VE or VD on Noordam?

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12Cats

Guest
We are looking to cruise on the Noodam in September. The options are a VE or VD veranda - there is no difference in price. Which one is the better choice - I have seen people say that there is a difference, but don't remember what the differences are.

Thanks.

12Cats
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
Definitely choose the VE, which have the more midship location on Verandah Deck. VD are more forward and aft on Upper Promenade Deck, and some of them only have showers, not bathtubs.
 
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12Cats

Guest
Thanks ShipMaven. Is there a difference in the balconies - or do both have glass fronts instead of metal?
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
Not sure about the glass - I'm almost certain that the VE's will have glass panels. The aft VD's might have metal. The VD verandahs do appear to be a bit deeper than those of the VE's, but you would need to carefully select your cabin. The aft-most VD's on both sides have showers-only, no bathtubs.
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
12Cats - it occurred to me that Sail7Seas is our resident expert on Noordam (Noordam and Maasdam are "her" ships while Volendam is "my" ship :grin ). Perhaps if she reads this note, she can give you more specifics on these balcony cabins. I don't believe she reads this Forum daily...

Sail?
 
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12Cats

Guest
Thanks again - I hope she reads it and weighs in ... but everything you have offered is helpful too - so thanks for all your help.

One more question - is it worth going the extra bucks and booking a SC? I think I would love the wrap-around balcony but don't know for sure if I should make that leap.

12Cats
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
If it's within your budget, don't give it a second thought. GO FOR IT. The Deluxe Verandah Suites on HAL are fabulous, and come with many wonderful perks (they're listed on the HAL site).

http://www.hollandamerica.com/onboard/suiteaccommodations

One thing I would advise - if you book the SC Deluxe Verandah Suite that you want, then specify that you do not want to be considered for an upgrade. Not all upgrades, especially on the Vista ships, are better accommodations.
 
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sail7seas

Guest
Hi 12Cats...

I wish I could be more helpful but I really do not know anything about the VE or VD cabins. We have never stayed in them. I'm sure you have looked at the deck plan and know their locations. I do not know for sure if the VD have a clear bottom to the veranda or if it is steel so don't want to 'guess'.

IF you have the chance to go to an "SC", I think you will be very happy you did. Please know that the "SC" Suites themselves are somewhat smaller than those on port and starboard sides but the corner "SC" suites have an amazing veranda.... REALLY large. Lots of people love those cabins and rush to book them.

You get all of the Suite amenities if you are in that category cabin but keep in mind it is a little walk from far aft to mid-ship to the Neptune Lounge so you might not use it as often as someone who has a nearby cabin. Also... There are "SC" cabins on other than Rotterdam deck so you might be on an entirely different deck.

BUT they are great cabins and I encourage you to consider it if you think you are interested in one.

Noordam is a postively beautiful ship. HAL got it very right with her. We love her and cannot wait to sail her again ASAP. She consistently receives raves on all the Bulletin Boards. There have been very few people with negative comments. Overwhelmingly, Noordam's wonderful crew is providing guests with great cruises.

Let us know what you decide.
 
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12Cats

Guest
Thanks for the information - the SC I was referring to were the ones on the aft corners - I thought the verandah would be wonderful. Since we haven't chosen our travel week yet, I think I may check to see when one of these is available and let that dictate when we go (sort of reverse the process). The verandah is important to me because unlike a lot of people who cruise and spend lots of time at activities or in the clubs, I cruise because I can spend a great deal of time just sitting on the balcony letting my brain go blank - it's better than therapy!

Also have never sailed HAL - but have heard so many great things that I thought it was time to try. Can hardly wait, actually.

I appreciate all of the advice everyone is offering and I will let you know when we make our selection.

12Cats
 
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sail7seas

Guest
Some of us here have cruised HAL a great deal and are very happy to help with whatever questions you may have.

We leave next week for two weeks (back-to-backs) on Maasdam for a Canada/New England Itinerary. We've sailed this ship and this route many times and can't wait to do it again.

We think HAL keeps getting better and better.

Your method of choosing when to cruise is actually more common than one would think. :) We do a similar thing as we often do back-to-backs and want to choose dates we can have the same cabin for both weeks thereby not having to switch cabins at the end of the first cruise. Availability of the same cabin for two consecutive cruises is our deciding factor on date to cruise.
 


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