One of the most popular queries for anyone researching potential cruises is cabin selection. Not every cabin is the same and cabins run the gamut from inside cabins to high end suites and can vary from cruise line to cruise line and ship to ship. This is no different on the new Norwegian Breakaway. With their “ship within a ship” concept, high end guests can seclude themselves into their own private space called “The Haven” located on decks 15 and 16 of the Breakaway.
The Haven has a total of 42 suites and the first suite I visited was The Haven Courtyard Penthouse cabin with Balcony that measures approximately 328-349 square feet and accommodates 2-3 people.
As you can see here, to one side of the bed is a fancy espresso/cappuccino machine so you won’t have to feel deprived while at sea. In addition to coffee, there’s also an in-suite mini-bar. Enjoy the money can buy, fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu, bathrobes, slippers, oversized towels, and more. In addition, guests are raving about the abundance of storage available in the suites, far more than they’ve seen on other ships or even hotels.
This is what Norwegian Cruise Line says about this cabin type: “With exclusive key card access to The Haven and all its premium amenities, these Penthouses provide comfort and luxury with access to the secluded Courtyard Area, private restaurant and lounge. Featuring a king size bed, bath tub with shower (except in wheelchair accessible staterooms) and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to your private balcony.
Opposite the bed is a small table with chairs so if you preferred, you could enjoy the white tablecloth in-suite dining. You will feel completely attended to by your 24-hour trained certified suite butler available for anything that you might need, day or night.
Of these two cabins of the same type, the larger of the two appeared to be the second that was designed for those with disabilities. Should you book this type of cabin and not have a disability, please note that you may get bumped if someone who does requires the cabin. This is true of most cruise lines and not unique to Norwegian Cruise Line.
Surprisingly, the balcony was extremely small and was more wide than deep. Although I can’t seem to locate the actual square footage of the balcony itself, you can see that it is on the small side with enough room for two chairs and a small table, but not much else.
What is the appeal of The Haven? For those staying in The Haven, there is an abundance of exclusive amenities that makes this an ideal choice if you’re looking for luxury on a brand new ship. There’s the private Spa with a private steam room and sauna, sundeck, hot tub, fitness area, the Courtyard, and the exclusive Haven Restaurant and Lounge, of course. Let’s start with The Haven Courtyard with two levels of private beach club ambiance and a private pool with a retractable roof overhead.
Even the area by the elevators on deck 15, also part of The Haven, is classy and elegant. Yes, the overall style of the ship is modern and sleek, but you can see that they have done an exquisite job with decorating every corner of the ship in an overall simple, polished, and stylish look.
The Haven suite guests have not only their own butler, but a concierge to assist them with any request from obtaining a reservation for a specialty dining restaurant, entertainment, or an invitation to a special private event.
Care for a drink before dinner? Maybe a Signature Cocktail like a Bourbon Orchard or Classic Lemon Drop might suit you? Or perhaps a glass of wine? You can have it all within the confines of The Haven.
The Haven Restaurant is a private restaurant for guests of The Haven and serves guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For dinner you can start with Ahi Tuna Poke or Polenta Cake and Asapargus with a porcini mushroom cream. Entrées include Grilled Filet of Beef, Sonoma Duck Breast, Butter Roasted Salmon, and Wild Mushroom Ravioli among others.
For those thinking The Haven might not be for them, don’t worry. Cabins outside of The Haven are available in a variety of types from inside to oceanview to studios for those traveling alone. I was able to view a few of the balcony cabins and after Norwegian Cruise Line’s experience with guests who really hated the layout of cabins on the Epic, it’s nice to see that they’ve gone back to a traditional layout. These balcony cabins are approximately 207 square feet and accommodate 3-4 people in each.
Balcony cabins as described by Norwegian Cruise Line: “Take in the amazing views from these staterooms that include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding that can accommodate two guests.”
How do you decide which cabin is ultimately the one for you? Price them all out after you decide you like both the itinerary and the ship. Sometimes the prices between what you initially might choose and what is a really good deal in a higher category is so small, you’d be silly not to book it. While during peak travel times, like school breaks and holidays, may result in higher than desirable fares, if you plan appropriately, you might actually end up with the deal of a lifetime on a suite in The Haven on the Norwegian Breakaway. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, that’s also an added bonus as you will be able to travel when others can’t and many times that could equal savings in your pocket. That is, until you get onboard and spend it!
Honestly, I’ve never been much of a cruise person but your pictures are so convincing!
Charu it’s all about finding the right cruise for you. Once you find one that works, then you’ll really enjoy it!
Charu, the reviewer showed you the Haven section of the ship. It costs a few thousand more than for a balcony minisuite. It is sequestered away from the rest of the people on the ship, having it’s own restaurant, pool, etc. The rest of the Breakaway does not look like this. Before booking a cruise, please consult with your travel agent and be self-aware of what you enjoy in a vacation. Each ship has it’s own personality and it’s very, very important to get the right fit.