HAL Suite Life compared to NCL

[downsized]

DW and I have sailed a few times with NCL and always have been in the OS (Owner's Suite). It's a pleasure that although we probably should not afford, it has just been a wonderful experience each and every time. We simply cannot imagine being without the luxury, the space, and the perks.

 

We are now thinking about trying a new line, and since we've seen HAL ships in a few ports, we thiink that we need to give HAL a try.

 

Can any of you give us pros and cons over the OS on NCL as to the suites on HAL?

 

I know that many cruisers can be "cheerleaders' for their favorite cruise line, and I do admit that we have been happy with NCL, but in honesty, it is the only line that we have ever sailed with.

 

Any civil comments, pro or con, will be appreciated.

[travelmatron]

We have only had Penthouse suites on NCL (for HAL people, that's the lowest, not the highest), so this isn't a true comparison since the Owners Suites are nicer. However...

We thought we'd miss the butler, but we don't. When we first saw the Neptune Lounge we were less than impressed. It honestly reminds me of the reception area of our brokerage office. But when we started using it we found that it more than made up for the butler. The phone was almost always answered before the 2nd ring where sometimes we had problems finding our butler when we wanted something. He always got to us, but the concierge responded more quickly. Having a little place to stop by and catch up on the news on TV or pick up a snack was actually more convenient than asking someone to bring something to me, (I could never bring myself to call the butler and ask for a cookie, but I sure could stop by and pick one up).

While we had special suite menus for breakfast on NCL on HAL you can literally order anything in the dining room for breakfast. That's nice. On NCL the butler would bring breakfast room service and set the table with linen. On HAL someone from room service just brings it and puts the tray down at breakfast, for dinner, though, he’ll bring linens and flowers. There are no little pagers for the butler on HAL, but the Neptune Lounge is open from about 7 to 7.

We prefer a wake view cabin and on NCL we loved the balcony that stretched across the back of the ship. On HAL the verandahs (balconies) stretch across the back and wrap around the corner of the wake view suites. The main suites on HAL are mid ship, so should have less motion than those in the front. The suite cabins are very large, but except for the Penthouse suites, they only have one room. So if a separate bedroom is important you should be aware of that.

We found the crew and staff on both lines to be wonderful.

The dinner service is more attractive on HAL. We liked the specialty restaurants better on NCL, but food is so subjective.

There are more entertainment options on NCL, but we've enjoyed the entertainment more on HAL. Again that's a personal preference. We enjoy the classical music after dinner more than a stage production that includes a "living fountain"...our choice.

The liquor policy is much easier to live with on HAL: All the wine and soda you want to bring aboard, and reasonable fees for a bar set up...but if you don't drink that's nothing at all.

I would say that on a whole the passengers on HAL are more seasoned travelers. You can read that as older and more sophisticated if you like. We have found delightful people on every cruise we’ve taken on every line, so I’m not sure that makes much of a difference.

For some reason one our favorite perks may be the free laundry and dry cleaning, and I don't think we've ever paid more than about $20 on NCL.

So for us it's really the little things that make us prefer HAL.

[bob brown]

I have never traveled in a suite, but from what I've learned from carefully studying online info, and from personal experience as a passenger on both lines, I do have some perceptions.....

It seems to me that HAL is a more 'upscale' experience in general than NCL, but on the other hand NCL has those huge Garden Villas that are the most lavish at sea, and they have a 'ship within a ship' area for the other top suites with private decks, pools and now even dining rooms that seem to harken back to the days of separate classes. The passengers do mix in the other common areas of the ship.

Either system has its pros and cons.

[SwissMyst]

My perception would be HAL has a tighter range of overall demographics, because its lower priced cabins are more expensive and its higher priced cabins are less expensive than other ships like NCL would be offering. More cruisers in the middle, with less extremes on both ends of the pricing and attraction scale. This gives HAL ships a different feel.

[knuts1]

we are on the veendam in Jan and we have a BB Varandah. Is this the same as a Mini Suite on NCL?

[taxmantoo]

we are on the veendam in Jan and we have a BB Varandah. Is this the same as a Mini Suite on NCL?

