Activities Onboard the Norwegian Epic: Rock . 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. (2,378 sq. When you arrive at the port of embarkation amidst the throngs of passengers, you have immediate attention from the staff. 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. The ship has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, as well. Richard is the executive editor of Soaps.com and the author of several novels. Neither ship has the Haven suite-only area but does feature suites. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 ship is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, . A small indoor pool area, however nicely decorated, does nothing for me. That said, guests may find themselves eating in the Haven restaurant (which is included) as opposed to specialty restaurants (which are not). 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. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. 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. Evening dining attire in the The Haven Lounge for women includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. And one last point a lot of the reviews Ive read mention bad things across the entire cruise line, rather than the ship. Will your entire party be able to sail in The Haven? It's unlikely I'll cruise on the BA again, but if I do there's no way I would take a cabin that didn't have Haven accessit made the experience tolerable. Delicious food and Dining experience in the Epic Club for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Norwegian has had promenades on earlier ships that have offered outdoor restaurant seating and additional features. While enjoying this outside space, you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant. Given his love of eating, drinking and gambling, its astonishing how long it took him to discover the joys of cruising. The Norwegian Jade is one of the older ships in the fleet, but she got fully renovated in 2017. Norwegian Bliss cabins review. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Even if I had my opinion is exactly that, a single opinion. 17. $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. Available on Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Star. My only quibble with all the aforementioned deck-top attractions is that it may be too much. 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. How Many Cabins Are on The Norwegian Epic? It offers private cabanas. Read about my attempt to test every dish at its 11 venues in four days to find out. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. We had one concierge who always managed to find where we were eating dinner and would stop by to see how we were doingbut also reminding us she could make all our dinner reservations (including MDR reservations). 1. Which Norwegian ship has the best haven? Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. In 2020, Porthole Cruise Magazine named Norwegian Encore it Best Ocean Ship in the magazine's 2020 Reader's Choice Awards. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. Which Norwegian ship has the best haven Is bottled water included in the price of a Norwegian cruise? The Real Love Boat Host & Crew Meet Cast of Original The Love Boat Show, Celebrity Cruises Resumes Guest Sailings From Australia, https://cruiseradio.net/norwegian-cruise-line-haven-is-it-worth-the-price/. Passengers exit by walking across a gangway in this circumstance. $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. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? ft. sleeps 4), To enjoy a view like the captain in his/her wheelhouse, book this room. She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. Despite being 14% smaller than Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track that is 22% larger than the one on that ship. Why? Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. And, a large balcony awaits. 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. I loved Posh, I loved the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things you don't get on the smaller ships. Suite amenities include pluses like a cappuccino machine, luxury bath products and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, as well as fruit and bottled water, on embarkation day. Also striking is Norwegian Prima's version of Le Bistro, Norwegian's signature French eatery. Built in 2002, she was designed to take advantage of the new Freestyle Cruising mantra that NCL had introduced with sister ship Norwegian Star. 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. This is totally subjective. This cruiser appeals to travelers of all ages thanks to the diverse entertainment options. For example, not all version of The Haven feature a private restaurant. Soon after, another staffer took us not only onboard the ship, but to an elevator which took us directly to The Haven. Located within the enclave, this private area is specifically created for outdoor luxury. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. I am another one who has no use for the Havens on Jewel class ships. I also give the Epic's Haven the nod. Learn more. Dining on Norwegian cruise ships is comfortable and casual, with no strict dining times and an informal dress code. Norwegian Encore is an almost identical copy of Norwegian Bliss, the most popular ship in the fleet. Be the first to rate this post. Very subjective..we love the quiet smaller Haven of the Gem and the Jewel, not crazy about the Breakaway, we just like the smaller personalized service as opposed to the Mega Haven even with the added amenities. 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. When Norwegian Cruise Line announced their upcoming ship, the Prima, they made quite the splash. Theres no single answer for which is the best NCL ship. The concierge threw in a bottle of wine at Cagneys for no reason other than she took care of her guests. The kids will have their own room, bath and TV while you enjoy a master bedroom and bath. A total of 630 guests have reviewed . This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). If that makes your luxury cruise list, then this is a good choice for you. Many people prefer the Norwegian Epic Haven as there are fewer suites, so service is slightly more personal. Four NCL ships have a go-kart track Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Prima. Related: Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track. Its important to note that exactly what is offered both in terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to ship. Norwegian Bliss has a total of 2043 passenger staterooms, of which 1599 are outside (suite, balcony, oceanview) and 444 inside cabins. Before the butler leaves, inquire about getting everyone an NCL mobile phone. