A Day at Epic Universe: 5 Insider Tips to Maximize the Magic
If you're planning a trip to Epic Universe, you're in for an incredible adventure. With immersive la...
Independent Travel Agent
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After years of helping clients plan unforgettable cruises, I finally experienced Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, and stayed in The Haven—specifically, cabin 14822. As a travel agent and a frequent cruiser, I had high expectations. I’m thrilled to say The Haven exceeded every one of them. Here’s my honest, positive review for anyone considering this exclusive “ship within a ship” experience.
First Impressions: Effortless Luxury from the Start
From the moment I arrived at the port, The Haven experience was apparent. Priority embarkation whisked me past the crowds, and I was personally escorted onboard. The dedicated concierge and butler team greeted me with genuine warmth, setting the tone for a week of personalized service and relaxation.
The Suite: Spacious, Modern, and Thoughtfully Designed
Cabin 14822 is a true sanctuary. The modern design balances comfort with style—plush bedding, a pillow menu, L’Occitane bath products, and a tranquil color palette. The suite’s layout maximized space, with a king-sized bed, a spacious living area, and a bathroom that rivaled luxury hotels. Storage was ample, with plenty of room for luggage under the bed and in the closets.
The balcony was a highlight—furnished with comfortable wicker chairs and a table, perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. Every evening, my butler delivered treats and replenished the fruit bowl, and I loved the Nespresso machine for a quick pick-me-up.
Exclusive Haven Spaces: Your Private Oasis
The Haven’s private areas are truly what set it apart:
The Haven Lounge: A serene spot to relax, read, or enjoy a cocktail. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the staff quickly learned my preferences, making every visit feel personal.
The Haven Restaurant: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offered a consistently excellent menu. The French press coffee at breakfast and the surf-and-turf at dinner were standouts. While the menu doesn’t change daily, the quality and service made every meal a pleasure.
The Sundeck & Infinity Pool: Two levels of exclusive outdoor space, with plush loungers, day beds, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the aft, and hot tubs. It was never crowded, always tranquil, and the servers were attentive without being intrusive.
Private Bar: Expertly crafted cocktails and a friendly, social atmosphere—perfect for meeting fellow Haven guests or unwinding after a day ashore.
Service: Above and Beyond
The Haven’s staff are the true stars. The butler and concierge made every request effortless, from securing prime dining reservations to arranging in-suite specialty dining. Snacks and drinks appeared just when I wanted them, and the team handled every detail—from laundry to shore excursion advice—with professionalism and a smile.
Perks & Amenities: Small Touches, Big Impact
Priority embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering
Complimentary in-suite movies and room service
Welcome bottle of bubbly and daily treats
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Mobile phone for onboard use
Priority seating at entertainment venues
Who Should Book The Haven?
The Haven is ideal for anyone seeking a more private, pampered cruise experience—families, couples, or solo travelers who want the amenities of a large ship with the intimacy and service of a boutique hotel. Whether you want to relax in exclusive spaces, enjoy gourmet dining, or have every detail handled by attentive staff, The Haven delivers.
Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny
Staying in The Haven on Norwegian Aqua was a game-changer. The combination of luxury, privacy, and personalized service made my cruise unforgettable. If you’re considering The Haven, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment for a truly elevated vacation at sea.
If you have questions or want to book your own Haven experience, reach out—I’d love to help you plan a cruise you’ll never forget!
Ready to experience The Haven for yourself? Contact me today for exclusive offers and expert advice!
Hi! I’m Ashley, an Independent Luxury Travel Agent with Vincent Vacations. I love exploring the world with my husband and our two daughters. We love finding fun tours, amazing food and seeing all the views! Traveling the world and experience different countries first hand is truly a passion. I love to share the knowledge I gain with my clients to make it the planning process easier and their time abroad more enjoyable. Whether you want to roam your new favorite city, relax on a beach or discover the adventure of a lifetime, I would love to help you with your next adventure. ... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Kacey & Family | Travelled to Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, Japan
'Ashley was very responsive and helpful. Quick to respond even while she's on vacation herself. Did a great job tailoring our vacation to our exact preferences. Would absolute recommend and will be using again in the future.'
Shawna & Terrance | Travelled to San Juan, Puerto Rico
'Ashley Tweedy is a wonderful agent, this was my first time using her services ! Me and my husband had a great vacation in San Juan with amazing accommodations! We will continue to use her for our travel needs☺️'
Cynthia & Family | Travelled to London, England & Dubrovnik, Croatia
'Our family of 4 just returned from a trip to London and Dubrovnik. Ashley Tweedy assisted with booking hotel rooms, airport transfers and tours as we had already booked our flights. Ashley was very prompt and interactive in answering questions we had about accommodations with specifics regarding accessibility. We had two separate parties going and she was also able to handle payments from multiple sources.
One of the things that I liked best was an app that she provided with our flight schedule, hotel rooms, tours and any type of confirmation number. It was so handy for all to refer to on a daily basis to see what we were doing next! We were also able to share this information with family and friends back home!
Ashley also gave us her cell number to call at any time if there were any issues.
