Best and WORST Staterooms on Holland America Cruise Ships
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- Опубліковано 20 січ 2023
- Are you sailing with Holland America cruise line? Find the best Holland America staterooms and the worst cabins on Holland America cruise ships. #hollandamerica #cruisetips
See the Holland America Deck Plans:
www.cruisecompete.com/deck_pl...
Have you ever had a HORRIBLE cabin/stateroom on a Holland America cruise ship? If yes, please leave a comment below to help out your fellow cruise traveler friends!
We are Four Star Mariners and you can NOT know how the seas will be that we always have a cabin in midship and on the lower decks. The cabins a short distance away from stairs/elevators and not under the entertainment areas. Then the cabins a third of the way from the stern is noisy because of the engine room is just below! Balconies are not needed as we just walk up one deck to deck three to go outside as we very seldom spend much time in our cabin other than sleep/bath. That we have to walk a lot and never use the elevators keeps us trim gaining only a nominal amount of weight on our cruises. We are both in our 70’s and live an active lifestyle.
Thanks for the tips!! I didn't know about the engine room being noisy! Is that on the 1st floor toward the front or the back of the ship? That sounds like it would be horrible!
@@christinabmarie About 1/4 th from the stern to the 3/8ths from the stern on the bottom three decks with cabins . This is only when underway.
Good recommendations, Christina! We always check the deck plans when choosing a room and pretty much do what you recommended. Thanks!
Steve & Connie
Thank you so much for the comment!! So glad that you found the video helpful. That made my day!!!
So smart of you to check the deck plans. Too bad the room #s are always in such small font and so hard to read!
Awesome review!! We are going in May, and this is the perfect video for our trip!! Much appreciated!
Thank you!! So glad to hear that you found this helpful, and thank you for subscribing! Which cruise ship are you going on? 😃😃
P.S. - I created a NEW UA-cam channel, called Cruise Tips with Christina, which has a lot more cruise tips as well! ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
We were on deck 8 on Rotterdam, yes, they move chairs, but in the evening it was early enough not to be disruptive, and it was not nearly as bad as you describe in the morning.
Good to know. We’re on deck 8 and I’m a light sleeper.
That's good that they don't do it too early!! Maybe they changed what time they do it. Thank you for sharing!! 😃😀
Great advice. I wish I’d been able to view this before sailing on Westerdam for a 28 day Japan cruise. We were in a verandah stateroom directly below adult pool and, yes, the moving of chairs and tables was very annoying. We are next sailing on Rotterdam in a stateroom two decks below Lido and not under either pool. One other tip we learned from Westerdam’s future cruise coordinator: if you’re traveling on a cruise that circles an island or islands, and you book a verandah stateroom, book a room that faces the shore. You’ll see many more sights that way. This would apply to cruises around Japan, Great Britain , Australia and/or New Zealand, for example. The cruise itinerary map has arrows that show which way the ship is sailing around an island, so you can book starboard or port side accordingly. Again, thank you for your concise, informative video.
So sorry to hear that you got stuck under the pool. What a pain! I wouldn't be able to sleep at night!
And thank you for sharing the tip. SUPER helpful!
Where did you go on the Westerdam? Was that a cruise to somewhere cool like New Zealand? 😃
Thank you. I am handicapped and use a cane, walker and sometimes a wheel chair. You answered my question on a handicapped accessble stateroom.
Thank you! Glad that I could help! Yes, Holland America is very accommodating to people in wheelchairs and will go above and beyond to help!
Always choose a deck between two other decks with cabins only.
thank you for the comment! That's an easy, clear way to explain it :)
Thank you! Very, very helpful video!!
Thanks so much for the comment. Glad to hear it!! I hope you have a great weekend!!
Did you end up booking a cruise for sometime this year?
Hi Christina Marie - I believe I"m one of your earliest subscribers. Your information is the most substantive on Holland America. Solid advice. Thank you. Listen, would you consider doing a video on comparing the fitness centers for each class of ship or go a little more in depth about specific equipment naming brands of equipment. I want to cruise, but would like an idea of how I can translate my workouts.
Awwww....thank you!!! And I think you may have already found it...but I'd recommend this channel for more tips! ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
To compare the gyms...I REALLY prefer the newer ships for the gym. The layout is better and it's cooler (literally...temperature wise).
Here's a video that shows you the gym on the newer ships (pretty much the same for Rotterdam (2021); Nieuw Statendam (2018); Koningsdam (2016)).
Here's the video for the gyms on the newer ships: ua-cam.com/video/ghZTLNAWDks/v-deo.htmlsi=Fh_WqPiBjXu41esV
Here's a tour of the Nieuw Amsterdam, which will show you the gym on the slightly older ships: ua-cam.com/video/vd3p-Cjj5QM/v-deo.htmlsi=sgheSMlKbXsNIvid
Thank you for the tips! We booked deck 1 ocean view because of the family room and smoother sailing (so I heard), 2 bathrooms & lots of storage…we will be mid-aft…I like that it’s closer to the MDR :) we will be onboard on the 22nd😊
Yay!!! 2 bathrooms and lots of storage? How cool? I've never seen a family room on the Holland America ships. That sounds cool! 😀🥰
You aren't right under BB King's Blues Band though, or the Rolling Stone Rock Room - right?
Where are you heading off too? Gosh...the 22nd is only 11 days away!!
😄
@@christinabmarie no, we’re more towards the aft :) we are sailing to Alaska, very excited!
be sure to try out the Fries at the Dive INN Bar, located by the main pool, they are special, yum!
Yes, yes, yes!! AGREE!!
P.S. If you LOVE sailing with Holland America cruise line, you may like my other UA-cam channel where I post LOTS of videos with tips! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Love Holland America. Great Vid rxcellant commentary
Thanks so much!! Are you a fancy 4-star mariner in that case, if you love Holland America? 😄
On most HAL ships larger than the R class vessels you will find that the verandahs on the front third and back third of the ships on deck 4 "stick out" farther than the ones on deck 5 and above so you get a larger verandah. The trade off to this is you lose privacy because anyone on a higher deck can look down and see much of your verandah.
