Jump to content

EPIC Crossing - Haven Experience Review


eroller
 Share

Recommended Posts

Back in October 2016 I enjoyed a transatlantic crossing on NORWEGIAN EPIC from Barcelona to Port Canaveral. It was my second time on EPIC but my first time in NCL’s all-suite complex called The Haven.

 

I usually take tons of ship photos but this time focused just on The Haven since I’ve sailed on EPIC before. Attached are links to my Haven photos, as well as all the Freestyle Dailies plus some menus & invites, and lastly to a previously published photo album of EPIC that covers the entire ship.

 

The Haven:

 

Freestyle Daily + Menus/Invites:

 

Norwegian Epic - previous cruise ship photos:

 

 

Overall I was very impressed with the Haven experience. In many respects I would put it on par with cruises I’ve enjoyed on Silversea, Azamara, Oceania, and the Grills on Cunard. I’ve often been a skeptic of the “ship within a ship” concept, wondering why people would choose to sail on a mass-market ship in a suite when for the same price they could sail on an all-luxury line like Silversea. Having now experienced The Haven I guess you could say I’m a convert. I completely get the appeal of having all the amenities of a large mass-market ship such as the enormous spas, multiple restaurants, and first rate entertainment choices but with the luxury of escaping the crowds to your own personal luxury enclave. It was pretty awesome. So awesome that honestly I think I would have trouble going back on a ship like EPIC unless I was in The Haven. The ship really seemed crowded and hectic every time I stepped outside The Haven. The energy was great when you were in the mood, but it was always a pleasure to return to that little slice of heaven.

 

My friend and I shared a two bedroom family villa, and it was perfect for two friends traveling together. There is a beautiful master bedroom and bath, and then a smaller bedroom and bath that would remind one of a Studio cabin. Much more basic but perfectly self contained. The shared living space was large and spacious, and we never tired of our forward facing view over the bow. These suites come with a butler which we really never used, although he did bring nice treats every night. Our steward was excellent and did a fantastic job keeping everything ship shape. We were on the highest cabin deck, 17, and that meant an open deck above us. You could hear people moving chairs around first thing in the morning, so something to keep in mind. Otherwise the cabin was perfectly quiet.

 

One nice feature of the Haven is access to Posh, which is the private sun deck and bar. We took advantage of this every day and the large padded sun beds were my favorite. Our weather on this Fall crossing was excellent, with warm sunny skies every day and smooth seas. In addition to Posh the Haven has its own private pool and deck chairs, both in the sun and shaded. Other exclusive Haven areas include a gym & spa, sauna, steam room, semi-outdoor grill & bar, concierge desk, lounge & bar, quiet sitting lounge, and the restaurant. I would say we spent a good 85% of our time in the Haven areas, venturing outside the Haven for speciality restaurants, shows, and late evenings in Bliss nightclub.

 

We enjoyed all the speciality restaurants with Cagney’s and Moderno being our favorites, but honestly our favorite restaurant onboard was the Epic Club in the Haven. The staff knew us, the setting was beautiful with large windows overlooking the sea, and the cuisine & service were always excellent. Some people found the pace a bit slow, but we enjoyed the leisurely dining experience. Right next door was our favorite bar on the ship, the Epic Club bar which was never crowded and our favorite drinks conveniently waiting. Having a butler, concierge, and staff that knew you were part of the appeal of the Haven. There were nice extras like parties with the senior officers, and being escorted to shows and even immigration so you never had to wait and always had the best seats. Also things like not worrying about securing a deck chair in a prime spot (no matter when you ventured out), and having unlimited towels by the pool are more akin to luxury and ultra-premium lines.

 

Two other standouts on EPIC are the entertainment and spa. Pricilla, Queen of the Desert is one of my favorite shows I’ve seen on any cruise ship. Just excellent, and every bit as good as the production I’ve seen in London. Burn the Floor was the other major production show and again just superb. Before our evenings out it was important to detox in the spa, and we enjoyed EPIC’s gym and spa every day. It’s probably one of the largest if not the largest gym and spa I’ve ever seen on a ship. The facilities are excellent and EPIC is unique in having a spa with an open air aft facing balcony.

