Considering booking NCL/Alaska 2007

[Minybear]

Ok I was thinking about booking for Alaska Princess and RCL but we (I think) decided to book NCL instead. We have not been on any of these 3 ships so it will be a new experience for us (over Disney/HAL).

 

Ok I am thinking about booking Alaska/2007 9/1 on the Star. Let me know if that is a good ship and which deck we should book over another deck.

 

I am thinking about booking either BA (10 or 11th deck) or BB (9th deck). Can you please guide me on deck is better over the other.

 

Need guidence.

 

Thank you Minybear

[electricron]

Neither the 9th or 10th deck is superior over the other.

The cabins are the same size, and there's just other cabins above and below.

 

Many prefer the aft facing balcony cabins, if you're going to book a BA, try getting one of them, on either of these decks.

 

Personally, I would also be just as happy with a balcony cabin on the 8th deck. So I would book a "guarantee" balcony cabin and save significant bucks.

[Minybear]

Neither the 9th or 10th deck is superior over the other.

The cabins are the same size, and there's just other cabins above and below.

 

Many prefer the aft facing balcony cabins, if you're going to book a BA, try getting one of them, on either of these decks.

 

Personally, I would also be just as happy with a balcony cabin on the 8th deck. So I would book a "guarantee" balcony cabin and save significant bucks.

 

Thanks for your reply. I have never booked "guarantee" so can you please explain further. I want to save enought $$ as I can. My husband has to have balcony for that cruise and I have a feeling it doesnt matter what side your on your going to see lots of stuff.

 

Thanks for your suggestion.

 

Minybear

[miami]

I am planning an '07 Alaska cruise on the Star also but in June and considering balcony cabins on either deck 9 or 10 for the same reason. Deck 11 might be noisier considering the activity from the deck above. Would not consider a "guarantee" simply because I could be placed under the pool, casino, etc. Noise factor.

[electricron]

I am planning an '07 Alaska cruise on the Star also but in June and considering balcony cabins on either deck 9 or 10 for the same reason. Deck 11 might be noisier considering the activity from the deck above. Would not consider a "guarantee" simply because I could be placed under the pool, casino, etc. Noise factor.

 

All except eight cabins on Deck 11 are mini-suites, not balconies. The eight BAs on Deck 11 are immediately adjacent to the atrium (amidship) glass enclosed elevators, a considerable distance away from any gym, swimming pool or buffet.

Save yourself some bucks if location isn't important and book a balcony guarantee. You'll pay BE fares, and may end up in a BA.

[Minybear]

Many prefer the aft facing balcony cabins, if you're going to book a BA, try getting one of them, on either of these decks.

 

Are you talking about on decks 8,9,10 the 2 rooms that are on the very end of the ship? Way aft? Why do they want one of those? Please explain.

[electricron]

There's many reasons. Here's a few I could think of, I bet others may have others.

 

#1 reason, you can see what's on both sides, port and starboard, of the ship.

#2 reason, the sights and sounds of the ship's wake.

#3 reason, there's less wind when out on the balcony.

#4 reason, you're very close to the buffet and restaurants.

[Minybear]

There's many reasons. Here's a few I could think of, I bet others may have others.

 

#1 reason, you can see what's on both sides, port and starboard, of the ship.

#2 reason, the sights and sounds of the ship's wake.

#3 reason, there's less wind when out on the balcony.

#4 reason, you're very close to the buffet and restaurants.

 

Thanks for explaination. Looks like I am going to book the aft cabins :).

[Don Haynes]

Yes, those BA cabins sandwiched in between the suites on the stern of the ship are ideal cabins, but keep in mind they are usually the first booked If they are already gone, book a guaranteed balcony, and hope for a BA instead of a BE, even though there isn't much difference between the staterooms except their price. The Star has a lot of mini suites on the deck below the lido deck, as Electricron noted, the few BA cabins on that deck are near the atrium, so they should be quiet staterooms.

[Minybear]

Yes, those BA cabins sandwiched in between the suites on the stern of the ship are ideal cabins, but keep in mind they are usually the first booked If they are already gone, book a guaranteed balcony, and hope for a BA instead of a BE, even though there isn't much difference between the staterooms except their price. The Star has a lot of mini suites on the deck below the lido deck, as Electricron noted, the few BA cabins on that deck are near the atrium, so they should be quiet staterooms.

 

Thanks for your response. I noticed on line w/NCL that I cannot book at BE and there is no guaranteed rooms period on there. So it looks like I am going to book the BA. I will either try for those stern cabins or the cabins on the lido deck.

[lvtotrvl1]

I would suggest calling a TA to help you through this. At least compare prices. NCL has sales quite often that the TA will know about. They may be able to help you with the guarantee.

[Minybear]

I would suggest calling a TA to help you through this. At least compare prices. NCL has sales quite often that the TA will know about. They may be able to help you with the guarantee.

 

Would you believe the TA I had called didnt want to book me until Fall!!!:(. I am deciding whether to book NCL or RCL and RCL dates for 2007 come in on Tueday 4/26. So on Tuesday I will decide which itinerary to book and which cruiseline. I did speak to someone at Norweigen and she said if I called her she would give me a lesser rate then whats on the web site. So right now leaning towards NCL for 9/2007. Unknown if I want a guarantee but I do want the less expensive rate.