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. 15 absolutely beautiful days and spoiled to the end. Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the best cruise ships for families. ft. sleeps 4), For relaxation at its finest, this is the room to reserve. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven: Is It Worth The Price?. Which Norwegian ship has the best haven? 1. And elegant. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Service was outstanding and certainly worth every dollar. (4,824 sq. Aesthetically, both ships have contemporary decor. (While youre exploring, the certified suite butler will likely be unpacking your suitcase and checking to see that everything is in order!). 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. 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. 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. 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. The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. (2,378 sq. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. 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. Enrollment required. 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. People mainly love the restaurants on board, with a lot of specialty ones receiving praise Cagneys Steakhouse in particular is a popular choice. Sit on the balcony and see the land ahead. 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. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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. Here's your full guide on the exclusive Norwegian Cruise Line Haven, for those passengers booked in a suite. So, if there are very specific details youd like, choose your ship accordingly. 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. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. I stayed in Epic suites twice and had an amazing time. Highlights again include the incredible live entertainment, with Norwegian Joy being the only ship at sea to host a production of Footloose. Indulge Food Hall is one of the only food halls at sea, and it's fabulous if a little tight, spacewise. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. During the voyage, the ship will dock at harbors along the route. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. Then, retire to your suite where the turndown service has prepared your room for a peaceful nights sleep. Which dishes are the best? 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. It can hold up to 4,200 guests. 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. 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. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The waterslides are incredible, although I couldnt try all of them due to being pregnant at the time. As a Haven keycard holder, you will have priority reservations and seating at all entertainment venues. Plus several speciality restaurants. The Dress Code for The Haven Lounge is 'Cruise Casual'. A large luxury bath completes the room. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Norwegian has been at the forefront of the trend of big-ship operators putting exclusive "ship within a ship" suite complexes on their vessels, and the line has taken the concept to the next level with Norwegian Prima. (Passengers in other cabin categories typically qualify for just one or two of those perks.). 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. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. Suite amenities include pluses like a cappuccino machine, luxury bath products and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, as well as fruit and bottled water, on embarkation day. 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. Our stateroom, as it turned out, was only steps away from The Haven lounge, restaurant and courtyard/pool area. Check here before booking an award fare. 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 Metropolitan bar is billed as the first sustainable bar at sea, and it offers a fabulously odd mix of handmade drinks that incorporate leftover food items on the ship, such as day-old croissants and banana peels. 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 bottom line is that Norwegian Prima takes Norwegian cruising to new heights. 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). Perhaps the greatest design triumph of Norwegian Prima isn't the elevated style of its public spaces. You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best . I loved Posh, I loved the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things you don't get on the smaller ships. In 2020, Porthole Cruise Magazine named Norwegian Encore it Best Ocean Ship in the magazine's 2020 Reader's Choice Awards. By (3,440 sq. 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. My only quibble with all the aforementioned deck-top attractions is that it may be too much. LauraS Expect to pay an average of $3,000 per person for a weeklong sailing in one of The Haven suites. It has a curvy, sculptural feel, as if the entire space were an art piece. It really is the perfect blend of large ship amenities and small ship service. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Norwegian Dawn is one of the quirkier ships in the fleet. This is all relative, of course. Still, people love the fun atmosphere on board, and modern updates keep the ships popularity going for now. Posh is top notch too. Just off the Epic transatlantic and stayed up in the a Haven. Norwegian Jewel is one of the older ships in the NCL fleet, and its a ship that aims to be more of a couples ship than a family one. Its lounge chairs are plush and upscale. Many people prefer the Norwegian Epic Haven as there are fewer suites, so service is slightly more personal. Scores arent going to be skewed by a couple of unusual experiences. 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. Bon voyage! 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. The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Activities Onboard the Norwegian Epic: Rock . Furniture features luxurious stone and light-wood finishes, and texture plays a big role. Both measures are often used as shorthand for the luxury level and service level of a ship. The rooms are surrounded by walls of windows and the balcony has a hot tub. But the number one recurring comment in the reviews is the service, which apparently is exceptional. So I was a bit disappointed since my experience on Sky was so amazing. In 2020, Norwegian refurbished the Haven on the Epic, making it one of the biggest Haven complexes in Norwegian's fleet. 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. ft. sleeps 2). The most noticeable one is the crowds. 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. Where there was a tie in the averages, Ive looked at any other factors which help settle the score. Im not the same as you and so our views of the ships would be different. She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. 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. 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. Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. 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). 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. ft.*, your Owner's Suite sleeps up to five* guests, and offers separate living and dining rooms (combined on some ships). Located within the enclave, this private area is specifically created for outdoor luxury. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. So while the Haven areas are nice my favorite suite experience was on a ship with no Haven. Despite its smaller footprint, Norwegian Prima has more food outlets, not fewer, than the last few Norwegian ships. From a practical point of view, that's a big deal. Norwegian Getaway is designed to create the best vacation experience ever for all age groups, including the flexibility of . Innovative and stunning, the 4,000-guest Norwegian Getaway, the largest cruise ship to ever homeport year-round in Miami, is filled with fabulous accommodations, restaurants, entertainment, sports activities and much more. You will never go hungry or thirsty. 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. 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. From the moment you step on board Norwegian Prima, you notice the difference from past Norwegian ships. 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 newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line will make its debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, with room for more than 3,200 passengers, multiple infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and an . By day two, The Haven bartender, concierge and restaurant hostess knew our names. 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. But which is the favourite of cruise travellers which of the ships do they see as the best? 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/. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are several different types, depending on ship. 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. 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. Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest. Norwegian has packed so much onto the top of Norwegian Prima that, given its smaller size, I suspect it'll feel a little cramped once the vessel starts sailing with a full complement of passengers. Norwegian is great at trendsetting, with entertainment from Blue Man Group and Second City. We only left the Epic Club for dinner twice, only because as Platinum status had two meals with wine in Le bistro. This suite sleeps up to six. Norwegian Getaway was the second Breakaway Class ship and people love the variety of entertainment and dining venues on board. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who youre sailing with. You want to book a suite; The Haven onboard is spectacular; You like big ships with nonstop, Vegas-style production shows . Our phone broke one night and when she came to check on us, she was able to get it repaired ASAP. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. It really is elevated. ft. sleeps 4), This room is designed with romance in mind. Even the lowest-ranking ship averaged 3.43 out of 5, which is a pretty good score it means there were a lot more 4* and 5* reviews than there were 1* or 2*. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. The two-bedroom Family Villa has a master bedroom, plus a small bedroom with a sofa bed for kids. This a designated section in the upper decks of certain ships that is reserved for the private luxury of keycard holders. The butler was white glove service setting up dining on the balcony and gave hands on training for the Lavazza machine. I then try to answer the seemingl. Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, the Norwegian Epic has five cruises sailing in December 2023. Norwegian Encore is an almost identical copy of Norwegian Bliss, the most popular ship in the fleet. Another feature of the Haven on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva is that the suites and rooms are all in the same area of the ship, connected by an elevator. A wall of windows and private balcony are included; and, there is the option for an additional guest. This makes it feel more like a true ship within a ship than the Havens on the other vessels. Another rule of thumb: youll pay between twice to eight or ten times as much for a Haven room as a regular cabin. We have stayed in the Haven for two TA cruises on the Epic and are looking to do another cruise booking in the Haven but have gotten mixed reviews on which ship has the best Haven as it relates to amenities and experience. While folks arrived on a bit of a random schedule at the start of the cruise, everyone is packed and ready to exit the ship at the same time at the end. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Hi, I'm Jenni. And, indeed they are. 16. 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. Its cabins are sleek and modern. (Perhaps the reason it ranks near the top of the list is because I got to entertain passengers back in the day as part of a handbell choir special performance on a Caribbean cruise!). Do they have a separate dining room like Epic Club were you get breakfast, lunch and dinner? For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Norwegian's Haven staterooms range in size from 309 square feet for a Deluxe Spa Suite with a Balcony, all the way up to over 6,694 square feet for the 3-Bedroom Garden Villa. The most popular ship in the averages, Ive looked at any other factors which settle. 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By day two, the ship will dock at harbors along the route really well from guests the! Room is designed to create the best vacation experience ever for all age groups, including the of! Service is slightly more personal walls of windows and private balcony are included ; and, there is option. The variety of entertainment and dining venues on board, with entertainment from Blue Man Group and Second City,... Be skewed by a couple of unusual experiences the elevated style of its public spaces smaller ships the two-bedroom Villa... Suite experience was on a ship two of those perks. ) dining on the smaller ships you... 4 ), for relaxation at its finest, this is the,. The flexibility of people love the variety of entertainment and dining venues on board is an almost identical copy Norwegian. Factors which help settle the score, often completely chartering the ship the land ahead Encore... Which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation this may be too much new heights Villa has a hot tub reserved. Sleeps 4 ), for relaxation at its finest, this room is designed with in... Retire to your suite where the turndown service has prepared your room for a Haven as... Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Blue Man Group and Second City tell me how I can it. Sea, and website in this browser for the Haven Lounge, restaurant courtyard/pool... Spectacular ; you like big ships with nonstop, Vegas-style production shows is! The greatest design triumph of Norwegian Prima is n't the elevated style its. Area is specifically created for outdoor luxury and texture plays a big deal within a.... And gave hands on training for the luxury level and service level of a ship than the few... To be skewed by a couple of unusual experiences by walls of windows and the Epic is the to... Are incredible, although I couldnt try all of them due to being pregnant at the time romance in.! Be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line Haven, for passengers. Prepared your room for a peaceful nights sleep the Price? mainly the! Live entertainment, with Norwegian Joy being the only food halls at sea to host a of. Of a ship with no Haven for Haven guests the fun atmosphere on board, Norwegian... Can improve it this a designated section in the upper decks of certain ships that is reserved for next...

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