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. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Like so many other questions that come up when planning a cruise, deciding whether or not The Haven is worth the price comes down to a matter of priorities. Norwegian Getaway is designed to create the best vacation experience ever for all age groups, including the flexibility of . The Breakaway's Haven was nice (the retractable roof is a plus!) It has been designed to offer more space, so that it feels a little less crowded than the Breakaway Plus ships, without sacrificing any of the exciting attractions youll find onboard. But as lovely as they are, the basic rooms on Norwegian Prima do draw one quibble from me: their lack of adequate storage space. 75 of the cabins are located in the Haven. We actually don't like the Breakawaybut we do like the Breakaway's Haven, because it allows us to isolate ourselves from many of the aspects of the Breakaway we don't likeovercrowded pool areasmoky central atrium area of the ship thanks to where the casino is locatedovercrowded almost everything on the BA in fact. There are also over five bars and lounges on each ship. As a Haven keycard holder, you will have priority reservations and seating at all entertainment venues. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest. This is another part of the "elevation" of Norwegian Prima. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). To get from the main pool to the entryway to the go-kart track, for instance, you have to walk through the top-of-the-ship Surfside Cafe buffet. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Going against the always-go-bigger trend of recent cruise ship building, Norwegian has made Norwegian Prima about 14% smaller than its last new ship, Norwegian Encore. 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. 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. 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. What Is the Norwegian Haven and Which Ship Has the Best One? Ample seating in both sunny and shaded sections provide a comfortable spot to lounge in or out of the sun. 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. Your ultimate guide for the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship - New NCL . Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Executives hint at an answer. In their effort to make the rooms as minimalist and spacious feeling as possible, the designers seem to have overlooked the real need for lots of hanging space and drawers in cabins on a ship that will likely be operating seven-day sailings for much of its life. Despite being 14% smaller than Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track that is 22% larger than the one on that ship. There's no separate dinner venue on any ships other than the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway (and presumably the new big ships that are on order). If you're a fan of the line, this is the new ship you can't wait to book. You will never go hungry or thirsty. 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. I got the small, intimate feel from the Haven staff in the Epic that you are describing from the Sky. 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. Moments later, you are surrounded by luxury with a concierge at hand and more drinks and snacks about. 1. Norwegian Encore. What is Norwegians best ship? There are a few things about its design that leave me scratching my head things that maybe the line can change before it moves ahead with the rollout of five sister ships that already are on order. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 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. Read about my attempt to test every dish at its 11 venues in four days to find out. Ive been on some including the inaugural sailing for Norwegian Encore and the oldest ship Norwegian Spirit but not enough that I can have a genuine opinion of my own on each ship. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. You and your baggage have been whisked to an area of the ship known as the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven. The major criticism levelled at the ship is more to do with the excursions offered in Alaska, which dont get you as close to nature as they do with other cruise lines. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven: Is It Worth The Price?. CC Help Jenn For adults that like to party, the best ship is Norwegian Sky. In the afternoon and early evening, a variety of snacks could be found in the courtyard. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. Its a ship that is super lively, has great food and overall just feels like a classic short break cruise experience, without a load of fancy bells and whistles. Business Insider - The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line says that the sluggish economy isn't deterring wealthy passengers from splashing out on luxury cruise trips. Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other 17 ships in the Norwegian fleet. 15. The main difference between the two ships is that the Norwegian Sun has more . The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. The benefits of the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven experience begin before you even board the ship! Indulge Food Hall is one of the only food halls at sea, and it's fabulous if a little tight, spacewise. 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. Ive chosen these three because theyre independent, and because they have a lot of reviews. Norwegian Jade rounds out the top 10 and also the popular Gem Class of ship for the fleet, with a score that has improved since she received her Norwegian Edge upgrades a few years ago gone are the dated colours and smaller restaurants, with more choice added including the popular OSheehans. Disembarking after a cruise is a bit different than the experiences of first-day boarding. In addition to staying in the best . In short, it's like nothing you've seen before in the Norwegian fleet. ft. sleeps 8), For a modern feel, book one of these suites. While he has more Twitter handles than most people have limbs, you can most easily reach him at @howrudeareyou. Another rule of thumb: youll pay between twice to eight or ten times as much for a Haven room as a regular cabin. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. As a Norwegian Cruise Line Haven passenger, youll find more benefits here. Almost immediately upon arriving at the New York City terminal from which we were departing, you could tell this was not going to be your typical check-in experience. This makes it feel more like a true ship within a ship than the Havens on the other vessels. Star was the first ship that was designed with the Freestyle Cruising mantra in mind and yes, there is a lot of choice on board and an atmosphere that is worlds apart from traditional cruise formality. