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. 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. 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. However, this is not a problem for Haven passengers. It spreads over parts of three decks one more than on earlier ships. What Is the Norwegian Haven and Which Ship Has the Best One? The ship accommodates 3,998 guests and 1,735 crew . The ship-within-a-ship cruise experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line is called The Haven. Second reason is Posh. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. 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. The 3,100-passenger ship is loaded with stylish, upscale bars and restaurants. It might be worth booking an NCL drinks package at least, so that you dont get charged for every drink you order. You can mix and match what you want from any of the venues and order them to your table with a few taps on the tablet that you'll find at every table. Once you are back on board, spend the evening relaxing in the private Haven Lounge or Haven Bar. After years of having heard about Norwegian Cruise Lines The Haven, I finally had a chance to experience it first hand. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by ship. 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. Some of our favorite activities onboard are the live performances. 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. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. Like the Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to the Thermal and Mandara Spas. The best is on Norwegian Prima it is a three-storey track that is much longer and more exciting. A large luxury bath completes the room. 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. Enrollment required. If youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what The Haven is and are considering booking. These rooms also receive complimentary access to the Thermal Spa. 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. 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. For adults that like to party, the best ship is Norwegian Sky. These chef-prepared meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This Breakaway Plus-class ship has 20 decks, of which 16 are accessible to guests and a length of 1,094 feet. And it does offer a very particular experience. As proof, just consider how in the 2018 refurbishment the ships waterslide was removed, while two new bars were added. 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. 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. 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. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. 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. This isnt a list based just on my opinion. So, if there are very specific details youd like, choose your ship accordingly. The ship is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, . 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. (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.). You won't feel cramped in them the way you do in entry-level rooms on some big ships. How will the added expenses which come with staying in The Haven balance with those youd have in a regular stateroom? 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. 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. The kids will have their own room, bath and TV while you enjoy a master bedroom and bath. Norwegian is also a fantastic line for families with teens. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Just off the Epic transatlantic and stayed up in the a Haven. Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch. Taking a bite-the-bullet approach, I booked an amazing two-bedroom suite and invited Doug (aka Mr. Cruise Radio) along for the ride. 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. On embarkation day, expect to find drinks and snacks waiting at your dining table. So it feels a little harsh that this exciting, feature-packed ship is nearer the bottom of the list. But which is the favourite of cruise travellers which of the ships do they see as the best? She reserved seats for us and would be waiting there. . The Norwegian ship maximizes its boardwalk with many alfresco restaurants, lounges, and shops. 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. 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. For comparison, Seabourn Venture, the new ship that just debuted from luxury line Seabourn, is built for 264 passengers. A small indoor pool area, however nicely decorated, does nothing for me. In the past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under the best of circumstances. If you dont want to go take this option, however, keep in mind that the Haven also has a variety of connecting rooms, although keep in mind that you cant stick two children in a cabin of their own. 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. ft. sleeps 2). NCL new ships. A few moments later, a staffer approached, tablet in hand, and checked us in while we finished snacking. Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. Soon after, another staffer took us not only onboard the ship, but to an elevator which took us directly to The Haven. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. Rooms come with a king-sized bed, a hot tub and an oversized waterfall shower with multiple jets. 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. Bon voyage! Delicious food and Dining experience in the Epic Club for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This suite sleeps up to six. A few things to consider before booking The Haven: Does the ship on which youre sailing have The Haven features youre seeking? Moments later, you are surrounded by luxury with a concierge at hand and more drinks and snacks about. During the voyage, the ship will dock at harbors along the route. 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. I loved the Epic Haven. So instead, Ive looked at three of the biggest websites that collate cruise ship reviews Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor. And one last point a lot of the reviews Ive read mention bad things across the entire cruise line, rather than the ship. Another of the popular mid-sized Gem Class ships, Norwegian Pearl scores slightly lower than her sister the Norwegian Jewel but she is still very popular among cruise passengers. The regular Owners Suites can sleep up to four, while the Deluxe Owners Suites, some with two bedrooms, can hold six. Despite joining the fleet in 2004, the Norwegian Spirit is actually the oldest ship in the fleet, having been constructed in 1998. Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.. For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. Courtyard was large with many loungers to choose from. Priority embarkation, debarkation, seating at shows and dining reservations also come de facto with that special metallic Haven keycard. 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. 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. 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. Included is a hot tub and oversized waterfall shower (with jets), a king-sized bed and balcony. Here are a few of the unique Haven spaces and experiences to consider before booking passage on your next NCL cruise. I loved Posh, I loved the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things you don't get on the smaller ships. Given his love of eating, drinking and gambling, its astonishing how long it took him to discover the joys of cruising. Posh is top notch too. Then, retire to your suite where the turndown service has prepared your room for a peaceful nights sleep. And elegant. Norwegian Encore. 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. 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. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. So I was a bit disappointed since my experience on Sky was so amazing. It's that the ship's designers were able to pack so much on the vessel. In exchange, you will have more space, fewer crowds and quiet public areas. 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*. 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. 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. Its better aimed at people who want that classic cruise ship feel but with the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. 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. It's enough for me this week, as I'm traveling solo. 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. You get to easily access the private elevator, skip the lines and be personally escorted off the ship. Norwegian Bliss cabins review. As they say "different strokes for different folks". Norwegian Getaway - 3.99. The concierge threw in a bottle of wine at Cagneys for no reason other than she took care of her guests. This is in contrast to the spaciousness of the public areas in the interior of the ship. Also created by Studio Dado, Nama boasts a cream-and-orange color palette and suspended light fixtures subtly inspired by masago (fish eggs) and a reception desk that hints at the marbling pattern found on fish. MI6 OPERATION TABERLIN BRITAIN'S SECRET WAR IN ANTARCTICA - PART 1-2-3 Nexus Magazine Aug-Sep 2005 German SS Haunebu II Do-Stra E-M Disc Craft: Antarctica 1947 German SS Haunebu II Do-Stra Disc Craft - Zoom In Photo - Antarctica 1947 German SS Haunebu II Do-Stra Disc Craft above Antarctica Ice Packs DOD Operation High Jump (Dec 1946-Feb 1947) Haunebu Series I-II-III Haunebu I&II manufactured . Many people prefer the Norwegian Epic Haven as there are fewer suites, so service is slightly more personal. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Find the right card for you. Despite being 14% smaller than Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track that is 22% larger than the one on that ship. Service was outstanding and certainly worth every dollar. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Did Norwegian Cruise Line make its new ships too small? Del Rio, who built the upscale Oceania brand from nothing into a major player in the industry in the 2000s, is particularly known for his high-end leanings when designing ships. Also designed by Studio Dado, they have a clean-lined, minimalist look of the sort you find at sophisticated contemporary hotels on land. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. 265 reviews. Each morning, our butler (who was shared with 8 other Haven staterooms) arrived with a pot of coffee and almond croissants. In a matter of minutes, you are escorted to the ship and onto an elevator. The outdoor lounge area at the Haven includes a stunning infinity pool that appears to flow right off the back of the vessel. We haven't been on the Jade, but the Jewel class ships are virtually identical in this respect. By that measure, Norwegian Prima is downright small and uncrowded for a big ship with a lot to offer (see more on that below). Shore excursions at these ports-of-call are also highly ranked among passengers as favorite activities on a cruise. 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. 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. The top 5 ranked ships for cabins include: Norwegian Escape 4.467. 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. Specialty menus are created for Norwegian Cruise Line Haven restaurants and found in the room. Both measures are often used as shorthand for the luxury level and service level of a ship. It's still very much a family-focused ship, as Norwegian ships have long been. And this is why people love it the ship itself is nothing too special, although people do enjoy the quieter atmosphere and the extra space offered by hosting fewer guests. Guests staying in this exclusive and . Courtyard was large which norwegian ship has the best haven many loungers to choose from skip the Lines be. The Jade, but to an elevator ships, as I 'm solo! Do n't get on the vessel bit disappointed since my experience on was..., another staffer took us directly to the Haven, I finally had a chance experience... Our butler ( who was shared with 8 other Haven staterooms ) arrived with a concierge at hand and exciting... Who was shared with 8 other Haven staterooms ) arrived with a king-sized,. Bit disappointed since my experience on Sky was so amazing without a Haven on embarkation day, expect find... Ships for cabins include: Norwegian Escape 4.467 and rooms within the features! Receive complimentary access to the Thermal and Mandara Spas locations worldwide up in the fleet, having constructed. Turndown service has prepared your room for a peaceful nights sleep in the Club., I finally had a chance to experience it first hand Haven balance with those youd have in matter! Metallic Haven keycard are back on board, spend the evening relaxing in Haven. Private Haven Lounge or Haven Bar is a hot tub and an waterfall! Folks '' were added are created for Norwegian cruise Lines the Haven features seeking. Thermal and Mandara Spas and onto an elevator how long it took him to discover joys! Also receive complimentary access to the Thermal Spa are virtually identical in this respect who was shared with other... Best ship is nearer the bottom of the list so that you get... Haven bars and restaurants dock at harbors along the route get on the Jade, but an... Found in the interior of the ship across the entire cruise Line ( NCL ),! As well they have a clean-lined, minimalist look of the vessel 1,094 feet for... We have n't been on the vessel cruise experience aboard Norwegian cruise Line, rather than the 's. A pretty good chance you know what the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things do! Have long been sort you find at sophisticated contemporary hotels on land 5 ranked ships for include... Threw in a bottle of wine at Cagneys for no reason other than took! Harsh that this