Question for Ruth C

[cindy1957]

I always appreciate your comments and hope you can answer this question for me. We plan to book the Zuiderdam in the next couple of days for Alaska June 2011. Do you know if the F cabins on deck 4 F4121 oor F4122 have picture windows like the rest of the obstructed view cabins on that deck? That would make sense but CC posters are much more informed about specific ships than the Holland personel or my local TA. Thank you!

[RuthC]

I appreciate your faith in my answers, but am sorry to say that I don't know the answer to this question. I know that when I had an obstructed view cabin on the Noordam, there were wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows in it. The other Vista cabins are the same.

I would have expected the F-category cabins to have the same set-up, but noticed the sketch on the deckplans. If that is accurate for that deck, the bed is in front of the window, so I would not expect it to be the full wall of glass.
Note I said "If" the sketch is accurate. I don't know if it is accurate for that deck or not.

Perhaps someone else knows for sure? Have you checked Joanie's website to see if there are photos? Check all the Vista and Signature class ships, as they are very, very similar.

[fann1sh]

I checked Joanie's site last night when this was posted, hoping to find a picture for the OP.


No cat "F" deck 4 pix yet for any of Vista/Signature ships.

[IRL_Joanie]

I checked Joanie's site last night when this was posted, hoping to find a picture for the OP.


No cat "F" deck 4 pix yet for any of Vista/Signature ships.

Yep, lack of photos and info for the F cat on Deck 4 and did not want to jump in and post incorrectly, so I did not answer the op either....

I am so sorry Cindy that I, RuthC and fannish cannot answer you:(

Joanie

[cindy1957]

Thank you anyway! I love Joanie's site and hope to see you all cruising some day.

[cindy1957]

I just go off the phone with a HAL booking agent. She informed me after putting me on hold for quite a while that there were no none nada obstructed ocean view cabins with windows larger than the standard size on the main deck. Have I lost my mind or didn't I see pictures of those on Vista class ships?

[IRL_Joanie]

I just go off the phone with a HAL booking agent. She informed me after putting me on hold for quite a while that there were no none nada obstructed ocean view cabins with windows larger than the standard size on the main deck. Have I lost my mind or didn't I see pictures of those on Vista class ships?

You have not lost your mind Cindy. You have to remember one important fact about the typical HAL rep, they generally have never been on a HAL ship before and can only go by what they show in their inventory.

For an example, when we go to the HAL site to look at staterooms, what do we see?? The STANDARD view of a typical HAL stateroom. NOT the actual stateroom or category. So while we (Cruise Critic members) know tha these staterooms have different sized windows, the HAL reps can only go by what they have listed in their computers, not knowing any differently.... Hope that makes sense...

Joanie

[fqtvguy]

I was in a category "F" cabin on the Oosterdam earlier this month (4122) and we had the floor-to-ceiling window that essentially was a sliding door without being able to open it. When I walked around the promenade deck (deck 3), all the 'obstructed' view windows were this variety - it was particularly evident when the let down the lifeboats to act as tenders that this was the case for all rooms on this deck.

We had a similar cabin on the Nordam three years ago, and so I'd suggest that they are all alike.

[IRL_Joanie]

I was in a category "F" cabin on the Oosterdam earlier this month (4122) and we had the floor-to-ceiling window that essentially was a sliding door without being able to open it. When I walked around the promenade deck (deck 3), all the 'obstructed' view windows were this variety - it was particularly evident when the let down the lifeboats to act as tenders that this was the case for all rooms on this deck.

We had a similar cabin on the Nordam three years ago, and so I'd suggest that they are all alike.

Would you have any photos of this F category on Deck 4 on either the Oosterdam and/or Noordam??

Joanie

[fann1sh]

I just go off the phone with a HAL booking agent. She informed me after putting me on hold for quite a while that there were no none nada obstructed ocean view cabins with windows larger than the standard size on the MAIN deck. Have I lost my mind or didn't I see pictures of those on Vista class ships?

Italics, bold, caps are mine.

Could this be deck confusion? Deck 1 is main deck on the Vistas, and there truly are no obstructed view cabins there. Upper promenade deck - deck 4 - is where the obstructed/partly obstructed cabins are located, along with that intriguing pair of cat "F" unobstructed cabins.

[cindy1957]

No confusion for me.... I know the obstructed view cabins are on deck 4 with a pair of F cabins on the end. I really appreciate the collaboration here! What is the saying.... you can get somewhere faster alone but better with some help!

