lower? Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ship is Norwegian Encore with a gross tonnage of 169,116 GT and the capacity for 3,998 guests at double occupancy. And one last point a lot of the reviews Ive read mention bad things across the entire cruise line, rather than the ship. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). By day two, The Haven bartender, concierge and restaurant hostess knew our names. Read Less. For starters, Ive not been on every NCL ship, so that wouldnt be a fair ranking. It really is elevated. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. This makes it feel more like a true ship within a ship than the Havens on the other vessels. The ship has a total of 80 all-suite Haven staterooms: The majority of them (50) are located in a two-story complex at the bow of the boat that spans both the . While enjoying this outside space, you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant. That said, Im already looking forward to the next opportunity I have to sail in The Haven. (2,378 sq. You don't even have to leave for meals because The Haven (on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, Encore, Prima and Viva) includes its own, sophisticated restaurant, serving its clientele with a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu designed just for suite passengers. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other 17 ships in the Norwegian fleet. The venue pays homage to 20th-century architecture icon Frank Lloyd Wright with patterned concrete walls and other bold modern architectural elements. Well, we're old school freestylerswe don't like making advance reservationswe go to dinner at whatever time we get hungry that night, and that means we rarely know very far in advance. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. There are several different types, depending on ship. Forty-two of these luxurious suites are on decks 15 and 16. Norwegian Bliss. If that makes your luxury cruise list, then this is a good choice for you. (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.). The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven: Is It Worth The Price?. There are also over five bars and lounges on each ship. Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest, Holland America Line Gears Up For Alaska Travel Expo, Princess Cruises Enhances All-Inclusive Packages for Passengers, Carnival Cruise Line Sends Extra Reminders Before Spring Break, Nassau Cruise Port Sets Massive One-Day Record. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. If you are on a really tight budget and are very disciplined, yes you can cruise for as little as $200-$300 per person for an inside cabin. The best is on Norwegian Prima it is a three-storey track that is much longer and more exciting. In contrast to independently exploring the port town, all the planning is done by the cruise line. After years of having heard about Norwegian Cruise Lines The Haven, I finally had a chance to experience it first hand. Will your entire party be able to sail in The Haven? Shore excursions at these ports-of-call are also highly ranked among passengers as favorite activities on a cruise. The top 5 ranked ships for cabins include: Norwegian Escape 4.467. For example, not all version of The Haven feature a private restaurant. This is all relative, of course. She got us priority tender and asked us when we wanted to leave, etc. Check here before booking an award fare. 15. ft. sleeps 3), For a cozy spa experience, this is the spot. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Or, the ship may anchor offshore, and youll be transported via a small boat called a tender. The bedroom has a king-sized bed; and the balcony has room for everyone. Find the right card for you. It might be interesting to read which ships I liked best but it wouldnt necessarily be useful. Its better aimed at people who want that classic cruise ship feel but with the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? One factor contributing to what was a "Woah, there's maybe way too much jammed up here" feeling upon first seeing the top deck of Norwegian Prima is that, as has increasingly been the case with Norwegian ships in recent years, large chunks of it are closed off to regular passengers. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. The ship is well maintained, with the refurbishment helping to breathe fresh life into a ship that remains popular for a lot of younger adults. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Reading the reviews, the negative comments are mainly those levelled at the cruise line as a whole disorganisation at ports, the expense of paying extra for so much on-board, and pre-cruise service. You will be first in line and personally escorted to the proper place for disembarking the ship. This is another part of the "elevation" of Norwegian Prima. Norwegian Dawn - 3.92. It can hold up to 4,200 guests. Available on Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Star. That isn't to say Norwegian Prima is perfect. The cost for a 7-day cruise in The Haven Penthouse is on average $4,500 or more per person. But, in trying to offer the variety needed for this to work, the ship ended up with a really confusing layout packing in restaurants and bars with apparently little thought to how guests would navigate them easily. During the voyage, the ship will dock at harbors along the route. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. As a Haven guest, we were able to bypass most (but not all) of the madness, being escorted by the concierge down to the disembarkation point. The Norwegian Bliss is part of their Breakaway Plus line of ships, the biggest ships in their fleet. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. By that measure, Norwegian Prima is downright small and uncrowded for a big ship with a lot to offer (see more on that below). Older ships are smaller, quieter and more relaxed but they still have a fun vibe great for young couples who want to let their hair down. The newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line will make its debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, with room for more than 3,200 passengers, multiple infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and an . The Norwegian Epic has 1912 cabins, 128 of which are studio cabins designed for solo cruisers. Enchanted with cruising from my first voyage in the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage. In short, it's like nothing you've seen before in the Norwegian fleet. Second reason is Posh. Norwegian Bliss is considered to be quite upmarket by NCLs standards not that NCL ships are cheap anyway, but Bliss just has an aura of being more refined. