NCL Jade vs Oceania Nautica

[patrinka]

I am looking at the Jade for Nov 22 vs Nautica for same time frame. The itinerary is very similar however the cost on the Nautica is about $2000. more per person with similar perks. I have not been on either line in a while but years ago really enjoyed NCL.

Both ships are older and neither has been refurbished recently (2017) for Jade and Nautica has not yet and not sure that will happen since covid.

For $4000. difference for a couple what are your thoughts? How is the Jade and how is the food? I have read mixed reviews on both ships.

Thanks.

[complawyer]

save the 4k and go with the jade. its a very nice ship. if you can, book a haven suite. you wont regret it.

[patrinka]

Thank you. How was the food? I have read mixed reviews and some said it was average.

 

 

[Treasure Hunter]

We were on the Pearl in Alaska  ( it was old and rusty) and have been on all the R class Oceania ships. They are a totally different product. Oceania food is head and shoulders over NCL except for the Haven  restaurant on the bigger ships. The lamb chops in the Haven on the Bliss were fabulous.  If Entertainment or Casino is important go NCL. If trivia, port intensive, food, an uncrowded feel ( you will always get a lounge at the pool) and service is important , go Oceania. We like both. We like to go out of New York on NCL and the excitement and buzz,  but now we always stay in the Haven. On the Nautica you need to bump up to Penthouse for the same quality,  but try the Marina or Riviera  1,200 passengers. A balcony stateroom is very satisfactory. And the Asian fusion restaurant is amazing.

[patrinka]

Thank you. The itinerary we want is only on the Jade and Nautica.

We will not be reserving the Haven or Penthouse on either.

I know that Oceania is more luxurious but is it worth $4000. more?

We are considering a balcony stateroom on the Jade.

[njhorseman]

34 minutes ago, patrinka said:

Thank you. The itinerary we want is only on the Jade and Nautica.

We will not be reserving the Haven or Penthouse on either.

I know that Oceania is more luxurious but is it worth $4000. more?

We are considering a balcony stateroom on the Jade.

We've taken many cruises on Jade's sister ships, Jewel and Gem. We've also cruised on Nautica's sister ship, Insignia.

 

The balcony cabin bathrooms on Nautica are tiny and the shower is particularly problematic if you're not a fairly small person. The NCL balcony cabin bathrooms are far better.

 

While food overall on Nautica will be better than on the NCL ships, it's not $4,000 better. For a few dollars on NCL you can purchase some extra specialty restaurant meals if the NCL main dining room isn't up to your standards (we find the NCL food to be generally satisfactory).

 

Specialty coffees are complimentary on Oceania, as are bottled water and soft drinks.

 

Entertainment is far better and more varied on NCL.

 

Nautica, with under 700 passengers, will feel less crowded...and it's nice to have a relatively quiet uncrowded pool deck to enjoy on warm sea days.

 

Bottom line...I'd save the $4,000 and take NCL...Oceania, while better, isn't $4,000 better.

[njkate]

23 hours ago, patrinka said:

I am looking at the Jade for Nov 22 vs Nautica for same time frame. The itinerary is very similar however the cost on the Nautica is about $2000. more per person with similar perks. I have not been on either line in a while but years ago really enjoyed NCL.

Both ships are older and neither has been refurbished recently (2017) for Jade and Nautica has not yet and not sure that will happen since covid.

For $4000. difference for a couple what are your thoughts? How is the Jade and how is the food? I have read mixed reviews on both ships.

Thanks.

I can't compare as I've never sailed Oceania, that said The Jade is my favorite ship, it's smaller, the staff is superb. Never once felt crowded or rushed. I also noticed the kid count seems to be less as The Jade doesn't have all the bells and whistles for kids, like go carts, rock climbing etc that NCL's mega ships have. For me it would be a no brainer as that 4K could pay for or be a significant chunk of cash for another cruise.

[BermudaBound2014]

We were on the Jade just after her refurbish and thought they did a very nice job. The strong Hawaiian theme replaced with more neutral muted colors. She's a great traditional ship. Not too big, not too small. Food typical of main stream lines. I'd sail her again in a heartbeat. I know nothing about Oceania for comparison. Enjoy whichever you choose.

[Crazy planning mom]

Agree with the others.  Go on the Jade and get a 3 night dining package.

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Edited December 23, 2020 by Crazy planning mom

[EasyGoingGuy]

Might be useful to you to post your question on the Oceania board. Might get another perspective.

[PTC DAWG]

Food is very subjective..that said, I would hope Oceania is better...unless you have younger kids, then maybe not so much..