Vineyard View

I think we are cross texting at the same time. So the ‘empty space’ between the cabins in my latest scenario is not actually empty. I appreciate all the clarification. In summary, our original itinerary had two awesome options that I started this thread about. The updated itinerary we are more interested in does not have these cabins available. The two that may be most quiet that it does have are not up against blank/quiet space, but against another cabin. Thank you all for your input. It’s truly been really helpful.

Thank you. We had the opportunity in the past, years ago, on the original Ryndham, to experience Neptune. It was awesome. What confused me was the space between the available cabin and the aft verandah beside the Neptune. I would guess if this is working/storage space it should be quiet except for during AM/PM refresh.

Sorry. I was referring to this space showing between 7143 or 7134 before the last aft cabins of 7154 or 7142. Looks a bit different than the screenshots that you are all so much helping me to understand.

Thank you. So basically all the verandah cabins are 216 sq ft? Including balcony?

Thank you all very much for all of these responses! I sincerely appreciate your experienced input. Sounds like both options are true winners in their different ways! I am now in a new quandary. Found another itinerary DH and I like better ( both are next year, first one is E Med and this new one is W Mediterranean) so cabin selection is not quite as attractive and a higher cost (not surprising). Is there an advantage to 7143, 5178….furthest side aft, but appears to have a ‘blank’ space before the next cabin that is true aft. Does this provide a quiet area without an adjacent cabin? Thank you again very much!

I agree with this logic. I had to question why there wasn’t an option that didn’t include keeping things the way that they are. Or, One of the main differences between SB and other luxury lines is the lack of included excursions, or the baked in cost to cover some excursion credit. That is a huge difference. The scenarios as I recall included ‘x’ amount of excursion credit, or included excursions. A key differentiating factor wasn’t in A or B.

Thank you all for additional responses. The aft is on deck 7 so I would hope soot isn’t a problem. From experience, are these cabins on the smaller sq ft size? ‘the expended balcony is next to crew staircase so it’s actually extended in both in length (1 1/2 vs normal) width and depth. That caught my attention. It’s over the ‘blank area’ of the MDR, so I wonder if that is the kitchen and could be noisy later.

Thank you for your feedback. I would think that the dining room would be quiet during the night, more so than other venues, but this is a valid point to consider. ‘With the steep prices in all cruises, it’s a bit more challenging than it used to be. Years back a Neptune we sailed in was a real pleasure, and not as painful as it is now. In today’s retirement dollars it is a different lens we are viewing through, so I looked at the Signature - again, a great point to consider that you are mentioning!

It’s being discussed on other social media sites as well as here. Seems to be same consensus as here. Since CC is purportedly such a crazy small population of pax on cruises, I sincerely doubt that the generalized topics discussed here from the survey, rather than actual specifics of the survey will catch HQ attention. It it does, then they pay more attention to CC than is presumed based on lack of response from SB on this site. Surveys that truly seek customer needs and expectations can be valuable tools of that data is implemented in marketing strategy. Surveys that are ambiguous and without clear definition can be marketing ploys to say a survey gathered data, only to justify what they already are planning to do. I sincerely hope it was for the first and not second reason.

We are looking at sailing the Oosterdam for the first time. In looking up cabin sizes the balcony cabins have a wide range in size. How does one go about finding the larger? 216 sq ft would feel pretty tight, but the larger end of the range is attractive? In trying to find this information, I came across two options that caught my attention. Cabin 7149 aft….and 4166 with the extended balcony. We tend to use our balcony quite a bit, so both have their distinct advantages. Does anyone have experience and thoughts on these locations as well as interior space? We also looked a Signature suite 6115. Not sure if these are worth the extra cost? thank you in advance

Received their survey asking if we would appreciate changing the model up of offerings. There was one write in area, which I used. Almost missed it. I think it’s important that they get a feel from their customers what their preferences are. Hopefully they listen to the feedback, and it is not just a marketing tool. Without discussing specifics, I also answered No on all We booked SB because of their business model. Instead, their prices have skyrocketed last month without any changes to their model. IMHO, they can’t have it all, or they won’t keep them all.

That’s what happens when we are all cheering at grandkids sports games on my watch app! And we are talking - lots of people cheering and clapping! No way would I want that at a pool!

But if you pay the increased prices to receive what you hope you used to have on any line, and we all keep reading that isn’t happening, where is the solution? Agree. Prices are up. Significantly. If one pays those prices, it seems fair to expect some type of value. Hiltner, really enjoying your live and balanced updates. Seems like your overall assessment is pretty positive. Your issues (excursions, etc) seem valid and should be addressed by O. Agree, Malta is one incredible sail in. Loved every minute of it!

Powell’s Books is iconic in Portland. Very cool book store. Agree…..quote the journey by sea, let alone land from New England!