 

On this two-week southernly crossing we only hit two ports. Tenerife and San Juan. I’ve been to both before so we just walked around at a leisurely pace and took in the sights. In both ports it was convenient to hop off the ship and walk into town with no taxis needed. This voyage was all about relaxation, socializing, pampering, and eating well. I’m happy to say all objectives were achieved in abundance!

 

One really unique aspect of this NCL cruise was how inclusive it was. We have all heard the jokes about NCL being the king of nickel & diming, and nicknamed “Fee-style” cruising. I would have to concede the charges really can add up on NCL, more than probably any other line I have sailed. This time though I actually left the ship with NCL owing me .02 cents! How is this possible? The Haven came with pretty much everything included. Drinks, gratuities, internet, specialty restaurants, Posh pass, and even an onboard credit. In fact the only thing extra was the spa and dinner at Cirque Dreams which we prepaid. I actually had to find something to buy at the gift shop to use up my onboard credit. This really helped make the Haven feel more like a luxury ship experience, just like sailing on a line like Silversea where you are not hit with sticker shock at the end of the cruise. Yes you pay more up front, but it sure was nice not having to worry about a final bill. We were hit with one surprise, and that was the gratuity for our Butler was not included with our prepaid gratuities package. We were not aware of this but luckily had some cash with us.

 

So overall a really fantastic trip, and the Haven experience truly put NCL in a different light for me. It will likely be some time before I return to NCL mainly because I enjoy the variety of sailing different cruise lines, but I wouldn’t hesitate to sail in the Haven again and felt it was worth every penny.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I completely get the appeal of having all the amenities of a large mass-market ship such as the enormous spas, multiple restaurants, and first rate entertainment choices but with the luxury of escaping the crowds to your own personal luxury enclave.

 

Many Haven guests (like myself) feel the exact same way (best of both worlds).

 

So awesome that honestly I think I would have trouble going back on a ship like EPIC unless I was in The Haven.

 

THAT ^^ is how they get you. Now, you're hooked ;)

 

 

We were hit with one surprise, and that was the gratuity for our Butler was not included with our prepaid gratuities package. We were not aware of this but luckily had some cash with us.

 

The concierge isn't included, either.

Edited by Two Wheels Only
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for your review.

 

You explained very good why the Haven is better than a small all-luxury ship.

 

We will not be able to cruise without something like the Haven again and hope that we will enjoy MSCs Yacht Club in July.

 

I like the new furniture they have in the Haven lounge.

 

To bad that they have raised the prices so much!

Edited by sverigecruiser
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ernie,

 

I have to agree with you about the Haven on the Epic. It will be extremely difficult for us to cruise without it. We also spent the majority of our time there, virtually "running" back the few occasions we left :) The food, the staff, the atmosphere ... it was all perfect.

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for your review.

 

You explained very good why the Haven is better than a small all-luxury ship.

 

We will not be able to cruise without something like the Haven again and hope that we will enjoy MSCs Yacht Club in July.

 

I like the new furniture they have in the Haven lounge.

 

To bad that they have raised the prices so much!

 

I do hope you give a comparison review . I'd love to know how the yacht club compares to the haven!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the review !! One question does NCL allow you to use the UBP for transatlantic crossings ? Pretty sure X does not.

I am booked on this years fall EPIC TA and I have the UBP. So, yes they do have it.

I do hope you give a comparison review . I'd love to know how the yacht club compares to the haven!

 

 

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One question does NCL allow you to use the UBP for transatlantic crossings ?
Currently, yes. You may see some old reports from people who were not able to purchase it in the past (because of the spring break blackout dates, which are no longer a thing) or who were not able to choose it as a promotional perk (because those were originally the rules of the promo, like two years ago).
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were on this cruise also in the Haven. It was our first for everything. First trip to Europe, first with NCL, first Transatlantic, first in a suite of any kind.

 

I must say it was the greatest cruise experience that I have been on. I made it in one of your Posh photos. Gentleman in the Blue shirt and dark pants. That also was our favorite place on the ship.

 

We met so many really nice friendly people on this cruise. Malcolm and Julie from England. Richard and his sister, and the three crazy ladies from NJ.