We hadn't traveled in quite some time and Ashley helped make my bucket list vacation dreams come true! If you are in need of any assistance with travel, I highly recommend Ashley Tweedy with Vincent Vacations!'
5/14If you're planning a trip to Epic Universe, you're in for an incredible adventure. With immersive la...
If you're planning a trip to Epic Universe, you're in for an incredible adventure. With immersive lands, thrilling rides, and jaw-dropping theming, this park is Universal’s latest and boldest step forward. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to get caught off guard by long lines, hidden secrets, and the blazing sun. That’s why I’ve put together some essential tips from my visit to help you navigate your day like a pro.
1. Express Pass Hack: Skip Guest Services
Looking to buy an Epic Universe Express Pass once inside the park? Skip Guest Services (located on the right side as you enter) and head to the Stroller Rentals desk on the left instead. Most guests go straight to Guest Services, resulting in long waits. The Stroller Rentals counter is a hidden gem where you can purchase an Express Pass faster and with less stress.
2. Toothless Fans, Time It Right
You will definitely want to meet Toothless, the lovable dragon from How to Train Your Dragon. Be aware, though: they close the line the same number of minutes before park closing as the current wait time. For example, if the wait is 60 minutes, they’ll close the line 60 minutes before the park closes. Plan accordingly—get there earlier in the day if you don’t want to miss out! If you're lucky, you may just get to meet Hiccup & Astrid too!
3. Escape the Heat in the Mario Kart & the Ministry of Magic
Some of the queues aren’t just a line— they are a sanctuary. With icy-cold air conditioning and incredible detail to explore, it’s the perfect place to cool off and marvel at the magical world around you.
Not able to snag a Virtual Queue for Ministry of Magic? Ask the attendant at the start of the queue if you can pop through the Metro Floo to sneak a peak at the gorgeous atrium of the Ministry. Even if the line looks long, it's worth checking out just to get a break from the sun. And speaking of sun…
4. Very Little Shade: Hydration is Key
There’s no sugarcoating this one—shade is hard to find outside of ride queues. Florida sun can be brutal, especially midday. Be sure to HYDRATE CONSTANTLY. The good news? You can fill your water bottles for free at the Freestyle Machines (those self-serve Coca-Cola stations) that are scattered around the park. Just walk up and push the water button!
Bonus tip: Some lands feature specialty flavored sodas exclusive to that area—so if you're a soda aficionado, it's worth exploring. Just note: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter doesn’t have Freestyle Machines, just like the original parks. They stick to their immersive theming—so grab your frozen butterbeer instead!
5. Use Ride Time Alerts to Skip Long Waits
Want to minimize your time in line without purchasing an Express Pass? Set up a ride time alert in the Universal App for a notifications for when your favorite rides drop to shorter wait times. This is a game-changer for experiencing more attractions with less time standing in line.
Final Thoughts: Come Prepared
Epic Universe lives up to the hype, but smart planning makes all the difference. Dress for the heat, wear sunscreen, plan meal breaks strategically, and use these insider tips to beat the crowds (and the sun). From magical ministry halls to dragon encounters, your day will be packed with wonder—you just might need a nap after.
Quick Recap:
4/25Looking for the ultimate Fiji island escape? Let us introduce you to Castaway Island Resort Fiji—a p...
Looking for the ultimate Fiji island escape? Let us introduce you to Castaway Island Resort Fiji—a private island paradise just a 45-minute boat ride from Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. Nestled in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, this luxury Fiji resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and genuine Fijian hospitality.
Welcome to Your Own Private Island in Fiji
Castaway Island is home to just one resort, so from the moment you step off the boat, you’re welcomed not just with a song, but with open arms. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family-friendly resort in Fiji, or a solo retreat to reconnect with nature, Castaway ticks every box. 
Stay in a traditional Fijian bure—each one standalone and either oceanfront, ocean view, or garden view—offering you privacy, comfort, and an authentic island experience. With limited WiFi (available in the main restaurant or for an extra charge in rooms), it’s a true digital detox and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Fiji.
Fiji Resort Amenities with Island Charm
This private island resort in Fiji features: 
4/24When Matt and I visited Paris in 2019, we hit all the major sights. So this time around, we wanted t...
When Matt and I visited Paris in 2019, we hit all the major sights. So this time around, we wanted to focus on creating an experience our girls would love—mixing culture, food, fun, and a little bit of magic. I had dreams of a relaxed Parisian escape with my daughters, but in reality, we walked 29 miles over two full days. The surprising part? It didn’t feel rushed. It felt like wandering, which is my favorite way to experience any European city.
Here’s how we made the most of a short trip to Paris—with kids in tow—and some tips that helped make it a smooth and memorable adventure.
Day 1: Art, Palaces & Eiffel Tower Sparkles 
Day 2: Cathedrals, Culture, Macarons & Butter
Paris & Nice
London, Cotswolds & Bury St Edmonds
Dublin, Church Bay, Killarney, Dingle, Dunquin Pier, and Cliffs of Moher.
Düsseldorf & Cologne
Brussels & Brugge
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