Speak with the concierge about the availability of ship-sponsored excursions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Such is the case on the Norwegian Gem, where Haven guests typically have special access to breakfast at Moderno and lunch in Cagneys, both of which are closed to other diners until dinnertime. Each morning, our butler (who was shared with 8 other Haven staterooms) arrived with a pot of coffee and almond croissants. Neither ship has the Haven suite-only area but does feature suites. Both measures are often used as shorthand for the luxury level and service level of a ship. Passengers are also loyal to Gem and will cruise on her regularly after their first. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. CC Help Jenn When you arrive at the port of embarkation amidst the throngs of passengers, you have immediate attention from the staff. Norwegian Bliss cabins review. At ports with deep water, the ship may anchor at the pier. ), unlimited WiFi and cruise gratuities. Or, the ship may anchor offshore, and youll be transported via a small boat called a tender. 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. . The concierge most definitely knew me and my whole family and called us by our first names. Like me, hed never sailed in The Haven and was equally interested in finding out what the experience would be like. 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. Rooms come with a king-sized bed, a hot tub and an oversized waterfall shower with multiple jets. 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. I agree with the poster who said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an indoor pool at a motel. But which is the favourite of cruise travellers which of the ships do they see as the best? 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 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. But thats another story. The cost for a 7-day cruise in The Haven Penthouse is on average $4,500 or more per person. For starters, Ive not been on every NCL ship, so that wouldnt be a fair ranking. Some of our favorite activities onboard are the live performances. Enchanted with cruising from my first voyage in the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage. As a Haven keycard holder, you will have priority reservations and seating at all entertainment venues. 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. 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/. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. With up to 875 sq. Four NCL ships have a go-kart track Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Prima. If youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what The Haven is and are considering booking. Still, people love the fun atmosphere on board, and modern updates keep the ships popularity going for now. I also give the Epic's Haven the nod. Despite its smaller footprint, Norwegian Prima has more food outlets, not fewer, than the last few Norwegian ships. This was a sticking point for some passengers, but we agreed there were plenty of options (especially assuming one planned to do what we did, which was dine in other venues outside The Haven several times during the week). This suite sleeps up to six. Also, you can fully expect a personalized and pampered interaction with the staff complete with all the small bonuses. Delicious food and Dining experience in the Epic Club for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After five days on board Norwegian Prima in advance of its first sailing with paying passengers, I am skeptical no more. 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. 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.). Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. It has a huge selection of gambling machines and table games that guests can enjoy. Plus several speciality restaurants. On embarkation day, expect to find drinks and snacks waiting at your dining table. Will your entire party be able to sail in The Haven? It's that the ship's designers were able to pack so much on the vessel. Hi, I'm Jenni. (Passengers in other cabin categories typically qualify for just one or two of those perks.). Soon after, another staffer took us not only onboard the ship, but to an elevator which took us directly to The Haven. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating. Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. The Epic cruise ship world' largest number Studio rooms (single-occupancy cabins solo travelers) booking - a total 128 studios. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima after getting a sneak peek at it this week in advance of its first official sailing on Saturday. Why this ship tends to score so well is the onboard atmosphere, which just seems to be a bit more fun and friendly people often comment on the sort of community feel of a cruise on Gem, and how everyone chats with each other. I never experienced an intrusive butler or concierge. The Breakaway's Haven was nice (the retractable roof is a plus!) If you're a fan of the line, this is the new ship you can't wait to book. So while the Haven areas are nice my favorite suite experience was on a ship with no Haven. All other amenities well worth it. ft. sleeps 6), A large living space with dining area along with the bedroom have floor-to-ceiling windows. Will there be more queues for the Haven's private concierge desk than on other Norwegian ships with smaller Haven complexes, for instance? Depending on which specific ship you select, dining at a Haven restaurant is an option. Loved access to Posh and the two dedicated bars in the Haven area. 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*. Do they have a separate dining room like Epic Club were you get breakfast, lunch and dinner? Its important to note that exactly what is offered both in terms of accommodations and services varies from ship to ship. While enjoying this outside space, you can utilize the services of a Courtyard attendant. Second reason is Posh. 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. Three thousand people on a ship is still a lot of people. ft. sleeps 8), For a modern feel, book one of these suites. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea. Norwegian Encore. Star was the first ship that was designed with the Freestyle Cruising mantra in mind and yes, there is a lot of choice on board and an atmosphere that is worlds apart from traditional cruise formality. 