Feel like having the fun and energy of a mainstream ship experience while indulging in silver-platter service? Norwegian Cruise Line's Haven might be the suite experience for you.
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of an exclusive suite enclave, complete with private sun deck and pool surrounded by the ship's top accommodations, in 2005, and adopted The Haven moniker in 2011. The Haven can be found on newer vessels in the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus-class, ships in the Jewel-class and Norwegian Epic.
What It Is
The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. 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.
The exclusive sun deck is at the very top of the ship and typically forward, meaning it's the perfect place to sunbathe in peace or have a drink while you sail into a new port. You don't even have to leave for meals because The Haven (on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and Escape) includes its own, sophisticated restaurant, serving its clientele with a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu designed just for suite passengers.
There are various types of suites within The Haven and they vary by ship: Spa Suites have priority access to the Mandara Spa and other spa-themed privileges (not available on Jewel-class ships); Family Suites offer the space needed for a family group; Penthouses are great for people who love to entertain; and Owner's Suites provide cruisers with impressive square footage, luxurious surroundings and staggering balconies. Garden Villas remain some of the largest suites at sea (typically accommodating up to eight people), but are only available as part of The Haven on Norwegian's Jewel-class ships. (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.)
Inclusions
The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. 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.
Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. Priority embarkation, debarkation, seating at shows and dining reservations also come de facto with a Haven keycard. Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line.
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. (Passengers in other cabin categories typically qualify for just one or two of those perks.)
Price
Cruise fare for a room in The Haven varies by cabin category, length of cruise and destination. Expect to pay an average of $3,000 per person for a weeklong sailing in one of The Haven suites.
Ships
A version of The Haven is available onboard the following ships:
- Norwegian Escape
- Norwegian Getaway
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Epic
- Norwegian Gem
- Norwegian Jade
- Norwegian Jewel
- Norwegian Pearl