(4,451 sq. Additionally, you will receive invitations to cocktail parties and have the chance to socialize with the officers of the ship. . This a designated section in the upper decks of certain ships that is reserved for the private luxury of keycard holders. Activities Onboard the Norwegian Epic: Rock . While he has more Twitter handles than most people have limbs, you can most easily reach him at @howrudeareyou. The result is that you don't feel like you're sailing with the tourist hordes quite as much as you do on some of the other recent big ships to debut. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? And one last point a lot of the reviews Ive read mention bad things across the entire cruise line, rather than the ship. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? For starters, Ive not been on every NCL ship, so that wouldnt be a fair ranking. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. You and your baggage have been whisked to an area of the ship known as the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven. Here are a few of the unique Haven spaces and experiences to consider before booking passage on your next NCL cruise. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. Now, keep in mind that this is the more moderately priced of The Haven cabins. The main difference between the two ships is that the Norwegian Sun has more . Everything is clean and comfortable. The nicest NCL ship is Norwegian Prima, which is the newest ship in the fleet. 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. But in typical journalist fashion, I've been skeptical. Its easy to look at the price tag and say, I could take three cruises in an oceanview or even balcony with that money. I know at one point, as I was soaking in the hot tub, drink in hand, I had a moment of clarity in which I thought, Enjoy it, bub, cause this is costing a fortune!, I made the mistake of then calculating the per-day cost, which Id avoided doing previously. Theres even a private dining room where families and groups can hold special events and dinners. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.. 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. 15. Taking a bite-the-bullet approach, I booked an amazing two-bedroom suite and invited Doug (aka Mr. Cruise Radio) along for the ride. From the moment you step on board Norwegian Prima, you notice the difference from past Norwegian ships. Neither ship has the Haven suite-only area but does feature suites. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. When it comes to variety of activities, Escape is a winner. There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by ship. 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. The suite complex is the best of any big ship. Guests staying in this exclusive and . When the number sank in, I signaled the server that I was going to need another drink. What We Expected: Norwegian Joy vaulted to the top of the pack along with Bliss, showing that these newer ships are doing something right in the culinary arena. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. So much so that I'm sort of in shock. Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. People have complained about slower food service, rooms looking tired, and areas of the ship being closed off randomly. 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. 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. Indulge Food Hall is one of the only food halls at sea, and it's fabulous if a little tight, spacewise. They think you're there for dining. 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. Norwegian Gem: Considered the best choice for year-round cruising, this ship carries 2,394 passengers, has no set dining times and includes kid-friendly spaces. I never experienced an intrusive butler or concierge. The cost for a 7-day cruise in The Haven Penthouse is on average $4,500 or more per person. CC Help Jenn The top 5 ranked ships for cabins include: Norwegian Escape 4.467. She is popular for her upmarket feel, her exciting attractions including go-karting and Jersey Boys show, and her mix of Caribbean and Alaska destinations. I loved Posh, I loved the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things you don't get on the smaller ships. Depending on which specific ship you select, dining at a Haven restaurant is an option. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. Disembarking after a cruise is a bit different than the experiences of first-day boarding. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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 Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. 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. Furniture features luxurious stone and light-wood finishes, and texture plays a big role. That isn't to say Norwegian Prima is perfect. Up to $15 per drink is included in the price of wine by the glass, beer, and spirits. While there, staff return for all the check-in procedures while you relax. This makes it feel more like a true ship within a ship than the Havens on the other vessels. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. Planning a cruise? Keep in mind that actual square footage, floor plans, suite locations on the ships and lists of amenities will vary by vessel. Located within the enclave, this private area is specifically created for outdoor luxury. Do they have a separate dining room like Epic Club were you get breakfast, lunch and dinner? 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. As a Norwegian Cruise Line Haven passenger, youll find more benefits here. Check here before booking an award fare. In this video, I discuss all the features and benefits that come with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)'s "The Haven" experience. The Haven is an exclusive area on the Norwegian Getaway for those staying in one of the seven categories of suites labeled S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S9. 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. Norwegian Prima's top deck also still is loaded with family fun zones, including the largest go-kart track at sea (yes, this is a thing, ever since Norwegian began adding them to ships in 2017). Hi, this may be of interest to you: Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven: Is It Worth The Price?. It really is elevated. (6,694 sq. Yet it just wasnt executed in the most thought-out way. