1A vs. Aqua

[kat9661]

Ok, booked 1605, one of the best Aqua cabins for a October 2012 Med sailing. Thought I'd wait it out hoping for a price reduction as we get closer to final payment in the summer of 2012. Now wondering if Aqua is worth the added expense. We can get a the same balcony in a 1A for $920 less. Of the Aqua perks I think we'd best enjoy Blu and the foot stool on the balcony. Part of me is wondering if I should grab the large 1A balcony and use the savings for the specialty dining. The other part of me thinks I should hold tight and wait for a price reduction of the Aqua. Any thoughts from the experts?

[SuiteTraveler]

This is JMO, but I always book the least expensive cabin I would be satisfied with and then watch the website like a hawk - in almost every case, I have wound up upgrading to a suite.

 

In your case, Aquaclass gives you a few things:

enhanced body jet shower tower

footstools on balcony

Spa amenities (bathrobs and better toiletries)

Access to thermal suite and spa relaxation room

Daily iced tea served in your stateroom

Dining excusively in Blu

 

So, ask yourself, which of these amenities are "can't live without" vs "nice to have but not really all that important to us." Only you can answer the question as to what you would really prefer.

[bunnybee]

I have done Aqua, 1A, 2C and a Sky Suite. I think the 1A is the perfect balance of placement and economy. All the cabins were great and felt happy with all of them, so, save the money. The Med is port intensive, food on land intensive, etc. I found the combination of specialty venues and the buffet a perfect state after long days of fun. I loved the service in Blu, but I was not in love with the food.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Ok, booked 1605, one of the best Aqua cabins for a October 2012 Med sailing. Thought I'd wait it out hoping for a price reduction as we get closer to final payment in the summer of 2012. Now wondering if Aqua is worth the added expense. We can get a the same balcony in a 1A for $920 less. Of the Aqua perks I think we'd best enjoy Blu and the foot stool on the balcony. Part of me is wondering if I should grab the large 1A balcony and use the savings for the specialty dining. The other part of me thinks I should hold tight and wait for a price reduction of the Aqua. Any thoughts from the experts?

 

$920 is a lot of money that could be used for other things. The big 1A balconies are very nice. If it were me, I'd move to the 1A (make sure you get one of the triple-size balconies). Who knows what prices in the Med will be next fall??? Kind of depends on the political situation. The AQ cabin could conceivably drop in price--then you could move back up if AQ is really important to you.

[kat9661]

Thanks for the great advice! I called today and switched to 1A cabin 9215 and I'm happy with the decision. I'll make specialty dining reservations on sea days and port days we will leave up to our mood at the moment. We went with select dining for added flexibilty. Thanks again! :)

[PS90]

I would also have booked the 1A.

 

BUT, there's a good chance that the prices will drop in the meantime - keep a close eye on one of the "price tracking" websites. I had a 2B booked for this upcoming December cruise, and with a recent price drop I got into your same AQ room (1605) for $50pp cheaper than the 2B.

 

You may get burned by the possibility of a price drop after final payment is due, but I always book a lower-category room early (with a price I am happy with) and then let my OCD kick-in, and check for price drops daily.

[Xtchr]

 

$920 is a lot of money that could be used for other things. The big 1A balconies are very nice. If it were me, I'd move to the 1A (make sure you get one of the triple-size balconies). Who knows what prices in the Med will be next fall??? Kind of depends on the political situation. The AQ cabin could conceivably drop in price--then you could move back up if AQ is really important to you.

 

Which cabins have the triple-size balconies? We just booked 8281, which is 1A, on the port side, one of the"hump" cabins. Are those triple-sized balconies? I was told all the balconies are basically the same size. Not true?? Going on the Solstice TA Nov. 28th.

[PS90]

Which cabins have the triple-size balconies? We just booked 8281, which is 1A, on the port side, one of the"hump" cabins. Are those triple-sized balconies? I was told all the balconies are basically the same size. Not true?? Going on the Solstice TA Nov. 28th.

