The excitement of a big cruise ship experience is what draws many to sail the high seas on the latest mega cruise ships. Spas, restaurants and eateries galore, waterslides, amazing nightly entertainment, rock walls, adult only pools and bumper cars, just to name a few of the unforgettable amenities you will experience on board these amazing ships.
But what happens when your family is grown and flown, but you still love the cruising experience, not the crowds and desire more luxury and service on your vacation?
Did you know that many of the major cruise lines have their own "Ship within a Ship" concept? You can still enjoy your big cruise ship amenities, stay loyal to the brand you've been enjoying and building up membership points, BUT still have a smaller, more intimate, luxury, quiet and elevated cruise experience.
OR ... what if you've been considering river cruising for the benefit of a more luxury and intimate experience, but hesitate whether you have really hit that demographic yet??
The 'Ship within a Ship' concept could be the right fit for you!
For example... NCL has THE HAVEN, Celebrity has THE RETREAT and MSC has THE YACHT CLUB.
Norwegian THE HAVEN
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of an exclusive suite enclave, complete with private sun deck and pool surrounded by the ship's top accommodations, in 2005, and adopted The Haven moniker in 2011. The Haven has since become a Norwegian Cruise Line staple; you’ll find it on the Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Epic, the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus-class ships and the new Prima-class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. The Haven allows passengers to enjoy everything from a private bar and lounge to a custom restaurant, secluded sun deck and calm courtyard, without ever leaving the suite complex.
On most Norwegian ships, the exclusive sun deck is at the very top of the ship and typically forward, meaning it's the perfect place to sunbathe in peace or have a drink while you sail into a new port. You don't even have to leave for meals because The Haven (on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, Encore, Prima and Viva) includes its own, sophisticated restaurant, serving its clientele with a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu designed just for suite passengers.
On Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, the Haven is at the back of the ship. This change might seem simple but it’s a dream for sunseekers, as you typically have less wind at the back of the ship than in the front. The Haven on the Prima-class ship is the best one in the fleet, not only for this reason, but because the pool is now an outdoor infinity-style pool, as opposed to being contained in a courtyard. Another bonus: the sundeck spans two decks, with one being dedicated solely for passengers over 18, meaning that you can venture into the hot tubs without fear of kids and splashing.
Another feature of the Haven on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva is that the suites and rooms are all in the same area of the ship, connected by an elevator. This makes it feel more like a true “ship within a ship” than the Havens on the other vessels.
Finally, the Restaurant on the Prima-class Havens is larger and has much better views than you find on the other ships. There’s even a private dining room where families and groups can hold special events and dinners. On Norwegian Prima, godmother Katy Perry and actor husband Orlando Bloom celebrated their daughter’s birthday in the Haven’s private dining room.
The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. Suite amenities include pluses like a cappuccino machine, luxury bath products and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, as well as fruit and bottled water, on embarkation day.
Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. Priority embarkation, debarkation, seating at shows and dining reservations also come de facto with that special metallic Haven keycard. Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line. On some ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic), Haven guests are given a mobile phone that they can use throughout the ship.
With Norwegian's ongoing free-perks promotion, Haven cruise passengers receive all the promotional perks, such as an unlimited beverage package, free meals at specialty dining restaurants, a shore excursion credit, an internet package and free third and fourth passengers to a cabin on select sailings. (Passengers in other cabin categories typically qualify for just one or two of those perks.)
There are various types of suites and rooms within The Haven and they vary by ship.
Spa Suites have priority access to the Mandara Spa and other spa-themed privileges (available only on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Epic). Rooms come with a king-sized bed, a hot tub and an oversized waterfall shower with multiple jets. These rooms also receive complimentary access to the Thermal Spa.
The two-bedroom Family Villa has a master bedroom, plus a small bedroom with a sofa bed for kids. If you don’t want to go take this option, however, keep in mind that the Haven also has a variety of connecting rooms, although keep in mind that you can’t stick two children in a cabin of their own. This suite sleeps up to six.
