New to cruises

[sweetheart2576]

I am new to cruises, i have never been on one but am considering doing one within the next year and need some advice.

1. When is the best time to go on a(bahamas) cruise?

2. Where on the ship is the best place for a room? (front middle)

3. We are a family of 4, 2 adults, 1 daughter 5, and son 8, what type of room would you recommend? Is ocean view worth it, verandah?

4. How big are the rooms? Is there one that can sleep 4? Is it possible to get 2 rooms and each of us get a child?

5 Are there connecting rooms?


Any information at all would help? YIA

 

[Ashley24]

I will try to help you with some of your questions.
1. When is the best time to sail is a matter of personal preference. Many people go when their kids are on vacation but summertime for me is just too hot and humid. Price is a consideration for many since Easter, Christmas, New Years and summer vacation times are a lot more costly times to go on a Disney cruise. Many cruisers don't mind going during hurricane season (Aug, Sept, Oct) because the prices are the best then. If you don't mind pulling your kids out of school, May is a great time to go for good weather and for the lower cost.
2. The best place is usually the middle of the ship and in the lower levels. However, I have stayed in the aft (back) section of the ship and never had problems with motion or loud noices. In fact that areas is my favorite because it is close to the Breakfast buffet and the kids swimming pool. I love to bring my breakfast tray back to my room and eat on the verandah!
3. What type of room depends on how much time you plan on spending in it. If you aren't going to spend much time in the room, then get a cat. 11 and use the money you saved to do some fun excursions! If you think you will enjoy eating your breakfast on the verandah, relax out there with a book, watch the stars before going to bed, etc. then maybe you should get a verandah (cat. 6). There are some secret porthole rooms that will give you a "free" view, although a bit obstructed. You are paying for a cat. 10 but are getting a porthole like a cat.8. These rooms go quickly though. They are the cat. 10's on the 5th floor.
4. I don't have the exact dimensions in front of me, but the rooms are big by cruise ship standards. I would not pay for two rooms since the first two people in both rooms will get charged adult rates. There are rooms in all categories except cat 12 that hold 4 (or more) people.
5. Yes, there are connecting rooms.

If you go to : www.castawayclub.com you can get lots more valuable information. Hope this helps!
Ann

 

[tiptoen]

1. When is the best time to go on a(bahamas) cruise?

I have been in the spring, summer, and fall, and enjoyed them all.

2. Where on the ship is the best place for a room? (front middle)

I believe you will get alot of opinions on this. Some people like the lower decks while others like myself like the upper decks. I also like rooms more toward the front of the ship. I'm sure there are some that pick the middle or aft.

3. We are a family of 4, 2 adults, 1 daughter 5, and son 8, what type of room would you recommend? Is ocean view worth it, verandah?

On our last cruise we had 2 adults and 2 boys 10,11. We were in a cat 5. I feel we had plenty of room and the verandah is nice.
At this point I would always get a verandah on a 7 day, but may not on a 3 or 4 day. To be honest the shorter cruises do not leave much time to spend in the room.

4. How big are the rooms? Is there one that can sleep 4? Is it possible to get 2 rooms and each of us get a child?

As I said before you can put 4 in a room. Disney staterooms are bigger than most ships and if you choose say a cat 6 you will get a split bathroom and your verandah.

5 Are there connecting rooms?
Yes