 

Very close to the same thing. Couch on NCL is bit bigger.

[knuts1]

Very close to the same thing. Couch on NCL is bit bigger.

 

 

That is what I thought. Is the balcony any bigger on HAL?

[bob brown]

My perception would be HAL has a tighter range of overall demographics, because its lower priced cabins are more expensive and its higher priced cabins are less expensive than other ships like NCL would be offering. More cruisers in the middle, with less extremes on both ends of the pricing and attraction scale. This gives HAL ships a different feel.

Yes, this is the feeling that I get. It feels more homogenous on HAL...everyone belongs together, sort of. On NCL, it is like the "Haves", and the "Have Nots". They don't have fences to overtly separate the classes, but you do need your ship card for the elevator to access the Villa deck. On HAL there is only the small Neptune lounge that is exclusive.

[downsized]

Yes, this is the feeling that I get. It feels more homogenous on HAL...everyone belongs together, sort of. On NCL, it is like the "Haves", and the "Have Nots". They don't have fences to overtly separate the classes, but you do need your ship card for the elevator to access the Villa deck. On HAL there is only the small Neptune lounge that is exclusive.

 

We've never felt the "classes" portion of sailing. As in life, one gets what one pays for. There is no class distinction in that!

 

Yes, those in OS's are afforded the oportunity to use the "Villa" area, but we have never done so. The Garden Villas cost nearly 4 times what the OS does (and, to be fair, the OS costs over 2 times what a Penthouse does.)

We've simply never felt the need to rub shoulders with those that spend $20,000 for a week's cruise, but we work hard for a living and are able to get away for only one week a year, so we do splurge on the OS.

 

That being said, we do most certainly enjoy the perks of the butler, the conceirge, the priority boarding, the huge space provided in the suite, the coffee machine, and most certainly the suite holder's restaurant (Cagney's) for breakfast and lunch, but please keep in mind they are not simply granted to suite holders, we pay (and pay dearly) for them.

 

My post was simply to discover if there are simularities between NCL and HAL.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

To downsized.... I have 161 days with HAL and have always been an avid HAL fan. On those 161 days I would say approx 28 days were in balcony cabins 7 days in a Superior Verndah Suite and all the rest were in a Full Deluxe Verndah Suite (as high as you can go except for the HAL Pent House.) We took our 2nd NCL cruise the end of April this year the first was only a 2 night cruise to no where in a Mini Suite but the 2nd was a Romance Suite on the Aft of the Pearl. I have to say we were WOWed. It was so far above the numerous time we had in a full suite on HAL for almost everything. Just my personal opinion I think you may be a unimpressed with HAL:o While HAL Suites are large and very comfortable I think there will be many things you will miss that you have had on NCL.

 

I did a LIVE report from the Pearl that I went over many of the comparisons to HAL that you may want to read.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1188291

 

Now don't get me wrong I absolutely love HAL and cruising on her always feels like coming home but I do think that you will find some similiarity with crew and how they interact with passengers. The two cruise lines are far more similiar than many HAL fanactics would like to believe.

Also as far as pricing NCL has made some drastic changing and right now over all the two cheapest cruise lines out there for Inside cabins and Ocean view if you are buying a cruise that is leaving in the next 90 days is Princess and HAL. NCL is several hundred more on all their sailings than HAL is in a compariable cruise. NCL does not do things like Flash sales just to give the cabins away.

[kazu]

I have been in the penthouse on HAL. One thing to remind you of is that breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill (specialty restaurant) is a given for the Penthouse and the suites. Breakfast there is a very nice touch. if you are the Penthouse on HAL, you will be greeted very specially and escorted through security, check in, bypass the lineups and be escorted to the Neptune lounge where you will be introduced to the concierge. A lot of 'pleasant' fuss.

 

I love the neptune lounge. The concierge takes care of absolutely everything big to small. anything. Haven't been on NCL in a long time (since it went freestyle) so I can't really compare farely. I have had concierge service on Celebrity though and have to say that I prefer the Neptune.

