Alaska: HAL Ryndam July 2008-Obstructed view?
Oct 7th, 2007, 08:34 PM
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Alaska: HAL Ryndam July 2008-Obstructed view?
Help! I've been checking all cruise sites, cruisecompare.com, travel agents, and am now more confused than ever. We're planning our first Alaskan cruise and hear that an outside cabin is a must. Balconies are sold out. Cheapest outside cabins have obstructed view. Hmmm, I know tastes and habits vary greatly, but I can't imagine hanging around the room looking out the window (it doesn't open, does it?). Then I checked another internet site, and more obstructed views showed up (first HH, now FF, too). Wow, the price keeps inching up!We have to travel in July, so no chance to find a cheaper time. Any tips in cabin selection???
Oct 10th, 2007, 07:41 AM
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I travel all the time to Alaska in cheap inside cabins. Went twice this year. For me, I greatly prefer outside decks with more viewing potential. Proper attire is a must. 
If funds are limited, in my opinion, money is far better spent on shore excursions rather than a cabin.
Determine what is most important for you. Plenty of people greatly prefer a nice cabin so it's going to be up to you.
If funds are limited, in my opinion, money is far better spent on shore excursions rather than a cabin.
Determine what is most important for you. Plenty of people greatly prefer a nice cabin so it's going to be up to you.
Oct 11th, 2007, 12:05 AM
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Obstructed view can mean a life boat is smack in front of your window. You still have light in the cabin.Friends had this. They didn't mind because of the price but personally it would drive me nuts.
Oct 12th, 2007, 10:58 PM
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Obstructed could mean there is a life boat below your window (which means you can't look down but can look out) or a life boat partially blocking your windows (partial view out of your window.)
I have always cruised with outside cabins. You woke up, look out the window, see the sunrise or the port activities. We are not in the room very much but we have always appreciated the outside view.
The trick to pick an outside cabin with an obstructed view is to look at the deck plan and see where your room actually is. If the obstructed view is a life boat below the window then it is not an issue.
Last September we did a last minute booking to Alaska (4 days prior to sailing) and the only outside cabin available is an obstructed view. Not that we have any choices but I asked for the cabin number anyway, look at the deck plan and determined that it will have to do. Besides, that was the only outside cabin left (everything else are all sold out)
As it turned out, it was a life boat below the window so we have a full "unobstructed" window. I have seen obstructed view with a life boat in front, blocking half the window. Usually the cruise line can tell you exactly how much is "obstructed" if you have a cabin number.
For budget cruise, inside is the way to go. However, the cheapest inside that they advertise is usually the most undesirable. It could be under the stage of the grand theater and you will be hear the music blasting through the night when you wanted to turn in early. That's why it is so cheap.
Always look at the deck plan before agreeing to your cabin assignment. Check what is close to your cabin and very important, what is on the deck directly above or below. Are you near the main traffic area. Are you on a deck that is near the clubs or lounges? I had a cabin very close to the photo gallery once and I had to fight through the crowd every day. After that, I learned to pick my spot. When you book early enough, you should be able to pick your own cabin based on what's available. I heard from my travel agent that most people don't do that.
I am booked for a cruise in mid January and I know what my cabin number is already. Since I booked early enough, I have a choice of cabins across several category with the same price. We picked a deluxe outside meaning more space than a regular outside and located on an upper deck (not the one below Lido).
As the saying goes, you get what you paid for. For the difference in money between inside and outside, I go outside. It's about $100 per person for 7 days so it is about $14 a day? For the difference between outside and balcony, I'll stay with outside as the difference is more like $300 extra per person. For me, the balcony is not worth $300 per person for the week but it is worth $100 for the window.
Hope it helps.
I have always cruised with outside cabins. You woke up, look out the window, see the sunrise or the port activities. We are not in the room very much but we have always appreciated the outside view.
The trick to pick an outside cabin with an obstructed view is to look at the deck plan and see where your room actually is. If the obstructed view is a life boat below the window then it is not an issue.
Last September we did a last minute booking to Alaska (4 days prior to sailing) and the only outside cabin available is an obstructed view. Not that we have any choices but I asked for the cabin number anyway, look at the deck plan and determined that it will have to do. Besides, that was the only outside cabin left (everything else are all sold out)
As it turned out, it was a life boat below the window so we have a full "unobstructed" window. I have seen obstructed view with a life boat in front, blocking half the window. Usually the cruise line can tell you exactly how much is "obstructed" if you have a cabin number.
For budget cruise, inside is the way to go. However, the cheapest inside that they advertise is usually the most undesirable. It could be under the stage of the grand theater and you will be hear the music blasting through the night when you wanted to turn in early. That's why it is so cheap.
Always look at the deck plan before agreeing to your cabin assignment. Check what is close to your cabin and very important, what is on the deck directly above or below. Are you near the main traffic area. Are you on a deck that is near the clubs or lounges? I had a cabin very close to the photo gallery once and I had to fight through the crowd every day. After that, I learned to pick my spot. When you book early enough, you should be able to pick your own cabin based on what's available. I heard from my travel agent that most people don't do that.
I am booked for a cruise in mid January and I know what my cabin number is already. Since I booked early enough, I have a choice of cabins across several category with the same price. We picked a deluxe outside meaning more space than a regular outside and located on an upper deck (not the one below Lido).
As the saying goes, you get what you paid for. For the difference in money between inside and outside, I go outside. It's about $100 per person for 7 days so it is about $14 a day? For the difference between outside and balcony, I'll stay with outside as the difference is more like $300 extra per person. For me, the balcony is not worth $300 per person for the week but it is worth $100 for the window.
Hope it helps.
Oct 14th, 2007, 03:35 PM
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Eschew,
Thanks so much for clearly spelling out such great information about cabin selection, inside vs outside, obstructed view, etc. I feel ready to make a cruise commitment!
Happy travels!
Thanks so much for clearly spelling out such great information about cabin selection, inside vs outside, obstructed view, etc. I feel ready to make a cruise commitment!
Happy travels!
