Cabin configuration challenge for family going to Alaska

[Alaskaboundfamily]

My family is hoping to take a cruise to Alaska in June or July of 2006. We are currently looking at the Sapphire Princess (but are open to other suggestions) and trying to figure out the best (economical yet comfortable) cabin configuration for the following:

 

14 people total

 

1 younger couple, no kids

2 grandparents/parents of an adult child

1 18-year-old girl (child of the previous couple)

1 family of 4 (couple plus a 3-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl)

1 family of 5 (couple plus an 8-year-old boy, 4-year-old girl, and infant who will be about 10 months)

 

Addtional considerations: The 18-year-old girl really needs space from everyone else in order to ensure harmony, lol. She would not really be a suitable roommate for any of the children. The grandparents probably don't want a child in their room, either, and the young couple definitely would not, either. The families of 4 and 5 could combine, but the family suites on Princess legally hold only 8 people and are prohibitively expensive for 5 people. I don't think there are any other connecting staterooms, and all these children (except the 18-year-old) seem too young to be in a separate cabin even if it is adjacent, don't you think? Also, I'm concerned about the 3-year-old (or anyone, actually) sleeping in an upper bunk so would prefer a sofa bed if possible. Is there any type of guard rail on the upper berths?

 

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommend a line that might have better accommodations for us? TIA!

[serene56]

There are rails on the upper bed-- and you can always get extra pillows for the egde too.

 

Cabins will sleep 4 people. It is not a financial wise choice for the 18 year old to get a cabin alone-- that will cost almsot 150-200 % more with a single supplement cabin.

 

The infant will be paying a full 3rd person fare. Sorry- no breaks there either.

 

Cabins are used mostly for sleeping and getting ready for dinner.

[serene56]

May I also suggest that you check ou tthe group cruise board. I see the Diamond Princess is doing a group cruise-- rates are cheaper doing groups plus you get amenities. Here is the link http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

This cruise is for July 8th, 2006

 

Here is a complete list of Prices

 

Rates

Inside (Cat JJ): $ 899pp

Oceanview (Cat E): $ 1399pp - Partiallyl OBSTRUCTED OV's

Balcony (Cat BB): $ 1639pp

Mini-Suite (Cat AB): $ 1919pp

 

Rates are based on double occupancy and include port charges and gov't fees.

 

Single (Cat JJ): $ 1415pp

 

3rd/4th rates vary per category and are based on availability at time of deposit......currently:

Inside (Cat JJ): $ 425pp

Oceanview (Cat. E): $ 595pp

Balcony (Cat BB): $ 679 pp

Mini-Suite (Cat AC): $ 765 ppDeposit Info

$350 pp due upon booking

Final payment due 3/24/06.

 

All rates above are based on per person, double occupancy and include port charges and taxes. Rates are subject to availability, so book soon to get the cabin you want.

 

*Your Cruise Critic Group Cruise Includes:

$ 50 per cabin on-board credit ($25 pp)

Cruise Critic Lanyards (one per person)

Cruise Critic Magnet (one per cabin)

15% discount on all other Cruise Critic logowear

 

*Note: some group amenities may be based on a minimum number of full paying passengers.

 

For additional information about this group, contact your official Cruise Critic Group Leader: Mike

 

To book this cruise contact "Kevin" at Crucon.com at 1-800-493-6609