Oosterdam -S or SS, Forward, Mid or Aft?

[soulset11]

Getting ready to book Mexican Riviera in 2007. Looking for advice on which cabin is the best as far as size, privacy and amenities. We would really like to book a verandah, but concerned we won't be able to enjoy it being non-smokers. Also, are the extra amenities that come with an "S" stateroom worth the extra cost over an "SS". We're seeing a $700 difference. Does this sound right?

thanks for your input.

Soulset

[grannynurse]

Hi Soulset,
If priority tendering, larger room with dressing area, and laundry and drycleaning and use of the concierge lounge are important to you, go for the "S". There are other perks like daily delivery of the dinner menu, corsages for formal night, suite lunch, champagne from the captain waiting in your room etc. If you don't think that this is worth $700, don't do it. We had a booked a suite for our upcoming Alaska trip and when our adult kids cancelled we went back to an SS guarantee, and guess what, we were upgraded to a full suite for approx. half the price. Why not book an SS guarantee and see what the upgrade fairy brings. It may not happen but at least you'll have a lovely room with a nice veranda.
GN

[soulset11]

Thanks for the advice GN. I like your logic...the way I pack, the laundry aspect may well be worth it:) Still wondering if its even worth getting a verandah since we are non-smokers, and also whether or not we should try for one of the highly sought after aft rooms.

Soulset

[grannynurse]

soulset,
Our upgrade was in fact for an aft SC suite on the wake. We had booked the S because in the past we have taken one or two of out adult children with us and found that the suite serves 4 very well. We of course loved the suite perks especially on longer cruises. We actually made out very well as this time as well, as we received the free hotel room and transfers with our booking. We were able to keep these perks when we changed to the SS guarantee and the were upgraded back to a full suite with the huge veranda. HAL, and our wonderful travel angel TA, have been very very good to us, a continuing trend....One of our best reasons for being HAL cruisers, we have always received superb treatment.

I do suggest that you go for the SS guarantee. The likelihood of being annoyed by smoke on your veranda is really very small. If your itinerary is very scenic as our is in Alaska, and has the potential for crowds on the open decks, the veranda is a very nice alternative. We love the privacy, the ability to eat room service breakfast out on our "porch", and relax out there at night. When we did our 35 day transatlantic we very rarely shut the door to the veranda at night, even when we were north of the Arctic circle. By the way, is it $700 total or per person? this may make a large difference. We saved $2300 with our change to the guarantee, and more in fact, with the hotel and transfers
GN