inside-outside worth $500 and table size?

[silverwillow]

Hi about to book with princess getting a great deal on an inside but for $500 extra we can move to an obstructed outside that looks to me to be in between the lifeboats, D614 on Sun Princess. What's your thoughts would this move be worth $500? Has anyone had this cabin on Sun, Dawn or Sea princess?

 

Also we usually choose select or anytime dining but this is not an option on the Sun. I am not sure what size table to choose? Thinking of an 8 person but you can pick a 10 person as well. We have our daughter with us but she usually has an earlier meal and goes to the kids club while we go to the dining room. What size table is the best for communicating. I am thinking the 10 seater might be too big and take too long to progress through dinner?

[Murgat]

The 10 person tables are too big IMO and shaped to make general conversation across the table a little difficult so you tend to talk with the people on either side. On a longer cruise we used to change places regularly but some do not like doing this. I much prefer the smaller 8 person tables. I do not like windowless rooms but have not experienced an OV cabin.

[MsDolly]

Hi about to book with princess getting a great deal on an inside but for $500 extra we can move to an obstructed outside that looks to me to be in between the lifeboats, D614 on Sun Princess. What's your thoughts would this move be worth $500? Has anyone had this cabin on Sun, Dawn or Sea princess?

 

Also we usually choose select or anytime dining but this is not an option on the Sun. I am not sure what size table to choose? Thinking of an 8 person but you can pick a 10 person as well. We have our daughter with us but she usually has an earlier meal and goes to the kids club while we go to the dining room. What size table is the best for communicating. I am thinking the 10 seater might be too big and take too long to progress through dinner?

 

I agree the 10 seater can be too large from our experience you end up only talking to the people on each side of you. I go for 8, just large enough to have a good mix.

 

On the topic of inside vs outside cabins, the cost is a personal issue, and really it depends on how long the cruise is to how much value you'll be getting. If you prefer to sleep in pitch black then inside is the way to go. I prefer a window/balcony for the natural light it provides and also even a window can make a small cruise ship room feel larger as you can see past where the walls stop. Just my opinion.

 

One more thing, on the obstructed cabin, unless you are in love with it's location, why not try for a "Guarantee" cabin, they will assign you an outside cabin right before sailing (could be earlier) and your cabin position could improve. Your only risk is that you could end up in any cabin in the same category you booked, your benefit is that you could end up in a much better outside cabin without any obstruction. Something to think about.

[The_Big_M]

I agree the 10 seater can be too large from our experience you end up only talking to the people on each side of you. I go for 8, just large enough to have a good mix.

 

On the topic of inside vs outside cabins, the cost is a personal issue, and really it depends on how long the cruise is to how much value you'll be getting. If you prefer to sleep in pitch black then inside is the way to go. I prefer a window/balcony for the natural light it provides and also even a window can make a small cruise ship room feel larger as you can see past where the walls stop. Just my opinion.

 

One more thing, on the obstructed cabin, unless you are in love with it's location, why not try for a "Guarantee" cabin, they will assign you an outside cabin right before sailing (could be earlier) and your cabin position could improve. Your only risk is that you could end up in any cabin in the same category you booked, your benefit is that you could end up in a much better outside cabin without any obstruction. Something to think about.

 

Good advice there.

 

Cabin really depends on personal preference and what you're used to, as well as itinerary and duration. If you've had inside before, and are fine with them, and could use the money on other things, I probably wouldn't upgrade. If you usually have windows/balconies, prefer the view and money isn't an issue then going for that would be the obvious choice.

[silverwillow]

We have sailed in an inside and it does make for good sleeping but I do like to connect with the ocean when cruising.

 

My only worry in booking a guarantee is being given a room at the very front of the ship. If you don't like the assigned cabin can you request another? Not even sure I can get the same price special if I do either. We have always picked our cabin to avoid getting up the front.

 

We get off the Voyager the day before we leave so it's a bit of the spur of the moment booking due to already being in Sydney so we will save on three flights from Perth but money is definitely a consideration.

 

Thanks for the advice on the table sizes will will go with the 8-top. :)

[J-D]

re D614 on the Sun, see the photos of the view from D614 (and the views from other nearby obstructed-view cabins) at

https://sites.google.com/site/cabinviewbyrenmar/dawn-sea-sun-princess/cabins-601--623

Based on that photo, the view from D614, though limited, is apparently a bit better than that from some nearby cabins, though still quite limited.

 

Re 10- vs. 8-seat tables, we avoid both. Admittedly, background noise causes me more trouble than it does for the majority of people. For what it is worth, we always ask for "no more than six" and have usually been accommodated. However, it has been a long time since our one trip on a Sun-class ship, and I don't know how many six-seat tables there may now be on those ships. Some unobtrusive sound absorbing material in the dining rooms would be a great improvement, but Princess does not seem interested in adding that.

 

John

[silverwillow]

Thank you J-D that is so very helpful. Those pics are great. I dont think it's worth the extra $500. We will book the inside and I can use the savings on cocktails and a tour. :)

 

The reason I am thinking the 6-top would be too small is that it will actually only allow for one other couple as our daughter will have a seat at it even though she will probably only dine there one or two evenings, so it will actually become a 5 top. I think with the 8-top we may at least get a some couples. I struggle with noise though so I can understand your point of view.