Cost effectiveness of suites?

[novasonic]

I want to plan a cruise for my friends and I in 2010, so I'm starting to do some of my research now. We're all going to be just out of college..so I'm trying to make it as cost effective as possible.

 

Considering the group for now is about 6 people (with more possible between now and 2010) I'm trying to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of getting one large cabin or a few smaller cabins. Ideally, I think it would be fun for all of us to be together in a single cabin, as if there were many cabins I'm sure we'd all be spending most of the time in one cabin. Also, it'd be easier to know where everyone is when we want to do things on port days. Since only the larger full sized suites generally have space for 4+ occupancy, how much better is this than getting multiple cabins? And how about rollaway beds-can you just request them?

 

Space is not really an issue I guess..although who wouldn't want more space? :p Price is one of the main factors. I'm trying to find out information about family suites but I can never find enough pricing information, since I'd have to call. Eventually, I'd ask my TA about things like this but just wanted to know if anyoe had any bits of helpful advice.

[Roz]

The biggest issue is bathrooms. In most cases, a suite is only going to have 1 bathroom, and I think the max # of people in a family suite is only 5 (only some cruise lines have them). If you feel the need to all be together, why not get adjoining cabins (2 or 3) where the there are doors on the common wall that can open into the next room?

 

You may have an issue on some lines if you're all under the age of 25. A TA should be able to advise you and work thru these issues.

 

Roz

[sail7seas]

Look at NCL. They have some sort of huge suite that can accomodate your group.

Most cruise ships do not have cabins that permit 6 persons in one cabin.

One bathroom would certainly be a problem IMO

 

 

 

And definitely research the age factor as Roz suggest. You may not be permitted to book/sail if you are all under 25.

 

[cb at sea]

Since you're just out of college (or that age, anyway), lack of space and bathrooms won't be that much of a factor. Young 20-somethings have learned to deal with such situations!!!

Just pick the trip you want, and start pricing! There are so many places to be on the ship, that hanging out in the cabin is probably not where you'll spend most of your time!

As far as cots....each cabin has a designated occupancy--they may give you 1 cot, but not a bunch!

[moniquet]

Please let us know which ship you choose...and cabin number;)

[caribsun]

Look at the ajoining oceanview cabins, that will give you more room and 2 bathrooms.

[novasonic]

Thanks for the replies.

 

As for the age issues, some travel websites have conflicting information, but I think most if not all the lines I'm interested in require everyone to be of age 21 or older, which we will all be. I will look more into this!

 

The bathroom matter...that I really never thought of. But that's why I'm interested in some larger suites, perhaps family suites. Like NCL's Courtyard Villa, seems to be able to accomodate 4-5 with two bathrooms, that's pretty decent. And Royal Caribbean has the Royal Family suite, which can fit 6, or the Aquatheater suites on the Oasis which are pretty much the same. But one thing I forgot to mention, I know the first 2 passengers are full price but others after are discounted; do family suites have cheaper rates for higher occupancy? I remember reading that the first two passengers could be full price (lets say $1900) but then the rest would be super cheap (something like $300?)

 

For connecting staterooms, I'm just trying to strike a balance between price and "feel", I guess. I don't think we'd mind paying a little more to share and enjoy some higher amenities like a bigger balcony or any suite perks :D

 

But since this cruise is so far away, I'm not really sure what to think yet. It would probably be a caribbean itinerary in June, which pretty much limits us (according to my assessment of the June 2009 schedules) to Princess and Royal Caribbean. And would like to try a newer ship if at all possible :o

[Bruin Steve]

I want to plan a cruise for my friends and I in 2010, so I'm starting to do some of my research now. We're all going to be just out of college..so I'm trying to make it as cost effective as possible.

 

Considering the group for now is about 6 people (with more possible between now and 2010) I'm trying to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of getting one large cabin or a few smaller cabins. Ideally, I think it would be fun for all of us to be together in a single cabin, as if there were many cabins I'm sure we'd all be spending most of the time in one cabin. Also, it'd be easier to know where everyone is when we want to do things on port days. Since only the larger full sized suites generally have space for 4+ occupancy, how much better is this than getting multiple cabins? And how about rollaway beds-can you just request them?

