Taking a cruise to ask is one of the most loved ways to visit the Last Frontier. Being able to visit the coastal towns celebrated for their incredible landscapes and seafood. Norwegian Cruise Line offers Round-Trip cruises from Seattle as well as North-bound and South-bound cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line designed ships specifically for exploring Alaska – the Bliss and the Encore. The Haven offers multiple indoor lounges, a bar, an indoor pool and hot tub in addition to multiple hot tubs on the Haven-exclusive sundeck.
The cruise embarkation process varies based upon the port of departure. However, for Norwegian Haven guests, no matter which port, guests are granted priority boarding. For Alaskan cruises that Depart from and Return to Seattle, Haven guests are able to experience the benefits of using a Norwegian-Owned terminal. Pier 66 is situated just a short walk from Pike Place Market where the views of Elliot Bay where the ship will be viewable early the morning of the departure.
If staying at the Waterfront Marriott, guests can arrive at the port by foot and drop off their luggage with their Priority tags with porters, quickly make their way through security and after a short escalator ride, arrive in the Haven Lounge. A member of the port staff will check in Haven guests in the comfort of a small lounge where there is a selection of small bites and refreshments.
Within a few moments of the ship being cleared to board new passengers, the Concierge will invite Haven guests to follow them onboard where reserved elevators will be waiting to whisk them up to the Haven lounge. In the Lounge they will be able to start their vacation with passed champagne or a full selection of drinks at the bar and then meet with concierge staff members to arrange specialty dining, entertainment, and spa reservations.
The Haven Suites are very well appointed and spacious throughout. Some of the best suites for Alaska cruises are the Aft Haven Suites. However, they are not located within the Haven area which has the lounges, restaurants, bar, sundeck, pool, and concierge desk. So the trade off is a walk to the suite vs being able to stay right in the courtyard area and having a place to retreat to when the crowds on the rest of the ship are a bit too much.
On the NCL Ships that sail round trip to Alaska from Seattle (Encore and Bliss) – the courtyard offers Penthouse Suites, Two Bedroom Suites and the Owners Suites. They feature warm muted tones and plush bedding – excellent for relaxation. And if you’d like to take in some whale watching from your balcony you can enjoy a plush robe and ask your butler to arrange for a comfortable blanket.
From the first lunch onboard, the Haven Restaurant staff will amaze and delight. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, the Norwegian Haven restaurant offers dishes prepared with prime ingredients. The service is impeccable, friendly, and memorable. Guests are greeted by name and preferences are often remembered after the first or second meal.
The bar serves craft cocktails including some of our favorites – smoked old fashions and espresso martinis – among other selections. We always upgrade to the Premium Plus beverage package for the top shelf brands. These include (when available) Johnny Walker Blue Label, Blantons, Hendricks, and more. We say “when available” because at times they run out of a bottle and don’t replenish, so even though they claim offering it, it may not be available during every sailing.
The main criticism is that the menu stays the same daily – no specials offered. For some this isn’t an issue because there is a wide variety of dishes including a selection of proteins and international flavors.
Norwegian Cruise Line built ships specific for Alaska with features indoor spaces for enjoying the majesty of the Alaskan sights, without the chill.
For a day sailing Glacier Bay National Park, the Haven Sundeck has ample space to enjoy the incredible sights and sounds (like Glacial Calving). Starting pretty early in the morning, you’ll notice that you’re moving very slowly. This is for multiple reasons – (1) the cruise ship can’t leave a wake like it normally would and (2) the National Park Rangers need to board the ship as they will spend the day narrating.
So grab your jacket and head up to the top deck where the comfortable lounge chairs are waiting for you – and someone will suddenly appear with a plush blanket to keep you warm. They will also bring mimosas or hot cocoa (spiked, if you prefer). Throughout the day they will serve different snacks as well as salmon chowder.
Or, if you’d prefer to stay inside and keep warm, the Norwegian Haven Horizon Lounge will also let you hear the narration away from the chill of the deck.
So what does the Ranger narration include? Get out your binoculars so you can watch for whales, seals, puffins, bald eagles, and more along the narrow channel. You can also get a close up view of the ice breaking off into the bay. You’ll spend a few hours getting that view.