Family Cabin on Celebrity
#1
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Family Cabin on Celebrity
I am planning a family cruise on Celebrity's Constellation, 2 adults, 2 kids ages 8 and 11. I am having trouble deciding if the Family Cabin w/huge veranda is worth the extra dollars. The other option is taking a Premium Ocean View w/veranda plus an inside across the hall for the kids. Taking these two cabins comes out to $640 dollars less than one Family Cabin plus with the Premium category you get Concierge service, with the Family Cabin you don't...what to do?
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We were just on the Summit and upgraded to one of the FV (cat 3) end cabins for an additional $600. It was just my husband and me, but the extra space was wonderful and the huge balcony was a big plus. We had friends over one night for dinner on the balcony and utilized the "living room" as well. The main bedroom/bathroom area and living room area each have a TV and are separated by a sliding frosted glass door. There is tons of closet and drawer space.
That said, I think it would be cramped with two extra people and all the extra stuff.....especially kid's stuff! If you can get the two rooms cheaper than the one big one, I'd do that. Remember it will be hard to get everyone ready with only one bathroom....which is all you'll have with the family cabin. Plus you'll want a little quiet time away from the kids, right? The only drawback is that the balcony is MUCH smaller on the 1A cabins.
That said, I think it would be cramped with two extra people and all the extra stuff.....especially kid's stuff! If you can get the two rooms cheaper than the one big one, I'd do that. Remember it will be hard to get everyone ready with only one bathroom....which is all you'll have with the family cabin. Plus you'll want a little quiet time away from the kids, right? The only drawback is that the balcony is MUCH smaller on the 1A cabins.
#3
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We JUST returned from a week on the Constellation with an 11 year old and a 13 year old. We did the two cabins (ours had a small balcony, the kids had the cabin across the hall). I thought it was a great way to go; especially having 2 bathrooms! We did have the issue that the kids wanted to participate in activities that sometimes meant they were out later than we were! I was a bit uncomfortable with that, but got over it...we just required them to knock on our door before they retired for the evening. Sometimes during the night, if I woke up, I'd just slip on my Celebrity robe and walk across the hall to check on them. Make sure you have guest services issue you a key so you can get in their room when you need to. Also, we had reserved months ago...given what's happened to travel with the war, SARS, etc. , we actually got a rebate of sorts on their room.
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Thanks for the great replies. Peggi, you say you traveled with your two kids on this ship, did you find the activities and facilities adequate with kids? My other option is going on Royal Caribbean's Explorer, which my kids are more excited about since they have the ice skating, rock climbing, inline skating, etc.
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My daughter (age 11) did enjoy the activities with her age group; my son (who is much more introverted and is 13) did not participate with his group. We actually went on Celebrity as a balance between what Dad wanted (higher class of food, gourmet dining option, less of a party atmosphere). When we were docked next to a Carnival ship and my son saw the water slide, he was a little envious. I would say it boils down to who is the priority (kids or adults) and/or are you trying to strike a balance. The pool on the Constellation was on the small side, I thought...they did have a neat sports area for basketball on the upper deck. Also, there are rock climbing walls and then there are rock climbing walls...would they hold the kids'interest for a week?? I'll keep checking this forum to see if you have more questions. Hope this helps.
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I also thought the ports of call (Southern Caribbean) offered a lot to see and do: we went snorkeling, rode on a catamaran (the kids' first time), took a very exciting taxi ride on St. Lucia (because of the hairpin turns on the roads), toured Nelson's Dockyard on Antigua, went kayaking- there was lots to see and do.
#8
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Peggi,
I think I will do what you did and go for the 2 cabins. I will book Category 1A which puts us in the Concierge level with the extra amenities plus an inside across the hall for the kids. Just like you, I am trying to find a compromise between the massive 'activity oriented' ships and one that has better service and quality. Were you and your husband satisfied with the quality of the food and the ship?
I think I will do what you did and go for the 2 cabins. I will book Category 1A which puts us in the Concierge level with the extra amenities plus an inside across the hall for the kids. Just like you, I am trying to find a compromise between the massive 'activity oriented' ships and one that has better service and quality. Were you and your husband satisfied with the quality of the food and the ship?
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My husband is the "foodie"; I tend to at least try to "eat healthy". We were both satisfied (I liked eating breakfast & lunch in the Aqua Spa but I often joined him for lunch in the Seaside Cafe). But we though Ocean Liners was worth every extra penny - you MUST do that. In the San Marco restaurant, our waiter and assistant waiter were both very skilled; they were a highlight of the trip for us. We insisted that the kids join us for the 2 formal nights and the first came close to a disaster until the waiter magically appeared with a "kid friendly" menu!! We were disappointed with our regular assigned sommelier (NOT the one in Ocean Liner). Hope this helps, Maggy!