Did you know that you can enjoy a higher level of luxury when cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Encore? How? I will show you! When you book a Haven Suite you will discover, as I did, that this elevated experience is not to be missed! It is Norwegian’s Cruise Line’s “luxury ship within a ship concept.” Their goal is offering a singular, exclusive area on the ship that will ultimately leave you feeling rested, spoiled, and Always5Star pampered! Check this as a goal well done!
Exclusive Haven Suites Horizon Lounge Observatory
The two-story lounge offers breathtaking ocean views
Norwegian Cruise Line launched the newest ship The Encore in November 2019. It joins the collection of their other ships in the Breakaway Plus series. This includes the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Escape. All of these ships also have this exclusive “Haven Suites” experience as well.
The Haven suites private pool deck
What is special about The Haven?
The Haven cabins are all located on the 17th and 18th top decks of the ship. You can only access this area with a private card key given to their guests. This will allow for exclusive privileges to all the amenities that The Haven offers which includes their extravagant decorated cabins that will equal any five-star luxury hotel room.
This VIP section of the ship boasts fantastic enhancements. For example, 24-hour butler service (tip: utilize the butler service to help with dinner reservations, pressing clothes, shore excursions, etc.). A committed concierge to make sure all your needs are met with excursions or any on-board activities. A private area with an expansive pool deck and jacuzzi. A separate specialty restaurant and relaxation lounges and bar. All available so that this will satisfy every traveler’s vacation needs while cruising the ocean!
What should you know about Norwegian Encore?
In my opinion, the benefits offered while staying in The Haven suites are plentiful and certainly justify the extra expense. Below I will explain in more detail how these benefits work. However, first, a little information about the Norwegian Encore Cruise ship itself.
Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway Plus Class
The Breakaway class is a class of cruise ships owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line and Dream Cruises. This class is an original design, and has two sub-classes. Although most ships of the class have subtle changes between one another, they all have the same general design. The first ship of the class, Norwegian Breakaway, launched in 2013.
– wikipedia.org
The Encore ship had its inaugural voyage in the US in November 2019. I was fortunate to be invited to experience this cruise. Last year, I had the chance to also cruise on the Norwegian Bliss and the Norwegian Joy. When I learned that I would be sailing on their newest ship, the Norwegian Encore, I was very excited!
All the ships that I have sailed on in the Breakaway Plus Class series are similar to each other. I love that there is a consistency in the design of the ships, but also in all the amenities and restaurants as well.
With just minor differences between each ship, you will find that all the Breakaway Plus Class cruise ships will be pretty much the same…which in my book is a plus!
The Cellars Bar
Check out their Winemaker Series too:
Norwegian Cruise Line Offers A “Meet the Winemaker” Series
Norwegian Encore will offer several cruises which destinations include: Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Panama Canal, & Central America Canada & New England.
My cruise included this…I am ready to go back!
You will also enjoy some itineraries that have days at sea to bask in the pleasure of just drifting and genuinely appreciating your journey! Honestly, I cherish these days to sit on the balcony and immerse myself into a book, have a glass of champagne, and say, “Wow, life is great!”
The Haven “Owner’s Suite” balcony
Quick Facts about the Norwegian Encore
- 20 decks
- 2,038 staterooms
- 3,998 passenger capacity
- 1,735 crew members
5StarTip🌟: Each of the ships practices sustainability! As part of a fleet-wide commitment to sustainability, The Encore offers JUST Water, plant-based, 100% spring water cartons to replace all plastic bottles.
JUST Water,
Dining Options:
The Norwegian Encore offers many dining options. However, there is something unique about their newest ship. The debut of Onda by Scarpetta, which introduces a flavorful twist of modern Italian cuisine. Including a house-made pasta, and signature seafood dishes.
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Some culinary restaurant options that you will be able to choose from are:
Complimentary Dining:
- Garden Café Buffet
- The Manhattan Room
- Taste
- Savor
- The Local
5StarTip🌟: Room service food is available 24 hours a day. Note: This service does have a $9.95 charge, plus a 20 percent service fee. With the exception of Continental breakfast before 10 a.m., which is complimentary.
