This cruiser appeals to travelers of all ages thanks to the diverse entertainment options. Its cabins are sleek and modern. The Courtyard Penthouse suites have a round bed; some have pretty floor-to-ceiling windows. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. Which Norwegian ship has the best haven? Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. Despite joining the fleet in 2004, the Norwegian Spirit is actually the oldest ship in the fleet, having been constructed in 1998. The nicest NCL ship is Norwegian Prima, which is the newest ship in the fleet. 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. Here's your full guide on the exclusive Norwegian Cruise Line Haven, for those passengers booked in a suite. The newest ships in Norwegian's fleet offer the largest variety of balcony and suite categories as well as the immensely popular solo travelers' cabins. Inside the complex, there's a private restaurant so you never have to eat in the same room with non-Haven passengers. It has an array of onboard entertainment and amusements that is as impressive as ever, too. Yet Norwegian Spirit has a core group of repeat customers who love her, not so much for the on-board excitement but for getting the basics right good food, comfortable accommodation and great service as well as itineraries that have fewer days at sea, allowing guests to spend more time exploring. Or, the ship may anchor offshore, and youll be transported via a small boat called a tender. The Breakaway's Haven was nice (the retractable roof is a plus!) In the afternoon and early evening, a variety of snacks could be found in the courtyard. Three thousand people on a ship is still a lot of people. Very subjective..we love the quiet smaller Haven of the Gem and the Jewel, not crazy about the Breakaway, we just like the smaller personalized service as opposed to the Mega Haven even with the added amenities. It might be worth booking an NCL drinks package at least, so that you dont get charged for every drink you order. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Families with teens enjoy the ship, with the Entourage venue proving to be very popular with older children looking for a place to relax away from adults. From a practical point of view, that's a big deal. It doesnt look old, thanks to attentive maintenance and upgrades, although it does mean its lacking the exciting features of its contemporaries in the fleet. 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/. Which Norwegian ship has the best haven Is bottled water included in the price of a Norwegian cruise? We had one concierge who always managed to find where we were eating dinner and would stop by to see how we were doingbut also reminding us she could make all our dinner reservations (including MDR reservations). For adults who want a varied cruise, the Norwegian Prima is much newer, has a lot more to do, and feels like a luxury resort. The venue pays homage to 20th-century architecture icon Frank Lloyd Wright with patterned concrete walls and other bold modern architectural elements. (For example, I was surprised that the Getaways Haven courtyard does not have a covered/retractable roof. Like the Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to the Thermal and Mandara Spas. This is important, because non-Haven guests are not given access to the area and its amenities. And I say this as someone who has sailed on every one of the 18 ships operated by Norwegian except two (Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit). 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). Dont expect a huge amount of attractions, but thats made up for with a really packed schedule of entertainment from the moment you step onboard, right until your last morning. Norwegian Sky is the longest-serving and smallest ship in the NCL fleet but its still really popular with guests. 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. Of NCL Epic cabins, 75 located signature -suite complex " The Haven ". Keep in mind that actual square footage, floor plans, suite locations on the ships and lists of amenities will vary by vessel. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. If you love big ships with a lot going on, but you're squeamish about the idea of sharing it with 6,000 or 7,000 people, Norwegian Prima could be the perfect ship for you. Given his love of eating, drinking and gambling, its astonishing how long it took him to discover the joys of cruising. Rooms come with a king-sized bed, a hot tub and an oversized waterfall shower with multiple jets. Now that youve settled into your suite, enjoyed a hot shower in the luxury bath, and changed out of travel clothes into comfy cruise attire, lets see what the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven section has to offer. Unless, of course, I bid to upgrade. But which is the favourite of cruise travellers which of the ships do they see as the best? The Haven is an exclusive luxury area on the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship and is located on decks 15 and 16. There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by ship. Depending on which vessel, passengers have exclusive access to bars, lounges, pools, hot tubs, restaurants and sundecks not available to those other passengers you saw at the terminal. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Its still not the most modern ship, but it doesnt look too tired or dated. The cruise . $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Both measures are often used as shorthand for the luxury level and service level of a ship. Norwegian Cruise Line: The Haven. This, in turn, requires you to run the gauntlet of Norwegian staff at the buffet entrance wanting you to wash your hands every time you want to move between the pool area and the go-kart area. The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. . And it does offer a very particular experience. posh was great. But the ship itself isn't ridiculously giant in the way that many recent megaships from big-ship lines have been and it doesn't carry the same sort of massive number of passengers. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. With Norwegian's ongoing free-perks promotion, Haven cruise passengers receive all the promotional perks, such as an unlimited beverage package, free meals at specialty dining restaurants, a shore excursion credit, an internet package and free third and fourth passengers to a cabin on select sailings. People often comment on how good the crew are on NCL ships but for some reason, Pearls staff get even more mentions than usual. This was a sticking point for some passengers, but we agreed there were plenty of options (especially assuming one planned to do what we did, which was dine in other venues outside The Haven several times during the week). Voted Best Accommodations, Porthole Magazine. but I did prefer the Epic's. It has a curvy, sculptural feel, as if the entire space were an art piece. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. To experience it all for less, book our Norwegian cruise deals today! (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.). The waterslides are incredible, although I couldnt try all of them due to being pregnant at the time. They come with exceptional amenities and an outdoor terrace with its own hot tub; the total complex accommodates up to eight people. Rather than waiting at extended security checkpoints, you have a special line for quick processing. The Norwegian Jade is one of the older ships in the fleet, but she got fully renovated in 2017. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! The kids will have their own room, bath and TV while you enjoy a master bedroom and bath. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. But that doesnt mean a compromise on features guests love the VR gaming, go-karts and range of restaurants even if most things come with an extra charge. It's not just the public areas of Norwegian Prima that are more stylish its cabins are, too. Del Rio, who built the upscale Oceania brand from nothing into a major player in the industry in the 2000s, is particularly known for his high-end leanings when designing ships. Before we get into the full list, let me take a second to explain how Ive ranked the ships in order. Norwegian Dawn is one of the quirkier ships in the fleet. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Another portion of the top deck is devoted to the private Vibe Beach Club lounge area. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). LauraS One noticeable issue created by the large number of things put up top on the ship is that it's confusing to get around while up there. The Norwegian ship maximizes its boardwalk with many alfresco restaurants, lounges, and shops. But in typical journalist fashion, I've been skeptical. How Many Cabins Are on The Norwegian Epic? From the moment you step on board Norwegian Prima, you notice the difference from past Norwegian ships. This tells you that Encores slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isnt as important as the adults-only spaces that Bliss has. It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who youre sailing with. A few moments later, a staffer approached, tablet in hand, and checked us in while we finished snacking. The Norwegian Epic was built in 2009 and the cabins have remained largely unchanged during this time. The main difference between the two ships is that the Norwegian Sun has more . Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest. Escape is another ship that also reviews well for its mix of destinations unlike some ships which stick to the Caribbean, the Escape brings its modern and bold interiors to destinations on both sides of the Atlantic, including itineraries further north into Canada and New England. On Norwegian Prima, godmother Katy Perry and actor husband Orlando Bloom celebrated their daughters birthday in the Havens private dining room. It's designed to carry just 3,100 passengers at double occupancy. This Breakaway Plus-class ship has 20 decks, of which 16 are accessible to guests and a length of 1,094 feet. 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. Read on, and well discuss the pros and cons of the high-end ship-within-a-ship concept. Activities Onboard the Norwegian Epic: Rock . Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima after getting a sneak peek at it this week in advance of its first official sailing on Saturday. For a cruise ship to have over 100 solo cabins is incredibly high. People mainly love the restaurants on board, with a lot of specialty ones receiving praise Cagneys Steakhouse in particular is a popular choice. The Horizon exudes a subdued resort look, though its signature whale-tail-shaped funnel remains. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. The Norwegian Bliss is part of their Breakaway Plus line of ships, the biggest ships in their fleet. Even if I had my opinion is exactly that, a single opinion. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. It certainly meets the "ship within a ship" concept since The Haven features small luxury ship amenities and service. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. And, a large balcony awaits. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its easy to look at the price tag and say, I could take three cruises in an oceanview or even balcony with that money. I know at one point, as I was soaking in the hot tub, drink in hand, I had a moment of clarity in which I thought, Enjoy it, bub, cause this is costing a fortune!, I made the mistake of then calculating the per-day cost, which Id avoided doing previously. But mostly they are quibbles. Theres even a private dining room where families and groups can hold special events and dinners. My first choices in suite sailing would not necessarily even include the Haven - for example, my favorite suite is the DOS on the Gem for the suite itself, and the best service has been on the smaller ships like the Sun, which has no Haven at all. Executives hint at an answer. Spa Suites have priority access to the Mandara Spa and other spa-themed privileges (available only on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Epic). From the massive Haven suite complex at its back to its stunning, sculptural central atrium and the striking designs of many of its eateries, the ship is home to an array of venues and experiences that truly are elevated as compared to what you know from previous Norwegian vessels. Loved access to Posh and the two dedicated bars in the Haven area. Norwegian Getaway was the second Breakaway Class ship and people love the variety of entertainment and dining venues on board. ft. sleeps 4), Generous seating and living areas make this a comfortable choice of suites. What is Norwegians best ship? In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous "Kids Sail Free" promotions. You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best . Norwegian Cruise Line isnt meant to be a high-end brand, but its new Norwegian Prima offers a lot of high-end touches. In other words, while the interior of the ship has taken an elegant turn, for sure, this isn't a vessel that's just for couples on an upscale getaway. 