 

I'm free to get what I want when I want without feeling like I have to wait for someone. You can get ho'rs d'ouvre served in you room every day along with high tea. While room service is 'technically' delivering stuff (ie breakfast, snacks). If you want to order dinner you can have it served course by course.

 

The table is set with linens just as the dining room and it is tremendous. Dining room table and verandah table easily hold 6 people. You choose where you want to eat.

 

the galley has a huge fridge which is great for storing wine, water, whatever. The china and silverware in the galley is the same as the dining room.

 

Coffee machine and other crucial things are there as well if you don't want to get it from the pinnacle grill.

 

The jacuzzi on the deck is great and the bath tub is to die for. Huge with jets. Separate shower of course. TV and DVD in both the living room and the bedroom.

 

I do like HAL because of the food, the service and the little touches.

 

However, I did find the penthouse very nice. Where it is located depends very much on what ship you go on. But most of the verandahs are nearly a wrap a round style so you can see different things from each end.

 

Needless to say our gatherings were mostly all at the penthouse.

 

As well, with the penthouse is an absolutely great table in the dining room.

 

I had requested a 6 by the window. We had that and I would guess one of the best waiters in the dining room. he was absolutely fantastic.

 

Any problem that the concierge can't handle to your satisfaction? The hotel manager will talk to you anytime.

 

From what I have seen, it won't be as big as the one you book on NCL (anywheres from about 930 to 1300 square feet depending on the ship), but it is spacious, relaxing and we loved it.

 

i hope this helps a bit.

[downsized]

Vegas and Kazu

 

Two great posts, and very much appreciated.

Thank you you both.

 

From the sound of things, we were lucky when we picked NCL, as it seems to fit us very well, however it also appears that a HAL experience would be just as great.

 

Thanks again.

[bob brown]

Also as far as pricing NCL has made some drastic changing and right now over all the two cheapest cruise lines out there for Inside cabins and Ocean view if you are buying a cruise that is leaving in the next 90 days is Princess and HAL. NCL is several hundred more on all their sailings than HAL is in a compariable cruise. NCL does not do things like Flash sales just to give the cabins away.

 

Unless the drastic changes are since October, I would have to disagree.

Last year, we waited until about 3 weeks before our October 10 day roundtrip NYC to Quebec to book, and were rewarded with a last minute special that was under $900. including taxes and fees. for us in an inside gty. on the NCL Jewel

We are going to try again for a September cruise this year.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Unless the drastic changes are since October, I would have to disagree.

Last year, we waited until about 3 weeks before our October 10 day roundtrip NYC to Quebec to book, and were rewarded with a last minute special that was under $900. including taxes and fees. for us in an inside gty. on the NCL Jewel

We are going to try again for a September cruise this year.

Bob, from what I have seen in the last 90 days you may be a bit surprised that you will not get the bargain that you got last year. There has been some major price changes with NCL in recent months. The only one I am seeing any bargains with is the 3 and 4 day cruise for such ships like the Sky. Last year this time NCL was dropping prices just like HAL and Princess for Alaska but there has been a sudden change for the 7 day cruises or longer for NCL.

Last year at this time when people were making final payents there were numerous price adjustments because the prices dropped even before final, this year many of the NCL sailings the prices have actually gone up.

 

I hope for your sake you do get that last minute bargain :) but I would start watching the prices and availability now. ;)

[bob brown]

Since I have the flexibility to be able to go at the last minute, that is what I'll do. If the prices don't drop, or the ship sells out, I'll simply wait for another good deal to come along.

Thanks for the heads up...

[sunshine nana]

I clicked on and read your day by day report from the Pearl since we have been in the romance suite on the NCL Gem twice. I did wonder why you were invited to dine with the captain and see the bridge on your first NCL cruise and your friends not in a suite were included, but by the end I found out you are a travel agent.I think that explains it. We loved our suite on NCL mainly because Cagneys was by far the best food we ate other than LeBistro. But our concierge was not good. Because we had the least expensive suite, she left to take others on board at embarkation and we ended up being led by someone else and did not get on ahead of the huge line.Also, we got no notice from her about viewing the chocolate buffet before the non-suite passengers. We also noticed a few differences in the way she treated us compared to those in the more expensive suites. We didn't let it impact our great crusie. We are not demanding and prefer to take care of our own reservations etc.The only real disappointment with the concierge was embarkation because on our first suite NCL cruise, we loved being escorted on before everyone else. If we do another suite cruise, we will insist on getting an early entry.

