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Cruising in the Haven on Norwegian

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      Norwegian's Haven is a "Ship within a Ship" concept that allows people to experience small ship luxury while also having access to large ship amenities. Fewer people and exclusive areas allow people to truly experience Norwegian's "Freestyle" cruising.  There's always a lounger by the pool, a cozy chair in the Observation Lounge, or a table in the restaurant when you're ready for them, no camping out or reservations required.      The suite rooms are located both within the Haven and on other decks, but all have access to the special Haven common areas.  On the Norwegian Joy these include the Haven Lounge, Restaurant, Library, Observation Lounge, indoor pool area, and sun deck.   There are a limited number of Haven rooms and only passengers in those rooms may enter the Haven common areas, making them quieter with much more availability.  In order to use a lounge chair by the main pool on just about any mainline cruise ship you have to be up pre

Carnival Cruises with Special Diets

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      In my opinion, cruising is the easiest way to travel when you have a special diet, and Carnival did not disappoint.  What's important, though, is knowing the best way to navigate dining with a special diet, so I'm here to give you the 411.     Most cruise lines request that you inform them of your dietary needs before the cruise, but Carnival does not.  What they do ask you to do is inform each server you work with about any allergies or special diets.  Their special needs website ( Facilities & Services for Guests with Disabilities | Carnival   > Guests with Dietary Needs) talks about a system called Menu Mate.  I never saw anything like this onboard, nor was it offered to me, but perhaps the crew uses it to figure out what is safe to offer.       Carnival is able to customize many of the menu options for different diets, but they need the request to be put in the day before so you will need to order something off the regular menu the first day.  Thankfully they h