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. No votes so far! I cruised on this ship in 2014 and loved it! (4,451 sq. The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line, Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track, How to get the most from Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, strange night out at Norwegian Prima's new Metropolitan Bar, my attempt to test every dish at its 11 venues in four days, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. (1,307 sq. However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a . 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. It offers a wide range of quick-serve food venues offering everything from Mexican to Indian cuisine. 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. The cruise . So sit back and enjoy reading about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes them so special. There will be a mini-bar and coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine with supplies. Related: Why I loved Norwegian Prima's ridiculously big go-kart track. The Haven offers unparalleled accommodations aboard Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, and offers guests private access to exclusive spaces such as The Haven Lounge and The Haven Restaurant (Or, if on a Jewel-class ship, a dedicated speciality restaurant that is used for exclusive breakfast and lunch offerings). I got the small, intimate feel from the Haven staff in the Epic that you are describing from the Sky. The deck-top space is broken up into too many sections, without a lot of ways to walk between them. And, indeed they are. 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. 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. My recent experience in The Haven was aboard the Norwegian Getaway, which features both a private bar and restaurant for use of guests. 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. During the voyage, the ship will dock at harbors along the route. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. In particular, the pre-cruise customer service gets a bit of a hammering, but people generally love the experience on the ship. It's still very much a family-focused ship, as Norwegian ships have long been. Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. Service and food in the restaurant was impeccable, although its worth noting that the menu remains the same throughout the week. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! 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. The concierge would personally visit you twice a day to check up on you. Neither ship has the Haven suite-only area but does feature suites. 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. I agree with the poster who said the small Havens on the Jewel class are reminiscent of an indoor pool at a motel. 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. 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. You can find all of his dispatches on his authors page. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. Because there are just a handful of suites the service was over the top. This is important, because non-Haven guests are not given access to the area and its amenities. It is fascinating to read the original reviews of Norwegian Epic when she first launched, compared with modern customer reviews. It can hold 6,988 passengers with every pull-out sofa and pull-down bunk filled. Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch. The bottom line is that Norwegian Prima takes Norwegian cruising to new heights. The Courtyard Penthouse suites have a round bed; some have pretty floor-to-ceiling windows. Once the attentive staff have escorted you to your room, take a beat to soak in the surroundings. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. 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. Despite being 14% smaller than Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track that is 22% larger than the one on that ship. But for those who perhaps arent familiar with the space, a quick introduction: The Haven is where youll find the most luxurious suitesyou know, the ones that come with great amenities, lots of perks and the services of both a concierge and a butler. Norwegian is also a fantastic line for families with teens. From the massive Haven suite complex at its back to its stunning, sculptural central atrium and the striking designs of many of its eateries, the ship is home to an array of venues and experiences that truly are elevated as compared to what you know from previous Norwegian vessels. My first choices in suite sailing would not necessarily even include the Haven - for example, my favorite suite is the DOS on the Gem for the suite itself, and the best service has been on the smaller ships like the Sun, which has no Haven at all. 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. Ed, November 23, 2014 in Norwegian Cruise Line. 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). 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. . 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. $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. By that measure, Norwegian Prima is downright small and uncrowded for a big ship with a lot to offer (see more on that below). The ship is capable of transporting 2,402 passengers and 1,037 crew members to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Started August 27, 2021, By Its better aimed at people who want that classic cruise ship feel but with the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. 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. 