Can I ask a very blunt and nosy question?

[Suesan Jean]

I have been reading all these responses and would like to add my own reason.

 

Back in 2005 we were offered an upsell from an AF to an AB on the Norwegian Dawn (our FIRST cruise....!!!), after reading all about an AB, here on Cruise Critic, I accepeted QUICKLY and HAPPILY.....!!!

 

From the MOMENT we walked in the door, WE WERE SOLD.....!!! Never again would we book anything less.....!!!

 

We are NOT rich, my DH is a retired New York City Police Officer, I am a retired cook, we do own rental property, but nothing major. Our income is FAR BELOW the majority of people living in our area, we are "comfortable". We do have one child, so we don't have the added cost of extra children. (we would have LOVED more kids, but, it just was not to be......)

 

For us, I think the EXTRA SPACE is (an AB (on the Dawn or an Owners Suite on the Crown and Dream) what we LOVE THE MOST......!!! :D

 

I also book as early as possible and search around for the BEST PRICE POSSIBLE.....!!! My "mantra" in booking a cruise is "How Low Can You Go....???!!!" With NCL you can do that, not so much with Royal Caribbean. Their prices are just about cast-in-stone. I also try and get OBC, the more the BETTER....!!!

 

The Dawn AB's are especially great because it gives my teenage DD her own space and bathroom. Plus, I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Master Bath.....!!! For me, having a bathroom that size is SUCH A TREAT.....!!! My two bathrooms at home are VERY, VERY SMALL.....!!! So, the spaciousness is QUITE DELIGHTFULL......!!! :D

 

I personally don't like small spaces, I am claustrophobic, I have visited people in their cabins, and I just could NOT imagine staying in a regular balcony cabin, an AF, a cabin with a "view" and DEFINITELY NOT an inside.....!!!:eek:

 

Plus, my DH is a big/tall guy and he just would NOT fit in the shower stall in cabins with just a shower stall. That is why when I booked our first cruise on the Dawn I picked an AF, it had a tub/shower combo.

 

Also, when I booked my first cruise in 2004 for the Dawn, I signed up for the NCL Master Card. The Compass Rewards Program was FANTASTIC......!!!

 

We charged EVERYTHING......!!! Those reward certificates were SUPER....!!! EVERY cruise, I would use anywhere from $1000 to $1500 in Reward Certificates towards the cruise. That REALLY took the "sting" out of the final payment. It made staying in a Penthouse, OK.

 

We are using our last Compass Rewards Certificates for our Dawn cruise this August, I WILL MISS THEM......!!!:(

 

For the cruise I have planned for 2011, I am going to use all the extra "Cash Back" I will accrue with my Discover Card and AARP Card. These cards are NOT as good as the old NCL Master Card, but, I hope to accrue at least a $1000 towards that cruise.

 

Also, when ever we have gone on trips, by time you add in the airfare, rental car, hotel, meals, day adventures, etc...... It usually is in the thousands of dollars, so the cost difference of a cruise to a land vacation is usually not that much.

 

We do take one big vacation a year and maybe a small weekend trip throughout the year. We don't go away alot because we have four dogs, two cats and 50 Goldfish and Koi in a pond, so, we need a "House/Animal Sitter". Which is usually my SIL and we don't want to take advantage of her kindness and go away to often. She does have a life too.....

 

So, for us, a "Penthouse Suite" suits us and makes us HAPPY......!!!:D

[gottacruisemore]

Someone on the boards once said, "Get the highest category you can afford," I think that is appropriate.

 

I have been in an inside, oceanview, and balcony. When I was taking multiple vacations a year (mostly land based) a cheap cabin was the way to go. After being in an inside cabin I know I can never do that again, I personally need at least a porthole. Since buying a condo in 2005, my mother and I have not had an actual vacation. So now that I have paid off my car and worked on my debt I feel we deserve a nice vacation.

 

For our upcoming cruise we have a stern suite and it was sort of a splurge, but we booked in Feb. 2009 which gave us 8 months to pay it off. We you break it down into monthly payments it was doable, for me. It meant taking my lunch to work, cooking dinner at home, and watching my unnecessary spending. But I am booked in the room I want to be in, I don't want to take the chance on an upsell. Although you read about it a lot on CC, upsells are rare, IMO.

 

Everyone has different priorities, now that I vacation less, I want what I want. I am paying for it so I want to stay someplace nice. However, I make sure all my bills are paid.

[Terrafreaky]

We're DINKs - no debt other than the mortgage, frugal by nature, & we definitely shop around for deals.

