Stern cabin balcony versus side cabin balcony

[Frendt1]

We are about to book a cabin on the Nautica Athens/Istanbul cruise Sept 14, 2007. Has anyone been in the smaller cabins looking out the stern of the ship; 8066, 8069, 7116, 7121, 6090, 6093? It looks like the balcony has a better view than a cabin on the side, but the railing appears to be closed-in which might block the view somewhat. Would like to know if the view from the balcony is better on the stern cabins or side cabins.

[kwsunset]

The stern cabins have bigger balconies and are a better value. I am in 7116 for the same cruise you are contemplating. Hope you join us. We will be neighbors. Michael

[Frendt1]

Glad to know of someone on the same sailing. Have you been in the stern cabins previously? Is the view blocked by the solid guard rail? We don't know whether to spring for the A cabins or save some money and get a B cabin at the stern. The cost difference is quite a bit. Any suggestions?

ML

[ClaudiaF]

The balconies are the same size as the side ones.
EXCEPT the ones on 6th deck which are a bit deeper due to the configuration of the ship.;)

[digby]

We love being in a stern cabin. The view is far better than the sides. We had 7119 on the recent Asia cruise and the deck was wonderful.

[zhaunk]

What are the advantages of the stern cabins vs the forward cabins? Say 7116 vs 7000? I like the idea of a cabin facing forward. I hope I like the reality...

[PA Nana]

That was sort of my husband's idea, as well. He wants to see "where's he going, not where he's been..." But, after talking to several folks on this board who really seem to know what they are talking about with all topics, we decided that it might not be a wise choice. Let me preface this by saying I don't know where you are cruising or when...but what we were told is that often if seas are a little rough and you get wind with it, it's almost impossible to sit on those balconies in comfort and it can even be difficult to get the door open with the pressure against it. We did not book one for that reason and my husband thought it was a reasonable analysis from those who have done it in the past. Now, depending on where you will be and the time of year, your sailing could be smooth as glass and you would expect none of the above.

Others will probably answer you who have already had these rooms. See what they say.

[digby]

What are the advantages of the stern cabins vs the forward cabins? Say 7116 vs 7000? I like the idea of a cabin facing forward. I hope I like the reality...


Less wind aft. I keep the TV set to the ship's cam, so I see where we are going as well as where we are and have been.

[OceaniaBuffs]

We had 6090 and our friends were next door in 6093. Disappointed that Oceania could not remove the partition to make room for our group of 12 for cocktails on the verandas! But we did use both verandas and had to converse over the partition. We opted for these cabins since the deck is almost twice as deep than the side cabins. We sailed from Miami to the Amazon and had 10 days at sea, so it was great to get away and find a quite space to ourselves. However, we did get some nasty fumes from the smoke stack one day at sea. The veranda cabins are great if you plan to be at sea for a few days.

[shoshona2]

We were in Cabin No. 7116 (Aft) last cruise and Cabin No. 7121 (Aft) on our first Oceania cruise. If the seas are calm, these cabins are great -- if the seas are rough, you will be shaking and rolling. One night, the captain was really moving through the China Seas and I was up all night. I NEVER get seasick -- been on over 25 cruises, but if anyone can't take the movement, they won't like the aft. Everyone midship that I spoke to DID NOT feel the movement that night and slept like a baby. I would book those cabins in a moment if they became available.

Sheila

[drwong]

What are the advantages of the stern cabins vs the forward cabins? Say 7116 vs 7000? I like the idea of a cabin facing forward. I hope I like the reality...

Do you like riding in a convertible with the top down? Do you stick your head out of car windows while driving down city streets? If so, you might like the forward cabins. Otherwise, stick with the side or rear balconies and avoid the 20-knot winds breaking over the bow! :p

[zhaunk]

Do you like riding in a convertible with the top down? Do you stick your head out of car windows while driving down city streets? If so, you might like the forward cabins. Otherwise, stick with the side or rear balconies and avoid the 20-knot winds breaking over the bow! :p

Thanks for the analogies. Am rethinking cabin choice. Must consult "she who must be obeyed".

DrWong - you have had experience in one of these cabins or talked to one who has?