I have stayed in staterooms on deck 8 below the buffet or below the sea view pool and not had noise issues at all.
Thanks so much for the helpful comment! Are you going on another Holland America cruise anytime soon? 😀
And have a fantastic 4th of July weekend!
P.S. You may also want to check out my other channel, Cruise TIps with Christina, which is about nothing but cruises: ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
Super helpful!! Thank you!
My pleasure!! Are you going on a cruise anytime soon? 😃
Christina, I agreed with almost everything you said regarding best cabins on ship. I love the Koningsdam and always try and book same cabin on deck 6😊which has a veranda and is towards the front of ship. It is by an elevator, but so far have never felt it was noisy. I did agree with one comment about avoiding a connecting room. I won’t consider it.
Thanks so much for sharing!! Super super helpful!!
I LOVE the Kongingsdam too!! When is your next cruise? 😀
P.S. You may want to check out my UA-cam channel that is about nothing BUT cruising: ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
The only non negotiable thing for us is an adjoining room if not traveling with someone you want to be adjoined with. We could hear everything the other couple said...There is not much soundproofing, in my opinion. When choosing a cabin, adjoining and what is above and below is what I look for. Also, have been close to elevators and stairs and luckily never had any issues.
Thanks so much for the comment. Super helpful!!! Yes, I should have mentioned to avoid the adjoining rooms. I've never had issues...hearing the other couple sounds HORRIBLE!!
We were on the Rotterdam in 2022. We were on deck 8 with an aft facing balcony. Never an issue with sounds and we were under the sunning area with the deck chairs. This might apply to inside cabins.
Thanks so much for the helpful comment!!! I think maybe the sunning area they don't remove and put out the deck chairs every 😀😀day....but I'm not sure!!
Are you going on another Holland America cruise soon? Looks like you may be overdue for one!
Just to let you know deck 7 and 8 have the suites and penthouses ,not on decks 10 or above..that's spa and crows nest..the suites and penthouses have the Neptune lounge strickly for those rooms, fabulous!! and we are 5 star mariners and have the pleasure of staying in the penthouses several cruises..the suites are beautiful as well they come with many perks which is a plus 4 sure.. 8th deck on Vista class has also suites, you just don't have the convenience to Neptune as you would on 7th deck.. good advice. thought I would just add a bit..thx also I have to disagree with you on the average age..certainly world voyages or longer than 2 weeks primarily cater to a older democratic, many people we have met are in the late 30s , 40s and 50s..we have been cruising since 2002 on all lines, holland is more refined and certainly does not have many teenagers, like you would find on RC or Carnival..I was 38 on my 1st cruise, zuiderdam...so not necessarily a line specifically for an older generation
thanks so much for the helpful comment!!!
I try to go for Deck 6, where I can avoid elevators the entire cruise. Totally agree about corner balconies. We are all the way forward in January, but it is a wraparound Vista Suite on Koningsdam, so I figure the extra room and view is worth it.
Oooo. That will be so, so nice!!!
I agree with you. Deck 6 is the best! 3 flights of stairs to the lido buffer/pool and 3-4 flights for dancing at night.
Thanks so much for the comment, and you will have so much fun next year in Jan!!
The problem with aft corner cabins is there tends to be more vibrations from the large propellers below. The lower you are the more you will feel them. And while the front of the ship tends to be the roughest ride the aft end isn't that much better.
@@rrrogster Good to know. We ended up switching cruises, but something to think about for next time.
I booked a Signature Suite on floor 8. I called HAL and upgraded to floor 6. Thank you so much for this warning it would have ruined our Mediterranean adventures. Grateful and blessed.
Way to go!!! How nice!!! Where are you heading off to? You will have a grand time!
P.S. You may also want to check out my other UA-cam Channel, Cruise Tips with Christina, which is all about HAL cruises!
I love your HAL videos but it might be worth noting that you are mainly talking about the large ships in the fleet like the Eurodam and Rotterdam. The smaller ships, like the Volendam, don't have as many decks or venues (no BB King, etc). We'll be travelling on the Volendam this summer and it only has 9 decks and decks 1-3, 6 and 7 are where the staterooms are. The Lido is on deck 8 with the Sports deck being deck 9.
Great point. Thank you, thank you for sharing that fact!!
Where are you heading off this summer on the Volendam? 😃
Thank You for the information
My pleasure!! Please let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to help!
P.S You may want to check out my other cruise related channel and subscribe to it if you want more cruise tips! ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
First off, the issues you're mentioning is the same on EVERY cruise line, not just Holland America. Deck 1 is the first level but is not at ocean level like some people would think when you say on bottom. If you're looking straight on at the ship- Deck 1 is actually in the middle. So- if you're opting for Oceanview, those are going to be decks 1 and 4 on most ships and Deck 10/11 (on Pinnacle Class ships) and 10 (on Signature class.) There's hallways on all deck levels, but you're right in that near the elevator corridor is where housekeeping carts are. Obstructive Oceanview and Veranda are on deck 4. Forward can be bumpy but ALL CRUISES LINE ships have ballasts. Info is mostly correct about Deck 8. However, if you book Deck 8 under the Greenhouse Spa or the dining area of Lido Market,) you should be fine. The suites are actually on Decks 6, 7, and 8 and 11 on some ships. The Deck 10- Veranda VQ, Oceanview CQ, and IQ Interiors are at top pricing for their respective categories. On Deck 11- Neptune SC, Veranda VB, Oceanview D, and Interior K are not at top pricing for their categories, but they're not at bottom either. Either 10 or 11 are best for getting nicer views for where they're at but you may feel the motion depending on the seas for the time you're traveling.
