Out of my Comfort Zone -- Jade Advice

[Cindy]

Hi all!

 

I'm a very experienced cruiser (22 and Counting) who has never been on Norwegian. I just put a courtesy hold on a Penthouse on the Jade for November 2016:rolleyes: to take advantage of the great offer of OBC, Ultimate Specialty Dining, and Ultimate Drink Package.

 

I chose cabin 10166, an aft Penthouse. Can anybody who has cruised other lines as well as NCL make some comparisons and give me some tips? We like decent sized balconies, specialty dining, good wine, trivia, and live music, but we're not big on cruise ship pools/hot tubs or really large crowded venues. I used to think it was fun to get all dolled up for dinner in the MDR at 8:30 at night, but these days a dressier top is my idea of fancy and my desired dining hour has changed considerably!!:eek: For this cruise, the ports don't matter...we've been to all the Western Caribbean ports many, many times.

 

Some of our favorite cruise experiences have been the Oasis where we only ate dinner in the MDR once, Celebrity where we had an aft Aqua Class cabin and never had to eat dinner in the MDR at all:), and the view from our aft-wrap suite on the HAL Noordam and our other aft cabins (Oasis and Celebrity). We liked the size/layout of our Oceanview Suites on Carnival, but thought the ships felt crowded and we don't like that there aren't any perks. We've loved all our suites on Royal Caribbean (beautiful and spacious), but I'm not at all opposed to trying new things and my husband and I think the suite perks on NCL look amazing. One thing I do really like to do is make dinner reservations in advance. Does NCL allow that?

 

Can you also tell me the main differences in perks between a suite and a Haven suite? I know the Haven has its own private deck area, but are there other differences?

 

I'm sure I'll have bunches of questions in the next 22:eek: months! Thanks for your help and patience with a newbie!

[jackson bernard]

Hi all!

 

I'm a very experienced cruiser (22 and Counting) who has never been on Norwegian. I just put a courtesy hold on a Penthouse on the Jade for November 2016:rolleyes: to take advantage of the great offer of OBC, Ultimate Specialty Dining, and Ultimate Drink Package.

 

I chose cabin 10166, an aft Penthouse. Can anybody who has cruised other lines as well as NCL make some comparisons and give me some tips? We like decent sized balconies, specialty dining, good wine, trivia, and live music, but we're not big on cruise ship pools/hot tubs or really large crowded venues. I used to think it was fun to get all dolled up for dinner in the MDR at 8:30 at night, but these days a dressier top is my idea of fancy and my desired dining hour has changed considerably!!:eek: For this cruise, the ports don't matter...we've been to all the Western Caribbean ports many, many times.

 

Some of our favorite cruise experiences have been the Oasis where we only ate dinner in the MDR once, Celebrity where we had an aft Aqua Class cabin and never had to eat dinner in the MDR at all:), and the view from our aft-wrap suite on the HAL Noordam and our other aft cabins (Oasis and Celebrity). We liked the size/layout of our Oceanview Suites on Carnival, but thought the ships felt crowded and we don't like that there aren't any perks. We've loved all our suites on Royal Caribbean (beautiful and spacious), but I'm not at all opposed to trying new things and my husband and I think the suite perks on NCL look amazing. One thing I do really like to do is make dinner reservations in advance. Does NCL allow that?

 

Can you also tell me the main differences in perks between a suite and a Haven suite? I know the Haven has its own private deck area, but are there other differences?

 

I'm sure I'll have bunches of questions in the next 22:eek: months! Thanks for your help and patience with a newbie!

The butler will drop off a plate of macaroons one night. They are delicious, like having a party in your mouth. Enjoy!

[Zimomiller]

Hi all!

 

I'm a very experienced cruiser (22 and Counting) who has never been on Norwegian. I just put a courtesy hold on a Penthouse on the Jade for November 2016:rolleyes: to take advantage of the great offer of OBC, Ultimate Specialty Dining, and Ultimate Drink Package.

