What category cruise do I book?

[kangaroodle]

I have a question about the cruise. I know, I know there is much debate about using points for the cruise. Well, we are going to use our points because that's why we bought into the DVC (But I won't get into that big discussion now!) Anyway, we are going in May of 2003, 7 day Western Carribbean, 2 adults, 2 kids (will be 4 and 6 by then). We do not want a verandah(the 4 yr old would probably try to climb over, knowing him!) which category is better...I think the choices were 8 and 9 for and outside stateroom w/porthole. What's the difference? And do DVC members get "bumped up" to higher categories if there is availability? Anyone have any particular rooms that they prefer? Any help would be appreciated. (DVC said pts charts will be available soon)inkbounc

 

[TnRobin]

Hi Kangaroodle

The only difference between Catagory 8 and 9 is the location on the ship. Cat 9's are typically located toward the lower potion of the ship. Cat 8's are higher up and closer to the activities. The only warning on Cat 9's is try not to get one on Deck 2 forward as theses are under the nightclubs and can get a little noisy at 12:00AM.

If you really want a veranda, I think your kids will be safe. The lock for the doors is up high and hard to manipulate if you are less than 4 feet. They railings are covered with plexiglass to prohibit those little climbing activites.

Unlike the resort hotels, DCL only bumps people if they need a room - DVC and non-DVC. They will glad you let you upgrade at the check-in counter - for a price.

Please come on over to the Cruise Board anytime. Carol and I are both DVC moderators and Cruise Moderators. We will be able to answer your DVC/Cruise needs.

 

[EROS]

If you can afford the points for a verandah, I wouldn't hesitate. My wife and myself are both sticklers for safety. We took our "almost" 4 year old on the Magic last February; there was no way that he could have negotiated the lock on the sliding door. We felt that the verandah added a great deal of enjoyment to the trip. We're returning to DCL (on DVC points) in April as well. .

Have a great trip

 

[TIdoublegaER]

We've also tought of a future cruise ... and also have two children. Is this category big enough for a family of four? I was wondering myself if you really needed the "family" suite for 2 adults and 2 children???

 

[DVCinderella]

Kangaroodle,

My husband and I took the 4-day cruise on the Wonder this past September using our DVC points. It was an incredible ship, and one of the best vacations we've ever had!

We stayed in a Category 6 cabin (#6538), with a verandah. I agree with EROS that the verandah was a plus! I have been on one other non-Disney cruise, and stayed in a cabin with just a porthole, and trust me, the two cabins can not compare. Cabins are small and cramped, and being able to open the sliding door and walk outside is wonderful!

We don't have kids, so I can't speak for a toddler's ability to open the lock, or (gasp) climb over the railing. As TnRobin said, there is plexiglass from the floor to the railing.

If the full-open verandah still worries you, perhaps you should consider the Deluxe Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah. Here is a description from "The Magical Mouse" web site (http://www.xone.net/dcl/):

"Deluxe Staterooms with navigator's verandah offer a queen-sized bed or two twin beds and single convertible sofa. It is nearly identical to DCL's deluxe stateroom with verandah except that, because of an exterior obstruction (either a hanging life raft or other obstruction) outside your room, the verandah has been enclosed and appointed with navigation accessories such as a compass and clock, leaving only a large rectangular opening for passengers to look out over the ocean. Deluxe Staterooms with navigator's verandah are located on Decks 5, 6 and 7 (category 7)."

 

[TnRobin]

Disney's staterooms are designed for the family. they are considerably larger than other cruise lines.

A family of four will sleep very comfortably in Catagories 10 - 5. Catagories 11 and 12 are not really that much smaller, but I haven't been in one do I have no personal experience.

 

[tripletvan]

We were in room 5000 on the wonder which is a catagory 8 I picked it since it was the end of the hall &happy I did.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

DH, DS and I are booked using points in a category 10 Nov 30-Dec 7. When I went on my first cruise Dec3-7, 2001 we didnt have a porthole/verandah either. I dont think its a necessity but the split bath will definately come in handy. Im too nosy a person to stay in the room when I can be on the sundeck or pool deck people watching.

 

[Michelemouse]

If you go with a Category 9 on Deck 1 just be aware that they do not have one large porthole but two small portholes. (Check out www.castawayclub.com to see pictures of these portholes.) IMO these really make a difference and I much prefer the larger porthole. To get a category 9 with the larger porthole you will have to book on Deck 2. Just be sure to take a look at the deck plans on the www.disneycruise.com to see which 9's are located under the nightclubs (which can be very noisy upstairs neighbors!). Also, somewhere on the DIS Cruise List is a post with which cabins on deck 2 to avoid. Check this out and when you book you will be given your cabin number right away and you can immediately tell the reservationist if that cabin is not acceptable to you.

Have fun planning!

Michele