 

Thanks for letting me re-live this trip in your review and photos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the review. We are in 17005 and are happy about the forward view. We get to see where we are going rather than our usual aft of seeing where we have been. The 2-bed looks very spacious. I have the same question as owlgirl31-How did you like the solarium balcony?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were on this cruise also in the Haven. It was our first for everything. First trip to Europe, first with NCL, first Transatlantic, first in a suite of any kind.

 

I must say it was the greatest cruise experience that I have been on. I made it in one of your Posh photos. Gentleman in the Blue shirt and dark pants. That also was our favorite place on the ship.

 

We met so many really nice friendly people on this cruise. Malcolm and Julie from England. Richard and his sister, and the three crazy ladies from NJ.

 

Thanks for letting me re-live this trip in your review and photos.

 

It was so fun and everyone was so friendly. Enjoyed chatting with you all. Sally (tall blonde) :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Ernie

Glad to see you back with another review. Glad you had a great trip in the Haven on Epic. The Haven on Getaway cant hold a candle to the Haven on Getaway. Not long ago we debated which was the better ship and why. I am curious besides the Haven if anything on the Epic this time made you do a second look.

I wish Epic would come back to Miami. Even the studio lounge area on Epic is so much larger and superior to any of the newer NCL ships.

Epic was before her time and she will hold up much better than any other cruise ship. The Haven restaurant on Epic is so large with great views. On Getaway its half the size. In addition the Epic lounge has water views. The Haven lounge on Getaway has no water views. While there is a Haven sundeck on Getaway, its nothing compared to Posh with its own private bar. The 2 bedroom suites on Epic are so nice. The lighting in the master bedroom is so funky and the bathroom is so posh.

Edited by david_sobe
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for your review.

 

You explained very good why the Haven is better than a small all-luxury ship.

 

 

Well I'm not sure I would say better, but I completely get the appeal. I still love the atmosphere on smaller luxury lines like Silversea and Seabourn, but the "ship within a ship" concept on mega-ships can be equally appealing. Love the variety most of all!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the review !! One question does NCL allow you to use the UBP for transatlantic crossings ? Pretty sure X does not.

 

I think others have answered your question, but yes we absolutely had the UBP on this crossing. Not sure it's always offered, but certainly was when I booked.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the positive review! We are in 17002 in March. How did you like the solarium balcony?

 

 

We LOVED the solarium balcony. Absolutely would not have traded it for a side-facing open balcony. At night it was especially magical, looking over the bow as we plowed through the ocean under a full moon. Kind of interesting taking a shower as well overlooking the bow. That was kind of fun! LOL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were on this cruise also in the Haven. It was our first for everything. First trip to Europe, first with NCL, first Transatlantic, first in a suite of any kind.

 

I must say it was the greatest cruise experience that I have been on. I made it in one of your Posh photos. Gentleman in the Blue shirt and dark pants. That also was our favorite place on the ship.

 

We met so many really nice friendly people on this cruise. Malcolm and Julie from England. Richard and his sister, and the three crazy ladies from NJ.

 

Thanks for letting me re-live this trip in your review and photos.

 

 

 

That is awesome you are in one of my photos! LOL

 

So glad you enjoyed the experience as much as we did.

 

Did you happen to notice the amount of gay guys in the Haven (we were two of them). We actually nick named it "The Gayven" on this cruise. LOL There was a big group of us that knew each other from previous cruises.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Ernie

Glad to see you back with another review. Glad you had a great trip in the Haven on Epic. The Haven on Getaway cant hold a candle to the Haven on Getaway. Not long ago we debated which was the better ship and why. I am curious besides the Haven if anything on the Epic this time made you do a second look.

I wish Epic would come back to Miami. Even the studio lounge area on Epic is so much larger and superior to any of the newer NCL ships.

Epic was before her time and she will hold up much better than any other cruise ship. The Haven restaurant on Epic is so large with great views. On Getaway its half the size. In addition the Epic lounge has water views. The Haven lounge on Getaway has no water views. While there is a Haven sundeck on Getaway, its nothing compared to Posh with its own private bar. The 2 bedroom suites on Epic are so nice. The lighting in the master bedroom is so funky and the bathroom is so posh.