 

GREAT DEAL, WE HAVE JUST MADE BOOKING AND HOLDS FOR 2 CRUISES TO GET THIS SAME DEAL.

 

I chose cabin 10166, an aft Penthouse.

 

THIS IS A TERRIFIC LOCATION AND SUITE. WE SAILED THE JADE FOR 2 WEEKS A FEW YEARS AGO IN AN AFT FACING CABIN NEXT DOOR (10168) TO THE SUITE YOU HAVE CHOSEN. WE SAILED IN A SIMILAR SUITE ON THE JEWEL. VERY QUIET, LARGE BALCONY, PLENTY OF ROOM. YOU WILL LOVE IT AND THE VIEW.

 

YES THE JADE HAS A HAVEN AREA BUT MY ANALYSIS HAS TOLD ME THAT YOU PAY TOO MUCH MORE FOR A PRIVATE SMALL POOL AND COURTYARD, SMALL BALCONY BUT YOU DO GET SOME MINOR ADDTL HAVEN PERKS. GIVEN THE CHOICE I WOULD HAVE CHOSEN 10164 OR THE SAME AFT FACING PH SUITE THAT YOU DID. YOU STILL HAVE A BUTLER AND CONCIERGE

 

Can anybody who has cruised other lines as well as NCL make some comparisons and give me some tips? We like decent sized balconies, specialty dining, good wine, trivia, and live music, but we're not big on cruise ship pools/hot tubs or really large crowded venues. I used to think it was fun to get all dolled up for dinner in the MDR at 8:30 at night, but these days a dressier top is my idea of fancy and my desired dining hour has changed considerably!!:eek: For this cruise, the ports don't matter...we've been to all the Western Caribbean ports many, many times.

 

OUR APPROACH TO CRUISING HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND OUR FOCUS IS ON THE SHIP AS THE DESTINATION. ON OUR LAST CRUISE WE ONLY GOT OFF AT 1 PORT AND THAT WAS TO VISIT FRIENDS WE HAVE ON ST MAARTEN.

 

IN OUR OPINION, THE SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS ON NCL ARE VERY GOOD. WE HAVE NOT EATEN IN A MDR IN MANY YEARS. THE BEST ON THE JADE ARE LE BISTRO, TEPPENYAKI AND CAGNEY'S. THE MDRS HAVE ALL LOST THEIR APPEAL. BACK IN THE 80S THE MDRS WERE ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE CURRENT SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS

 

OUR CRUISE HISTORY HAS TAKEN US TO SEVERAL OTHER LINES BUT WE HAVE FOUND THAT THE PRODUCT/EXPERIENCE ON NCL TO BE BETTER IN THE SUITES COMPARED TO THE OTHERS.

 

Some of our favorite cruise experiences have been the Oasis where we only ate dinner in the MDR once, Celebrity where we had an aft Aqua Class cabin and never had to eat dinner in the MDR at all:)

 

WITH YOUR DINING PACKAGE ON THE JADE, YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE MDRS WITH THE CHOICES YOU HAVE.

 

, and the view from our aft-wrap suite on the HAL Noordam and our other aft cabins (Oasis and Celebrity). We liked the size/layout of our Oceanview Suites on Carnival, but thought the ships felt crowded and we don't like that there aren't any perks. We've loved all our suites on Royal Caribbean (beautiful and spacious), but I'm not at all opposed to trying new things and my husband and I think the suite perks on NCL look amazing.

 

WE HAVE SAILED IN GRAND SUITES ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND THE NCL SUITE EXPERIENCE IS BETTER.

 

ONE OF THE BEST SUITE PERKS IS THE ABILTY FOR SUITE GUESTS TO HAVE THEIR OWN PRIVATE DINING ROOM FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IN CAGNEY'S. MUCH BETTER SERVICE, FOOD AND NO CROWDS

 

One thing I do really like to do is make dinner reservations in advance. Does NCL allow that?