Penthouses are great for people who love to entertain. There are several different types, depending on ship. The aft and forward Penthouse suites give you fantastic views, but when you book these, keep in mind that the aft suites are likely not be within the Haven complex on some ships; what you lose in convenience, you’ll make up in views, however. The Courtyard Penthouse suites have a round bed; some have pretty floor-to-ceiling windows.
Owner's Suites provide cruisers with impressive square footage, luxurious surroundings and staggering balconies. The regular Owners Suites can sleep up to four, while the Deluxe Owners Suites, some with two bedrooms, can hold six. These cabins are true suites, with a living/dining room that is separate from the bedroom.
The 3-bedroom Garden Villa remain some of the largest suites at sea, measuring up to 7,000 square feet. They come with exceptional amenities and an outdoor terrace with its own hot tub; the total complex accommodates up to eight people. These suites are only available as part of The Haven on Norwegian's Jewel-class ships. (Garden Villas are also found onboard ships without a Haven complex.)
This is entirely subjective. We recommend the Haven for families and groups who want higher-end accommodations and amenities, in a mainstream cruise ship setting where you have access to shows, the casino and a variety of dining options. Norwegian is also a fantastic line for families with teens.
Celebrity THE RETREAT
Celebrity describes their Retreat experience as ALL SUITES, ALL EXCLUSIVE, ALL INCLUDED.
Your luxurious outdoor sanctuary features a spacious lounge area and plush, stylish furniture. With an inviting pool on Celebrity Edge® ships and a relaxing hot tub or water feature on select ships, this outdoor area rivals any high-end resort.
At The Retreat Sundeck, your Retreat Attendants will help with towels, beverages, snacks—whatever you need to completely enjoy this incredible space.
Your exclusive lounge is warm and inviting. Enjoy complimentary beverages, gourmet bites, and a stylish place to unwind in style, along with the services of a dedicated concierge.
Whether you just want to read the latest best-seller, catch up on current events, watch the big game, or just kick your feet up and relax.
The Retreat Suites blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Inside, no detail has been overlooked. From cashmere mattress to premium amenities, you'll never want to leave your room. The luxurious interiors were designed by Kelly Hoppen, CBE, who brought her unique design aesthetic to The Retreat. East meets West on our Edge® series ships.
As a guest of The Retreat, you’ll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
*Priority tendering/boarding not available in some ports.
MSC YACHT CLUB
MSC YACHT CLUB positions itself as a Luxury, Private and Exclusive experience. It is an exclusive haven of refined indulgence, comfort and personalized service. They brand themselves as sophisticated elegance of luxury cruise lines. There is dedicated staff that will cater to your every need.
Attentive butler service around the clock
Enjoy the exceptional service of your butler, who will attend to your every need and ensure unforgettable moments throughout your exclusive cruise. From personalized recommendations to organize services onboard or ashore, from shoeshine to 3am treats, always with a meticulous attention to detail, your butler is dedicated to enhancing your voyage and creating cherished memories. Indulge in a privileged journey of luxury, where your desires are met with impeccable service.
The Essence of Luxury, Delivered
Immerse yourself in the essence of luxury aboard MSC Yacht Club. With a private lounge, priority check-in, and seamless embarkation and disembarkation, every moment of your private cruise is tailored to provide exclusivity and tranquility. Experience a dedicated sun deck adorned with a pool, whirlpool, solarium, the possibility to organize a tailored shopping session and private excursions and a curated selection of refreshments. Discover a sanctuary of luxury, where privacy and indulgence harmonize.
A Culinary Journey of Exquisite Delights
Embark on a culinary journey like no other within MSC Yacht Club. Delight in gourmet creations and five-star service that will tantalize your taste buds. Our world-class chefs and attentive staff will ensure each meal is an extraordinary experience, where every bite is a moment of pure pleasure. Savour the finest flavours as you indulge in a gastronomic adventure curated exclusively for you during this high end cruise.
MSC is European owned and operated, therefore it will have a much more European feel aboard it's ships. The ship design, food and entertainment will all have a more European flair, than those who are used to the ships more commonly found in the North American market. MSC is building is presence in the North American market with many itineraries available for 2025 in the Caribbean.
Contact Me
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MK Browne and BucketLux Travel
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