Allow yourself a decadent night of chocolate dessert!!!
You can work out in the gym in the morning…or do what I did and just enjoy it and worry about working out when you get home! 😉
I ordered this at Cagneys
Specialty Restaurants:
(There is an additional fee to dine at the specialty restaurants listed below or you can purchase a package that includes this dining option called the “Free At Sea” package.)
5StarTip🌟: Guests of The Haven have this included in their room package!
- Teppanyaki – Hibachi grill – flat fee dining
- Q Texas Smokehouse – Smoked BBQ dishes – a la carte dining
- Ocean Blue – Fresh seafood – a la carte dining
- Onda by Scarpetta – Italian cuisine – a la carte dining
- Cagneys – Fine dining – choice cuts steaks – a la carte dining
- Food Republic – Mediterranean, Asian, and Central European cuisine – a la carte dining
- Los Lobos – Mexican cuisine – a la carte dining
- American Diner – 50’s decor and theme – American cuisine – a la carte dining
- Le Bistro – Fine Dining – French cuisine – a la carte dining
Bars:
- The A-List Bar
- A wonderful selection of high-end cocktails and spirits – Perfect place for a pre-dinner or after-dinner drink!
- The Cellars – (My personal favorite)
- A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar has a curated wine list featuring 35 wine varietals
- Sugarcane Mojito Bar
- Signature rum creations
- Vibe Beach Club
- A two-story bar on decks 19 and 20
- The District Brew House
- 24 beers on tap, including featured beers from local Miami brewery, Wynwood Brewery, and more than 50 bottled beers from around the world
Night Clubs & Late-Night Entertainment:
- The Cavern Club
- Live Beatles tribute band performances
- Social Comedy and Night Club
- Offers a late-night bar and lounge, as well as an entertainment venue, showcasing the incredibly popular “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical”, which offers a selection of prohibition-era specialty cocktails while you are enjoying the show.
I am a Beatle fan, so this was lots of fun!
5StarTip🌟: This is quite popular, so arrive early and grab a table and a drink!
Treats and Coffee
- Dolce Gelato – Ice cream
- Starbucks® – Coffee shop, not sure you have heard of this one 😉
- The Bake Shop – French-style bakery with macarons, bonbons, and cupcakes
- Coco’s – Sweets and amazing desserts
Time to workout in order to enjoy all these decadent desserts!
Norwegian Encore Cruise Amenities:
The main ship boasts the following amenities:
- Two-level race track – Suspended 13 feet over the Encore’s hull, the 1,100 feet go-kart racing track is the longest at sea!
Cheers!
- Aqua Park (water slides, pools & jacuzzis)
- The Mandara Spa and Fitness Center
- Galaxy Pavilion (hi-end games and virtual reality simulators)
- Laser Tag
- An upscale shopping area
- A casino that is open during certain times as permitted
- An expansive theatre with Broadway-style shows
Go see the Choir Of Man Show!
An incredible musical with an amazingly talented cast!
The Haven “VIP” Amenities:
🌟 Luxury Accommodations
There are several categories of The Haven suites to choose from. Below is a listing of the room type options. All the state-rooms listed below include The Haven benefits package.
5StarTip🌟: There are 80 all-suite staterooms – Fifty are located within The Haven private key card area. Thirty are located outside the VIP area but are still extended the same benefits and access (with a special key card) to all The Haven amenities.
Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony
This suite offers stunning ocean views, a wet bar, soaking tub, and a spacious balcony. This balcony is high up on the front of the ship and has impressive views during your cruise. The suite includes a king-size bed and two bathrooms. An Always5Star winner!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Accommodates up to 6 people
Total Approximate Size: 1458 sq. ft.
Balcony Size: 487 sq. ft.