 

Space is not really an issue I guess..although who wouldn't want more space? :p Price is one of the main factors. I'm trying to find out information about family suites but I can never find enough pricing information, since I'd have to call. Eventually, I'd ask my TA about things like this but just wanted to know if anyoe had any bits of helpful advice.

 

Suites aren't really necessarily all that "cost-effective"...

 

Obviously, how many people they might hold and what they might cost really depends on the particular cruise line and ship, but, for the most part, they really aren't designed for your criteria and situation...

 

Most Suites are VERY high cost and aimed at people with LOTS of money...They often have additional amenities such as balconies with jacuzzis, butler service, dining tables, sitting areas, etc.--and you PAY dearly for all of that...

 

Some lines have "Family" cabins--larger cabins with room for extra bunks for kids--for families that won't squeeze into a standard "quad" cabin--like people with THREE or more kids...But, putting several adults, even young adults, into one of these would still feel major "cramped"...Yeah, ONE BATHROOM...and these bathrooms are TINY...just doesn't work real well...

 

IMHO, you are best off, with six people, to get THREE cabins...Even using triples or quads to put more than two in a cabin can be uncomfortable...Someone's going to be in a "top bunk"...and there will be not enough closet and drawer space...From my experience, separate inside cabins often cost not much more (and sometimes less) than 3rd and 4th passenger rates...

 

If you want to economize, get three INSIDE cabins...See if the line has an "inside guarantee" rate at a lower fare...With this, the cruise line, not you, picks your cabins and you could end up anywhere on the ship--but you might save money...and you might get upgraded...If it's important to you to have your cabins close together, then don't go for the guarantee...

 

The reason I'd go with the inside cabin is 1) It's the lowest price and 2) You will quickly find out you are NOT spending all that much time in your cabin or cabins...You will go there to sleep, change your clothes and use the bathroom...So, not even having a window or balcony matters that much (unless you don't care about the money --and I get the feeling that's not the case here)...

 

You will soon find particular places on board where you will meet and hang out...at least when you're not eating a meal or at a show or particular activity...

 

You will either find a great table up by the buffet...or a nice corner on the pool deck...or some sofas in one of the lounges or public areas...and you'll make it your standard meeting place...You'll likely meet others onboard in your age group to hang out with and this is where you'll "entertain"...All of those "public areas" on the ship will become YOUR balcony, YOUR sitting room, your space...Some spaces are right in the heart of crowds and traffic, others are sort of quiet and remote (especially in the late night hours, the pool deck or the buffet may be fairly quiet)...Find where it is that you like to be...Hang out THERE until it's time to go to bed...and arrange when and where to meet up in the morning...

 

Have fun...

[DonnaK]

The rest of the passengers, while less than full-price, are rarely as low as $300. Often it's about half of the 1st/2nd, unless you're sailing way off-season or if you get very lucky.

 

Rather than a suite, look into two connecting cabins (or adjacent cabins on ships that allow the balcony divider to be opened between them). This will give you more room than a suite, more real beds (as opposed to uncomfortable sofa beds), and more bathrooms, while keeping with your wish to all be staying somewhat together. Usually two non-suite cabins are less than one suite costs.

[sail7seas]

Oh my goodness........

 

 

:D I hope we're not next door. :eek:

 

 

Kidding........

 

 

Sure you'll all have a great time

[Bruin Steve]

I tried to look up cruises on the RCCL website....

And, it's sort of hard to find stuff on June 2010...Just Oasis of the Seas and they're not even showing prices on a number of categories...

 

So, just to gauge the thing, I went to June 2009...

 

As an example, I pulled down the Liberty of the Seas June 20 sailing...

I still can't get a price on the "Family Suites" through the website--I am imagining either they are all booked well in advance...or they want you to book those direct, not over the net...

 

In any event, the MUCH smaller (317 sf) Junior Suites cost, for that sailing, $2479 each for the first two passengers and $1099 each for the 3rd and 4th passengers in the cabin...The 588 sf Royal Family Suite should run WAY more than that...There is something called a "Family Inside" on this ship...and maybe thT's what you want...and I just noted it says "Please note: A minimum number of guests may apply. To reserve this stateroom, please contact your travel agent or one of our Certified Vacation Specialists." I believe it still does have only one bathroom...and my guess is that it's got a specific demand by larger families with smaller kids--people who can't just put their kids in a room across the hall...so, by laws of supply and demand, they are going to get a nice price for it...

