HAL Nieuw Amsterdam Room Query
 

First time to cruise. Next year to Alaska, round trip from Vancouver. I know I want to be mid ship as I'm somewhat concerned about motion sickness. Would you choose mid ship with SMALLER balcony on Verandah Deck (5) or a larger balcony mid ship on the Navigation Deck (8). I know it's below the Lido deck but we'd pick room that was carpeted above. Not so much worried about noise as seasickness. The large deck is so appealing!!! But should we play it safe, go lower and take the small balcony? Any thoughts?

I wouldn't even given the slightest bit of consideration to the size of the balcony as long as you have one. On an Alaska cruise, you are likely to be spending a fraction of the amount of time sitting outside on your balcony as you might on a Caribbean cruise. And the sizes aren't that much different. At best, you're going to have two chairs and a small table. I know everyone won't agree with me, but I just don't value the balcony size that much.

I'm wondering if Navigation Deck (8) is a lot different in terms of sway than the Verandah Deck (5) is. It's the same price and if there's no real difference, I'll take the larger balcony. But if people have found that going 3 floors higher makes a difference re. motion sickness I'll take the smaller balcony. Thanks for your reply.

I don't think you'll find all that much difference in terms of motion (I've stayed on that deck and did not find it to be a problem). However, if you are that sensitive to the ship's motion, I'd urge you to talk to your doctor about some kind of anti-motion sickness remedy like a patch.

Thanks.will talk to dr. for sure.

I think you will have minimal if any difference in motion sensation between those two choices. I'd opt for the larger balcony but it's up to you. Do speak to your doc for advice before you go. Ships meds and doc visits are high. If you need meds for nausea there is a popular one called zofran which comes in a disintegrating form so if you can't swallow you can still take it as it'll dissolve in your mouth.
Best of luck, Larry

Technically speaking the lower you are min the effect of the ship rolling. So deck 5 should be better, maybe slightly, but better than deck 8.

I am with Doug regarding deck size. Personally, we are not the biggest fans of any balcony. Unless it is on the end, the views from balconies are very limited.