Cat 11 vs. Cat 12

[path145]

I just booked a category 11 wraparound on the Spirit sailing to Hawaii in 2011. I was wondering what the difference is in a Category 11 and a Category 12. It doesn't seem like there would be much difference and I actually like idea of the wraparound deck better! This will be my first time with a wraparound, actually my first time with any balcony. I'm afraid I'm going to get spoiled and not want anything else!

 

Patty

[WhansaMi]

I just booked a category 11 wraparound on the Spirit sailing to Hawaii in 2011. I was wondering what the difference is in a Category 11 and a Category 12. It doesn't seem like there would be much difference and I actually like idea of the wraparound deck better! This will be my first time with a wraparound, actually my first time with any balcony. I'm afraid I'm going to get spoiled and not want anything else!

 

Patty

 

We had a Cat 12 on the Spirit, and a Cat 11 aft wrap on the Pride.

 

I think which would appeal more to you has to do with how you spend your time. If you are a sunlover, consider getting the aft wrap (not deck 4). I loved the aft wrap, but unless you are on the fourth deck, it is not covered. We were on the 5th deck, so the layout of our cabin was a bit different -- one large room, rather than separated rooms. We had friends over a few times, just to enjoy the balcony. I particularly enjoyed watching the wake.

 

However, if you aren't so much a sunlover, the balcony in the Cat 12's are larger than a normal balcony and they have shade. The cabin itself was terrific -- very, very large... we had four of us in there, and if felt positively spacious. You could have easily fit another 6-8 people in there for drinks/hanging out.

 

I would do both of them again, choosing which according to the itinerary. I actually did it backwards -- I had the Cat 12 in Alaska, and the Cat 11 to the Bahamas. In retrospect, the other way around would have been great, because I don't like being in the direct sun/being hot as much. I ended up spending late afternoons/evenings on the aft wrap. If I'd had it in Alaska, I probably would have ended up sleeping out there!