Location: Deck: 18
Category – H2
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Two-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony
This suite would be perfect for a family. These villas feature two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed, the other with a double sofa bed, plus additional bedding and two bathrooms.
Accommodates up to 6 people
Total Approximate Size: 538 – 622 sq. ft.
Balcony Size: 43 – 127 sq. ft.
Location: Deck: 17, 18
Category – H4
This view alone has me wanting to book this suite!
Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony
Includes a king-size bed and a single sofa bed, plus a private balcony offering lovely views.
Accommodates up to 3 people
Total Approximate Size: 324 – 619 sq. ft.
Balcony Size: 43 – 146 sq. ft
Location: Deck: 17, 18
Category – H5
Spa Suite with Balcony
Now doesn’t this look perfect for a romantic getaway?
The Spa Suites include a king-size bed, hot tub, oversized waterfall shower, and multiple body spray jets, spa décor, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the thermal spa suites during regular spa hours.
Accommodates to 2 people
Total Approximate Size: 339 – 342 sq. ft.
Balcony Size: 84 – 87 sq. ft.
Location: Deck: 15
Category – H9
To book one of these fabulous suites:
Norwegian Encore – The Haven
🌟 VIP Check-In
Skip those long pesky lines during embarkation and debarkation and begin and end your vacation by personally being escorted on and off the ship at the pier and ports-of-call. I love this!
🌟 Butler Service
You will have a 24-hour trained and certified suite butler. Services include unpacking your suitcase, pouring your champagne, arranging for celebrating a special occasion, and much more! Here are just a few more benefits a butler will help you with. Make sure to just ask!
- A welcome bottle of sparkling wine
- Priority dining reservations in specialty restaurants
- Special reserved VIP theater seating
Yes! Please!
🌟 Concierge Services
A dedicated concierge service that will help you with booking dining, entertainment, shore excursions and more.
🌟 Private In-Suite Dining
Part of the perks of staying in The Haven is white tablecloth in-suite dining! Dining in style for any meal is a great way to enjoy your privacy and fabulous views from your luxury stateroom.
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
🌟 Private Dining Room, Observation Deck, Library, and Bar
An elegant private dining room is available only for The Haven suite guests. The separate bar area offers signature high-end cocktails and beverages that are not served elsewhere on the ship.
Make sure to take your drinks and head to The Haven observation deck that offers the best views on the ship.
I could hang out here all day!
The library is another option and offers a peaceful retreat that creates a nice, quiet escape.
A tranquil environment for enjoying a book!
🌟 Private Sundeck and Pool
The private pool and sundeck are exclusively for guests of The Haven suites. This is a secluded sanctuary complete with a large jacuzzi in a beautiful atrium. Be sure to notice the decorative retractable roof!
With a retractable roof for those wonderful sunny days!
Please note: The private pool and sundeck are restricted to The Haven guests only and for ages 16 and older.
🌟 Extra Benefits
A significant benefit of staying in The Haven suites category stateroom is the “Free at Sea” package. This includes all of the following benefits:
- FREE Unlimited Open Bar
- FREE Shore Excursion Credits
- FREE Specialty Dining
- FREE Wi-Fi
- FREE Friends & Family
For more details and information about this package: Free at Sea Package
Final Thoughts:
From the moment you board the Norwegian Encore and check into The Haven, you will know you are beginning an epic journey. I guarantee that you will experience a vacation that you will not soon forget! Imagine yourself enjoying picturesque scenery in a plush chair while relaxing with a glass of champagne in The Haven’s gorgeous Observation Lounge. Or enjoying your spacious suite balcony while watching the world drift by…you will exclaim, “Aaaahhh!” These Always5Star approved suites are a luxury cruise vacation you must experience! Personally, I am already planning my next cruise…where should I go?
Cheers to your “Haven (Heaven on Earth)” suites on the Norwegian Encore! Cruise!
🌟Please note: This was a sponsored opportunity to explore and enjoy the Norwegian Encore on its inaugural debut. However, my opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for writing this article or endorsing the Norwegian Cruise Line.
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
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