Question regarding forward cabin on the Jade

Hi all-We're booked on our first NCL cruise in June (Norway), and we've booked one of the Haven Owner's Suites all the way forward. As well as our first NCL cruise, this is the first cabin we've booked in the forward section of a ship.

We understand the front-facing balcony door has to be closed when we're at sea, but we're wondering if we can use the front balcony as we sail into ports/fjords (when the ship is not sailing at speed)? We'd like to be able to take photos from the front balcony as we sail in.

Also, I've read the front balcony is locked by the stewards at night, so that balcony can't be used at night...we'll be sailing at the height of the 'midnight sun'...so it never gets dark. Anyone know if the balcony will be locked under these circumstances?

Thanks in advance, and if you have any good tips for NCL first-timers, we'd love to hear them!

What floor are you on 9 or 10 as the rooms are a bit different?

We've sailed on Dawn OS which is very similar. There are basically two doors - one heavy metal one that they can close otherwise during the day they leave it open. Then you have a 2nd door that opens into the room.

I'm sure they can lock those doors but based on our experience they don't and you can then open both doors and go onto the balcony anytime you wanted just remember to leave lights off at night otherwise you'll get a call if light leaks from room onto balcony.

I would guess under rough seas they might lock them.

Oh, and don't forget you have the double wide side enclosed balcony.

We weren't in an owner's suite but we're in one of the forward suites (10000) on Jade last year. There was no limit on siting on the balcony. Sometimes they locked it when cleaning the room, but we just opened it whenever we wanted. The wind sometimes was significant but we went out there all the time. There is a heavy door and a second door. The heavy door can be held open with a steel latch.

They do ask that you close the blinds at night.

Lucky, we are also booked in an OS (10th floor, port side) cruising the fjords on the Jade in June.

You will love the suite, and the views of the fjords should be amazing from there. We have always sailed in the OS , except for one repositioning cruise in the GV. You can open the front hatch door anytime you like. The wind whistles through the cabin when it's open and the ships underway, and if another door in the cabin opens at the same time it makes quite the wind tunnel. If out at sea and we find the wind uncomfortable, we can still view forward from a huge picture window that looks over the bow. We always find the side balcony useable. From what I have read, the front balcony should be a great place in the fjords - not so much wind and wave action back up in there.

The OS will spoil you for life. Enjoy!

We understand the front-facing balcony door has to be closed when we're at sea, but we're wondering if we can use the front balcony as we sail into ports/fjords (when the ship is not sailing at speed)? We'd like to be able to take photos from the front balcony as we sail in.

 

Also, I've read the front balcony is locked by the stewards at night, so that balcony can't be used at night...we'll be sailing at the height of the 'midnight sun'...so it never gets dark. Anyone know if the balcony will be locked under these circumstances?!

You can use the balcony any time any day. There are no restrictions on accessing the balcony. The bridge kindly asks that you keep your curtains drawn at night (dark night) to preserve their night vision.

We have sailed Alaska and were out on our forward balcony every evening watching the views and sea life.

When the ship is underway, you want the sea door closed to prevent whistling of wind around the interior decorative door. But you are never locked off of your balcony. Just spin the wheel and open the door. Make sure that it is latched open so it does not slam shut.

Your room steward will secure the deck furniture (i.e. Tie it up) if strong winds are predicted. Only had this happen once on a cruise up the St Lawrence.

In our opinion, forward facing suites on small ships are the best rooms for scenic cruises like yours. We even had a forward facing suite on the Epic sailing from Southampton to Barcelona.

We have sailed in both 10000 and 10002 (two of the four suites between the Owner's Suites) on the Jade and had no restrictions for balcony access other than stateroom lights out or curtains drawn at night when in the suite and a request to not use the balcony lights at night. We spent as much or more time on our bow balcony than actually in the suite.

OP: earlier this year we sailed in a forward-facing Penthouse suite on the Jewel (Panama Canal cruise). Your front balcony will have an interior door and an exterior sea door. As others have said, it's not correct that the sea door must remain closed when the ship is underway. Also, even though your steward may close that door at night, you can open it any time you want. It's quite heavy; do be careful (especially when the ship is underway) with where you have your fingers when opening and closing it. There's a latch on the outside of the exterior door that will hook it to the balcony wall if you want to keep it open.

The exterior door will look something like this;

Here's what the sign on the door says. Don't let it scare you, and don't worry about opening the door when not in port; I suspect the language is there for liability reasons. We LOVED being out on that balcony when the ship was at sea. And we really loved being out there at night -- because there are no lights in the bow, the star gazing was incredible. (Sounds like you might not get to experience that though. :) )

Have a great cruise! The views from the forward-facing balcony are amazing, and no fighting the crowds!

(photos by turtles06)

Thank you all for the answers! My wife asked the initial question as I put her up to it. We are looking forward to the cruise. :)

........... Make sure that it is latched open so it does not slam shut.

......

This is a VERY important comment. That steel door is heavy, and it can catch in the wind and would do serious damage to your hand or anything else that got in the way.

We are just off the Jade today. We were in one of the Haven Owner's Suite - 9004. No problems using the front balcony all the time. Loved it sailing in and out of port. As mentioned, it can be very windy at times. The heavy outer door will "latch" to stay open, but we also placed one of the chairs in front of it just to make sure. The room is very nice - the updates look great. You should love it. Our only complaint is it's fairly far from everything. A bit of a hike to the Haven area and breakfast/lunch restaurants and most bars.