Help Selecting Zaandam Vista Cabin for Alaska

[Ileneilene123]

Hello. First time cruiser, heading to Alaska on the inside passage. I’d truly appreciate help from those familiar with the Zaandam. I’m trying to pick cabins now: Any advice on selecting a Vista cabin (aka verandah, aka balcony) on the Zaandam?
 

Specifically, we are looking at midship  Deck 6 (Verandah) Vista balcony staterooms. Open to suggestions.
 

So far we were thinking maybe port side above the Explorations Cafe? Around A 6188, A 6190. Would this be a quiet location? Above us would be Deck 7 which is all cabins — so that’s good. Below is Deck 5 which is the Upper Promenade Deck — but we are thinking it might not be loud if we choose these cabins above the Explorations Cafe?
 

There are also some open Vista cabins on Deck 7 but they are below the Lido, which someone reported was loud with rolling carts early in the morning.

 

So that leaves to Deck 6. Anyone notice any issues with weird noises on Deck 6 — creaking, vibration? One reviewer said their balcony was creaking loudly enough to keep them awake. Has anyone experienced this on Zaandam?
 

Thx again for your help. 

[Crew News]

My experience on the Zaandam is a vista suite as far aft as possible on Deck 6.  Deck 6 has an aft balcony that spans the entire back of the ship for amazing Alaska photo opportunities. 

 

Deck 7 has the same spanning aft balcony but is located under the aft Lido pool area where cleaning operations may cause disturbing sounds.

[storkington]

We just stayed in Vista 6184 in February and loved the location. It was really quiet and we never had any issues with noise. 

[Ileneilene123]

22 minutes ago, storkington said:

We just stayed in Vista 6184 in February and loved the location. It was really quiet and we never had any issues with noise. 

Thank you so much for the info! 

[Ileneilene123]

Additional question — I’m under the impression that you cannot open the balcony divider to your neighbor’s cabin on the Zaandam. Can anyone confirm? Thx. 

[Crew News]

1 hour ago, Ileneilene123 said:

Additional question — I’m under the impression that you cannot open the balcony divider to your neighbor’s cabin on the Zaandam. Can anyone confirm? Thx. 

Only your Room Steward can open the divider if both parties agree.

[Ileneilene123]

6 minutes ago, Crew News said:

Only your Room Steward can open the divider if both parties agree.

You are right.  Thanks. Our PCC said the balcony dividers do not open on Deck 6 on the Zaandam unless you have connecting cabins. There are only a handful on Deck 6 and we do not have them. So, even though we are right next door to our friends we cannot ask for the balcony divider to be opened. She told me this twice.  I was still confused by this so I asked her to double check a third time & she told me they can open. 

[Ileneilene123]

4 hours ago, Ileneilene123 said:

Thank you so much for the info! 

6184 is looking good to me. Any issues either in your cabin or around the ship with smelling smoke from the Deck 5 casino? 

[Ileneilene123]

5 hours ago, storkington said:

We just stayed in Vista 6184 in February and loved the location. It was really quiet and we never had any issues with noise. 

vista A 6184 is looking good to me. Any issues either in your cabin or around the ship with smelling smoke from the Deck 5 casino? 

[storkington]

1 minute ago, Ileneilene123 said:

vista A 6184 is looking good to me. Any issues either in your cabin or around the ship with smelling smoke from the Deck 5 casino? 

No, we had no issues at all.

[*Miss G*]

I would check HALfacts within the comment section of each linked room.  Sometimes the contributor provides good information along with the pictures.

 

HALfacts R-Class Ships

[Ileneilene123]

55 minutes ago, storkington said:

No, we had no issues at all.

@storkington Well, we just stole your cabin! Our friends are next door in A6182. Thanks again for your help. 

[Blackduck59]

We were in 6184 in Aug/Sep 2023 and quite enjoyed it. The location is great for the food venues and several bars. We are non smokers and notice the cigarette smoke very quickly. The smoke will drift out of the casino and is noticeable when the casino is open. That being said it wasn't too bad for me but my wife is highly allergic. We were able to avoid the smoke most of the time. Enjoy your cabin it's a great location.

[Ileneilene123]

2 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

We were in 6184 in Aug/Sep 2023 and quite enjoyed it. The location is great for the food venues and several bars. We are non smokers and notice the cigarette smoke very quickly. The smoke will drift out of the casino and is noticeable when the casino is open. That being said it wasn't too bad for me but my wife is highly allergic. We were able to avoid the smoke most of the time. Enjoy your cabin it's a great location.

Glad to hear that you also enjoyed 6184! Was the smell of smoke from the casino ever noticeable on Deck 6, or only on Deck 5? How about while you were in the cabin or on the balcony? Thanks!

[Blackduck59]

5 hours ago, Ileneilene123 said:

Glad to hear that you also enjoyed 6184! Was the smell of smoke from the casino ever noticeable on Deck 6, or only on Deck 5? How about while you were in the cabin or on the balcony? Thanks!

Never a problem in the Cabin or balcony. The cabin is on the opposite side from the outdoor smoking pit. There was a slight smoke smell by the stairway and elevator lobby at midships.