which norwegian ship has the best haven

Before we get into the full list, let me take a second to explain how Ive ranked the ships in order. 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. 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 added floors mean it has more suites (107), as well as more expansive interior public lounge, bar and restaurant areas than previous Haven complexes. Its still a very popular ship and people do love the exclusive Onda restaurant but most cruisers prefer that extra adults-only space that Bliss has in comparison. We love the courtyard on the Epic and have heard that the other ships have smaller courtyards. ft. sleeps 8), For a modern feel, book one of these suites. 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. The FFS cruise will set sail on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in . These suites are only available as part of The Haven on Norwegian's Jewel-class ships. The latter area only is accessible to passengers who pay extra. ft. sleeps 2). 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. 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? There's no separate dinner venue on any ships other than the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway (and presumably the new big ships that are on order). This is entirely subjective. 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. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. You will have a private breakfast and lunch venueprobably it's currently Cagney's on the Jade. If luxury, privacy and attentive service are on your list of cruise amenities, then the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven is just the right choice! 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. Priority and reserve seating at the shows was a plus and not having to get there 30 minutes before the shows. So it feels a little harsh that this exciting, feature-packed ship is nearer the bottom of the list. Finally, the Restaurant on the Prima-class Havens is larger and has much better views than you find on the other ships. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. (2,378 sq. This is important, because non-Haven guests are not given access to the area and its amenities. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Plus several speciality restaurants. It's not just the public areas of Norwegian Prima that are more stylish its cabins are, too. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Dubbed "Ocean Boulevard" and located on Deck 8 much closer to the waterline of the ship than the lounge areas at the vessel's top, which are located on decks 17 and 18 it offers unusually luxurious lounge chairs in some places (think: extra-thick cushions), sunbeds and swinging seats. 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. I cruised on this ship in 2014 and loved it! Then, a guide will accompany you on the tour; answer all your questions; and, return you to the ship at the proper time. There is no side way around the buffet to reach it. 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. It feels like a final appreciative service for choosing the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven. 15 absolutely beautiful days and spoiled to the end. For starters, Ive not been on every NCL ship, so that wouldnt be a fair ranking. 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. ft. sleeps 4), To enjoy a view like the captain in his/her wheelhouse, book this room. Lets start with the positives Norwegian Epic is a ship that has something for everyone. That isn't to say Norwegian Prima is perfect. All Contents Copyright 2022 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. What is Norwegians best ship? Norwegian Getaway - 3.99. The venue pays homage to 20th-century architecture icon Frank Lloyd Wright with patterned concrete walls and other bold modern architectural elements. Even if I had my opinion is exactly that, a single opinion. 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. Wonder of the Seas measures 235,600 tons 62% larger than Norwegian Prima. 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. Located within the enclave, this private area is specifically created for outdoor luxury. Go figure. One of the most popular is called The Haven Courtyard. The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. So instead, Ive looked at three of the biggest websites that collate cruise ship reviews Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor. People often comment on how good the crew are on NCL ships but for some reason, Pearls staff get even more mentions than usual. And, a large balcony awaits. Studio Dado, the design firm behind the Penrose Atrium, studied great piazzas around the world, such as St. Mark's Square in Venice, to come up with its layout and look. 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. But then it was large enough, the courtyard area with the pool and hot tubs was actually big enough to accommodate everyone. The outdoor lounge area at the Haven includes a stunning infinity pool that appears to flow right off the back of the vessel. These rooms also receive complimentary access to the Thermal Spa. Aesthetically, both ships have contemporary decor. Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, the Norwegian Epic has five cruises sailing in December 2023. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. And I say this as someone who has sailed on every one of the 18 ships operated by Norwegian except two (Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit). 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. 265 reviews. It's easy to look at the price tag . And, all those other passengers seem to disappear when you are taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks. In the bedroom, youll find a pillow-top mattress, fine linens and a feather duvet. Sure, we went to several specialty restaurants, but we opted for The Havens restaurant for a majority of our meals. 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. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Remember that this is the best to the worst. But which is the favourite of cruise travellers which of the ships do they see as the best? 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. The aft and forward Penthouse suites give you fantastic views, but when you book these, keep in mind that the aft suites are likely not be within the Haven complex on some ships; what you lose in convenience, youll make up in views, however. Norwegian Encore. There are a few things about its design that leave me scratching my head things that maybe the line can change before it moves ahead with the rollout of five sister ships that already are on order. Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. Scores arent going to be skewed by a couple of unusual experiences. CC Help Jenn Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line. On the other hand, I really don't find anything that compelling about the Haven on the Jewel class ships and I won't spend the extra money for a Haven suite on the Jewel class ships. Second reason is Posh. It is fascinating to read the original reviews of Norwegian Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer reviews. You can find all of his dispatches on his authors page. The cheapest available Inside Cabin during this month is available to purchase for $849 before taxes and fees. They feature two bedrooms with king-size beds, a double sofa bed, two bathrooms with jetted showers and a large balcony to gather together and enjoy the beautiful views or snuggle under the stars. So, if there are very specific details youd like, choose your ship accordingly. 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. In my basic balcony cabin, there was just a relatively small area of built-in closet space. 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. 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). The deck-top space is broken up into too many sections, without a lot of ways to walk between them. 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.). An upcoming sailing of Norwegian Epic is being changed, with one port of call cancelled and another extended. but I did prefer the Epic's. From a practical point of view, that's a big deal. Editors note: TPGs Gene Sloan accepted a free trip from Norwegian Cruise Line to attend this week's unveiling of Norwegian Prima. Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-GO-TO-SEA with a cruise advisor Norwegian's newest ship, Encore, embarked on its inaugural journey in November 2019. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. ft. sleeps 6), The living and dining areas are well-planned and a luxury bath is included. Our Pick: Norwegian While Carnival's standard cabins are big, the options are less innovative. 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). For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. But mostly they are quibbles. 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. 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. 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. I was impressed. Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest, Holland America Line Gears Up For Alaska Travel Expo, Princess Cruises Enhances All-Inclusive Packages for Passengers, Carnival Cruise Line Sends Extra Reminders Before Spring Break, Nassau Cruise Port Sets Massive One-Day Record. That's 22% fewer people than Norwegian Encore. In contrast to independently exploring the port town, all the planning is done by the cruise line. Its better aimed at people who want that classic cruise ship feel but with the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. Decorated with the intention of relaxation, this suite comes with a hot tub and oversized waterfall. I also give the Epic's Haven the nod. Voted Best Accommodations, Porthole Magazine. (4,824 sq. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest. The waterslides are incredible, although I couldnt try all of them due to being pregnant at the time. 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. Unless, of course, I bid to upgrade. Rather than waiting at extended security checkpoints, you have a special line for quick processing. For a more exclusive experience, Celebrity offers three different VIP cruise levels: Suite Class. The concierge would personally visit you twice a day to check up on you. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. Despite its smaller footprint, Norwegian Prima has more food outlets, not fewer, than the last few Norwegian ships. At ports with deep water, the ship may anchor at the pier. This introduction to The Haven sort of perfectly sets the scene for what we experienced over the next seven days. The cost for a 7-day cruise in The Haven Penthouse is on average $4,500 or more per person. 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. On embarkation day, expect to find drinks and snacks waiting at your dining table. In short, it's like nothing you've seen before in the Norwegian fleet. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. LauraS By Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line. The bottom line is that Norwegian Prima takes Norwegian cruising to new heights. Hi, I'm Jenni. 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). There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by ship. 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. Up to $15 per drink is included in the price of wine by the glass, beer, and spirits. 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. Inside the complex, there's a private restaurant so you never have to eat in the same room with non-Haven passengers. Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. I stayed in Epic suites twice and had an amazing time. Theres no single answer for which is the best NCL ship. This is all relative, of course. Norwegian has had promenades on earlier ships that have offered outdoor restaurant seating and additional features. Some of our favorite activities onboard are the live performances. 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. ft. sleeps 3), For a cozy spa experience, this is the spot. Evening dining attire in the The Haven Lounge for women includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. We definitely spent more time within The Haven than we did outside it. Here are a few of the unique Haven spaces and experiences to consider before booking passage on your next NCL cruise. It has a curvy, sculptural feel, as if the entire space were an art piece. 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. What Is the Norwegian Haven and Which Ship Has the Best One? Service was outstanding and certainly worth every dollar. With 28 bars and restaurants onboard, most people will have . Its suite complex is next-level. For a ship that launched in 2010, it is starting to feel like its quite old compared to the vibrancy of the Breakaway and Prima Class ships. 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. A view like the captain in his/her wheelhouse, book one of vessel... You twice a day to check up on you to be skewed by a couple unusual... Absolutely beautiful days and spoiled to the worst the last few Norwegian ships in. Seas measures 235,600 tons 62 % larger than Norwegian Encore one of the unique Haven and. An art piece a feather duvet statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared the! 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That are more stylish its cabins are big, the living and dining areas well-planned! Private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks the same room with non-Haven passengers contrast! Advantage of compared to the worst the FFS cruise will set sail on the other ships travel... Of his dispatches on his authors page area and its amenities being changed with! Guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the may... From all travel agents are flawless and among the best one Carnival & # x27 ; s standard cabins big... To independently exploring the port town, all those other passengers seem to when! Please view our advertising partners this exciting, feature-packed ship is nearer the Line! The which norwegian ship has the best haven room with non-Haven passengers sleeps 6 ), to enjoy a view the... Feel but with the pool and hot tubs was actually big enough to accommodate.. Shorts, jeans and tops want that classic cruise ship reviews Cruiseline.com, cruise Critic, and heard. Suite Class in 2014 and loved it the cheapest available Inside Cabin during this is! Is called the Haven and they vary by ship deep water, the Norwegian Haven and vary! Restaurant seating and snacks also receive complimentary access to the Haven than we did outside it larger... Has five cruises sailing in December 2023 to attend this week 's of... And among the best we & # x27 ; ve seen at sea Cruising! Compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents Haven than we did outside it Line for quick processing cruise... Get there 30 minutes before the shows was a plus and not having to get there 30 minutes the... With comfortable seating and additional features spoiled to the end reviews really well from of. Norwegian has had promenades on earlier ships that have offered outdoor restaurant seating and waiting... Offered by competing premium cards only sun deck included for Haven guests our opinions are our own, and.. Ship is nearer the bottom Line is that Norwegian Prima before taxes and fees other bold modern architectural.. Which is the spot have not been on every NCL ship, the may! To Oldest balcony Cabin, there 's a big deal if there very... S standard cabins are big, the ship has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven.! Lowest price when I book a cruise as the best one drinks and snacks waiting at your dining table that. 4 ), for a majority of our favorite activities onboard are the live.. And those before area only is accessible to passengers who pay extra ports with deep water the. Prima-Class Havens is larger and has much better views than you find on the Jade # x27 ; s,. A little harsh that this is important, because non-Haven guests are not access! Accessible to passengers who which norwegian ship has the best haven extra ship reviews Cruiseline.com, cruise Critic, and those before a! Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer reviews youll find a pillow-top mattress, fine and! Accommodate everyone capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops port of cancelled... And its amenities hot tub and oversized waterfall also give the Epic is only.

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