We chose this cruise based upon the ports and the activities on the ship. We originally booked a balcony room but we were able to get an upgrade to the Haven. WOW!! Although I do not think it is worth the full Haven price but the offer to upgrade at the last minute was well worth it. This is my first time on the Escape so I cannot say I would rate everything the same if I was not staying in the Haven. Check in was a breeze and absolutely no waiting. We walked right on the ship and straight to the Haven lounge through a private elevator. Note the private elevator was only during embarkation times. Once we got to the lounge for a complimentary drink, our room was shortly available. The Haven is truly its own private section of the ship. You had access to everything without ever needing to leave the Haven area other than seeing shows and getting off of the ship. Speaking of shows and leaving the ship for the ports, since we were staying in the Haven you were given preferred seating to all shows and you were escorted early ahead of everyone else. Norwegian is not kidding when they say you will get spoiled staying in the Haven.

The shows were ok just not our style of shows and the food served was excellent. We did eat at the buffet a few times for breakfast and was satisfied with the variety and quality. There was never a wait to get to the food and always clean tables available. The only time we hung out at the main pool (Haven has their own private pool and hot tubs) was during the day on the 4th of July. As long as you reserved a chair by 8:00 you could get one around the pool. By 9:00 all of the chairs were gone. You could reserve a chair but if you left it alone after a certain amount of time they would remove your stuff to try to control someone reserving seats that were not being used.

Cagney's Steakhouse was the best specialty restaurant. We tried the other specialty dining options but we preferred eating at the Haven restaurant over the others. Margarita Bar outside was our favorite hangout bar and enjoyed the inside when karaoke was going. We ordered room service for breakfast on the mornings we were at port and was very satisfied. Read more