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. It is fascinating to read the original reviews of Norwegian Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer reviews. Depending on which vessel, passengers have exclusive access to bars, lounges, pools, hot tubs, restaurants and sundecks not available to those other passengers you saw at the terminal. 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. It can hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled. Huge Haven area and love the Haven lounge and restaurant. As a Haven guest, we were able to bypass most (but not all) of the madness, being escorted by the concierge down to the disembarkation point. 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. John Heald, Brand Ambassador of Carnival Cruise Line, has announced the details for the next For Fun's Sake (FFS) Cruise. It offers a wide range of quick-serve food venues offering everything from Mexican to Indian cuisine. 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). In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous "Kids Sail Free" promotions. ), unlimited WiFi and cruise gratuities. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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 . ft. sleeps 4), Generous seating and living areas make this a comfortable choice of suites. 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. So it feels a little harsh that this exciting, feature-packed ship is nearer the bottom of the list. A few moments later, a staffer approached, tablet in hand, and checked us in while we finished snacking. 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. Norwegian Getaway - 3.99. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. You will be first in line and personally escorted to the proper place for disembarking the ship. ft. sleeps 4), For relaxation at its finest, this is the room to reserve. 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. Speak with the concierge about the availability of ship-sponsored excursions. In my basic balcony cabin, there was just a relatively small area of built-in closet space. Ive chosen these three because theyre independent, and because they have a lot of reviews. 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. Norwegian has been at the forefront of the trend of big-ship operators putting exclusive "ship within a ship" suite complexes on their vessels, and the line has taken the concept to the next level with Norwegian Prima. Courtyard was large with many loungers to choose from. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Which dishes are the best? The two-bedroom Family Villa has a master bedroom, plus a small bedroom with a sofa bed for kids. But consider that rival Royal Caribbean's newest vessel, Wonder of the Seas, is designed to sail with 5,734 passengers at double occupancy. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? It definitely felt small enough with the Haven. 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. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. It would be incredibly easy to simply stay in The Haven all week, never venturing to other spots on the ship. It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who youre sailing with. (Yes, that's much larger than most people's . Just off the Epic transatlantic and stayed up in the a Haven. Ship. In other words, while the interior of the ship has taken an elegant turn, for sure, this isn't a vessel that's just for couples on an upscale getaway. (1,307 sq. I agree with the poster who said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an indoor pool at a motel. Norwegian Star - 3.97. What's more, the range of cabin and suite types means there's something for everyone, including: 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. Guests staying in The Haven have the best of both worlds--they have luxury suites and exclusive dining, lounge, and . 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. Plus Ups are excluded. I never experienced an intrusive butler or concierge. Find cheap Norwegian (NCL) cruises on Tripadvisor. The next ship to launch for NCL will be the Norwegian Viva a new Prima Class ship that is clearly looking to differentiate itself. So, if there are very specific details youd like, choose your ship accordingly. 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. My recent experience in The Haven was aboard the Norwegian Getaway, which features both a private bar and restaurant for use of guests. The ship-within-a-ship cruise experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line is called The Haven. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. 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. 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). Our phone broke one night and when she came to check on us, she was able to get it repaired ASAP. But it would be tight if my wife were here with me, and we both had suitcases full of clothes for a week. Was it worth the price? 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. Innovative and stunning, the 4,000-guest Norwegian Getaway, the largest cruise ship to ever homeport year-round in Miami, is filled with fabulous accommodations, restaurants, entertainment, sports activities and much more. It really is the perfect blend of large ship amenities and small ship service. That isn't to say Norwegian Prima is perfect. But nothing Norwegian has done yet compares to this. Will there be more queues for the Haven's private concierge desk than on other Norwegian ships with smaller Haven complexes, for instance? Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. It's built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down all the way to the floor a showstopper of a design element. Norwegian Jewel is one of the older ships in the NCL fleet, and its a ship that aims to be more of a couples ship than a family one. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. The butler was white glove service setting up dining on the balcony and gave hands on training for the Lavazza machine. Scores arent going to be skewed by a couple of unusual experiences. 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. 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. 