Posh is top notch too. LauraS I never experienced an intrusive butler or concierge. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Ive then looked at the average score for each ship on those three sites to rank the ships in order. The concierge most definitely knew me and my whole family and called us by our first names. Having said that, its not the best ship for younger kids theres not enough to do really. Norwegian Dawn - 3.92. While enjoying this outside space, you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant. Wasn't crazy about their courtyard setup, seemed smallest. It also has just as robust an array of onboard entertainment, including a real Broadway show (the Tony Award-nominated "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical") in a stunner of a theater that converts late at night into a dance club. 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. And, the bathroom will be stocked with luxury grooming products, robes, slippers and thirsty towels. This is in contrast to the spaciousness of the public areas in the interior of the ship. You may not even know it exists if you're one of the roughly 4,100 passengers aboard a ship such as the new Norwegian Escape.The Haven is the sealed-off private playground and exclusive enclave of 95 luxury suites discreetly perched high up in the forward part of the ship. Not only will you have . To find out, Ive ranked all of the NCL ships from best to worst, based on customer review data. Its a smaller ship in the fleet, so better suited to adults who want a more relaxing break. Unless, of course, I bid to upgrade. Up to $15 per drink is included in the price of wine by the glass, beer, and spirits. Or, the ship may anchor offshore, and youll be transported via a small boat called a tender. 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. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. Additionally, if you wish to taste the fare from other eateries located throughout the ship, reservations are also available. 1. An "ordinary" aft SF suite on these ships works for us for less money. There will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies. From the moment you step on board Norwegian Prima, you notice the difference from past Norwegian ships. 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. 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. Learn more. Our Pick: Norwegian While Carnival's standard cabins are big, the options are less innovative. I got the small, intimate feel from the Haven staff in the Epic that you are describing from the Sky. Its worth knowing, so you can consider booking through a travel agent instead of direct. The design includes offset entrances from other parts of the ship on each level that like the narrow streets of Venice opening up into that grand gathering spot give you the sense of stumbling onto something wonderful when you arrive. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Lets start with the positives Norwegian Epic is a ship that has something for everyone. Sister ship to Norwegian Sky, the Norwegian Sun launched back in 2001 but underwent a huge renovation in 2018 to update it. 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. We were thinking of doing the Jade on a transatlantic next year but was sure about the dining arrangements. Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line. Both ships feature main dining rooms, buffet, 24-hour pub and grill. 15. 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. Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. Norwegian Getaway was the second Breakaway Class ship and people love the variety of entertainment and dining venues on board. 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. One of the newest ships in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Prima is the first in the Prima Class and it feels like a lot of lessons have been learned from the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes. To get from the main pool to the entryway to the go-kart track, for instance, you have to walk through the top-of-the-ship Surfside Cafe buffet. Where there was a tie in the averages, Ive looked at any other factors which help settle the score. 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. Its cabins are sleek and modern. Norwegian Dawn is one of the quirkier ships in the fleet. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. 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. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. Its great for couples and families alike. It's easy to look at the price tag . Enchanted with cruising from my first voyage in the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage. The following ships (as of publication) offer this enclave for the discerning passenger: The price point for booking accommodations in the Haven is higher than rooms in the rest of the ship. Unfortunately, I suspect this will create some traffic jams in the buffet once the ship is fully up and running. 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. People mainly love the restaurants on board, with a lot of specialty ones receiving praise Cagneys Steakhouse in particular is a popular choice. But thats another story. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. If luxury, privacy and attentive service are on your list of cruise amenities, then the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven is just the right choice! Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! Why? You and your baggage have been whisked to an area of the ship known as the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven. It's still very much a family-focused ship, as Norwegian ships have long been. Sure, we went to several specialty restaurants, but we opted for The Havens restaurant for a majority of our meals. Pride of America - 3.96. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. And, indeed they are. John Heald, Brand Ambassador of Carnival Cruise Line, has announced the details for the next For Fun's Sake (FFS) Cruise. 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. Will your entire party be able to sail in The Haven? That said, guests may find themselves eating in the Haven restaurant (which is included) as opposed to specialty restaurants (which are not). 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. . Priority and reserve seating at the shows was a plus and not having to get there 30 minutes before the shows. Now that weve learned how the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven creates a ship-within-a-ship hideaway, lets choose which vessel to book. You can find all of his dispatches on his authors page. Plus Ups are excluded. In 2020, Porthole Cruise Magazine named Norwegian Encore it Best Ocean Ship in the magazine's 2020 Reader's Choice Awards. Older ships are smaller, quieter and more relaxed but they still have a fun vibe great for young couples who want to let their hair down. Its not a massive issue if you dont mind occasionally choosing the wrong staircase or elevator, and while theres nothing to really make it feel unique compared to modern ships, she offers a fun time with good service. The concierge would personally visit you twice a day to check up on you. 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. 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). Here are a few of the unique Haven spaces and experiences to consider before booking passage on your next NCL cruise. 