-Melody W. -General Reservations Agent w/Holland America
Thanks so much for the comment Melody!! I'm glad you found my channel!! That makes me so, so happy!!! If you'd like, I'd LOVE to do a video of one of your fancy staterooms (like Neptune) on the next cruise that my mom and I book...we were eyeing one in September or October.
Many folks search "best and worst staterooms on Holland America" - so I created a video to help them out.
Again. So happy you left a comment!! Yay!!!
I love your HAL videos but it might be worth noting that you mainly talk about the Pinnacle and Signature class ships (the largest ones). The smaller ships don't have as many decks, and their layouts can be a lot different as they also don't have as many entertainment venues or eating places. We'll be on the Volendam in July and there are only 9 decks. They don't have BB King's or the Rolling Stone Rock Room or the Grand Dutch Cafe but I've been promised the night life is still very alive! They also only carry 1,432 passengers at capacity.
Thank you so so much for that comment. That's super helpful!! We always avoid the old ships because dancing to BB King at night is a MUST for me and my mom!
Do you tend to go on the smaller ships when you cruise?
@@christinabmarie This will be our first cruise. We're headed to Alaska for our 25th anniversary, and we chose the smallest so that we can start without the crowds and really get a feel for the world of cruising. As much as I'd love the entertainment of the big ships we'll still get a good taste of what is there and a slow start to a new way to travel.
Hubby and I are going to be on the Volendam this June on the New England to Montreal.
Thanks for the update
Your welcome!!! You may also want to check out my other channel, Cruise Tips with Christina, which has a LOT more cruise tips: ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
Hi Christina, I love watching your videos. I think you are so beautiful! I found you through Amazon. I bought a swing chair, and your video was highlighted first.
Yay!! I'm so glad to hear that!
I'm surprised to hear that you found me through Amazon...I didn't upload anything there!
I somehow don’t think you’re lucky if you have a disability. Having had MS for 35 years is not something I feel lucky to have. Please be a little more aware of how you phrase these things. Many people with disabilities need to use a scooter and might need another person to help them. Getting in and out of bed and transferring back and forth can be exhausting. Not a lucky break. Otherwise it was a fine video with some good cues.
I agree! Yes...my apologies. I don't use a script for my videos, which means I often use the wrong word choice or can be careless at times.
Hi Christina! Thanks for the informative video! We are going on our very first cruise ever (Koningsdam to Alaska). We have state room 5038 on Gershwin deck. When I look at the map it looks like it might be at the "front of the ship". But I'm not sure where the "front" ends, so perhaps you meant the first few cabins in the front? Or do you mean that whole section (where we will be located?). Also, when you say not to stay by hallways, I'm not sure what you mean by that, since there doesn't seem to be any hallways on the map (except the hallways that lead you to your room). Did you mean the hallways that lead to the elevators only, or other hallways also?
yay for a cruise!!! front = probably the first 5-10 cabins or so. by the hallway...oh my gosh - so confusing!! I mean by the elevators. you don't want to be near the hallway that THEN leads to the elevators.
I stay on deck 6 almost in the same location except your port side and I am starboard. I think it’s a great location and I rarely feel any motion.
Hey, curious on your personal thoughts about VE rooms behind the bridge on Westerdam cruises? We’re thinking of booking our first cruise around Japan, March time.
We’re young couple so maybe the rocking won’t be terrible for us?
I actually don't know what a VE room is. Do you mean a VH room - which is a verandah room?
If that's the case, I would still go for the middle of the ship if possible.
And I think Japan may be okay...this article has the roughest waters for cruising, and Japan isn't one of them thankfully! www.cruisecritic.com/articles/the-worlds-roughest-waters-for-cruising
We're going on the Eurodam to Alaska in July. Our booking Agent put us in Rm 10004. (Deck 10) It's an Oceanview, but supposed to be floor to ceiling window, looking over the front of the ship. It's suppose to be bigger too, so I'll have to report back. Hope it's not too rocky. I don't mind, but it's my hubby's first cruise. I'll have to keep you posted.
yes please!!! I feel like no one in the people on deck 10 ever complain...so I'm assuming those rooms must be nice!!
@@christinabmarie We just went on our first cruise in May. on the Eurodam. We were in stateroom 10016. Deck 10 and 5 from the forward end of the hall, port side. We had a wonderful view from the balcony. Being up high was great. On our first night at sea there was a little side to side rocking but it was like being rocked to sleep. No noise to speak of and our stewards were awesome! Enjoy your trip- we are thinking on taking another one soon and making it the Eurodam again if possible.
@@ralpho.dennis5718 So glad to hear that you had a great time!! If you were in 10016, does that mean you had one of the bigger rooms that are spacious? I'd love to stay in one of those rooms one time!!
P.S. You may also want to check out my other UA-cam Channel, Cruise Tips with Christina, which is where I'm uploading lots more cruise videos! ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
Neptune suites on deck 7 can get disturbing noises if close to Neptune Lounge.
This is SUPER helpful information! I would never think that the Neptune Lounge is noisy. Is it noisy because of them putting out breakfast food early in the morning?
As a 4-star Holland America mariner, I've found that there are two more categories of rooms to avoid. In the first category are rooms on decks 4-8 opposite the exhaust stacks. These are located in the narrow part of the superstructure between the midship and aft bulges of the superstructure. When the ship is running multiple engines at sea you can't avoid hearing and feeling the noise and vibration from the exhaust. Even if you're not in one of these rooms, try walking the corridor in this part of the ship to determine where the noise and vibration are stongest.
The other category to avoid is deck 4 above the World Stage, Casino, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge and BB King -- because of the noise.
Thank you!! Sounds like avoid deck 4 in general. Last time we were about BB King and it was SO, SO bad that you could even hear it in the hallways. Thank you!!