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. If you need special assistance, the ships staff will also take care of this. The Norwegian ship maximizes its boardwalk with many alfresco restaurants, lounges, and shops. In what is a technological marvel to watch, the entire lower deck of seating in the theater slides away to create a giant dance floor. (4,655 sq. Theres quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before. Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Related: Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Makes me think "motel" pool. (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!). It definitely felt small enough with the Haven. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. I got the small, intimate feel from the Haven staff in the Epic that you are describing from the Sky. (4,824 sq. So sit back and enjoy reading about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes them so special. Like the Deluxe, this room also includes complimentary access to the Thermal and Mandara Spas. Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, the Norwegian Epic has five cruises sailing in December 2023. However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a . 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. There's also alfresco seating for several of the ship's restaurants including Los Lobos, Onda by Scarpetta, The Local and Indulge Food Hall. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Norwegian Breakaway 4.464. Once youve done a bit of planning for later entertainment and meals and the voyage is underway, more Haven amenities await outside your suite. Located within the enclave, this private area is specifically created for outdoor luxury. Additionally, you will receive invitations to cocktail parties and have the chance to socialize with the officers of the ship. 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. 265 reviews. 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 Bliss. Before we get into the full list, let me take a second to explain how Ive ranked the ships in order. These cabins are true suites, with a living/dining room that is separate from the bedroom. Taking a bite-the-bullet approach, I booked an amazing two-bedroom suite and invited Doug (aka Mr. Cruise Radio) along for the ride. Rather than waiting at extended security checkpoints, you have a special line for quick processing. 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. 1-866-234-7350 Website. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. It is packed with live entertainment, fun activities including bowling, some great water slides and a lot of restaurant choices. This more upscale feel is a sharp turn for Norwegian but perhaps it should come as no surprise. I loved Posh, I loved the Haven bars and the Epic Club all things you don't get on the smaller ships. The only differences are that Encore has a bigger racetrack and laser tag arena, but at the cost of losing the Spice H2O bar area for adults only. 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. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. Norwegian Dawn is one of the quirkier ships in the fleet. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! 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. I just couldn't get that point across to her. 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. Everything is clean and comfortable. 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. Ship. Did it live up to the hype? There are views for days through walls of windows; and some ships have not one, but two balconies. Its still a good mid-size cruise ship that doesnt feel too crowded though, and theres enough on board to keep families and couples entertained with ease. (3,440 sq. So much so that I'm sort of in shock. In 2020, Porthole Cruise Magazine named Norwegian Encore it Best Ocean Ship in the magazine's 2020 Reader's Choice Awards. 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. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Was it worth the price? Two days after the cancellation was announced, some passengers are still on the ship: They're trying to navigate confusing communication on when they will start their journeys home. 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. Find cheap Norwegian (NCL) cruises on Tripadvisor. That's 22% fewer people than Norwegian Encore. 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.. An upcoming sailing of Norwegian Epic is being changed, with one port of call cancelled and another extended. 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. On a Norwegian cruise, you can be yourself while enjoying endless opportunities for entertainment, lots of thrills, and a huge selection of dining options. Norwegian Cruise Line isnt meant to be a high-end brand, but its new Norwegian Prima offers a lot of high-end touches. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! What is Norwegians best ship? 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. Many people prefer the Norwegian Epic Haven as there are fewer suites, so service is slightly more personal. But nothing Norwegian has done yet compares to this. 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. A few things to consider before booking The Haven: Does the ship on which youre sailing have The Haven features youre seeking? She was always making things easier and better for us which really blew me out of the water. 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. Feel like having the fun and energy of a mainstream ship experience while indulging in silver-platter service? 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. A total of 630 guests have reviewed . The new location also allows for a more elaborate and comfortable outdoor lounge and pool area. There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by ship. 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. 17. 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. Wonder of the Seas measures 235,600 tons 62% larger than Norwegian Prima. This introduction to The Haven sort of perfectly sets the scene for what we experienced over the next seven days. Its lounge chairs are plush and upscale. Ive then looked at the average score for each ship on those three sites to rank the ships in order. Executives hint at an answer. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? Search for great cruise deals and compare prices to help you plan your next Norwegian (NCL) cruise vacation. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. 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