Staterooms

Anything dubbed category "B" or below is small, about 200 square feet (with a verandah add another 40 square feet).

Possibly because of the proliferation of verandahs on Oosterdam and some new public areas, stateroom space has been eliminated. HAL ships of a decade ago featured much more cabin room. Compare this to Statendam-class cabins in a similar price range that are dubbed mini-suites at 284 square feet (including verandah). These are cramped, with no drawer space to speak of (two bedside tables barely count). If one guest is using the closet, the second passenger has to wait to pass by. A desk/vanity table is more than half taken up by a television set which should be wall-mounted (and management claims they will be doing so). Room service requires placing half the items on the couch or the floor to accommodate even a simple breakfast at the diminutive table. Closet space is adequate and the bathrooms in "B" category are larger than in similar staterooms on other lines, complete with tub, but floor space is extremely limited.

Decor is, however, pleasant as it is throughout the ship with rusty red the primary color. All cabins offer hair dryers, television sets with CNN and a number of films, nice toiletries and good service. All also feature in-room computer data ports.

On this ship, it pays to upgrade; deluxe verandah suites are fabulous and worth the splurge (highlights include a generously-sized living area and bedroom, high-tech toys like DVD players, bathrooms with twin sinks and a Jacuzzi, and a twice-the-standard-size balcony with oh-so-comfy chairs and footrests, not to mention a table large enough for dining). Suite guests have their own lounge, Neptune Lounge, where evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are served; the concierge can make spa and restaurant reservations and offer general port advice.

Oosterdam is equipped with 28 wheelchair accessible staterooms and is sensitive to being maneuverable for the physically challenged traveler.

Penthouse Verandah Suite Deck: Rotterdam Penthouse Verandah Suites PS feature a private bedroom with king-sized bed, private verandah with whirlpool, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, living room with sofa bed, dining room, private bathroom with shower and oversized whirlpool tub, additional shower stall, dressing room, guest bathroom, pantry, minibar, refrigerator, microwave, DVD player, private stereo system, television, minisafe, telephone, multichannel music, and a hairdryer. Enjoy additional suite amenities including complimentary bathrobes, personalized stationary, feather pillows, complimentary laundry/dry-cleaning service, fresh fruit, video library, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres served before dinner upon request, corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night, and special disembarkation privileges. Approximately 1,007-sq.-ft. suite with 336-sq.-ft. verandah.

Deluxe Verandah Suite Deck: Rotterdam Deluxe Verandah Suites SA offer two lower beds that convert to a king-sized bed, a private verandah, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, large sitting area with sofa bed, private bathroom with shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, additional shower stall, dual sink vanity, dressing room, DVD player, television, minisafe, telephone, multichannel music, and a hairdryer. Enjoy additional suite amenities including complimentary bathrobes, personalized stationary, feather pillows, complimentary laundry/dry-cleaning service, fresh fruit, video library, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres served before dinner upon request, corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night, and special disembarkation privileges. Approximately 396-sq.-ft. suite with 132-sq.-ft. verandah.

Superior Verandah Suite Deck: Navigation Superior Verandah Suites SS offer two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, a private verandah, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, sitting area with sofa bed for one, private bathroom with shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, additional shower stall, dual sink vanity, DVD player, television, minisafe, telephone, multichannel music, and a hairdryer. Enjoy additional suite amenities including complimentary bathrobes, personalized stationary, feather pillows, fresh fruit, and a video library. Approximately 294-sq.-ft. suite with 98-sq.-ft. verandah.

Deluxe Verandah Stateroom Deck: Navigation, Rotterdam, Upper Promenade, Upper Verandah, Verandah Deluxe Verandah Staterooms VA feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, a private verandah, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, sitting area, private bathroom with tub and shower, television, minisafe, telephone, multichannel music, and a hairdryer. Approximately 194-sq.-ft. stateroom with 47-sq.-ft. verandah.

Large Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Main Large Oceanview Staterooms C feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, a picture window, private bathroom with tub and shower, minisafe, television, telephone, multichannel music, and a hairdryer. Approximately 194-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Large Interior Stateroom Deck: Navigation, Upper Verandah Large Interior Staterooms I feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with shower, minisafe, television, telephone, multichannel music, and a hairdryer. Approximately 185-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Oosterdam's cabins are smaller than one normally finds on a Holland America ship but still large enough for a comfortable one week cruise. Standard inside and outside staterooms are 254 sq. ft. Balcony cabins do have a spacious veranda with two chairs and a table. But in standard inside, outside and balcony staterooms, there are a few shelves but no drawers. So, pack light! Standard cabin features include a tub, color TV, mini-fridge and hair dryer. Should you occupy one of Oosterdam's large suites, you'll also get the use of the private concierge club with coffee and light snacks available throughout the day. The club also has a large TV, comfortable leather seating and board games.