Vista Class or Eurodam Sofa Bed

[djhsolara]

Does anyone have a picture of the sofa bed in a Superior Suite that is made up for sleeping? We will be utilizing it on our Eurodam sailing and would like to see how it is made up. I have been told that it is rather the "flip flat" type of thing rather than a traditional pull-out bed and that is why we would like to see it.

Thank you!!

[PMK]

You have been relentless with this question. I, too, was considering putting three in a SS on Eurodam (the larger one 7079). However, after failing to find any picture of the "sofa bed" open, after no one providing a meaningful response to your questions, after being told conflicting things by HAL regarding whether you're sleeping on the cushion flipped over (a la futon) or whether it's an actual mattress, after being told by HAL that you'd only be comfortable if your body fit in between the two arms of the sofa, and after realizing that I'd rather have my own room for the same price as a third of the cost of an SS (if divided evenly), I opted for my own room.

I ended up getting so frustrated with this issue that I gave up. It's truly unbelievable that I couldn't even get a straight answer from HAL (including ship services and the Eurodam's coordinator (who was supposed to get back to me and never did)) regarding these beds. HAL did say that whatever the sofabed is, it's quite different from the sofas that fully extend. I was "reassured" that whatever I'd be sleeping on would be relatively new. I don't care if it's new; I care if it's comfortable. In the end, I feared that I'd be sandwiched lengthwise between the arms of the sofa sleeping on a flipped over piece of naugahyde for $1100, simply so that I could have a bathroom with two showers (which no two people would use at the same time), a balcony (which would get minimal use when we'd be either on the beach or at the aft pool), and a "suite" with no other meaningful perks. No thanks.

But, I'm 28 years old and can afford my own room. If you're bringing a child I wouldn't worry about it.

[djhsolara]

I have been relentless regarding this question as well as the question regarding a photo of our specific stateroom...and I will continue until either someone answers or I sail...whichever comes first.

We are booked into the stateroom direct beneath the one to which you are referring. We are in 6113, which is a larger size as well.

My Mother will be sleeping on the sofabed and I know there will be no troubles with her fitting between the arms of the sofa...I just want to see how they do it up. She is travelling with my partner and me and does not want her own stateroom and I do not see the value in all of the extra $$ for the deluxe level. I'm sure it will be just fine.

Happy sailing to you from a fellow Pennsylvanian!!

[PMK]

Let me know if you find a picture. I swear that I've looked everywhere. The room is bigger, at least (if I recall correctly, it's 38 square feet bigger). I would have kept it, but it would have meant sharing it either with my 65 year old parents or with my brother and his girlfriend. No thanks (in part thanks to the comments I received on this board).

I totally agree with you regarding the deluxe suites. It simply is not worth $1K plus per person on a seven-day, Caribbean cruise for those (what I view as) minimal perks. All of the perks can be found other ways (with the exception of the Neptune lounge and concierge, which I do not think is that valuable): if you want to embark early, get there early (I've never had to wait on any cruise when I get there at 10:45 a.m.); if you want dry cleaning, pay the $50 it will cost for the week; if you want a particular table in the main dining room, slip the maitre'd a fifty (it almost always works); if you want shore excursions, book them now; regarding comments on being able to avoid the purser's desk, do people really still use travelers checks on a cruise ship with a safe in the room; do you really need stationary (honestly, who are you writing to); there's no need for binoculars in the Caribbean (no wildlife, no glaciers); and the list goes on. I could be persuaded, however, by an SC or SB on the aft corner, but that's because of the corner balcony and exceptional views.

I think that the SS suites are a pretty exceptional value, especially in your case, and I agree that the deluxe isn't worth the extra money. But I think the value of deluxe suites truly depends upon the sailing. I stick to port-heavy and warm weather cruises, so I'm rarely in the room. In fact, every once in a while I book an inside cabin, and after the week is over, I often don't even miss the higher categories (although I usually spend the difference at the bar and the roulette table).

If I were you, I would talk to HAL and see if they can get a picture of the room and the alleged bed during the next in-port turnover. They're only willing to take pictures if the ship is turning over or not at full capacity.

You'll be fine no matter what room you're in. Good luck.