To Haven or not to Haven that is the Question

For the cruise traveller that prefers the ultimate luxury and privacy, that would be a yes to Haven. If you are not familiar with The Haven, this is the ultimate in private luxury where only suite passengers gain access to with your suite key card.

When I think of The Haven, I describe it to others as the small ship within the much larger ship. This type of cruise travel is found amongst the newer NCL ships, our voyage was on the Norwegian Getaway and it was many years after we had cruised on our last NCL trip.

This new concept intrigued us and it was the perfect balance of luxury, service and exactly how we liked to cruise. Keep in mind it is not a cheap cruise fare at least for Canadians when there could be exchange added in the mix, but for this cruiser SO WORTH IT.

Exclusive Haven lounge, personal concierge, private butler depending on suite, private 2 storey sun deck and pool, hot tubs, sauna, private restaurant and so much more.

Do you really need a balcony?

That is the optimal question, on any other cruise line a balcony is a retreat from all the other passengers, on Windstar the sailing yacht is your own private balcony. Yes the deck space is shared with others, but with a small set of passengers that actually enjoy the open space it does feel like your own private space.

Small ship cruising is different and if you are one to enjoy activities than this type of cruising is not for you. On the other hand if you like pure relaxation and conversation with other adults then you have picked the right cruise.

currency use in St barts

Our trip into St Bart was a lesson in the best currency to use as part of the European Union via France it is so much easier to bring along euros. Although US dollars are accepted they are often converted into the euro exchange for purchases and change is returned in euros. Of course for the more expensive designer buys it is so much easier with your credit card, no exchange worries there as it is handled by your financial institution. HAPPY SHOPPING!

Another amazing suite this time aboard Royal Princess

Main Living space access to powder room and balcony

Moorea Suite C102 port side aboard Royal Princess, bedroom window faces the bow of the ship and who wouldn't want to wake up to the most amazing sunrises.

The living space is slightly smaller than those in the penthouse suites, but the bedroom space makes up for it with all the extra storage and sitting by the window as you sail the ocean was breathtaking.

Window faces the bow of the ship

Bathroom Suite full Tub, Shower and access to powder room

The cost of an Espresso you would be amazed

To start with cost is never an option that I ponder when I'm on vacation because the way I see it, a vacation is a reward that you have given yourself for all the work, crazy and stressful days in that year.

So what does this have to do with the cost of an Espresso, well boy do they range in price all over the Med.  The lowest in the range which is all in euros is 50 cents in Portugal, 2.50 in Monte Carlo to 5 in Portofino and this is a simple single shot espresso.  In these ranges you also need to figure out where you will be drinking that small cup of finely ground, hot and tasty coffee. 

So depending on the layout of the cafe, you can have it standing at the bar, sitting at a table inside or just out on the patio seats overlooking any piazza or beach.  The creme of the crop we experienced was on a floating pontoon in Portofino located within the small inner harbour and that was when we received the sticker shock of 5 euros for that liquid gold.

As an honorable mention, a cappucino at Harry's Bar in Rome which was smooth silk in the mouth set me back 10 euros, but oh so worth the view while enjoying the sunshine and morning warm breeze.