Norwegian Cruise Line reveals new brand for suites: The Haven

By Arnie Weissmann

NEW YORK -- A keycard entry-only, two-deck suite complex for Norwegian Cruise Line's new "Project Breakaway" class ships has been dubbed The Haven, Norwegian's CEO Kevin Sheehan announced at a reception celebrating Conde Nast Traveler's first cruise-theme issue.

And, he said, the name will be retro-branded onto the existing high-level suites on Norwegian's Epic, Gem, Pearl, Jade and Jewel.

Norwegian's "ship within a ship" -- not only suites, but exclusive use of various recreational areas -- was launched with the Jewel in 2005.

On the Breakaway ships, the Haven will comprise 42 suites located on Decks 15 and 16 forward, and will be the first ships to include a restaurant for Haven guests only. It will also feature a cocktail bar and concierge desk.

An interior two-story courtyard area in the Haven will have a pool, two whirlpools, a private sundeck, two private massage rooms and a sauna. Guests will also have a private entrance to the ship's spa and fitness center.

The two largest suites in the Haven will be called Deluxe Owner's Suites. The two can be joined to the Owner's Suites to create a complex that can sleep up to eight guests.

There will also be 21 two-bedroom Family Villas and 17 one-bedroom Courtyard Penthouses.

These will be in addition to 16 Spa Suites, first introduced on the Epic, and eight aft-facing and 10 forward facing penthouses.

On the Jewel-class ships, 18 suites will be under the Haven brand, including the 5,000-square foot, three bedroom Garden Villas, currently the largest suites at sea.

The Epic's Haven will consist of 60 suites on two private decks at the top of the ship. In addition, 15 other suites on the ship will have access to the Haven's pool, whirlpools, gym, saunas and sundeck.

Haven guests will also enjoy priority embarkation and disembarkation, including priority boarding of tenders.

Responding to a question, Sheehan said that although it had not yet been announced, single-guest Studio cabins will be on the Breakaway class ships.

He was also asked if the Haven suites were built with families in mind. "They'll be upscale," he said. "If you're upscale and you want that experience with a family, then yes. If you go with an upscale line -- I shouldn't really say this -- it'll be an older demographic."