Fantasy, 1 bdrm suite, which one? or... AFT??

i'm looking to book a summer 2015 cruise on the Fantasy as soon as the dates come out. myself, dh, dd14 and ds12. We've been on a few cruises, the last few ones in concierge suites (3 on NCL and 1 on Princess). We've all become a bit spoiled by staying in concierge suites, and since we spend quite a bit of time in our cabin, really do enjoy them. We love, love, love the Haven on NCL... being able to get away from the crowds for meals, sunning, relaxing, etc.

If I book a 1 bed suite on the Fantasy, does anyone have a recommendation as to which cabin? I'll hopefully have a few choices at least, since I'm checking every day for the dates to open. I like the idea of deck 12 with the lounge right there (I guess).

We've discovered after our last cruise (on Princess), that we love an Aft cabin too. I see on the Fantasy, if we do Aft, it will be a regular cabin, which is really fine, if the balcony is nice. But then I'm thinking, on our Princess cruise, it was Alaska, so we lived on our balcony. Cruising the caribbean in the summer, i don't know how much we'll use the Aft balcony, if it's worth the smaller cabin and not being concierge.

Any thoughts are appreciated :)

The real question is whether you want the perks and "intangibles" of concierge. Since you have experienced it on other lines, you know what to expect.

If you want the space but don't care about the concierge perks, consider booking 2 cabins, either connecting or across the hall from each other. You have to book an adult in each cabin, but no one cares who sleeps where. If you can trust the kids, they can share an inside cabin across the hall from your aft balcony cabin at quite a cost savings (on some cruises. Saving will vary by cruise date!) Yes, you'll pay adult fare for the kids, but it usually still works out money-wise.

The real question is whether you want the perks and "intangibles" of concierge. Since you have experienced it on other lines' date=' you know what to expect.

 

If you want the space but don't care about the concierge perks, consider booking 2 cabins, either connecting or across the hall from each other. You have to book an adult in each cabin, but no one cares who sleeps where. If you can trust the kids, they can share an inside cabin across the hall from your aft balcony cabin at quite a cost savings (on some cruises. Saving will vary by cruise date!) Yes, you'll pay adult fare for the kids, but it usually still works out money-wise.[/quote']

 

as for the perks and intangibles, I guess it depends on what Disney's suite concierge area/services are like. NCL is totally and completely amazing in this area. Princess was nothing to write home about (the room itself was wonderful though). I'd pay for NCL's concierge/suite services, but not Princesses. I guess I should read more trip reports from concierge guests to help decide.

On the Fantasy, PJ is the concierge manager and he is beyond amazing. Totally guest service oriented. Any reasonable request will be managed even if not on the official list.

Concierge lounge--complimentary munchies and beverages. During specified hours, this includes liquor and smoothies. A member of the concierge team is in the lounge during most "normal" hours and is available by phone in the middle of the night. Concierge sun deck--ok, but with that balcony why use a "public" space?

Priority boarding (first, family of the day, then concierge, then platinum, then by number. If you arrive at the terminal after boarding starts, you will be escorted to the front of the line after you have checked in. Designated concierge check in line. Board and go to concierge lounge where you can drop your carry on bags and they will be "guarded." Either go to lunch or eat munchies in the lounge. Staterooms ready by 1 (normal cabins are 1:30). In cabin, extra toiletries not in regular cabins. Litho as take home gift. Soft drinks in fridge (no charge for items in fridge). Replenished if ask or just get em from the lounge. Priority tendering if you go to any tender ports. You WILL get your dining request (time/rotation/seated as just your family). Booking excursions/spa/nursery/etc. at 120 days before embarkation. If not booked in advance, concierge team will kill themselves trying to get you last minute bookings after boarding, and most of time succeed. Depending on category, food from dining rooms/Palo can be served in your suite. Transportation by golf cart to beach on Castaway if desired (you may need to request this). Robes and slippers in cabin to use on ship (not take home).

Not a full list.

If you choose a T, I recommend 12512 on the starboard bumpout for a larger balcony. ;)

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t177/HallsofVA/458bddbe.jpg

We were in 12512 and loved the large balcony. It's right across from the side entrance into the lounge, very convenient.

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

as for the perks and intangibles, I guess it depends on what Disney's suite concierge area/services are like. NCL is totally and completely amazing in this area. Princess was nothing to write home about (the room itself was wonderful though). I'd pay for NCL's concierge/suite services, but not Princesses. I guess I should read more trip reports from concierge guests to help decide.

I've sailed both DCL Concierge and NCL's Haven multiple times. Enjoy them both for different reasons. In terms of suite perks and concierge only spaces, NCL wins hands down, the courtyard, pool and private restaurant can't be beat. DCL has some of the most attractive suites with a nice layout. I found the DCL concierge team more personable than those on NCL but NCL also has the butlers and we've always have had outstanding butlers... totally spoiled our daughters and us. See, I like both, that's why we still sail both. :D

If you have any specific questions about the difference I'd be happy to help.

OP here... thank you all so much! I'm going to try for 12512 when I book. Can't wait for the dates to come out!

OP again... so I assume 12012 (directly across) would also be a great choice? or would 12506 be better?

OP again... so I assume 12012 (directly across) would also be a great choice? or would 12506 be better?

The difference would be that you'd have to walk around the front of the ship to get to the lounge. It that it's a big deal, but you lose some of the convenience.

We chose 12512 as opposed to 12012 because we wanted to try the starboard side, didn't know about the lounge door until we were on board.

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

The difference would be that you'd have to walk around the front of the ship to get to the lounge. It that it's a big deal, but you lose some of the convenience.

 

We chose 12512 as opposed to 12012 because we wanted to try the starboard side, didn't know about the lounge door until we were on board.

 

 

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

ahh, thank you.

ahh, thank you.

You're quite welcome. :)

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

The difference would be that you'd have to walk around the front of the ship to get to the lounge. It that it's a big deal, but you lose some of the convenience.

 

We chose 12512 as opposed to 12012 because we wanted to try the starboard side, didn't know about the lounge door until we were on board.

 

 

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

There are doors on each side of the lounge so OP will not need walk around the front of the ship.

There are side doors to the lounge located in each hall across from 12512 starboard and 12012 port. No need to walk around. The main entrance is in the elevator lobby just starboard of the staircase. All doors need need KTTW card to open. You only have to wave/move/touch the card to the sensor to open the doors, no insertion/slide/swipe, similiar to the other locks aboard. This is where lanyards may come in handy if you frequent the lounge.

The ship backs into Castaway Cay so most feel it's a better view starboard.

The fireworks are launched toward starboard too, so if booked starboard you should be able to see some of the works if starboard. Of course the show will be more impressive on the outer decks/starboard though.

Better view and PC webcam starboard too for sailaway. They archive these videos for a while. After your cruise you may be able to find yourself aboard captured by the port cam, if you make youself known. ;)

http://portfever.com/

ETA; Fwiw the balconies on 11 are more enclosed but about 3 feet deeper, Good and Bad.

See imaged link above in PP.

HTH