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. In short, it's like nothing you've seen before in the Norwegian fleet. How will the added expenses which come with staying in The Haven balance with those youd have in a regular stateroom? On a "per night" basis, the best deal for an inside cabin in December, 2023 is available for $84. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. The newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line will make its debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, with room for more than 3,200 passengers, multiple infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and an . 15. A large luxury bath completes the room. 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. 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. A wall of windows and private balcony are included; and, there is the option for an additional guest. Not only is the Ocean Boulevard on Norwegian Prima roomier than ever, but it'll absorb a lot of passengers on sea days who otherwise would be packing the top decks of the ship. There's also alfresco seating for several of the ship's restaurants including Los Lobos, Onda by Scarpetta, The Local and Indulge Food Hall. The Norwegian Bliss is part of their Breakaway Plus line of ships, the biggest ships in their fleet. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line: The Haven. For longer and/or extended days at sea, this can be a real bonus. Executives hint at an answer. And, the bathroom will be stocked with luxury grooming products, robes, slippers and thirsty towels. (4,309 sq. (4,451 sq. The FFS cruise will set sail on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in . Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Its not really aimed at families theres no waterpark or water slides at all, and the main highlight of the ship is its incredible itineraries in Asia that are perfect for those who want to explore away from the traditional Caribbean/Mediterranean options. The cruise . People have complained about slower food service, rooms looking tired, and areas of the ship being closed off randomly. The ship has a great range of dining venues, one of the most popular live shows on the entire fleet with Burn The Floor, and a huge amount of venues for guests of all ages, including great kids and teens clubs. It's easy to look at the price tag . 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. During the voyage, the ship will dock at harbors along the route. In standard balcony cabins, the wall behind the bed is lined with a striking art piece featuring nature and butterflies a focal point. Here are a few of the unique Haven spaces and experiences to consider before booking passage on your next NCL cruise. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. We love the courtyard on the Epic and have heard that the other ships have smaller courtyards. At ports with deep water, the ship may anchor at the pier. Aesthetically, both ships have contemporary decor. 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. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best . 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. A king-sized bed and well-appointed sitting and dining areas add to the comfort. With Norwegian's ongoing free-perks promotion, Haven cruise passengers receive all the promotional perks, such as an unlimited beverage package, free meals at specialty dining restaurants, a shore excursion credit, an internet package and free third and fourth passengers to a cabin on select sailings. 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. The ship has some cool attractions aimed at all ages, but it is missing that killer USP that came with later Breakaway Plus ships in the form of the go-kart track. 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. So while the Haven areas are nice my favorite suite experience was on a ship with no Haven. posh was great. They come with exceptional amenities and an outdoor terrace with its own hot tub; the total complex accommodates up to eight people. Planning a cruise? There are views of the ocean and the opportunity to relax beside the private pools. Norwegian Bliss. 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. Its cabins are sleek and modern. It's designed to carry just 3,100 passengers at double occupancy. Despite having done many sailings on Norwegian Cruise Line, the price-point of The Haven had always prevented me from booking. Owner's Suites provide cruisers with impressive square footage, luxurious surroundings and staggering balconies. Haven't cruised on the Epic, but we would describe our experience in the Breakaway Haven as essentially identical to yours. Your ultimate guide for the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship - New NCL . It is quite useful to have for communicating while on board the ship. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Did it live up to the hype? (6,504 sq. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. The suite complex is the best of any big ship. Before we get into the full list, let me take a second to explain how Ive ranked the ships in order. 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. Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. Posh is top notch too. 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. And, indeed they are. 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). Thats helped by the shorter itineraries Norwegian Sky specialises in 3-5 day cruising. Both ships feature main dining rooms, buffet, 24-hour pub and grill. Find the right card for you. It has been designed to offer more space, so that it feels a little less crowded than the Breakaway Plus ships, without sacrificing any of the exciting attractions youll find onboard. This is entirely subjective. (4,655 sq. Voted Best Accommodations, Porthole Magazine. 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. Its lounge chairs are plush and upscale. This is in contrast to the spaciousness of the public areas in the interior of the ship. Included is a hot tub and oversized waterfall shower (with jets), a king-sized bed and balcony. Located in and amongst the enclave is the all-suite accommodation section of the Haven. Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. 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. Now that weve learned how the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven creates a ship-within-a-ship hideaway, lets choose which vessel to book. 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. 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. 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.