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. (Yes, that's much larger than most people's . Its important to note that exactly what is offered both in terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to ship. There are also over five bars and lounges on each ship. ft.*, your Owner's Suite sleeps up to five* guests, and offers separate living and dining rooms (combined on some ships). When you arrive at the port of embarkation amidst the throngs of passengers, you have immediate attention from the staff. 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. 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. Dining on Norwegian cruise ships is comfortable and casual, with no strict dining times and an informal dress code. How will the added expenses which come with staying in The Haven balance with those youd have in a regular stateroom? Norwegian Bliss has a total of 2043 passenger staterooms, of which 1599 are outside (suite, balcony, oceanview) and 444 inside cabins. Soon after, another staffer took us not only onboard the ship, but to an elevator which took us directly to The Haven. 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. All photos (4,084) Traveler ( 929) Common Areas ( 1,880) Dining and Bars ( 1,551) Its a smaller ship in the fleet, so better suited to adults who want a more relaxing break. ), unlimited WiFi and cruise gratuities. The opinions expressed below are entirely his and werent subject to review by the line. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Shore excursions at these ports-of-call are also highly ranked among passengers as favorite activities on a cruise. The Epic cruise ship world' largest number Studio rooms (single-occupancy cabins solo travelers) booking - a total 128 studios. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. ft. sleeps 3), For a cozy spa experience, this is the spot. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Norwegian Encore is an almost identical copy of Norwegian Bliss, the most popular ship in the fleet. 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. Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. Spa Suites have priority access to the Mandara Spa and other spa-themed privileges (available only on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Epic). (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of an exclusive suite enclave, complete with private sun deck and pool surrounded by the ship's top accommodations, in 2005, and adopted The Haven moniker in 2011. The line has been a pioneer among big-ship lines in taking promenades to a new level by making them wider and adding venues to draw passengers out onto them. Courtyard was large with many loungers to choose from. Once you are back on board, spend the evening relaxing in the private Haven Lounge or Haven Bar. Read Less. The key unique features will be extra open spaces on deck and a focus on even better service, with a higher staff-to-guest ratio ensuring you never have to wait for everything. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? 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. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. ft. sleeps 4), Generous seating and living areas make this a comfortable choice of suites. 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. 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. Included is a hot tub and oversized waterfall shower (with jets), a king-sized bed and balcony. Remember that this is the best to the worst. It is older but specializes in short, fun-packed cruises. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not The Haven is worth the price will come down to personal preferences (and, of course, ones budget). Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. CC Help Jenn Specialty menus are created for Norwegian Cruise Line Haven restaurants and found in the room. The benefits of the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven experience begin before you even board the ship! This is important, because non-Haven guests are not given access to the area and its amenities. Plus Ups are excluded. I agree with the poster who said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an indoor pool at a motel. A ship's traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com, which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. While some suites are located within The Haven itself, many are found behind the actual enclave, but still have access to it. Our phone broke one night and when she came to check on us, she was able to get it repaired ASAP. We definitely spent more time within The Haven than we did outside it. Lets start with the positives Norwegian Epic is a ship that has something for everyone. These cabins are true suites, with a living/dining room that is separate from the bedroom. Inside the complex, there's a private restaurant so you never have to eat in the same room with non-Haven passengers. . American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. The next ship to launch for NCL will be the Norwegian Viva a new Prima Class ship that is clearly looking to differentiate itself. ;). If you're a fan of the line, this is the new ship you can't wait to book. The butler was white glove service setting up dining on the balcony and gave hands on training for the Lavazza machine. Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, the Norwegian Epic has five cruises sailing in December 2023. Unfortunately, I suspect this will create some traffic jams in the buffet once the ship is fully up and running. One can cruise for as little as $400-$550 per person for a window or balcony cabin. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Norwegian is great at trendsetting, with entertainment from Blue Man Group and Second City. I cruised on this ship in 2014 and loved it! Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. This isnt a list based just on my opinion. I just couldn't get that point across to her. This more upscale feel is a sharp turn for Norwegian but perhaps it should come as no surprise. Almost immediately upon arriving at the New York City terminal from which we were departing, you could tell this was not going to be your typical check-in experience.
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