Grand - aft balconies obstructed?

I had an opportunity to change to an aft balcony room, which I really wanted to do, but was told the view was obstructed by a beam. I decided not to chance it this trip, but wonder if anyone out there have more info about this? What exactly is the obstruction?

Thanks,
Kathy
:)

There is a vertical "beam" which is part of the ship's superstructure which obstructs part of the balcony. It's not like having a lifeboat in front of the window, it's more that Princess now discloses the balcony isn't 100% open so they don't get angry customers.

As you can see in the picture in the message above, there are vertical beams that block the view from the suite. My wife and I were on the Star Princess in March in C750 (second deck in picture). The suite has two sets of balcony doors, one from the living room and one from the bedroom area. This beam blocked the view from the bedroom area and the door was secured so it could not be used. Other then that, and taking up some of the balcony floorspace, there were no problems with it. The picture (which I believe is the one I posted in my gallery on CruiseMates.com (http://www.cruise-forums.com/gallery/image.php?id=5983) shows the beam. Both of the outboard suites on the Caribe deck have this "problem", the two inboard suites are completely open. There would be similar obstructions in the cabins above and below. Hope this helps you.

Bob,

Yes, it's your picture, though it's from a post on Cruise Critic! I didn't realize you were over here, too, and didn't have your correct name to credit the picture. Thank you!

Thanks for the info! It doesn't look so bad. It's so hard to tell from the pics in the brochure and I hadn't seen a good close up until you posted this pic. I will check it out more when I go on 9/8 and then if I think I won't mind it, I can book the aft on the next cruise.

Appreciate your help!

Kathy
:)