[redveghead]

I found this thread, hopefully it will help some? I'm new to this HAL game, but if I recall correctly, the Zuiderdam and Westerdam are sister ships?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1014675

Tried to do a Google image search, but nothing came up.

[cindy1957]

Very informative! Thank you.

[RuthC]

but if I recall correctly, the Zuiderdam and Westerdam are sister ships?
Essentially, yes, along with the Noordam and Oosterdam. There are some minimal differences among the four ships, but they are all sisters.

[fqtvguy]

Would you have any photos of this F category on Deck 4 on either the Oosterdam and/or Noordam??

Joanie


Joanie - yes I do - should I email them to you?

[2RetiredCDRs]

While not a definitive answer, this information may help: we recently booked F4122 on Noordam from the Future Cruise Director on an HAL Alaskan cruise. This gentleman claimed to have personally just sailed on a Noordam transatlantic in this very cabin and told us that it has the same floor-to-ceiling window as the other obstructed view cabins on the same deck, but since it is aft of the last life boat, the view is almost entirely un-obstructed. This for the lower rate obstructed view price.

Let's hope he was right!

I hope this information helps to confirm everyone's hopes and suspicions about the window size, but until we have a first hand report (which I'll be happy to provide after my cruise in Jan 2012...), or photos of the actual cabin, I suppose it will have to be good enough.

Happy cruising!

[jtl513]

... it has the same floor-to-ceiling window as the other obstructed view cabins on the same deck, but since it is aft of the last life boat, the view is almost entirely un-obstructed. IIRC it was DutchByAssociation that called these two F cabins "hidden gems" because of the large windows:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=183653&d=1297021178

[cindy1957]

At this point we have F4121 booked on the Zuiderdam for June 25 2011. I am dreaming about watching the glaciers as I float by from the comfort of my cabin. Will give a report when we come back. The picture from Dutch By Association looks wonderful.

[jtl513]

The picture from Dutch By Association looks wonderful.If you mean the pic in my last post, that's mine. :) But please, if you're at glaciers, get out of your cabin and get outside on a forward deck where you can hear them cracking! :)

[cindy1957]

Thank you jtl513 for the pic and all the information we all share on CC!

[drblue]

Thank you for this info. We just booked the F4121 cabin on the Noordam for the Southern Caribbean Seafearer itinerary in February 2012.

Does this mean that our window will be one of those with floor to ceiling windows? If so, this is fantastic. We are travelling with a 4 year-old child who is very active. So, we wanted to have a view, but not a balcony (due to the restless nature of my son). So, it is actually good that we can enjoy a large window but with a window that does not open.

Has anyone actually sailed on these cabins (F4121 or F4122) on the NOORDAM? If so, any suggestions or comments abbout the cabin will be welcome.

[fann1sh]

DrBlue: Yes, you will have floor to ceiling windows, no obstructions.

Last time I checked, no one has yet posted about a Vista class "F" on Joanie's site of HAL cabin photos.

http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Noordam/index.html

However, your cabin should look just like the obstructed ones....except, you will have a view of the sea instead of a view of a lifeboat!

Since no one has given Joanie photos of one of these cabins, could you take some? Then send some to her after you get home? I know she'd appreciate it.

[IRL_Joanie]

While I do not have photos of F 4121 or F 4122 on Noordam, I do have photos of F 4122 on Oosterdam, one of her sister ships (should be almost exactly the same) You can click here and then go almost to the bottom of the page to see the photos and read the description of it: http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Oosterdam/Deck-4.html

Joanie

Hope this helps a little

Joanie

[fqtvguy]

Thank you for this info. We just booked the F4121 cabin on the Noordam for the Southern Caribbean Seafearer itinerary in February 2012.

Does this mean that our window will be one of those with floor to ceiling windows? If so, this is fantastic. We are travelling with a 4 year-old child who is very active. So, we wanted to have a view, but not a balcony (due to the restless nature of my son). So, it is actually good that we can enjoy a large window but with a window that does not open.

Has anyone actually sailed on these cabins (F4121 or F4122) on the NOORDAM? If so, any suggestions or comments abbout the cabin will be welcome.

I have been in F4122 on the Oosterdam, the Nordam's sister ship last fall. My photos and comments are what Joanie is sending you to on her link.