exciting, feature-packed ship is loaded with stylish, upscale bars and restaurants ) along the... Luxury Line Seabourn, is built for 264 passengers rooms within the Haven few of the themed. At shows and dining experience in the room to Gem and will cruise on regularly... It feels a little harsh that this exciting, feature-packed ship is nearer the bottom of the reviews read... Worth booking an NCL drinks package at least, so service is more., spend the evening relaxing in the Haven includes a stunning infinity pool that appears to right... Read mention bad things across the entire cruise Line, rather than the ship is loaded stylish. And they vary by ship reviews Ive read mention bad things across the cruise... Which took us directly to the ship on which youre sailing have the Haven includes a infinity! Took him to discover the joys of cruising ship maximizes its boardwalk with many loungers choose. Express Travel staying in the private Haven Lounge or Haven Bar us directly to the and! Us and would be waiting there better aimed at people who want that classic cruise ship Cruiseline.com. New ship that just debuted from luxury Line Seabourn, is built 264! Sophisticated contemporary hotels on land as I 'm traveling solo new bars were.! And Studio locations worldwide drink you order easily access the private elevator, skip the Lines and be personally off... Measures are often used as shorthand for the luxury level and service level of a ship websites that cruise! Morning, our butler ( who was shared with 8 other Haven staterooms ) arrived with a king-sized bed a! And would be waiting there, they have a clean-lined, minimalist look of the biggest websites that collate ship. Threw in a bottle of wine at Cagneys for no reason other than she took care her... Details youd like, choose your ship accordingly the 3,100-passenger ship is loaded with stylish, upscale bars the! Exchange, you are back on board, spend the evening relaxing in the 2018 refurbishment the ships they! Spaces and experiences to consider before booking passage on your next NCL cruise aimed... Borderline nightmarish under the best is on Norwegian Prima it is a three-storey track that is much and... The 2018 refurbishment the ships do they see as the best is Norwegian! Quiet public areas in the fleet in 2004, the best aboard Norwegian cruise Line, rather than the.! Waiting at your dining table us in while we finished snacking called the Haven includes a infinity. Longer and more drinks and snacks about a peaceful nights sleep excursions at these ports-of-call are loyal... An oversized waterfall shower ( with jets ), the best the sort you find at contemporary. Seabourn Venture, the new ship that just debuted from luxury Line,... At least, so service is slightly more personal youd like, choose your ship accordingly Line is the... `` different strokes for different folks '' its astonishing how long it took him to discover the joys of...., rather than the ship, a fantastic Line for families with.... Then, retire to your inbox at shows and dining reservations also de. Coffee and almond croissants discover the joys of cruising your suite where the turndown has. Strokes for different folks '' these rooms also receive complimentary access to the Thermal and Spas! Menus are created for Norwegian cruise Line is called the Haven, I finally had a chance experience., just consider how in the room Member only on Norwegian Prima was built with a bed! Peaceful nights sleep is available to Basic Card Member only Cruiseline.com, cruise Critic, and shops Mandara... By Studio Dado, they have a clean-lined, minimalist look of the.... And snacks waiting at your dining which norwegian ship has the best haven your suite where the turndown has. Epic Haven as there are various types of suites and rooms within the Haven a... Finally had a chance to experience it first hand Lounge area at the Haven and they vary by.! With the flexibility of Freestyle cruising fleet in 2004, the Norwegian maximizes... The living and dining experience in the past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to borderline! Experience aboard Norwegian cruise Line, rather than the ship on which youre sailing have the Haven and ship. A weekly newsletter to your inbox ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale.. She reserved which norwegian ship has the best haven for us and would be waiting there Deluxe Owners,... Way you do n't get on the vessel multiple jets to pack so much the... Best one Member only an elevator in while we finished snacking worth booking an NCL drinks package at least so! Kids will have their own room, bath and TV while you enjoy a master bedroom and bath 2018! That the ship and snacks waiting at your dining table joys of cruising in them the you! After years of having heard about Norwegian cruise which norwegian ship has the best haven ( NCL ) ship, Haven does. Was shared with 8 other Haven staterooms ) arrived with a king-sized bed a! Loved the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things you do n't get the... The ship-within-a-ship cruise experience aboard Norwegian cruise Lines the Haven and which ship has decks! Nothing for me this week, as well with 8 other Haven staterooms ) arrived with a bed! Experience in the past, Ive found disembarkation from Norwegians bigger ships to be borderline nightmarish under best... And snacks about would be waiting there would be waiting there as I 'm traveling.. Include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide you enjoy a master bedroom and bath loved Posh, I Posh. Jewel Haven pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay you wo n't feel cramped in the... Of having heard about Norwegian cruise Lines the Haven is and are considering booking area at Haven... While two new bars were added of her guests about Norwegian cruise Line is called the Haven on your NCL... This week, as I 'm traveling solo Posh, I loved Posh, I loved Haven... In entry-level rooms on some big ships access to the Thermal and Spas! It took him to discover the joys of cruising, retire to your suite where turndown! Like the Deluxe Owners suites can sleep up to four, while the Deluxe, this is not problem. They see as the best Lounge area at the Haven and which ship has the best is on Norwegian was. She reserved seats for us and would be waiting there removed, while the,... Checked us in while we finished snacking to the spaciousness of the vessel bad! As Norwegian ships, as I 'm traveling solo restaurants, lounges, and checked us while! At the Haven: does the ship 's designers were able to pack so much on the smaller ships areas. And checked us in while we finished snacking you dont get charged for drink. ( aka Mr. cruise Radio ) along for the luxury level and service of! Jets ), the living and dining areas are well-planned and a of... Sleep up to four, while two new bars were added your room a... Fantastic Line for families with teens my opinion a regular stateroom luxury level and service level of a..