“Ship within a ship”: 4500-euro cabin on a cruise ship resembles a luxury villa

The "Norwegian Aqua" offers a new level of cruise luxury. Only 123 of the 1,387 cabins belong to the exclusive "Haven" class. The operator, Norwegian Cruise Lines, has created this separate area specifically for particularly wealthy passengers.

The largest "Haven" cabins, with up to 620 square meters and three bedrooms, are more reminiscent of a luxury villa. But even this mega-luxury hardly matches the standards of the world's most expensive cruise .

The "Haven" penthouse, which a Business Insider reporter tested, is a smaller size. According to the report, the standout feature of these cabins is the additional space and comfort. They are equipped with a butler, concierge service, a private lounge, a restaurant, and their own pool deck—it's like a "ship within a ship."

The Penthouse with Balcony measures 38.8 square meters and offers a 12.5 square meter balcony. Business Insider reports that the balcony cabin, at $5,020 per person (€4,497), is the most affordable option in the exclusive area. It costs over $3,000 more than the standard option. In return, guests in the penthouse get a cruise-style cabin that feels "more like a boutique hotel."

With this concept, the provider combines two current trends in the cruise industry . According to cruise expert Wolfgang Meyer-Hentrich, shipping companies are currently focusing on mass or exclusivity. The exclusive area on the cruise ship, which is licensed for 4,482 people, offers well-off guests a retreat from the crowds.

According to Norwegian Cruise Lines, the "Haven" areas are located at the very top of the cruise line's ships. Guests enjoy priority treatment during embarkation and disembarkation and seat reservations in the public restaurants. However, there are, of course, exclusive dining options, a lounge, and a wellness area to which no one else has access.

The staff provides cold towels, fresh fruit, and soft drinks. A cocktail party with ship officers also takes place in the private haven. The suites offer a few extras, such as welcome champagne and complimentary movies and TV shows.

• Largest cruise ship : The Icon of the Seas cruise ship is the largest in the world, measuring over 360 meters in length. It was built at the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku and features 2,805 cabins spread across 20 decks. Royal Caribbean reports a crew of 2,350 people operating the ship.
• First cruise : The "Auguste Victoria" made its first cruise on January 22, 1891. The ship was 145 meters long and 17 meters wide and departed from Cuxhaven with 241 passengers. According to the "Hamburger Abendblatt," the voyage lasted 56 days and took passengers via England, the Mediterranean, and Syria to Egypt.
• Growth in the cruise market : Revenue in the cruise market is expected to reach approximately 40.4 billion euros by 2025, according to Statista. The market volume is forecast to increase to 48.712 billion euros by 2029.
• Passengers : According to Statista, passenger numbers will also increase. Up to 46.6 million people could book a cruise in 2029. In 2023, there were only 31.7 million bookings.
• German Cruise Hotspot : The Hanseatic City of Hamburg is Germany's leading cruise port. In 2023, over 1.2 million passengers embarked from there, setting a new record.

The " MS Narrative " takes a completely different approach than the absolute luxury of seven days at Haven. Equipped with 530 residences, the ship incorporates the principles of the "Blue Zones" to extend the lifespan of its residents. These regions around the world are known for their longevity and health, thanks to plant-based diets and strong social bonds.

Extensive health and wellness options are offered on board, including anti-aging clinics and fitness facilities. Prices for permanent residences on the exclusive cruise ship start at one million US dollars, or approximately 900,000 euros.