SPH vs. deck 1 or 2

[pgsahm2]

We are booked in two connecting secret porthole rooms for our Feb cruise. The chance of an upgrade is very, very slim, especially when you see how few rooms are actually left in the higher categories. However there are still quite a few category 9 rooms available.

My concern is that if we were to be upgraded more than likely it would be to a category 9 room on deck 1 or 2. I don't know that I like that idea. Technically the rooms would be identical to the SPH rooms we currently are booked in. So it's not much of an upgrade other than an unobstructed view. My thinking is that I'd rather be on deck 5 over 1 or 2.

I'd like to know what you would do in this situation. This is completely hypothetical since we haven't been upgraded but I do what to have a game plan in case it does happen. Would you stick with the SPH rooms or take the cat 9 room you are upgraded to, knowing they will be on deck 1 or 2?

Thanks for any insight!

 

[kcashner]

Personally, I like deck 5. If you want to keep the rooms you have, you can have a note added to your reservation that you will not accept an upgrade.

On the other side, the chances of a pixie dust upgrade are small, so I really wouldn't be concerned.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Keep the SPH rooms, the location is great, especially if you are using the kids clubs!!

 

[mmouse37]

In your case I would keep the SPH rooms but to relieve your fears there is absolutely nothing wrong with Decks 1 or 2. We have stayed on every passenger deck on the ship on our various 16 DCL cruises and Deck 2 is one of our favorite locations (I prefer Deck 2 as there is one large porthole as compared to Deck 1 which has two smaller portholes).

Maybe this will help....it is a blurb that I post whenever someones is hesitant about staying on Decks 1 or 2.

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The benefits of staying on Deck 2 or Deck 1...putting some misconceptions to rest!.

I can never understand when people say that Deck 2 is far away from everything or that they feel afraid of staying on the lower decks....the opposite is actually correct (at least on DCL)....if you think about the layout of the ship and you are staying on Decks 1 or 2, the only places that you really need to take an elevator to are Decks 9 and 10....except of course if you are in a wheelchair or handicapped in some way (or just don’t like stairs)...but think...you can have that extra dessert if you walk some stairs LOL!!.

Here is a breakdown of decks....

Decks 9 and 10 - Topsiders restaurant, Mickey Pool, Goofy Pool, Adult Pool, the Vista Spa, the fast food places, Cove Café (coffee bar), the Deck Parties, Palo....if you didn’t want to hike up the stairs you can take an elevator to these decks from Deck 2 (hint...the forward elevator is almost always available and takes you right to adult pool area and spa on Deck 9).

Decks 6, 7, 8 - these are passengers decks...no cruise "activities" and you would still have to walk up 2, 3 or 4 flights to the pool deck (Deck 9) or Palo, sports deck (Deck 10).

Deck 5 - has a some passenger cabins and the Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Flounders and the Buena Vista movie theater (all these are only 3 flights up from Deck 2).

Deck 4 - has the Walt Disney Theater, Mickey Mates shop, Treasure Ketch shop, Studio Sea lounge, Tea with Wendy event, Shuffle Board, those great comfy Deck chairs outside, the walking/running area, Animator's Palate Dining Room, Shutters (all these are only 2 flights up from Deck 2).

Deck 3 - has Rockin Bar D (theme nights, game shows, comedy shows, nightclub acts, Bingo), Diversions Pub, Sessions Piano Bar, Promenade Lounge, Up Beat shop, Internet Cafe, Guest Services Desk, Shore Excursion Desk, The Atrium (where most of the photos ops are taken and autographs given plus the games like Chip It Golf or Frog Racing, the Captain's Cocktail Party, Martini Tasting, Till We Meet Again Party) Parrot Cay Dining Room, the Galley Tour, Lumiere's Dining Room (and I probably forgot a few activities).... (all these are only one flight up from Deck 2)

Deck 2 - has the new kids area called Ocean Quest (on the Magic) plus passenger cabins - just walk down the hall.

And finally Deck 1 has the Medical Facility and some passenger cabins...(only one deck down).

So, saying that Deck 2 is too low and too far removed from all the activity is not correct at all....it is actually closer to MORE of everything going on onboard except for things that happen on Decks 9 and 10. In addition, Deck 2 is at least equal in distance to some things as if you were staying on Deck 6, not to mention the convenience of getting on and off the ship in ports...no waiting endlessly for the elevator to the higher decks when you come back from a hot, exhausting day of exploring the ports....just one flight up and you are “home”....priceless!!!

