For years my husband & I have dreamed about visiting Alaska by sea. We laugh now how things fell into place to bring the dream alive within a mere 26 days. Bill bought a new old Studebaker for half of what he budgeted so with his savings, I called Alaska Cruise lines and booked a guaranteed outside balcony cabin aboard the Oosterdam's June 9 sailing.
Upon online check-in with HAL, we received our cabin assignment. 8143 was at the very rear of the ship on Navigation deck. We had a spectacular 180 degree view that truly enhanced our cruising experience. We couldn't have asked for a better cabin.
Embarkation was a breeze. We were dropped off at Pier 91 at 12:30pm and were sipping wine from the balcony of our cabin at 1:50pm. The process of embarking 1800+ passengers in a mere few hours involved what we felt was an efficient use of the Disney system of queuing. The lines moved in an orderly fashion and Bill & I were so busy talking to fellow passengers that we really didn't notice.
Great location! We were warned that the Lido deck pool was just above us and that we might need to bear the noise of deck chairs being moved above, but truthfully we weren't bothered at all. We truly loved that our balcony was protected from the wind yet we our view was a full 180 deg.Our cabin was spacious with plenty of storage. It came with extra drinking glasses and wine glasses. And the beds!!! Only our own mattress at home could be better than the one aboard ship. We slept so well! But to be able to get up and walk out on to a private balcony just before the sun rises does one truly realize how much an outside balcony is worth.The bathroom wasn't cramped at all and the extra space for toiletries was appreciated.