 

YES. THAT SAID, WITH THE CONCIERGE PERK I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. 1 CAUTION, TEPPENYAKI IS THE SMALLEST VENUE AND GETTING ADVANCE RESSIES IS A MUST

 

Can you also tell me the main differences in perks between a suite and a Haven suite? I know the Haven has its own private deck area, but are there other differences?

 

THERE IS THE ACCESS TO THE PRIVATE COURTYARD AND POOL, A COUPLE INVITATIONS TO HAVEN EXCLUSIVE EVENTS.

 

READ THIS THREAD, IT MAY HELP

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2098048&highlight=haven+perks

 

I'm sure I'll have bunches of questions in the next 22:eek: months! Thanks for your help and patience with a newbie!

 

 

 

See my comments IN CAPS after yours in the quote above.

[Cindy]

See my comments IN CAPS after yours in the quote above.

 

Thank you so much! It sounds like I have a lot to look forward to!

[garycarla]

Many of the "suites" are really large rooms. Nice, but many do not have a door between the living area and bedroom area. They also have 2 BR penthouses that have a separate living/dining room that is closed off from the BR. A big plus if you have different sleeping schedules.

 

All of the cabins in the Jade class ships have the same setup, except there are two that do not have that 2nd BR, plus the garden villa suites of course.

[SuiteTraveler]

Penthouses on the Jade have a curtain between the living room and bedroom area. They have a deep balcony. I've been on Jade twice - in The Haven Courtyard Penthouse - OMG - it was FANTASTIC and then in the Owner's Suite - also FANTASTIC.

 

Jade is a smaller ship. Not too overwhelming. You will be escorted to your suite on embarkation where you will find champagne and flowers waiting for you. There will be a fruit bowl, replenished daily by your butler. The butler will bring you daily afternoon snacks, BUT, if you want something different, just tell him and he will bring that too! I asked for tea sandwiches and a fruit and cheese plate and my butler would bring that daily without fail. The butler will also bring room service - if you have an early morning tour - before Cagney's opens, place your order with your butler the night before. As to reservations for dinner - you can place those online or through the concierge when you board. There is a Lavazza coffee maker in your suite and your TV comes with a DVD player - bring whatever you want to watch from home! You never have to dress up and not only can you get room service, wine and cocktails from MDR, but you can also get stuff from the specialty restaurants. You can wear your PJ's and have escargot, lamb and chocolate fondue from Le Bistro in your Penthouse if you want to avoid going out to eat that night. It's heavenly! Your butler is responsible for room service, concierge for reservations - dinner, tours, and also will walk you off the ship at the end if you choose to disembark early with your own luggage.

 

I really can't say enough good things about the NCL Jade suite experience. It's just fantastic. I've also done suites on the NCL Epic and it was similarly great! I've been in suites on Celebrity, RCCL and NCL. Without question, NCL does suites better than any of these lines.

Edited January 18, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[Turtles06]

Hi Cindy, nice to see you over here on the NCL board! We've sailed five times on NLC, as well as on Celebrity (among other lines). To date, the only suite we've ever had was on the Jade; it was 10666, the port side equivalent of your 10166. It was a Med cruise and we had a great time. Attached are some photos of the suite. The balcony is huge and you'll love it. And the "suite life" on NCL is quite special. Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's are terrific, and since you'll have the UDP, you don't have to eat in the MDR if you don't want to.

 

In case you don't know it, the Jade started out life for NCL as the Pride of Hawaii, cruising around the 50th state. When that market shrunk, NCL moved the Jade to Europe and has just brought her back to the states. When we were on her in the Med five years ago, she was still decked out in Hawaiian design (NCL was holding out hope of bringing her back to Hawaii), pretty loud colors and with a huge statue of King Kamehameha in the MDR. It was quite odd (funny) to see in Europe. No idea whether the ship has been redecorated since.