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. Check here before booking an award fare. This introduction to The Haven sort of perfectly sets the scene for what we experienced over the next seven days. Now that youve settled into your suite, enjoyed a hot shower in the luxury bath, and changed out of travel clothes into comfy cruise attire, lets see what the Norwegian Cruise Line Haven section has to offer. So instead, Ive looked at three of the biggest websites that collate cruise ship reviews Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor. The public areas of Norwegian Prima may feel spacious. The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. As a Haven keycard holder, you will have priority reservations and seating at all entertainment venues. A total of 630 guests have reviewed . All photos (4,084) Traveler ( 929) Common Areas ( 1,880) Dining and Bars ( 1,551) By You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best . 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. Its great for couples and families alike. 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. 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. For those who like to dine in the room, a white tablecloth service is included. Keep in mind that actual square footage, floor plans, suite locations on the ships and lists of amenities will vary by vessel. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. This change might seem simple but its a dream for sunseekers, as you typically have less wind at the back of the ship than in the front. Or, the ship may anchor offshore, and youll be transported via a small boat called a tender. For comparison, Seabourn Venture, the new ship that just debuted from luxury line Seabourn, is built for 264 passengers. 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. The Norwegian Bliss is part of their Breakaway Plus line of ships, the biggest ships in their fleet. The ship has some incredible features including go-karts, and she has some of the best Broadway shows too, including SIX and Jersey Boys, which are extremely popular with guests. But mostly they are quibbles. On the Breakaway-Plus class NCL Bliss ship: The total number of The Haven suites is almost doubled in comparison to the Breakaway-class ships - 95 Suite accommodations, including . In short, it's like nothing you've seen before in the Norwegian fleet. It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who youre sailing with. Passengers exit by walking across a gangway in this circumstance. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. The Epic is the only ship which has the exclusive adults only sun deck included for Haven guests. That being said, the Epic is probably our favorite actual "Haven" experience for two reasons. NCL Jewel Haven Pool and private sundeck Photo by Kristin Barclay. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 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. Just off the Epic transatlantic and stayed up in the a Haven. (Yes, that's much larger than most people's . We recommend the Haven for families and groups who want higher-end accommodations and amenities, in a mainstream cruise ship setting where you have access to shows, the casino and a variety of dining options. Rather than waiting at extended security checkpoints, you have a special line for quick processing. How will the added expenses which come with staying in The Haven balance with those youd have in a regular stateroom? John Heald, Brand Ambassador of Carnival Cruise Line, has announced the details for the next For Fun's Sake (FFS) Cruise. Evening dining attire in the The Haven Lounge for women includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. 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. (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.). Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. 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. Does it get crowded in the courtyard? Also, you can fully expect a personalized and pampered interaction with the staff complete with all the small bonuses. 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. Forty-two of these luxurious suites are on decks 15 and 16. 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. (Passengers in other cabin categories typically qualify for just one or two of those perks.). The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. 75 of the cabins are located in the Haven. Here's how The Haven works on eight Norwegian Cruise Line ships: First, like Fight Club, you don't talk about The Haven. My only quibble with all the aforementioned deck-top attractions is that it may be too much. The ship-within-a-ship cruise experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line is called The Haven. Instead, the destination is the main attraction here, with itineraries planned around maximising the time spent among Hawaiis magnificent scenery, with some fun-packed excursion options available. 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. Plus, access to The Haven amenities and butler and concierge service to complete your picture-perfect vacation. Its a smaller ship in the fleet, so better suited to adults who want a more relaxing break. If youre reading this, theres a pretty good chance you know what The Haven is and are considering booking. On both sides of Ocean Boulevard, there are infinity pools as well as shallow dipping pools. 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. Norwegian Sky is the longest-serving and smallest ship in the NCL fleet but its still really popular with guests. This, in turn, requires you to run the gauntlet of Norwegian staff at the buffet entrance wanting you to wash your hands every time you want to move between the pool area and the go-kart area. 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. Many people prefer the Norwegian Epic Haven as there are fewer suites, so service is slightly more personal. According to reviews, the best NCL cruise ship is Norwegian Bliss, one of the Breakaway Plus ships in the fleet. NCL is a cruise line that is very family-friendly, and while Norwegian Escape isnt different, it does excel from a couples perspective too. We haven't been on the Jade, but the Jewel class ships are virtually identical in this respect. Another rule of thumb: youll pay between twice to eight or ten times as much for a Haven room as a regular cabin. 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. 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