The Ultimate Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven on Viva: Luxury, Privacy, and Exclusive Perks

10 min readSep 12, 2024

When it comes to cruising in style, few experiences rival The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) — especially on their brand-new Norwegian Viva. As the epitome of luxury, privacy, and exclusivity, The Haven is a private sanctuary nestled at the top of the ship, offering guests a five-star experience at sea. This exclusive area comes with high-end suites, priority access to dining and entertainment, and private spaces that make you feel like you’re on a boutique hotel, even while cruising with thousands of other passengers. If you’re considering an upgrade to The Haven, let’s dive deep into everything it offers, from the suites and benefits to dining, activities, and what you should (and shouldn’t) bring with you for a stress-free vacation.

The Haven Suites on Norwegian Viva: A Luxury Experience Like No Other

1. Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony

One of the more popular Haven options, the Courtyard Penthouse offers a spacious living area, luxurious bathroom, and, of course, a private balcony. It’s perfect for couples or small families who want the exclusivity of The Haven without opting for the highest-tier suites. You get all the Haven amenities, including a personal butler, access to The Haven courtyard, and priority boarding.

2. Haven Family Villa with Balcony

Traveling with kids? The Family Villa is your best bet. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it provides plenty of space for everyone. The master bedroom is a private sanctuary with a king-size bed, while the second bedroom is designed for kids. You’ll also have a large living area and private balcony to soak in the ocean views.

3. Haven Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony

Looking for more space and exclusivity? The Owner’s Suite offers one of the largest balconies available on the ship, along with panoramic views and a luxurious living area. These suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows, a lavish king-sized bed, and a spacious bathroom complete with a soaking tub and waterfall shower.

4. Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony

The most luxurious and spacious suite in The Haven, the Deluxe Owner’s Suite, offers unparalleled privacy and elegance. These suites feature a large living and dining area, a separate bedroom, and an opulent bathroom with premium amenities. The oversized balcony is the perfect spot to relax with a drink in hand, taking in panoramic ocean views.

The Benefits of Staying in The Haven

1. Private Spaces and VIP Access

Staying in The Haven means more than just an upgraded room. It comes with access to The Haven Courtyard, an exclusive, private space that includes a luxurious pool, sundeck, hot tubs, and a private bar. This space is reserved solely for Haven guests, ensuring you have peace and quiet, even on a ship with thousands of passengers.

2. Priority Reservations for Dining and Shows

One of the best perks of staying in The Haven is the ability to make priority reservations for dining and entertainment. Whether you want to eat at Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, or Teppanyaki, Haven guests get first dibs on reservations. The same goes for shows and activities — you won’t have to worry about missing out on popular performances like Burn the Floor or The Price Is Right Live.

3. Butler and Concierge Services

Every suite in The Haven comes with butler service, available 24/7, to cater to your every need — from arranging in-suite dining to personalizing your excursions. The concierge service ensures you get priority access to embarkation, disembarkation, and shore excursions, making the entire cruise experience more seamless.

4. Exclusive Dining in The Haven Restaurant

The Haven guests have access to a private, Haven-only restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a peaceful escape from the ship’s busier dining venues, and the menu is packed with high-end, gourmet dishes. You also get exclusive access to a private lounge for enjoying cocktails and lighter fare.

Dining and Drink Packages: What You Get, What You Don’t

While Haven guests get exclusive access to their own restaurant, you’ll still want to explore the ship’s other dining options. Norwegian Cruise Line offers dining packages that allow you to experience specialty restaurants at a discounted rate. Consider adding one of these packages to your booking if you want to try restaurants like:

Cagney’s Steakhouse (a premium steakhouse experience)
Onda by Scarpetta (Italian fine dining)
Los Lobos (Mexican cuisine with a twist)

If you’re a fan of cocktails, wine, or specialty coffee, consider the Premium Beverage Package, which gives you access to a wide range of drinks across the ship’s bars and restaurants. Even though you’re staying in The Haven, you’ll still need to purchase a drink package unless you’ve snagged it as part of Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion.

Traveling with Kids or Teens in The Haven

The Haven Family Villa is perfect if you’re traveling with children. However, here are some additional tips to make the most of your trip with kids:

Splash Academy & Entourage Teen Club: While The Haven is a private retreat, Norwegian Viva offers fantastic kids’ programs like Splash Academy (for ages 3–12) and Entourage (for teens). These programs run daily and give parents a chance to relax while kids are entertained.
Family-Friendly Dining: Even though Haven guests have their private restaurant, you can still take advantage of family-friendly dining options like The Garden Café Buffet or The Local Bar & Grill, both offering casual, kid-friendly menus.

Pro Tip: Pre-book your kids’ activity sessions to ensure spots, as they can fill up fast on sea days.

Traveling Without Kids: Relaxation & Adult-Only Spaces

If you’re cruising without children, The Haven offers plenty of relaxation:

Haven Courtyard: Enjoy the peace and quiet of the exclusive pool and hot tub, far away from the family zones of the ship.
Spice H2O: If you want to venture out of The Haven, head to Spice H2O, an adults-only retreat featuring pools, hot tubs, and outdoor lounging areas with a bar. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the main pool deck.

