Cabin Selection - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Snowbaby · 10-13-2009, 10:39 PM

We presently have guaranteed balcony, on Westedam. When I printed off our Docs it said we were guaranteed VH. I see there are only 4 VH and they are 4001, 02, 03 and 04. Why are there only four of these, and is what makes them different? Is this a good thing or bad? When I asked my TA, he said there must be a mistake in the printing as he checked and found they were already booked, and he said when you go with a guaranteeed selection they are not assigned until just before the cruise. Any comments? Thanks.

Krazy Kruizers · 10-14-2009, 06:12 AM

The 4 VH cabins have slightly smaller balconies because they are on the front bend of the ship.

Also these 4 cabins have a solid steel railing instead of the clear-view Plexiglass railing. When you are sitting on these verandahs you can not see anything -- you have to stand at the railing.

See if your TA can get you another cabin.

Snowbaby · 10-16-2009, 01:44 AM

Many thanks, I will look into that first chance I get, but I must not waste too much time, we sail in about 5 weeks!

nealberk · 10-16-2009, 06:43 PM

I have found that with Holland America, you almost always get upgraded from these cabins to much better ones. In fact, on our last cruise we saved several hundred dollars by getting a VH guarantee then getting upgraded all the way to a VB right before the cruise.

Now, there is always a chance that you will get the VH, but it is a chance I am willing - and was willing- to take.

Krazy Kruizers · 10-16-2009, 07:19 PM

Oh -- well -- that is not always true.

We have friends that have sailed over 300 days on HAL.

On our Westerdam -- 2008 -- 19 dat repositioning cruise -- they booked an inside cabin -- no upgrades.

Only 2 times in all their cruises have they been upgraded -- and one upgrade was not good -- the other one -- they ended up in an SB.

They always book guarantees.

nealberk · 10-16-2009, 07:26 PM

Yonnie, with only 4 VH cabins, there is a very good chance that you will get upgraded based on the number of balcony cabins, the loads HAL is currently running, and the number of VH cabins that are booked.

Notice, I did not say perfect 100% chance, but it is good enough odds for even a nongambler like me.

Krazy Kruizers · 10-17-2009, 07:15 AM

True -- but some people are luckier than others.

nealberk · 10-17-2009, 01:48 PM

Point made. I was VERY unlucky on my last cruise on HAL!

earl_m · 10-17-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowbaby

Many thanks, I will look into that first chance I get, but I must not waste too much time, we sail in about 5 weeks!

we are leaving on the Westerdam next sunday oct 25. its a 7 day to Aruba and Curaco
What is your stops and how many days is your cruise

nealberk · 10-17-2009, 08:18 PM

That is almost the exact itinerary we took last year. Did not get to see anything of Aruba but did get the two hour whirlwind tour of Curacao.