Cabin comparisons

[ahoff]

We are planning our first cruise and are wondering the differences between catagorys. There are four of us, including DD14 and DS11. Are the room sizes comparable? Is ocean view worth it compared to an inner, and is a veranda better still? What is an ocean view, a porthole? What about decks? Is it better lower or higher? Is there a site to see the rooms in more detail? The original dates we had planned for are sold out in Cats 12, 11, and 10. Would it be better to keep those dates and go for the higher category or try a different date. Thanks!!

 

[Ker-Bear]

Try looking at this website ********************** and look at staterooms and/or order the DCL DVD if you have time. It seems to take forever to get to you.

HTH

 

[Ker-Bear]

sorry I am new at this... the website is castawayclub with .com at the end

 

[vossjemi]

you should also check out dave's website which is dcltribute with a dotcom at the end. once you research and find out the kind of cabin you want, check out bestpricecruises with a dot com at the end. there, you can check for specific cabin availability. I just booked my first cruise. Our kids will be 5 and 3 at the time we go. I wanted either a secret porthole room (category 10, deck 5) or an aft inside (category 11, deck 7) due to the secret deck back there. We got lucky enough to get the SPH. The above websites will help you see those types of rooms. Also, check out allseastravel w/a dotcom and dreamsunlimited (sponsor of this website & with whom we booked) to get a good idea of rates for the time you are going! Have fun planning ! I AM!

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Here's another, CruiseStateroom.com that lists most stateroom sizes and you can do a side-by-side comparison.

 

[izzinmac]

Category 5,6,7,8,9 &10 are all the same sized rooms inside (excluding verandah space).
The differences -
Cat 10 are inside rooms,
Cat 9 are oceanview on decks 1 & 2,
Cat 8 are oceanview on decks 5,6,&7,
Cat 7 are Verandah rooms with partial view obstruction towards the back of the ship on decks 5,6,&7
Cat 6 are Verandah rooms on decks 5 & 6
Cat 5 are Verandah rooms on deck 7

Category 11 & 12 are smaller than 5 through 10 and I think would be crowded for the 4 of you.

Inside-ocean view-verandah is a matter of preference and budget. We like the verandah just to sit out and watch the ocean. It certainly isn't necessary. The porthole in all the ocean view rooms (except deck 1) is quite large and gives an excellent view. Some of my kids love the inside rooms and don't miss not having a view. So really it is a decision based on personal preferences. Same with location - some people love deck 2, others like to be on higher decks. Theoretically, ship motion should be less on deck 2.

A few specific recommendations
If you want a verandah, choose Cat 6 over Cat 5. The extra money for Cat 5 just to be one deck higher is not worth it in my opinion

If you decide on Cat 9 - choose deck 2 over deck 1. Deck one rooms have two smaller portholes vs. the one large one on deck 2

If you are flexible on dates, try the off season dates from September through Feb (excluding Holidays) Rates are significantly lower. We often go right after Thanksgiving and have good rates, good weather and a ship decorated for Christmas!

There are several sites to see the room configurations. I know you can go to DreamsUnlimited site shown at the the top of this page and look for "Staterooms" and "Deck Plans" on the right side of their page.

 

[TheWog]

disneycruise.com will also give you a virtual tour of several staterooms. If you can afford/justify it, go for the Verandah. You will love it. Cat 6 as mentioned below.

 

[ahoff]

Thanks for the info and advice. Looks like we will be going on the three day on Nov 18, probably in a Cat 9.

These boards are great for tips and advice. Looking forward to it!