 

In comparison to the cost for a suite, for that same sailing, you could get inside cabins for $1179 pp and windows for $1299 pp..Balconies right now are $1699 pp...With three inside cabins, you will still get OVER 450 square feet, THREE bathrooms and lots more closet and drawer space...and, again, I believe you will save a great deal of money...Plus, if anyone wants a little privacy or just has had enough partying, they can go to their own space...

 

BTW, RCCL will allow you to book at your age...My daughter and her old college roommate, both under 25, just cruised on the Freedom of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean in September...loved it...

[Peregrina651]

I want to plan a cruise for my friends and I in 2010, so I'm starting to do some of my research now. We're all going to be just out of college..so I'm trying to make it as cost effective as possible.

 

Considering the group for now is about 6 people (with more possible between now and 2010) I'm trying to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of getting one large cabin or a few smaller cabins. Ideally, I think it would be fun for all of us to be together in a single cabin, as if there were many cabins I'm sure we'd all be spending most of the time in one cabin. Also, it'd be easier to know where everyone is when we want to do things on port days. Since only the larger full sized suites generally have space for 4+ occupancy, how much better is this than getting multiple cabins? And how about rollaway beds-can you just request them?

 

Space is not really an issue I guess..although who wouldn't want more space? :p Price is one of the main factors. I'm trying to find out information about family suites but I can never find enough pricing information, since I'd have to call. Eventually, I'd ask my TA about things like this but just wanted to know if anyone had any bits of helpful advice.

 

The only way to actually compare your various choices is to make a spread sheet. You will see how much each choice costs and then you can make a list of pros and cons for each choice. You can call the cruise line and ask what the surcharges and taxes are per person since this information should be included in your spread sheet. Don't assume that that they the same rate for all categories just so that you don't miscalculate.

 

Think about including airfare in the cost of the cruise (even if you buying it separately) --and deciding if you will subsidize those who have more expensive flights to get to the departure port.

 

How are you going to divide the cost of each cabin?

 

 

 

[wrp96]

I tried to look up cruises on the RCCL website....

And, it's sort of hard to find stuff on June 2010...Just Oasis of the Seas and they're not even showing prices on a number of categories...

 

So, just to gauge the thing, I went to June 2009...

 

As an example, I pulled down the Liberty of the Seas June 20 sailing...

I still can't get a price on the "Family Suites" through the website--I am imagining either they are all booked well in advance...or they want you to book those direct, not over the net...

 

 

Just an FYI, you can't get pricing on the family staterooms for RCCL online because they require a minimum of 5 people to book - and the maximum number allowed to be booked online is 4 people. Occasionally they remove the minimum booking requirements and the family staterooms will appear online, but it isn't that common. You have to call to check price and availability for the family staterooms and family suites.

[novasonic]

There are so many choices, it's so overwhelming! But I guess getting separate cabins would probably be the best choice, then. How exactly do these work? There's just a door between adjacent cabins? Is there a change in layout, like a common area perhaps? One of these days, I guess we're all going to have to discuss the options.

 

You will either find a great table up by the buffet...or a nice corner on the pool deck...or some sofas in one of the lounges or public areas...and you'll make it your standard meeting place...You'll likely meet others onboard in your age group to hang out with and this is where you'll "entertain"...All of those "public areas" on the ship will become YOUR balcony, YOUR sitting room, your space...Some spaces are right in the heart of crowds and traffic, others are sort of quiet and remote (especially in the late night hours, the pool deck or the buffet may be fairly quiet)...Find where it is that you like to be...Hang out THERE until it's time to go to bed...and arrange when and where to meet up in the morning...

 

I like that description! But don't some public areas close late at night? Some of us night owls, I was always wondering whether or not they closed the pool and bars late at night. But thinking about all the choices gets me excited! :o

 

The only way to actually compare your various choices is to make a spread sheet. You will see how much each choice costs and then you can make a list of pros and cons for each choice. You can call the cruise line and ask what the surcharges and taxes are per person since this information should be included in your spread sheet. Don't assume that that they the same rate for all categories just so that you don't miscalculate.