 

I have actually not yet cruised on an S-class ship, but I have heard that the first and the third cabins coming off the hump are the biggest (as in, the one on the angle but right next to the hump cabins is the first one). And the second and fourth are bigger than the "regular" balconies, but smaller than the first and third. 8281 has the double-sized, bigger-but-not-biggest balcony.

 

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[globalnomads]

Thanks for the great advice! I called today and switched to 1A cabin 9215 and I'm happy with the decision. I'll make specialty dining reservations on sea days and port days we will leave up to our mood at the moment. We went with select dining for added flexibilty. Thanks again! :)

 

We booked a Med cruise this fall in February, originally in a 1A balcony room at a fantastic rate - part of a "group rate" from a large on-line Travel agency. It was without a doubt the best price I'd seen, a great deal, until about 3 weeks ago...

 

Because I was watching fares, I found the prices dropped dramatically for "guarantee" cabins in each class. We are now in a C3 Concierge Class for the same amount we have already paid (obviously Celebrity won't refund money because they're in the business to make money) and I'm checking all the on-line agencies at least once a day to see if we can parlay it into a nice little suite!

 

So, good on you for taking the 1A.... and best wishes for an upgrade nearer to your cruise!

[kat9661]

I would also have booked the 1A.

 

BUT, there's a good chance that the prices will drop in the meantime - keep a close eye on one of the "price tracking" websites. I had a 2B booked for this upcoming December cruise, and with a recent price drop I got into your same AQ room (1605) for $50pp cheaper than the 2B.

 

You may get burned by the possibility of a price drop after final payment is due, but I always book a lower-category room early (with a price I am happy with) and then let my OCD kick-in, and check for price drops daily.

 

That's great that you paid $50 less than the 2B for the Aqua. Now, tell me about the cabin I gave up! :) Did you love it?

[kat9661]

We booked a Med cruise this fall in February, originally in a 1A balcony room at a fantastic rate - part of a "group rate" from a large on-line Travel agency. It was without a doubt the best price I'd seen, a great deal, until about 3 weeks ago...

 

Because I was watching fares, I found the prices dropped dramatically for "guarantee" cabins in each class. We are now in a C3 Concierge Class for the same amount we have already paid (obviously Celebrity won't refund money because they're in the business to make money) and I'm checking all the on-line agencies at least once a day to see if we can parlay it into a nice little suite!

 

So, good on you for taking the 1A.... and best wishes for an upgrade nearer to your cruise!

 

That's terrific. We had a CC on the Summit to Hawaii cruise a few years back and did enjoy the little extras that came along with it. Hope you get your Suite! We've never been that lucky but there's always a chance. Have a great cruise!

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I have actually not yet cruised on an S-class ship, but I have heard that the first and the third cabins coming off the hump are the biggest (as in, the one on the angle but right next to the hump cabins is the first one). And the second and fourth are bigger than the "regular" balconies, but smaller than the first and third. 8281 has the double-sized, bigger-but-not-biggest balcony.

 

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

That was our observation on the Eclipse. We were on the aft side of the hump. Not sure how the counting works on the front side of the hump since I haven't seen those balconies personally. It would make sense that it would be the same there, but I haven't seen it.

 

What does it say on the Solstice cabin stickie? That's kind of the bible because it's based on what people have actually seen with their own two eyes as opposed to what they've been told by Celebrity.

[DocJohnB]

Which cabins have the triple-size balconies? We just booked 8281, which is 1A, on the port side, one of the"hump" cabins. Are those triple-sized balconies? I was told all the balconies are basically the same size. Not true?? Going on the Solstice TA Nov. 28th.

 

All balconies are not created equal. On the angle you are on, the 1st and 3rd after the outward extension (i.e, those on either side of you) are about triple the size of a standard balcony (in depth - not width). Yours and the fourth are about double the size of a standard. If you can get your travel agent to switch you one cabin back (8283) you will get a slightly larger balcony. 8283 appears open for purchase at this time.

 

Will also be on this sailing.

[kat9661]

All balconies are not created equal. On the angle you are on, the 1st and 3rd after the outward extension (i.e, those on either side of you) are about triple the size of a standard balcony (in depth - not width). Yours and the fourth are about double the size of a standard. If you can get your travel agent to switch you one cabin back (8283) you will get a slightly larger balcony. 8283 appears open for purchase at this time.

