Thread: HAL Cabin tips- get more bang for your buck!

I thought it might be fun to share information on what cabins are "superior" in either size, shape, or location than other cabins in the same cabin class.

For instance, on the Prinsendam our favorite cabins are AA196 and 197 because they offer a bigger balcony than other cabins in that class, they have double sinks, and a huge aft window that makes the room very bright. Additionally, there is a hottub on the aft deck behind them that is rarely occupied and a wonderful place to sit and watch the sunset.

Also, on the Volendam and Zaandam there are 2 "inside" cabins that actually have windows to the aft deck on the Navigation deck, cabins 7086 & 7083. Additionally, those cabins provide perfect access to your almost private aft deck area!

The aft cabins on all the Vista ships (Zuiderdam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Noordam) have larger balconies and deeper cabin spaces that the other veranda cabins in their class. The only downside is that there is minimal shade due to a lack of coverage on the balcony with the ships step up design.

Does anyone else have any other cabins to add to the tip list??

Excellent info, thanks!!

Thanks so much, Localady, for the cabin info. Wish I had known about these cabins before I booked, but I'll certainly remember them next time.
The cabins with access to a pretty private aft deck/hot tub sound great!!!

From what I understand, when the Westerdam goes into dry dock in 2007, those aft balconies will be smaller because she is suppose to have more cabins added to her like the Noordam.

Originally Posted by Krazy Kruizers

From what I understand, when the Westerdam goes into dry dock in 2007, those aft balconies will be smaller because she is suppose to have more cabins added to her like the Noordam.

Even on the Noordam with the additional cabins, the aft veranda cabins are deeper by far than any of the side cabins. Our cabin on the Upper Nav deck (4185) had a 9 foot deep balcony, which is appx. double the side verandas in depth. They definitely give you more sq. feet for the same price as the side verandas.
Some talk about a bit of vibration, but we never felt anything noticeable.

Ziggy let me in on this little secret.

On the Vista class, the regular balcony cabins on Deck 4 on the sides, have bigger balconies than any of the other decks. The reason for this is because they are above the Promenade and they have to extend over it. It looked like it was at least 24 inches more in depth to me.

Good to know this stuff.

Thanks for starting this thread, and for the info about the AA cabins. We are looking at a terrific itinerary on Prinsendam for July '08, and DH wants to us to book SYs. I have to say that I had a severe case of sticker shock - it's a 14 day cruise, and while the AA's are not bargain basement price, they do cost less.

I do have a question about the 196/197 aft window though. How much of the room can you see from the outside? Will we have to worry about privacy?

Any other "special" rooms on Prinsendam?

Originally Posted by MCcruiser

Thanks for starting this thread, and for the info about the AA cabins. We are looking at a terrific itinerary on Prinsendam for July '08, and DH wants to us to book SYs. I have to say that I had a severe case of sticker shock - it's a 14 day cruise, and while the AA's are not bargain basement price, they do cost less.

I do have a question about the 196/197 aft window though. How much of the room can you see from the outside? Will we have to worry about privacy?

Mindy-
I have stayed in 196 and I can tell you it is the most special room (for the price) on the Prinsendam. We found privacy to be no problem as you really can't see in unless you pushed your nose up against it at night. If someone did that, the occupants could see it immediately. I love that cabin because of the location, the hot tub and the huge and mostly undiscovered deck behind the room. \
Yes the Prinsendam is expensive, but they treat you like royalty!!