large and standard inside cabins

[1965]

Can anyone tell me the differences in the large and the standard interior cabins? The descriptions are identical, including sizes. Both read 141-226 sq. ft. The amenities are identical. Maybe I missed something. Thanks.

[RuthC]

In general, "standard" insides are smaller than "large" insides. There are major differences, depending on which class of ship you're talking about. Basicly, you can break it down into 1.) Prinsendam, 2.) S- and R-class ships, and 3.) Vista and Signature class ships.

I don't know enough about the Prinsendam cabins to discuss them with any authority. I did stay in one of the insides on Dolphin Deck. It would be cramped for two.
Prinsendam cabins in a given category are smaller than on other ships.

On the S- and R-class ships, most of the "large" inside cabins are 186 sq ft. They are 10 sq ft smaller than the outsides on every deck except Lower Promenade, and are the same layout. There is one less closet, and a love seat instead of a couch.
There are a few "sideways" large insides. They are a little larger, more of a square shape, with a totally different layout. They are quite spacious, and have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The "standard" insides could more accurately be termed "cabinette". They are small.

The Vista/Signature ships for the most part have small "large" insides. They are quite compact, even for one person.
There are some "large" insides on Main Deck that are huge. That would be the J- and K-categories, but on that deck only. I understand that there are some I-category cabins on an upper deck (forget which one) which are a bit larger still.
The "standard" insides on these classes of ships are tiny. One person I know, sailing solo, had the beds separated just so she would have room to walk. There was no desk, or loveseat.

[1965]

Ruth C.-Wow. Thank you for your response and all the info. We're looking at the Maasdam, which I'm guessing is one of the Prisdam type ships you spoke of. We need to book the cheapest, so that will mean probably a standard inside. Being married 45 years, we can stand cramped quarters. And it will be the first cruise for our daughter and her husband, so they'll be deliriously happy to just be on a cruise. But I do like knowing what to expect. The virtual tour of the large inside cabin made those cabins seem really roomy.I was pretty sure the standards would not be that roomy. I couldn't find a photo or virtual of a standard. Thanks again.

[RuthC]

Glad I could help.

The Maasdam is one of the S-class ships, so follow the info for that. Now, do yourself a big favor and book a "large" inside, not a "standard". Forty-five years together is a long time, and deserves at least that much.
Besides, if you book a "standard" you might not make 46. ;)

[SilvertoGold]

Great information, RuthC.

Can I ask about the standard insides on the Vista ships? You say there is no desk. Is the TV on a wall shelf and the where is the ice bucket? Where is the small refrigerator and where do they put the book with the room service menu?

Thanks for your help!

[superoma]

Ruth, I just looked at the HAL website and tried to determine what class of ship Amsterdam is and I can't find the info there. We want to book K inside and I hope that is a large inside in this class. help - we book Sunday morning!!

[RuthC]

Ruth, I just looked at the HAL website and tried to determine what class of ship Amsterdam is and I can't find the info there. We want to book K inside and I hope that is a large inside in this class. help - we book Sunday morning!!
Amsterdam is an R-class ship. K-category is "large". (Not to be confused with the Nieuw Amsterdam, which is a Signature class.)
There's a sticky at the top of the HAL page that discusses the various classes of ships. It's an excellent resource.

All the ships have both "standard" and "large" insides.

[RuthC]

Can I ask about the standard insides on the Vista ships? You say there is no desk. Is the TV on a wall shelf and the where is the ice bucket? Where is the small refrigerator and where do they put the book with the room service menu?
I wish I could remember more; I only visited in one for a short time.
There may have been a short make-up desk area, but without the extension as other cabins have. I'm trying to picture it in my mind, and parts are coming up fuzzy. The beds were to the left as I walked in; a chair was to the right---possibly at a short counter? All I really remember was how cramped it felt in there.

Sorry I can't be of more help. :o

[Mary Ellen]

I was with Ruth as we visited Lettienets cabin on the Noordam. Maybe she'll be along later and can answer better. It was over two years ago so I'm sure neither Ruth nor I have everything memorized on this cabin. I'm remembering some sort of shelf or something under the mirror. It just struck me as SO much smaller than the J inside DH & I had on the E'dam. This was the first HAL cabin I'd seen without a sofa since DH & I had cabins with upper/lower bunks when we first started cruising decades ago. :eek: We've had all sorts of cabins over the years (inside, outside, balcony, superior and deluxe suites) and we're happy with the size of any of them. We're obviously not fussy, but we'd stay home rather than book one of these standard cabins on a Vista or Signature class ship. If it was just one of us, it might be considered.

