Family Mini Suite or Family Balcony

[ltzol]

Hi everyone. So far, my family has only been on DCL in a veranda cabin. This year, DCL has priced us out, plus, my kids are getting older (7 and 11) and I think they would enjoy one of the ships with more to do. I am looking at the Epic January 14th (eastern.) The quote I got has a price difference of about $400 total between the family mini suite and the family balcony.

 

Which would you choose?

 

Also, I have been reading that the cabins with the bed closest to the veranda are best. Does that hold true if you are going to have 4 people in the cabin (I remember reading on someone's review that when the upper berth is down, it is really hard to move around the room and may be better if it is by the window.)

 

Any favorite cabins I should be on the look out for?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

PS

I looked at the suites. Going from the mini suites to a "suite" would set us back another $2500 total. Not going to happen, but I would love it!