[kazu]

I clicked on and read your day by day report from the Pearl since we have been in the romance suite on the NCL Gem twice. I did wonder why you were invited to dine with the captain and see the bridge on your first NCL cruise and your friends not in a suite were included, but by the end I found out you are a travel agent.I think that explains it. We loved our suite on NCL mainly because Cagneys was by far the best food we ate other than LeBistro. But our concierge was not good. Because we had the least expensive suite, she left to take others on board at embarkation and we ended up being led by someone else and did not get on ahead of the huge line.Also, we got no notice from her about viewing the chocolate buffet before the non-suite passengers. We also noticed a few differences in the way she treated us compared to those in the more expensive suites. We didn't let it impact our great crusie. We are not demanding and prefer to take care of our own reservations etc.The only real disappointment with the concierge was embarkation because on our first suite NCL cruise, we loved being escorted on before everyone else. If we do another suite cruise, we will insist on getting an early entry.

 

This is interesting, thank you. On HAL everyone is treated well by the concierge (but remember they are in the Neptune lounge). All suites have priority embarkation automatically (deluxe verandah and penthouse).

 

Funny how little things that we would just expect can be missing. Thanks for the input.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I clicked on and read your day by day report from the Pearl since we have been in the romance suite on the NCL Gem twice. I did wonder why you were invited to dine with the captain and see the bridge on your first NCL cruise and your friends not in a suite were included, but by the end I found out you are a travel agent.I think that explains it. We loved our suite on NCL mainly because Cagneys was by far the best food we ate other than LeBistro. But our concierge was not good. Because we had the least expensive suite, she left to take others on board at embarkation and we ended up being led by someone else and did not get on ahead of the huge line.Also, we got no notice from her about viewing the chocolate buffet before the non-suite passengers. We also noticed a few differences in the way she treated us compared to those in the more expensive suites. We didn't let it impact our great crusie. We are not demanding and prefer to take care of our own reservations etc.The only real disappointment with the concierge was embarkation because on our first suite NCL cruise, we loved being escorted on before everyone else. If we do another suite cruise, we will insist on getting an early entry.

Some corrections I want to make to your statement, first off, no one was aware that I was a TA, the cruise was purchased just like any other passengers and I actually used the Union pricing since my husband is a member of a Union, 2nd this was our 2nd NCL cruise, 3rd my honest opinion was that it was because I was reporting LIVE from the Pearl here on CC. Everyone of the Officers mentioned that to me and even our Concierge was reading it. 4th our friends were NOT invited to Dine with the Captain but they made sure they were also taken care while we were dining with the Captain but yes they did get invited to come to the Bridge. I also think had this not been a repositioning cruise things might have been a bit different but who knows.

I have read that everyone loves our particular Concierge Ryan. He is excellent in what he does and as far as I could see he treats all his passengers equally, the same with our Butler. But we were extremely personable and we also took the time to get to know them and made friends with them. I am sure it is hit or miss with Concierges and Butlers on NCL just like I have found numerous times on HAL. We have had some amazing Concieges in the Neptune and several that in my opinion did not belong working in the Neptune.

[sail7seas]

Doesn't matter how many times one sails with a cruise line to perhaps be invited to dine with Captain. The first, second and third time we sailed Celebrity we were invited to dine with the Captain and we didn't know a sole on board. We were simply guests that someone decided to invite. We later learned, in those days some years ago, the social hostess was responsible for making those invites and on our 4th and I think 5th cruise, by then we knew her and we again were invited..

 

Lisa could have been invited for any number of reasons including she is friendly, polite, fun and dresses appropriate for the occasion....... or maybe they liked her eyeglasses, or maybe the color of her DH's trousers. Who knows why? It's like the 'upgrade fairy'. There isn't always a fixed pattern or reason.

