Zuiderdam Cabins 4036 and 4038

[2disneydads]

We have booked these two connecting category VF cabins for an Alaskan Inside Passage cruise in August 2012. We originally had chosen cabins 5130 and 5132, but we were tipped off by folks on this board about the very small balconies on the VF cabins on Verandah Deck. So we went for the larger somewhat covered balconies on Upper Promenade Deck. Does anyone have experience with these or similar cabins? We wanted balcony cabins for the views in Alaska but did not want to mortgage the house to get them, so we went with minimum balconies. Our girls love spending time out on the balcony when we sail. These were closest of the VF connecting cabins to midship. I hope that we did not choose incorrectly!

[jtl513]

Our girls love spending time out on the balcony when we sail.Are you aware that the deck 4 VFs have solid metal railings, so that even adults have a very restricted view when seated? This picture by member Boytjie shows the railing of VF4041 on the left and the plexiglas one of VD4043 on the right.

The deck 5 VFs have a shallower balcony (just 4.5 ft) but they do have the plexiglas railings.

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/47121/2889069070102790654S425x425Q85.jpg

[Krazy Kruizers]

I rechecked the Zuiderdam's deck plans -- the cabins you have selected do indeed have the solid metal railings -- meaning you have to stand if you really want to look out and down

[2disneydads]

Are you aware that the deck 4 VFs have solid metal railings, so that even adults have a very restricted view when seated? This picture by member Boytjie shows the railing of VF4041 on the left and the plexiglas one of VD4043 on the right.

The deck 5 VFs have a shallower balcony (just 4.5 ft) but they do have the plexiglas railings.

Yes, we do know about the solid metal railing. When we sit out on the balcony, we usually are more interested in the fresh air and breeze. We likely would not be sitting down during any scenic sailing - we would be standing up and looking out. The "sample" photo of the cabin class on the HAL website supposedly is a picture of these types of cabins - I specifically asked the HAL representative about this. So I did make that trade-off. Maybe some day when I don't have to pay four fares we can try something a little better, but that seemed to be a fair trade-off for the lower rate. The 3.5" balcony on Verandah Deck just seemed too narrow to be enjoyable. Our girls will be able to look over the wall, especially my older daughter, who is the one who really loves being out on the balcony. Together they love playing out on the balcony and creating imaginary games about being on the beach or out at a picnic.

[AZNative2000]

We likely would not be sitting down during any scenic sailing - we would be standing up and looking out.Enjoy your cruise but beware that on the Zuiderdam inside passage there was rarely any NON_SCENIC sailing.:)

Just cruising along the coast you can see waterfalls and wildlife at any time ... including bears and whales. Do bring binoculars.:)

[2disneydads]

Enjoy your cruise but beware that on the Zuiderdam inside passage there was rarely any NON_SCENIC sailing.:)

Just cruising along the coast you can see waterfalls and wildlife at any time ... including bears and whales. Do bring binoculars.:)

Yup, this will be my 3rd Inside Passage cruise, but my partner's and our daughter's first cruise. 4 pairs of binoculars will be part of the required gear. I need to find good binoculars for children, not only for this trip, but for others, too.