 

 

Yes I've visited the Haven on both GETAWAY and ESCAPE for private parties. It was nice but doesn't compare to the setup on EPIC. By far the best of the Haven's. The restaurant and bar is so much nicer and with the great views. On the other ships the bar/lounge is all combined with the Concierge desk area. Also the semi-outside Courtyard Grill & Bar which neither the Breakaway Class or ESCAPE offer. Plus the Haven pool is much larger on EPIC. Not sure if the other ships have their own Haven steam and sauna like EPIC does? Also Posh is awesome but could have used showers or something to cool off. The misters were not working.

 

As we previously discussed, EPIC has the superior pool deck, spa, gym, Haven, Studios, nightclub, Spice H20 and buffet. Where it lacks is the connection to the sea. The lounges are very enclosed and I love The Waterfront on the Breakaway Class and ESCAPE. When you're in the Haven on EPIC it doesn't matter because the Haven has a great connection to the sea. If you're not in the Haven then I think the other newer ships are far superior in this regard. Overall though I think EPIC is probably the better ship. There are just too many things besides The Waterfront that are superior.

 

The new BLISS does appear to have a nice Haven, with the observation lounge. The common folks get a nice observation lounge too which is probably where I'll be! LOL I'm still shocked NCL would remove revenue producing cabins to install two forward facing observation lounges. The irony is they did just the opposite on STAR and other ships, removing the observation lounge to install cabins. I wonder if years down the line we will see the same happen to BLISS? The pool deck still looks super small though, and too cluttered. So we shall see about that one.

Edited by eroller
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks the the great review. We have another Haven experience booked and this gave a good overview of what to expect when you have all the perks. We had switched from NCL to the MSC Yacht Club for a few reasons but a big piece was the inclusive nature of the MSC product. We did LOVE the YC but the rooms are hard to book unless you can plan over a year in advance. Our upcoming cruise finally had NCL Haven pricing in the same range as MSC with the new perks. And the NCL rooms are much bigger. And we will get the drinks, meals, and internet included. Plus tips from my TA.

Edited by IluvZ
Typo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks the the great review. We have another Haven experience booked and this gave a good overview of what to expect when you have all the perks. We had switched from NCL to the MSC Yacht Club for a few reasons but a big piece was the inclusive nature of the MSC product. We did LOVE the YC but the rooms are hard to book unless you can plan over a year in advance. Our upcoming cruise finally had NCL Haven pricing in the same range as MSC with the new perks. And the NCL rooms are much bigger. And we will get the drinks, meals, and internet included. Plus tips from my TA.

 

 

I'm booked in the Yacht Club on the new SEASIDE and looking forward to it. It will be interesting to compare to NCL's Haven. No drink package needed on MSC because drinks are included in the YC area. I've now heard that drinks are included ship-wide if you're booked in the YC. Do you know if this is true?

 

With NCL the drinks being included with the Haven is not automatic, and a package must be offered. It usually is but I guess it doesn't always have to be depending on the cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've now heard that drinks are included ship-wide if you're booked in the YC. Do you know if this is true?

It is slowly being phased in on certain ships/sailings. It is supposed to be fleetwide by summer 2017....

 

64489164a402935af14ce4e0f427af4f.jpg

 

Some guests have already had it and even have it printed on their E-docs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm booked in the Yacht Club on the new SEASIDE and looking forward to it. It will be interesting to compare to NCL's Haven. No drink package needed on MSC because drinks are included in the YC area. I've now heard that drinks are included ship-wide if you're booked in the YC. Do you know if this is true?

 

With NCL the drinks being included with the Haven is not automatic, and a package must be offered. It usually is but I guess it doesn't always have to be depending on the cruise.

I am also booking Seaside MSC and have been over on their board lately. There are lots of NCL loyalists over there and jumping ship (pardon the pun) for MSC. The Seaside looks incredible but most important is the fair pricing. I am tired of the gimmicks NCL has been doing for over one year now. There are no "free" offers and if I was to re-book my last NCL cruise from 2015 the price would be $2500 more AT LEAST.

MSC is honoring NCL rewards too. They offer discounts for your NCL latitudes program. Maybe I will see you on Seaside or at least get to check out your amazing reviews.

I like how the YC has its pool with ocean views. The NCL haven pools are surrounded by walls and there is no view of the ocean. The best thing that ever happened to MSC is FDR at NCL ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...