It's a nice cabin, other than the sofa - our DD was 4.5 on the cruise, and we didn't have it pulled out- otherwise there is no room to get from the bed to the bathroom! Also have the room steward remove the coffee table - that too will give you more room. Be aware that one of the closets, the one closest to the door is shallower than the rest and cannot handle clothes being hung from hangers.

Having a tub is so great, especially for a youngster!

Chris

[lvz2cruz]

Where is Ruth C?????

[lvz2cruz]

Where is Ruth C?????

[RevNeal]

Where is Ruth C?????

RuthC is at sea, aboard the Volendam. The Volendam should be arriving in Singapore today (their today) and she will be enjoying an in-port overnight there before disembarking the ship on Thursday (their Thursday). I don't know how long she's staying in Singapore post-cruise, however I imagine she should be home in several more days.

[mamaofami]

Sure does seem like Ruth has been away forever. A nice long cruise.:)

[drblue]

I have been in F4122 on the Oosterdam, the Nordam's sister ship last fall. My photos and comments are what Joanie is sending you to on her link.

It's a nice cabin, other than the sofa - our DD was 4.5 on the cruise, and we didn't have it pulled out- otherwise there is no room to get from the bed to the bathroom! Also have the room steward remove the coffee table - that too will give you more room. Be aware that one of the closets, the one closest to the door is shallower than the rest and cannot handle clothes being hung from hangers.

Having a tub is so great, especially for a youngster!

Chris
Thank you for all the info Joanie and Fqtvguy,
The pictures do help to get a better idea. Our son is 4 years old. So, I will keep the sofa as a bed and not pull it out at night. The tub will also be nice with a small child.

Looking forward to this trip. I will take some pictures of this cabin to help the overall collection of images available to HAL and CC cruisers.

[RevNeal]

Sure does seem like Ruth has been away forever. A nice long cruise.:)

Indeed, she boarded in Auckland New Zealand a little more than a month ago.
Had my schedule worked out differently, and I been able to take my Sabbatical Leave this year (as I had hoped) I would have been aboard for the entire journey along with her. Sadly, I had to cancel when several other duties and responsibilities made it necessary for me to postpone my Sabbatical leave by at least a year.

I miss Ruth and look forward to her return to the board and her thoughts about her latest journey.

[portofrome]

Indeed, she boarded in Auckland New Zealand a little more than a month ago.
Had my schedule worked out differently, and I been able to take my Sabbatical Leave this year (as I had hoped) I would have been aboard for the entire journey along with her. Sadly, I had to cancel when several other duties and responsibilities made it necessary for me to postpone my Sabbatical leave by at least a year.

I miss Ruth and look forward to her return to the board and her thoughts about her latest journey.

I met her on board during my cruise from Auckland to Sydney. I had the pleasure and honor to share with her the excursion on the tranzalpin train in Akaroa and a wonderful dinner at Pinnacle. She is a very lovely lady.

[portofrome]

If I remember well, you are at home today, isn't it?
I hope your second leg of the cruise was great as our first. Thanks so much Ruth. You did my cruise perfect.

Ciao,
Fabio.

[sail7seas]

She was so happy to be 'completing her continents' this cruise. She has now visited the world. :)

Hope she shares some comments here.

If you're reading, Ruth...... a big
Welcome Home.

[portofrome]

She was so happy to be 'completing her continents' this cruise. She has now visited the world. :)


Right!! I remember when she told it to me: it was after we left Burnie (first stop in Australia) and we were dining at Pinnacle. She was so happy.

[mamaofami]

Now that Ruth has visited all the continents, she'll just have to start all over.:):)

[ironin]

IMHO, the most important question for Ruth is:

Did you find any great chocolates while down under? :D

[erewhon]

portofrome,

Hope you enjoyed your cruise on the Volendam.
It would be very special to meet RuthC and to have dinner with her in the Pinnacle.

When you went on the Trans Alpine excursion from Akaroa, did you travel by bus into Christchurch to board the train, or did you board the train at Rolleston?

[portofrome]

portofrome,

Hope you enjoyed your cruise on the Volendam.
It would be very special to meet RuthC and to have dinner with her in the Pinnacle.

When you went on the Trans Alpine excursion from Akaroa, did you travel by bus into Christchurch to board the train, or did you board the train at Rolleston?

