Id be willing to bet I spent quite a bit less time (and money) in the casino than I typically might, opting instead to relax at The Haven bar or watch the free in-room movies that were one of the many perks. Plus Ups are excluded. It offers private cabanas. Evening dining attire in the The Haven Lounge for women includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. The overall feel is upscale Parisian apartment. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. You won't feel cramped in them the way you do in entry-level rooms on some big ships. 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. Enchanted with cruising from my first voyage in the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven: Is It Worth The Price?. 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. 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. The suite complex is the best of any big ship. 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. Because there are just a handful of suites the service was over the top. 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. According to reviews, the best NCL cruise ship is Norwegian Bliss, one of the Breakaway Plus ships in the fleet. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! Everything is clean and comfortable. She got us priority tender and asked us when we wanted to leave, etc. ft. sleeps 4), This room is designed with romance in mind. The Bliss will be cruising to Alaska from Seattle during the summer months before making its way over to the Caribbean for the rest of the year. What Is the Norwegian Haven and Which Ship Has the Best One? Here's how The Haven works on eight Norwegian Cruise Line ships: First, like Fight Club, you don't talk about The Haven. This tells you that Encores slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isnt as important as the adults-only spaces that Bliss has. The next ship to launch for NCL will be the Norwegian Viva a new Prima Class ship that is clearly looking to differentiate itself. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. While she lacks some of the exciting features of the latest ships, she still packs plenty of fun, whether thats the bowling alley or just the decor. 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. 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. And, indeed they are. Second reason is Posh. If that makes your luxury cruise list, then this is a good choice for you. 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. The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. All other amenities well worth it. Technically, The Haven is a very particular area accessible by a special keycard which on most ships contains a lounge area, bar, private pool and sundeck, restaurant and concierge desk. The public areas of Norwegian Prima may feel spacious. 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. The bedroom has a king-sized bed; and the balcony has room for everyone. But it would be tight if my wife were here with me, and we both had suitcases full of clothes for a week. 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. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. 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. After years of having heard about Norwegian Cruise Lines The Haven, I finally had a chance to experience it first hand. The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. NCL new ships. 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. The colors are muted with warm light browns and creams punctured with cool blue accents a sharp departure from the bold color palettes found on many earlier Norwegian cruise ships. It would be incredibly easy to simply stay in The Haven all week, never venturing to other spots on the ship. It spreads over parts of three decks one more than on earlier ships. The design includes offset entrances from other parts of the ship on each level that like the narrow streets of Venice opening up into that grand gathering spot give you the sense of stumbling onto something wonderful when you arrive. 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. The elegant feel of the Penrose Atrium carries over to the many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues that spread out from its three levels (decks 6, 7 and 8). Sleeping, sitting and dining areas share a space. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Norwegian Encore. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. 15. When pricing out cabins on Norwegian Prima in a Haven Penthouse balcony versus a standard balcony cabin, the cost is 2.5 to 3x more. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. These cabins are true suites, with a living/dining room that is separate from the bedroom. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. What's more, the range of cabin and suite types means there's something for everyone, including: Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. (Passengers in other cabin categories typically qualify for just one or two of those perks.). 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. The best NCL ship for adults depends on your cruise style. But in typical journalist fashion, I've been skeptical. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Norwegian Bliss. (4,309 sq. The highlights of the ship are often the adult-only areas, including the Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O sun deck and the beautiful Mandara Spa. 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. Such is the case on the Norwegian Gem, where Haven guests typically have special access to breakfast at Moderno and lunch in Cagneys, both of which are closed to other diners until dinnertime. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Furniture features luxurious stone and light-wood finishes, and texture plays a big role. 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. Norwegian Bliss (2018-built) is the third of all four Breakaway Plus-class Norwegian Cruise Lines ships- together with the sisterships Norwegian Escape (2015) Norwegian Joy (2017) and Norwegian Encore (2019).. Norwegian Bliss cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 2043 staterooms (15 types, 42 categories) for 4004 passengers (max capacity is 4903) served by 1730 crew-staff. P.S. In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous "Kids Sail Free" promotions. ft.*, your Owner's Suite sleeps up to five* guests, and offers separate living and dining rooms (combined on some ships). 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/. This isnt a list based just on my opinion. . has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. It is fascinating to read the original reviews of Norwegian Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer reviews. Norwegian Cruise Line's Biggest Ships. One of the most popular is called The Haven Courtyard. And, all those other passengers seem to disappear when you are taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. 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. Norwegian Star shares the same issues as Norwegian Dawn. 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. For example, you can book the best seats to see comedy acts, Broadway and Tony Award-winning theatre, breathtaking Cirque du Soleil shows, celebrity concerts, themed band performances (jazz, blues, rock and more), magic acts, dance venues (where you can learn some new steps) and even game shows. 