Cat 10 SPH or Cat 9 - when is obstructed view worth it?

[HallsofVA]

We're looking ahead to some 2011 cruises. We've been looking at, and even have some deposits down on Cat 9C rooms (deck 2 aft) for two of the dates.

I just looked at Cat 10A and noticed that there is at least 1 Secret Porthole room available on both cruises. However at the moment it's not a huge price difference. On a 10-day cruise, the difference is $460, on a 14 day cruise the difference is $340. Since these are longer than normal cruises, I was wondering if it's worth the little bit of extra money for the unobstructed oceanview, or if it's worth it to move to the SPH room to save a little bit of money.

Any thoughts?

[kcashner]

Personally, I could find good use for the money. Granted, the difference is very little on a "per day" basis, but much of those long cruises will be a sea with very little to look at anyhow. DD likes the porthole for the natural light--you get that with or without the view. And when there's REALLY something to see, you'll go up on deck to get a good view.

[newbydisney]

WE always stay in 5020 or 5520. The obstruction is unimportant...you can see everything and really we never seem to spend that much time looking out. From 5020 or 5520 you can jog right down the stairs and out the door to the Deck..it takes less than a minute ..and see everything. Granted you will need some clothing!
We like these rooms for their location more than anything.
Personally I would never pay for any CAT 9 if I can get SPH. HOWEVER the other 4 rooms are adjoiners. We have never stayed in them but I have heard depending on your neighbor they can be a bit noisy...as any adjoining room might be. If you have more questions feel free to PM me. We have stayed in these rooms alot!

[sharen24]

I would be more concerned with a room having a steamer trunk (especially for the longer cruises). I don't think 5020 or 5520 have them, but I'm pretty sure 5022, 5024, 5522, and 5524 do. The only problem is that the rooms with the trunks are connecting and noise could be an issue. I think I would probably take a cat 9 with a steamer trunk and unobstructed view over a SPH if the price was close enough.

[sharen24]

Originally Posted by newbydisney

WE always stay in 5020 or 5520. The obstruction is unimportant...you can see everything and really we never seem to spend that much time looking out. From 5020 or 5520 you can jog right down the stairs and out the door to the Deck..it takes less than a minute ..and see everything. Granted you will need some clothing!
We like these rooms for their location more than anything.
Personally I would never pay for any CAT 9 if I can get SPH. HOWEVER the other 4 rooms are adjoiners. We have never stayed in them but I have heard depending on your neighbor they can be a bit noisy...as any adjoining room might be. If you have more questions feel free to PM me. We have stayed in these rooms alot!

1) Could you hear noise from the Walt Disney Theater in 5020 or 5520?
2) Do those rooms have steamer trunks?

[newbydisney]

5020 and 5520 do not have steamer trunks...no noise except first day luggage arrivals...don"t forget SPH rooms are downgraded from CAT 8...so not sure why you would take a Cat 9 ..also they are not on deck 1 or 2...which for me...I don't want to be that low.
..and a little OT but The only upgrade I would take if offered would be to a HA room. Cat 9., or higher. They are supposed to be very spacious. I would like to stay in one if no one needed it.

[lbgraves]

Our friends in 5020 could only hear the toilets during the breaks before and after the shows. LOL! We were in 5502 amd heard the noise from the theater late at night when they were rehersing until after 1 am. I would not book deck 5 forward for this reason for the longer cruises where the performers need to prepare for shows that are not done every 7 night cruise so they need extra time to practice. Some of the entertainers do not join the ship until midcruise the night before their performance and so they will practice for their show the night before after the stage has been reset after the late show. Our friends never heard any of the noise from the theater we did at night.

[BWV Dreamin]

I am excited to read about SPA #5020 as I just booked this for the 2011 10 Night June 8 Meditteranean sailing!!!!! Will be the first time on the Magic! Hoping the food is better on this cruise!

[d'Isigny]

SPH's in my opinion...are FANTASTIC!!! For us, the reduction in cost is a smaller plus. We love that we were forward - higher up...and were able to use the stairs to get anywhere quickly. When we stayed on deck 1 or 2...we were always needing to go up. When we did not use the stairs...it took much longer to get in an elevator - plus the numerous stops slowed us down. It's sad to say...even on vacation...in a beautiful ship...with wonderful ports of call...people were not the most respectful of others using the elevators.

We are not in the room that much. so...the view from a restricted porthole does not matter too much to us.

We've stayed in porthole rooms on deck 1, 2 and 5 (5022 & 5024 - the more obstructed of the SPH's). If the dates we needed did not have SPH's available...we'd still go. However, we'd be checking from time-to-time to see if any were available.

You'll have a great time either way you go...good luck making the best decision for you and yours.....k