First time cruiser choosing a Fantasy stateroom

[kaleenoc]

I'm not technically a first time cruiser, but I went on the Wonder about 15 years ago as a child. This is my first time cruising as an adult, and I'm having a really difficult time choosing a stateroom. My husband and I just decided a few days ago we're wanting to cruise (alone, no kids) on the Fantasy this winter. I've spent every free minute since we made the decision on here reading and researching, but I'm worried rooms will book up and slip away from us, and I'm lost!

How do I even begin to narrow down my stateroom choices? We know we want a verandah (not a white-wall one), and we would ideally like a room that isn't too noisy. I'm an incredibly light sleeper. At the same time, we want the most bang for our buck. I've been trying to read stateroom reviews and people's reports on here, but it has gotten completely overwhelming. I'm tempted to just go with guarantee status because I'm having a hard time picking a specific room.

These are the rooms I've narrowed it down to (and it's still quite a few rooms):

The following 4Es (cheaper than the 5B listed below): 5158, 5038, 5040, 5042, 5534, 5536, 5538, 5540, 5544

5190 (6B, but I read it has a nice oversized verandah), 8024 (5B for $250 more)

5C (Deck 7) or 5D (Deck 6) guarantee for cheaper than all but 5190

Which do you prefer? Forward or aft? Port or starboard?

I'm looking at booking through one of the travel agencies to get onboard credit. If I requested a specific room, would they be able to book that one for me?

Also, what are some benefits and downsides for the later dining? I understand we probably won't have a choice anyway since we're booking fewer than 6 months out, but I want to be informed.

Any other non-obvious tips for a first-time cruiser in over her head?

 

[ktb2002]

I'm going to answer a little out of order. Late seating is great especially since you are traveling without kids. I've done both early and late and I love not having to rush after ports to get ready for dinner. If you use a travel agent they can book your specific room request as long as it's available. I prefer being midship or aft, however you mentioned you're a light sleeper and when backing into a port it seems there is more vibration in the aft. The 4Es do have a bigger balcony than standard, room size is perfect for 2 people, however all balconies above you can see directly down onto them. If you do decide to go with a 4E (again the light sleeper thing) keep in mind that the kids clubs are on the same deck port side so if you go to bed early or plan on napping there may be increased hall traffic towards the aft rooms.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Sorry if this adds to your confusion, but this thread has some pictures of the Dream with stateroom numbers on it. I thought it might help you to visualize where you might be on the ship from the 'side' view. I know it helped me. Any rooms like 51XX will be the same (opposite side of ship) as a 56XX. Also, these pictures do not show the vertical facades of metal that run about every six staterooms from the 10th deck down between the lifeboats.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/dr...see-the-pictures-index-now-in-post-7.2586763/

 

[hanna-nana]

Do the life boats get in the way of the view from some of the balconies?

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I'm not technically a first time cruiser, but I went on the Wonder about 15 years ago as a child. This is my first time cruising as an adult, and I'm having a really difficult time choosing a stateroom. My husband and I just decided a few days ago we're wanting to cruise (alone, no kids) on the Fantasy this winter. I've spent every free minute since we made the decision on here reading and researching, but I'm worried rooms will book up and slip away from us, and I'm lost!

How do I even begin to narrow down my stateroom choices? We know we want a verandah (not a white-wall one), and we would ideally like a room that isn't too noisy. I'm an incredibly light sleeper. At the same time, we want the most bang for our buck. I've been trying to read stateroom reviews and people's reports on here, but it has gotten completely overwhelming. I'm tempted to just go with guarantee status because I'm having a hard time picking a specific room.

These are the rooms I've narrowed it down to (and it's still quite a few rooms):

The following 4Es (cheaper than the 5B listed below): 5158, 5038, 5040, 5042, 5534, 5536, 5538, 5540, 5544

5190 (6B, but I read it has a nice oversized verandah), 8024 (5B for $250 more)

5C (Deck 7) or 5D (Deck 6) guarantee for cheaper than all but 5190

Which do you prefer? Forward or aft? Port or starboard?

I'm looking at booking through one of the travel agencies to get onboard credit. If I requested a specific room, would they be able to book that one for me?

Also, what are some benefits and downsides for the later dining? I understand we probably won't have a choice anyway since we're booking fewer than 6 months out, but I want to be informed.

Any other non-obvious tips for a first-time cruiser in over her head?

I would take 8024 based solely on I love decks 8&9 for several reasons. We don't like waiting for elevators and deck 8 is an easy walk up or down to the MDR's, Cabanas, all the day and evening activities and entertainment. Also, coffee is only 2 quick flights of stairs in the morning! Deck 8 is awesome because there are cabins above and below you, so it's much more quiet. BTW, if you're a light sleeper you should put a free white noise app on your phone, you'll love it.

Your TA will be able to book a specific room for you if it's available. Try not to over think this, you're going to love the cruise no matter what cabin you're in.

 

[BigredNole]

I have not cruised before. I am bouncing around with the same question as we plan to book. We are not "stay in the room" people. The room is to do all the S's. For this reason, we will look to the cheapest room available when we do book.

 

[KristiMc]

FYI, the whitewall verandah's on the Fantasy/Dream only come up to about shin height and do not restrict your view at all. We have stayed in a 6b and have had no issues.

 

[kaleenoc]

Thank you everyone for your feedback! It's been very helpful.

 

[lbus42]

Do the life boats get in the way of the view from some of the balconies?

