19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 1-866-234-7350 Website. Second reason is Posh. Built in 2002, she was designed to take advantage of the new Freestyle Cruising mantra that NCL had introduced with sister ship Norwegian Star. If youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what The Haven is and are considering booking. The latter area only is accessible to passengers who pay extra. So, if there are very specific details youd like, choose your ship accordingly. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Wasn't crazy about their courtyard setup, seemed smallest. A private balcony is perfect for outdoor relaxing. This is totally subjective. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Despite having done many sailings on Norwegian Cruise Line, the price-point of The Haven had always prevented me from booking. A bubbling hot tub and bar are included on this sundeck, and a fitness center is nearby. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. The top 5 ranked ships for cabins include: Norwegian Escape 4.467. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. But the number one recurring comment in the reviews is the service, which apparently is exceptional. 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. Our stateroom, as it turned out, was only steps away from The Haven lounge, restaurant and courtyard/pool area. (Yes, that's much larger than most people's . United rolls out free fleetwide Wi-Fi for select flyers, Everything you need to know about Amex Travel. 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. 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. 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. Its lounge chairs are plush and upscale. 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. Take a moment to look over the schedule of these top-rated shows and go ahead and make your reservations with the concierge service. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. All other amenities well worth it. However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a . These rooms also receive complimentary access to the Thermal Spa. Haven't cruised on the Epic, but we would describe our experience in the Breakaway Haven as essentially identical to yours. She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. 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. It's designed to carry just 3,100 passengers at double occupancy. 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. The Dress Code for The Haven Lounge is 'Cruise Casual'. She has a maximum capacity of just over 4,000 guests and includes exciting features including a race track, VR gaming, and Broadway shows including Kinky Boots. 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. But nothing Norwegian has done yet compares to this. . 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. Ship. Norwegian Star - 3.97. If you think of it as a luxury ship plopped down on top of a big mass-market ship, it's still smaller and more intimate than most. Learn more. On Norwegian Prima, godmother Katy Perry and actor husband Orlando Bloom celebrated their daughters birthday in the Havens private dining room. Like the Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to the Thermal and Mandara Spas. Watch the horizon glide by from expansive private balconies. Thats helped by the shorter itineraries Norwegian Sky specialises in 3-5 day cruising. 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. Indulge Food Hall is one of the only food halls at sea, and it's fabulous if a little tight, spacewise. Courtyard was large with many loungers to choose from. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. Second reason is Posh. Did it live up to the hype? 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. Related: How to get the most from Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program. You will have a private breakfast and lunch venueprobably it's currently Cagney's on the Jade. Another portion of the top deck is devoted to the private Vibe Beach Club lounge area. I stayed in Epic suites twice and had an amazing time. Disembarking after a cruise is a bit different than the experiences of first-day boarding. 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. 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. Soon after, another staffer took us not only onboard the ship, but to an elevator which took us directly to The Haven. (1,307 sq. 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.). The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. 15. Check here before booking an award fare. Started June 21, 2021, By The ship is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, . From the massive Haven suite complex at its back to its stunning, sculptural central atrium and the striking designs of many of its eateries, the ship is home to an array of venues and experiences that truly are elevated as compared to what you know from previous Norwegian vessels. The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. By Do they have a separate dining room like Epic Club were you get breakfast, lunch and dinner? 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. For adults who want a varied cruise, the Norwegian Prima is much newer, has a lot more to do, and feels like a luxury resort. Its great for couples and families alike. People have complained about slower food service, rooms looking tired, and areas of the ship being closed off randomly. 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 Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. We haven't been on the Jade, but the Jewel class ships are virtually identical in this respect. The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. The Norwegian ship maximizes its boardwalk with many alfresco restaurants, lounges, and shops. 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. I tried three of these cutting-edge cocktails during my strange night out at Norwegian Prima's new Metropolitan Bar, and I can attest the drinks taste better than you might first imagine. By day two, The Haven bartender, concierge and restaurant hostess knew our names. It is older but specializes in short, fun-packed cruises. 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. 