DCL has decorated all their passenger cabin hallways in the same fashion. You would not really know if you were stepping off the elevator onto Deck 8 or Deck 1 by the decor so don't think that the lower decks are in any way less desirable than the higher decks. Obviously if you want a veranda you need to get a cabin on the higher decks but if you are happy with an inside or an oceanview, save some money and book on decks 1 or 2. None of the DCL passenger decks are below the water line (which is another misconception of cruising.

I personally love Deck 2 , Cat 9 as they have the huge portholes and I love looking out across the ocean!!!

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[pgsahm2]

Thanks for the great post mmouse. You definitely put the lower decks into perspective!

I think the one thing I'm wondering about is the view from deck 5 versus the lower decks. It seems like you would see more the higher up you are, but since we'll have obstructed views I'm not sure which in the lesser of two evils -- higher up view with obstruction OR lower view without any obstruction.

Again, this is strictly hypothetical and probably not even worth debating, but I'm just curious what others would do.

I think if I had to choose right now I'd keep my SPH rooms. I love the idea of being right at the kids' clubs since we'll be using them. We stayed on deck 7 last time and loved it. We walked everywhere and never used the elevators. Because I'm a creature of habit I'm a little apprehensive about being on a different floor this time. I know I'll love it either way, but I can be a little OCD on the planning and expectation end of things.

Shew..... that was more information than anyone asked for. lol I can get carried away!

 

[sharen24]

I just stayed in 5002 which is just down the hall from SPH room 5020. I made sure to sneak a peek because I have 5020 booked in 2010. The view was barely obstructed. I actually liked 5020 better than 5002 because it wasn't as far forward and not as centrally located over the Walt Disney Theater. Hope this helps.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I have been in 5020 and 5520..Great rooms

in 2006, I was told by a DCL Guest Relations executive that they really try not to upgrade people in SPH because people work so hard to get them..don't know if that is really true or he was just telling me that, but that is what he said

Deck 5 is sooooo quiet..I love it

 

[d'Isigny]

I can answer this one with experience. We’ve had connecting SPR’s...stayed on deck one and deck two (twice).

First...you are aboard a Disney Cruise...I’d bunk with the crew, sleep on deck or curl up in a hallway for another return.

Given the plus and minus of each deck...I’d choose the SPR’s. I loved picking up our DD’s from the clubs without needing to use stairs/elevator. The location is wonderful when going anywhere – you’ll love it.

As someone has mentioned...I’d second - it is doubtful DCL would choose to upgrade you – but, you never know. Good luck on where ever you land. Have a great cruise.

 

[mmouse37]

Thanks for the great post mmouse. You definitely put the lower decks into perspective!

I think the one thing I'm wondering about is the view from deck 5 versus the lower decks. It seems like you would see more the higher up you are, but since we'll have obstructed views I'm not sure which in the lesser of two evils -- higher up view with obstruction OR lower view without any obstruction.

Again, this is strictly hypothetical and probably not even worth debating, but I'm just curious what others would do.

I think if I had to choose right now I'd keep my SPH rooms. I love the idea of being right at the kids' clubs since we'll be using them. We stayed on deck 7 last time and loved it. We walked everywhere and never used the elevators. Because I'm a creature of habit I'm a little apprehensive about being on a different floor this time. I know I'll love it either way, but I can be a little OCD on the planning and expectation end of things.

Shew..... that was more information than anyone asked for. lol I can get carried away!

The view from deck 5 or deck 2 is negligible really.....not much difference at all!! but as I said if I were you with two connecting SPH rooms I would keep them. Deck 5 is very nice. We have stayed there aft a few times. We had the solid wall verandahs which many don't like but we cruised those times without our kids (who are in their 20's now anyway) so we were fine with the solid wall verandahs.....

 

[anewmac]

Put a note that you dont want an upgrade... I was on deck 1 our 1st cruise and HATED IT.. we all did. You hear the stabalizer all night and during the day if you are trying to nap or watch tv. Plus its so far to the top decks... keep your SPH... its right in the middle of the ship, PERFECT. I would love to get 1 of those. I tried but ours were already gone for our cruise!

 

[YenSid1222]

I love decks 1 and 2. When boarding after a day in port...I get to walk past all the people waiting for the elevator and am back at my stateroom in minutes. For everyone that wants a great spot for the sail away and wonders how so many people get the good spots first with the chairs...that is all of us from Deck 2 who just popped down one flight and had our vests back in moments. I have only done 3 cruises...one on Deck 1, one on Deck 2 and one with the giant verandah on Deck 7. I will take 1 or 2 over 7 any day of the week. I never could get an elevator on 7 when needed and it was just a pain over all.