Best cabin combination for a family of 6

[Barb]

We're still in the very early planning stages for a 7 day family cruise. Economically, what's the best cabin(s) combination for us? I know there are suites that sleep 6, but I understand they are really expensive. Thanks!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Look into connecting staterooms. They're available in many categories. You could have 2 in one room and 4 in the other, or 3 in each, depending on the needs of your family and the capacity of the rooms.

Officially, you would need to book at least one adult in each room. But, once on the ship, you can have the parents in one room and the kids in the other.

 

[disneyholic family]

well i suppose the most economical would be getting two of the cheapest rooms....(whatever category that is)...
however, i know that some people manage to combine an inside and outside room that are across from each other....
if i were you i would look at the deck plans and room rates to figure out the least expensive combination that meets your needs.........
and yes, 2 less expensive cabins will be MUCH cheaper than booking a suite (i think that only cat 1 and 2 can hold that many people are they are VERY expensive)....

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

If you wanted connecting rooms, your cheapest option is category 10 (deluxe inside). You can also get 9 or 8 (porthole), 7 (navigator verandah), 6 or 5 (verandah), and 4 (family verandah) - all these staterooms connect to another one of their same kind. But remember, connecting rooms do book up fast.

Some people like to get a category 5 or 6 (verandah) with an 11 (standard inside) across the hall. You'd have your verandah, and extra sleeping space.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Just to clarify... connecting staterooms have doors that allow you to go from one stateroom to the other without having to go out into the hallway. Thus, connecting staterooms are an excellent option for families with younger children.

We've booked connecting staterooms for our next cruise, even though there are only four of us. We're looking forward to having twice as much space as we did on our last Magic cruise -- and saving money -- by getting two Category 10 SPR rooms instead of one Caregory 6 verandah room.

The other options -- adjoining staterooms, staterooms across the hall from each other, or other staterooms in the same proximity -- are good to consider when the children are responsible teens or when an adult (such as a grandparent) will be in the room with the kids.

 

[Barb]

Thanks for some great replies. These give us a few options I hadn't thought of. We're basically 6 adults-2 parents, 3 semi-grown children and 1 SO. Thanks, again!

 

[mjvans]

I'd definitely do a cat11 inside stateroom, with a cat 6 with veranda right across the hall. That is what we are doing for our trip in August. Michelle

 

[JeffPort]

I have a family of 6 and am planning a trip as well. One thing that I have noticed that is unique to the 7-day cruises (not on the 4 or 3 day) is that the childrens' cost is sometimes higher in the higher priced cabins. (In other words, Disney charges more for the 3rd and 4th passengers in the higher priced categories.)

To get around this pricing quirk, you can get a cabin in 6 and 11 (across the hall arrangement) and list the extra 2 passengers in the lower-priced 11 category. This should save a few hundred dollars per extra child, in addition to the substantial savings you get by paying for only one verandah room.

The other big cost savings tip I've discovered is that once you determine which arrangement and dates to book, call Costco or SamsClub travel. Their quotes seem to be significantly cheaper than all other agencies.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Remember that first 2 guests in any room are considered "adult" rate. So if you have 2 children you want in another room- they'll have to book it with one adult in each room (ie: the parents) AND each of the children would be considered the "2nd" guest in each room... and priced as adults.

We booked 2 rooms- have 3 children. We had to pay 2 adults in each room- so only one child is actually being paid for as a "child".

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by BibbidyBobbidyBoo
Remember that first 2 guests in any room are considered "adult" rate.

Actually, the prices for the first two passengers in each stateroom are simply "per person, based on double occupancy" -- regardless of age. DCL never calls it an "adult" rate. But your point is valid that the first two passengers are charged the same rate, even if one is under 13.

For the 3rd/4th/5th passenger in the stateroom, the rate is lower for 3-12, and even lower for under 3. There is no distinction between teens and adults.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Oh I'm sorry- you're right! I just think the highest rate as "adult" rate in my mind. Meaning like if we'd had one room for all 5 of us- 2 of us would be charged the highest rate (in my mind "adult" rate) and the 3 children at child rates based on ages all being between 3-12 at the time.
But we're booking 2 rooms- and in my mind paying 2 "adult" rates for each room- then one child rate for the odd man out (LOL- the 3rd child). It's just my own perception of it being adult rate- but really it's just the set rate for first 2 people in each room (although if there's only ONE, the rate is higher 175% right?- so to me it's 2 X adult rate... not 2 X set rate). It's just all the way *I* look at things and stated it that way.. I'm sorry I worded it that way.