On most obscured view cabins on Deck 8 (B5, B6 grades) you can see only the sky and perhaps some sea view below the obscuring boat. But if you have a cabin between lifeboats you can have a decent amount of view. In this case, those cabins have plexiglas railing and you can enjoy some sea view when sitting at your balcony or inside the cabin, at your bed or sofa. You could not have done this in an in-hull sheltered cabin (grades B1-B4), which have steel railing. Lifeboats are fairly far away from a B5 or B6 cabin, allowing for much air and light, and all the wall to the balcony is from glass. This is a reason why many people prefer those cabins over in-hull sheltered cabins. B5 and B6 cabins are a nice bargain, because they are really Deluxe balcony cabins with the only setback being their obstructed view.

Wealso stayed on deck 8 on a Mediterranean cruise. OK, but watch out for crew appearing without warning to do maintenance on the lifeboats or when they are preparing them to be used as tenders. Try to get a cabin between lifeboats. We had a lovely view when the lifeboat outside our cabin was used as a tender!

Had one last year crossing on the westbound passage - would highly recommend it for an atlantic crossing. Whilst the lifeboat completely obscures the view, you are still able to enjoy the sea air in your own private space. And catch glimpes of the sea below the lifeboat!