I loved my Volendam cruise, thanks.
We went by bus to Arthurs Pass where we boarded the train to Rolleston.

[erewhon]

I loved my Volendam cruise, thanks.
We went by bus to Arthurs Pass where we boarded the train to Rolleston.

Thank you for your reply.
Was this an all day excursion?
How many hours on the bus from Akaroa to Arthurs Pass?
Did the bus stop somewhere between Akaroa and Arthurs Pass.?

I hope you had a sunny day for this excursion.

[portofrome]

Thank you for your reply.
Was this an all day excursion?
How many hours on the bus from Akaroa to Arthurs Pass?
Did the bus stop somewhere between Akaroa and Arthurs Pass.?

I hope you had a sunny day for this excursion.

Yes. it was an all day excursion. From Akaroa to Arthurs Pass it was 2 1/2 - 3 hours by bus and we had a stop for a tea break in a small village (Springfield?) and some more stops to take some panoramic photos. Yes, it was sunny almost all day long. It was cloudy and light rain at the Pass.

[RuthC]

I'm back. Thanks for asking. Got home yesterday afternoon. Arrived in my Newark hotel room Friday night a couple of minutes more than 24 hours after I arose in Singapore Friday morning.
What time zone am I in now????? :confused:

Got my 7th continent and 7th sea (ocean). Completed both sets. :) Have now sailed over 500 days on HAL, so also got my gold medallion. :) :)
Held a baby wombat, and a koala. Petted a Tasmanian Devil (on the rump, not the head. I'm not stupid :rolleyes:). Swam at the Great Barrier Reef. And a few more things that slip my mind at the moment.
All in all, a great cruise.

[erewhon]

Welcome home Ruth C.
Pleased to know that you had a good cruising holiday.

[erewhon]

Yes. it was an all day excursion. From Akaroa to Arthurs Pass it was 2 1/2 - 3 hours by bus and we had a stop for a tea break in a small village (Springfield?) and some more stops to take some panoramic photos. Yes, it was sunny almost all day long. It was cloudy and light rain at the Pass.

Thank you for your response.
Were you served a meal on the train?

[canadarocks]

I'm back. Thanks for asking. Got home yesterday afternoon. Arrived in my Newark hotel room Friday night a couple of minutes more than 24 hours after I arose in Singapore Friday morning. All in all, a great cruise.

YAY!! I'm soooooo glad you're back safe and sound. I know that we've never met, but I was worried about you knowing that you were in that part of the world where so much weather turmoil has taken place! :o

You have been so wonderful here as a solid source of info (without any of the "drama" sometimes involved with others) and I have really missed your posts. So welcome back RuthC!! :D

[erewhon]

RuthC,

Congratulations on receiving your Gold Medallion.
Did Captain Bos make the presentation?

Did you have an opportunity to sample some New Zealand made chocolate?

[luvcruisn']

My congratulations also on the gold medallion Ruth C. We haven't met, but I always enjoy your posts.

[kazu]

Welcome back Ruth to the real world (you know, making your own bed, cooking your meals) and congratulations on your medallion. Very nice :)

[NorthPhoenixGuy]

welcome home ruth c. i enny your enthusiasm for cruising and that you never stop. you always seem to have something interesting planned for yourself. i imagine you must have hundreds of wonderful memories and stories from this last month traveling down under and on the equator. what have go planned next?

cheers

[mamaofami]

Welcome home, Ruth. So glad you had such a wonderful cruise. We've missed you around here. What's up next?:)

[ShenValleyGal]

Congratulations, Ruth for seas and continents completed and for your gold medallion!

Rachel

[RevNeal]

Welcome home, dear Ruth!
I really hated not being able to go with you, but other duties took priority. :(
I'm thankful you're home safe and sound and that you had a wonderful cruise!

[RuthC]

RuthC,

Congratulations on receiving your Gold Medallion.
Did Captain Bos make the presentation?
Captain Bos would have made the presentation, had I received the medallion on the first segment. I asked that it be presented on the second segment, as I had friends join in Sydney, so Captain Visser honored me.
Did you have an opportunity to sample some New Zealand made chocolate?
Yes! :D There was a shore excursion that stopped at a candy-making facility. We saw some of the production, had a stop in the store, and had tea there. There were lovely cakes and pastries at each place setting, and we were given a little goodie-bag of chocolates to take away. Yum!
Earlier that day we stopped at a place that produces honey. There were all sorts of flavors to try (I counted 64), and an ice cream cone made with honey was given to everyone.

