5 people in 1 cabin??

[spcopps]

Ok first background...myself, DH, DD 8 and twin sons age 4 (ages are sailing ages). I want to do an Eastern on Oasis or Allure and we have never sailed without a balcony (other cruise lines). My problem is we can't afford a suite and a regular balcony is a lot cheaper than family balcony (almost $1000 cheaper). Do you think we could do the balcony cabin with the double sofa and pull down instead of the family balcony? I also know we could do family OV but DH and I really enjoy our balconies to have that little time at night when kids are asleep. Let me say NO WAY at their ages will we do connecting balconies so please don't suggest that. Also want to add, although we have 3 bathrooms in our home we always seem to all end up in the same bathroom at the same time so changing in front of our kids is no issue (neither is showering for that matter).

[Ashland]

Sorry you can't book a regular balcony catagory cabin with 5 people..maximum occupancy is 4....

[Tricia28]

We have always had this issue as we have three kids as well. We have done it two ways, sacrifice the balcony and book two connecting inside (balcony safety will not be a worry with four year olds.) Book connecting balconies but you and your DH will have to split up and each sleep with kids so there is an adult in each cabin. We had a family suite last year and hated it because one bathroom sucks with five people. I would rather book two regular cabins anyway, more combined square feet than a suite and two bathrooms for less money!

[firefly333]

Let me say NO WAY at their ages will we do connecting balconies so please don't suggest that.

 

So if you dont want connecting your only choice is a family cabin. You pretty much cut down your own options saying connecting (which has a INSIDE door open between the cabins so its like one big cabin) isnt a option for you.

 

I dont see the problem with connecting since the door is open between the two cabins on the wall connecting the two cabins.. maybe what you meant was adjoining?? I can see that you might object to that, but I dont understand your objection to connecting.

[Greghouseo]

We have always had this issue as we have three kids as well. We have done it two ways, sacrifice the balcony and book two connecting inside (balcony safety will not be a worry with four year olds.) Book connecting balconies but you and your DH will have to split up and each sleep with kids so there is an adult in each cabin. We had a family suite last year and hated it because one bathroom sucks with five people. I would rather book two regular cabins anyway, more combined square feet than a suite and two bathrooms for less money!

 

No they don't.

If the cabins are next to or adjoiining there are no rules or compulsion dictating this

[SheilaSailAway]

Just to toss this out there: Oasis cabins are small.

Smaller than your average RCI ship. And, storage

was at a premium. It was just my DH and I and we

were tripping over each other. :eek:

I would go with adjoining insider cabins.

Whatever you decide, have a fabulous cruise!

Happy sails!:)

[BarbJ52]

No they don't.

If the cabins are next to or adjoiining there are no rules or compulsion dictating this

I think that Tricia was making a suggestion rather than stating rules. I believe she was addressing the possible concern that the 4-year-olds might wake up and make their way to the balcony unattended.

 

I think I'd lean toward 2 inside cabins, as well - more space and 2 bathrooms. While it's not as ideal as a balcony, you should be able to have one cabin to yourselves after the little ones are asleep.

 

Enjoy your cruise, whatever you decide!

[Highlander1]

We have always had this issue as we have three kids as well. We have done it two ways, sacrifice the balcony and book two connecting inside (balcony safety will not be a worry with four year olds.) Book connecting balconies but you and your DH will have to split up and each sleep with kids so there is an adult in each cabin. We had a family suite last year and hated it because one bathroom sucks with five people. I would rather book two regular cabins anyway, more combined square feet than a suite and two bathrooms for less money!

 

 

Agreed, sacrifice the balcony and get two inside cabins. You may not get to enjoy a balcony but you'll keep your sanity and have some room and privacy. I couldn't imagine 5 in one room.

[Greghouseo]

I think that Tricia was making a suggestion rather than stating rules. I believe she was addressing the possible concern that the 4-year-olds might wake up and make their way to the balcony unattended.

 

 

I disagree.

She said that the OP and husband would HAVE to split up. Surely that is a matter of choice, not compulsion?

 

For my part I am in the same boat so to speak.

On the AdvOTS in October 5 of us travelling.

Myself, my GF, her son and his two cousins, aged 15,15 and 13 respectively (Gawd help me!!)

 

We have two cabins next to each other Oceanview grade, but not connecting doors thank you very much. Really fancy them just walking into the cabin whenever they please;)

[galavant3]

My kids are in a balcony (boardwark) cabin on the Oasis that sleeps 5. I would call and ask what is available. It shows up on line as sleeping four but it actually sleeps 5.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Look for a balcony cabin with connecting inside..they exist.

 

Firefly....what is the difference between connecting and adjoining......cabins? :confused:

[GI PT 101]

Hi all! :-)

 

On our Oasis cruise we had a Boardwalk View Balcony for 5 p., Room No. was 12729.

 

Finally we was only 2 in the stateroom, and there was no more space in this room as in the 2-people-staterooms...

 

Ron.

[yj2cute]

Hi all! :-)

 

On our Oasis cruise we had a Boardwalk View Balcony for 5 p., Room No. was 12729.

 

Finally we was only 2 in the stateroom, and there was no more space in this room as in the 2-people-staterooms...

 

Ron.

 

B1 cabins have a max capacity of 4, not 5. You would not be able to book 5 in that cabin.

[readytogo2]

No they don't.

