2 rooms or one -- what would you do?

[aidanht]

We are a family of 5 (kids 6, 8, and 11) and are currently booked in one category 6 and one category 11. We booked kinda late, so we have no guarantee that the two rooms will be close together. We plan to have DH and one son in the 11 and the other 2 kids and I in the 6. (If it were up to DH we would be in two 12's because he is firmly in the "get the cheapest room you can" camp, but I am really looking forward to the verandah! )

Here's my question: a category 4 room has opened up, for just a bit more $$ than the 2 rooms we have now. Would you switch? Why or why not?

I was bummed at first about having 2 rooms that may be miles apart, but now I'm kinda happy about having 2 bathrooms to get ready in . . . . I would love to hear any thoughts any of you experienced cruisers may have -- this is our first cruise.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Hollyster2]

That is a tough one!
If the price difference between the cat 4 and the 2 rooms weren't that significant, and if my kids were all your kids ages, I would be tempted to want to be all together. Sitting on the verandah at night after the kids went to bed was one of our fondest memories! We would just talk about everything, and all the things the kids said and did during the day. I will miss having one in June. We had connecting Verandah rooms our last cruise, and the little time we were in the cabin, they were just watching cartoons in our room while DH and I dressed, or they were sleeping. Sometimes all 5 of them AND my mother in law were sitting around in our room! The kids were always sooooo tired at the end of the day that they were out like that. Room was not a problem. We could have easily had 5 in a room. The split bath makes it very easy for a family to get ready.
If your kids were teens...I would keep the two rooms. I have 4 daughters, and 3 of them are 18, 18, and 15. Now in that case I would recommend a second room! They need another shower, and the room to get ready for dinner. They just need "space" and so do we from them. The older kids will be in one room our next cruise, and I can deal with the 6 and 10 yr. old no problem, as far as getting dressed for dinner.

 

[CM_Mom]

The only problem with the Cat 4 is that I have read that it's hard to get to the verandah when the Murphy bed is down since it folds down right in front of the sliding doow to the verandah so you almost have to crawl over the bed to get to the verandah. Don't know that it makes a difference but didn't want you to plan on "wandering out to the verandah" when the little ones are in bed since it's not as easy as it sounds.

The cat 4 will have the split bathroom that has two sinks but NOT two bathtubs or two commodes. Some folks prefer the two rooms for the two complete bathrooms. Also the Cat 11 is great for naps since it can get completely dark but your kids are probably too old for that to be an issue.

 

[the kabuki]

We're a family of 5 (kids 12, 8, and 4 on upcoming cruise) and we went with CAT 7 and CAT 11 but they are directly across the hall from each other. If I hadn't been able to get this, then I would've gone with one room CAT 4, JMO

 

[churchlady]

We were 5 people (kids 8,10, & 12) in a Cat. 4 this April and had plenty of room. With the ages of your kids, I would not do 2 rooms unless they are adjoining. I know my 8 year old would not have been comfortable down the hall from us! Plus, I wouldn't want to have been travelling back and forth getting everyone ready for dinner.

Just a thought.

 

[aidanht]

Thanks everyone for the advice so far! I'm glad to hear that the cat. 4 would not be too crowded, which was one worry that I had. We will actually be on a 10-day trip with the cruise in the middle, so is there enough room for all that luggage in a cat 4?

I figure I'll really be stretching my packing skills if I have to pack for my son and husband to be in a separate room and have everything that they need!!

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I had 2 category 11's side by side last year. I think if you can do the category 4, go for it. It's so hard being the mom, and not having your kids in the room with you...my DH didn't seem to mind.