Which cabin category is justifiably best for a family of four: 6D or 12?
My husband and two children (daughter 13 and son 11) are going on the Elation 7-day curise on Dec. 16th. We've decided on everything but our room size. Our choice has been narrowed to Cat. 6D or 12. The difference is about $1800, 145 more square feet of floor space, plus a 70 square foot balcony. We have never taken a family trip of this duration, but past experiences remind us that you can never have enough space. We're able to absorb the $ difference by cutting back on some other entertainment expenses as well as additional Christmas gifts. But.....would it really be worth it???
This will be our first cruise with our children. We've cruised with Royal Caribbean and a group of our adult (party animal) friends. On those cruises, we had our meals late, slept in, got up and ready for the day and didn't come back until it was time to start the eve. all over again. There was plenty of room for two of us to get ready, so we opted for a lower level inside cabin. That was just fine.
Since, we'll be on the ship for 7 days and since there will be four of us (does a teenage daughter with a lot of "stuff" and her shoe-loving mother count for 3 people?? then make that 5 of us!), then my first thought is "YES", the extra space would definitely be worth it. On the other hand, we hear that Carnival offers wonderful kids programs and we probably won't spend much time in our room anyway. The money saved would certainly buy some wonderful souveniers.....
This is our one big trip this year and we want it to be a wonderful experience. Would the extras of a suite make it more enjoyable? Probably not. The trip is what we make of it, right? But, would the extras of a suite make it more comfortable? YES!!! Can anyone in the know, tell me what to do?
Any and all information passed on is greatly appreciated.
I would stick with the 6d cat as it is enough to accomodate all 4 oops 5 of u. I was on the same boat a couple of years ago in a cat 4a with 5 people and we found it very comfortable. Save the money on the upgrade and treat yourself to much better memories of the trip!!!
Al, Thanks for the advise. Were you 5 adults in the same cabin? What was it like trying to shower and get ready to go to dinner? Was there enough room for all of you to be in the room at the same time or did you get ready in shifts? Any standing room?
As you can tell.....I'm still not sure.
Thanks for the response.
Karen
I think you will be fine with the smaller cabin and spend on other things. With two teens you will find plenty to spend on! We have four in a cabin often and my daughter is the queen of shoes. We usually get ready for dinner a bit early and go up on deck or go to a lounge while the kids finish getting ready. The biggest hang up is with blow dryers and curling irons. We travel with another family sometimes and he likes to go up to the health club for his shower while Mom and the girls have the cabin.
I guess Im the only one who says.. go for the suite! Cat12 .. You will be sooo much more comfortable. Sitting area.. so people arent walking on eachother. Balcony...Actually it depends on how much time you are going to spend in the cabin. But I still think youll be more comfortable in cat 12.
Let me side with the cat#12. I have taken the Elation several times, and each time with 2 kids(same age basically as yours) and always been in a 11 or 12. In fact we just came back from the 26 Aug cruise. Here are my reasons for the cat #12. When you cruise down to Vallarta on tuesday the ship comes very close to the Mexican coast line-it is just wonderful to sit on the balcony and take all this in. Additionally as an example in our last cruise I got up in the middle of the night and stepped out onto the balcony, what a sight! There right before my eyes were the big dipper, the little dipper and many other marvels. I got my wife up to also witness this event, that was worth the price of admission right there. Additionally the cat#12 has a VCR and if you bring a video or two it can come in handy. The suite also has a frig which is helpfull. The additional is space is well worth it. Yes we are out of the room more time than when we are in it. But we do spend time in it and it is nice(important to me) to have elbow room. Especially for 7 days.
Lastly and perhaps as vital cat #12 is always FIRST off the ship at debark, believe me that is helpful. None of the above in themselves is critical but when you add it all up I believe it there is a huge differance which will significantly impact your crusie enjoyment.
karen, we were five in a room and yes there was plenty of room when all five of us were in the room at the same time. As for showers we were very fexible and took turns on diffrent days. I strongly belive that the money that u will save on the upgrade will give u all more fonder memories of this trip if spent on other ammneties rather then that of more cabin space!!!
I personally recomend the suite(catagory12) remember the room might be comfortable for all of you at the same time but only one in the bathroom at a time. They are just not that big.
Here's a suggestion though: The spa and fitness area's have showers at no charge. Have the men in your party use those showers and save the bath and mirrors in the room for the females. They usually need more time anyway. Balcony's are great but if you dont see yourself spending lots of time(several hours a day) on it dont pay for it.
help w/ (Elation) cabin category...plz
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