Westerdam Aft Balcony Deck 8 or 4?

[katmash]

After trying to decide between the Westerdam and Volendam for our 1st Holland cruise, we've decided on the Westerdam due to time constraints. We're looking at cat. VA staterooms and are going to book 3 side-by side balconies. There is availability of aft cabins that meet that criteria on the 8th and 4th decks. We've had aft balconies on other lines and loved them.

Are the balconies on the 8th deck covered and are they deeper than the ones on the sides of the ship? I understand that the ones on the 4th deck are totally uncovered. How is the noise on 8 being below the aft pool? Can the partition be opened between adjoining aft balconies?

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had an aft balcony on 4th or 8th deck and what are reasons to choose one over the other. I'm leaning towards the 8th deck but would really love some feedback. I need to let my TA know for sure by tomorrow.

Thanks for responses.....we're looking forward to our 1st Holland Cruise

After posting I thought I might edit to add that my DH dying for a "real suite." So if I could surprise him with a corner SC that is adjacent to a couple of VAs say on the 6th or 4th deck what are the differences, if any between the decks. I'm really thrifty and have a hard time justifying the cost of a suite, but my heart would really love to surprise him.

[cands]

Hi,
We were in 4174 for a transatlantic last Oct/Nov. We really enjoyed this cabin. It is larger inside than a regular VA cabin. It's quite a bit longer, so there is more room in the sitting area of the cabin. It is slightly narrower than a regular VA (by about 6 inches). This is only really an issue with the closet doors. (no great drama really).

The verandah was great. There was plenty of room for a full size lounger, as well as the other 3 chairs.

There is a slight overhang from the deck above, but generally it is totally exposed. We found that if we sat right near the cabin door, we could not be overlooked. (This was handy in the morning before that first cup of coffee;) ).

The being overlooked part didn't worry us much. We were too busy enjoying the incredible view of the wake.

There was slight vibration when the ship was running at faster than 20 knots, but we found this comforting rather than annoying.

I hope this opinion helps.

Regards,
Steve.

[capnjoe]

We were on the W in april and had a suite cabin 4180, we absolutly loved it, on deck 4 you can get out of the sun if you want due to the overhang or be in the sun if you choose. I liked the fact the when we looked over the rail all we saw was water, not people or ship.
Its all a matter of opinion, also was nice hearing the wake at night :)

[RedmondCruiser]

We just got back from a 21 day Panama Canal Cruise on the Westerdam and were in cabin 8131. It was GREAT. The veranda is hugh and completely covered. It was nice when it rained or just to sit outside and take a nap. I have heard some complain about noise but it was really not a problem. I'd take an aft cabin again in a heartbeat. One nice thing about the Navigation deck is that you can easily take the stairs to get to the pool or the Lido. It is a very convenient deck.

[lovn2liv]

I too was in 4180 and was so content with this cabin and DECK. The only folks that have a view of you are the people in the cabin directly above you. If you are on the 8th floor, then look up and say hello to everyone who is on the pool deck. You are completely exposed. Some people don't mind that, but personally, I prefer a bit of privacy.

The wraparound gives you so much space that it almost seems you are the only ones on the ship.

COMPLETELY AWESOME.

Vibration....we were on the Zuiderdam...which the layout is exactly the same....and there is no question...you are going to feel it. The cabin was vibrating quite a bit the first and last nights of the trip. My husband slept like a baby, but it kept me up pretty much all night. But if I could book it again, I would. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. We loved the balcony so much that we didn't venture out too much on the ship.

Good luck deciding.

[KAKcruiser]

We were in a corner aft suite on navigation deck 8 on the Zuiderdam. The balcony was completely covered and private. I loved the balcony but the cabin was smaller than the side suites.

[mojitomaniac]

http://home.g-net.net/%7Ecbrock/ZuidyWakeCabins2.jpg

[lovn2liv]

Sorry about that...I didn't realize there were cabins covered on the 8th floor, or any cabins for that matter on the aft. Excellent.

[glanders]

Remember, folks, that timing is everything. We booked three adjoining cabins on 7 because we didn't want to be totally covered, but we did want the extra space. However, we're not going until July 2007. By then, Westerdam will have the extended decks like Noordam, and the verandas will be quite a bit shorter. They will still be bigger than the sides, though, and we figure it will be a brand-new cabin. Also, we'll have more of a view of the water and not the verandas below.

[KAKcruiser]

Has this been decided or is it just a rumor? I can't believe they would redo the aft cabins. (On the other hand, maybe I can. It involves increased revenue.)