When you say decks 4-8 opposite the exhaust stacks...is there a way to tell which rooms that is from the map? This is a REALLY helpful piece of advice!! Thank you!!! 😃😃😃
I just returned from a transatlantic cruise on Nieuw Statendam. We had an inside cabin on deck 7 towards the back of the ship. I chose it for the reasons you mentioned and it was mostly fine but there was a continual roaring noise which sounded like engines running and I thought maybe it was the air conditioning units. I am really curious to know what it was. Fortunately I brought ear plugs but I didn’t sleep as well as I normally do on a cruise.
As far as deck 1 goes, the gangways were at midship so a cabin farther towards the front or back would probably not have all the people coming and going past it.
Oh dear...a roaring noise? That sounds absolutely horrible!!! Yikes!!!
So basically, avoid the back of the ship as well as the very front?
@@christinabmarie Yes at least on deck 7. Not sure what caused the noise or if the A/C is just really loud.
I had problem with engine noise while staying in a room in the back of a Royal Caribbean ship. I have not booked the back ever since.
avoid the very front cabins on the lower floors.
when pulling into port the noise from them dropping the anchor will definitely wake you and in rougher weather, there is metal-on-metal noise that will disturb lighter sleepers.
Thank you, thank you!! Super helpful comment. My goodness...that sounds absolutely HORRIBLE! A metal on metal noise? That sounds like a horror movie! Were you able to sleep at all? yikes!
These issues apply to every cruise ship. Avoid the allocated cabins would by rule one. Rule two is look at deckplans and avoid things above below or beside or proximity eg lifts. Pool. Venues and even consider if the cabin has a sofa or adjoining door etc Its as complex as avoiding a middle seat on a flight. Rule three using a agent.
Thank you, thank you!! Yes!! I agree. The same issues do apply to every cruise ship. And finding a good agent helps...it's just hard to find a good one!! Which cruise line is your favorite? I want to check out all of them!
On Holland America how late are the bars open can you get a drink at one or two in the morning and is there anywhere to get food after 1 AM on Holland America ships thank you and I enjoyed your video😊
Mmmm....that's a good question!! I'm actually not sure!! I have a feeling that they may close around 11pm or so...I should check next time I am on a ship1
We always stay on deck seven
Anything below we call the rowers!
Haha!!! Deck 7 is a good deck to be on!!
Good morning, great video. I am on Amsterdam ship in Jan. Room 7022, 8 back from the front? Does this tend to be a lot of motion? We were 11 back on Celebrity one time and it was fine. Thank you
I think you will be fine 😀 I'd worry more about being in the very front vs. the back. And nowadays the ships have such great stabilizers, that you'll be good. P.S. You may want to check out my other UA-cam Channel, @cruisetipswithchristina, which is all about cruising!
ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
Oh my gosh! Just disembarked the Rotterdam yesterday and every word you said was so true!
So glad to hear it!!! So I'm assuming you enjoyed the ship? Did you have a bad stateroom? 😮
We booked an obstructed view room expecting a minor obstruction. On arrival we opened the door to see an orange tender TOTALLY obstructing any view from our balcony. Thought I was in The Home Depot. Lesson learned, we have never booked an obstructed view room since. Disappointed that our travel agent didn’t make us aware of the degree of the PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTED view.
Oh gosh that sounds HORRIBLE!!! 😮Like REALLY, REALLY bad. What a bummer! I'm so sorry that happened to you.
Hello! Thank you for your video. Just booked cruise with HAL Rotterdam, requested midship stateroom but was told have to add $60 to get stateroom assignment. So I did but was given a Balcony on Aft Deck 6.
How’s Aft stateroom? (This will be my first HAL cruise)Kindly advise. Thank you!
Deck 6 is my favorite deck! And you got a balcony - awesome! Aft is at the back of the ship. If you are on the LOWER levels you'd hear the engine (I think), but on deck 6 you should be totally fine =)
You'll have a great time!! Where are you heading off to?
Have you heard anything about aft decks being smoky/sooty from engine smoke? I'm thinking about a corner aft on deck 6. eek!
Oh gosh...that's a good question! I haven't heard anyone mention that...🤔
Deck 8 under the buffet can also be a noise issue with the rolling carts during setup and teardown, especially early morning.
Agree!!!! AVOID deck 8!!!!
Just sailed on the Zaandam for 14 days and had a Neptune suite on deck 7. We heard food carts all night long. You pay a lot of money for these suites and putting them directly under the Mess Deck is not good. I now look harder at room location
@@jhollie8196 Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear that. That sounds miserable!!
My husband and I just booked on Koningsdam for a 10 day Alaska Cruise from Vancouver to Skagway in August. We booked through AAA and requested a Handicap accessible room with a balcony and unobstructed view. We are assigned Category VE but they have not yet assigned us our state room. We were informed that depending on availability the room will be assigned to us when we embark. After watching your video about where not to stay I’m nervous now about what we will be assigned. And what does category VE mean. Is that good or bad. Also would like to know a little more about accommodation and transportation for the land part of the trip as it is all part of the cruise package.
It sounds like maybe you did a guaranteed cabin, which means they assign you to a specific category of room...but not the specific room?
I had to research VB vs. VC vs. VE myself! VE shows where the rooms are: www.cruisemapper.com/deckplans/ms-Koningsdam-1036/deck08-1427
For transportation we always just take Uber.
Not sure if that was super helpful...It looks like maybe the VE rooms are bigger than VA, so that's good?
We just got back from an Alaska cruise on the Westerdam. We had a suite on deck eight below the pool. They never moved the chairs and I guess because of the weather not many people swam in the pools. I sure sunny places deck eight would be bad but our cruise was fine.
