My first Haven experience: Why I'm not in a rush to go back

I experienced Norwegian Cruise Line's premium suite section called the Haven for the first time on Norwegian Joy this past August sailing roundtrip from New York City to Bermuda. The Haven features larger and more luxuriously appointed cabins plus a dedicated lounge, restaurant and sun deck. Since the price point is at least 4 to 5 times a regular cabin, I had very high expectations. Were they met? For the most part, yes, but with a few big disappointments in some key areas. In this video, I explore whether the Haven is worth the premium price and how it compares to similar products on other cruise lines.

#thehaven #norwegiancruiseline #norwegianjoy

📘 CHAPTERS:

00:00 Start
00:35 Intro
01:10 Haven mystique
01:36 Haven cabins
02:05 Access
02:57 Vibe
03:58 Penthouse suite with balcony
04:49 Food
05:45 Drinks
06:13 Amenities
07:35 Service
08:55 Recap
09:15 Comparing with other lines

[braddouglasmd]

I have been in the haven on the epic, prima, bliss and encore! And it was a wonderful experience on 5 cruises! I had no expectations other than just relaxing and I did not want to be around crowds! Haven is perfect for all that!

[cryhavoc]

we have sailed on Norwegian twice now on the Encore and both times within The Haven. Let me tell you, from check in to check out, it's the shiznit!!
If you want to treat yourself, do The Haven at least once.

[Waywardification]

Ok how is that cruise's fault that someone somewhere else was in life or death situation ? You go on ship knowing that you won't be able to just pack it up and leave if something happens. What an entitlement....

[DWN]

Just curious… I understand that your friend had a serious issue happen but what did you guys really expect the ship to do? Get her a helicopter ride from the middle of the ocean? They offered you a way to get in contact with family or a landline, at least which is nice. Sure they could have reached back out but as you stated they seemed to be inundated with guests.

[marylewis]

We love the Haven. We have never been disappointed in the food, the service or any of the benefits.

[DingDangDandy]

Joy sounds like our Getaway cruise last November. Ship was crowded, elevators were highly congested, and disembarkation from NYC - awful. Making the features in the Haven (which we are considering) more attractive. Sort of like making the "free highway lanes" bad to encourage folks to pay the extra tolls on the HOV/HOTLanes.

[Wild]

The Joy is an odd ship. It was built for the Asian/Chinese market and has many odd things about it like no thermal pools/spa. I have stayed in Haven suites outside the Haven but never again. In real estate they say LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. I felt like an outsider walking to the Haven every morning for breakfast. I much prefer to stay inside the Haven and in any other ship but the Joy. While I love the Haven many of its perks are geared at making people feel special rather than making them special. There is a difference when you think about it.

[Ken-Boston]

Andrew, I appreciate your objectivity, however, being a veteran of quite a few Haven cruises. I find that if you have the option of sailing during times that, for example, children are in school, you will have the exceptional experience that the Haven was designed to deliver. We sailed the exact same route on the Joy the second week of May and Michael and I would have given the experience all 5's. Thanks

[glent]

I do not understand why they put those chairs in the haven pool. It is not a pool by any definition.

[jjk]

You should try a larger or newer ship and do another review. While I agree it should be top shelf, the Joy was originally a smaller, Asian based ship that was re purposed.
I went on the Joy last year in a regular state room and enjoyed it for the most part, but yes, this ship gets CROWEDED!!! O Sheehans was busy a round the clock and getting a drink was dam near impossible unless you were at the casino. Casino bartenders were A+
The pool area was to be expected, which is why I am considering a Haven trip. If the Haven area is a mess, I will know it's a gimick. Seems like you are already sold on other lines, I would encourage you to do another ship.

[williamhoy]

imagine this being your biggest complaint in life. pretty silly...

[reniedavisson]

We are going on an NCL cruise and purchased priority access and access to the spa to be "away" from crowds. I hope they don't oversell these amenities. I wish that I would have see your video sooner. Celebrity sounds beautiful. Fingers crossed.

[Cha-y]

If you like battling for pool chairs, enjoy long lines, and dont care for luxury, like waiting for crowded elevators, and do not like a private resturant, then yeah listen to this guy, and save your money hoping to get in via Casino credit.

[lisampb]

Holy cow! I have wanted to try it so badly but now, forget it. We're NCL people but I will try Celebrity (less kids than RC) for their luxury experience. Thanks for the honest review.

[Ivanslav]

glad your friends family member was ok

[ClifBraley]

I have sailed on the Bliss in The Haven have another 10-day trip booked on the bliss in the Haven and a new boat the new boat aqua in 26 all in the Haven would not sail any other way

[frankcarlone]

I'm sorry about you friend's unfortunate situation, but I feel like you allowed it to negatively influence your review. Just my opinion. I hope everything worked out...in the end that's really all that matters.

[bluemoonsy]

I have done the Haven and the suite experience on Celebrity. The Haven was by far the better experience for me. Everything on Celebrity seemed like an upscale Holiday Inn: nice, but it's still a Holiday Inn.

[craigfairbrother]

thank you, i am looking at the haven and yacht club....thanks to this review i am goin on MSC Yacht

[ImaniLearned]

You should cruise Virgin... no children and the entire ship is luxurious. I love NCL and love the Haven, too bad it wasn't enjoyable for you.