Aft balcony or penthouse on Dawn

[gail-s]

Okay, help me decide. We're discussing doing the Boston to Bermuda again next summer and we know we want an aft room. For 3 of us (2 adults and 1 preteen) it's either $4464 for the aft balcony or $5715 for the aft penthouse. The penthouse is a bit bigger with a bigger balcony, the OBC is $450 v $50, and with the penthouse you get the "perks". Is it really worth it? We've only sailed in mini-suites and balconies and I"m trying to justify the extra $1300 to myself.

[redpatti]

If you factor in the extra OBC it's really only $850 more. Considering the perks and the extra space, I would totally go for it!

[ColinIllinois]

Gail, if you can afford it easily go for it. If it stretches your budget too much then don't. Simple. Remember to budget in for butler and concierge tips.

 

Remember.........you only live once. Enjoy it.

[gail-s]

I was reading some of the other threads (got the search to work) and I'm sold on the penthouse....now to sell DH.

 

Stupid question, if I book the penthouse and 5 months from now decide we want a balcony instead and there's one available, can you change?

[peg013]

I was reading some of the other threads (got the search to work) and I'm sold on the penthouse....now to sell DH.

 

Stupid question, if I book the penthouse and 5 months from now decide we want a balcony instead and there's one available, can you change?

 

You will be able to change up until your suite cancellation date kicks in. You will pay the current price when you switch and will lose any OBC that isn't being offered when you switch.

[fiftyguy]

remember to go for the penthouse cabins on 10. This deck offers the biggest balconies. I've been in 10728, which is in the center, and has enough balcony space for a couple of loungers straight-out and a table. You could fit a third, but it might get a little tight.

[ThreeDancingMatthews]

For the space alone, I'd say it's worth it. I can't imagine fitting three people in an NCL balcony stateroom. It would be a little tight even in a penthouse, but much more comfortable.

 

The perks are really nice, but on a cruise to Bermuda, I'm not sure how much use you'd get out of them. I really appreciated the priority tendering at each port on my Caribbean cruise- since the boat docks for 3 days, it's not as important to be the first off the ship in Bermuda. But the Cagneys breakfasts and lunches are great!!

[putchky]

Go for the penthouse. We just got off the Dawn in cabin 10226. The room was large enough for you and your family. The balcony was wonderful, in Bermuda we stayed on the balcony one night and heard the Dockyard concert perfectly. The little vanity area was very nice. I could keep all my stuff out of DH's way. There is plenty of storage. And the perks were great, breakfast and lunch at Cagney's, early admission to the chocolate buffett, snacks every afternoon, and my favorite of all today when we left the ship they escort you to a seperate exit with no line!!!! We had a wonderful time and we now believe what I have been reading on CC once you stay in a suite you will never go back!

[fergusonvt]

remember to go for the penthouse cabins on 10. This deck offers the biggest balconies. I've been in 10728, which is in the center, and has enough balcony space for a couple of loungers straight-out and a table. You could fit a third, but it might get a little tight.

 

Been in the same cabin on the Star which is sister ship to the Dawn. More closet space and bigger bathroom in the PH also.

[tymike]

I sailed in a forward penthouse suite last summer, and I would agree with all those saying go for it if $ allows. The concierge got us the best seating in all the restaurants we chose to go to, seamless embarkation and disembarkation, easy access to shows, and even arranged to have our duty free items delivered to our cabin on the last night to avoid the line in the shop. Felt spoiled the entire week, and boy did we enjoy the balcony!! Have a great cruise!:)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

If it does not cramp the budget too much then definitely go for it. I try to choose the aft for every cruise. We love the location no matter what ship and cruise line. With the SF cabins on the aft they are great!! Huge balcony, and definitely a lot more space inside.

 

 

remember to go for the penthouse cabins on 10. This deck offers the biggest balconies. I've been in 10728, which is in the center, and has enough balcony space for a couple of loungers straight-out and a table. You could fit a third, but it might get a little tight.

I agree with going with Deck 10 if you can but those are usually first to sell. We too will be in 10728 on the Dawn in November and can't wait :)

Granted Deck 10 is the best but in some cases all that is left is Deck 8. Many complain about the noise from Spinnakers but a lot depends on the itinerary. It may not be that bad on a Bermuda cruise. I also know plenty of people that have had deck 8 cabins and were never bothered. Only if you go to bed early and are a light sleeper do you need to be concerned ;)

[gail-s]

We had a midship balcony last year on the Dawn and it was the smallest room we've ever had on a cruise. And it was the first time we had DD with us :/ On RCL we had a balcony and a mini-suite on the aft and loved it.

 

Right now I'm trying to figure out if DH has the time to take....I forgot he might have to work next summer (teacher) If it works out we're looking at room 10228.

[Edso]

Go for the penthouse. We just got off the Dawn in cabin 10226. The room was large enough for you and your family. The balcony was wonderful, in Bermuda we stayed on the balcony one night and heard the Dockyard concert perfectly. The little vanity area was very nice. I could keep all my stuff out of DH's way. There is plenty of storage. And the perks were great, breakfast and lunch at Cagney's, early admission to the chocolate buffett, snacks every afternoon, and my favorite of all today when we left the ship they escort you to a seperate exit with no line!!!! We had a wonderful time and we now believe what I have been reading on CC once you stay in a suite you will never go back!

Thanks, great info. We have 4 adults. How many beds? Bedrooms?

We have done this cruise 5 times, but never in the penthouse suite.

[Edso]

Thanks.

How many bedrooms, beds????:)

[johnsak123]

If you can afford it go for it!!

[my_crib_too]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1703080

 

I posted some pictures at the link above of an SD suite. Great room with a huge bathroom.

 

bruce...