As a travel advisor, I spend my days crafting unforgettable trips for my clients—but every so often, I get to experience one for myself. Recently, I sailed aboard the Norwegian Epic with a group of 13 adults (my family and friends) on a spectacular itinerary through the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean, and I had the pleasure of staying in The Haven by Norwegian®—Norwegian Cruise Line’s private-access luxury enclave at the top of the ship.

From personalized service to bucket-list ports, this sailing checked every box. Whether you’re dreaming of whitewashed villages in Santorini, Renaissance art in Florence, or a dip in Malta’s Blue Lagoon, here’s what it’s really like to cruise in style aboard the Norwegian Epic—and why The Haven elevated every moment.

 

First Impressions: The Haven Experience

From the moment we arrived at the port, it was clear that The Haven is in a league of its own. While other guests waited in standard lines, we were guided into a private check-in lounge and then escorted onboard by a member of the concierge team. We were in our suite and unpacked before many guests had even boarded.

The Haven offers an exclusive “ship within a ship” experience, complete with:

  • A private courtyard with a pool, sundeck, and hot tubs
  • The Haven Restaurant, serving gourmet meals in an intimate setting
  • 24-hour butler and concierge service
  • A private lounge and bar for Haven guests only
  • Priority access to dining, entertainment, and shore excursions

Our suite was spacious, elegantly designed, and came with thoughtful extras like a pillow menu, afternoon treats, and a balcony perfect for morning coffee with a view.

Dining in The Haven (and Beyond)

One of our favorite parts of the Haven experience was dining in the private Haven Restaurant. Every meal felt like fine dining: perfectly seared scallops, filet mignon, elegant breakfasts, and attentive, personalized service. It was a peaceful, luxurious escape from the bustle of the main dining areas.

Of course, we still explored the ship’s many specialty restaurants. Thanks to the concierge, we had priority reservations at venues like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro—a huge perk, especially on sea days.

Ports of Call: A Mediterranean Dream

This itinerary was truly one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning ones we’ve experienced. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Santorini, Greece

Santorini was everything we imagined—and more. I hired a private driver to take us to and from Oia from the Fira port. We explored the charming villages of Oia and Fira and caught a breathtaking sunset on the way back down to the ship. From the tender, we were one of the first in line for the Santorini Cable car (as guests staying in the Haven, we were the first off the ship—a definite perk especially during tender port days!).  On the way back to the tender, we decided to take the steps—588 steps to be exact!  We enjoyed the winding cobblestone staircase with gorgeous views.  This trek isn’t recommended for everyone as we had to yield to the donkeys and watch our step with donkey droppings!  While in Fira we stopped for mussels and a sampling of Greek dips (tzatziki, melitzanosalata, and hummus).  Santorini is one of those places that truly takes your breath away with the vibrant blue hues of the water contrasting the whitewashed buildings clinging to the cliffs above the caldera.

Athens, Greece 

In Athens we treated ourselves to a private tour.  We visited the iconic Acropolis, admired the beauty of the Parthenon, and explored the charming streets of the Plaka district. It was the perfect mix of ancient history and vibrant Greek culture. We also witnessed the changing of the guard ceremony and stopped for delicious treats at a local café including baklava, bougatsa and spanakopita.

Kefalonia, Greece 

Kefalonia is a true hidden gem. We walked through the cobblestone streets of the town and then took a taxi to Costa-Costa Beach in Makris Gialos where we spent time relaxing in the water. We rented lounge chairs and an umbrella for the day and were treated to excellent beach service with delicious food and drinks.  This island is ideal for travelers who want to explore the beauty of Greece without the crowds.

Valletta, Malta

Malta was a standout destination. Valletta is one of Europe’s most unique capitals, with its golden limestone architecture, fortified walls, and deep historical roots. We took the Barrakka lift from the port up into town, walked through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoyed lunch at a tiered café in the center of town. Later that day, we took a private boat tour that took the experience to another level. We cruised past towering cliffs, explored hidden sea caves, and anchored near Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon—a stunning swimming spot with water so clear it almost didn’t seem real.  It was an unforgettable excursion I will recommend to all my clients visiting Malta.

Messina, Sicily

Messina offered a taste of Sicilian culture with its beautiful cathedrals and delicious food (I highly recommend the arancini, granite and pistachio cannoli). Some guests opted for excursions to Taormina or Mount Etna—great choices I’ll recommend to future clients, but we decided to explore the charming town of Messina.  We witnessed the astronomical clock show at the Messina Cathedral precisely at noon and had a late lunch at a 5-star local restaurant called A Cucchiara.  The staff spoke little English and we spoke little Italian, but it was truly one of the best meals on the trip!  I recommend seeking out restaurants outside of the main tourist spots to enjoy a more authentic experience.