 

Will also be on this sailing.

 

Off topic.......I see you are from Bangor, Maine. We love Maine but have not made it up to Bangor. We have been going to Ogunquit for the last 13 years. We like that we can park and walk, trolley everywhere. Would appreciate any tips you care to share on Bangor.

Thanks, Kathy

[dzcruisers]

Which cabins have the triple-size balconies? We just booked 8281, which is 1A, on the port side, one of the"hump" cabins. Are those triple-sized balconies? I was told all the balconies are basically the same size. Not true?? Going on the Solstice TA Nov. 28th.

 

Welcome! Come join the roll call if you haven't already! We have lots of fun, helpful people. 1st & 3rd cabins are about triple sized, 2nd and 4th are about double sized. They are bboth nice. We like tghe triple if we can get it. We have one on Nov. 28 cruise.

Just checked a web site 8283 has the largest balcony and is available.

[Xtchr]

All balconies are not created equal. On the angle you are on, the 1st and 3rd after the outward extension (i.e, those on either side of you) are about triple the size of a standard balcony (in depth - not width). Yours and the fourth are about double the size of a standard. If you can get your travel agent to switch you one cabin back (8283) you will get a slightly larger balcony. 8283 appears open for purchase at this time.

 

Will also be on this sailing.

 

Loved your "veteran" quote on your reply. My husband served 39 yrs. in Massachusetts Nat'l Guard.. 26th Yankee Inf. Div..retired Brig. Gen.

Look forward to meeting you both. I've sent e-mail to our Travel Agent requesting the cabin change. Hope it's still available tomorrow morning!

The deck plan I had printed out from somewhere had 8281 as the first cabin on the hump.. but going onto Celebrity site, I found it is now the second one. For some reason, Deck 8 had some errors along the way and the plan I have printed out is different than the one on the web site now.

 

Rita and Ken, Laconia, NH and Jupiter, FL

[CathyCruises]

I'd advise to keep checking anyway. We booked a balcony guarantee to the Med this fall for $999; prices bounced a bit, then went to $949 and we changed to that. Kept looking and found a residency discount on a 575 sq. ft. FV for $1009! Could have had a C3 for what we had already paid as well. Plus got $250 OBC from the TA! So definitely keep an eye out!

[Xtchr]

Loved your "veteran" quote on your reply. My husband served 39 yrs. in Massachusetts Nat'l Guard.. 26th Yankee Inf. Div..retired Brig. Gen.

Look forward to meeting you both. I've sent e-mail to our Travel Agent requesting the cabin change. Hope it's still available tomorrow morning!

The deck plan I had printed out from somewhere had 8281 as the first cabin on the hump.. but going onto Celebrity site, I found it is now the second one. For some reason, Deck 8 had some errors along the way and the plan I have printed out is different than the one on the web site now.

 

Rita and Ken, Laconia, NH and Jupiter, FL

[kat9661]

I'd advise to keep checking anyway. We booked a balcony guarantee to the Med this fall for $999; prices bounced a bit, then went to $949 and we changed to that. Kept looking and found a residency discount on a 575 sq. ft. FV for $1009! Could have had a C3 for what we had already paid as well. Plus got $250 OBC from the TA! So definitely keep an eye out!

 

Unbelievable pricing! We are double that at this point but I'll be checking daily for price reductions. Have a wonderful cruise!!

[Redtravel]

Go for the 1A. Aqua class cabin is the same size. The perks of aqua class aren't worth $920.

[DocJohnB]

Off topic.......I see you are from Bangor, Maine. We love Maine but have not made it up to Bangor. We have been going to Ogunquit for the last 13 years. We like that we can park and walk, trolley everywhere. Would appreciate any tips you care to share on Bangor.

Thanks, Kathy

Ahhhh Bangor. I love it. We only moved up here (from Florida - go figure) 4.5 years ago to be near family.