If the cabins are next to or adjoiining there are no rules or compulsion dictating this

 

So minors are allowed to be booked in a cabin with nobody of legal age? I am surprised. The only cruises we took with our kids was on Princess and they told us we had to book an adult in each cabin.

[xxoocruiser]

So minors are allowed to be booked in a cabin with nobody of legal age? I am surprised. The only cruises we took with our kids was on Princess and they told us we had to book an adult in each cabin.

 

The booking has to reflect an adult in each cabin. However many work around this by than asking for extra room keys once on board ( not at check in ) and making the changes on their own. However it should be noted that if by placing the kids alone in the room present any issues regarding noise and other bad behavior when not surpervised by an adult other passengers than sometimes report this behavior. Thus posing a potential risk for the entire family being made to leave the ship/cruise at the next port of call. Yes entire families have been escorted off the ship for this very reason.

[jagsfan]

Look for a balcony cabin with connecting inside..they exist.

 

Firefly....what is the difference between connecting and adjoining......cabins? :confused:

 

I don't know how an inside and a balcony cabin could connect. What ship would that be on?

Connecting cabins have a door between them that can be left open, turning them into one

cabin. Adjoining cabins share a wall, and one must go into the corridor to reach the other

cabin. That's a big difference, especially when talking about children.

[RoofingPrincess]

what is the difference between connecting and adjoining......cabins? :confused:

Adjoining = next to each other

Connecting = a door between the two cabins; you don't have to go out into the hallway to pass from one to the other

[yj2cute]

I don't know how an inside and a balcony cabin could connect. What ship would that be on?

Connecting cabins have a door between them that can be left open, turning them into one

cabin. Adjoining cabins share a wall, and one must go into the corridor to reach the other

cabin. That's a big difference, especially when talking about children.

 

I know this set up exists on the Voyager class. Aft, I believe. A D1 connects with an inside.

 

edit

 

I just looked, it exists on Freedom class also, but doesn't look like it on Oasis class.

[spcopps]

Sorry you can't book a regular balcony catagory cabin with 5 people..maximum occupancy is 4....

Actually you can. I spoke to RCCL and they told me they have some that will sleep 5. There are actually quiet a lot of them on the allure/oasis :D. Just look at the deck plans and those with a diamond have a sleeper and pull down most are aft they are mostly D4 and a FEW D3 categories.

[spcopps]

So if you dont want connecting your only choice is a family cabin. You pretty much cut down your own options saying connecting (which has a INSIDE door open between the cabins so its like one big cabin) isnt a option for you.

 

I dont see the problem with connecting since the door is open between the two cabins on the wall connecting the two cabins.. maybe what you meant was adjoining?? I can see that you might object to that, but I dont understand your objection to connecting.

 

I meant connecting with the door. My problem is my 4 year olds are major climbers and I don't feel safe with them having a door to access the balcony in the connecting balcony room. Allure and Oasis have some regular balconies (not family cabin) that sleep 5 that is why I am asking about 5 in that room as small as my kids are :D. Also if RCCL is doing away with being able to open the balcony divider (as has been reported) I really don't want connecting balconies at their age KWIM.

[yj2cute]

Actually you can. I spoke to RCCL and they told me they have some that will sleep 5. There are actually quiet a lot of them on the allure/oasis :D. Just look at the deck plans and those with a diamond have a sleeper and pull down most are aft they are mostly D4 and a FEW D3 categories.

 

This would be news to me. Even with this setup, to my knowledge max capacity is still 4. Can anyone confirm they've actually booked and sailed with 5 in a regular balcony cabin?

[spcopps]

Look for a balcony cabin with connecting inside..they exist.

 

Firefly....what is the difference between connecting and adjoining......cabins? :confused:

 

There are actually 2 (balcony/inside) and 2 (balcony/OV combos) on the freedom but they are already booked for Oct, Nov and Dec. on each sailing for next year :eek:.

[gerif]

I meant connecting with the door. My problem is my 4 year olds are major climbers and I don't feel safe with them having a door to access the balcony in the connecting balcony room. Allure and Oasis have some regular balconies (not family cabin) that sleep 5 that is why I am asking about 5 in that room as small as my kids are :D. Also if RCCL is doing away with being able to open the balcony divider (as has been reported) I really don't want connecting balconies at their age KWIM.

 

While I seriously doubt a four-year-old could open a balcony door that is latched (I have problems with that), you could always buy a small plastic stick-up alarm for the door (and one for the hallway door as well so they don't go out wandering at night) that will emit a loud shrill noise if the door is opened. We used them when the grandchildren were small and we didn't want them wrecking the entire house.

[Debde]

I'd save for the family balcony. The right room for some can make or break your vacation experience. We do spend alot of time in our room. I'd rather put off the cruise and have more time to save or find another class ship that may be in the budget.

 

I was originally looking at a Freedom cruise and it was pricey. Found a similar cruise on Voyager for thousands less. And yes- a family of 5!!!

[spcopps]

While I seriously doubt a four-year-old could open a balcony door that is latched (I have problems with that), you could always buy a small plastic stick-up alarm for the door (and one for the hallway door as well so they don't go out wandering at night) that will emit a loud shrill noise if the door is opened. We used them when the grandchildren were small and we didn't want them wrecking the entire house.

 

What type of lock is used on the upper part of the door? Is it a chain that goes up and down or the heavy metal that swings? Reason I ask is we have an up/down chain on our pantry, you know to limit snacks, and the twins have learned to use a broom to push up the chain :D these 2 guys are very resourceful!!