 

[kazu]

i think Sail has hit this one on the head. I have dined with the captain a long, long, long time ago before I booked Deluxe Verandahs or the penthouse. There is no rhyme or reason.

 

Anyone who get the invite should be pleased and nothing wrong with sharing. i don't think they get the invite because of profession (unless they are the CEO of Carnival), just choices. and I don't think they do as many as they used to.

[sunshine nana]

Thanks for clearing that up. I think it's great that you were posting live and that NCL knew it! We like to keep a low profile and would not seek to dine with the captain, but would like to have a free "tour" some time. Once on Princess, I signed up for a free tour of the kitchens-very interesting. Not sure if they still offer that. Our last Princess cruise to the Baltics, we were on excursions almost every day and resting up from them on the sea days! NCL charges for the tours usually.I think posters are correct about getting a great or average concierge or butler, but the more you know about what you are supposed to get, the more likely you are to get it! We are always polite, but like to get what we have paid extra for!

[bob brown]

Thanks for clearing that up. I think it's great that you were posting live and that NCL knew it! We like to keep a low profile and would not seek to dine with the captain, but would like to have a free "tour" some time. Once on Princess, I signed up for a free tour of the kitchens-very interesting. Not sure if they still offer that. Our last Princess cruise to the Baltics, we were on excursions almost every day and resting up from them on the sea days! NCL charges for the tours usually.I think posters are correct about getting a great or average concierge or butler, but the more you know about what you are supposed to get, the more likely you are to get it! We are always polite, but like to get what we have paid extra for!

I believe NCL offers their behind the scenes tour to suite guests gratis, but does offer them to all passngers for around $55.00.

Princess offers a much more extensive insiders tour for around three times as much, but they do include some nice souvenir gifts with it. Not sure if Princess gives it to suite guests free.

HAL is still telling those wanting a bridge tour that they no longer offer it "for security concerns". They do give a free galley tour on longer cruises.

[downsized]

We've never been offered a "behind the scenes" tour gratus on NCL, although we have been invited to drinks with the officers and captain on each cruise.

As for the Chocolate affair, we were invited to view it on our last tour, but were told that it was for the "top six" only. (That was when the Star only had 4 Owner's Suites, and the two GV suites.)

The concierge did extend the offer to our grandkids who were with their parents in cabins directly across from us. Frankly (IMHO) it is highly over rated, and I doubt that we would go again.

 

Niether the grandkids nor our adult children were ever offered the use of Cagney's, and we never asked for that favor.

Our butler did understand that all nine of us were using our OS as a meeting place, and he was absolutely outstanding at doing his best to take care of all of us, even though only my DW and I were suite guests.

I assure you, I compensated him well for that.

 

We've found that Concierge's and butlers on NCL are, quite frankly, "hit or miss"....we've had some that were absolutely outstanding, and some that were....um....not so outstanding.

 

 

I'm sorry...I did not mean for this to be a "how great NCL is" post...really!

 

What I wanted (and still do) to know is how sastified folks are with HAL sutes.

[kazu]

so now, I am trying to figure out what the difference is between NCL and HAL suites. I get the Cagney's for breakfast and lunch, but what about dinner? free style? to the op, you seem happy that you have NCL suites after some comments and I am wondering why? good to know these things as my friends who were avid NCL sailers, said after the last they will not do NCL again,but they do not book suites. Does the suite really make the difference in the quality of your cruise? Thanks.

[downsized]

so now, I am trying to figure out what the difference is between NCL and HAL suites. I get the Cagney's for breakfast and lunch, but what about dinner? free style? to the op, you seem happy that you have NCL suites after some comments and I am wondering why? good to know these things as my friends who were avid NCL sailers, said after the last they will not do NCL again,but they do not book suites. Does the suite really make the difference in the quality of your cruise? Thanks.

 

I'm not comfortable with the direction that this is taking.

Yes. We have always been absolutely delighted with NCL.

Yes. The suite life most certainly makes a difference, and I cannot imagine taking a cruise without the suite perks.

 

This conversation should probably be moved to the NCL board though. I am starting to sound like an NCL cheerleader, and that was never my intent.