 

You've gotten lots of great info above; happy to answer other questions.

 

 

 

(photos by turtles06)

[bonvoyagie]

We were in the same room on the Pearl. It has a wonderful large balcony - enough for two loungers a chair and table. The inside of the room is indeed one big room - you can curtain off the bed from the rest of the room, but there is not all that much room to move around, the couch will hold one person and there is also a padded chair. The table is rather small - ok for two but not much more. The bathroom is adequate for two and the dressing area is OK. These suites do not have Haven access (deck 14) but sill get the perk of being able to eat breakfast and lunch in Cagney's - you can also have your butler deliver your meals to your suite.

 

As for "formal" nights there is usually one/7 day cruise. Only one of the two MDRs is used for this. There is no enforcement of the dressing up part, but if you don't want to stick out you can either use the other MDR or the Buffett, or room service. On the specialty restaurants Le Bistro is the only one that has a dress code - there is usually nothing more than resort casual - again being in a suite you can order food from Le Bistro and have it delivered to your suite and dine in your bathrobes if you like. Cruises to Bermuda also allow Bermuda shorts in the MDRs - otherwise the preferred dress in the MDRs is nice pants (no holes or tears) and a collard shirt (I have seen tee shirts on kids but it is frowned on. I have also seen teens refused entry if they are in shorts.

 

The actual dining options very from ship to ship - I suggest that you look on the NCL web site and look at what is available for dining on the Jade.

 

Most of all sit back and enjoy your cruise.

[Iluvcruising2]

I would recommend that you read this thread which I started -

 

"Royal Diamond tries NCL and loved it"

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2139442

 

We tried the 2 bedroom penthouse suite on NCL Jade in Dec 2014. It was awesome. Just two videos to whet your appetite.

 

Tour of our cabin. We squeezed in 6 pax!

[YOUTUBE]POIy0VzgXGw[/YOUTUBE]

 

The Cagney's perk was fantastic. Suite passengers can have breakfast and lunch at Cagney's every day.

[YOUTUBE]jgLddY6LzvQ[/YOUTUBE]

[Cindy]

Thanks, everybody! I know it's a long way off, but I really am looking forward to trying something different.

 

I realize the suite will not be super large and is only one room, but I think with a big balcony we'll be fine. We did 12 nights in Europe in a regular balcony cabin, albeit one with a huge balcony. The only time we've had a separate bedroom was in our totally awesome 2 bedroom Aqua Theater Suite on the Oasis, and truthfully two bedrooms for just two people was a bit of overkill, even if it was nice to banish my husband to his own bathroom and "dressing room!":D

 

I'll keep reading and trying to pick up tips.

 

Turtles06 -- It's good to "see" you again, and thanks for the pictures. Yes, I noticed the colors are a little bright, but I suppose I'll adjust!:rolleyes:

[my_crib_too]

Welcome to NCL, you will fit right in. With all the packages and great suite, you are going to have fun.

[AF-1]

Hello Cindy, I am new to NCL too. My wife and will be sailing Jade for 14 nights in May. We have booked 10666 aka Turtles suite. We chose this penthouse because other people who've sailed Jade say deck 10 aft has the largest balconies on the ship. So I will post pics and cruise review from Europe. You will be able to follow along. We cruise May 9-23. Just from looking at the pictures suite 10666 looks about the size of a RCI junior suite, plus a huge balcony and a butler. I've been told the aft balcony cabins sell out first on all NCL ships. We have only sailed RCI on all size ships. We have been in grand and owner suites. We chose NCL for the itinerary and freestyle(no jacket required).

[Debde]

Made mine official today Cindy!! :D

[Cindy]

Made mine official today Cindy!! :D

 

 

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts!

[Cindy]

Made mine official today Cindy!! :D

 

 

Sorry...somehow I posted that twice.:o

Edited January 21, 2015 by Cindy

[Debde]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts!

