Why are the Aft VA Balcony..

[gotsand]

Why are the aft VA balcony cabins still available on the Oosterdam, May 10th sailing still available?
I booked VE guar., should I try to snag one these cabins on aft VA?
The total cost difference is only about $100.00.
Are those good cabins for Alaska? Less wind? Glacier viewing?
These cabins have been available for quite some time now.
:confused:

[arzz]

We did Alaska two years ago in an aft cabin on the Westerdam. The following are my own opinions -- not shared by everyone.

In the Caribbean the view is mostly water which can be appreciated from either side of the ship, front or back rather equally. In Alaska, the view is mostly on the sides of the ship, on the shore, not the view of where you have been. Though the balcony area is admittedly much larger from the aft cabins, you do sacrifice view.

We were on deck four or five of the Westerdam and the noise and vibration from the engines when we were at sea was significant -- and we have been on many ships. On the upper decks this is not so much of an issue. In our cabin we almost had to yell at each other to be heard when the ship was steaming -- and the vibration (as well as a rear end wobble) was so significant that the drawers in our sofa would open and close spontaneously the whole time we were at sea. Though I am one that enjoys the motion of the ocean, and I believe that a slight hum from the engines is part of knowing we are on a ship at sea -- we felt that what we were experiencing in that cabin on the Westerdam was a bit much.

JMHO

[CherylsCaribbeanTravel]

I can only speak based on my two experiences in a VA-Aft on the Zuiderdam. If I were planning on Alaska, an Aft is certainly the way I would go.

I think it would be fabulous to be able to see off both sides of the ship (170 degrees or so). Twice the chances to see wildlife, and with a good set of binoculars, I'd think you can get some great views of both sides of the ship right from your balcony as opposed to leaving to go to a public room if the 'cool' stuff is on the port side and your cabin is starboard.

For Alaska, I'd probably choose deck 8 since it's covered. The balconies are a bit smaller than those on 5, 6, and 7 since the Oosterdam hasn't had the aft lift yet, but deck 8 it is covered in the event of Alaska rain.

As far as afts being available last minute, I found the same thing to be true on my second Zuiderdam sailing. I booked an aft three weeks prior and it was a sold out Easter sailing. I have a theory that while those cabins get reserved first, they have a significant number become released once final payment is due and people who reserved very early change their mind.

I never felt significant vibration on deck 5 or 6, but I'm sure that this is different for everyone.

If it were me, for $100.00 I'd book that aft cabin and not look back!

Cheryl :)