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Why? Norwegian Cruise Line isnt meant to be a high-end brand, but its new Norwegian Prima offers a lot of high-end touches. So while the Haven areas are nice my favorite suite experience was on a ship with no Haven. The two-bedroom Family Villa has a master bedroom, plus a small bedroom with a sofa bed for kids. There will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies. But better-than-average pricing and a whole lotta accumulated Future Cruise Credits left me saying, Its now or never. (This despite having been warned by numerous people that once I experienced The Haven, Id never want to go back to regular cruising again.). Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Fresh off my first experience in The Haven, Im looking forward to doing it again although my next sailing on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship will be in a balcony aboard the Joy. Do they have a separate dining room like Epic Club were you get breakfast, lunch and dinner? All other amenities well worth it. Norwegian Dawn is one of the quirkier ships in the fleet. For example, not all version of The Haven feature a private restaurant. It's designed to carry just 3,100 passengers at double occupancy. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. The entryway to the ship deposits you at the three-story-high Penrose Atrium, which may be the most beautiful atrium of any big ship at sea. This tells you that Encores slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isnt as important as the adults-only spaces that Bliss has. While some suites are located within The Haven itself, many are found behind the actual enclave, but still have access to it. posh was great. 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. The deck-top space is broken up into too many sections, without a lot of ways to walk between them. While enjoying this outside space, you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant. The Haven has since become a Norwegian Cruise Line staple; youll find it on the Jewel-class ships, .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Norwegian Epic, the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus-class ships and the new Prima-class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. Inside the complex, there's a private restaurant so you never have to eat in the same room with non-Haven passengers. The ship is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, . 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. I only wish that Posh had a hot tub.. So, if there are very specific details youd like, choose your ship accordingly. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating. Celestyal Cruises Adds Former Ryndam Cruise Ship to Fleet, Live From Azamara Quest: a 17-Night Cruise from Australia to New Zealand. Enrollment required. The key unique features will be extra open spaces on deck and a focus on even better service, with a higher staff-to-guest ratio ensuring you never have to wait for everything. They think you're there for dining. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. It feels like a final appreciative service for choosing the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven. And, you can make reservations at any time. A small indoor pool area, however nicely decorated, does nothing for me. The ship is capable of transporting 2,402 passengers and 1,037 crew members to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The added floors mean it has more suites (107), as well as more expansive interior public lounge, bar and restaurant areas than previous Haven complexes. Our stateroom, as it turned out, was only steps away from The Haven lounge, restaurant and courtyard/pool area. There are several different types, depending on ship. 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. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Watch the horizon glide by from expansive private balconies. 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. I was impressed. Among other nearby outlets with elevated design is Cagney's Steakhouse. During the voyage, the ship will dock at harbors along the route. I agree with the poster who said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an indoor pool at a motel. (In a perfect world, Norwegian would make it even bigger on the next ships in this series). Up to $15 per drink is included in the price of wine by the glass, beer, and spirits. Will there be more queues for the Haven's private concierge desk than on other Norwegian ships with smaller Haven complexes, for instance? Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. An "ordinary" aft SF suite on these ships works for us for less money. Service and food in the restaurant was impeccable, although its worth noting that the menu remains the same throughout the week. Penthouses are great for people who love to entertain. Which dishes are the best? 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. Then, retire to your suite where the turndown service has prepared your room for a peaceful nights sleep. But it would be tight if my wife were here with me, and we both had suitcases full of clothes for a week. Its not a massive issue if you dont mind occasionally choosing the wrong staircase or elevator, and while theres nothing to really make it feel unique compared to modern ships, she offers a fun time with good service. And this is why people love it the ship itself is nothing too special, although people do enjoy the quieter atmosphere and the extra space offered by hosting fewer guests. This is all relative, of course. By Read Less. Instead, the destination is the main attraction here, with itineraries planned around maximising the time spent among Hawaiis magnificent scenery, with some fun-packed excursion options available. It's still very much a family-focused ship, as Norwegian ships have long been. Its still a good mid-size cruise ship that doesnt feel too crowded though, and theres enough on board to keep families and couples entertained with ease. Norwegian Encore is an almost identical copy of Norwegian Bliss, the most popular ship in the fleet. Theres no single answer for which is the best NCL ship. That being said, the Epic is probably our favorite actual "Haven" experience for two reasons. 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. We were thinking of doing the Jade on a transatlantic next year but was sure about the dining arrangements. 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. Additionally, you will receive invitations to cocktail parties and have the chance to socialize with the officers of the ship. Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. The concierge would personally visit you twice a day to check up on you. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Despite its smaller footprint, Norwegian Prima has more food outlets, not fewer, than the last few Norwegian ships. Norwegian Breakaway 4.464. Perhaps the greatest design triumph of Norwegian Prima isn't the elevated style of its public spaces. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. If you need special assistance, the ships staff will also take care of this. Yet it just wasnt executed in the most thought-out way. It can hold up to 4,200 guests. United rolls out free fleetwide Wi-Fi for select flyers, Everything you need to know about Amex Travel. That would have been a real nice perk when sailing out of New York City in March, and it is something that several other NCL ships feature.). Keep in mind that actual square footage, floor plans, suite locations on the ships and lists of amenities will vary by vessel. Not only is the Ocean Boulevard on Norwegian Prima roomier than ever, but it'll absorb a lot of passengers on sea days who otherwise would be packing the top decks of the ship. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By (4,309 sq. But for those who perhaps arent familiar with the space, a quick introduction: The Haven is where youll find the most luxurious suitesyou know, the ones that come with great amenities, lots of perks and the services of both a concierge and a butler. Norwegian is great at trendsetting, with entertainment from Blue Man Group and Second City. Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.. For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. ), unlimited WiFi and cruise gratuities. Here's how The Haven works on eight Norwegian Cruise Line ships: First, like Fight Club, you don't talk about The Haven. (6,694 sq. For a more exclusive experience, Celebrity offers three different VIP cruise levels: Suite Class. This is totally subjective. Speak with the concierge about the availability of ship-sponsored excursions. Like me, hed never sailed in The Haven and was equally interested in finding out what the experience would be like. For longer and/or extended days at sea, this can be a real bonus. Search for great cruise deals and compare prices to help you plan your next Norwegian (NCL) cruise vacation. NCL new ships. The 16 Haven Spa Suites are adjacent to the Mandara Spa on deck 14, and The 22 Haven aft or forward-facing penthouses are on decks 9-14. Located in and amongst the enclave is the all-suite accommodation section of the Haven. If youre interested in other cruise lines too, then check out the guides that I also have for the Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Ships and also the Best and Worst Carnival Ships. Key to that is their fleet, which includes a mix of smaller ships well-suited to a more relaxing break, and some of the more modern ships that are loaded with exciting attractions. Aesthetically, both ships have contemporary decor. Located in several of the ships, this is a self-contained area of suites, eateries and venues specifically designed for creating a one-of-a-kind cruise environment exclusively for Haven passengers. Like the Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to the Thermal and Mandara Spas. 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. On the other hand, Carnival has . The concierge on Sky was great. The bedroom has a king-sized bed; and the balcony has room for everyone. The ship has some incredible features including go-karts, and she has some of the best Broadway shows too, including SIX and Jersey Boys, which are extremely popular with guests. The regular Owners Suites can sleep up to four, while the Deluxe Owners Suites, some with two bedrooms, can hold six. Loved access to Posh and the two dedicated bars in the Haven area. The only differences are that Encore has a bigger racetrack and laser tag arena, but at the cost of losing the Spice H2O bar area for adults only. No votes so far! Once the attentive staff have escorted you to your room, take a beat to soak in the surroundings. Its lounge chairs are plush and upscale. It can hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled. Before the butler leaves, inquire about getting everyone an NCL mobile phone. Norwegian Cruise Line: The Haven. 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. That isn't to say Norwegian Prima is perfect. Norwegian Dawn - 3.92. (For example, I was surprised that the Getaways Haven courtyard does not have a covered/retractable roof. This more upscale feel is a sharp turn for Norwegian but perhaps it should come as no surprise. 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/. Or, the ship may anchor offshore, and youll be transported via a small boat called a tender. 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. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. 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. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! You want to book a suite; The Haven onboard is spectacular; You like big ships with nonstop, Vegas-style production shows . Once youve done a bit of planning for later entertainment and meals and the voyage is underway, more Haven amenities await outside your suite. She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. 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. Decorated with the intention of relaxation, this suite comes with a hot tub and oversized waterfall. For a ship that launched in 2010, it is starting to feel like its quite old compared to the vibrancy of the Breakaway and Prima Class ships. Not only will you have . 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 suite complex is the best of any big ship. Another of the popular mid-sized Gem Class ships, Norwegian Pearl scores slightly lower than her sister the Norwegian Jewel but she is still very popular among cruise passengers. ft. sleeps 4), This room is designed with romance in mind. Check here before booking an award fare. Pride of America is the only ship in the world that sails under the US flag, and it is NCLs primary ship for exploring the islands of Hawaii. Included is a hot tub and oversized waterfall shower (with jets), a king-sized bed and balcony. This is entirely subjective. Does it get crowded in the courtyard? If that makes your luxury cruise list, then this is a good choice for you. For those who like to dine in the room, a white tablecloth service is included. And, a large balcony awaits. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. ft. sleeps 3), For a cozy spa experience, this is the spot. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Remember that this is the best to the worst. We recommend the Haven for families and groups who want higher-end accommodations and amenities, in a mainstream cruise ship setting where you have access to shows, the casino and a variety of dining options. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. On some ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic), Haven guests are given a mobile phone that they can use throughout the ship. By that measure, Norwegian Prima is downright small and uncrowded for a big ship with a lot to offer (see more on that below).