Our All-You-Need-To-Know Guide To Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven

Posted on 19th Nov, 2024


  • The VIP Treatment: Experience a world of priority access, from skipping queues at embarkation to having a 24-hour butler unpack your suitcase.

  • Exclusive Sanctuaries: Escape the crowds in The Haven’s private courtyard, featuring reserved sundecks, pools, and an exclusive restaurant just for guests.

  • Best of Both Worlds: Enjoy the thrilling entertainment and dining of a large NCL ship, then retreat to your quiet, luxurious enclave whenever you choose.


On Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you can enjoy a freestyle cruising approach, with a laid-back ambience alongside an incredible range of family entertainment and activities. However, if you love a bit of luxury too, seek out Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven. 

Read on below as we share all you need to know about The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line, exploring how guests can enjoy the perfect balance of fantastic fun and indulgence without ever feeling you're missing out on the very best in cruise experiences.

NCL Epic Haven pool

What is The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Pioneering the "ship-within-a-ship" concept, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was the first to introduce an exclusive all-suite quarter with its own private sun deck and pool facilities.

The concept has evolved into The Haven, where guests enjoy:

  • First-class accommodation: The best suites on the ship, featuring plush bedding and luxury toiletries.

  • Exclusive access: Entry via a Haven-specific platinum keycard.

  • Private facilities: A private restaurant, lounge, and pool area.

Although The Haven is generally family-friendly, certain areas (such as the Haven Sundeck) are reserved exclusively for guests aged 16 and over.

The Haven sundeck on Norwegian Jade

Which Norwegian Ship Has the Best Haven?

The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line can be found on the following ships: 

Class

Ships

Prima Plus Class

Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna

Prima Class

Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva

Breakaway Plus Class

Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy

Breakaway Class

Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway

Jewel Class

Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl

Epic Class

Norwegian Epic

NCL Aqua & Luna exterior, render

If you want the ultimate experience, look to the new Prima Plus Class (Aqua and Luna). These ships will debut the first-ever 3-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites, offering two stories of living space and massive balconies.

On these newer ships, the Haven complex is also relocated to the aft (back) of the ship, offering stunning infinity pool views.

Norwegian Aqua The Haven living room

What is Included in a Haven Suite?

Suites within The Haven are designed to offer the utmost luxury. Options range from the Spa Suite with Balcony (perfect for couples) up to the massive Garden Villas that sleep up to eight.

Grandparents and Kids on Haven Balcony

In-Suite Amenities:

  • 24-Hour Butler Service: A trained butler will unpack your suitcases, pour your champagne, and serve white-tablecloth in-suite dining.

  • Tech & Comfort: A deluxe coffee machine, in-suite minibar, and a Bliss Collection pillow-top mattress with a feather duvet.

  • Luxury Bathrooms: Plush bathrobes, slippers, and luxury L'Occitane products. Some suites, like the Spa Suite, feature in-room hot tubs and waterfall showers.

Premier Owner's Suite, The Haen on NCL Encore

Dining & Drinks: The "Free at Sea" Perks

Exclusive Dining

You won't just get priority reservations at the ship's main speciality restaurants; you get your own private venue. The Haven Restaurant serves high-quality, unique dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a quiet, stylish atmosphere unavailable to regular guests.

NCL Bliss Haven restaurant

Speciality Dining Included

Haven guests generally receive complimentary meals at the ship's best speciality spots, such as:

  • Bayamo / Palomar: Upscale seafood.

  • Cagney's: The iconic NCL steakhouse.

  • La Cucina / Onda by Scarpetta: Authentic Italian cuisine.

Cagneys, Norwegian Encore

Beverage Packages

Guests staying in The Haven generally have the standard Free at Sea beverage package included in their fare.

  • Standard Free at Sea: Includes a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and soft drinks (usually up to $15 per glass).

  • Upgrade to Free at Sea Plus: For the ultimate indulgence, guests can upgrade to the "Plus" package. This unlocks top-shelf premium brands (like Grey Goose and Woodford Reserve), includes unlimited Starbucks, energy drinks, and bottled water, and often adds unlimited Wi-Fi streaming.

Waiter service at The Haven, NCL Bliss

Relaxation at The Haven

The Haven has been designed to offer guests the space to unwind and relax, whether sitting back in the hot tub bubbles on its exclusive sundeck, soaking up the rays on a lounge daybed at the Courtyard pool area or enjoying a good book with your morning coffee in The Haven Lounge.

When it comes to well-being facilities, the Haven has its own private sauna. If you are a Haven Spa Suite guest, you can also enjoy complimentary access to the Mandara Spa and Thermal Spa Suites on certain ships. With over 50 speciality treatments offered here, including soothing facials, massages and acupuncture, you’ll be left feeling fully recharged and rejuvenated.

Norwegian Prima spa

What Else is Included in The Haven? 

Beyond the room and the food, here are the little luxuries that make the biggest difference:

  • Skip the Queues: Priority boarding and escort at embarkation and tender ports (you are often the first on and off the ship).

  • The Concierge: A dedicated desk to handle all your dining, entertainment, and shore excursion bookings.

  • Poolside Service: Attentive staff providing towels and fresh fruit/refreshments on the private deck.

  • Exclusive Events: Private cocktail parties with ship officers.

  • Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi minutes are included (amount varies by sailing length).

  • Welcome Gifts: Sparkling wine, bottled water, and fruit on embarkation day (select suites).

NCL Bliss Haven Sundeck pool

What is the Dress Code at NCL’s The Haven?

At Norwegian Cruise Line, The Haven, the dress code is smart casual in its restaurants. Trousers or jeans, collared shirts and closed shoes are fine for men, while ladies can also choose to wear dresses or skirts and tops. 

During the day, the dress code is known as cruise casual. For restaurants inside, this means that shorts and casual shirts are acceptable. When heading to the buffet or outdoor restaurants, a shirt or cover-up over your swimwear is also okay. 

Guests eating in The Haven, Norwegian Escape

How Much is The Haven Suite on NCL?

Although prices will vary depending on the type of Haven suite you choose, your dates and your itinerary, on average, Haven suites cost around 70% more than a standard Balcony cabin, which can mean up to an additional $1,000 per person, per day for the experience.

With more space, more personalised service, and all the extra luxuries included in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven’s cost, many cruise guests find it worth the additional spend.

Haven Observatory, Norwegian Encore

The Haven offers the best of both worlds: the intimate service and exclusivity of a luxury small-ship experience, paired with the Broadway-style entertainment and diverse dining of a mega-resort.

If you value privacy and pampering but don't want to sacrifice the waterslides, race tracks, and casinos, The Haven is the perfect upgrade for your next holiday.

Author: Bulletin Editor

Role: Cruise Content Editor

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