Which category- I need help deciding

[shefor24]

I am having a hard time trying to decide WHICH category we should do for our very first time ever cruise in October (24-27). I need to decide and get booked SOON-at least I think I do. So...here it goes, I heard the inside staterooms are small (we have 2 adults and twins that are 10), but if it is a whole lot less expensive than I say we should do that- I mean how much are you REALLY in there anyway? And if we don't go for the total no window than which cat starts the windows? I heard a 9, but then read on here somewhere that you CAN get a 10 with a small porthole window with obstructed view for the same price as a 10, and at least it would be a window- natural light, don't feel trapped. I don't think we better go for a less than cat 9, due to budget, but which do YOU recommend- and also- maybe I should do another post on this, but what is a good location for cat.9-12? Or does it just depend?? HELP ME PLEASE!! :confused

 

[vicnmickey]

the windows do start at category 9, but they are on decks 1 and 2. If you want a category on a higher deck you would have to book a category 8. Or you could see if any of the secret porthole rooms are left. These are Category 10 staterooms with an obstructed view for the same price of a Category 10. Barb has pics of them at her site www.castawayclub.com but unfortunately these rooms go fast. Some people book a year in advance to get them. If you want to save money go with a smaller stateroom to start with and then next cruise go for a verandah. Have fun deciding. I hope I helped a little bit.
376 days and counting everyone of them

 

[mmouse37]

I have sailed in Cat 4 on four DCL cruises and this past Feb we sailed in a Cat 9 (hubby could not come with us due to work) and I was so afraid I would feel trapped without our veranda.....I did miss the veranda, but nearly as much as I though I would.

The cat 9's on deck 2 you have to be careful about. Some can be very noisy due to their location under the night clubs, etc. We stayed on Deck 1 in room 1042 and loved the location. It was so easy to get back to our room from shore excursions. The difference between the Deck 1 and Deck 2 cabins our the window size. On Deck 1 there are two small portholes and on Deck 2 you have 1 large Porthole window.

I did not mind the two portholes at all. My suggestions would be to have a deck plan handy when you make the ressie. If they give you a cabin assignment try to make sure it is not under the nightclubs. We are sailing again this Aug in a two Cat 9's, since hubby is coming with us this time. We were originally in cabins right under Rockin Bar D and I was able to move them to cabins 2046 and 2048 right under guest service. I much prefer that location.

MJ

 

[CarolAnnC]

The inside staterooms are about the same size as the outside categories, right up to category 4 which is about three feet longer to accommodate the extra pull down bed. Some people prefer starting with category 10 vs 11 as it provides the split bathroom which expedites a family getting dressed and showered. I would take any room on board!! Would even sleep in a lifeboat if it meant cruising, LOL!!

 

[taswira]

Originally posted by CarolAnnK
The inside staterooms are about the same size as the outside categories, right up to category 4 which is about three feet longer to accommodate the extra pull down bed.

Cat 11 and 12 (inside staterooms) are 184 sq. ft. and are the only categories without the split bath. Cat 8 and 9 (oceanview staterooms) and 10 (deluxe inside stateroom) are 214 sq. ft. Cat 5 and 6 (regular verandah) and 7 (Navigator's Verandah) are 268 sq. ft.

 

[kcand sunshine]

My 2 children and I (single mom) were in a category 11-deck 6 midship and we were never in the room. We slept there and changed clothes and that was it..I heard ppl. that got a verandah saying they wish they hadn't b/c they were never in the room.It was plenty of room for us. Try and get as close to deck 9 as the elevators are always busy and you will walk up and down the stairs. Also good for burning calories!!!!!!!

 

[ucralum]

I think the most important thing is to really think about what kind of vacationers you are. Many people say they only use their rooms to sleep in, so they would be foolish to get a higher category. We are more reserved and enjoy sitting on the veranda with a good book or just watching the ocean go by. I am also highly claustrophobic and need to be able to have fresh air. I think you should just educate yourself about the various categories, think about what YOUR family needs and wants, and then make your decision. Whatever you decide, you will have a great time!