jns4550

While we do visit the spa a few times each trip, I would agree that those amenities aren’t worth the increased price. I’m more concerned with enjoying the space on the balcony. Thanks for your input!

Great info, thank you!

No connecting door for sure! Too much extra noise.

Yes, VS, V, then VA, VB, etc.. The current HAL website makes it a challenge to compare prices between various categories, but a lot of online travel agencies make it quite simple.

Thank you, that helps!

We enjoyed an aft VS balcony cabin (7194) on the Koningsdam. Not a large balcony, but more than adequate. We really enjoy aft cabins, but felt that the higher price for a VS wasn't really worth it.

 

We have a V balcony cabin (8080) booked on the Nieuw Statendam with a huge balcony on the leading edge of the midship hump. For the Norwegian fjords, we thought that we'd prefer to have a good view forward instead of an aft view.

So when looking at the deck plans, does the cost increase the closer you get to the beginning of the alphabet? So VA is more expensive than VF, for example?

The Norwegian fjords is definitely on my bucket list. My grandparent’s family on both sides is from there!

Yeah, that is a personal preference question. Kind of depends on what you plan to do, how much time you will be on your balcony or out and about on the ship. Also, motion sickness. Low and mid is better if that is a possibility. We like being lower down and mid to aft port side if we can get it but we also spend more time on the lower decks with the MDR, the promenade, most all the lounges, music venues, and the Pinnacle there. But this new class of ship, which we have yet to try, might offer more social opportunities on higher decks or more activities you think you guys would enjoy elsewhere. Also some folks like be nearer the spa or The Retreat. Also, be aware of elevator location as sometime being too close can be a bit noisy.

Quiet is key for us. Never had issues with motion sickness. I read that there was a difference in balcony sizes on some HAL ships and wondered if the smaller balconies (ie. The less expensive ones) were uncomfortably small.

Everyone's criteria for a "best" cabin differs. Where do you like to be on a ship? We like deck 7 VE's, aft.

We’ve always done midship balconies on RCCL and have been considering an aft cabin, assuming there are no issues with exhaust fumes. Thanks for the info!

Thanks for the info, Essiesmom! I just posted this on the HAL board. Hopefully, I’ll get some good advice!

I’m about to book a cruise on the Nieuw Staatendam as a birthday surprise for my husband. What is my best option for a reasonably priced balcony cabin on a pinnacle class ship? We’ve done several RCCL cruises, but this will be our first on HAL so I’m hoping for some expert advice from past HAL cruisers.

I’m about to book a cruise on the Nieuw Staatendam as a birthday surprise for my husband. What is my best option for a reasonably priced balcony cabin on a pinnacle class ship? We’ve done several RCCL cruises, but this will be our first on HAL so I’m hoping for some expert advice from past HAL cruisers.