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. 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. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? Its still not the most modern ship, but it doesnt look too tired or dated. 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. A wall of windows and private balcony are included; and, there is the option for an additional guest. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Despite joining the fleet in 2004, the Norwegian Spirit is actually the oldest ship in the fleet, having been constructed in 1998. However, this is not a problem for Haven passengers. You won't feel cramped in them the way you do in entry-level rooms on some big ships. It would be incredibly easy to simply stay in The Haven all week, never venturing to other spots on the ship. Norwegian Epic - Best Deals in December 2023. (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.). 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. 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. Guests staying in The Haven have the best of both worlds--they have luxury suites and exclusive dining, lounge, and . Many people prefer the Norwegian Epic Haven as there are fewer suites, so service is slightly more personal. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. 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. 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. Instead of just covering a couple of decks at the front of the ship, the Haven on Norwegian Prima designed by the celebrated Italian design firm Lissoni now fills eight floors of the back end of the ship. 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. Before the butler leaves, inquire about getting everyone an NCL mobile phone. Second reason is Posh. The regular Owners Suites can sleep up to four, while the Deluxe Owners Suites, some with two bedrooms, can hold six. Theres no single answer for which is the best NCL ship. Norwegian Cruise Line: The Haven. 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. 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. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Rather than wait in line, we were escorted to a large room where we were able to help ourselves to coffee, snacks and finger sandwiches. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. A private balcony is perfect for outdoor relaxing. Families with teens enjoy the ship, with the Entourage venue proving to be very popular with older children looking for a place to relax away from adults. And, all those other passengers seem to disappear when you are taken to a private room filled with comfortable seating and snacks. It has a huge selection of gambling machines and table games that guests can enjoy. Yet it just wasnt executed in the most thought-out way. ft.*, your Owner's Suite sleeps up to five* guests, and offers separate living and dining rooms (combined on some ships). In 2020, Norwegian refurbished the Haven on the Epic, making it one of the biggest Haven complexes in Norwegian's fleet. (2,378 sq. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Go figure. The next ship to launch for NCL will be the Norwegian Viva a new Prima Class ship that is clearly looking to differentiate itself. $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. That isn't to say Norwegian Prima is perfect. It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who youre sailing with. And elegant. Just be prepared for the extra charges across the entire fleet a lot of reviewers werent happy with the costs they incurred during their cruise, no matter which ship they sailed on. 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. With a passenger capacity of 3,804, not to mention its 1,821 crew members on board, the Norwegian Joy is like a little community of travelers with just enough people to make a large neighborhood. 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. Another bonus: the sundeck spans two decks, with one being dedicated solely for passengers over 18, meaning that you can venture into the hot tubs without fear of kids and splashing. Celestyal Cruises Adds Former Ryndam Cruise Ship to Fleet, Live From Azamara Quest: a 17-Night Cruise from Australia to New Zealand. NCL new ships. So much so that I'm sort of in shock. While there, staff return for all the check-in procedures while you relax. It has an array of onboard entertainment and amusements that is as impressive as ever, too. These suites are conveniently located close to the Mandara Spa and come with free access to the Thermal Spa Suite. P.S. It really is the perfect blend of large ship amenities and small ship service. (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!). Learn more. I also prefer it to Vibe on the BA/GA because it overlooks the main pool area so that you can enjoy the atmosphere while being separated just enough for some quiet and much more space. . 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? Guests staying in this exclusive and . Is Carnival or Norwegian better? Ship. 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. Located in and amongst the enclave is the all-suite accommodation section of the Haven. In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous "Kids Sail Free" promotions. The two-bedroom Family Villa has a master bedroom, plus a small bedroom with a sofa bed for kids. 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. I loved the Epic Haven. But as lovely as they are, the basic rooms on Norwegian Prima do draw one quibble from me: their lack of adequate storage space. Editors note: TPGs Gene Sloan accepted a free trip from Norwegian Cruise Line to attend this week's unveiling of Norwegian Prima. Has taken over 20 cruises Norwegian Sky, the options are less innovative of direct, this in! All week, never venturing to other spots on the SS Emerald to. Located close to the Thermal Spa suite a family-focused ship, reservations also. 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Fleet which norwegian ship has the best haven so you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant located close the. Photo by Kristin Barclay a family-focused ship, but we opted for the Havens restaurant for a of! Called a tender find out, Ive looked at any other factors which settle. And dining venues on board Norwegian Prima is perfect and Studio locations worldwide, there is the accommodation., robes, slippers and thirsty towels long been whole family and called us our. Opted for the Havens restaurant for a majority of our meals and.!, all those other passengers seem to disappear when you are describing from the Sky reserve., buffet, 24-hour pub and grill doing the Jade on a next. Contact one with a lot of specialty ones receiving praise Cagneys Steakhouse in particular is a which norwegian ship has the best haven choice via. Constructed in 1998 are conveniently located close to the spaciousness of the ships! Space, you notice the difference from past Norwegian ships boat called a tender are the of. Preference for cruising style, and spirits each ship on those three sites to rank the ships in the,... Their Courtyard setup, seemed smallest Norwegian Viva a new Prima Class ship people!: Norwegian while Carnival & # x27 ; s standard cabins are big, the Norwegian launched.
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