Not really. We were in 6604 and there was a lifeboat directly below us. It blocks your view straight down, but it does not block any views of the ports or of the ocean.

 

[lbus42]

Front of the Ship - close to theaters, shops, adult areas of ship, fairly close to midship areas
Midship - less movement, close to Royal Court, Enchanted Garden, shops, atrium, BBB, Shutters, pool, drink stations, ice cream, fast food
Aft - Animators Palette, Palo, Remy, Cabanas, Europa

My wife and I spend a lot of time in the cabin so the cabin selection is fairly important to us as well, but we don't dwell on specific cabin numbers, just category and general location.

 

[kaleenoc]

Front of the Ship - close to theaters, shops, adult areas of ship, fairly close to midship areas
Midship - less movement, close to Royal Court, Enchanted Garden, shops, atrium, BBB, Shutters, pool, drink stations, ice cream, fast food
Aft - Animators Palette, Palo, Remy, Cabanas, Europa

My wife and I spend a lot of time in the cabin so the cabin selection is fairly important to us as well, but we don't dwell on specific cabin numbers, just category and general location.

Thank you! That sums up the location well.

I went ahead and booked 8024 for now. I figure if I change my mind from further research, I can always change my stateroom.

 

[Quellman]

Thank you! That sums up the location well.

I went ahead and booked 8024 for now. I figure if I change my mind from further research, I can always change my stateroom.

8024, is a good room that takes into consideration many things I think you will enjoy. Close to the adult pool deck, close to the theater for nightly shows, and of course the spa and fitness center. It also is not near a laundry room, and towards the front where there would be less foot traffic.

My only parting thought is this: many people prefer the starboard side of the ship because it usually offers wonderful views of Castaway Cay since the ship backs into the dock. But thats a small thing compared to everything else!

 

[kaleenoc]

8024, is a good room that takes into consideration many things I think you will enjoy. Close to the adult pool deck, close to the theater for nightly shows, and of course the spa and fitness center. It also is not near a laundry room, and towards the front where there would be less foot traffic.

My only parting thought is this: many people prefer the starboard side of the ship because it usually offers wonderful views of Castaway Cay since the ship backs into the dock. But thats a small thing compared to everything else!

That is my main hesitation about the particular room. I saw that people generally prefer aft starboard for the views. There are still quite a few starboard rooms available in a higher category if we decide the extra money is worth it.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

On my current cruise people with young kids who by accident were in LATE dinner gave either been switching to MAIN in droves , or going to Cabanas for the sit down meal / cabanas dinner buffet, that's crowded each time I pop in early evening.

One family I spoke to said, someone told me about time zone changes, and said book late dinner, not working, children all swapped to local time quickly. Brunt end, this cruise, LATE doesn't work with young kids. ( unless you eat at home at 8.30.) We swapped to LATE two nights ago re a late returning excursion and Animators had about 20% of people there, all Adults, no kids.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I'm not technically a first time cruiser, but I went on the Wonder about 15 years ago as a child. This is my first time cruising as an adult, and I'm having a really difficult time choosing a stateroom. My husband and I just decided a few days ago we're wanting to cruise (alone, no kids) on the Fantasy this winter. I've spent every free minute since we made the decision on here reading and researching, but I'm worried rooms will book up and slip away from us, and I'm lost!

How do I even begin to narrow down my stateroom choices? We know we want a verandah (not a white-wall one), and we would ideally like a room that isn't too noisy. I'm an incredibly light sleeper. At the same time, we want the most bang for our buck. I've been trying to read stateroom reviews and people's reports on here, but it has gotten completely overwhelming. I'm tempted to just go with guarantee status because I'm having a hard time picking a specific room.

These are the rooms I've narrowed it down to (and it's still quite a few rooms):

The following 4Es (cheaper than the 5B listed below): 5158, 5038, 5040, 5042, 5534, 5536, 5538, 5540, 5544

5190 (6B, but I read it has a nice oversized verandah), 8024 (5B for $250 more)

5C (Deck 7) or 5D (Deck 6) guarantee for cheaper than all but 5190

Which do you prefer? Forward or aft? Port or starboard?

I'm looking at booking through one of the travel agencies to get onboard credit. If I requested a specific room, would they be able to book that one for me?

Also, what are some benefits and downsides for the later dining? I understand we probably won't have a choice anyway since we're booking fewer than 6 months out, but I want to be informed.

Any other non-obvious tips for a first-time cruiser in over her head?

Since you asked about other tips, I'll add:

Try to wake up early 1 or 2 days during the cruise, 1 day you can wander a clean and mostly empty ship to take in some of the details of her beauty that you can't always see when a bunch of people are around. The other day go up to Satellite Falls with coffee or tea and stand up at the front of the ship as she pulls into a port, it's an amazing experience. I was up there as we were pulling into Cozumel and several dolphins decided to escort us in, it was so cool. That's only happened once in 5 cruises but even without the Dolphins is so peaceful and serene.

Also, I highly recommend turning off your phone and do no email, texting or social media while you're onboard. Just be in the moment with your family, the rest of the world can wait.

I wish you a magical cruise and a week free from stress!

 

[kaleenoc]

Wonderful advice. Thanks!

I have another question. I booked through one of the popular TA companies. She said she would send me the information after I called and booked. Should I expect that to come through mail or email? I'm hoping mail, or else it should have gotten to me already I assume. If it's not supposed to take more than a day, I'll go ahead and give her a call, but I don't want to bother her and seem impatient if it's coming through mail.