How was your cruise on Westerdam to Alaska? I have booked us for this ship in 2025. We will be in a suite on Deck 7. I am concerned the Westerdam doesn't have a full day in Ketchikan. It arrives at 0700 then departs at 1300. Just a half day. I hope the other ports will bring as much joy as the Koningsdam itinerary. I'd love to hear about your experience. Thank you. ❤️
@@BigHunny61 it was incredible hope someday to go again. Yes it would be nice to go somewhere and not be rushed with the times. I didn't like being in Ketchikan so early because most things didn't open until 9 am. We did the duck/bus/ which you got to see and hear the history of the town. We had 2 hours to walk around town but most things were closed. When we were done with the duck we had 30 minutes before we had to get on the ship. We also did the helicopter ride and walk on Mendenhall glacier which I recommend. Also if you are going to Hubbard glacier spend the extra money to get on a smaller boat so you can get up to the glacier. It was a trip I will never forget, working on a scrapbook with over 200 pictures.
That's good to hear!!! Glad that it was easy to sleep at night!
Sometimes half a day is all you need if you wake up early and head out early =)
We once had a stern cabin on Deck 8 of the Eurodam going to Norway and the Baltic States. We heard the scraping of the chairs one night so reported it to the Front Office and from thereon we had no problems.
Booked a BC cabin on Zandaam New England trip which is now 2 weeks away,. Today I was assigned to B6106, a very very forward room. What are the chances of requesting to change cabins before embarkation? My husband gets sea sick and you said the front of the ship is rocky. thanks.
I don't think they change the rooms that close to embarkation...maybe give Holland America a call and ask? The Zandaam is one of the older ships, so if you can change rooms...it might be worth it. Or at least get a room where maybe you can open the windows...do you have a balcony room? It may be worth it.
If you like to sleep early don’t get a cabin under the bb King club. But other than that we like deck one. Not normally a lot of people walking the halls just the open areas.
agree!!!!
Agree with several of your ‘be mindful about’ insights and advice!
So interesting (to me) that your accessible cabin experience has been one of your favs. I’ve only stayed in an accessible cabin on a HAL ship once (unfixable thermostat problem in my original cabin so was relocated to a vacant accessible cabin.)
I don’t have a mobility disability - and turns out I probably enjoyed this cabin experience the least of many I’ve had over the years.
Yes, the bedroom and bathroom were definitely more spacious - to accommodate a wheelchair,etc. But I found it an empty spaciousness. For example, using the shower in the bathroom always felt chillier because it was so open. I missed having a little sofa in the bedroom - as it was instead furnished with a single upholstered chair with no arms. Appropriate for the cabin of course.
In hindsight I probably should have put up with the too-warm cabin in the middle afternoon (or enjoyed elsewhere on the ship for those few hours), than have the AC-working accessible cabin that IMHO wasn’t as cozy. But I learned some things during that stay - about myself and about accessible accommodation :).
Of course - different people enjoy amenities differently.
Thanks for your post!
Thanks so much for the comment!! What a bummer that the thermostat didn't work. Perhaps it was an older ship? I had the thermostat not work well in a room (on an older ship) before, I called the front desk, and they called maintenance out right away to fix it (turned out the filter was super dirty!!).
Maybe you need to travel with my mom. She has lots of stuff and a lot of hats hanging up on the wall...that makes the room feel smaller!
🤣😆
The information was helpful. I didn't find the floor plan of the ship. Where is this information?
Which ship are you sailing on? I usually just google something like "Holland America Oosterdam Deck Plan" and it will show up on Google as the #1 result.If you let me know the ship, I'll gladly send you a link! 😄
i always book deck 8 forward, its great
I would never think of deck 8?! Do you like it because it's close to the pool or lido?
@@christinabmarie yes up 1 flight of stairs in the morning to the lido to get coffee and pastries to take back to balcony, great views going into port, down to deck 2/3 for entertainment, never had any probslems, oh and you can wave to the captain on the bridge !!
@@laurieblows1105 Oh how cool that you can wave to the captain!!!!!
Hi We are travelling on the Noordam shortly. Can you tell me what is the difference between a standard and large Internal stateroom Deck 6 (Forward) Many thanks
To be honest I haven't sailed with Noordam on an inside cabin...but from looking at this forum, it seems like the large internal stateroom is WAY bigger:
boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1298156-noordam-j-inside-cabins-standard-vs-large/
What are the decks? Deck 6 is a good deck...I'd definitely take deck 6 over something like deck 1.
I am booked in stateroom 6180 (6A) on the Volendam on a July 2024 25 day cruise. The map shows that this cabin is 2 cabins down from the elevators midship. Can you tell me
if this will be too noisy because of elevator bells and the carts sitting there early in the morning? Thank you.
I think it will be alright!! It's really only noisy on disembarkation day! P.S. You may want to check out my other UA-cam channel, Cruise Tips with Christina, which is about nothing but cruising!! ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
What’s a “Seaview Pool” and how’s it different from Lido Pool please? Just booked Eurodam for December, Deck 7, under Seaview Pool area. Understand we have a buffer (Deck 8). Thanks!
Seaview Pool is the adult pool area - which is outside at the end of the ship. The Lido Pool is more filled with kids, and it is in the center area:
www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/shiptour.php?r=11185#:~:text=Sea%20View%20Pool%20Location,plan%20image%20for%20your%20reference.
Thank you for this very useful info. Do you know if we can bring a baby to the cruise?
Yes! Holland America is probably one of the BEST cruise lines to bring a baby. It looks like your baby needs to be 6 months or older.
But - it looks like there are some warnings against it. Here's one article I found online: www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2059
I personally don't have a baby at home, so I don't have first-hand experience. I think cruises are GREAT for kids ages 8 and older (my mom took my nephew), but I honestly don't know how good/bad your experience would be with a baby.
@@christinabmarie I am 🫤 I did saw another review from 2019 (Osterdam) Holland America and the ship seemed to be kind of outdated. Do you know if it went thru some renovations after COVID..
