After sailing the NCL Encore a couple of years ago in a regular balcony cabin, we returned to cruise Alaska in The Haven, and it was a completely different experience.
This trip was initially planned as a family group cruise, but those plans eventually fell through. When it came time to reschedule, we considered switching to another cruise line to try something new. In the end, we figured The Haven would offer a different enough experience on a ship we were already familiar with. And it did.
Call me spoiled — because that’s precisely what The Haven staff did. They spoiled me. If I had the option financially, I probably wouldn’t cruise to Alaska any other way.
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise, organizing a special family trip, or planning a honeymoon, and it’s within your budget, this is the way I’d go. It’s a luxury cruise experience, but without the pretense.
Everything in this post is based on my experience. I paid for my cruise and was not hosted or sponsored in any way.
Here’s what stood out the most about sailing The Haven to Alaska.
Priority Embarkation and Disembarkation Made It Easy Getting On and Off the Ship
Compared to our last time sailing out of the Seattle cruise port, where we waited in line for almost two hours before boarding the ship, this time was a breeze. As Haven guests, we were treated like VIPs from the moment we arrived. From security to check-in to being escorted onto the ship, it’s one of those Haven perks I truly appreciate. I started enjoying the experience from the very beginning. I was sipping a mimosa at lunch in no time.
And it doesn’t stop there. That same priority treatment applies at every Alaskan port of call. When everyone is trying to disembark the ship at once to make the most of their time ashore, the Haven concierge team and butlers are ready to assist. They escort you from The Haven complex, take you down a private elevator, and walk you right to the front of the security line.
It takes the stress out of early port mornings, makes it easier to get to tours on time, and helps you maximize every minute in port, which is especially important when cruising to Alaska.
Our Penthouse Haven Suite Was Spacious and Comfortable
The Haven suites truly feel like a home away from home. They’re spacious, well-designed, and comfortable. It’s the kind of cabin you actually want to spend time in.
I know some people say they’re never in their cabin on a cruise, but an Alaska itinerary is different. It’s about the scenic views, the quiet moments, and soaking in the beauty around you. You’ll want to spend time on your balcony, and it’s the one Alaska cruise tip I always say: if you’re cruising to Alaska, book at least a balcony cabin. That alone can change the experience, and in The Haven, it just gets better.
One of my favorite moments was the day in Glacier Bay. Our butler set up a lovely breakfast table inside the cabin, right by the balcony doors, with a perfect view of the Tarr Inlet as we sailed toward Margerie Glacier. Sitting inside, warm and comfortable, while still enjoying the view, was the best of both worlds. After breakfast, we bundled up and stepped out onto the balcony to enjoy the views and spot wildlife along the shoreline. Warm coffee, glacier views, and no need to fight for a spot on deck—just us, the quiet, and the view.
That was just the beginning. The bed and linens were incredibly comfortable, the kind of bed you melt into after a long day in port. The bathroom was spacious and luxurious. Having a Nespresso machine in the room was nice because it meant fewer trips to Starbucks.
The Haven Sundeck Gave Us Front-Row Views for Scenic Cruising (Outside of Your Balcony)
The best views on an Alaska cruise are often right from your own balcony, and we definitely spent time there. However, during our visit to Glacier Bay, we also headed up to The Haven Sundeck to take in the scenery from a different perspective.
The Sundeck is located forward on the ship and offers panoramic views with far fewer people around. The only comparable spaces would be The Vibe Beach Club (which requires a pass and an extra fee) or the bow of the ship, which is open to all guests for glacier viewing. It felt calm, quiet, and spacious, with a more relaxing atmosphere than the crowded bow or even the Waterfront.
Hot chocolate and coffee were available, along with premium liquors and small bites. Later in the day, they served salmon chowder, which was better than I remembered from our last cruise. While similar things are offered in public areas, The Haven version came with more personalized service and attention to detail. You’re not just handed a cup — the crew checks in and makes sure you’re comfortable and enjoying the scenery.
The Sundeck also had cushioned lounge chairs and cabanas throughout, along with two hot tubs. It was a comfortable space to sit back, sip a warm drink, and take in the scenery. A few guests even jumped into the hot tubs during Glacier Bay. I wasn’t one of them, but I get the appeal — warm water, cold air, and snowcapped mountains all around.
