First time on NCL - which room?

[dolphinwyo]

Hi -

We are new to NCL - getting ready to book for next spring. We are a family of 4 (2 kids ages 8, 4), and am trying to decide on a room. Looking at an AF minisuite vs. oceanview, with price difference of $900 total for the trip. We have never had a balcony or suite - always oceanview on Carnival. Is the balcony and extra room worth the $900 more? Are the oceanview rooms for 4 the same as Carnival with the pullman beds? Thanks for any info.

[floridacruiser63]

Hi -

We are new to NCL - getting ready to book for next spring. We are a family of 4 (2 kids ages 8, 4), and am trying to decide on a room. Looking at an AF minisuite vs. oceanview, with price difference of $900 total for the trip. We have never had a balcony or suite - always oceanview on Carnival. Is the balcony and extra room worth the $900 more? Are the oceanview rooms for 4 the same as Carnival with the pullman beds? Thanks for any info.

 

We also travel as a family of four and usually with Carnival. Have been on two NCL past cruises and are cruising on the Jewel 9 day Southern Caribbean next spring. The outside cabins on NCL are smaller than Carnival (Valor, Freedom type of ship). A Balcony cabin is a bit larger and would probably be more comfortable for four, however that will depend on what you preferences as well as your budget is. We booked a balcony and have two lower beds, a single sofa and a pullman bed (from the wall).

I do not know about the mini suite, I am sure it will be more comfortable (larger).

Have a great trip.:)

[CRUZIN TOM]

definitely go with a minisuite. The pull out couch(bed) is larger than what they use in a balcony. This will still be a little tight, but any other cabin you will be like sardines....:)

[Sunflower77]

It's not really a suite & I believe its the same size as the regular balcony rooms on other cruises but having a balcony is very nice & I couldn't dream of cruising now without one.

[cruiserssandr]

The mini suite would have a bathtub. Regular balcony rooms just have a shower. Maybe you would like the tub for the 4 year old.

[dolphinwyo]

They aren't showing any balconies available - except for the minisuite. I don't know if they are all booked or what. The only choice was oceanview and then minisuite. The tub isn't a big deal, the 4 y.o. will shower, but space might be an issue. I assume the balcony doors have locks high enough out of reach? We didn't spend a ton of time in our room last cruise - so hard to justify $900 extra.....I just don't know.

[cruiserssandr]

If having a tub is not an issue I wouldn't spend the extra $900. I think with kids I would feel safer in the ocean view room.

[dolphinwyo]

I called NCl - the website isn't showing any balconies available, but when I called I was told they are available? Anyway - it is $600 more from Oceanview to balcony, and $900 more to minisuite....

Are there nice "adult only" places on the Star to sit outside and watch the water? Do you use your balcony much at night - or is it too dark and windy to enjoy? Decisions, decisions...at least they are of this variety though right? Thanks for any other answers, I appreciate the help.

[NoPiratesPlease]

You could always book the Garden Villa--there are 3 bedrooms, and the service is EXQUISITE!

[chrisbd1]

You could always book the Garden Villa--there are 3 bedrooms, and the service is EXQUISITE!

At an exquiste price too :) . A bit more than the $900 for the mini :eek:

[NoPiratesPlease]

At an exquiste price too :) . A bit more than the $900 for the mini :eek:

 

Details, details! :)

[dolphinwyo]

A little out of our range - sounds nice though! Maybe I will win the lottery this year......Thanks for the help, just having a balcony will be nice.