Need opinions - PLEASE!! - a little long...

[BuzzBoyMom]

I'm trying to juggle a bunch of ideas...and coordinate a bunch of families going on a cruise. My question for you all is strictly to gather ANY and ALL inputs in case you see something in my ideas that I don't.

Background - multiple familes. Probably going in January 2007. (I know far off, but I need to get some ideas/planning since we have so many families involved).

My scenarios are strictly for my family.

We have cruised before. Always Cat. 6. This time we are bringing my DM so there will be 5 of us.

What are the pros/cons of any/all of the following:

1. Splurge on Cat 3. I've always wanted to do it. Would probably only ever do it once. DM has been taking care of my DF who suffered with cancer for the past 2 years. To say that she deserves some pampering would be the understatement of the world. Using 2006 prices as a very rough estimate, going from 2 Cat 6s to 1 Cat 3 would increase price by approx. $1300.

2. Do 2 Cat. 6s. I like the idea of the extra room...extra bathroom....but I wonder if I will miss the concierge services.....even though services in all staterooms is WONDERFUL....my heart seems to long for my option 1. (Getting the picture??)

3. Do 1 Cat 6 and 1 Cat 7. Would be cheaper than 2 Cat 6s. And wouldn't make me feel guilty spending all that extra money...and we could cruise again sooner.

My other thoughts....for the price of the 2 Cat 6s vice the Cat. 3....I could splurge on spa treatments. That would be nice.

Gosh, I just don't know. But PLEASE give me your thoughts. I have a feelign you all are going to talk me out of a Cat 3....but hasn't anyone ever just wanted to splurge and enjoy life. Life is just way too short. My family knows that all too well with my father's cancer battle. Keep that in mind when you tell me that a Cat. 3 isn't always worth it.

THANKS!!

 

[DrCavin]

Sounds like you really want a Cat 3.... If that is what YOU want, then do it!!!

 

[lbgraves]

If you can afford the cat 3, then go for it! I know that with my MIL's battle with stage 4 cancer we never know when the last time we see her will be. I also have two friends who are just waiting for their parent to die from cancer right now. Your DM has gone thru a very stressful and tiring time with caring for your DF. You all deserve this now...again, if you can afford it. Have a great time!!!

 

[logan1_2000]

This reply is just one DISer who lost his DF (years before I knew what a DF was) to cancer to another DISer who has had a family ordeal brought on by the terrible disease. The diff in "Splurging" is about $1,300? I don't know your finances, but I sense you'll get way more than that in intangible joy in taking the family on a trip in such style. And that you at least have the $ available enough to ask the question, and not spending $ you really don't have. No one will miss it if your estate is someday $1,300 less because you upgraded the trip, but your life will have been lived more richly if you follow your heart and book the 3. Hope all of you enjoy -- for y'all, it won't just be a cruise, it will be a disney cruise, and not just a disney cruise, but "a disney cruise in the wonderful suite" that will be a treasured family memory always.

 

[CaribGirl]

Agree with all the above opinions. Splurge if you can, life is too short to worry about $1300. On the other hand, have you considered if DM would like a little bit of privacy with an adjoining room, and also the $$$ saved can be used for some very wel deserved R&R in the spa for both you and DM for some great bonding time? Just some opinions, but in the end I think it is a great way to re energize the family bond.

 

[goofymama]

I'm guessing that you've already made up your mind what you want to do (Cat 3) - but are wanting to know if we think you are crazy for doing it.

If you can afford to book a Cat 3 without sacrificing other luxuries while on your trip - then go for it! For me, personally, I would book a Cat 6 and an accross the hall inside state room for a tremendous savings and spend the extra on several spa treatments, the rain forest, nice excursions and souveniers. That's just my personal preference. If I booked a Cat 3, I definately wouldn't be able to do all the extras and IMHO, the extras make the trip because I really don't spend that much time in my stateroom.

Actually - now that I think about it - I'd probably book two adjoining Cat 12s and go on TWO cruises instead of just one

 

[flexsmom]

Going back to the privacy question - who gets the bedroom? Assuming you get one of the midship Cat 3s (which are slightly larger and have the murphy bed in the living room), do you plan to give your DM the bedroom to sleep alone (or with one of your children switching to twin beds), leaving the pullout and the murphy for you all and your other child? Or does she get the murphy? That consideration aside, the Cat 3 IS great - very roomy and the concierge was fabulous, in our opinion. Plenty of bathroom space, closet space, you-name-it. It's very do-able with 5, as long as you pre-plan who goes where!