@@IvetteMontes It looks like the Oosterdam was built in 2003 and refurbished in 2018, so that's the latest and greatest. If you want a newer ship, I'd book a HAL cruise on one of the Pinnacle Class ships - which are Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam. These ships were built in 2021, 2018, and 2016. The Rotterdam is really nice and brought back the library too!!
this is pretty wrong.... there are like..11 classes of ship in holland america, all with basically similar layouts, but the deck numbers vary considerably. For wample, on most ships, port embarkation and disembarkation is deck 2. lido is usually deck 8.
I have yet to be on a ship with Lido on Deck 8. Which ship are you talking about?! I'm pretty sure ALL of their Pinnacle Class ships and Signature Class ships have Lido on Deck 9
Literally just booked on deck 8 under the bar near the pool deck 😑😒🙈
Oh no!!! Can you call your travel agent and/or Holland America and see if you can switch rooms? It really is miserable...unless you are a heavy sleeper!
Hi Christina, we are going on a Auckland to Sydney cruise in January. We are staying in room 5190 . How would you rate this room, any good or bad reviews?
Which ship are you on? If you are in the middle of the ship, then that is a great place! I love being on the 4th, 5th, or 6th deck.
@@christinabmarie We are on the Noordam and have a Neptune suite at the aft of the ship
When you say the adult pool, what is that? Is it the outside Sea view pool? I just booked and we are on 8 under the sea view pool. Thanks!
Yes - adult pool = sea view pool. It is horrible to be under it!!
@@christinabmarie have you experienced this yourself ?
I did on the Eurodam. Had an Aft balcony on 8. Every morning at 0600 the chairs were slid around. You will need ear plugs to sleep through it.
How much are the gratuities per person per day? What is included? How much are drink packages? What is the ship condition of the Eurodamn?
I think gratuities are maybe $18/day per person? The drink package pricing is so, so confusing...I made another UA-cam video all about it: ua-cam.com/video/7gzX3Qruud4/v-deo.html
Eurodam should be good. It's not one of the newest ships, but it's also not the oldest.
@VeryEasyMakeup I was on the Eurodam September 23 to 30. The daily gratuity is $14.00. The drink package was part of the Having it All promotion. I was in VB 6002. It was the first cabin in the front on the port side. It was a little larger because it could accommodate a scooter. We liked it very much, but it was so far away from the elevators, and I was in a great deal of pain from my sciatica. That walk so many times a day was torture for me. We didn't notice any problems with noise or motion.
The ship was in good condition and I would definitely take it again, but I'd get a cabin midship in case I get another case of sciatica.
Window cabins are slightly bigger than the standard balcony . On some ships the inside cabins are huge.
Thank you for the tip. I didn't know that!!
I have yet to see a huge inside cabin...I'd like to see one! But I definitely believe it...as there might be more room so why not make the room bigger!
@@christinabmarie we always get inside cabin for our kids across ours . And mayority of the time are bigger than window/porthole . Also cabins that at all the way forward ( depending on ship ) are slightly bigger , same with slant porthole .
@@marianacary425 Thanks so much!! That's SUPER helpful to know!!
So the kids get the inside cabin, and you get window view?
😃
I just today booked a Vista suite on deck 8. Then I watched you and you said deck 8 is bad. The stateroom number is 8115. Is that going to be noisy? It is midships which is usually good This is on Niew Statendam. If this a bad cabin please let me know and I’ll try to change it.
That may be under the Lido Market or the Lido Pool. I would go with deck 7 or deck 6 is you can snatch it.
It depends on how much you want to spend.
I like the non adjoining rooms in the meat section, which are the floors sandwiched with passenger decks above and below me.
Great tip!!! I hope your week is off to a great start!!
When is your next cruise?
@@christinabmarie Thank you, and you as well! I am doing the Rotterdam next month for an 11-night Caribbean. I will have a verandah and a cabana also! Looking forward to the cabana. Never tried it before but heard they are fabulous!
@@doughooks7411 How cool!!! You'll have to tell me all about the cabana. I've never rented one! Is it a cabana by the main pool, or up in the private area on deck 10 or whatever that is?
The Rotterdam is awesome. They brought back the library and you'll have to try the big chocolate dessert at the Dutch Cafe. It's HUGE and fun to eat. (at least half of it!)
@@christinabmarie It will be my first experience with a cabana, and this one will be in the Retreat area. I have heard that the ones by the pool can be a bit less private, as everyone is allowed in the pool area and people are (apparently) constantly stopping by the cabanas asking the occupants how to get one. The Retreat area is secluded and only people who have rented them are allowed in there.
The Dutch Cafe is a nice little spot with some great sandwiches and treats. I did a 14-night on the Statendam in December and became a big fan!
@@doughooks7411 How nice!!! You will be living like royalty up in your private, quiet cabana!! Now they just need to start offering massages up there too and start serving drinks in coconuts! 🤣
I do wonder if there are any good places to have a cabin :)
Yes! Decks 5 and 6 in the middle. Honestly...most of the cabins are probably good/fine...I'm just sharing the BEST of the BEST 😀😃
Thanks for all these insights. In my desired voyage date there are only rooms remaining in Deck 1. None of the disadvantages that you mentioned are big deal to me but my only question is if the ocean view from the rooms will be obstructed or worse that higher decks....do you have any insight about this??? Thanks!
I'm not sure if you will have much of a view of the ocean if you are on deck one? Being higher up on deck 4, 5, or 6 would be better. Is that what you were asking?
Doesn’t it depend on the ship? They are configured a bit differently.
Middle is always the best vs. very front and very back...and the BB King's Blues Club/music is always on deck 2 I think!
I'm going on a HAL cruise and my stateroom number is 8*** so I presume this is deck 8....so this makes me worry haha
I'd call and ask if you can change rooms. If you are under the adult pool or the Lido pool you will be MISERABLE...unless you are a really heavy sleeper!
@@christinabmarie when I was booking there was only 2 rooms left, both more or less next door. It will be fine, I am a heavy sleeper but it's good to know what to expect so thank you!
@@Archermit I hope you have a great cruise!!!
