If you're planning a cruise on the Norwegian Escape and wondering whether to stick with a standard balcony cabin or splurge on a Haven Courtyard Penthouse Suite, you're not alone. In this post, we're comparing the two most talked-about stateroom categories on NCL's Norwegian Escape to help you decide which is right for you.
Watch the full video comparison here
Norwegian Escape Overview
The Norwegian Escape is a large Breakaway Plus-class ship that can carry over 4,200 passengers. With that many people onboard, the stateroom you choose can dramatically impact your cruise experience.
Balcony Stateroom on Norwegian Escape
The standard balcony stateroom is the most common cabin on the ship. It typically offers around 207 square feet of space with an approximately 38-square-foot balcony. You'll find a queen-size bed (convertible to two twins), a sofa that can double as a bed for a third passenger, a desk with mirror, a small refrigerator, a blow dryer, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV.
Storage space is decent but tight for more than two people. The closet includes shelving, a safe (not large enough for a laptop), and a hanging area. The bathroom has one sink and a glass-enclosed shower. Toiletries are NCL's house brand.
The balcony includes two upright chairs and a small table and is accessed by a sliding glass door. Some layouts have the bed closer to the balcony while others have the sofa near the balcony—ask your travel agent or NCL to confirm your preference.
The Club Balcony Suite is a step up from the standard balcony, offering a larger balcony space and a bathroom with a slightly bigger shower and sink area—making it a good middle-ground option.
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| Club Balcony larger shower |
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| Club Balcony larger sink |
Affiliate Tip: We highly recommend magnetic hooks to add hanging space in any cruise cabin and a suction cup magnifying mirror for makeup or shaving. These are must-haves for us!
Haven Courtyard Penthouse Suite on Norwegian Escape
Located in a private-access area on the ship, the Haven Courtyard Penthouse Suite offers about 324 square feet of living space and a larger balcony (approximately 58 square feet). The suite includes premium bedding, a fixed magnifying mirror in the vanity, and a seating area with two chairs and a small dining table. Near the entry, there's a Nespresso machine, a refrigerator, and additional bar storage.
You’ll pass through a large dressing closet on your way to the bathroom, which includes split and full-length hanging areas, shelving, a full-length mirror, and a safe. The bathroom features a wide dual sink vanity, a glass-enclosed toilet, and a combined tub/shower. Toiletries are L’Occitane, and guests receive robes and slippers.
The balcony is upgraded as well, with neutral rattan chairs, thick cushions, and a small occasional table. The view is accessed by a sliding glass door next to the sofa chair (which folds out into a single bed).
The Perks of the Haven
What really elevates the Haven experience are the perks that come with it. Some of the most valuable include:
Private Haven Lounge, Restaurant, and Sundeck
Priority embarkation and disembarkation (especially helpful on port days)
Escorted seating for evening shows—either early or right before curtain
Dedicated concierge and butler service
Private elevators and quiet relaxation areas
The ship can feel very crowded, especially during summer sailings. Having a quiet retreat with exceptional service made our cruise feel far more relaxing.
We also want to highlight that the crew throughout the ship, and especially in the Haven, made our trip extra special.
Price Comparison
On a 7-day cruise in June 2026 (Note: prices are subject to change at any time):
Balcony cabins start at $1,589 per person
Club Balcony Suites start at $1,789 per person
Haven Courtyard Penthouse Suites start at $3,619 per person
That means the balcony and club balcony are 50–60% less expensive than the Haven suite. The price difference is significant—but so are the added comforts and perks.
Affiliate Tip: To make any stateroom more functional, we also recommend compression packing cubes and Bonine seasickness medication.
Our Verdict
So, is the Haven upgrade worth it? For us—yes. On a busy summer sailing with over 4,200 passengers, the peace, privacy, and personalized service made a major difference. If it's in your budget, a Haven Courtyard Penthouse Suite is well worth the splurge.
Let us know in the comments what your experience has been with Norwegian Cruise Line cabins, and be sure to check out the video above for a full walk-through.
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