Haven - Epic or Breakaway or Getaway?

[joy walker]

Looking for advice/comparisons between these 3 ships.  We have been on the Breakaway in the Haven and really liked it.  I understand the Getaway is the sister ship.  The reviews I've read about the Epic have been mixed.  

[vacation44]

We were on the Epic in March and thought the Haven was wonderful.  Enjoyed it much more than our other Haven experience on the Joy last year.   I think the pool, lounge and restaurant are much bigger.

[Two Wheels Only]

Haven vs. Haven vs. Haven, I'd rank your choices....

 

1st - Epic

2nd - Breakaway

3rd - Getaway

 

Epic's Haven is the oldest but it was recently (2021) updated so many videos show the older version.  

[graphicguy]

Epic Haven is generally considered the best Haven in the NCL fleet since the extensive refurbishment!

 

Have sailed in the Haven in both Away ships.  In all frankness, they are nearly identical, as are the ships in general.

[Pappion]

We’ve done all 3 and I’d say Epic/Getaway/Breakaway in that order.  We like the Getaway ship overall more, but the Epic Haven really is the largest of the 3 with more space in the restaurant and lounge areas.  More sun deck and pool space.  And the rooms are recently updated so you don’t have the “weird bathrooms” people complain about on the rest of the ship, even if you are not in the haven proper.  

[cruiseny4life]

I haven't been on Epic or Breakaway, so my feedback is limited. The one major difference (for a Haven cruiser) between Getaway and Breakaway is that the courtyard on Getaway does not have a retractable roof. It is open to the elements at all times. I have no idea about Epic. And I'll leave my feedback at that (other than to say Getaway's Haven crew is absolutely stellar)!

[david_sobe]

Epic all the way (for Haven).  The mixed reviews on Epic usually have nothing to do with the Haven and trivial things like shower curtains and sinks in balconies or a lack of a promenade deck.  The Getaway Haven was like one giant step backwards from the Epic.

 

*The Haven restaurant on Epic is twice the size of the Haven restaurant on BA or GA

* The Haven lounge on Epic has ocean views and is so funky and cool. No views on BA or GA

* The Haven sundeck is Posh which is so much better than that basic sundeck on BA or GA

* The Haven area also has a courtyard grill to sit outside and an extension of the Haven restaurant

[joy walker]

Thank you everyone for the help.  Looks like we will be sailing on the Epic!

[brookie848]

Definitely the Epic. The only way I'd sail in the Haven on the Getaway/Breakaway is if there were no other options.

 

The restaurant on the Epic is huge, plus you have the cool indoor/outdoor grill area with its own bar.

 

I'm not in love with the whole Epic ship itself, but the Haven is outstanding.

[david_sobe]

There are other reasons to love the Epic outside the Haven.  The Breakaway started this trend of open air restaurants to save space.  Epic's venues from the nightclub to the restaurants are full size.  If you go to La Cucina or Shanghais on Epic they are real restaurants with 4 walls and water view windows. On the Breakaway class ships, they are open to noise and smoke from the open side.  Spice H20 is better on Epic too.  It has tiered seating and a real swimming pool (not a water feature) unlike Breakaway/Getaway.  The Bliss nightclub is so big it hosts games and shows during the day and there is room for everybody.  The specialty dining restaurants are ample sized too without having tables 6 inches apart.  IMHO, the Breakaway class ship was an over-reaction to Epic's criticism and was built way too conservative and conventional.   Epic definitely has quirks but those quirks make it unique.  Lastly, the main thing that often gets overlooked is how NCL built so many ships post Epic with most of Epic's features.  The atrium and casino being central are almost identical to BA, GA, Escape, Bliss and Encore.  The spa on Epic may still be the largest spa at sea.  Its far superior to any ship post Epic.  It has larger pools and even has an outdoor space which NO other NCL ship has post Epic.
Epic gets lots of flack but I dont think NCL made a better ship until the Bliss/Encore came along.   Epic was designed for style and flare over function in many areas.  Sometimes you have to say "what were they thinking."  For example the penthouse suites have the phone in the bathroom.  Those round beds looked great though (not sure if they still have them).  And those curved walls in the balcony cabins LOL.  You just have to take it all in and enjoy it!  Somtimes its fun to be different.

Edited September 6, 2023 by david_sobe