First-timer - how to choose a room?

[jackal]

Please help - I am going on my first cruise next year and need to book a room on the Verandah deck of the Oosterdam. A VC class room is available in the middle of the aft section, and a VE class room is available in the back of the middle section. It doesn't look like it overlooks the lifeboats. I can afford either.

Is there much difference between VC and VE?
Is it better to be closer to the midsection even though the balcony is smaller in the VE?
Can you hear the engines in the aft section?
Where is the ship movement minimized?

Thanks for any advise

Laura

[KCat]

According to my grandfather, who was in WW2, the ships least movement is in the middle, both horizontally & vertically.

That being said... the last cruise we were one we had cabin# 0201(NCL Sun) and I felt minimum movement (and I get car sick).

If you check www.cruisestateroom.com (http://www.cruisestateroom.com/) the only difference is the position in the ship (ie. if you dislike walking, you will want your cabin in the middle of the ship).

[Charliesmom]

As a first-timer, I would go for the middle of the ship. That said, however, these new ships are much more stable than older ships and tend to smooth out rough waters.

I would make sure that you have Sea Bands with you (wristlets with a button to press against the vagus nerve) to mitigate the possibility of seasickness. I would also have a supply of Bonine which is a seasickness remedy. I have Sea Bands which work very well for me.

We are trying out an aft suite this time for our cruise on Dec. 12th on the Westerdam. I'll have better info after we return.

Roberta

[CaptData]

Ok middle is best for first timers. Here are the reasons:

1. Closer to everything,

2. Less chance of movement causing seasickness (Bonimine taken during entire trip is fine start the night before and take evey night to prevent seasickness.)

3. No chance of engine noise and vibrations. Wll get the moving sway when on ocean (you are in a moving ship).

4. Generally smaller balconey from aft.

5. If you get car sick it is best to be in the middle.

Preventitives include ginger pills, boimine, sea sick band and patches. The bands and ginger pills combined will help if there is concern re medication mixes. As with any meds there are some side effects you can test which one you want to take before hand to see if it affects you in any way. I take bomine at night only and have never had a problem.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Since this is to be your first cruise, you should choose a cabin towards midships. You will not feel the movement of the ship as much there.

Once you are on the ship, go around to the various areas when the ship is moving and see how the ship feels. Then for your next cruise you may have more choices for a cabin.

[Lokalona]

If you check www.cruisestateroom.com (http://www.cruisestateroom.com/) the only difference is the position in the ship (ie. if you dislike walking, you will want your cabin in the middle of the ship).[/QUOTE]


Thank you for that link. I checked out my cabin for upcoming Vison and we are messing around the internet deals for the week for Feb 13th to see if there are any deals in the S. Caribbean...looking at the Golden Princess. It is nice to get a visual of your cabin choices.

I agree midship for newbies, I do like aft (except on Mariner) I like to watch the wake as we travel, it is mesmerizing. Aft is a bit rockier, but I tend to like that.

[the2ofus]

First timer, it is also a good idea to look at the deck plans to see what might be directly above or below your proposed cabin to try to avoid noisy areas of the ship. Example: directly below the kitchen means early morning noise, which is no problem if you are an early riser but might bother you otherwise.

[Thoth]

Sometimes i think this bow, midship, or stern locations are over-rated. Of the 5 cruises my staterooms have been in the bow 3 times and the stern twice. Needless to say I get around to different areas of the ship during the journeys and I don't "feel" the difference. This past July on the Oosterdam my room was the last one on the bow end but I didn't have any problems.
Pay extra for midship? No way, not me!