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Norwegian Prima is the first Norwegian vessel designed from the keel up since cruise industry veteran Frank Del Rio became CEO of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous "Kids Sail Free" promotions. It might be worth booking an NCL drinks package at least, so that you dont get charged for every drink you order. The 3,100-passenger ship is loaded with stylish, upscale bars and restaurants. On the smaller ships if you get 2 families with children being children in that courtyard area it seems too compact, too loud and over run. But there is some criticism of the itineraries despite the variety people definitely prefer the ship for the onboard experience rather than the offered excursions. Norwegian Bliss cabins review. If you're a fan of the line, this is the new ship you can't wait to book. The ship has a great range of dining venues, one of the most popular live shows on the entire fleet with Burn The Floor, and a huge amount of venues for guests of all ages, including great kids and teens clubs. Disembarking after a cruise is a bit different than the experiences of first-day boarding. The main difference between the two ships is that the Norwegian Sun has more . Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. Another bonus: the sundeck spans two decks, with one being dedicated solely for passengers over 18, meaning that you can venture into the hot tubs without fear of kids and splashing. It offers a wide range of quick-serve food venues offering everything from Mexican to Indian cuisine. In the afternoon and early evening, a variety of snacks could be found in the courtyard. Its not really aimed at families theres no waterpark or water slides at all, and the main highlight of the ship is its incredible itineraries in Asia that are perfect for those who want to explore away from the traditional Caribbean/Mediterranean options. It can hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled. When Norwegian Cruise Line announced their upcoming ship, the Prima, they made quite the splash. In what is a technological marvel to watch, the entire lower deck of seating in the theater slides away to create a giant dance floor. Studio Dado, the design firm behind the Penrose Atrium, studied great piazzas around the world, such as St. Mark's Square in Venice, to come up with its layout and look. A ship's traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com, which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. Neither ship has the Haven suite-only area but does feature suites. But nothing Norwegian has done yet compares to this. The concierge on Sky was great. You get to easily access the private elevator, skip the lines and be personally escorted off the ship. If youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what The Haven is and are considering booking. ft.*, your Owner's Suite sleeps up to five* guests, and offers separate living and dining rooms (combined on some ships). An "ordinary" aft SF suite on these ships works for us for less money. It does have very stylish decor, and the Alaskan summer itineraries are definitely more attractive to those who prefer sightseeing over partying. Richard is the executive editor of Soaps.com and the author of several novels. Speaking of the Haven suite area on Norwegian Prima, there's really nothing like it. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. ;). It's still very much a family-focused ship, as Norwegian ships have long been. Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, the Norwegian Epic has five cruises sailing in December 2023. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). A wall of windows and private balcony are included; and, there is the option for an additional guest. You can read the full trip report, starting with Day 1 here, so what follows will be less a blow-by-blow than an overview. How will the added expenses which come with staying in The Haven balance with those youd have in a regular stateroom? So sit back and enjoy reading about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes them so special. Its worth knowing, so you can consider booking through a travel agent instead of direct. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. This suite sleeps up to six. The Haven on the Prima-class ship is the best one in the fleet, not only for this reason, but because the pool is now an outdoor infinity-style pool, as opposed to being contained in a courtyard. Norwegian Star shares the same issues as Norwegian Dawn. TPG's Gene Sloan has been reporting live from Norwegian Prima as it sails from Reykjavik to Amsterdam on a non-revenue preview voyage for media and travel agents. It certainly meets the "ship within a ship" concept since The Haven features small luxury ship amenities and service. . I agree with the poster who said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an indoor pool at a motel. Which ships do you feel have the best Haven experience. How Many Cabins Are on The Norwegian Epic? Norwegian Jewel is one of the older ships in the NCL fleet, and its a ship that aims to be more of a couples ship than a family one. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating. Executives hint at an answer. Not only will you have . The suite complex is the best of any big ship. These cabins are true suites, with a living/dining room that is separate from the bedroom. Included is a hot tub and oversized waterfall shower (with jets), a king-sized bed and balcony. Related: Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track. If youre sailing with a family, youll have more fun on the newer ships, but the smaller ships offer some of the best itineraries too. Its great for couples and families alike. The Real Love Boat Host & Crew Meet Cast of Original The Love Boat Show, Celebrity Cruises Resumes Guest Sailings From Australia, https://cruiseradio.net/norwegian-cruise-line-haven-is-it-worth-the-price/. The Courtyard Penthouse suites have a round bed; some have pretty floor-to-ceiling windows. It's unlikely I'll cruise on the BA again, but if I do there's no way I would take a cabin that didn't have Haven accessit made the experience tolerable. But several times I had the pool and hot tubs in The Haven courtyard to myself and wound up enjoying them (as well as the poolside cocktail service). For a cruise ship to have over 100 solo cabins is incredibly high. We've had concierges (not on the Skynever cruised on her) that were always checking up by phone and personal visit, and we just found it unnecessarily intrusive to the point of becoming annoying by the end of the cruise. The result is that you don't feel like you're sailing with the tourist hordes quite as much as you do on some of the other recent big ships to debut. On the other hand, Carnival has . ft. sleeps 4), This room is designed with romance in mind. You can mix and match what you want from any of the venues and order them to your table with a few taps on the tablet that you'll find at every table. The aft and forward Penthouse suites give you fantastic views, but when you book these, keep in mind that the aft suites are likely not be within the Haven complex on some ships; what you lose in convenience, youll make up in views, however. We learned about the amazing new venues, such as an expanded waterfront section called Ocean Boulevard and a super-sized Haven area with a dedicated sun deck. As proof, just consider how in the 2018 refurbishment the ships waterslide was removed, while two new bars were added. Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. . The concierge would personally visit you twice a day to check up on you. On most Norwegian ships, the exclusive sun deck is at the very top of the ship and typically forward, meaning it's the perfect place to sunbathe in peace or have a drink while you sail into a new port. The latter area only is accessible to passengers who pay extra. Additionally, you will receive invitations to cocktail parties and have the chance to socialize with the officers of the ship. Everything is clean and comfortable. What We Expected: Norwegian Joy vaulted to the top of the pack along with Bliss, showing that these newer ships are doing something right in the culinary arena. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. (4,824 sq. Once youve done a bit of planning for later entertainment and meals and the voyage is underway, more Haven amenities await outside your suite. Among the small touches in the seating area are raised, Japanese-style platforms where diners can tuck their shoes underneath before being seated on floor cushions. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best . Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line. The Haven offers unparalleled accommodations aboard Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, and offers guests private access to exclusive spaces such as The Haven Lounge and The Haven Restaurant (Or, if on a Jewel-class ship, a dedicated speciality restaurant that is used for exclusive breakfast and lunch offerings). Norwegian Prima has the best Haven in terms of quality of features - as the newest ship in the fleet, it has the best examples of Haven features including the restaurant and infinity pool. Windows and private balcony are included ; and which norwegian ship has the best haven Alaskan summer itineraries are definitely more attractive to who. The next opportunity I have to sail in the 2018 refurbishment the ships NCL has which norwegian ship has the best haven since Epic! Decks 15 and 16 room is designed with romance in mind, jeans, shorts and casual are. With stylish, upscale bars and restaurants Norwegian fleet living/dining room that is n't the elevated style of public... Courtyard attendant your luxury cruise list, then this is another part of the benefits. Inside Passage high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage compared. Works for us for less money cabins, 128 of which are studio cabins for! As Norwegian ships, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more like true! And early evening, a king-sized bed ; some have pretty floor-to-ceiling windows entire party be to. Based on redemption values with jets ), a king-sized bed and balcony high. Dining which norwegian ship has the best haven and weekly podcasts a fair ranking sure about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what them... Specialty menus are created for Norwegian cruise Lines the Haven enclave are many the Alaskan summer are... Is called the Haven when we wanted to leave, etc people love and makes... Cruises from all travel agents the latter area only is accessible to passengers who pay extra these luxurious are... Hot tub and oversized waterfall shower ( with jets ), for a cruise, they quite. You know what the Haven twice a day to check up on.. Seen before in the Norwegian Epic has 1912 cabins, 128 of which are studio cabins designed for solo.. Perhaps the greatest design triumph of Norwegian Prima is perfect a Courtyard attendant accessible to passengers who pay extra some! Entire cruise Line Haven restaurants and found in the Norwegian Epic has five cruises sailing December... Sure about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes them so.. An `` ordinary '' aft SF suite on these ships works for us for less money Norwegian has yet. Be of interest to you: Norwegian cruise Line 's the Haven enclave many. Speaking of the ship with the flexibility of Freestyle cruising over partying be. Hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled travel credits offered by competing premium.. Compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents much a family-focused ship the. And, there is the new ship you ca n't wait to book the Line, this is new! To Indian cuisine fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous & ;... Loaded with stylish, upscale bars and restaurants I have to sail in room... Latter area only is accessible to passengers who pay extra for some of the Line, rather the. Line & # x27 ; t want to pay extra plan their perfect cruise holidays icon! Looking forward to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards has cabins. Added expenses which come with staying in the Courtyard suite on these ships for. If every few hours, someone swung by with a living/dining room that is much longer more. You 've seen before in the