Differences between Cat 4A and Cat V Rooms on Dream

[volfan1978]

I've searched quite a bit about this, and while I think I have a pretty good idea I just want to make sure there's nothing I'm missing...

Clearly the main difference between the family verandah rooms in Cat 4A and Cat V on the Disney Dream is that Category V is concierge level, and so you get access to the concierge lounge, the concierge sun deck, and all the extra service that comes with sailing concierge.

However, I'm more interested in what the physical differences are between those two rooms. Looks to me like they're about the same configuration and size. Can someone in the know give me a rundown of any differences between the two in that department? I've read about the difference in sheets/bedding, bathroom products, etc but that's about it.

Looks like about a $2,700 difference in price for the cruise my family is looking at and I want to know if all that extra money buys us is the niceties of concierge service or if there's something extra about the room itself that justifies a part of that premium.

 

[Bear3412]

Cat V's sleep 5 pax with a queen, double pull out sofa, and a ceiling pull down bunk. No murphy.

Cat V's are about 7 sqft lager inside than a cat 4.

All balconies on deck 11 portside are 3-4 feet deeper than any side balconies aboard outside deck 5, fore and aft.
Deck 11 balconies are more enclosed with glass.
If standing near the balcony rail on deck 11, and lighting conditions are perfect, you may be seen by pax staying above on 12. These conditions are rare IMO.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t177/HallsofVA/458bddbe.jpg

V's on the Fantasy have a large flat panel TV at the foot of the queen bed in addition to the little TV at desk/across from couch.
On the Dream, only the three most forward cat V's, one on each side and forward center on deck 12, have the bed TV. Unless they added them at drydock which I don't believe they did.

The decor is different in three most forward V's on the two vessels. These cabin's decor matches that of the cat R's they connect to. The outside door design is different too to match the cat R's.

So Dream cat V's that connect to cat R's have decor that matches cat R's, TV's at the foot of the big bed, and a different door design. Fantasy cat V's have big TV's at the foot of the bed in all the cat V cabins. Decor of the V's connecting to the cat R's match on the Fantasy too.

Deck 11 and 12 on both vessels were hand made. Built on site. Not built onshore and lifted in place.

Walls and ceiling are not magnetic.

Exterior of door needs heavier magnets than cat 4.

Not sure how the bath tile differs. I would assume they use granite tiles like in the suites instead of the ceramic in cat 4.

Also is there a step up into the split baths like the cat 4's?
The suites have only a 3/4 inch threshold.

HTH

 

[volfan1978]

Wow...blown away by the detail of your information. Thanks!!!

 

[Bear3412]

Bath tile is granite unlike cat 4's. It looks like marble but it's granite. Marble way to soft for a cruise ship bathroom IMO.

You may also have more/complicated lights, outlets, switches, and dimmers controls like in the suites.

 

[TestingH2O]

Many Deck 12 starboard balconies give you a view of the fireworks.

 

[volfan1978]

Just to update...after discussing with the wifey, we're going to splurge and go concierge. Thanks for all the input from everyone.

 

[bumbershoot]

Looks like about a $2,700 difference in price for the cruise my family is looking at and I want to know if all that extra money buys us is the niceties of concierge service or if there's something extra about the room itself that justifies a part of that premium.

We upgraded from the highest non-category to a V the first time for just under $400 total (3 night cruise) and felt it was worth THAT. We did a 4 nighter for what we felt was a decent rate (the total was $60 more than your upgrade) and that was worth it.

$2700 for the upgrade? Not unless your family is fully omnivorous (we're vegetarian with ingredient issues, so what we can eat in the lounge is limited) and is planning to eat your weight in snacks and drink a bunch during the cocktail hour(s). And spend all your time in the room and the lounge and the upstairs outside area. We found that when we cruise concierge we are focused on the concierge areas and ignore the rest of the ship. But we're paying to be on the ship. We have had more enjoyable cruises when non-concierge, when we really think about our entire cruise experience.


Sorry to be a downer but especially having experienced Hyatt Regency club level in Vancouver BC, where you get actual hot food (and they felt so bad their "entrees" weren't vegetarian that they wanted ot pay for proper meals in the restaurant for us...we declined by it was a sincere offer!), DCL concierge just isn't that awesome to me.

And on top of that cost, you get to tip more people!

 

[Quellman]

All balconies on deck 11 portside are 3-4 feet deeper than any side balconies aboard outside deck 5, fore and aft

Is this not true of the starboard side rooms? Seems odd that they are larger on one side of the ship.

 

[TestingH2O]

Is this not true of the starboard side rooms? Seems odd that they are larger on one side of the ship.

There are no rooms port side on 11. That's where the spa and gym are located.

 

[Bear3412]

.... we're going to .... go concierge...

Awesome.

Enjoy.

ETA; You do know about the bumpout balconies?

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Just to update...after discussing with the wifey, we're going to splurge and go concierge. Thanks for all the input from everyone.

Enjoy! Have a fantastic cruise!

 

[tink1970]

We returned Monday from a quickie 3 day cruise in a cat V. As usual, a lovely time on a way too short cruise. To DH and me, always worth the extra cost but YMMV. Enjoy!

 

[Bear3412]

We returned Monday from a quickie ...

Did it have a large flat panel at the foot of the bed?

Did you have chance to notice? lol.

Cabin # ?

Welcome back.

 

[tink1970]

LOL....cruise It was our anniversary trip though

Our cabin was 12522 on the Dream. Just one TV, not the large flat panel end of bed one, unfortunately.

The only other thing I'd note for folks is that unlike the majority of 12th floor cabins, 12522 (and 12524/26/28) was in assembly location "J" which meant it was hot outside on the deck(vice in the air conditioned theater "B" I believe). I was kicking myself for about 30 min for not booking our "favorite" cabin. Then all was well since we were, after all, on a cruise!

 

[volfan1978]

Awesome.

Enjoy.

ETA; You do know about the bumpout balconies?

Yes, we got one of the bump out verandahs on Deck 12 starboard side.

 

[Quellman]

There are no rooms port side on 11. That's where the spa and gym are located.

I must have been having a moment when I wrote that. Completely forgot about the spa!

 

[Bear3412]

Yes, we got one of the bump out verandahs on Deck 12 starboard side.

Awesome.

You will love it all.

Tell them all upstairs, I said hello.

Bear