There's also a new electronic darts venue called The Bull's Eye where you rent a space to play with your friend, a souped-up miniature golf course, a bowl-style waterslide, a kiddie splash zone and two giant dry-slide drop attractions where you plunge from the top of the ship to the promenade deck below. Both measures are often used as shorthand for the luxury level and service level of a ship. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. But in typical journalist fashion, I've been skeptical. Im not a pool person by nature, not really liking the crowds that area draws. Which dishes are the best? 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. She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. Dining on Norwegian cruise ships is comfortable and casual, with no strict dining times and an informal dress code. (For example, I was surprised that the Getaways Haven courtyard does not have a covered/retractable roof. Enrollment required. But as lovely as they are, the basic rooms on Norwegian Prima do draw one quibble from me: their lack of adequate storage space. Also, you can fully expect a personalized and pampered interaction with the staff complete with all the small bonuses. The next ship to launch for NCL will be the Norwegian Viva a new Prima Class ship that is clearly looking to differentiate itself. Norwegian Cruise Line's Haven might be the suite experience for you. A private balcony is perfect for outdoor relaxing. Enchanted with cruising from my first voyage in the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage. An "ordinary" aft SF suite on these ships works for us for less money. But the number one recurring comment in the reviews is the service, which apparently is exceptional. Norwegian Cruise Line now adds a lot more family entertainment and unique features to their ships, and while older ships have great dining venues and live shows they feel more like a modern take on classical cruising experiences. Hi, I'm Jenni. It offers private cabanas. Its cabins are sleek and modern. I just couldn't get that point across to her. They come with exceptional amenities and an outdoor terrace with its own hot tub; the total complex accommodates up to eight people. For a cruise ship to have over 100 solo cabins is incredibly high. First, it is one of the newer ships, and so has a dedicated suite restaurant for all meals if one wishes, the older ships do not have a suites venue for dinner. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? In addition to staying in the best . After years of having heard about Norwegian Cruise Lines The Haven, I finally had a chance to experience it first hand. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. Included is a hot tub and oversized waterfall shower (with jets), a king-sized bed and balcony. The Haven allows passengers to enjoy everything from a private bar and lounge to a custom restaurant, secluded sun deck and calm courtyard, without ever leaving the suite complex. It's not just the public areas of Norwegian Prima that are more stylish its cabins are, too. I also prefer it to Vibe on the BA/GA because it overlooks the main pool area so that you can enjoy the atmosphere while being separated just enough for some quiet and much more space. It is fascinating to read the original reviews of Norwegian Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer reviews. The Haven is an exclusive luxury area on the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship and is located on decks 15 and 16. 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. This isnt a list based just on my opinion. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. You want to book a suite; The Haven onboard is spectacular; You like big ships with nonstop, Vegas-style production shows . Activities Onboard the Norwegian Epic: Rock . Which Norwegian ship has the best haven? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. (1,307 sq. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The ship is the first in the Prima-class and features an entirely new layout and design. Not only will you have access to all the ship has to offer, you'll enjoy the personal service of a concierge and 24-hour butler throughout your entire stay. Norwegian Star shares the same issues as Norwegian Dawn. The new location also allows for a more elaborate and comfortable outdoor lounge and pool area. Perhaps the greatest design triumph of Norwegian Prima isn't the elevated style of its public spaces. If that makes your luxury cruise list, then this is a good choice for you. If luxury, privacy and attentive service are on your list of cruise amenities, then the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven is just the right choice! Be the first to rate this post. For cruisers who want the sort of luxury experience that normally only is found on small luxury ships but also access to all the amenities that big ships have to offer, this is now the premier offering at sea. (2,378 sq. Once you are back on board, spend the evening relaxing in the private Haven Lounge or Haven Bar. Depending on which specific ship you select, dining at a Haven restaurant is an option. Richard is the executive editor of Soaps.com and the author of several novels. I never experience anything like it on any other NCL ship. Guests staying in The Haven have the best of both worlds--they have luxury suites and exclusive dining, lounge, and . Another big perk as far as I was concerned came at the end of the week. Its a smaller ship in the fleet, so better suited to adults who want a more relaxing break. The FFS cruise will set sail on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in . If youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what The Haven is and are considering booking. Among other nearby outlets with elevated design is Cagney's Steakhouse. Your ultimate guide for the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship - New NCL . Cruising in an aft suite on the Jade 10/24/15 and wondered if anyone has sailed in them..and your opinion.. We always book an aft SF on Jewel class ships and really like the privacy, large balcony (particularly large on deck 10), and how being located aft shelters you from the wind. 