Illusionarium seating?

[mitsugirly]

You can always try to change your reservation.

 

 

 

Since they are having this special (for booking it on the first night for free), I'm afraid that if we wait until we get on the ship to see the seating, it might end up being too late to change a reservation because they will all be sold out. :(

 

You can totally ignore everyone using Breakaway or Epic as a basis for explanation. I've been to all three, and Getaway's layout is completely different. It is only one level, not two as on Epic. As you've notice, the stage at Illusionarium is located against the aft wall, not in the center of the room as on Breakaway. Getaway also does not have the two $450 VIP tables on the stage that are in Cirque on Breakaway. I sat at one of those VIP tables. I thought it was well worth the price to be completely immersed in the show, and I think it's a shame that they aren't on Getaway. As I understand it, they can't have tables on the stage at Illusionarium because it would ruin the tricks. Still, the premium seating is fantastic. You should come as early as you can though because Haven/VIP passengers take a majority of the best seats near the stage before general seating opens up.

 

I don't think the show is worth seeing from the regular banquet seating in the booths. There's quite a bit of special effects and you really need to be seated in the premium seating under the dome to get the full effect. There are small TV screens positioned above the booths to show what's happening on the dome, but it's just not the same. The actual tricks are visible from the back, but closer is always better. I was amongst the lucky ones picked to help with a trick on stage, and even inches away I still couldn't figure out what was happening!

 

Thanks so much for your awesome description of the seating. That helps a lot. I think the dome is the neat part (from a few videos I have seen) and really wouldn't want to miss that part by it being blocked by a lower ceiling in the booth area.

 

Are ALL premium seats at least located under the dome within viewing of it?

[SouthernBelle_N_Louisiana]

I would buy Premium seats if you are sure you do not want to be seated in the booths in the back. As Haven guests, you will get first selection of seats in your paid area. Your concierge will tell you where to meet and what time to be escorted to the theater for seating.

 

Robin

 

Thank you!! This is what I did already for our June cruise on GA... I bought the premium seats... Now I feel better that what you have stated is how it is handled with the concierge. This is good to know :)

 

Thanks again!!

 

Robin N

[barnacle_boy]

Since they are having this special (for booking it on the first night for free), I'm afraid that if we wait until we get on the ship to see the seating, it might end up being too late to change a reservation because they will all be sold out. :(

 

Thanks so much for your awesome description of the seating. That helps a lot. I think the dome is the neat part (from a few videos I have seen) and really wouldn't want to miss that part by it being blocked by a lower ceiling in the booth area.

 

Are ALL premium seats at least located under the dome within viewing of it?

 

If you want to go the first night, I suggest you reserve prior to boarding. I tried reserving seats the first night to get the discount rate, but it was already full.

 

Only the first one or two rows of tables closest to the stage are completely underneath the dome. Unless you're Haven/VIP or amongst the first in line for general seating, you're just not going to get one of these tables. Actually, if enough Haven/VIP passengers reserve the particular show you're going to, it's possible that you might not get a chance at these choice tables at all! Fortunately, you can still see parts of the dome from any premium seat. Closer tables will definitely have better views, but sitting near the back certainly won't ruin the experience. The digital effects on the dome are interesting, but it's the magic tricks done on stage that really make the show, and you can see those from any seat :)

[mitsugirly]

If you want to go the first night, I suggest you reserve prior to boarding. I tried reserving seats the first night to get the discount rate, but it was already full.

 

Only the first one or two rows of tables closest to the stage are completely underneath the dome. Unless you're Haven/VIP or amongst the first in line for general seating, you're just not going to get one of these tables. Actually, if enough Haven/VIP passengers reserve the particular show you're going to, it's possible that you might not get a chance at these choice tables at all! Fortunately, you can still see parts of the dome from any premium seat. Closer tables will definitely have better views, but sitting near the back certainly won't ruin the experience. The digital effects on the dome are interesting, but it's the magic tricks done on stage that really make the show, and you can see those from any seat :)

 

Well I guess I'm going to go ahead and book the premium seats and hope for the best.

 

I just went to book and really hate that you have to pay up front for reservations now. I really wanted to use my OBC and they make it impossible. :mad:

[orangegrove]

I just went to book and really hate that you have to pay up front for reservations now. I really wanted to use my OBC and they make it impossible. :mad:

 

I so agree with you. I wish we had a choice, not mandatory. I get some people want to pay for everything before, but some of us don't because of that very reason. I only pre-booked 2 items before we left on our last cruise only because we were travelling with my BIL and SIL and they have never cruised. They wanted to be sure they got the Cirque dinner and the Murder Mystery Lunch and we wanted to all go together. Maybe someday it will change. (Probably they will make us prepay the entire cruise! :rolleyes:)

[mitsugirly]

I so agree with you. I wish we had a choice, not mandatory. I get some people want to pay for everything before, but some of us don't because of that very reason. I only pre-booked 2 items before we left on our last cruise only because we were travelling with my BIL and SIL and they have never cruised. They wanted to be sure they got the Cirque dinner and the Murder Mystery Lunch and we wanted to all go together. Maybe someday it will change. (Probably they will make us prepay the entire cruise! :rolleyes:)

 

I doubt they will change it back. They just started making us pay for anything booked online (excursions and dinner shows) last year or the year before (I can't remember). We use to be able to book and then it wasn't charged or paid for until after you went. I don't see them changing it back. :(