[Terrafreaky]

Hi Folks - I find this thread to be very interesting. If I may, I'm wondering why those of you that do cruise in suites wouldn't cruise twice as often in a balcony or maybe three times as many cruises in an interior? In other words, are the perks of a suite that much better than cruising way more often? Thanks!:)

 

We've decided to go about once every 6 months. We could drop to a balcony instead of an AE and go much more often, but I think I'd run out of vacation time! Gotta save some days to get things done around the house.

[ROBALIS]

Anyone want 2 kids? Honey, lets ditch the kids and book that suite!!!

[Terrafreaky]

I've been thinking a little more about this. Another thing about cruising is that we live in Kansas - every cruise we take involves airfare and a night at a hotel. (we fly in the day before for my mental health.) I'm cheap and shop around for deals on hotel and air but I'd still rather spend the 'extra' money on a better cabin instead of spending extra to buy more plane tickets and hotel nights. We're big cabin people and definitely get our money's worth as far as in-room time is concerned.

[Cary T]

We got hooked on cruising when planning a trip to Bermuda and finding how much more affordable it was to cruise from NYC than to fly and stay in a hotel. We are in our early 50's, both work and make average incomes. We book what we can afford, inside (only once), a few ocean views and, on our last cruise, we decided to 'splurge' on a BA. A week before the cruise we got an e-mail offering an upsell to the A3 courtyard villa which we jumped on.

We have booked an aft balcony on the Pearl for Oct. and I will be content with that. But if we get the chance to upgrade to a suite I may be hard-pressed to turn it down!

[NayRN]

I am a registered nurse and make a decent living. I am also a full-time grad student footing the entire college bill on my own. With that said, my sister and I have made the decision to splurge on a cruise every other year. We book as early as possible with our TA, pay whatever deposit is due at the time ($3000 for the upcoming Owner's Suite:eek:) and pay the remainder off monthly. This will be our second time in a suite (the first being an AD) and I will only book a suite with her - I know she's good for half the bill!

 

So, if you have children, especially in college, you probably won't be splurging on a suite. But, no matter where you sleep on a cruise, it's all good! You're on vacation!:cool:

 

NayRN

[lovesublime]

Keep in mind, that unless you are retired, you usually can't get time off from your job to go on vacation. We go on a cruise once a year and always reserved a balcony cabin and earlier this year we reserved a penthouse at the stern. For future cruises, it's only penthouse at the stern. Once a year, it's got to be the best I can afford. Happy Cruisin':)

 

 

This is not true for everyone. My DH is early 40's and gets six weeks paid vacation a year. In addition, he gets comp time because he often works in the evenings, weekends and travels heavily for his company. He always takes two weeks off at Christmas and the rest is flexible. I only work part time and can take off whenever I want.

[TxnAquarian]

We always cruise in a suite. We spend waaaay too much time in our room to go with anything smaller. And sailing in a suite really helps insulate you from the "mass market"-feel of cruising, with the VIP dining perks and the butler and concierge.

 

We are not rich by any means. But my partner and I are DINKS - Double Income, No Kids, and debt-free. So we have the disposable income to splurge. Plus, some great deals can be had depending on what cruises you look at. We tend to go off-season to avoid school breaks and that is when we have gotten our best deals.

 

 

Michael

[Stillfloatin']

No choice is "wrong." Ultimately, if you feel good about the choices you make, then they are the right choices for you.

 

And, my personal opinion is, no one is "better" than anyone else just because they sail in a suite. They simply chose to spend more money for amenities, space, whatever it was that was important to them. The folks who saved for a year for an inside cabin are also making a memory and deserve every bit of respect, kindness and courtesy.

 

Very well stated, and an excellent attitude too!

[Stillfloatin']

If you're a gambler, then Casinos At Sea (CAS) is another way to reduce the price of the cruise.

 

Ha ha, that's a good one. We get "free" cabins thru CAS but trust me, except for the rare cruise where we hit a few jackpots, those free cabins have cost us plenty! :eek:

[welove2cruise232]

We've sailed NCL MANY times (I've lost count -- 17?) and twice in a suite (AC on the Dawn, owner's suite on the Majesty, I don't count the two minis). The Dawn was an upsell, the Majesty was an upgrade. As much as we LOVE the suite life, we'll stick with balcony or better so we can cruise often. For our upcoming Spirit cruise (third this year) we had originally intended to cruise the week after what we eventually booked, and would have booked an AD, but of course none were available on the 7/17 cruise. We've got a great cabin on the Spirit (looks like anyway) and we're looking forward to seeing what this "new, secret cabin" is like.:)

 

We get great perks as platinum latitudes members, so we're happy with NCL no matter what category we book!:D

[Mr Owl]

Another DINK club member. We also booked pretty early (seems that mattered, because the price has since doubled.)