Next trip is on the Prinsendam this June. Heading back to Norway (where I am always happy), over the top of the continent, and down to Murmansk.

[portofrome]

Thank you for your response.
Were you served a meal on the train?

Yes, we had a light lunch.

[portofrome]

Welcome home Ruth.

[RuthC]

Yes, we had a light lunch.
Truth be told, portofrome and I shared our box lunches. He ate the "good for you" food, and I ate the sweets. He's already sweet enough. ;)
Welcome home Ruth.
Thank you, m'dear. It's good to be back. It's especially good to be back in cooler weather. :)
And I am thrilled to see you posting more! Way to go!

I have your e-mail addy, but it is in the still-packed suitcases. I will be in contact.

[ricki]

Welcome home, Ruth, and congratulations on 500+ days on Holland! We've never met, but I always enjoy your posts.

I wish you continued great cruises and 1000 days on board!

Ricki

[portofrome]

Truth be told, portofrome and I shared our box lunches. He ate the "good for you" food, and I ate the sweets. He's already sweet enough. ;)

Thank you, m'dear. It's good to be back. It's especially good to be back in cooler weather. :)
And I am thrilled to see you posting more! Way to go!

I have your e-mail addy, but it is in the still-packed suitcases. I will be in contact.

Thanks Ruth! You make me blush.:)

Take all your time and enjoy your cool weather.

[mamaofami]

Next trip is on the Prinsendam this June. Heading back to Norway (where I am always happy), over the top of the continent, and down to Murmansk.

That sounds great, Ruth. By then you'll need a new supply of pillow chocolates.:)

[mancunian]

Welcome home Ruth. How was Volendam? We sail from Singapore a week on Thursday. I already pick up it will not be Captain Bos.

[rafinmd]

Welcome home, Ruth. Will this be your first time on the Elegant Explorer?

Roy

[RuthC]

Welcome home Ruth. How was Volendam? We sail from Singapore a week on Thursday. I already pick up it will not be Captain Bos.
The ship itself was very clean, but did feel a bit "tired" to me. She just wasn't bright as new. Of course, she isn't new. I hope the drydock will make her feel refreshed.

But the crew. Ah! The crew! This was a special group of people. Everywhere I went there was someone smiling, working hard, being helpful. The women working the Lido line seemed so happy to be there, they were practically jumping up and down. The stewards there were very helpful carrying my plate, and getting me whatever I needed. My cabin stewards greeted me every time they saw me---even if they were several cabins down the passageway. The lounge stewards were always there when I wanted them. Special requests were never a problem.
Whenever I wanted to sit on Lower Promenade, and the chairs were all tied together, all it took was a pop into a nearby office, and voilà! The chairs were set up, a cushion found, and, one time when the cushion was damp, the officer went to get some towels to cover it.
Service was superb.

[RuthC]

Welcome home, Ruth. Will this be your first time on the Elegant Explorer?

Roy
Thanks, Roy.
No, I sailed the Prinsendam four years ago. That was Norway, too. But that time we sailed far north of Svalbard to the Polar Ice Cap. This time we only go as far north as Nord Kapp. Then a bit south to Russia. It's really too soon for another cruise, but I couldn't pass this one up.

[lvz2cruz]

A koala and the Great Barrier Reef? You must have had a great time!

You were missed here and we are glad you are back.

[Storylady]

Ruth,

Welcome back. Glad that you had a great cruise and that you accomplished your goal of all the continents and oceans. Congratulations on getting your 500 day Medallion.

Sound like you are already working on the 700 Medallion with your next trip aboard the Elegant Explorer. Your next trip sounds like alot of fun.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'm back. Thanks for asking. Got home yesterday afternoon. Arrived in my Newark hotel room Friday night a couple of minutes more than 24 hours after I arose in Singapore Friday morning.
What time zone am I in now????? :confused:

Got my 7th continent and 7th sea (ocean). Completed both sets. :) Have now sailed over 500 days on HAL, so also got my gold medallion. :) :)
Held a baby wombat, and a koala. Petted a Tasmanian Devil (on the rump, not the head. I'm not stupid :rolleyes:). Swam at the Great Barrier Reef. And a few more things that slip my mind at the moment.
All in all, a great cruise.

congratulations ruth on getting your 500 day gold medal!!