[1965]

Glad I could help.

The Maasdam is one of the S-class ships, so follow the info for that. Now, do yourself a big favor and book a "large" inside, not a "standard". Forty-five years together is a long time, and deserves at least that much.
Besides, if you book a "standard" you might not make 46. ;)
If there's isn't a lot difference in price, I might just take your advice. We're hoping to take the Canada/New England in April if they mark it half price like they did last spring, and want to treat our daughter and her husband to this cruise. If it's half price, I imagine we'll take what is offered. But I'll definately inquire about the large inside. I sure appreciate all the info.:)

[janmcn]

When booking cruises it is essential to look at the ship deck plans. They are available from HAL site or anywhere on then' net. You will be able to see a bit of what differences there are in sizes of various cabins..even within the same category. Also make use of Joanie's site where many people have posted photos and videos of particular rooms.

[SilvertoGold]

RuthC and Mary Ellen

Thanks for your imput. Your help is appreciated.
These small standard insides sound a lot like the G on the S and R classes. That one had a chair, but a reasonable sized desk that had room for the ice bucket and tray, make-up mirror, some cans of pop, drawers and a space for the stool underneath.
I suspect these Vista standards are similar but smaller!
Can't really imaging how anyone could manage without a least a short desk!

Thanks again!

[EbayCruiser]

See if you can get K548 & K549. They are the largest insides on the Maasdam.

Search 548 at the top of this page and you will find comments from people who have stayed in this room and also Joanie has a picture of 548 on the sister ship Ryndam. This room is HUGE!!

[tcook052]

See if you can get K548 & K549. They are the largest insides on the Maasdam.

Search 548 at the top of this page and you will find comments from people who have stayed in this room and also Joanie has a picture of 548 on the sister ship Ryndam. This room is HUGE!!

Yes, though use quotation marks, "548", in advanced search for the HAL forum and it'll work better. :)

FWIW after some research here I opted for K548 on Ryndam, a sister S Class ship to Ryndam, as many others commented on its size being large and a good value for the dollars spent.

[Roz]

Be careful of the standard insides on the Vista class ships. I had one and never again! Cramped and poorly arranged.

Roz

[ColumbiaSC]

Ruth C --- Thanks for your advice regarding Large Inside Cabins on the ms Amsterdam. I have today been able to secure (surprisingly) the assignment of K 3319 for 112 days of the 2012 World Voyage in a location I love -- near the Bow on Portside on Lower Promenade Deck. The cabin stands alone in the corridor. A Laundrette is not far away, and certain ship offices, etc. and I can go outside for a walkaround very easily! I was told by my TA located near the HAL headquarters that there were MM cabins still available and therefore upgrades from MM cabins would be "unlikely" for HAL newcomers, as I am. I am a Diamond Member of the Cunard World Club, but that matters not, of course! I look forward to the trip. I travel solo. All the best.

Don.

[ColumbiaSC]

Just wanted to dig this thread up out of the bargain basement to see if my post about K 3319 on ms Amsterdam might get some response or observation. Anybody out there been there? Good, Bad, or Indifferent?

Don.

[SilvertoGold]

This is a good cabin, as long as you keep an open mind about the outside door which you might hear banging closed once in a while. A very convenient location, with a good view.
Isn't 3319 starboard, however?

Hope you will write about your cruise!

[ColumbiaSC]

Thanks, SilvertoGold ---- I looked at Deck plan and it looked as if the cabin door to K3319 opened up on the Port aisle, but I may be wrong. It doesn't really matter since it is Inside! It is the only Cabin Inside in the entire area from Bow to the first bank of elevators. I still hope several others who might have direct knowledge of K3319 will post. RuthC --- where are you? LOL.

Don.

[RuthC]

I still hope several others who might have direct knowledge of K3319 will post. RuthC --- where are you? LOL.
I'm here, Don, but I got kind of tied up on something and didn't make time to look up the deck plans. I don't have any particular knowledge of that cabin.

I have stayed forward of the forward elevators, and didn't mind the ride at all. I not only loved being able to get outside quickly, but I got to use a door that didn't have as much traffic as the one off the atrium. Real nice going to/coming from lifeboat drill!