Salerno (Sorrento), Italy

This was our gateway to the Amalfi Coast. We chose to visit Sorrento, a coastal gem with lemon-scented streets, artisan shops, and dramatic seaside cliffs. It’s ideal for those looking for idyllic scenery and a slower pace.  We decided to explore Sorrento on our own and walked through the cobblestone streets starting at the Piazza Tasso, down to the Marina Grande, and back up to Piazza della Vittoria where the views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius are spectacular!  Along the way we sampled limoncello and stopped at a tiered café with views of the marina and gulf for a delicious lunch of paninis and caprese salad.

Florence (Livorno), Italy

From the port of Livorno, we took a private transfer (90 minutes) into Florence. While exploring Florence on our own, we admired the breathtaking Duomo, walked across the Ponte Vecchio bridge, sipped espresso at the counter of the gorgeous Caffe Gilli (Florence’s oldest café), stopped for a glass of wine at one of Florence’s famous wine windows, indulged in wood-fired pizza at Il Pacchero, and shopped for leather bags at the numerous leather shops throughout the city. Florence never fails to impress.  It is a must for art and history lovers with the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, which houses Michaelangelo’s Statue of David. It is interesting to note that there are numerous replicas of the Statue of David in Florence including a full-sized one in the Palazzo Vecchio. Sipping an Aperol Spritz at a rooftop café overlooking the Duomo was a highlight of this day!

Cannes, France

Though Cannes is a tender port, as Haven guests we received priority tendering, so getting ashore was quick and easy—another example of how The Haven makes everything smoother! While in Cannes, we walked along La Croisette (seaside promenade), stopping along the way to shop, walked the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres (Cannes Film Festival location) and savored a buttery croissant at a waterfront café. We also spent time cooling off in the Mediterranean Sea and climbed to the Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance with its stunning views.  This was my first trip to the French Riviera, but it won’t be my last!

Rome

We spent two nights in Rome—one pre-cruise and one post-cruise—and made the most of our time in the Eternal City. During our visit, we explored iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City.  We enjoyed exceptional pastas (my favorite is Cacio e Pepe), pizza, gelato, wine, prosciutto, soppressata, cheese, Aperol and Hugo Spritzes,  pistachio cannoli, and of course AMAZING bread.  We also toured the Vatican Museums on a semi-private, skip-the-lines tour, admired the breathtaking art and architecture inside St. Peter’s Basilica, and visited the grotto beneath it, where many popes were laid to rest. As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, we had the special opportunity to walk through one of the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica.  Our time in Rome was truly a memorable experience that beautifully framed our trip.

Life Onboard: Relaxation Meets Entertainment

Even with so many amazing ports, sea days were something we looked forward to—thanks to the tranquility of The Haven. Whether we were relaxing in the private courtyard, enjoying a room service breakfast on the balcony or sipping a craft cocktail in the serenity of the private Haven lounge, it felt like our own personal retreat.

In the evenings, we took in Broadway-style entertainment, caught live music in the lounges, and enjoyed a night of laughter at the comedy club. The variety was fantastic, and everything was just a quick call away thanks to concierge service.

Who Should Consider The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Now that I’ve experienced it, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Haven for:

  • Couples looking for luxury and romance
  • Families who want premium space with easy access to family-friendly ship activities
  • Seasoned cruisers looking to elevate their next sailing
  • Busy professionals who want stress-free, VIP treatment from start to finish

It truly combines the best of both worlds: the amenities of a big ship and the intimacy of a private yacht-like experience.

Final Thoughts: This is Cruising, Elevated

Sailing aboard the Norwegian Epic in The Haven was one of the most relaxing, enriching, and luxurious travel experiences I’ve ever had. From ancient ruins and sun-soaked villages to personalized butler service and serene sea views, every moment felt carefully curated.

If you’re dreaming of the Greek Isles, the Amalfi Coast, or the Mediterranean—but want to experience it in total comfort and style—this itinerary and ship are an unbeatable combination.

Ready to Set Sail?

If you’re ready to plan your own epic journey, we would love to help you design a cruise that’s just as memorable–complete with Haven access, curated excursions, and seamless planning from start to finish.

Let’s turn your dream cruise into reality. Contact your MDT advisor today to get started with personalized recommendations, exclusive perks, and expert guidance.

Have questions about The Haven, Norwegian Epic, or the destinations we visited? We are always happy to share tips, insight, or help build the perfect itinerary—just reach out!

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