NCL Jewel/Pearl SE Suite vs HAL Neptune Suites....Comparison

[hawgwildterry]

We have cruised in the HAL Neptune Suites and are now booked in a Penthouse SE Suite on the NCL Jewel. Can anyone give a comparison as to sizes, pros & cons? I know we will really miss the Neptune Lounge that HAL offers.

 

Thank you ahead of time for your constructive replies.

[cdnsteelman]

We sailed in a Jade SE (still Jewel Class) and HAL Neptune on the Ryndam (and the Pinnacle on the Rotterdam but that's a whole different story). Interior space about equal but totally different configuration. The SE balcony is MASSIVE and on the bow while the Neptune balcony was a good size too (I'd guess at ~30 per cent smaller than the SE) but off a side.

 

We love the bow and the Jewel class bow shape acts as a natural wind scoop and shelter.

 

While the Neptune lounge is a nice perq, in every other way imaginable the suite life on NCL is substantially better. If you have specific questions, fire away.

 

Happy cruising all,

csm

[SuiteTraveler]

NCL Jewel SE is a penthouse with a large balcony. It will be around 489 sq ft. Here is a tour:

 

You can close the curtains around the bed to make a separate bedroom and sitting area - nice if one of you is an early riser. Your perks will include:

Shoreside:

VIP check in and VIP lounge

Personal escort onboard the ship to your suite.

Welcome aboard flower arrangement

Welcome aboard sparkling wine and a large bottle of water.

Butler Service (pillow menu, room service, dvd menu)

Concierge Service (shore excursions, dining reservations, show reservations)

Cabin steward (usually the best onboard for suites)

Upgraded toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash

Lavazza coffee maker

Breakfast and lunch for suite guests in Cagney's

Free room service from MDR and buffet and Suite breakfast and lunch menus and the ability to order room service from specialty restaurants (get menus from the concierge - specialty restaurants do insure a fee for suite guests)

Invitation to special cocktail and hors d'ouerve's party in The Haven with the ship's officers.

DVD player in your cabin and you can order dvd's off the menu through your butler.

Binoculars (usually well worn - I would bring my own.)

Large balcony with lounge chairs.

Priority tendering

Priority self-disembarkation (you can be among the first 20 or so off the ship which enables you to catch an early flight home if desired.)

 

All in all these are nice suites. Where they are different from a Neptune suite is the bathroom is just the normal ship bathroom with 3 compartments: tub/shower combination with a glass door, sink in the middle and toilet on the other side with a sliding glass door. The bathrooms in this suite don't wow me - I much prefer the The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony - there are 2 one bedroom suites 14014 and 14514. You might see if you can upgrade to that without losing your perks, because it is significantly better than a Neptune Suite. This video is of the 2 bedroom Family suite, but minus the extra bedroom, The Haven Courtyard 1 bedroom penthouses are identical to this suite with the huge bathroom and nice living/dining room. You get a smaller balcony, but since you are in The Haven, you have the whole Haven Sundeck - which is gigantic and also the entire Haven pool area to hang out in which is very special:

 

I agree with cdnsteelman that suite life on NCL is far superior to HAL in every way. NCL has really spoiled me for other cruise lines suite experience, it is just so drastically better.

Edited February 5, 2016 by SuiteTraveler

[hawgwildterry]

Perfect.....two well detailed replies to my question. Now to see the expression on my wife's face when we start embarkation and get escorted aboard. She thinks we are doing a mid-ship balcony. :)

 

I just checked the availability of 14014 & 14514, they are both booked for our cruise date in June. At least it was worth checking on. Thank you for the suggestion.

Edited February 5, 2016 by hawgwildterry

[MoyCoy]

NCL Jewel SE is a penthouse with a large balcony. It will be around 489 sq ft. Here is a tour:

 

You can close the curtains around the bed to make a separate bedroom and sitting area - nice if one of you is an early riser. Your perks will include:

Shoreside:

VIP check in and VIP lounge

Personal escort onboard the ship to your suite.

Welcome aboard flower arrangement

Welcome aboard sparkling wine and a large bottle of water.

Butler Service (pillow menu, room service, dvd menu)

Concierge Service (shore excursions, dining reservations, show reservations)

Cabin steward (usually the best onboard for suites)

Upgraded toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash

Lavazza coffee maker

Breakfast and lunch for suite guests in Cagney's

Free room service from MDR and buffet and Suite breakfast and lunch menus and the ability to order room service from specialty restaurants (get menus from the concierge - specialty restaurants do insure a fee for suite guests)

Invitation to special cocktail and hors d'ouerve's party in The Haven with the ship's officers.

DVD player in your cabin and you can order dvd's off the menu through your butler.

Binoculars (usually well worn - I would bring my own.)

Large balcony with lounge chairs.

Priority tendering

Priority self-disembarkation (you can be among the first 20 or so off the ship which enables you to catch an early flight home if desired.)

 

All in all these are nice suites. Where they are different from a Neptune suite is the bathroom is just the normal ship bathroom with 3 compartments: tub/shower combination with a glass door, sink in the middle and toilet on the other side with a sliding glass door. The bathrooms in this suite don't wow me - I much prefer the The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony - there are 2 one bedroom suites 14014 and 14514. You might see if you can upgrade to that without losing your perks, because it is significantly better than a Neptune Suite. This video is of the 2 bedroom Family suite, but minus the extra bedroom, The Haven Courtyard 1 bedroom penthouses are identical to this suite with the huge bathroom and nice living/dining room. You get a smaller balcony, but since you are in The Haven, you have the whole Haven Sundeck - which is gigantic and also the entire Haven pool area to hang out in which is very special:

 

I agree with cdnsteelman that suite life on NCL is far superior to HAL in every way. NCL has really spoiled me for other cruise lines suite experience, it is just so drastically better.

 

We are sailing in our first Haven in Oct (Forward Penthouse) We are Celebrity /RCL regulars . I enjoyed a CS on the Eclipse last year. I wonder how RCL/Celebrity will NOW compare to NCL since their new Suite enhancements were installed i.e. new suite dedicated restaurant , etc.

We just want to see if it is as good as many have said. I now regret not booking a room in the Haven:cool: