Wonder-cat 5A vs cat 5B

[bridgetmck]

Hi everyone
We will be traveling in the Wonder for 7 nights. We are debating upgrading to a verandah stateroom. And if we upgrade, to which category. Because price will be a factor, we are looking a either a cat 5A or 5B. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the two?
Thanks!

 

[gunka]

Location. 5A more midship, 5B more forward and aft.

 

[C&Apriputin]

Hi everyone We will be traveling in the Wonder for 7 nights. We are debating upgrading to a verandah stateroom. And if we upgrade, to which category. Because price will be a factor, we are looking a either a cat 5A or 5B. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the two? Thanks!

We had a nav verandah and loved it...

 

[kiford]

We prefer cat 5A because of the location near mid-ship and near the mid elevators/stairs but we weren't able to get 5A on the Magic in June so had to get a 5B. I was perfectly happy with the 5B. A little bit more aft than we normally stay in but I liked the location just fine. It only takes a few seconds longer to get to the elevators.

Our first trip on the Wonder was also 5B although they didn't use those subcategories at the time. Also liked that location. In fact, I believe that our latest cruise in 5B on the Magic was only two doors down from the equivalent location of our stateroom on the Wonder.

 

[Meghatron]

We had a nav verandah and loved it...

Navigator's Verandah is Cat 7A, which is the OP is not considering.

Sent from my Tricorder using DISBoards

 

[ggfred32]

I believe 5B is on deck 2 and 5A is 6 and 7, but I could be wrong???

 

[ggfred32]

OK, I am wrong, and now I am curious too. After looking at the deck map, the 5B rooms on deck 6 are in roughly the same place as the 5A rooms on deck 7 (mainly mid ship). So, what IS the difference between those two???? Just the lower deck?????

 

[Meghatron]

Just the lower deck?????

Yes.

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[bridgetmck]

Thank you for the clarification. I would have liked even a Navigator's Verandah, however they only sleep 3 and there are 4 in our family. Still considering and haven't made a final decision. I have heard that our cruise is very scenic (Alaska) and we are just wondering how much time do you REALLY use the verandah. And the neighbors.....I've heard a few stories. So, if the only difference is the deck and location....then I think we would be fine with the lower rate one.

 

[Ellester]

Thank you for the clarification. I would have liked even a Navigator's Verandah, however they only sleep 3 and there are 4 in our family. Still considering and haven't made a final decision. I have heard that our cruise is very scenic (Alaska) and we are just wondering how much time do you REALLY use the verandah. And the neighbors.....I've heard a few stories. So, if the only difference is the deck and location....then I think we would be fine with the lower rate one.

I would highly recommend a balcony for Alaska. We were on ours constantly, I actually saw a pod of orcas right outside while I was just getting ready in the room. My kids loved it out there as well. You are almost constantly in view of land on the Alaska itinerary and it was awesome to see the mountains and myriad waterfalls as you are sailing along.

 

[bakerscookie]

I would actually recommend not upgrading....we almost did and I am glad I didn't. Much of the cruise was in deep fog....to the point where you could see only a few feet off the boat, not much to see. Also on these foggy days, the weather was too cold to hang out on the decks, so probably too cold for balcony? I've cruised DCl in warmer climate and wished I had the balcony then but NOT on Alaska.

 

[lbgraves]

We spent most of our time in Alaska on decks 4 & 10. It was easier to be able to see the panoramic view. The people on our cruise who spent time on the decks let everyone know when they spotted whales or other wildlife. It was easy to move around so we saw a lot more than we would have sitting on our own verandah. The scenery is breathtaking!

 

[antmaril]

I was in a 5B on the Wonder in March and I loved that cabin (6578). I was on Deck 6 and it was very easy to get to the elevators and the stairs. My brother-in-law and family were in a two-bedroom suite on Deck 8 and I was going up there a lot. It was very easy. If I sail the Wonder again (which I hope I do), I would try to book that same cabin. It had a plexiglass verandah, which I loved.

Have fun!

 

[twopeasonepod]

We have ONLY stayed in 5B staterooms. We have done Alaska, California Coast, and EBTA. Having a verandah for Alaska is essential, IMO. You can duck back into your room to warm up or use the bathroom, and you don't have to jostle for position amongst the crowd or go up super early to reserve a spot. Here is what we saw from our verandah last year.

We pick midship on Deck 6 (6062 -- right by the elevator -- easy access and hardly any noise, actually), and once chose Deck 7 in the room at the very edge of 5B and next to 5A (7034).

On Deck 6, I felt like it was easier, because when dressed for dinner or coming back from a night show, it was easier to manage in giant heels. It's also just one floor away from the Lab. Of course, Deck 7 is closer to the gym, pools, and buffet, but I preferred it the other way. Of course, if I ever had a chance to stay in Concierge, I wouldn't complain about being on Deck 8.

 

[KristiMc]

We have had 2 5c deck 6 staterooms on the Magic and loved them. The one (6042)was located between the mid and forward elevators and I thought it was a great location.

 

[bridgetmck]

Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful replies! I love hearing all of the opinions! These are exactly some of the points that we have made when trying to decide.

 

[slzer0]

Is there a port/starboard preference on Alaakan itineraries?

 

[Sakura1017]

What are the odds of getting more midship if you get 5B as a gty?

 

[KVH]

I would include a 5C in your list too. It's not like they're on the bow or in the stern (as long as deck 6 is OK). But will reiterate, a verandah and Alaska go together.

 

[pixiedustedme]

Thank you for the clarification. I would have liked even a Navigator's Verandah, however they only sleep 3 and there are 4 in our family. Still considering and haven't made a final decision. I have heard that our cruise is very scenic (Alaska) and we are just wondering how much time do you REALLY use the verandah. And the neighbors.....I've heard a few stories. So, if the only difference is the deck and location....then I think we would be fine with the lower rate one.

We upgraded to a navigator's verandah for our Alaska cruise and were very glad we did. I don't think the type or location of verandah matter a bit for that cruise- just having one is what matters. The views we got at all times of day in our stateroom added immensely to our feeling of really being in Alaska.

The fact that it can be chilly on deck makes the verandah even more important imo. You don't have to try to bundle up & spend all day on deck on glacier day, for instance. Of course you will want to spend some time on top deck to get the 360 degree view, but you will also get a great glacier view from your stateroom, so you don't feel pressured to be outside all the time. And Alaska isn't just about the glaciers: just sailing between ports, seeing the landscapes, towns, etc. from our verandah was beautiful and memorable.