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rhartm
August 3rd, 2006, 03:40 PM
:) Sailing 8/19/06 on the Oosterdam to Alaska. I've just found out I've been "upgraded" from an SZ to an SC Aft verandah cabin on the Verandah deck. Has anyone been in these cabins and are they really better? I understand you don't get much privacy as the decks are stacked and anyone above you can look right down on your deck. That part doesn't bother me that much, but would these cabins experience a lot more motion than center cabins? And what about engine noise and smell?

Thanks.
LAFFNVEGAS
August 3rd, 2006, 03:50 PM
:) Sailing 8/19/06 on the Oosterdam to Alaska. I've just found out I've been "upgraded" from an SZ to an SC Aft verandah cabin on the Verandah deck. Has anyone been in these cabins and are they really better? I understand you don't get much privacy as the decks are stacked and anyone above you can look right down on your deck. That part doesn't bother me that much, but would these cabins experience a lot more motion than center cabins? And what about engine noise and smell?

Thanks.

Which cabin number did they assign you? We have been in 5187 two times, booked for another and plan to book another time in the cabin for late 2007. If you check out my webshot pictures under my signature you will find lot of pictures of that cabin. It is wonderful.

Congratulations on the UPGRADE that is wonderful:)
ncdeac
August 3rd, 2006, 04:09 PM
#5186 on the Oosterdam has spoiled me forever. I know many don't like the stacking of the cabins so others can see down, but it didn't bother us in the least. We never saw anyone paying any attention to us at all above us. The balcony is a little slice of heaven. We have never noticed any smells back there and watching the wake behind the ship is one of the most relaxing and peaceful things to do.

Enjoy!!
shonuf
August 3rd, 2006, 04:17 PM
I agree with Laffnvegas, 5187 is wonderful. We were in it last January. We've also been in 7132 on the Zuiderdam and along with friends we'll be in 5186 and 5187 on the Zuiderdam in January 07 (all SCs). The perceived loss of privacy is not an issue for us; we don't do anything out there that we wouldn't want anyone to see. We enjoy having the balcony to sun rather than having to fight for a deck chair around the pool.

Also, isn't a SZ a Superior Suite rather than Deluxe? You get all the extra benes with the SC. Enjoy, it's easy to get spoiled.
cruznon
August 3rd, 2006, 09:05 PM
What a lovely upgrade! Yes, most of the balcony is "open" but it never bothered us. There were VERY few times there were folks above looking down. (You'll have lounge chairs on these large balconies.)
Be prepared for glorious panoramic views, incredible starry skies, and the beautiful sight of the wake! :)
GarySuzy
August 3rd, 2006, 09:13 PM
They can change me from an SZ to an AFT SC anytime. I actually perfer the AFT of the ship might be a carry over from my '72 - '73 cruise.
Taylor
August 3rd, 2006, 09:59 PM
we were upgraded from SZ to SY and then to SC.6169 on the Zuiderdam last week; this is a suite with all the perks (Neptune lounge, Captains reception party, a special lunch. breakfast in the Pinnacle grill (if you choose to) etc. plus a wraparound balcony of an unbelievable size and there is an area that is covered and private, tho it was never a problem with people looking down (they sometimes did). and of course, the wake!!
doone
August 4th, 2006, 06:54 AM
I agree with the other posters here, we had 5187 on the Zuiderdam, loved it. These aft cabins and suites, I feel, are wonderful. I think you certainly will enjoy it.
rhartm
August 4th, 2006, 12:06 PM
Thanks for the input on Aft cabins. I am really excited because I've heard nothing but good things about them. We will be in S5186. Can't wait!
KAKcruiser
August 4th, 2006, 03:42 PM
This is great! The cabin is maybe a little bigger than an SS but the balcony is about 5 times bigger. Plus, like the others said, you get all the full suite benefits. Have a wonderful time.
cruznon
August 5th, 2006, 01:19 AM
rhartm.

4186? WOW!!!!!!!! Be prepared to be pampered! It has a HUGE veranda. (The side veranda is completely covered.)
What an upgrade!!! You'll be soooo spoiled. Lucky you! What a great place to view the majesty of Alaska and what a great ship. Have a glorious time!
smoothdancer
August 9th, 2006, 08:17 AM
LAFFN..
Thanks for your picture link. We are sailing on a aft cabin on the Noordam and trying to figure out what the cabin, but mostly what the balcony is like. I think that Oosterdam and the Noordam should be similar???? Do you think so?. We have not yet been on a HAL ship.

We will be in SC5191.

Another question.. I noticed in the pictures that it looked like you enjoyed a full breakfast in your suite. One of the the things my husband enjoys the most is a full breakfast on the balcony. On other lines you cannot order this and as a result I usually book the upper level suites with a butler so I can fulfill his "one wish"!... I told him sorry for this trip as the penthouse suite was out of our budget range. I sure would love to tell him I was wrong!
LAFFNVEGAS
August 9th, 2006, 10:08 AM
It's my understanding that the INSIDE of 5191 is exactly the same as 5187 but unfortunately the balcony is not as big, they did shorten it for the Noordam. It is still quite large compared to the midship S Suite but not near as large as the Oosterdam. You will love this cabin and lay out it is definitely by favorite. As for breakfast yes, you pretty much have a full breakfast menu. The one thing good aobut HAL is SA SB SC and the Penthouse are all the same for benefit. OF course the PH is much bigger and the rest is just location. Now the aft Suite are ever so slightly smaller but the view from the balcony more than makes up the loss of inside space.:)
smoothdancer
August 9th, 2006, 12:07 PM
Thanks for your quick reply. We are looking so forward to our first Hal cruise. Actually, we were sailing on Celebrity and a table mate said to me that if I liked Celebrity I would love HAL and to give it a try.... So here we are! Your pictures certianly look great. My husband will be sooo happy!

Thanks again!
fcorey
August 9th, 2006, 01:34 PM
It's my understanding that the INSIDE of 5191 is exactly the same as 5187 but unfortunately the balcony is not as big, they did shorten it for the Noordam. It is still quite large compared to the midship S Suite but not near as large as the Oosterdam.

Lisa do you know if they will actually be retrofitting the rest of the vista ships like O'dam to have the same configuration as Noordam? I though that I read this somewhere but cant find it now. If they are goign to do it, any idea when for the other vistas?
LAFFNVEGAS
August 9th, 2006, 01:37 PM
Lisa do you know if they will actually be retrofitting the rest of the vista ships like O'dam to have the same configuration as Noordam? I though that I read this somewhere but cant find it now. If they are goign to do it, any idea when for the other vistas?

Yes, the other three Vistas will eventually look like their younger sister MS Noordam. I am not sure in which order they will be done but I do know that some time in 2008 they will be doing the Oosterdam.
RuthC
August 9th, 2006, 05:38 PM
As for breakfast yes, you pretty much have a full breakfast menu. The one thing good aobut HAL is SA SB SC and the Penthouse are all the same for benefit.
Even though what you said is completely true, it could give the impression that those are the only categories that can order from a full breakfast menu.
Everybody---even those of us who are also known as "bottom feeders" in the foul ball cabins---can do so. :) We just have to eat it off a teeny-tiny table inside the cabin, is all. :(