Need help deciding between an aft Royal Family Suite and adjoining cabins!

[CTKath]

My problem is this - we sailed on the Norwegian Sky (ick-pooey) in August of 2001. We had aft cabins that we weren't particularly fond of because of all the soot and ash from the smokestacks. The balconies were always dirty. So when we decided to go on the AOS in August 2005, I wanted the Royal Family Suite. The problem is - they are only located aft. I currently have a Junior Suite and an adjoing D1 on Deck 9 midship which I am fine with, but I would like the concierge service that comes with the RFS, and possibly put up with the dirt issue. What would you pick? Opinions please! Any of you that love the aft cabins, do you have the soot/ash problems? Thanks.

Kath

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=008080&cdt=2005;08;14;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  The big 5-0 cruise!

08/05 - Adventure of the Seas
11/02 - Amsterdam
08/01 - Norwegian Sky
11/99 - Veendam
11/93 - Monarch of the Seas

[cruiselovinfamily]

I would say DEFINITELY go with the aft RFS. We had one on our last Explorer cruise and it was the greatest! 2 bedrooms, living room with dining area, 2 TV's, and 2 bathrooms. The balcony is HUGE - we had several lounge chairs, a table and 4 chairs which was great for eating room service orders, and some other chairs and a small table between the chairs. The balconies either port or starboard are MUCH smaller. So even having adjoining cabins will not give you nearly as much space on the balconies. The RFS sleeps 8 people!

This is the best cabin we ever had on either the Radiance class or the Voyager class. We also had a RFS on the Serenade last year. We ALWAYS book aft cabins if at all possible and have never experienced any problems at all with soot on either class of ships.

The conceirge service is a very nice added benefit to the RFS. Go for it - you won't regret it, in my opinion!!!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;08;08;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] 
until the Mariner of the Seas - Eastern Caribbean

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;02;25;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] 
until the Brilliance of the Seas - Panama Canal


RCCL Sun Viking to Western Carib*Oct'81 honeymoon
Carnival Tropicale to Mexican Riviera* Sep 1984
NCL Norway to Eastern Carib * Feb 1986
Premier Oceanic to Bahamas(Big Red Boat)* May 2000
RCCL Adventure to Southern Carib * Aug 2002
RCCL Explorer to Eastern Caribbean * Feb 2003
RCCL Radiance to Alaska * Aug 2003
RCCL Serenade to Canada * Sep 2003
RCCL Explorer to Western Carib * Feb 2004
RCCL Mariner to Eastern Carib * Aug 2004
Disney Wonder to the Bahamas * Nov 2004
RCCL Brilliance to Panama Canal * Feb 2005

[yarlenna]

Besides, you will have the services of the concierge. Everything from check in to debarkation can be sped up with that service. The value of the open bar from 5 to 8 every evening can save a fortune in sodas, beer, wine and cocktails. I would go with the RFS in a heartbeat!

Work like a dog. Live like a pauper. Save all your money. Then Cruise!

[Family of 14]

WOW! If I was so fortunate to have that choice, I would go with the Royal Family Suite also. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

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[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=4933032747&r=9113028567#9113028567"]or HERE! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img][/url]

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Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[tamtam28]

If you don't mind me asking what is the price difference?

We are booked in 2 adjoining and didn't even think about the RFS.

[img]http://www.bigotis.com/royalsmallwide.gif[/img]
Radiance of the Seas 01-02-05
Mariner of the Seas 09-19-04 (HOWL!)
Victory 01-04-04
Sovereign of the Seas 09-11-03
Sensation 06-19-03
Imagination 09-12-02
Triumph 09-09-00
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[paddy Anne]

Open bar from 5-8????? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]I this for all suites or just the Royal? I am thinking of switching if I work like a dog from now till next March.

Carnival Triumph 04/2000
Norwegian Sun 02/2004
Brilliance of the Seas 03/2005
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[Thegrif]

My family of 5 (3 kids)just did Eastern Caribb on Explorer last week and had RFS on 9th fl. With 3 kids, the premium was about $1500 (vs 2 rooms w/balcony). It was our 1st cruise, so no benchmarks, but we liked the concierge service, the ability to have 2 showers going at same time, view from balcony leaving the port and the safety of knowing your kids were back home at night (we have 3 teens). New friends w/teens that we met on board told us they found it a hassle always checking to see if their kids were back at night. room also came w/2 tvs, cd/dvd player...not that we needed much entertainment in room.