While onboard the revitalized Norwegian Joy during her inaugural sailing from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, my key card had The Penthouse in The Haven Courtyard printed on it. Taking the elevator up to Deck 17, I tapped my card near the entrance, and the glass door opened to allow me into this exclusive area. A certified butler greeted me and led me to my spacious stateroom cabin 13108.
Modified for handicap passengers, the stateroom has a King-size Bliss Collection by Norwegian pillow-top mattress with fine linens, feather duvet and a pillow menu for passengers to chose their favorite sleeping pillow type. Inside the closet are plush robes and white slippers.
This spacious penthouse offers a combination bedroom and living area with a couch that can be pulled out into a sofa bed for up to two guests. There is a small dining and sitting area with a mini bar and deluxe coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine.
The extra large bathroom offers oversized towels and upgraded bath products. Next to the full size soaking bathtub is a container of bath salts, and the large shower has a special shower head.
A glass sliding door opens out to a double length balcony with two chairs and a table. It's extra square footage of living space is ideal to sit outside and take in the views while enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning and glass of wine before dinner.
The Haven is located in the front of the Norwegian Joy where passengers stay in luxury staterooms up to 1,458 square feet, and receive amneities different from other cruise passengers staying in the staterooms below. The Haven's 24-hour certified butler service offers sparkling wine, bottled water, fresh flowers and fruit on embarkation day. Passengers staying in the two-bedroom villa, Courtyard Penthouse, Spa Suite and Penthouse also receive an evening treat and turndown service at night. Other exclusive opportunities include cocktail parties with the ship's officers in The Haven Lounge with staff mixologists pouring premium drinks.
Beyond the Lounge is a Courtyard featuring a private pool area with plenty of comfortable deck lounge chairs, a bubbling whirlpool tub, and a retractable glass skylight roof.
One never needs to leave this area for dining, as there is an oceanfront dining room in the upscale Haven restaurant. For those who choose to dine in their cabin or out on their balcony, a butler will bring a meal to your suite. There is also a light buffet area in the two story 180-degree observation lounge. Floor to ceiling glass windows offer ocean and port views. Passengers can relax in one of the comfortable lounge chairs or couches with a book, or enjoy light fare and beverages throughout the day and evening in this area.
On the 18th deck is the Haven Library stocked with books. A private elevator offers easy and early access during embarkation and debarkation. It's also available at ports of call with priority boarding on tenders to shore.
The Haven is a ship within a ship feel, giving discriminating cruise travelers a luxury private yacht experience.
The Norwegian JOY is sailing from Seattle to Alaska now through September 2019. To book a stateroom in The Haven call your favorite cruise specialist or go to ncl.com.
Staterooms with a balcony offer additional living space onboard the Norwegian JOY.
Welcome amenities for The Haven passengers include chocolates, fresh flowers and fruit and sparkling wine and water.
The Haven Courtyard offers a private yacht feel on the Norwegian Joy.
The two-story Haven Observation Lounge offers floor to ceiling glass window views, comfortable lounge chairs and a buffet displaying light fare and beverages.