 

Bangor does have its' share of problems, but is a pretty neat place to live. Unemployment, drugs, some crime, etc. (but, not as bad as most places). An hour to the coast (Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park etc.), probably 1.5 hours to the mountains (Katahdin) and 2-3 to the mountains of NH. Had to look up Ogunquit on Google maps and that is 2.5 hours south of us. The town itself is located on the banks of the Penobscot river, which allows access to the ocean.

 

Over the past 10 years the entertainment industry has found us. At that time the National Folk Festival came to town for 3 summers and through that the town developed the American Folk festival. This is a three day folk festival with entertainers from all over the world congregate for 3 days of music, arts and just plain fun. Then a few years back a casino was built and does exceptionally well. Last year an entertainment outfit decided this would be a great place for summer music concerts at the river. Normally not top (today's) entertainment, but certainly well known people. Alan Jackson, Celtic Lady's, Lynrd Skynrd (sp?). Last week Melissa Etheridge gave a concert and on 8/7 Jeff Dunham brings his show to town. To be followed in the weeks to come by the J. Geils band, Bob Dylan, BB King, Lady Antellbellum and Reba McIntyre. Not bad for a small town like ours. We have a population of about 30,000 and will put 10-15,000 in the stands for some of these venues. An new auditorium bond issue was just passed and when finished, we will be able to enjoy this type of entertainment year round.

 

And to keep this in the cruising realm, American Cruise Lines will, on occasion bring one of their small boats up to Bangor. In fact for the past 3 years or so one or two of them have tied up at the site of the Folk festival.

 

Bangor is a beautiful (although old) city. Gorgeous in summer and its' fall colors. Even when there is a fresh coat of snow blanketing the ground. It does have some disadvantages, but, all in all a great place to live.

[dkjretired]

Go for the 1A. Aqua class cabin is the same size. The perks of aqua class aren't worth $920.

 

Excellent advice but here is some advice also. Keep checking as very often the AQ cabins go on sail as the sailing becomes closer. Theyvery often have excellent upgrades.

[dzcruisers]

The first and third cabins out from the hump in both directions are the largest. The second and 4th are larger than regular balcony cabins.

 

Hi

I copied this from another post as i found the information very helpful.

 

 

 

Being on the aft part of the hump there was virtually no wind issue to deal with. We got sun when we wanted it, and shade if desired as well. Due to balcony depth there were no privacy issues related to the angled shape.

 

There are 58 +/- cabins with the same size balcony we had - they are: This is the corrected version!

 

Resort Deck: 2105, 2109, 2106, 2110

Penthouse Deck: 1547, 1552, 1601, 1605, 1606, 1610

Sky Deck: 1075, 1044, 1231, 1243, 1247, 1108, 1120, 1124

Panorama Deck: 9155, 9192, 9209, 9215, 9237, 9241, 9266, 9270, 9292, 9296

Vista Deck: 8197, 8160, 8257, 8253, 8279, 8283, 8226, 8230, 8252, 8256

Sunrise Deck: 7159, 7206, 7215, 7219, 7241, 7245, 7260, 7264, 7286, 7290

Continental Deck: 6155, 6156, 6209, 6215, 6237, 6241, 6210, 6214, 6236, 6240

 

Most of these are on the hump, but some are forward where the ship starts to indent. The rooms run the range from Category 2C, 1A, C1, or AQ (with the exception of 6209/6210 which are categorized as 07 Obstucted Balcony - great balcony at a small price!). There are also many cabins adjacent to the ones I listed that also have oversized balconies that are about double the size of normal ones, but I would go for the triple sized ones first .

[frogsgirl]

Thanks for the great advice! I called today and switched to 1A cabin 9215 and I'm happy with the decision. I'll make specialty dining reservations on sea days and port days we will leave up to our mood at the moment. We went with select dining for added flexibilty. Thanks again! :)

We have 9215 in June 2012, we'll make sure we look after it for you:D

Edit......should have read the post more...we are on eclipse & you are not ;-)

[beachlovergirl]

We have 9215 on the Silhouette in November. This is an angled triple-sized balcony. Must be a popular one!

 

Dee