Mekka Posted January 16, 2014 #1 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I've always wondered why Holland America uses the current floorplan for Ocean View cabins. Putting the window directly above the bed greatly diminishes the utility of the window. Other cruise lines (as well as the Veranda cabins on HAL) use a much better design. The sitting area is in front of the window and makes it possible to enjoy the view without climbing on the bed. It would seem possible for HAL to re-arrange the furniture without a major investment. Is there a reason for their current layout? If I were a conspiracy theorist, I'd suggest that HAL wants to make the Veranda cabins look more attractive in comparison as a way to encourage passengers to spend more money. Perhaps there is a valid reason for the current placement of the bed, but it escapes me. Can anyone shed light on this question? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnygidget Posted January 16, 2014 #2 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I agree with you. We are traveling 3 and our solution is not for everyone, but we split the bed into twins, (it sucks) but we all have access to the view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OVgirl Posted January 16, 2014 #3 Share Posted January 16, 2014 On Nieuw Amsterdam I have seen the oceanview setup with the loveseat and desk next to the window area. I agree, I like that furniture placement much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startwin Posted January 16, 2014 #4 Share Posted January 16, 2014 We always split the beds, too - and it also gives you a little more room to move around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare donswife Posted January 16, 2014 #5 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Our OV cabin on the NCL Sky had the same layout, with the bed under the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loreto Posted January 16, 2014 #6 Share Posted January 16, 2014 we also split the beds when we have an ocean view. It makes the cabin seem more spacious. Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solocanadian Posted January 16, 2014 #7 Share Posted January 16, 2014 we also split the beds when we have an ocean view.It makes the cabin seem more spacious. Karen Me too! I think it is strange to have the bed right beside the floor to ceiling window on the Vista ships in a fully obstructed view cabin. Kind of gives me the creeps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrzebird Posted January 16, 2014 #8 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I suppose it depends on the length and width of the cabin. It only takes a few inches to make it impractical to place the bed on the wall and leave the window open. My last cruise I had an oceanview and the window a totally accessible, and the large queen bed against the wall. Loved it! No bed surfing, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellieanne Posted January 16, 2014 #9 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I'm going to be the voice of dissent. Having been in cabins with the bed under the window and the sitting area under the window, I prefer the beds under the windows by a mile! The space is already limited in the cabins, and having to walk past the end of the bed to get to the sitting area makes it very inconvenient, especially if you have other people in the room with you. Often my family will have meetings in each other's cabin and it's much tighter and more crowded in the rooms where the sitting area is under the window. I was really sorry when HAL changed the layout in the oceanview rooms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted January 16, 2014 #10 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I'm going to be the voice of dissent. Having been in cabins with the bed under the window and the sitting area under the window, I prefer the beds under the windows by a mile! The space is already limited in the cabins, and having to walk past the end of the bed to get to the sitting area makes it very inconvenient, especially if you have other people in the room with you. Often my family will have meetings in each other's cabin and it's much tighter and more crowded in the rooms where the sitting area is under the window. I was really sorry when HAL changed the layout in the oceanview rooms. What you said really makes sense. Guess HAL never thought that people would visit each other in their cabins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kakalina Posted January 16, 2014 #11 Share Posted January 16, 2014 As others say they have done we just request twins. Most of the time we still have to request once on board that they be separated. Still, it makes the window easier to get to. We prefer the lowest pax deck just so we can kneel on our beds prop our elbows on the bolster pillows in the window sill and just stare out to sea. We see so much sea life that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tampa Girl Posted January 16, 2014 #12 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I agree with the poster who suggested that it might be the difference in the width of the two cabins. Does anyone know how wide the verandah cabin versus the OV cabin? And that, in turn, depends on whether it is an S class or Vista. I think the verandahs on the Vista ships are not as large, but I don't know if it is the width, length, or balcony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtl513 Posted January 16, 2014 #13 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I agree with the poster who suggested that it might be the difference in the width of the two cabins. Does anyone know how wide the verandah cabin versus the OV cabin? And that, in turn, depends on whether it is an S class or Vista. I think the verandahs on the Vista ships are not as large, but I don't know if it is the width, length, or balcony.With very few exceptions, all the outside cabins on S, R, Vista, and Sigs are 9 feet wide, as are nearly all of the non-suite verandas on Vista and Sigs. Exceptions are usually on the stern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemima Posted January 16, 2014 #14 Share Posted January 16, 2014 We prefer the current ocean view configuration with head of the beds against the window wall. It is much easier to move about an ocean view cabin than a veranda cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtl513 Posted January 16, 2014 #15 Share Posted January 16, 2014 We prefer the current ocean view configuration with head of the beds against the window wall. But they are not that way on the Signature ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swelldame Posted January 16, 2014 #16 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I recall this point coming up when the Lanai cabins were created. The obvious advantage over an Oceanview was access to the promenade deck, but the reconfiguration of the furniture made for a more awkward layout with less usable floor space. I guess someone at HAL decided the majority would prefer a larger feeling cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InTheWASide Posted January 18, 2014 #17 Share Posted January 18, 2014 What you said really makes sense. Guess HAL never thought that people would visit each other in their cabins. Exactly. Not when they should be out spending more money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay240 Posted January 18, 2014 #18 Share Posted January 18, 2014 In our earlier days of cruising, when every port was a "new one", I loved to wake up and immediately be able to enjoy the view. :) Now, that we have been to many of the ports multiple times, we usually book a large inside cabin and enjoy the luxury of the additional floor space! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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