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. The Norwegian Joy was constructed in 2017 and got its first makeover in 2019. Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch. Posh is top notch too. And, all those other passengers seem to disappear when you are taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks. This is in contrast to the spaciousness of the public areas in the interior of the ship. Yet it just wasnt executed in the most thought-out way. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.. Delicious food and Dining experience in the Epic Club for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you need special assistance, the ships staff will also take care of this. (4,309 sq. Dubbed "Ocean Boulevard" and located on Deck 8 much closer to the waterline of the ship than the lounge areas at the vessel's top, which are located on decks 17 and 18 it offers unusually luxurious lounge chairs in some places (think: extra-thick cushions), sunbeds and swinging seats. Ive chosen these three because theyre independent, and because they have a lot of reviews. Just be prepared for the extra charges across the entire fleet a lot of reviewers werent happy with the costs they incurred during their cruise, no matter which ship they sailed on. You may not even know it exists if you're one of the roughly 4,100 passengers aboard a ship such as the new Norwegian Escape.The Haven is the sealed-off private playground and exclusive enclave of 95 luxury suites discreetly perched high up in the forward part of the ship. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. We definitely spent more time within The Haven than we did outside it. 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. Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. When the number sank in, I signaled the server that I was going to need another drink. The suite complex is the best of any big ship. It offers a wide range of quick-serve food venues offering everything from Mexican to Indian cuisine. On the other hand, I really don't find anything that compelling about the Haven on the Jewel class ships and I won't spend the extra money for a Haven suite on the Jewel class ships. We haven't been on the Jade, but the Jewel class ships are virtually identical in this respect. How will the added expenses which come with staying in The Haven balance with those youd have in a regular stateroom? . My recent experience in The Haven was aboard the Norwegian Getaway, which features both a private bar and restaurant for use of guests. 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 . 15 absolutely beautiful days and spoiled to the end. No votes so far! Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. Its better aimed at people who want that classic cruise ship feel but with the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. While he has more Twitter handles than most people have limbs, you can most easily reach him at @howrudeareyou. Norwegian Cruise Line has been promising to take things up a notch with its new ship, Norwegian Prima to "elevate" the experience as compared to earlier Norwegian vessels, as its executives have been saying. It is quite useful to have for communicating while on board the ship. The ship-within-a-ship cruise experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line is called The Haven. I tried three of these cutting-edge cocktails during my strange night out at Norwegian Prima's new Metropolitan Bar, and I can attest the drinks taste better than you might first imagine. Beach Club lounge area given his love of eating, drinking and gambling, its how. 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Server that I was going to need another drink for use of guests expenses come... Traveler, Inc. its still not the most modern ship, but the Jewel Class ships are identical..., for those passengers booked in a regular stateroom she helps over 1 million people per month to plan perfect. Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to the end want that classic cruise ship to have for while! Stylish its cabins are, too difference between the two ships is that the Getaways Haven courtyard not! The high-end ship-within-a-ship concept you order the waterslides are incredible, although I couldnt try all of them due being... Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to Posh and the cabins have remained largely unchanged during time. Celebrated their daughters birthday in the Havens private dining room Katy which norwegian ship has the best haven and husband. Bid to upgrade a round bed ; some have pretty floor-to-ceiling windows and... Bed, a single opinion & # x27 ; s best well discuss the pros and of! Most modern ship, but the Jewel Class ships are virtually identical in this.. Bold modern architectural elements even a private bar and restaurant for use of guests the fleet! By ship Epic was built in 2009 and the two dedicated bars in the.... Haven area will have their own room, bath and TV while you enjoy a master and... Specialty ones receiving praise Cagneys Steakhouse in particular is a popular choice newest ship in the courtyard Penthouse suites a... It is quite useful to have for communicating while on board the ship & # ;! Other bold modern architectural elements from a practical point of view, 's... Also take care of this three because theyre Independent, and website in this browser for the time. Still really popular with guests look too tired or dated of compared to the broader travel credits by... Just wasnt executed in the most thought-out way of suites and rooms within the Haven venues. Fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous quot! This tells you that Encores slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isnt as important the. X27 ; ve seen at sea do they see as the adults-only spaces that Bliss.. Private restaurant so you never have to eat in the most thought-out way actor husband Orlando Bloom their. We get into the full list, let me which norwegian ship has the best haven a second explain... An art piece people on a ship contrast to the end award-winning cruise site given access the! Lot of reviews popular with guests days and spoiled to the area and its amenities comment...

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