@@christinabmarie I am just back and I can update you that as previously mentioned, my room was more or less directly under teh sea-view pool and never once did I hear even a little noise from up on deck at any hour of the day
Deck 4 mid-ships have obstructed views due to the life boats. That would not be my choice either!
Oh shoot!! I forgot to mention that. You are so, so right! That view is HORRIBLE!!!! Thank you for the comment!!
P.S. I love your profile name. That's cute and creative!
I was going to mention that.
I love the front of the ship , looking forward to feel the 🌊
I suppose you get rocked to bed each night 🌊😂 And you feel alive!!!
P.S. - I post more cruise tips videos on my other channel, Cruise Tips with Christina 👉 ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
Do you always book a room at the front of a ship?
@@christinabmarie we book window ( category ) and leave cruise line pick up cabin . So far in 45 plus years of cruising never got a bad cabin .
@@marianacary425 That's helpful. Thank you!!! 45+ years cruising...you must be a 5-star mariner by now!
@@marianacary425 That's GREAT! You must have never had a room above BB King!
Cool it with the jazz hands...
Haha...thank you for the tip!!! I had read somewhere that you should show your hands and use them to emphasize points. I suppose I over-did it!! 😆🤣Are you going on a Holland America cruise anytime soon? 😃
You forgot that deck 4 amidships has windows facing the lifeboats with no view and deck 5 has the life boat davits right in front of your balcony. Deck 6 is definitely best and we're 4 star Holland cruisers.
Thank you, thank you!! I realized that on my last cruise...deck 4 with a view really isn't that nice...we never went on the balcony!
What do you mean by deck 5 having life boats? I didn't quite follow 😀
@@christinabmarie The davits are the frame the lifeboats hang from and they are right in front of your deck 5 balcony if you are amidships.
I’ve enjoyed deck one and being within stairs walking to 2-3 where the main events happen. I agree you have to watch out for where on deck one but I wouldn’t necessarily avoid it. Tip for elevator: when you get in, keep your finger on the button of the floor you are getting off on….sometimes it will bypass the floors and get you there faster. It’s worked many times for us, not 100% but certainly has helped on many occasions! Cheers! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 no matter what type of a cabin you will be treated very well! 😊
Thanks so much for the comment. Totally agree - Holland America is the BEST when it comes to treating their passengers well and customer service.
Have a fantastic start to your week!
🥳🎉
HAL is among the best in its segment as long as they avoid upsizing their vessels and dumbing down propulsion technology. There are new generation ships with fixed shaft propulsion ineligible for the Inside Passage on Alaska cruises. New ships are designed to rely on tugboats where older ships with azipod drives can maneuver themselves 95% of the time, and routinely rotate the ship through the dog leg in the Passage. Tug boats are cheaper than azipods. Executives are not mariners.
Thank you for the comment! I hope you are staying warm this weekend!
You seem like quite the expert...do you cruise a lot then? PS...funny name!
Stick with a Signature Suite and you will be happy.
That's a good point! Actually...that's a GREAT point! Thank you for sharing! I've never been in a Signature Suite (or a Neptune Suite). Do you think it's worth the extra price? I think it's a LOT more? 😃
you might want to do something about use of the phrase "if you're handicapped you're in luck". The 'luck' bit aside I'm sure that even the US has moved on from use of the word 'handicapped'!
Yes! I agree! Unfortunately with UA-cam videos, you can't edit videos or cut parts out. All of the bathrooms in the United States still say "handicapped" on them, so it's the word choice that came to mind first. :/
P.S You may want to check out my other cruise related channel and subscribe to it if you want more cruise tips! ua-cam.com/channels/h847HNQtEugL2OhGv780ig.html
Where is the link for the HA map?
You mean like the Holland America cruise ship map? Which cruise ship are you looking for? I usually google it, and it shows up that way.
@@christinabmarie At 7:10 you mention a link that you would include below your video. Not a problem. Goggling is fine.
@@jhmumma Shoot!!! Let me do that right now!! Thank you!! 🙏
Wow! You consider it lucky to be handicapped so you can get a larger cabin?? Cant believe you actually said that! And am proud of it, to boot. Do better PLEASE!
I agree with you 100%. I misspoke and wish I could take back what I said. I apologize. I'm sorry!
Thank you for the tips! Easy to understand, and appreciate the links. Please use the term accessible rooms instead of handicapped rooms. Or when referring to people who need these rooms use the term disabled people. ❤
Thanks so much for the feedback! Will do!
When referring to me the term goofy is acceptable.
Why not show some pictures on the worst cabins example obstructed view on a balcony and noisy cabins.
Great suggestion! thank you!!! I suppose I've never had to stay in one of the worst cabins. I need to start asking people if I can sneak in and do a video of their room! 😆
Wouldn't it be more helpful to tell us what's good.,
😔 wish i would have seen this video before i booked
Oh no! What happened?! If you call them, they can probably switch the room for you. Which room did you get?
"Lucky you if you're handicapped"???!!!! Seriously?
You are so right. That's not what I intended at all with that statement. Thank you for the feedback. I will be more careful with my words next time. You are right...what I said sounds horrible and that wasn't my intention or meaning at all.
Book a Signature Suite and you should be satisfied.
That is true!! 😃
I have to assume that you just did not think out what you were saying? Did you really say if you’re handicapped, lucky you? Seriously? Do you get a bigger state room? I don’t know, I’m not sure that I’d want to be handicapped just to have a better room, every other room, that I have to deal with, isn’t a better room. Sometimes you really need to think about what it is you’re saying. Another point, many people it appears, are signing the form, that their handicap and renting one a little carts, so they can become eligible for a handicap room, because they’re better rooms. This, of course makes it harder for those with wheelchairs and true disabilities to have an available room. You really need to think about what it is that you’re saying.
Yes, you are correct. I did not think through everything I was going to say...I just kind of started talking. If I could redo this, I would have used a script and would have caught myself saying embarrassingly BAD and highly offensive words. My apologies.
