Category 3 or 5

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Hi everyone!
Have been reading previous posts regarding catergories (and everything else!), and wondered if anyone might want to add an opinion. I have booked a category 5 (room 7562 midship on deck 7) for my DH and DDs who will be ages 13 and 11 when we go in June 2004. Of course I have been looking at everyone's excellent web pages, trip reports and photos, and am considering bumping up to category 3 if available on our sailing date.

For background, you all should know we take a family vacation only every two or three years for a week at a time because we have a small business. So the vacations are a treat. Last two times we splurged at WDW by staying at the Poly (97) and Boardwalk Inn(2000) and had a great time. ( I know, that will make 4 years between the last trip and this one, but I am mathematically challenged.) Anyway, we are very easy to please and can see the big picture with regard to people and service, and aren't particularly picky. But we still don't mind spending a little extra if it makes things nicer. And because I have time to pay in installments, I think I can manage the cost difference

So with that said, I am wondering if "moving on up" would be a good idea. I think the reason I am hesitating is because the current booking looks like a good spot on the ship: near but not too close to elevators; deck 7 which has just staterooms above and below (no clubs or pools), and midship for more even sailing I hope. Category 5 has a verandah which I do know is imporatant for us (spent lots of time on balconies in WDW to get away from DDs......)

I look forward to hearing from "The Board"
Sincerely,
Buggie

 

[shelly3girls]

I cannot help much since I am currently going through the same dabate. We stayed in a cat 3 and loved it. We loved having the extra space and the concierge service. We felt concierge made our first day more relaxing since we didn't have to wait for reservations at Palo or the spa. This was our first cruise so I cannot compare to any other experience. I have heard mixed reviews about deck 8, but we were in the aft of the ship and had no problems. We did feel spoiled and somewhat pampered which may be nice if you only vacation every 3-4 years.

 

[AnnMorin]

Well I will add something for you to think about. We have been in Cat. 5's and 6's and there is exactly NO difference between them. The layout is the same, room the same, size the same, veranda size the same so if you go for the five I would save the extra $$ and just book a six. Now if you can afford the three I would go for that just because it is bigger and nicer!

 

[tony3331]

go for the 3. i just like you only vacation every 2 years so why not you work hard so just do it. the cat 3 are really nice plus the concierge service is great they have a littil party on the outside decks that is pretty nice.

 

[GeneralMax]

Go for the bigger room. We are booked in catergory 4 room . I decided to upgarde to a 3 and waited too long and now one is not available. I am kicking myself!!

 

[WDWADDICTS]

We have stayed in 7564 (next door) on the Magic in 2001 and are booked in that room again on the Magic in May.

The location is GREAT. Exactly mid-ships. In fact, when the ship is moving you can look down and see the stabilizers running through the water not far below the waterline.

The location is very good on these rooms. Close to the stairs & elevators, 2 decks down to the kids clubs & two decks up to top side. You can get to anywhere in the ship in just a few minutes.

Nothing above you or below you but rooms so you do not have to worry about noise.

The room is fine for 4 people but if you have the means to go to a category 3and it's not one of the ones below the pools then go for it!

 

[markºoº]

My opinion would be to book a Cat 3 if the following apply:

1. Money is not really a big issues-Cat 3 will probably be over 50% more.
2. The extra bathroom is important-all Cat 3's have 2 bathrooms.
3. You will use the room for relaxing, etc (some people practically spend no time in their room). The Cat 3's are much larger.
4. If you are intimidated with the "ressie rush" that happens when you first board (or just don't want to bother). The concierge can take care of everything when you board while you relax.
5. Upgraded room service is important since Cat 3 guests can order directly off of any restaurant menu, including a full service hot breakfast or dinner.
6. You want to be one of the first on board the ship since Cat 1-3 get priority boarding and do not have to wait in line.
7. Having your own bedroom and being able to close the close door with the kids sleeping on the other side of the door. This may or may not work for you depending on your sleeping arangements.

Don't book Cat 3 because you think you will get your money's worth out of the additional service. Many of the perks with a Cat 3 are intangible and, frankly, the additional service and meals don't justify the additional cost.

That said, we did a Cat 3 in 2002 and booked another for 2004 beacuse we felt it makes the cruise more relaxing for us. We do spend a fair amount of time in our cabin and the extra space was nice.

 

[outahere]

You may have seen some of my other posts regarding noise in some of the Cat 3 cabins, but I have to agree with WDWADDICTS... stay away from the ones under the pools, especially under the Goofy (family) pool.

The Cat 3 cabins are very nice, a lot more room and concierge service was a nice perk. However, I'm not sure I could justify the cost difference to book one again.

 

[howardk613]

I would recommend a category 3 suite if you can get one of the midship suites ( room #'s 8032, 8034, 8532 or 8534). These rooms have a slightly different layout then the other category 3's.
In addition to a great layout the verandah is terrific (very large) and these rooms would make an otherwise great trip even more amazing. Since you only go every 2 years, go for the gusto and splurge.

 

[ducklite]

I'd rather stay home if I can't travel with the perks...so I say take the upgrade.

Anne

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Hi

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Hi everyone again,
Sorry, hit the send instead of tab....

Thanks so much for your opinons and insight. You have given me a lot to think about. My TA told me she is holding the last available category 3 on the sailing date we chose, and it is located more aft. I am leaning toward upgrading, mainly because I think my DH would be spending more time than most people usually do in the room relaxing. (He has had melanoma and can't be in the sun too long.) And I know lounging on a bigger verandah in the evenings and early mornings will be really nice.
Thank you all again for your thoughts.
Buggie