10 Must-Have Items for Your Haven Cruise from Amazon

Magnetic Hooks — Cruise ship walls are metal, so bring magnetic hooks to hang bags, towels, or clothing.
Portable USB Charger — Outlets can be limited, so bring a multi-port USB charger to keep all your devices powered.
Night Light — Haven suites can be dim, so pack a small, portable night light for your room.
Laundry Bags — Use collapsible laundry bags to keep dirty clothes organized in your room.
Lanyards — Cruise ships require keycards for access, so lanyards are a convenient way to carry them.
Packing Cubes — Keep your suitcase organized with packing cubes that fit perfectly in cabin storage.
Waterproof Phone Pouch — For excursions and pool days, a waterproof phone pouch is a lifesaver.
Travel Power Strip (No Surge Protector) — Most ships don’t allow surge protectors, so get a cruise-approved power strip.
Travel Passport Wallet — This is a must have for any trip like this. Keep your cash, cards, passports, etc all organized for arrival, exit, and stops.
Travel Sound Machine — I travel everywhere with my sound machine. It can come in handy to help you sleep better. Tip get the case too.

Full list of Cruise Items Here >>

What Not to Bring

Clothing Irons or Steamers: These are prohibited for safety reasons, but the ship offers laundry and pressing services.
Surge-Protected Power Strips: As mentioned earlier, these are not allowed, so stick to cruise-approved power strips.
Excessive Toiletries: The Haven provides high-quality bath products, so you can leave your shampoo and conditioner at home.

Data, WiFi, and Connectivity in The Haven

While The Haven is an exclusive enclave, you’ll still need to purchase a WiFi package to stay connected. Norwegian offers packages like:

Unlimited WiFi Package: Suitable for basic browsing, social media, and email.
Premium WiFi Package: Offers faster speeds for streaming or video calling.

You can often snag free WiFi minutes if you book during Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion, but remember, internet speeds can be slower at sea, even with the premium package.

How to Score First-Class Flight Deals for Your Norwegian Viva Cruise

While The Haven offers the ultimate luxury experience onboard, why not extend that sense of luxury to your journey to the port? Flying first-class doesn’t have to break the bank — especially if you know where to look for deals. Let’s dive into how to fly in style without blowing your budget, and introduce you to a lesser-known, but game-changing option: JSX.

1. Use Skyscanner for First-Class Flight Deals

First things first, when booking your flights to your cruise departure port, start with Skyscanner to find the best deals. Skyscanner is your go-to search engine for comparing airlines and finding discounted first-class and business-class seats. Here’s how you can maximize your savings:

Set Price Alerts: Skyscanner allows you to set alerts on your preferred routes so you’ll be notified when prices drop.
Look for Flexible Dates: Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday? Prices tend to be lower on these days. Skyscanner’s flexible dates feature helps you find the cheapest days to fly first-class.
Use Points and Miles: Got an American Express Gold Card? You can earn and use your points toward first-class upgrades. The best part? You’ll score 90,000 points just for signing up using my exclusive link. Use those points to offset your first-class ticket costs, making luxury flights even more accessible.

2. JSX: The Semi-Private Air Experience

If you haven’t heard of JSX, you’re in for a treat. JSX is a semi-private jet service that offers a premium experience at a surprisingly affordable price. They operate flights between major cities and popular destinations near cruise ports like Miami, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Here’s why JSX is worth considering:

Private Jet-Like Experience: With JSX, you fly out of private terminals, avoiding the hassle of traditional airport security lines. You can arrive just 20 minutes before your flight!
Comfortable Seating: JSX flights offer spacious leather seats with ample legroom, free snacks, drinks, and two checked bags — all included in your fare.
Affordable Luxury: While not always cheaper than a typical first-class seat, JSX fares are often comparable to regular airline prices, making it a great value for a premium experience.

If you’re flying into a port city where JSX operates, this can be a unique, more convenient way to arrive in style and start your luxury vacation before you even board the ship!

3. Book Early and Watch for Flash Sales

If you’re looking to fly first-class, timing is everything. Airlines tend to release discounted first-class seats around 3–6 months before departure. Keep an eye on flash sales, especially with American Airlines or Delta, which often offer significant discounts on premium cabins for flights to popular cruise departure ports like Miami, New York, or Fort Lauderdale.

Why You Should Always Fly in the Day Before Your Cruise

Here’s a golden rule for all cruisers: always fly in the day before your cruise. Flights get delayed, cancellations happen, and the last thing you want is to miss the ship. By arriving a day early, you can relax, settle in, and maybe even explore the city before embarkation. And thanks to sites like Skyscanner, you can find great last-minute hotel deals near the port, ensuring a stress-free start to your vacation.

Conclusion: Why The Haven on Viva is Worth It

With its luxurious suites, private spaces, and exclusive access to dining and entertainment, The Haven on Norwegian Viva is truly an oasis of luxury and privacy. Whether you’re traveling with kids or enjoying a peaceful, adults-only retreat, The Haven offers something for everyone. From stunning accommodations to priority access and world-class service, it’s the ultimate way to cruise in style — without the hassle.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel

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