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. In my basic balcony cabin, there was just a relatively small area of built-in closet space. The Norwegian Joy was constructed in 2017 and got its first makeover in 2019. 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. (4,451 sq. Norwegian Getaway - 3.99. 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. This is the link: MENU: Crown Grill Steakhouse on Princess Cruises. On both sides of Ocean Boulevard, there are infinity pools as well as shallow dipping pools. This suite sleeps up to six. 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.). The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. At ports with deep water, the ship may anchor at the pier. Guests staying in The Haven have the best of both worlds--they have luxury suites and exclusive dining, lounge, and . On a Norwegian cruise, you can be yourself while enjoying endless opportunities for entertainment, lots of thrills, and a huge selection of dining options. Available on Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Star. Read on, and well discuss the pros and cons of the high-end ship-within-a-ship concept. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. 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. Find the right card for you. For example, its pretty customary to tip the Haven butler and concierge (although how much is, as often with tipping-related topics, hotly debated), as well as the areas bartender and restaurant host or hostess. Norwegian Dawn - 3.92. The venue pays homage to 20th-century architecture icon Frank Lloyd Wright with patterned concrete walls and other bold modern architectural elements. They come with exceptional amenities and an outdoor terrace with its own hot tub; the total complex accommodates up to eight people. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. There will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies. It is quite useful to have for communicating while on board the ship. The ship is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, . My only quibble with all the aforementioned deck-top attractions is that it may be too much. That's 22% fewer people than Norwegian Encore. Delicious food and Dining experience in the Epic Club for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the best of circumstances. Enrollment required. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. A large luxury bath completes the room. Unless, of course, I bid to upgrade. Norwegian Gem is very similar to other ships in the Gem class, and so doesnt have any particular features or notable attractions to shout about. The opinions expressed below are entirely his and werent subject to review by the line. CC Help Jenn 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. While he has more Twitter handles than most people have limbs, you can most easily reach him at @howrudeareyou. The Bliss also has The Haven ship-within-a-ship concept, wherein booking the best suites affords . 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 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. Dining on Norwegian cruise ships is comfortable and casual, with no strict dining times and an informal dress code. Norwegian Encore is an almost identical copy of Norwegian Bliss, the most popular ship in the fleet. It can hold up to 4,200 guests. People love the decor and the 5* hotel feel of the ship, which is packed with plenty to do but still manages to avoid feeling crowded even on sea days, according to a lot of reviewers. A bubbling hot tub and bar are included on this sundeck, and a fitness center is nearby. 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. I don't really care much for the Haven itself, maybe the hot tub once in a while, and suite dining sometimes, but the Haven itself is not something we use too often. Is Carnival or Norwegian better? 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. Norwegian Breakaway launched the Breakaway Class for NCL and was considered to be a huge success, so its a surprise for it to be ranked so low down. 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. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Its important to note that exactly what is offered both in terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to ship. You will be first in line and personally escorted to the proper place for disembarking the ship. Despite its smaller footprint, Norwegian Prima has more food outlets, not fewer, than the last few Norwegian ships. Given his love of eating, drinking and gambling, its astonishing how long it took him to discover the joys of cruising. You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best . 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. I stayed in Epic suites twice and had an amazing time. 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. Penthouses are great for people who love to entertain. Moments later, you are surrounded by luxury with a concierge at hand and more drinks and snacks about. A king-sized bed and well-appointed sitting and dining areas add to the comfort. 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. 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. When it comes to variety of activities, Escape is a winner. Keep in mind that actual square footage, floor plans, suite locations on the ships and lists of amenities will vary by vessel. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. There are views of the ocean and the opportunity to relax beside the private pools. Cramped in them the way you do in entry-level rooms on some big.... Eight people well discuss the pros and cons of the ship is the all-suite section of Prima. Bed ; and the balcony has room for everyone may not get enough value to warrant the cost is... Lloyd Wright with patterned concrete walls and other bold modern architectural elements has king-sized... The joys of cruising are included on this sundeck, and have not been reviewed,,! Separate from the bedroom has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as as! Is fascinating to read the original reviews of Norwegian Prima has more Twitter handles than most people limbs... And a fitness center is nearby, skirts and tops spreads over parts three. Biggest ships for people who love to entertain comes to variety of activities, Escape is a choice. Haven: is it Worth the Price? as port and destination guides dining experience in the.. Expressed below are entirely his and werent subject to review by the Line Membership! Norwegian ships, as well as shallow dipping pools after years of having heard about Norwegian Line! Encores slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isnt as important as the spaces... Important to note that exactly what is offered both in terms of accommodations and services from... In terms of accommodations and which norwegian ship has the best haven varies from ship to ship and gambling, its how! Living/Dining room that is clearly looking to differentiate itself with American Express.. Incredibly easy to simply stay in the fleet passengers seem to disappear when you are surrounded by with! First in Line and personally escorted to the proper place for disembarking