5190 or 4180 for 22 day SA and Antarctica cruise

[cccole]

I have read the thread dated May 28, 2010 with the same question, but it was closed long ago.  This thread was for an Alaskan cruise.  We are on a 22 day January, 2024 Oosterdam cruise.  We currently have 5190 that has a covered balcony which is not a plus for me because I like the night sky and sunshine.  But 4180 seems to have some of the ships equipment blocking the view from the side balcony.  I think I read that there is about 2-3 feet aft on the 5190 balcony where you can get direct sun and view the night sky.  Any comments?  Thank you,  Cherie   

[0106]

A corner aft for SA & Antartica, how wonderful.  We wanted an aft verandah for our trip but had to settle for a starboard verandah for our cruise from BA to Santiago.

 

Pictures of 4180 & 5190. halfacts says 4180 is slightly obstructed by window washing equipment.

Video 5190 on cruisedeckplans

 

Do you care about proximity to the Neptune lounge on deck 7?

 

 

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I would go with deck 5 5190, The balcony is totally covered, I have been in 5191 many times and love that suite. Over all deck 4 is slightly smaller.

[alwaysfrantic]

The verandah on deck 4 is enormous.  The equipment you mention is truly no big deal.  You will be able to lay in the lounger and night and star gaze til your heart is content. 

Edited May 30, 2023 by alwaysfrantic

[jakkojakko]

For an antarctic cruise you will be missing a lot if you stay in your room or balcony. The only place to be is outside or crowsnest. So it doesn't matter which room you have.

[cccole]

Thank you for the responses.  Good info on both rooms.  We are not concerned about being close to the Neptune Lounge.  I am especially happy to hear that the equipment on 4180 side balcony is not a problem.  I was surprised to see it in the photos.  The photos of 5190 are much nicer and show nicer outdoor furniture but I'm sure the furnishings would be the same.  I just don't know if I could be in a corner suite with a totally covered balcony for 22 days.  And, we, of course, do not plan to spend all of our time in our room and balcony, but I have read that it is nice to be able to use the ship's public areas and have the convenience of your own balcony.   I'm not sure I would feel comfortable going to the Crows Nest in my p.j.s and slippers with my first cup of coffee in the a.m., it's really not a glamorous sight.   Again, I really thank all of you for the very informative posts.  Cherie

[oakridger]

The difference in cabin and balcony furniture is because some of the pictures were taken before the refurbishment.  All cabins will have the newer style of furniture and soft goods.

 

~Nancy

[LAFFNVEGAS]

21 hours ago, cccole said:

Thank you for the responses.  Good info on both rooms.  We are not concerned about being close to the Neptune Lounge.  I am especially happy to hear that the equipment on 4180 side balcony is not a problem.  I was surprised to see it in the photos.  The photos of 5190 are much nicer and show nicer outdoor furniture but I'm sure the furnishings would be the same.  I just don't know if I could be in a corner suite with a totally covered balcony for 22 days.  And, we, of course, do not plan to spend all of our time in our room and balcony, but I have read that it is nice to be able to use the ship's public areas and have the convenience of your own balcony.   I'm not sure I would feel comfortable going to the Crows Nest in my p.j.s and slippers with my first cup of coffee in the a.m., it's really not a glamorous sight.   Again, I really thank all of you for the very informative posts.  Cherie

One thing HAL did that I was impressed with is they added the Espresso Coffee machines in the Neptune  Suites so no worry about going to the Neptune Lounge and or Crow's Nest for Coffee. I bring  my own little Coffee creamers and I am good for the week.

[cccole]

Thank you Oakridger and Laffnvegas,  Nice to know we should have nice veranda furnishings and there will be a coffee machine in the suite.  I will bring a small container for milk to keep in the frig for the coffee.  It will be a wonderful cruise and I appreciate the comments.  Cherie

[DaveOKC]

19 hours ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

One thing HAL did that I was impressed with is they added the Espresso Coffee machines in the Neptune  Suites so no worry about going to the Neptune Lounge and or Crow's Nest for Coffee. I bring  my own little Coffee creamers and I am good for the week.

Be advised that on two different ships within the past 6 months the coffee machine in the cabin only had Expresso and Decaf pods - no regular ones.  Room stewards told me that they no longer had regular and even the coffee maker instruction card verified this.

[cccole]

Yes, thank you for the reminder.  Laffnvegas did describe it as an Espresso Coffee machine.  There's always room service!!  Cherie