The Haven Observation Lounge Was a Quiet Place to Relax with a View
The Haven Observation Lounge was easily one of the nicest common areas in the complex. It’s a comfortable, beautifully designed space that was never crowded. There were a few times when it filled up a bit, but nothing like the public observation lounge, which we visited and found packed entirely with no seats in sight. This dedicated Haven lounge is a standout feature on the Encore, Bliss, and Joy ships — not all Norwegian ships have it — and it sets the experience apart.
In The Haven Lounge, we always found a place to sit and enjoy the view. The front-facing windows provided us with a stunning look at the scenery as we cruised through the Inside Passage and along Alaska’s coast.
Another thing we appreciated was the sampling of small bites available throughout the day, along with a coffee machine that made cappuccinos and lattes at the press of a button — easily one of our favorite features. Servers were always circulating, ready to take drink orders from the nearby Haven bar, which made it easy to settle in and stay for a while without needing to get up.
During our time in Glacier Bay, the lounge remained surprisingly quiet. Most guests seemed to be up on The Haven Sundeck or out on their balconies, which made it a peaceful place to warm up and still enjoy the views. When we needed a break from the cold, we’d come in, grab a coffee, and relax for a bit without missing the scenery.
Dining in The Haven Restaurant Was a Huge Upgrade
There’s no denying that The Haven Restaurant consistently outshines the Main Dining Room when it comes to service and food. We’ve been cruising with NCL for years, and I must admit that the MDR is no longer what it used to be. You won’t go hungry, obviously, but if you’re in The Haven, the restaurant feels more like one of their specialty restaurants — only everyone knows your name.
You don’t need reservations, and there’s almost never a wait for a table. The host, maître d’, and servers greet you by name, and if you request the same waiter throughout your cruise, they’ll quickly get to know your preferences. Meals are relaxed, you’re never rushed to order, and the pace is just right.
The restaurant also has some of the best views on the ship. On an Alaskan cruise, that means you always have a great view. You can sit down for a proper meal and still enjoy the scenery, even on a day like Glacier Bay.
The Haven Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You never have to visit the buffet unless you want to. You can even have room service delivered from The Haven Restaurant and enjoy breakfast in your room or out on your balcony. That’s something you can set up with your butler.
The menu doesn’t change daily, but the staff is flexible; they’ll often personalize dishes or accommodate special requests.
The Butler and Concierge Took Care of the Details, Big and Small
I’m someone who rarely needs to use a concierge and often feels awkward asking the butler for anything. But on our Alaska cruise, they made their presence known and were always on top of things. The concierge introduced himself immediately, welcomed us, provided all the essential information, and informed us of what he needed to finalize our dining and excursion reservations. He was efficient, friendly, and organized.
Since we weren’t in our cabin much that first day, our butler came to find us at The Haven Restaurant to introduce herself and make sure we had everything we needed. The next day, she reviewed how she could assist and reassured us that we shouldn’t hesitate to ask for anything.
We saw our concierge all throughout the cruise, checking in with guests, following up on reservations, and making sure things ran smoothly. He was hands-on in the best way. While I had already pre-booked many of our specialty dining, theater, and excursion reservations, the concierge is there to assist with all of that and more. If anything needs to be changed, confirmed, or rescheduled, they are the ones who handle it. While we didn’t personally ask for much, we overheard him escorting other guests to dinner reservations and down to Guest Services to help with requests that couldn’t be resolved in The Haven.
Our butler reminded us and handled the necessary forms to fill out, kept our Nespresso machine stocked with pods, and made sure the fridge always had milk. When I wasn’t feeling well one afternoon, she brought chicken soup and toast. And whenever we requested specific snacks or fruit, she took care of it quickly.
These aren’t luxuries we’re used to. It truly felt like a treat to experience this level of care while cruising to Alaska.
How The Haven Changed Our Alaska Cruise Experience
The Haven complex is basically a hotel within a ship. It gave us access to a quieter, more private environment without sacrificing what the rest of the ship had to offer. On our last Alaska cruise (not in The Haven), the Encore felt so crowded that we struggled to find a peaceful place to sit unless we were in our cabin. While we still had a great trip, we walked off the ship saying we’d never cruise to Alaska on Encore again.
