4/20 cruise in a cat.3

[dillon423]

We just returned from our 4/20 cruise. we were in a catergory 3, suite #8032. we absolutely LOVED it! the conceirge team was great, they came by frequently, called all of the time, every night when we came back to our room there was a "surprise" waiting for us (ie. fresh fruit platters filled constantly, cookies, cheeses, crackers, grapes platter, dessert platter, the kids got notes from mickey and minnie with coloring books and crayons, arcade cards) there was also a sailway party when we left St. Thomas with hot delicious horderves and free drinks.
we loved it, we were able to eat breakfast in our suite every morning which was helpful b/c we have 1 year old that hates sitting at the table.
this was our first cruise and we had a wonderful time!

the only negative were the LINES! i was surprised by the wait to get my kids into the oceaneer club/lab, the lines to get into the theater and take pictures. the mickey pool was also packed, in fact there was a day at sea where an 8 year old was dunking my 4 year old into the pool, despite my asking him to stop.
that was really the only "negative" on the trip.

the crew was amazing, everyone had a smile on their face and was so willing to help in any way.

[SuAnne]

:) I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your Cat. 3 room. We are in 8532 for our Dec. 14 cruise. I have really been debating whether to downscale our plans and go with another category, but when I read such great things, I think we'll just stay where we are and enjoy it!!! Thanks!

[dillon423]

i went thru the same debate in my own mind. but i am so glad we kept the room! at night my kids (5, 4, & 1) were in bed by 9:00-9:30 and we still had our room and veranda to enjoy a drink, read a book and enjoy our time without having to worry about waking the kids. in the morning my husband slept in a little bit and the kids had their own tv and area to hang out, since there was a sliding doot diving the areas my husband slept in quite easily.
also when you get the the port for check in, let them know that you are in a concierge suite and you will be able to go to a specific area for check in - NO WAITING! the concierge team called me a few days ahead of time ( i called the DCL line and then they called me back) to schedule any palo's reservations. also, when you check in there is a a meeting where they will schedule everything for you (ie. hair brading, tea w/ wendy) i signed up for everything b/c you can always cancel later.
the only thing i had to run up to do was schedule flounder's reef. - again i was able to get every time slot i requested.
we were also celebrating out anniversary and receiveda beatuiful picture of the magic with a sweet note. i also brought plain white pillow cases and left them with the concierge to have the characters all sign them for my kids - what a great souvenir.
you will have a great time!

[SuAnne]

Thanks for the great information! Yeah...the more I hear about it the more my heart is set on it.

Originally when we booked, my daughter and I were just going to go and I had booked one of the secret porthole rooms. Then a very good family friend wanted to come along and offered to pay the difference to upgrade to the Cat.3 (now there was an offer I couldn't turn down!!) Now it seems he won't be able to join us....so I'm on to Plan B which is to keep the Cat. 3 and bring my parents along since they are both turning 65 and it's their 45th anniversary this year. It will be the week before Christmas so a nice way to celebrate the holidays too. We were on the 4 day cruise in Dec. 2000 and the Christmas festivities were great!

I understand that 8032/8532 are larger than the other Cat. 3 rooms. Did you find it roomy?

[dillon423]

yes, we had plenty of room

[BethA]

I'm curious who the concierge staff was.

[dillon423]

cristina - who spoke italian fluently (as i do) and theirry.