 

Think about including airfare in the cost of the cruise (even if you buying it separately) --and deciding if you will subsidize those who have more expensive flights to get to the departure port.

 

How are you going to divide the cost of each cabin?

 

This is excellent advice..I will definitely do this when the Summer 2010 itineraries come out. For most lines, hopefully the fuel supplements would be phased out by then, correct? But then again, the base prices would probably rise as a method of compensation. I'm not quite sure what you mean by dividing the cost..I think it would be fair to divide it equally amongst the number of occupants. All other expenses would be itemized I guess, and then each person would pay for however much they spent. On that note, most money you spent on board comes in the form of things like drinks, etc right? That might be a problem...;)

 

I'm waiting for that lottery jackpot. Then I wouldn't have to worry so much :D

[kitty9]

Some advice for you. The largest cabins/suites book early, along with the inside cabins. Booking early would allow you the largest number of cabin choices. Plus, if you book late, they limit the number of passengers in their cabins. Once they reach the passenger lifeboat capacity, they will only allow 2 people to book a cabin that could hold 4. So, time is of the essence.

 

You will find very few connecting cabins, those with interior doors connecting those cabins, and those only connect two cabins, not more.

[cruiselover57]

I want to plan a cruise for my friends and I in 2010, so I'm starting to do some of my research now. We're all going to be just out of college..so I'm trying to make it as cost effective as possible.

 

Considering the group for now is about 6 people (with more possible between now and 2010) I'm trying to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of getting one large cabin or a few smaller cabins. Ideally, I think it would be fun for all of us to be together in a single cabin, as if there were many cabins I'm sure we'd all be spending most of the time in one cabin. Also, it'd be easier to know where everyone is when we want to do things on port days. Since only the larger full sized suites generally have space for 4+ occupancy, how much better is this than getting multiple cabins? And how about rollaway beds-can you just request them?

 

Space is not really an issue I guess..although who wouldn't want more space? :p Price is one of the main factors. I'm trying to find out information about family suites but I can never find enough pricing information, since I'd have to call. Eventually, I'd ask my TA about things like this but just wanted to know if anyoe had any bits of helpful advice.

 

Just book 2-3 per cabin and save your $$. If you book early, chances are, you can get some connecting rooms or at least all in a row. As another poster mentioned, a suite won't necessarily have another full bathroom. I think on NCL, they have these Garden Suites that can accommodate up to 14 people with 3 bedrooms, maybe a foldout couch or two and possibly 2 full bathrooms but they're going to be very expensive.

[Peregrina651]

There's just a door between adjacent cabins? Is there a change in layout, like a common area perhaps? One of these days, I guess we're all going to have to discuss the options.

 

Just a door between two mirror imaged cabins -- no common area, no extra space just because they connect.

 

 

I like that description! But don't some public areas close late at night? Some of us night owls, I was always wondering whether or not they closed the pool and bars late at night. But thinking about all the choices gets me excited! :o

 

Well, the pool closes and the bartenders eventually close the bars so they can get some sleep but there is always a place for night-owls to hang out and watch the sunrise. Uh, just keep the voices down cuz some of parental-types are trying to sleep

 

I'm not quite sure what you mean by dividing the cost..I think it would be fair to divide it equally amongst the number of occupants. All other expenses would be itemized I guess, and then each person would pay for however much they spent. On that note, most money you spent on board comes in the form of things like drinks, etc right? That might be a problem...;)

 

Actually you do understand.

 

When you budget for this trip, keep in mind that your passsage is just the start of your expenses and that it may represent less than half of what you will end up spending.

 

Instead of itemizing, make sure that each person's sea-pass is connected to his own credit card and not one bill for the whole room--it will be so much easier than having to sit down and figure out who spent what. Then the only things you will have to itemize are shared expenses like cabs.

I'm waiting for that lottery jackpot. Then I wouldn't have to worry so much :D

In the meantime, start putting those pennies away. (Sorry, couldn't resist: been doing the mother thing for way too long).