I’m pretty sure we ruined our kids perception of what a vacation should look like. Step into the haven, a luxurious experience the whole family can enjoy. Along with being luxurious and indulgent, it was also a safe “haven” (see what I did there) from the craziness of a cruise ship. The service was attentive, friendly (but so was the entire crew on the ship) accommodating and down right made the whole vacation an experience. Considering we haven’t been on vacation for a few years, we wanted to splurge a bit on our cruise. I was also nervous if a family of four can fit comfortably in a cabin so we looked at a suite. We weren’t sure how much the kids could benefit or even feel welcomed in a luxury area. The Haven amenities and staff sure did deliver a great vacation!

We stayed in a haven one bedroom suite at the back of the Norwegian Getaway cruise ship. In hindsight, much of the amenities of the haven was in the front and middle of the higher floors of the ship. This led to a lot of walking to and from, which was not a bad thing— burn more calories so you can eat more! Although, if you want to be closer to the amenities be sure to stay in the front. The amaneties include:

– the haven pool in the haven court yard. Which was quaint but barely crowded, atleast the times we were there. There was a wading pool, which is where the kids hung out, and connected to a deeper pool, I think 5 ft deep. There was waiter service around the court yard or grab a drink at the bar which is the first thing right inside.

– the haven private sun deck. Great place to hang out, soak in the sun while sipping on a drink. We didn’t get to use this space much and only did a pass through since there was an age restriction.

– the haven restaurant and right outside the haven bar/lounge. Probably the best food on board. The haven restaurant delivers great food and attentive caring service. Ask for Elmer if you are on board the Getaway. He was awesome and put on a quick magic show for our kids. There was a time when our youngest fell asleep before our food came during lunch, and instead of just giving us a plate to go, they gave it to our butler. It was ready in our room by the time we got back, still hot! The haven bar was great as well with friendly bartenders to strike up a conversation with. Wish we went here more since we had the free open bar promo.

– a personalized butler was a good amenity. They can set up in room meals, book shows, run you a bath if your room comes with a tub upon request, and even organize a party in your room. Our butler was filled with information and advise on what to do on board and at the cruise destination. He also gave us a new snacks every afternoon, our favorites were the mini BLTs and macaroons. There is even a mobile phone you can use to call your butler when your exploring the ship and request certain things in advance. But I do find the steward doing more for us than the butler but everyone’s experience is different.

The other added benefits in staying at the haven include:

Personal escort into the ship at the beginning of the cruise and a private lounge at the ship’s pier.

Priority embarkation and disembarkation at your destination and at the end of the trip.

Complementary in room movies

Complementary 24 hour in room dinning. I think it’s 10$ for non haven guests

A nespresso coffee maker in your room

Brand name bath products.

All in all the haven was a splurge for the family but well worth it! The catering to their guest needs was a welcomed benefit for any vacation. The added touches to make the kids feel just as comfortable and welcomed is a parents dream. There is a premium you are paying to stay at the haven. You will have to really ask yourself if the benefits and amenities I listed are worth the premium. It was for us especially with how they catered to our kids. I hope this has convinced you to atleast try the haven once to experiance the difference!