Forward Open Decks for Sail Aways

[BlackJack2]

We have traveled on HAL’s R Class ships. During sail away, we usually go to the deck that is forward on the Verandah Deck, right under the bridge. Are there any open decks, like this on the Zuiderdam?

[Mary Ellen]

Yes, there is such a deck. However, it is up to the Captain as to whether or not it is open to the passengers. When I sailed on the Zuiderdam our Captain did NOT like passengers on any of the forward deck spaces. When we went though the Panama Canal he only had the bow (none of the other forward deck spaces) open because it was corporate policy. That led to a VERY crowded bow and well, things got ugly there. :eek:

[Tarpeian Rock]

Yes, there is such a deck. However, it is up to the Captain as to whether or not it is open to the passengers. When I sailed on the Zuiderdam our Captain did NOT like passengers on any of the forward deck spaces. When we went though the Panama Canal he only had the bow (none of the other forward deck spaces) open because it was corporate policy. That led to a VERY crowded bow and well, things got ugly there. :eek:

 

 

 

That was our experience in the Canal on Zuiderdam also. What saved it for us was that in leaving the Canal on a partial transit, a huge rain squall blew up, and everyone except the two of us abandoned the bow. Soaked to the skin, but worth it! The only other bow experience was one of two times leaving Curaçao (not Zuiderdam). Have never experienced the bow being open in any other circumstance.

[Lizzie68]

You could try going up to the balcony in front of the gym. Deck 9 foreward, across from the spa desk, go right past the gym, the door is right there.