Trying to decide between cruising on the Norwegian Prima or the Norwegian Escape? Wondering if the Haven suites are worth it for your family? I’ve cruised on both ships (and stayed in the Haven two-bedroom suite on each), so I’m here to help you break it all down — from ship activities to stateroom perks — to find the best fit for your next family cruise.
🚢 Ship Highlights: Norwegian Escape vs. Norwegian Prima
Both of these ships are fantastic, but they offer very different experiences when it comes to layout, energy, and onboard activities.
🏄♂️ Norwegian Escape Activities
Perfect for families who love variety and traditional fun.
- Aqua Park with waterslides + separate kids’ aqua park
- Sports complex with a 3-story ropes course
- Bocce ball, basketball, and mini golf
- Arcade and kids/teens clubs
- Snow room
- Spa amenities including salt room
Tip: The Escape has a more traditional cruise layout and is easier to navigate, but it’s also much more crowded.
🏎️ Norwegian Prima Activities
Ideal if you’re looking for a more modern and high-tech experience.
- 3-story go-kart racetrack
- 10-story dry slides
- Virtual Reality gaming
- Interactive miniature golf
- The Stadium: tabletop shuffleboard, pickleball, beer pong, subsoccer
- Tidal Wave waterslide + kids aqua park
- Darts rooms, arcade, and infinite pools
Fun fact: My kids loved both ships, but they spent the most time in The Stadium on the Prima. It quickly became their favorite hangout!
🛏️ The Haven Suites: Comfort, Layout & Perks
We stayed in the two-bedroom Haven suites on both ships — and while both were wonderful, there are some key differences worth knowing.
🛌 Room Layout & Comfort
Escape Haven Suite Wins for Layout
- Better storage throughout the room
- Second bedroom has two separate beds (an upper and a lower) — ideal for kids
- Master bathroom had a more functional sink/vanity setup
Prima Haven Suite Observations
- Second bedroom had one queen bed, which caused some kiddo disputes
- Minimal storage space overall
- Very small safe
- Master sink area was a single large basin — beautiful but not functional
Verdict: The Escape’s Haven suite was more family-friendly and had a smarter layout for longer cruises.
🧘♀️ Haven Common Areas
Prima Haven Area: Massive & Modern
- The Haven is much larger and feels luxurious
- Huge pool and lounge areas
- 16+ upper sundeck
- Great for space, but slightly less intimate
Escape Haven Area: Smaller but More Special
- Felt more exclusive and personal
- Outdoor dining area at the Haven Restaurant — we loved having breakfast there!
- Easier to get to know the staff (and they were amazing with our kids!)
Verdict: The Escape Haven felt more boutique and personal, while Prima’s was grand and luxurious.
🎟️ Are Haven Perks More Useful on One Ship?
YES — the Haven perks were far more helpful on the Escape, mostly due to the larger crowds onboard.
- Escape’s capacity is 4,266 passengers, vs. Prima’s 3,099
- Tender ports and reboarding were much easier with the Haven priority line on the Escape
- Show seating also filled up fast on the Escape — the Haven escort was a lifesaver!
On the Prima, these perks were still nice but not as essential due to the smaller passenger count and lower demand.
👨👩👧👦 So, Which Ship Should You Choose?
Honestly? You can’t go wrong with either.
- Choose the Norwegian Escape if you:
- Want a more traditional layout that’s easy to navigate
- Prefer more Haven value due to crowds
- Appreciate a more family-friendly suite setup
- Enjoy classic cruise vibes with lots of activities for all ages
- Choose the Norwegian Prima if you:
- Love modern design and cutting-edge attractions
- Want a ship that feels less crowded and more upscale
- Have kids who love tech and games (The Stadium is a hit!)
- Don’t mind a more “maze-like” layout in exchange for new experiences
Final Thoughts
I would absolutely sail on both of these ships again in a heartbeat. Each offers something unique, and both gave our family unforgettable memories. The Haven suites on both ships added such comfort and convenience — especially with kids — that we’d never hesitate to book them again.
Whichever ship you choose, I hope this helped you feel more confident about your decision. Happy cruising!