 

We like a lot of space when we travel, so the suite was the "normal" choice for us. Being new to cruising, we didn't know about the perks... so it was cool when we found out about that stuff. :)

[Budget Queen]

This is not true for everyone. My DH is early 40's and gets six weeks paid vacation a year. In addition, he gets comp time because he often works in the evenings, weekends and travels heavily for his company. He always takes two weeks off at Christmas and the rest is flexible. I only work part time and can take off whenever I want.

 

 

 

This is true for me too, I travel 12 weeks per year, with 8 paid off and 4 swapped off with coworkers. This is my "standard", and with that I am the one in the cheapest of the cheap inside cabins, but I also cruise at least 4 weeks/year, 2007 did 7 weeks on 6 cruises. It's all about whats the deal of the day. I booked a 2 week NewZealand deal 3 weeks in advance this Jan. Didn't plan on going there, but I had time blocked off, and was looking for something. :) I've been on 61 cruises, so I no longer go for the "ship" but for where it can take me.

[hat776]

It's fascinating reading all these different opinions.

 

On Med cruises you don't have much time to get the best value of a suite (in my opinion). I enjoy dressing up and going to a restaurant for dinner - I would prefer it even if we had a suite.

What I'd love to try are those bathrooms with lage wall to wall windows .

[travelmatron]

Thank you OP. What and interesting thread this is. The answers have been as varied as the people who cruise in suites.

On another thread, someone once posted the advice, “Book the least expensive room on the best line possible. The meals, shows, bands, ports, common areas and public services are the same for everyone on the ship.” For many people that may be good advice. For us, we’d rather have the suite. My husband has some very serious health issues, including an immune deficiency. We enjoy our cabin time away from the crowds. It’s large enough that we’re truly comfortable. We’d much rather have the butler serve breakfast or lunch than use the buffet. It’s SOOO nice not the wait in lines to board or use the tender. And life’s short. It is for everybody, we just happen to understand that on a more personal level.

There are some keys to being able to cruise in suites if you aren’t rich. Many of us are frugal in the areas of our lives that aren’t important to us. Some choose to live below their means in housing, clothes, entertainment, or cars. When a suite is your priority, you can often find ways of budgeting, planning far ahead, and shopping carefully. Not having, or being past the financial responsibilities of children is exceptionally helpful. It’s funny how kids are often our priorities rather than the size of our cabins.

One other thought I'd like to add here: When you stop to think about it, all of us on this board should take a moment to just be grateful. Whether we're hoping to take our first cruise someday, or are regular suite passangers, we're all thinking about cruises in our own lives. Most of the people in the world today don't have the luxury of thinking of a cruise as a personal possiblity.

[Chuck2810]

When we traveled in the Owner's suite back in January, we paid only $220.00 total to upgrade from an already bargain of $900 in a BA balcony on the Sky. Incidently, the Owner's suite beside us had the exact same upgrade from the same BA as us. We considered this a once in a lifetime, and would never be able to consider paying full price.

 

Same here... (in fact we were neighbors...) That said an AE suite is only $300 more for 7 days - and you get butler, breakfast and dinner at Cagney's....

[njhorseman]

Same here... (in fact we were neighbors...) That said an AE suite is only $300 more for 7 days - and you get butler, breakfast and dinner at Cagney's....

 

 

Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's. You have to pay for dinner there just like everyone else.

[Chuck2810]

Same here... (in fact we were neighbors...) That said an AE suite is only $300 more for 7 days - and you get butler, breakfast and dinner at Cagney's.....

 

Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's. You have to pay for dinner there just like everyone else.

 

 

Sorry, being a southerner, I should translate. Dinner = noontime meal.

[riddle]

I cruise with either my DD or DH. We never spend much time in the room except sleeping. We once had a balcony and I was lonely out there for action (plus only had sitting chairs (no lounge) and was not very comfortable. I would rather be with the masses where the action is.

 

We have ALWAYS gotten either an upgrade or an upsell on NCL. I have booked inside several times but never stayed in one.

 

I have booked an inside for 8/2 with DD to Bermuda on the Dawn. This may be the exception as we booked through CAS (I have heard upsells from them are very rare). Anyone have more experience with that? Anyway, as I always say, it is what it is. We will Go with The Flow, Roll With the Punches and Eat Chocolate. We don't sweat the small stuff - and it is all small stuff when vacation irritations occur. That is the recipe for a wonderful vacation.

