When we decided to take a
family vacation to the
Caribbean, we chose the Haven experience aboard
Norwegian’s
Epic cruise ship. If you enjoy being spoiled with the VIP experience, including a concierge, butler, private spa, private dining room, private gym, and more, then Haven is for you. It was certainly for us! It will be difficult to take another cruise on a large ship without the Haven experience.
The included amenities within the Haven far outweighed any additional costs. The “skip the line” check-in process alone was an epic experience. Once through our separate, expedited security line, we were invited to relax in a lounge area to enjoy coffee, water, juice, and snacks while we waited for a check-in attendant. Our wait was less than three minutes. We were then checked-in and escorted onto the gangway and up the express elevator directly into to the Haven. We were given a guided tour of the two floors, met our concierge, and then were invited to dine in the Haven restaurant. Once we finished our meal, our room was ready, and our baggage was already sitting waiting for us, even though it was only 1 p.m. We still had the entire day to enjoy the ship!
Being a family of four, we opted for the Haven Family Suite with a balcony. This spacious, well-designed stateroom was perfect for us. It sleeps as many as six people with a king bed in the master bedroom, a smaller, second bedroom with both a full-size bed and an upper berth, and a living area with a couch, which can be made into a bed for one person. Our attendant was wonderful, and he converted our living area sofa into a bed each evening at turndown. The master bathroom had an incredible shower and soaker tub, both with windows overlooking the beautiful ocean. The second bathroom was perfect for two to share, with a shower (with a door, not a curtain!), and both bathrooms had enough storage for everyone. We also enjoyed a nice sitting area with a table, two chairs, mini-bar, and Nespresso coffee maker.
Next, we met our butler. He was amazing; each day he would bring a fresh bowl of fruit, pitcher of water, appetizers in the afternoon, and sweet treats during turndown. We also received a couple of bottles of champagne throughout the week, which was a nice surprise. From the concierge to the hostess in the Haven restaurant, everyone knew us by name on day one and their attentiveness was far superior to anything I ever expected. There were so many people who made our vacation special, which is what the Haven is all about.
Being a “
foodie,” I was eager to see how the Haven’s food and beverage department would shine. The menu had a nice variety during each meal period. However, the menu itself was the same each of the seven days. Though the options were a bit limited, the presentations, quality, and taste were incredible. Thinking of the many cruises I’ve taken on various cruise lines, the food and staff in the Haven far exceeded our expectations. One of my favorite presentations was their Ahi Tuna Poke with Sesame Seaweed Salad, which had a gastronomic flair. We loved our breakfast each morning and couldn’t resist the Seafood Eggs Benedict, Salmon Frittata, Tahitian Vanilla Challah French Toast, and more!
Though we didn’t want to ever leave the ship, we did enjoy our Norwegian excursions. Once we returned each day, we were so happy to be able to both skip the long lines for the tender and take our express elevator back up to deck 17! This perk, and the express elevator down, which helped us to avoid the security lines to exit the ship, was priceless! All in all, this entire experience was one we will always remember. I may not be able to travel like this each time, but whenever I have the opportunity, I’ll definitely do it again. I just love being spoiled!
