Did I make a big mistake?

[rockraiders]

I booked our 3rd Carnival cruise on the Dream for the end of June. Myself, DH, DS 17 and DS 15. Originally booked 1 cove balcony room but last night I changed our booking and booked 2 1A with portholes side by side on main deck. Cruise 1 on Freedom and cruise 2 on Victory were both balconies. Will I be sorry? Should I switch back?

 

Pros

Saved $500

No crowding 4 in 1 room

2 bathrooms

I won't have to listen to DH snoring all night

 

Con

No balcony to enjoy

May be noisy so far forward

[WetToes]

YES, but that's me. Can't imagine sailing without a balcony.

Hope it works out, ... whatever you decide.

 

4 in a room. 2 teenagers. Yikes!!!

[summer_girl]

If it were me...I would book a balcony (not a suite)...just a reg. balcony for me and my man...then put the kiddos across the hall in an interior. Not sure what the price difference would be, but that is what I would prefer if I could afford to do so.

[ready2cruzagain]

No one can decide what is right for you. I personally would never want bunk beds with my dh. But you might like it. I have no problem not having a balcony though and prefer an inside or oceanview room.

[MANDALOUWHO]

It's a personal choice. I would never not want to share a bed with my hubby ( I am pretty sure all 1A's are bunks?) so my first choice would be a bed with him. I would also no want 2 adults and 2 teenagers in a room together, so my second priority would be seperate rooms. I have never had a balcony (our first is booked for March) so I can't comment on how much you will miss it, but even with a balcony I would not do 2 adults and 2 teenagers in a room. So if it were me I would find 2 regualr or ocean view rooms, or do a balcony for you and a 1A for them across the hall or something. I bet you could find some combination for the $500 you saved. BUT if the $500 is worth it to you, go for it! Only you know what's most important to you :)

[tak81288]

I wouldn't want to put 2 teens and 2 adults in one room and I am with some of the others and would want to share a bed with my DH. If I were in this situation, I too would play around with different combinations in order to have two rooms even if it meant 2 regular interiors or 1 1A and 1 interior.

 

I have done all categories (except suites). I would be okay with not having a balcony, especially if it meant 2 people per room vs. all 4 sharing one.

 

That's just me though.

 

Have a great cruise regardless!

[dbogusch]

You have to decide for yourself but if it were me I'd say yes it was a mistake. I'd rather have four people to a room then be without my balcony!

[Out to sea!]

Correct, from my understanding all 1As are bunk beds. PTs are the same cabin with regular beds versus bunk beds.

[nwcruiselover]

I'm another one that would vote for 2 rooms even if they were inside instead of balcony. I agree with others who say look for some combination of cabins that are close by but maybe a 1A for the teens and a regular inside or OV for the parents. In my opinion 2 adults and 2 teens in a cabin is too crowded!

[luv2trvlnow]

It's a personal choice. I would never not want to share a bed with my hubby ( I am pretty sure all 1A's are bunks?) so my first choice would be a bed with him. :)

 

Correct, from my understanding all 1As are bunk beds. PTs are the same cabin with regular beds versus bunk beds.

Not all 1A's are bunks. We had a 1A on the Dream that had a twin and a sofa bed.

 

Sharon

[dbogusch]

Also, we have done a cruise with four - two tweens and two adults and we didn't find it too crowded. Especially when we had the balcony to chill out on. :)

[Surfwench]

I booked our 3rd Carnival cruise on the Dream for the end of June. Myself, DH, DS 17 and DS 15. Originally booked 1 cove balcony room but last night I changed our booking and booked 2 1A with portholes side by side on main deck. Cruise 1 on Freedom and cruise 2 on Victory were both balconies. Will I be sorry? Should I switch back?

 

Pros

Saved $500

No crowding 4 in 1 room

2 bathrooms

I won't have to listen to DH snoring all night

 

Con

No balcony to enjoy

May be noisy so far forward

 

I'd sleep on the ground if it would get the teenagers out of the cabin! :)

[rockraiders]

These 1As have a twin and sofa bed. I am regretting my decision to change cabins but I'm afraid its too late now since we are now booked under early saver. I don't want to pay $50pp to change back. We will just have to make the best of it. As long as we have a clean and comfortable place to sleep we will have a great vacation. I will miss the balcony. Lesson learned.

[kammerer3209]

These 1As have a twin and sofa bed. I am regretting my decision to change cabins but I'm afraid its too late now since we are now booked under early saver. I don't want to pay $50pp to change back. We will just have to make the best of it. As long as we have a clean and comfortable place to sleep we will have a great vacation. I will miss the balcony. Lesson learned.

 

On early saver, can't you still upgrade? Just not downgrade?

[katiel53]

I couldn't do the 1A if my life depended on it. Id be in a balcony cabin with the kids in an inside. If I couldn't have a balcony, I'd stay home.

 

I think you made a huge mistake.

[SkyMaster]

I would do exactly what you did! I've sailed with 4 to a cabin before, and it can get just a bit crowded! :eek: Those 1-A cabins on "Dream" are very good, IMO, and I think you'll be a happy camper in the long run. (Oh yea, enjoy that extra $500 in your wallet!) :cool:

 

"SKY"

[Athankfulheart]

If it was a choice between sharing a cabin with my teen boys and having to be creative in a 1A with my hubby.... The 1A would win hands down.

[Athankfulheart]

On early saver, can't you still upgrade? Just not downgrade?

 

 

I upgraded on ES from spa inside to balcony. So I know that was possible and no fee.

[LSD21060]

you and dh will enjoy the room to yourselves!!!

[sjn911]

I think it is great, those are nice 1A's i want to try.

 

Nobody can say they got better..you know it is all equitable which is cool. 2 bathrooms (yes!!)...my sister and her hubbie turned down a suite upgrade freebie on checking on to the Miracle when new with 2 boys..2 bathrooms were mandatory and very preferable in her view.

 

Take gentle earplugs just in case...I need those Macks on my ears...they mold on outside and don't hurt...

 

You guys can have privacy and both be on a lower bed..if the porthole 1 a's with couch that makes as a twin...it is going to be a fun try on a different place on ship..and you all can have a special something with that 500 this time..i'd mention that to the kids..learning tradeoffs..etc..have a blast..you still have outside views..right...the porthole 1 A's...terrific...Sarah

[rockraiders]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm feeling better about my choice. I forgot you can upgrade without the $50pp. I would love to upgrade but find cruising in the summer is expensive for a family of 4. I have the cruise bug and feeling withdrawal symptoms. I really need to go and this year summer is our only option.

[bags6490]

Can you do a balcony with an inside across the hall? That is what we are doing since we have 5 in our family. My hubby and I won't be sleeping in the same room though, but that has to do with the age of our kids.

[Cinnleigh]

I've always had an interior - no balcony, no views. I certainly don't feel like I've missed out on anything.

[MissKIA]

I love my balcony, but I think if I had to choose between a balcony with 4 adults in the room, or two port holes, I'd pick the two port holes. I can't imagine sharing a cabin with 2 teenagers. Little kids, maybe, but not full sized people. I think you did the right thing.

[MissKIA]

I jumped the gun and missed the part about having separate beds. I thought you were talking about portholes, not 1As. Anyway, I still wouldn't change my opinion.