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Our first balcony cabin was on Oosterdam deck 5 right above the life boats.  At the time, we were thrilled to have that balcony and were not even aware that it was smaller than other V cabins.  If you have a tender port, you will probably get an early wake-up from the noise.  Otherwise, as others said, the only issue is the smaller size and not being able to look straight down to the water.

Just back from Eurodam, and we bought the Club Orange upgrade.  The cabin upgrade was a crap shoot, as we had booked a guarantee.  We did get an upgrade, but our friends who also booked a guarantee and did not purchase CO, got a better upgrade.  The noticeable niceties included:

Priority boarding - literally zero waiting in line - and disembarkation - we got to leave whenever we wanted to.

A table by the window at every single meal we ate in the MDR. 

The expanded menu included one additional entrée option that we were not informed of unless we asked.

The expanded room service menu included a no-charge mimosa and a couple of additional upcharge items.  That's it.

We did receive the zippered tote bag, but IMO it would have been nicer to be in addition to the regular tote that everyone else receives.

Bath robe had orange piping instead of blue, and was the heavier type similar to those in suite cabins.

We did receive the glass of sparkling wine at dinner the first evening. 

The "special event" was an expanded galley tour.

All this to say, CO likely made our experience much nicer - we were accommodated on every request of dining times and location, and spa appointments.  We've not cruised HAL in nearly 10 years, and we were pleased that the wonderful service we remember is still there.  Even if the free after-dinner espressos are no longer free.

Re the complimentary bathrobes - presume they are terrycloth like the towels? Are they changed during the cruise?

The robes are terry-lined waffle weave robes, and they are not changed during the cruise, though I'm sure if you spilled coffee or whatever on it, the steward would bring a clean one.

Cloth hand towels in the public restrooms.

The Baked Alaska Parade.

The Indonesian farewell song, sung by the dining room staff on the last night.

Room service breakfast is better than what we found in the Lido or dining room. Eggs are hotter and fresher, and the pastries are warm (and you don't have to search for a table or wait for refills on your coffee!).

OK, I'm in.... I'll bring a cow, but she's a milk cow - the kitchen tends to run out of full cream for the coffee after just a few days.... :rolleyes:

[quote name=like2cruise

Is the hot chocolate complimentary? I love walking the deck sipping hot cocoa.[/quote]

Yes, it is. And very tasty, even though they make it from a powdered mix.

Hot cocoa with REAL whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles at the Java Cafe.

Watching the ocean from the Explorer's Lounge (tea is served here every afternoon at 3:30).