She has lovely hands and wrists.
Thank you!
Lucky you if you're handicapped? I don't think anyone who is handicapped considers themselves "lucky". I am handicapped and whle we do get a larger room, it needs to accommodate my walker and my scooter, charger, etc. I am lucky to be able to travel, but I'd gladly give up a larger handicapped room in order to be able bodied. I didn't appreciate that comment at all.
I agree with your comment 100%. My apologies. I mis-spoke and made a terrible error. I'm sorry.
Why go on a cruise to relax in your room? Never figured that comment out. I hear that a lot. We have stayed in all different ones from inside to suites, we enjoy the ship and what it has to offer. upper decks taking in the sun and fresh air. Just had to make this comment when I heard you say you relax in your room a lot.
Thanks so much for the comment!!! I suppose "a lot" is kind of a vague comment to make. We usually relax in the room for 30 min-1 hour a day. Usually it's for a bit after getting back from a port or for the 20 min I'm in the room hanging out while my mom gets ready for dinner. But you are so right - we should go to the upper deck!!
What's your favorite ship to sail on?
We cruise because we like to be on the water. At our age, we’re not interested in being out on the pool deck or anywhere else except on our balcony. We’ve recently developed mobility issues but we refuse to let that keep us from cruising. We may cruise differently from other people but it doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy our experience. 🙂
You generalise too much on HAL ships. You should be clear in all cases which class ship you are referring to.
Thanks so much for the comment! Are you saying that maybe some of the "worst" staterooms aren't so bad on the newer Holland America ships?
@@christinabmarie What I am saying is that you refer to deck numbers which are not the same on all ships. This might confuse people travelling on the Volendam or Zaandam where things are on different decks. For example the Lido deck is deck 8 and 'most things happen' on decks 4 and 5 not 2 and 3.
You refer to the BB King Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room - these are not on all ships.
You say nobody is staying on decks 2 and 3. I suggest you have a look at the deck plans for the Volendam and Zaandam.
I just think that you should have made it clear in your video which class ships you are referring to.
Instead of using the phrase " your handicapped " please use the phrase " if you have a disability and need disability accommodations " . It sounds more respectful
you are so, so right. thank you for the suggestion!! I'll keep this in mind for next time. If I could edit this video I would to take that part out. learning experience.
A physicist who likes cruising here.
Those stories about the best rooms on the ship to avoid seasickness are fictions. Your body can't tell how fast you are swaying or how much. So any stateroom is the same as far as sea motions go. And, its not just because human bodies aren't good at it. Einstein proved something called The Equivalence Principle which states that no measuring device (electronic or biological) can measure the difference between acceleration and gravity ==he used it as the basis of his General Theory of Relativity. Your balance system in your inner ear is an acceleration measuring instrument that tells you if you are swaying or moving, but no how fast or why.
All parts of a large ship move together unless until the ship falls apart. The angle of sway on the ship is the same in all rooms and all decks. The angular acceleration of all parts of the ship are the same. The radial acceleration increases only with distance from the center of gyration, a point around which all parts rotate. That point is usually slightly aft of midship and vertically between the motors and swimming pools. (there is a good reason ships lower the height of the swimming pools in rough seas, it lowers the center of gyration).
When your inner ear tells you are swaying but your eyes tell you are not, your brain tells you you might be sick or poisoned and should sit down by creating that sea sick feeling. If you start to feel sea sick the best place to be is any room that allows you to see the horizon so your vision and balance synchronize. Any deck, forward or aft, Watch the horizon.
Did you know about half of the astronauts feel motion sickness for 24-72 hours after going to space? Its not because of motions of the rocket. Its because their balance system doesn't work in weightlessness and their brains assume that means they are sick. Sea sickness is also common in submarines; no horizon for their eyes. The worst cabins for seasickness are those mostly on the lowest decks which have no window. But its the lack of a view which makes them bad not their location.
Smooth sailing, get an ocean view cabin and keep the window shades open or spend your days on a balcony.
Thanks for leaving such a detailed comment! Have a fabulous weekend!!
😮 There’s nothing lucky about having a disability. A kinder way of saying it is simply, “ADA rooms are larger to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other needs of disabled guests.”
I agree! This was one of my earlier videos where I didn't plan what I was going to say ahead of time, and it didn't come out right AT ALL!
“Lucky you if you’re handicapped”. Seriously?
Exactly. I hope she reads these comments, and she immediately edits that out. It doesn’t matter her intent, she needs to fix that. That’s just not at all acceptable.
Yes. I didn't mean that by the comment. That's absolutely not what I intended. Thanks so much for the feedback and for the comment!
Yes. I didn't mean that by the comment. That's absolutely not what I intended. Thanks so much for the feedback and for the comment!
Not sure someone is lucky to be handicapped??
I had the exact same thought … how clueless is THAT?!?!? 🙄
I was shocked to hear her say this! 😳
My little granddaughter who suffers paralysis in an arm and a leg as a result of a virus might disagree with that definition of luck. Regardless of the extra square feet. I’m sure she didn’t intend to sound callous but words can be very powerful and we need to put more thought in to the words we choose.
Be mindful of what you say on UA-cam, lucky to be handicapped?! At least you know now.
Yes, I totally mistake and did not mean that at all. I feel horrible. That wasn't my intention nor what I meant. That's what I get for talking without a script. I apologize for making such a horrible comment. That was absolutely not my intention at all. Thanks so much for the comment!
What room are you in this video?.what about Oceanview room on E?
It would have been on the Rotterdam or the Nieuw Statendam I think. Balcony. Probably deck 5 or 6. I think this one: ua-cam.com/video/Z937UWwKTZg/v-deo.htmlsi=epIteBpUea_ChWka
Probably stateroom 6158 on Nieuw Statendam
Is this typical of every single HAL ship?
In general...I'd say yes. Is there a specific ship you were looking at? 😃