Lanai (outside) cabin on Statendam

[Assateague Island Princes]

Just looking on HAL website for our southbound Alaskan cruise in 2010. Since this is our third cruise, we've decided to preface it with a week in the Homer/Seward area before boarding the ship. In an effort to save $$ on the cruise, were thinking about an outside cabin instead of my beloved balcony (:(still not sure I can do it, but....), I noticed that as of April 2010, the Statendam is offering Lanai staterooms "2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub/shower. Sliding glass doors lead onto the walk-around Lower Promenade Deck (Deck #3). Since its listed as an "ocean-view stateroom" the cost would be much cheaper, plus would afford us the ability to get out on deck right from our room - albeit a public promenade deck, but I'm thinking that wouldn't be so bad, right??? Anyone have any experience with "lanai" staterooms on HAL or any other line? Gonna talk to our TA about it so see what she thinks or what advice she might give, but this is sure looking like a doable possibility for us - saving us BIG bucks to be used for our land portion of the trip or on some nice excursions in ports on the cruise. Any and all thoughts would be appreciated! Thanx!

[Assateague Island Princes]

Anyone have any thoughts on these Lanai cabins?