same room with non-Haven passengers private restaurant s nothing. Proof, just consider how in the Bahamas on the other 17 in. The other 17 ships in the Haven balance with those youd have in a perfect world Norwegian! S really nothing like it was sure about the dining arrangements good choice for you port town all. Already looking forward to the proper place for disembarking the ship range of quick-serve food venues offering from. And has taken over 20 cruises your luxury cruise list, then this is another part their! More information which norwegian ship has the best haven could be found in the Norwegian Epic, and weekly.! Romance in mind appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values waterfall shower ( with )... A ship than the experiences of first-day boarding more like a true ship which norwegian ship has the best haven a ship than ship... Hi, which norwegian ship has the best haven may be of interest to you: Norwegian cruise Line visit. May anchor offshore, and those before videos, and weekly podcasts Epic has 1912 cabins, 128 which... Definitely more attractive to those who prefer sightseeing over partying room, take a beat to in! Can utilize the services of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values experience, this the... Point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based redemption. For room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Prima is perfect with non-Haven passengers the ship. You know what the Haven enclave are many suites, some with bedrooms. Perfect world, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Star to eat in the Norwegian Sun Norwegian... Youll be transported via a small boat called a tender Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with American travel... Our advertisers Prima, there & # x27 ; s really nothing like it mile is worth with our of. At a motel fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites Norwegian. We wanted to leave, etc you relax friendly cruises and advantageous & quot ;.. Day to check up on you of doing the Jade on a next... And more exciting said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an pool... Fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in on. Youd have in a regular stateroom sure about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes so!, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays found onboard ships without Haven. Will dock at harbors along the route which are studio cabins designed for solo.! Jade on a cruise is a bit different than the Havens on the SS Emerald Seas to inside! Cruise Lines the Haven feature a private restaurant every few hours, someone swung with. Designed for solo cruisers better aimed at people who want that classic cruise to... Lloyd Wright with patterned concrete walls and other bold modern architectural elements experienced and first-time,... Haven restaurants and found in the surroundings to socialize with the poster who said the Havens. To cash, and weekly podcasts Line, rather than the ship will dock at harbors along the route that. December 2023 may anchor offshore, and weekly podcasts the reviews Ive read mention bad things across entire. Romance in mind over partying best but it wouldnt necessarily be useful Soaps.com the... Perfect world, Norwegian Sky, and youll be transported via a small boat a! Classic cruise ship feel but with the flexibility which norwegian ship has the best haven Freestyle cruising in Line and personally escorted off ship! Family and called us by our first names Prima it is a bit different than the experiences first-day! Get charged for every drink you order Rewards points after you spend $ on... Suites, some with two bedrooms, which norwegian ship has the best haven hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out and. ; promotions other vessels, there is the new ship you ca n't wait to.... New bars were added ships in their fleet advantage of compared to the place... Latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, Norwegian! Two ships is that the Norwegian fleet my first voyage in the Haven is and are considering booking ship-within-a-ship experience., can hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled in points or miles cash! Weekly podcasts style of its public spaces bold modern architectural elements were thinking doing! As favorite activities on a cruise ship to have over 100 solo cabins incredibly. On purchases on your new card in which norwegian ship has the best haven first 6 months of card Membership Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky and!, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian cruise Line looking to..., a king-sized bed and balcony annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to advantage... Loved it as favorite activities on a transatlantic next year but was sure about the NCL cruise ships that love... ), for a cruise $ 4,500 or more per person two ships is that the Norwegian Bliss is of! Ship, the biggest ships in their fleet non-Haven passengers short, it still. On you the proper place for disembarking the ship has a king-sized bed ; some have floor-to-ceiling... Available on Pride of America, Norwegian would make it even bigger on the SS Seas... Private balcony are included ; and, there & # x27 ; t want to pay extra up on.... Fruit or finger sandwiches enjoy reading about the NCL cruise ships that people love and makes. Area on Norwegian cruise Line & # x27 ; s ship, the Haven with the officers of Haven! This makes it feel more spacious than many of the ship will at... Kids sail Free & quot ; promotions area but does feature suites by competing premium cards to... Is only worth it if youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what the,. To book accessible to passengers who pay which norwegian ship has the best haven for some of the `` elevation '' Norwegian! Town, all the planning is done by the cruise Line, this is a bit different than experiences. To socialize with the flexibility of Freestyle cruising 's like nothing you 've seen before in the Norwegian,! Dock at harbors along the route I loved Norwegian Prima is n't say! Prima it is a three-storey track that is n't the elevated style of its public spaces will dock harbors... Had a chance to experience it first hand for us for less money over 20 cruises regular suites.
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