Category H (obstructed oceanview) Zuiderdam?

[Ocruise]

Hi everyone. I called HAL (we are looking to do a last minute cruise on the Z next Sat) she is sold out, however, I can take a guarantee H cabin (or possibly better, but I doubt it with a sold out ship).
partially obstructed oceanview. Does anyone know what these rooms are like? We have never done a guarantee before, I feel a little wierd not knowing where we will end up on the ship. Also, my husband hated an inside cabin, too dark, no view. I am wondering if he would dislike this type of cabin, can you see out at all?
For a H catergory, it would be 861.PP (tax included) 1723. for both of us.

Any feedback would be appreciated,

Marina

[spcl4cs_gal]

Cat. H cabins on the Z have lifeboats stuck in front of their windows.

[dougnewmanatsea]

The view is blocked by lifeboats, but there is some natural light that comes in.

Otherwise basically the same as a balcony cabin, except for the balcony. I say this because, unlike the regular outside cabins, the window is a floor-to-ceiling type, and the layout of the cabin itself is more like the balcony cabins than the regular outsides (i.e., beds parallel to the window).

So, a bigger window, but no view.

[drdaddy]

Hey doug. I asked the same type of question just a day ago.

Would you say that the cabin is bigger than standard outside? And when you mention that the bed is parallel to the window, I am not sure what you mean. Actually, it shouldn't really matter but does that give it a bit more room that way?

Anyone know about how far from the window is the lifeboat? That could also mean more or less light in.

Also, this is an "upgrade" for us. Can you compare an inside "J" to the "H". (other than the fact one is inside and the other is outside, silly!)

Thanks

[Paticakes]

Marina,

Just got back off the Zuiderdam 8/7. We had an obstructed view and it was fine for us. Our window was in the center of the lifeboat but you do get light in around the top and bottom. You can even see through the windows in the life boat but not very good. We got lucky and they took our boat down in Cozumel and at Half Moon Key so we had great views both those days.

I would do it again and I think much better than an inside room. Good size too!

[dougnewmanatsea]

Would you say that the cabin is bigger than standard outside?No, same size, or very, very close to it.

And when you mention that the bed is parallel to the window, I am not sure what you mean.If you go here (http://www.hollandamerica.com/fivestarfleet/zuiderdam_staterooms.htm) and look at the layout of a standard outside as opposed to a balcony outside you'll see what I mean... The beds in the balcony cabin are parallel to the window/balcony door (like the obstructed view, which has a sealed floor-to-ceiling window but, of course, no balcony) whereas in the standard outside they're perpendicular to the window.

The obstructed view outside is still not exactly the same internal layout as the balcony cabin as in the balcony cabin the seating area is near the window, with the sleeping area closer to the bathroom/closet area and the cabin door. In the obstructed view cabins their positions are reversed.

Hope this all makes sense.

does that give it a bit more room that way?I don't think it actually gives more room, but it feels more roomy.

Can you compare an inside "J" to the "H".Yes... Similar size but I prefer the layout of the outside. Also in the outside cabin you get a bathtub (not really suitable for real baths, except for young children perhaps).

If you go here (http://www.virtualtoursusa.com/hollandoosterdam.htm) you can see pretty decent 360-degree photos of all the various types of cabins. Yes, I know they're of OOSTERDAM and not ZUIDERDAM, but the cabins on the two ships are absolutely identical except for the artwork on the walls. The same site has photos of ZUIDERDAM cabins too, but a few types (like, coincidentally, the obstructed oceanview) are left out.

Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you further.

[drdaddy]

Doug, that all made complete sense and really helped. The photos of the Oosterdam also was a giant help. I like the layout of the H and the lifeboat does not seem to be too bad. Seems to let the light in. The layout of the "J" is probably the large version (seems to be square like on the deck plan on Main deck) but I am sure the "J" 's on the higher decks are smaller, BECAUSE they are higher. So I am real happy with this cabin, deck 4, midships.

Thanks. You have been a real help

[dougnewmanatsea]

The layout of the "J" is probably the large versionThat's correct.

I am sure the "J" 's on the higher decks are smaller, BECAUSE they are higher.Not because they're higher, but yes, they are much smaller. I would not recommend those and honestly I'd forgotten that some of them actually are Cat. J. It is rather odd that HAL have grouped the "large" insides on Main Deck in the same category as the much smaller ones on higher decks... And the brochures do not make clear which are "large" and which aren't.

Anyhow I'm glad I was able to help. Have a great cruise.