cat 7 vs cat 12- Costa Maya

[Emilysmom]

So, I was poking around yesterday to see what all the hype was, and I noticed that I could book the 7 night double dip to Costa Maya in Sept 2008 for a lot less than we are paying for our Sept 2007 eastern cruise. We booked a cat 7 for our Sept 2007 trip because it was only $600 more than an inside cabin. However, for the Costa Maya cruise in Sept 2008, the difference between cat 12 and cat 7 was about $1,100. Now, we have to decide if it is worth it to pay that much for a balcony (for myself, DD(3) and DH). What makes it harder is that the TA was able to snag one of the "secret 7" staterooms for us so it is really like getting a regular balcony for a cat 7 price. Nonetheless, we could almost get another whole cruise for the price difference. Any thoughts?
Also, as others mentioned, we have not heard much about the Costa Maya double dips. Is there something wrong with this cruise???

 

[kcashner]

There's nothing "wrong" with the Costa Maya trips. The advantage is the double dip at Castaway. Some people don't care for this port as much as some of the others.

If you book a 12 gty, you have a significant chance of being upgraded. However, with 3 of you, you could stay in a 12. With a little one who still naps, you might enjoy the outside view if you are stuck in the cabin while she is sleeping..... The bottom line is that you need to book a cabin where you will be happy. Do not count on an upgrade. If you will be happy in an inside cabin (and we have sailed in them several times), then go for it. I'd rather have 2 cruises in an inside cabin than one with a balcony). If you will be unhappy in an inside cabin, then book the 7.