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. This is the link: MENU: Crown Grill Steakhouse on Princess Cruises. The cruise . Unfortunately, I suspect this will create some traffic jams in the buffet once the ship is fully up and running. 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. In short, it's like nothing you've seen before in the Norwegian fleet. Its cabins are sleek and modern. The cost for a 7-day cruise in The Haven Penthouse is on average $4,500 or more per person. 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. Ample seating in both sunny and shaded sections provide a comfortable spot to lounge in or out of the sun. Norwegian Bliss is considered to be quite upmarket by NCLs standards not that NCL ships are cheap anyway, but Bliss just has an aura of being more refined. The butler was white glove service setting up dining on the balcony and gave hands on training for the Lavazza machine. And, the bathroom will be stocked with luxury grooming products, robes, slippers and thirsty towels. Feel like having the fun and energy of a mainstream ship experience while indulging in silver-platter service? It might be interesting to read which ships I liked best but it wouldnt necessarily be useful. You'll find the equally sculptural Onda by Scarpetta, a high-end Italian eatery, right off its top level, and a string of stylish restaurants with new-for-Norwegian themes not far from its midlevel. Norwegian has had promenades on earlier ships that have offered outdoor restaurant seating and additional features. Its important to note that exactly what is offered both in terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to ship. And, all those other passengers seem to disappear when you are taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. 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. Service was outstanding and certainly worth every dollar. Unless, of course, I bid to upgrade. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, Fort Lee NJ -15 minutes from the NYC Port. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! In the past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the best of circumstances. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. It certainly meets the "ship within a ship" concept since The Haven features small luxury ship amenities and service. Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line. ;). Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We learned about the amazing new venues, such as an expanded waterfront section called Ocean Boulevard and a super-sized Haven area with a dedicated sun deck. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven: Is It Worth The Price?. But mostly they are quibbles. The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line, Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track, How to get the most from Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, strange night out at Norwegian Prima's new Metropolitan Bar, my attempt to test every dish at its 11 venues in four days, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You will be first in line and personally escorted to the proper place for disembarking the ship. Despite joining the fleet in 2004, the Norwegian Spirit is actually the oldest ship in the fleet, having been constructed in 1998. (3,440 sq. It's an elegant vessel of the sort you find in the fleets of Norwegian's higher-end sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises albeit on a bigger scale. Executives hint at an answer. Wonder of the Seas measures 235,600 tons 62% larger than Norwegian Prima. 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. Is Carnival or Norwegian better? The main highlights of Norwegian Jewel are the live entertainment, including comedy and magic shows, and the food. Ive worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and now my blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. In addition, the top of Norwegian Prima has a new-for-the-line open-air games zone called The Stadium with a pickleball court, foosball tables, pingpong, bar-style hand shuffleboard tables and other amusements. (4,824 sq. (For example, I was surprised that the Getaways Haven courtyard does not have a covered/retractable roof. This also includes gourmet treats specially delivered to your suite each evening in case youd like a late-night snack. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. It seemed as if every few hours, someone swung by with a bowl of fruit or finger sandwiches. Norwegian Breakaway 4.464. The public areas of Norwegian Prima may feel spacious. Will your entire party be able to sail in The Haven? The rooms are surrounded by walls of windows and the balcony has a hot tub. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line's Haven might be the suite experience for you. (6,694 sq. But, in trying to offer the variety needed for this to work, the ship ended up with a really confusing layout packing in restaurants and bars with apparently little thought to how guests would navigate them easily. 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. One of the most popular is called The Haven Courtyard. 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. One factor contributing to what was a "Woah, there's maybe way too much jammed up here" feeling upon first seeing the top deck of Norwegian Prima is that, as has increasingly been the case with Norwegian ships in recent years, large chunks of it are closed off to regular passengers. This is entirely subjective. Plus Ups are excluded. From a practical point of view, that's a big deal. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. 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. John Heald, Brand Ambassador of Carnival Cruise Line, has announced the details for the next For Fun's Sake (FFS) Cruise. Everything is clean and comfortable. Editors note: TPGs Gene Sloan accepted a free trip from Norwegian Cruise Line to attend this week's unveiling of Norwegian Prima. What Is the Norwegian Haven and Which Ship Has the Best One? "We simply haven't seen any indication that the consumer is shying away from taking cruise vacations," Frank del Rio, the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Makes me think "motel" pool. And elegant. This more upscale feel is a sharp turn for Norwegian but perhaps it should come as no surprise. 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