First time cruiser, Fantasy stateroom questions

[Ed134]

We are looking at going on our first Disney cruise next year and I am looking for recommendations/suggestions on staterooms. We are planning on going on the 3/25/2017 Eastern Caribbean cruise with Star Wars day at sea for my daughter's 9th birthday(3/29). There will be four of us traveling: 2 adults and 2 kids(ages 9 and 6). I've booked a couple of trips to WDW, but I've never booked or been on a cruise.

We are leaning towards a Deluxe Oceanview stateroom with verandah(cat 5E). Is it worth the extra money or would we be better off getting a different room and saving some money? Also, what is the difference in the room location (Aft, midship, forward)? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[KristiMc]

5e cabins are great. They are at the far aft and have larger balconies. There are not many of them and they usually go quick.

We always get a balcony. Love sitting out there in the morning with my tea and a book.

 

[Ed134]

5e cabins are great. They are at the far aft and have larger balconies. There are not many of them and they usually go quick.

We always get a balcony. Love sitting out there in the morning with my tea and a book.

Thanks! When you say they go quick, if I decide on the 5E cabin(its in my cart as we speak), do you think it will be safe to wait a day or two to think about it, or should I book it ASAP?

 

[Snurk71]

Thanks! When you say they go quick, if I decide on the 5E cabin(its in my cart as we speak), do you think it will be safe to wait a day or two to think about it, or should I book it ASAP?

I don't know if it's available for booking on your own, but I think TAs can do a courtesy hold on a cabin for something like 2 or 3 days.

I've seen my favorite 5e (8188) go in and out of availability. If it were me, I'd snag it to be safe.

 

[squirk]

I've never done a 5E (we always do two connecting 5D's), but I hear they are nice because of the balconies. Some folks report that you feel more vibration of the ship in Aft; we've stayed between Midship and Aft and never noticed.

Aft is also nice because the elevator shoots you straight up into Cabanas and straight down to Animator's.

 

[Ed134]

Thanks! When you say they go quick, if I decide on the 5E cabin(its in my cart as we speak), do you think it will be safe to wait a day or two to think about it, or should I book it ASAP?

I don't know if it's available for booking on your own, but I think TAs can do a courtesy hold on a cabin for something like 2 or 3 days.

I've seen my favorite 5e (8188) go in and out of availability. If it were me, I'd snag it to be safe.

In my cart right now, it says Stateroom GTY Deluxe Oceanview stateroom with verandah category O5E, deck to be assigned, location to be assigned. So I should be able to book it on my own then , right?

 

[Snurk71]

In my cart right now, it says Stateroom GTY Deluxe Oceanview stateroom with verandah category O5E, deck to be assigned, location to be assigned. So I should be able to book it on my own then , right?

I'd be cautious about a GTY. That means you're guaranteed at least a 5e,but can be "upgraded" to a higher category. Those of us in love with 5es don't consider 5ds or 4as, for example, to be an upgrade.

Personally, I would only book a 5e if there was a cabin# available to choose.

 

[Ed134]

I'd be cautious about a GTY. That means you're guaranteed at least a 5e,but can be "upgraded" to a higher category. Those of us in love with 5es don't consider 5ds or 4as, for example, to be an upgrade.

Personally, I would only book a 5e if there was a cabin# available to choose.

Is a TA the only way to book with a cabin # or can that be done by calling in a booking through Disney?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is a TA the only way to book with a cabin # or can that be done by calling in a booking through Disney?

You can book specific rooms either directly with DCL, online with DCL, or through a TA.

Once a certain percentage of room within a specific category have been "sold" the category goes GTY. You can still book that category, but you will be assigned a room later, possibly an upgrade, or one in the category you booked.