Any downsides to booking a 5E guarantee?

[Scrappygrrl]

I am traveling with two friends ( so three adults, no kids). We definitely want an extended verandah so we can all lounge. Are there any "bum" rooms we could end up with by booking this?

 

[Aby]

Booking GTY means that you are guaranteed to get at least the category you booked, but you can always get a higher category as well - so, you may not end up with an extended verandah. If you're okay with ending up with a "normal" sized verandah if you get upgraded to a higher category then you should be okay, but if you have your heart set on the extended verandah, I wouldn't book GTY.

Aby

 

[Quellman]

I will mention this, that if you get placed in a handicap room there are a few things to consider that might be a downside

1. There is no room dividing curtain. So you will all be staring at each other come bed time. Or if one side of the room wants to sleep later, but the other side is an early riser.
2. Handicap rooms in 5e also do not have double bathrooms or a tub. It is a single bathroom with the walk in shower, toilet, and sink all together. So depending on your comfort level with your friends you can't take advantage of the benefits of having the split two bathrooms. However, you can always use one of the public toilets or the controversial shower facilities in the Fitness and Spa area (at the front of the ship).
3. The exterior hall door closes slow. Like ridiculous slow for those who are able bodied.


The balcony is one huge wrap around the back of the ship and you can have loungers on it to enjoy extended balcony space. The room is also huge, so if you want to bring the game Twister on board, you have a place to play.

The only other rooms that could be slightly less disireable at the back of the ship are Flag Rooms, or those on deck 10 for potential noise. You can always ask a note to be filed on your reservation that you would prefer the 5e and not to be upgraded to another category.

 

[ahain]

When we booked a 5E GTY, we ended up with cabin 10150 (regular verandah, closer to mid-ship - looking out the side of the ship), which is a "better" cabin according to the DCL: categories, but only "OK" to us as it was not what we were hoping for (an extended verandah looking out the rear of the ship)

 

[n2mm]

Some morning there is soot on the veranda. Generally your room hostess will take care of it later. We were on deck 10 which is right under cabanas. There is some morning noises and when they are cleaning and moving chairs around. Pirate night was a little more noisy because cabanas is open later. Our room was ok. There was more vibration in this room compared to being mid-ship. we liked having the large veranda, but it has it's pros and cons.

 

[mmouse37]

You may be able to request a "no upgrade" note on your reservation. As mentioned if you are upgraded you may not have the extended verandah. Call DCL and see if you can put the "no upgrade" note on your file. Not guaranteed but worth a try.

MJ