Oosterdam Cabin - Aft VA or midship Balcony?

[doodbug]

Dear Expert Cruisers!
I'd be heading to the Mexican Riviera on 16 Dec 2006. The VA aft balconies on the Verandah Deck are available! I am currently booked on the midship cabins on Deck 5. How is the weather in Dec along the Mexican Riviera? Given that I am fearful of seasickness, should I make the switch to the aft balconies? Also, are the aft staterooms bigger? I do not mind the msall price difference between VE and VA categories. All advice is appreciated.

[doone]

The aft balconies are larger, the cabin isn't necessarily larger. We had an SA and a VA on the Zuiderdam, both aft and loved them, especially for the balcony size. I don't get seasick so its hard for me to say whether or not you would feel more movement aft, but I don't think we did. Hope this helps.

[lougee1043]

i personally book midships because i believe its a smoother ride and i dont get seasick -- the other reason is that i believe that i walk less because of the location of the cabin------------very rarely do we walk stem to stern in one stroll

[Scrumpy]

There is more movement aft. It didn't bother us, but we've never gotten seasick. It is possible it'd be an issue if seas were rough; it is not a LOT of motion normally. Hardly noticeable. It is close to the DR, but you will get some exercise going all the way forward. That was fine with us; have to walk off the extra calories from dinner anyway :D

Our aft veranda was completely uncovered. So, when it rained, we couldn't go out for very long. If it had been hot and sunny, we wouldn't have gone out much either. We loved it, though, but for ALASKA. I wouldn't do it in the Caribbean and I'm not sure if I'd consider it for the Mexican Riviera either - not until someone says what the weather is usually like ;) If it wasn't too hot or too rainy, I would do it again in a heartbeat! It is a large veranda. I think we had a cushioned lounger, nice cushioned chair w/ottoman, and 2 regular chairs with a small table. Plenty of space out there. Great for taking photos!

Our room was not any larger because it was aft. We had one of the "smaller" ones - VA5180. I believe it is 5183 and 5184 that are supposed to be about a foot wider. That foot would've helped when we walked past the end of the bed. That's where things got a little cramped, but it was still okay.

Good luck! Hope you get the most suitable cabin and have an awesome cruise:)

[doodbug]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!
Scrumpy, according to my TA's website, VA5182 and 5183 are at least 30 sq ft larger than the other midship VA rooms on the Navigation Deck - not inclusive of the balconies in both cases.
The problem is, I have no idea whether the seas are choppy in Dec. But are all the aft balconies unshaded? If so, I may go with the midship as I get sunburnt very easily! I got sunburnt just sitting on the front seat of the car over the weekend driving from LA to San Diego, and that was with sunscreen on!

[MISSYLOU]

The aft VA balconies on deck 8 (hope tha'ts right) are completely covered which makes them perfect for sailing the Pacific during the cooler winter season. Can't say we noticed any unusual movement. We were on Zuiderdam.

[doodbug]

Does anyone know whether the SOE upgrades will affect the size of the aft cabins/balconies on the Oosterdam?

[bepsf]

Deck 5 midship balconies are extra shallow, so if you enjoy sitting outside for extended periods of time, these aren't the ones for you.

Aft balconies below deck 8 are much more conducive to sunning yourself - if you have issues with being in the sun, these aren't for you either.

We know that Oosterdam will be added to in the future to align with the configuration that Noordam debuted - 35 add'l staterooms at the stern and a longer Lido Deck aft, etc. We just don't know if this will occur this fall during her drydock or if she will have to wait a couple years more and return to Europe for the additions (the more likely scenario...)

[Card Pride]

I don't know which deck deck 5 is, but if it's the Main Deck--AVOID IT!!!
Unless you enjoy Noise, Noise, and Noise.