This time, The Haven completely changed that experience.
While we did venture out to enjoy the rest of the ship, we often found ourselves back in The Haven — relaxing by the pool, grabbing a drink at the bar, or enjoying the view from the lounge. The complex includes its own pool, bar, lounge, restaurant, sun deck, and observation lounge. If your suite is inside The Haven proper, like ours was, it’s all just steps away.
The entire atmosphere felt more peaceful and less hectic. And now that the public observation lounges on the Encore, Joy, and Bliss have been downsized, those areas are even busier than they were on our last trip. Meanwhile, we always had a quiet spot waiting for us in The Haven.
After that first crowded sailing, I remember saying that next time, I’d prefer to cruise to Alaska on a smaller ship. In a way, The Haven gave us that feeling — a more relaxed, intimate experience, but with all the perks of a larger ship just outside the door.
The Haven Team Helped Us Skip the Long Lines at the End of Port Days
One of the best perks of staying in The Haven is the priority service that follows you from embarkation to disembarkation. In Alaska, where every minute ashore counts, it really makes a difference.
Not only are you among the first off the ship when it’s time to explore, but when you’re ready to return—especially toward the end of the day when lines can get long—the Haven concierge and butler team are outside waiting for you like cruise superheroes, holding up a Haven sign to guide guests back onboard. From there, you’re escorted to a private elevator that bypasses the crowd and takes you straight back into The Haven complex.
On one port day, our cruise line’s booked shore excursion ran late, and we were the last group to return to the ship. A crew member was waiting just past security to escort us directly back to The Haven. Another day, in the pouring rain, the head concierge personally waited near the gangway to walk Haven guests past the long line and back onboard.
They also offered to escort Haven guests to nightly shows and events. While we didn’t take them up on it, they made it clear when and where to meet if we changed our minds.
That kind of service isn’t just convenient—it’s one of the ways The Haven completely changed how we experienced Alaska.
Cruise Tip: On early port days, fill out the room service card the night before and enjoy breakfast in your cabin. As a Haven guest, your butler will deliver your order and even set it up for you — you can choose anything from The Haven’s breakfast menu and be ready to head out without the wait.
It Was the Thoughtful Little Things That Stood Out
Even with all the perks that come with The Haven, it was the small, thoughtful touches throughout our experience that truly made sailing to Alaska this way feel worth it. The staff didn’t just respond to requests—they often anticipated what we might need before we even asked.
Our butler was incredibly attentive. She helped us stay on top of forms that needed to be submitted, kept our Nespresso machine stocked with pods and our mini fridge filled with milk, and brought us toast and chicken soup when I wasn’t feeling well. Any time we asked for specific snacks, she delivered them without hesitation.
Our cabin attendant always greeted us with a warm smile and checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. The concierge was visible and hands-on, making his presence known throughout the day. We often saw him in the lounge and around the Haven complex, ensuring everything was running smoothly and that guests were taken care of.
We know that NCL crew members go above and beyond in all areas of the ship. From our experience with standard cabins, we have found that the staff are kind, helpful, and hardworking. But within The Haven, the service felt elevated in a way that made everything easier and more comfortable. These aren’t luxuries we’re used to, and maybe that’s what made them feel so special. On an Alaskan cruise, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that kind of thoughtful, attentive service made the trip even more memorable.
The Haven Elevated the Entire Alaska Cruise Experience
On our last cruise to Alaska, sailing the same Norwegian Cruise Line ship, we disembarked with a newfound love for Alaska and were grateful for the experience. But it was so crowded and cumbersome that we said we would never sail one of these larger ships to Alaska again.
Having had the chance to revisit Alaska while staying in The Haven, we walked away with a very different impression. The Haven provided us with a quieter, more comfortable base, making the entire cruise feel more enjoyable. From priority boarding to skipping long port reboarding lines to having our own dedicated restaurant and lounge, it removed a lot of the chaos that came with our previous cruise.
It allowed us to focus less on logistics and more on enjoying Alaska and the overall cruising experience. If you’re considering an Alaska cruise on a larger NCL ship and are curious whether The Haven is worth it, this experience has convinced us that it absolutely can be.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