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. I am another one who has no use for the Havens on Jewel class ships. 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. I loved the Epic Haven. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. ft. sleeps 4), This room is designed with romance in mind. Because there are just a handful of suites the service was over the top. Two days after the cancellation was announced, some passengers are still on the ship: They're trying to navigate confusing communication on when they will start their journeys home. 15 absolutely beautiful days and spoiled to the end. The 3,100-passenger ship is loaded with stylish, upscale bars and restaurants. A notable element of Norwegian Prima (and the sister Prima-class ships that will follow) is that it has an unusually wide wraparound promenade that is filled with resort-like outdoor lounge areas. ), unlimited WiFi and cruise gratuities. 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. A small indoor pool area, however nicely decorated, does nothing for me. 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. Ultimately, to answer is it worth it for me, it will depend on what attributes compared with the costs are important on a cruise vacation. There are views for days through walls of windows; and some ships have not one, but two balconies. . 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). 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. Read Less. Here's your full guide on the exclusive Norwegian Cruise Line Haven, for those passengers booked in a suite. When I cruised the next suite on Epic, the Haven area was nice but never did the concierge ever say hello or ask if we needed anything. Its great for couples and families alike. P.S. 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. Norwegian Bliss. 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. It really is elevated. There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by 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. 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 Many Cabins Are on The Norwegian Epic? $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. posh was great. Ive chosen these three because theyre independent, and because they have a lot of reviews. For example, not all version of The Haven feature a private restaurant. This is entirely subjective. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. The Norwegian Epic has 1912 cabins, 128 of which are studio cabins designed for solo cruisers. (3,440 sq. It can hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled. There are no bad NCL ships. ft. sleeps 2). As a Haven keycard holder, you will have priority reservations and seating at all entertainment venues. (4,655 sq. 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. She reserved seats for us and would be waiting there. For a greater percentage of passengers on this ship than any other big-ship vessel at sea, Norwegian Prima can offer a truly upscale experience in a private, hidden-away complex. While it is similar in size to other Breakaway Plus ships casinos, the best casino on the NCL fleet is found on the Norwegian Escape. (6,694 sq. In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous "Kids Sail Free" promotions. This a designated section in the upper decks of certain ships that is reserved for the private luxury of keycard holders. On embarkation day, expect to find drinks and snacks waiting at your dining table. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. The ships are slightly smaller and feel a lot less crowded, which really helps to accentuate the modern and minimalist design choices too this feels like a really premium ship compared to the rest of the fleet. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. By that measure, Norwegian Prima is downright small and uncrowded for a big ship with a lot to offer (see more on that below). 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. I then try to answer the seemingl. 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. On Norwegian Prima, godmother Katy Perry and actor husband Orlando Bloom celebrated their daughters birthday in the Havens private dining room. Guests staying in this exclusive and . The best is on Norwegian Prima it is a three-storey track that is much longer and more exciting. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. Norwegian Epic - Best Deals in December 2023. Once the attentive staff have escorted you to your room, take a beat to soak in the surroundings. It has a huge selection of gambling machines and table games that guests can enjoy. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Neither ship has the Haven suite-only area but does feature suites. And elegant. 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/. 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). 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. But with roughly 214 guests staying in the complex at any given time, assuming two passengers per suite, it's still an intimate venue. Furniture features luxurious stone and light-wood finishes, and texture plays a big role. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Norwegian Joy was the fourth ship in the Breakaway Class and the second Breakaway Plus ship to launch, and based on reviews you can tell the designers were hitting their stride with this ship. Find the right card for you. But it is a bit crowded and the standards on board seem to be slipping according to the reviews. 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. 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. 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. $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. A bubbling hot tub and bar are included on this sundeck, and a fitness center is nearby. Speaking of the Haven suite area on Norwegian Prima, there's really nothing like it. 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 has a curvy, sculptural feel, as if the entire space were an art piece. 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. Priority embarkation, debarkation, seating at shows and dining reservations also come de facto with that special metallic Haven keycard. Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-GO-TO-SEA with a cruise advisor Norwegian's newest ship, Encore, embarked on its inaugural journey in November 2019. 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. Sit on the balcony and see the land ahead. 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. The Haven is an exclusive area on the Norwegian Getaway for those staying in one of the seven categories of suites labeled S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S9. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. So sit back and enjoy reading about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes them so special. In the past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the best of circumstances. The kids will have their own room, bath and TV while you enjoy a master bedroom and bath. 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. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Still, people love the fun atmosphere on board, and modern updates keep the ships popularity going for now. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By ft. sleeps 6), A large living space with dining area along with the bedroom have floor-to-ceiling windows. 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. 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. . Now, keep in mind that this is the more moderately priced of The Haven cabins. Learn more. What Is the Norwegian Haven and Which Ship Has the Best One? A not-insignificant part of the top of the vessel is devoted to outdoor lounge areas that are exclusively for use by passengers staying in the ship's Haven suite area. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. And, the bathroom will be stocked with luxury grooming products, robes, slippers and thirsty towels. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. Indulge Food Hall is one of the only food halls at sea, and it's fabulous if a little tight, spacewise. Unless, of course, I bid to upgrade. 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. 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. ft. sleeps 4), Generous seating and living areas make this a comfortable choice of suites. I never experienced an intrusive butler or concierge. but I did prefer the Epic's. Finally, the Restaurant on the Prima-class Havens is larger and has much better views than you find on the other ships. (4,309 sq. Shore excursions at these ports-of-call are also highly ranked among passengers as favorite activities on a cruise. 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. Makes me think "motel" pool. Its still a very popular ship and people do love the exclusive Onda restaurant but most cruisers prefer that extra adults-only space that Bliss has in comparison. We haven't been on the Jade, but the Jewel class ships are virtually identical in this respect. The Norwegian Jade is one of the older ships in the fleet, but she got fully renovated in 2017. For adults that like to party, the best ship is Norwegian Sky. The best NCL ship for adults depends on your cruise style. A version of The Haven is available onboard the following ships: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway. 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. While he has more Twitter handles than most people have limbs, you can most easily reach him at @howrudeareyou. 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. 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. Just off the Epic transatlantic and stayed up in the a Haven. I got the small, intimate feel from the Haven staff in the Epic that you are describing from the Sky. Disembarking after a cruise is a bit different than the experiences of first-day boarding. Norwegian Breakaway 4.464. While enjoying this outside space, you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest. These chef-prepared meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Speaking of the Haven suite area on Norwegian Prima, there's really nothing like it. Voted Best Accommodations, Porthole Magazine. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. On the Breakaway-Plus class NCL Bliss ship: The total number of The Haven suites is almost doubled in comparison to the Breakaway-class ships - 95 Suite accommodations, including . For those who like to dine in the room, a white tablecloth service is included. Before we get into the full list, let me take a second to explain how Ive ranked the ships in order. Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other 17 ships in the Norwegian fleet. Norwegian Cruise Line isnt meant to be a high-end brand, but its new Norwegian Prima offers a lot of high-end touches. Did it live up to the hype? But consider that rival Royal Caribbean's newest vessel, Wonder of the Seas, is designed to sail with 5,734 passengers at double occupancy. Before the butler leaves, inquire about getting everyone an NCL mobile phone. With a passenger capacity of 3,804, not to mention its 1,821 crew members on board, the Norwegian Joy is like a little community of travelers with just enough people to make a large neighborhood. That being said, the Epic is probably our favorite actual "Haven" experience for two reasons. 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.). It's enough for me this week, as I'm traveling solo. Its still not the most modern ship, but it doesnt look too tired or dated. But it would be tight if my wife were here with me, and we both had suitcases full of clothes for a week. Why? Lets start with the positives Norwegian Epic is a ship that has something for everyone. Im not the same as you and so our views of the ships would be different. For a more exclusive experience, Celebrity offers three different VIP cruise levels: Suite Class. Wonder of the Seas measures 235,600 tons 62% larger than Norwegian Prima. 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. 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. 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. In particular, the pre-cruise customer service gets a bit of a hammering, but people generally love the experience on the ship.