They're travel experts who decided to set sail today – and find out if spending more than £13,000 on a luxury cruise is worth it.
The sailors in question are Nicky Kelvineditor-in-chief of the travel site The points guyand former director of Carnival Cruise Matt Mitchamwho packed up their video camera kits and set sail Norwegian Cruise Line newest ship, the Norwegian Viva, and experienced it in two different ways on a trip from Miami to Puerto Rico.
Their images are fascinating.
Matt stayed in a swanky Haven Premier Owner's Suite, which costs from $17,049/£13,320 (plus taxes and fees), then enjoyed a host of paid extras, including the Luxury Vibe Beach Club and Mandara Spa thermal suite.
Nicky stayed in a windowless economy 'cabin', costing from $1,479 (£1,155) per person (excluding fees), and experienced the ship's all-inclusive features, from the Infinity Beach Club to the 'scary' slides of 10 bridges. Read on to find out their verdicts…
BUDGET
Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy in his windowless budget 'cabin'
Nicky's room costs from $1,479 (£1,155) per person (excluding fees)
Nicky told MailOnline Travel his room on the ship was 'basic' but 'comfortable'
Nicky and Matt sailed from Miami to Puerto Rico (above)
Nicky describes the Norwegian Viva in the video as a “fancy hotel.”
Nicky told MailOnline Travel that his room on the ship, which he describes in the video as being like a “posh hotel”, was “basic”, but “comfortable for a budget trip”.
He added: “Overall it was a good way to travel.”
The dining room also impressed.
Nicky said: “The food really blew me away. For an all-inclusive package you got so much, with a variety of great quality food – there was plenty to choose from.
Above, Nicky hangs out by Infinity Beach's stunning infinity pool, open to all guests.
This image shows the lounge chair area at Infinity Beach
Yum, that's the word: Travel expert Nicky said the food 'really blew me away'
“It was also great to receive dining credits, which allowed me to try the fancier side of the menu as well.”
The activities offered to sailors on a budget were also praised.
Nicky's footage shows him having fun sliding down Norwegian Viva's thrilling 'The Rush' and 'The Drop' slides, splashing around at the Infinity Beach club in the stunning infinity pool – which is right at the aboard the ship – and, with Matt, watch the award-winning Beetlejuice The Musical and race around the ship's impressive multi-level go-kart track.
Nicky's footage shows him having fun sliding down Norwegian Viva's thrilling slides, 'The Rush' and 'The Drop' (above).
Norwegian Viva's slides wind across 10 decks of the ship
Nicky said: “There are so many things to do on this ship that you will never get bored. »
Disadvantages ?
Nicky admitted that “while not a necessity for the price”, his room “would have been nicer with a balcony”, and concluded that while his experience was “very pleasant”, he “would love to try the fancier option next time.” .
LUXURY
Above – Matt’s Haven Premier Owner’s Suite, which he described as “so luxurious”
The Owner's Suite includes a living room and three bedrooms and costs from $17,049/£13,320 (plus taxes and fees) per week.
Matt is clearly delighted with his suite's bathroom, which has a hot tub on the balcony.
Matt's comments carry weight, as he has lived aboard a ship – and he said of his owner's suite – which includes a living room, three bedrooms and bathrooms and a balcony with a soaking tub. whirlpool – that he had never seen a cabin. so luxurious.”
Praise indeed.
And the applause multiplied.
He told MailOnline Travel his whole experience was “amazing”, revealing the crew were “amazing and very hospitable”, the food at the exclusive Haven restaurant “exquisite” and the Mandara Spa thermal suite ($339/£264 per person). a highlight of an activity.”
The Luxury Vibe Beach Club, which costs $259 (£200) per person for a seven-day sailing
Matt and Nicky compete on the ship's multi-story go-kart track (two images above)
Matt savors 'exquisite' food at exclusive Haven restaurant
In the video, Matt describes the thermal suite at Mandara Spa as “stunning”, with footage showing him getting a massage and relaxing in a “floating salt pool”.
The Mandara Spa Thermal Suite costs $339 (£264) per person for a seven, eight, nine or 10 day pass
In the video, Matt describes the spa as “breathtaking”, with footage showing him getting a massage, relaxing in a “floating salt pool” and taking an “icy shower”. “I’ll do anything to earn a paycheck,” he jokes.
He also really likes the Galaxy Pavilion entertainment center, which costs $199 (£155) per guest for the trip, $29 (£22) for an hour and $49 (£38) for a day.
And good times were had at the Luxury Vibe Beach Club, which costs $259 (£200) per person for a seven-day sail.
Disadvantages ?
Matt concluded: “This experience had no negative factors for a luxury trip. The cruise had so much to offer.
To see the original video, visit www.youtube.com/watch. To learn more about The Points Guy, visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel.
Galaxy Pavilion entertainment center – $199 (£155) per person for travel, $29 (£22) for one hour, $49 (£38) for one day
The Haven Bar, where the staff shows off their cocktail-making magic