 

Although I have to wait until December as we already had land stuff going on, I sure will report. The more I investigate NCL, the more I'm starting to like it!!!

[Cindy]

Although I have to wait until December as we already had land stuff going on, I sure will report. The more I investigate NCL, the more I'm starting to like it!!!

 

I love the suite perks (we booked an aft Penthouse, not the Haven), and the way the Ultimate Drinks/Dining packages will make it feel all inclusive.:D I already know from reading and pictures that the suite itself will be a lot smaller than what I'm used to, but I think I'm OK with that since our balcony is big enough for 2 loungers. Of course, since our last cruise was on the Oasis in an ATS for 2 people, there's no where to go but smaller!:rolleyes: Before the Jade cruise I have 2 RCI Grand Suites and 15 nights in a Celebrity Aqua Class cabin, so I'll be downsizing anyway! Actually, the PH on Jade will probably seem huge in comparison to the AQ cabin!:eek:

[AF-1]

Cindy, I think you will be happy with your aft penthouse suite. The fact that you have a butler to cater to you will help. You already are have used the concierge on different lines; so the addition of a butler will be nice. The balcony on your suite looks great.

[Turtles06]

Before the Jade cruise I have 2 RCI Grand Suites and 15 nights in a Celebrity Aqua Class cabin, so I'll be downsizing anyway! Actually, the PH on Jade will probably seem huge in comparison to the AQ cabin!:eek:

 

For sure the SF on the Jade will be quite large in comparison to an AQ cabin on Celebrity. Also, I'm not sure what folks are complaining about here. For two people, the SF is a really good size. In addition to the aft-part of the suite that you see in my photo, there's a coffee/bar station, a dressing table, a nice bathroom, and the closet. And the HUGE balcony. :)

[Debde]

Seems like your set with good things coming up Cindy!! We head to Atlantis in a few days so now we're off on land based stuff!!

 

Iluvcruising2-loved your video's. Especially the 'after we lived in it' part !!! :)

[AF-1]

For sure the SF on the Jade will be quite large in comparison to an AQ cabin on Celebrity. Also, I'm not sure what folks are complaining about here. For two people, the SF is a really good size. In addition to the aft-part of the suite that you see in my photo, there's a coffee/bar station, a dressing table, a nice bathroom, and the closet. And the HUGE balcony. :)

 

Turtles06, thanks for your pictures; that's the same suite I will be in on my May cruise. It looks great to me. How was the ride back there? Never been in aft balcony, so I wanted to try it; I don't get seasick; so motion is not a problem.

[Turtles06]

Turtles06, thanks for your pictures; that's the same suite I will be in on my May cruise. It looks great to me. How was the ride back there? Never been in aft balcony, so I wanted to try it; I don't get seasick; so motion is not a problem.

 

If the ship is pitching a lot, you will of course feel more movement in the bow and the stern that you would in the middle of the ship. If motion isn't a problem for you, then this won't bother you. We had a couple of days of pretty rough seas (this was in the Med in the middle of the winter), and my spouse, who does get seasick, was feeling it. But so was most of the ship. I don't get seasick and I actually enjoy the "motion of the ocean," but I know I'm the minority there. :p

 

I think the ride is fine in the stern.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Cindy]

Turtles06, thanks for your pictures; that's the same suite I will be in on my May cruise. It looks great to me. How was the ride back there? Never been in aft balcony, so I wanted to try it; I don't get seasick; so motion is not a problem.

 

Not Turtles06:o, but I have to tell you I LOVE aft balconies. In my opinion, the view is just breathtaking...

 

 

 

 

 

[AF-1]

Cindy, those were takn from your aft balcony?

[Cindy]

Cindy, those were takn from your aft balcony?

 

 

Yes, on three different ships -- Celebrity Constellation, HAL Noordam, and Oasis of the Seas. Those are the three aft cabins we've had so far.