 

I could not afford a suite except at the expense of not cruising as often (generally once a year). It is not worth the extra dollars to us.

[Chuck2810]

One solution Dave Ramsey... Live like no one else!

[DMH15]

Travelmatron-

 

Thank you for your lovely post. I am grateful that something I love so much as travel (especially cruising) has been possible for me. I am one of those without kids. It just turned out that way. I get to spoil my sister's kids. In fact my mom and I took my nephew on a trip to NYC which included a cruise (2 night) on the NCL Dawn as his 18th birthday present. I know I am lucky that even with frugality in other areas of my life that vacations are still possible for me. It is wonderful to have a vacation getaway to look forward to. I am off to the wonderful Red Rock Resort and Spa in Las Vegas for my birthday in two weeks. As lovely as the view might be - even of the bright lights of the Strip at night it can't compare with the view from my aft balcony on the Sun in February... Oh well.

[suzyed]

Thank you OP. What and interesting thread this is. The answers have been as varied as the people who cruise in suites.

 

On another thread, someone once posted the advice, “Book the least expensive room on the best line possible. The meals, shows, bands, ports, common areas and public services are the same for everyone on the ship.” For many people that may be good advice. For us, we’d rather have the suite. My husband has some very serious health issues, including an immune deficiency. We enjoy our cabin time away from the crowds. It’s large enough that we’re truly comfortable. We’d much rather have the butler serve breakfast or lunch than use the buffet. It’s SOOO nice not the wait in lines to board or use the tender. And life’s short. It is for everybody, we just happen to understand that on a more personal level.

 

There are some keys to being able to cruise in suites if you aren’t rich. Many of us are frugal in the areas of our lives that aren’t important to us. Some choose to live below their means in housing, clothes, entertainment, or cars. When a suite is your priority, you can often find ways of budgeting, planning far ahead, and shopping carefully. Not having, or being past the financial responsibilities of children is exceptionally helpful. It’s funny how kids are often our priorities rather than the size of our cabins.

 

One other thought I'd like to add here: When you stop to think about it, all of us on this board should take a moment to just be grateful. Whether we're hoping to take our first cruise someday, or are regular suite passangers, we're all thinking about cruises in our own lives. Most of the people in the world today don't have the luxury of thinking of a cruise as a personal possiblity.

I agree with many of your points...we are all very lucky that we still get to take vacations and that many times we are able to cruise...it's great!

As far as the kids being the priority...well of course, people and especially family have to come first over anything else..it's what makes life worthwhile...the niceties like vacations and nice cars and houses...are just the icing on the cake! :D

[terrymtex01]

Thank you OP. What and interesting thread this is. The answers have been as varied as the people who cruise in suites.

 

On another thread, someone once posted the advice, “Book the least expensive room on the best line possible. The meals, shows, bands, ports, common areas and public services are the same for everyone on the ship.” For many people that may be good advice. For us, we’d rather have the suite. My husband has some very serious health issues, including an immune deficiency. We enjoy our cabin time away from the crowds. It’s large enough that we’re truly comfortable. We’d much rather have the butler serve breakfast or lunch than use the buffet. It’s SOOO nice not the wait in lines to board or use the tender. And life’s short. It is for everybody, we just happen to understand that on a more personal level.

 

There are some keys to being able to cruise in suites if you aren’t rich. Many of us are frugal in the areas of our lives that aren’t important to us. Some choose to live below their means in housing, clothes, entertainment, or cars. When a suite is your priority, you can often find ways of budgeting, planning far ahead, and shopping carefully. Not having, or being past the financial responsibilities of children is exceptionally helpful. It’s funny how kids are often our priorities rather than the size of our cabins.

 

One other thought I'd like to add here: When you stop to think about it, all of us on this board should take a moment to just be grateful. Whether we're hoping to take our first cruise someday, or are regular suite passangers, we're all thinking about cruises in our own lives. Most of the people in the world today don't have the luxury of thinking of a cruise as a personal possiblity.

 

Very good posting. You said what I was trying to say but I didn't do a good job of it. Another thing we try very hard to do is to balance living today and putting away for tomorrow. I don't want us to put every penny we can away for retirement and not have fun and beautiful memories of things we like to do today. What if one or both of us never make it to retirement? Then we would have sacrificed our today for tomorrow for nothing. We try the best we can to balance the two so we can enjoy being with each other both today, and hopefuly for many many many years to come.