Hardest Decision When Booking a Disney
Cruise
You have decided to go on a Disney Cruise,
congratulations!! You have chosen one of the most relaxing and fun vacation
choices! You can do as much or as little as you wish and everything you need is
right there. The epitome of a no hassle vacation!
Now, the crucial question is what
category cabin is best for you. There are three basic categories of cabins,
Inside, Oceanview, Oceanview with Veranda. Inside each group are subcategories.
If price is your major concern I
suggest an Inside cabin. There are two subcategories, Standard Inside Cabin and
the Deluxe Inside Cabin. The major difference between the two is that the
Deluxe Inside Cabin has a split bath while the Standard Inside Cabin has a more
traditional bath.
The
major drawback to Inside Cabins is there is no porthole/window. If you have
problems with enclosed spaces this could become difficult for you. Disney
solved the problem when they installed Virtual Portholes on their two newest ships
the Dream and Fantasy. Virtual Portholes or video screens placed in each Inside
Cabin that are linked to a camera on the outside of the ship that shows the
view you would have if a porthole could be placed there. These cabins are also
smaller ranging in size from 169 sq. ft. to 214 sq. ft. and can accommodate
three people. This is the full range of sizes on all four ships. Size and
availability depends on the ship you choose.
Oceanview Cabins on Disney Ships may
have one large or two small portals. Some Oceanview Cabins are less expensive
because they may have obstructed view, something normally hangs in the way of
the window. The Oceanview Cabins are 200-214 sq. ft. in size and can
accommodate 3 to 4 people.
The only “negative” thing I have to
say about an Oceanview Cabin is the fact you cannot open the porthole. If you suffer
from claustrophobia I highly recommend an Oceanview Cabin. If you can’t afford
a veranda this is a great option. It is a pleasure to wake up in the morning
and sit and look out “Your Porthole” and see the spectacular views of ocean and
ports.
Oceanview Cabins with Veranda have
three major subcategories, Oceanview with Navigator Veranda, Deluxe Oceanview with
Veranda and Family Deluxe Oceanview with Veranda. You may wonder what a Veranda
is. Simply put it is a private balcony.
The Oceanview with Navigator Veranda
has a private veranda with nautical touches and a large open–air porthole in
the solid white wall of the railing. These range in size from 246 sq. ft. to
268 sq. ft. depending on the ship you are on. These cabins can accommodate
three people. The verandas in these cabins are not very wide but have plenty of
room for two chairs placed sideways.
The Deluxe Oceanview with Navigator
Veranda cabin is wonderful for those that need “fresh air”. This can also give
you a nice quiet place to spend a few private moments. Be aware some of these cabins
may have obstructed view from the porthole. Just think, start the day sitting
on your private veranda with a cup of coffee or ending the day with a nice
drink as you watch the stars come out.
The Deluxe Oceanview with Veranda
can accommodate up to four people. These range in size from 246 sq. ft. to 268 sq.
ft. depending on the ship you are on. These cabins can accommodate four people.
The veranda is wider in these cabins than the Navigator size. Also there is no “wall”
above the rail. The veranda is more open getting a more unobstructed view.
The Deluxe Family Oceanview with
Veranda can accommodate up to five people. These cabins range in size from 299
sq. ft. to 304 sq. ft. depending on the ship you are on.
There is a fourth category of cabin
called Concierge Level. These have special lounges reserved just for them along
with other privileges. There are Family Oceanview, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and
Royal Suite. They range in size from 304 sq. ft. to 1,781 sq. ft. The Concierge
Level Cabins have DVD players, TVs, wet bar and even games for the family to
play. These cabins can accommodate between five and seven people.
Besides choosing what category cabin
you want you need to take into consideration the location of the cabin.
Location of the cabin is as important if not more important than the category
for your comfort. You may have a beautiful large cabin with a large veranda but
it’s at the back to the ship. That may not be the best for you!
If
you have problems with motion sickness the center of the ship is where you want
your cabin to be. To make it even better the lower decks are more stable. Simply
put if you suffer from motion sickness you want mid-ship lower-level.
Once
your travel agent books you on a cruise or you book online and you have your
cabin number go to the Disney cruise website (see link at end of post) and look
at the deck plans. See what is above and below your cabin. Having your cabin a
deck below a lounge/bar may not be the best. I’ve heard guests complain of
hearing the music and the “stamping of dancing feet” when staying in cabins
below lounges and kids clubs. Also be aware of the kid’s areas. You may not
want to be above or below those either.
Once
you’ve checked their cabins location if you decide you wish to change it go
ahead and call your travel agent, if you used one or contact Disney if you
booked yourself and request a change of cabin location. The success of getting
your room change depends on availability. I always recommend booking cruises
early so you have the best chance of getting the category cabin you wish and
having time to change cabin and staying within the same category if needed.
No
matter what category cabin you have unless it is Concierge Level you have the
same privileges as everybody else. Everyone is treated like royalty on a Disney
cruise. Your access to shipboard amenities is not related to your cabin level.
So if you cannot afford that cabin with a veranda enjoy the inside cabin and
being on the ship.
Links for Disney Cruise Ship deck plans:
Magic
Wonder
Dream
Fantasy
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