Joining Rooms

[usrtyz]

I have been trying to get an idea on what the cost would be for a 2014 cruise. I have been using the 2013 dates to get somewhat of an idea. Anyway, it looks like it would be cheaper for me to get two standard inside staterooms instead of a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom for my family of 5. (2 Adults, 3 kids) A savings of almost $5000. If I do book two standard inside staterooms do I stand a good chance of getting them connected? How do I request something like that? I will probably end up booking the trip myself instead of going with a travel agency. This would be our first cruise and I definantly don't know as much as I would going to Disney World. I am interested in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Hawaii cruises.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have been trying to get an idea on what the cost would be for a 2014 cruise. I have been using the 2013 dates to get somewhat of an idea. Anyway, it looks like it would be cheaper for me to get two standard inside staterooms instead of a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom for my family of 5. (2 Adults, 3 kids) A savings of almost $5000. If I do book two standard inside staterooms do I stand a good chance of getting them connected? How do I request something like that? I will probably end up booking the trip myself instead of going with a travel agency. This would be our first cruise and I definantly don't know as much as I would going to Disney World. I am interested in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Hawaii cruises.

When you make your booking, if you want connecting rooms, it's best to book as early as possibile. You can select specific rooms if you book early enough. Personally, I'd call and make the reservations directly through DCL, not online. Online you pretty much have to book one room at a time and the second room might be gone by the time you get to it. Talking to a person, they can put a hold on the second room while they process the first one.

Right you you'd be looking at Caribbean or Bahamas. DCL hasn't announced any Hawaii cruises past the one this October.

 

[usrtyz]

When you make your booking, if you want connecting rooms, it's best to book as early as possibile. You can select specific rooms if you book early enough. Personally, I'd call and make the reservations directly through DCL, not online. Online you pretty much have to book one room at a time and the second room might be gone by the time you get to it. Talking to a person, they can put a hold on the second room while they process the first one.

Right you you'd be looking at Caribbean or Bahamas. DCL hasn't announced any Hawaii cruises past the one this October.

Thanks for the advice! I am going to keep an eye out for the 2014 dates opening up.

 

[3LittlePirates]

We did this with my family (2 Adults, and 3 kids) this past summer...It was great!! Loved having 2 bathrooms!

 

[kcashner]

2 rooms will give you a lot more space. To get connecting rooms, I'd suggest working thru a travel agent who is a DCL specialist. There are lots of good ones out there, but I've learned that in my community they are not the people in the local offices--your situation may differ. I'd get with the agent now, letting them know exactly what you want. They'll notify you to confirm when they learn that bookings will be released soon, and book for you at the earliest possible day to get both the lowest price and the best room situation.

Yes, the rooms book fast because people want that connecting door between.

 

[IrishCowboy]

We had connecting rooms on our July Fantasy cruise and it worked great for us! Extra space and extra bathroon really came in handy!

Have a great cruise!

 

[kristinfly2]

We had to book 2 connecting rooms for our up coming cruise. I wanted to book thru Costco to get their cash card. I called DCL and explained what I wanted to do. CM was great!!! Gave me a list of all connecting rooms still available in a couple of categories. Them she went thru them all with me to help pick out the best ones for us. Then I called Costco and had them book the two specific rooms! DCL was so helpful!!!

 

[llqool]

I know you say that you don't want to go through a TA, but we just went thru a TA and she got us two connecting rooms which meant double the onboard credit ($400 vs $200). That goes a long way toward gratuities, palo, wine tastings etc. while I don't use a TA for other travel, I have been very happy w our dreams unlimited agent. She's very responsive, and I'm still in control of port adventures, palo booking, etc

 

[usrtyz]

I know you say that you don't want to go through a TA, but we just went thru a TA and she got us two connecting rooms which meant double the onboard credit ($400 vs $200). That goes a long way toward gratuities, palo, wine tastings etc. while I don't use a TA for other travel, I have been very happy w our dreams unlimited agent. She's very responsive, and I'm still in control of port adventures, palo booking, etc

Thank you! I will keep this in mind.

 

[usrtyz]

Got to thinking...If I book two rooms that are connecting, do I run the risk that we won't be assigned the same dinning table?

 

[threeiscrazy]

You will have your dining reservations linked so that you will be at the same dining table.

 

[MND]

I have been trying to get an idea on what the cost would be for a 2014 cruise. I have been using the 2013 dates to get somewhat of an idea. Anyway, it looks like it would be cheaper for me to get two standard inside staterooms instead of a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom for my family of 5. (2 Adults, 3 kids) A savings of almost $5000. If I do book two standard inside staterooms do I stand a good chance of getting them connected? How do I request something like that? I will probably end up booking the trip myself instead of going with a travel agency. This would be our first cruise and I definantly don't know as much as I would going to Disney World. I am interested in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Hawaii cruises.

We have always booked 2 Oceanview adjoining rooms for our family of 5. It works out to be less expensive than booking 1 room with a balcony. Our AAA TA has been great in doing this for us. The key is to book right away.

All the best!

Mike

 

[kgundyfire]

Got to thinking...If I book two rooms that are connecting, do I run the risk that we won't be assigned the same dinning table?

No, you will all be assigned the same table. We went with a group of 12 last year, one family had a connecting room. All 12 of us linked our reservations together. We were on the same dinning rotation and all 12 of us were able to sit together at one table. It was great! My BIL also went on the same cruise. They had two connecting rooms, but did not link his reservations with ours. His family of 5 were able to sit together at the same table, but had a different dinning rotation than the 12 others in our group.

 

[believinthemagic]

No, you will all be assigned the same table. We went with a group of 12 last year, one family had a connecting room. All 12 of us linked our reservations together. We were on the same dinning rotation and all 12 of us were able to sit together at one table. It was great! My BIL also went on the same cruise. They had two connecting rooms, but did not link his reservations with ours. His family of 5 were able to sit together at the same table, but had a different dinning rotation than the 12 others in our group.

Good to know! We have 11 in our family going. 2 are connected rooms and one separate, but all are linked together on the reservation. I figured we would be able to be together for dining, but since the last time we cruised we only had 8 plus an infant I wasn't positive they would seat that many together. Thanks for sharing!

 

[usrtyz]

Are reservations linked when I make a reservation online and add another stateroom that is connecting? Or, do I need to link them a different way? I haven't decided yet if I want to make these reservations myself or go with Dreams Unlimited.