Benefits of a category 3?

[QueenTrident]

We just found out that DH is going to get a very nice bonus this year. So, naturally I thought of upgrading our next cruise. Just wondering what the benefits of a category 3 are? I know there's a concierge service, but what does that do for you? Is the verandah bigger than in regular rooms? Are there some category 3 rooms that are better than others?

Also, is it worth it? It would double the cost of our cruise. We're currently booked in a Category 6. I just don't know if I can justify the cost. Especially since we are working on the baby thing (I'm waiting to see if I have a "little souvenir" from our last trip! Um, sorry if that was TMI ). But then again, if we go before we have another one, it'll probably be our last trip in quite some time.

For the record, we spent about 2 - 3 hours a day in our cabin on the last cruise, just enjoying the verandah. We also didn't stay out too late - we were usually in our cabin by 10:00 (for DD to go to bed). Don't know if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

 

[SeaSpray]

I know that the Cat. 3's have a double-width verandah. Ducklite has a couple of web pages with photos and info from their stay in a Cat. 3. I'll see if I can find the link for you.


Found it: http://members.aol.com/ducklite/trips/cruise02/index.html

 

[ms1]

There is definitely better as far as verandahs go. Cabins 8102 & 8602 are all the way aft and have HUGE verandahs. We spent most of our time on the verandah. Not only are there lounge chairs for everyone in the suite but there is also a full size table and 4 chairs. You overlook 'secret' deck 7 and are just below Topsiders. This is both a plus and minus....lots of people visit with you from above but when it is windy there is some garbage from Topsiders that blows through.

As for benefits: priority boarding, pre-booking Palo and concierge meet on board for other appointments.

Topper posted a link to the pics a day or two ago in another Cat. 3 thread.

 

[Billinaz]

I just got back from room 8532. HUGE verandah, and I liked the personal attention from the staff.

You dont wait on line to get on the ship, you get pre boarded.

I also booked the room for next year as well.

Any specific questions, feel free to email me.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Hi Queen Trident!

We've been discussing this Category at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=502487

There are also links to some other really great photos here.

DH and I are going to book this Category for 2007 when he is done with school. I think some of the benefits we see in this category are:

1 - Concierge
2 - Extra room -- we're hoping to be bringing along a bundle of joy by that time.
3 - Larger verandah (double-wide)
4 - Extra magic in a stateroom very different than what we're used to -- we've always had CAT5s and CAT8s. In fact, March 2005's Eastern we'll have a CAT8.
5 - Did I mention concierge service?

BTW -- if you're going to upgrade, watch your timetable -- there are only 18 staterooms in CAT3 (3 of which are HA).

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by ms1
There is definitely better as far as verandahs go. Cabins 8102 & 8602 are all the way aft and have HUGE verandahs.

8100, 8600, 8102, & 8602 are all Handicap Accessible rooms. Not sure how different they are otherwise from the other CAT3s. I've never been in one.