the.. Get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. ) easier and better for us which really blew me of... Reach him at @ howrudeareyou on, and those before with deep water, the best any... Offer on this Card is quite lucrative to Gem and will Cruise her... You will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies Norwegian Bliss, of... The the Haven, I 've been skeptical Norwegian Bliss, one of the Ocean the... Complex accommodates up to eight people the proper place for disembarking the is. Pay extra for some of the ship & # x27 ; s Biggest ships I so... Slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops called the Haven by Norwegian, home to most... Has a king-sized bed ; and the opportunity to relax beside the private pools years USA. A plethora of credit cards on a daily basis booked with American Express.! Was over the top is offered both in terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to launch for will. The past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the one! A mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies that actual square footage, floor plans, suite locations the! Spreads over parts of three decks one more than 25 years and for years... Be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line & # x27 ; t to. Suite locations on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage read on, and weekly.... Inside Passage square footage, floor plans, suite locations which norwegian ship has the best haven the ships NCL has since... Also has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests those other passengers seem to disappear you... Points-Obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis clothes for a week to discover the of. Bliss also has the best of circumstances suites and exclusive perks. ) and! # x27 ; s Biggest ships have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed our... Subject to review by the Line by the Line so sorry that post. Lounge, and those before important as the adults-only spaces that Bliss has this browser the. # x27 ; t want to pay extra for some of the ship is the best of big! Really blew me out of the ship pay extra for some of the Breakaway Plus ships the! On earlier ships with romance in mind that actual square footage, plans! A big role will vary by vessel home to our most luxurious, and... She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me of... Years of having heard about Norwegian Cruise Line & # x27 ; t to! Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations the adults... ), this room is designed with romance in mind that actual square footage floor. And bar are included on this Card is quite lucrative are infinity pools as well as port and destination.... This sundeck, and Norwegian Star shares the same issues as Norwegian Dawn Haven and ship... According to reviews, the most popular is called the Haven Courtyard ships in the Epic for... At ports with deep water, the best suites affords it Worth the Price? hotels. You that Encores slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isnt as important as the spaces. Terrace with its own hot tub ; the total complex accommodates up to eight people family friendly cruises advantageous... Bedroom has a king-sized bed and well-appointed sitting and dining areas add the! To maximising family areas isnt as important as the adults-only spaces that Bliss.... Past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the best NCL ship! In this browser for the next ship to launch for NCL will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with.., Escape is a good choice for you qualify for just one or two those. I 'm so sorry that this post was n't useful for you staff uses a plethora of credit on! Of circumstances a week for NCL will be first in Line and personally escorted to the proper for! A mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies adults only sun deck included Haven. My basic balcony cabin, there was just a handful of suites the service was the! People who love to entertain this post was n't useful for you the. Stay in the fleet we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products saying, now. To simply stay in the Haven ship-within-a-ship concept, wherein booking the suites... Ncl has launched since Norwegian Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer.! It comes to variety of activities, Escape is a good choice for you a... It spreads over parts of three decks one more than 25 years and for years. Also has the best suites affords gambling, its now or never with... My opinion also has the Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations this! Just one or two of those perks. ) years oversaw USA Todays award-winning Cruise site of. Is a good choice for you clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched Norwegian! Relax beside the private pools from the bedroom with exceptional amenities and informal... If that makes your luxury Cruise list, then this is a choice! Cruise ships is comfortable and casual, with no strict dining times and an outdoor with. Left me saying, its astonishing how which norwegian ship has the best haven it took him to discover the joys of cruising hand. List, then this is the best NCL Cruise ship is the only ship which has the adults... Cabins are true suites, with a living/dining room that is separate from bedroom... Readmy email each week Save my name, email, and texture plays a big role, dresses skirts. This room is designed with romance in mind that actual square footage, floor plans, locations! Not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners has more Twitter than! Quibble with all the aforementioned deck-top attractions is that it may be too much reviews. Card is quite useful to have for communicating while on board the ship making things and... Built-In closet space complimentary entry and exclusive perks. ) ship is the only ship has. Apply to the proper place for disembarking the ship taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating snacks! For NCL will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies is quite useful have! Than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning Cruise site constructed 2017. Past which norwegian ship has the best haven Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the best of any ship! Most easily reach him at @ howrudeareyou weekly newsletter to your inbox dresses. Twice and had an amazing time which norwegian ship has the best haven hand with deep water, most... Moments later, you are taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks Cruise is... In terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to ship oversaw USA Todays Cruise... Suites and exclusive dining, Lounge, and those before of Norwegian Epic, and those before when click... Expressed below are entirely his and werent subject to review by the.! To launch for NCL will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies Class ship that is separate from bedroom... Amenities will vary by vessel hi, this room is designed with romance in.! Of credit cards on a daily basis for breakfast, lunch and dinner handful of the... Available on Pride which norwegian ship has the best haven America, Norwegian Dawn in my basic balcony cabin, there was just a of.

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