Courtyard info needed

[Darthdaddy]

Hello,

I am weighing two options:

A. 2 cabins (probably deluxe balcony Cat D-3); or

B. Courtyard villa (A-3)

 

Here are some basics:

1. Total number of family members is undetermined right now...at least myself and wife plus two college-age kids.

2. We could be joined by my sister and my 89-yr old mother.

3. Mom is ambulatory, but needs some assistance and could certainly benefit from the more genteel pace of the courtyard (couldn't we all!).

 

I don't expect anyone to tell me that choice B is "worth it" or vice versa. That is something that each family has to decide on its own. I understand the various amenities that come with the A-3.

 

My real question is whether it is reasonable to think that 6 adults can be comfortable in the A-3. The master bd is beyond what my wife and I need, but it is what it is. The second bd seems very, very small, but my mom and sister can probably manage. What about the kids? Is the sofa some sort of pull out futon? It may be listed as a double bed, but is it in reality? Would it be possible to let one of the kids throw an air mattress on the floor?

 

The available units are on deck 17. Is there an elevator to the pool on deck 16? Is there a stairway? Any opinions as to which end (for or aft) of the courtyard is more convenient for someone who will need the elevator?

 

I would like to go with the A-3, because I think it would be far more manageable for my mom. However, I am concerned that trying to shoehorn 6 of us into the villa is just not realistic.

 

Any info from folks who have actually been in an A-3 would be incredibly appreciated.

Thanks to all.

[lewis4x4]

Darthdaddy, I stayed in the Deluxe Owner's Suite while my sister, husband and three kids stayed in one of the villa's... I did not stay in it but I was in and out of it allot. The master bed is nice and the 2nd room with the two single beds will work great as well. The other 2 will have to deal with the couch. I know in the Owner's Suite, the couch turned into two single beds. I assume it is the same. With that said, I would think you would be fine. The whole villa complex is worth doing. We loved it. We have cruised allot of the last several years on the nicer boats and this was the best ever.

 

As far as the elevator, there is that availablity as well as stairs. We were on level 16, which I would have to say is better. Hope you have fun either way...

[hencoll]

I don't think the bed set up will work well for six adults. In the A3, you have a double bed in the Master, a double pull out sofa bed and an upper bunk in the 2nd bedroom and the living room sofa is a single. I'm not too sure the upper bunk can even handle the weight of an adult.

[Darthdaddy]

Never thought of the possibility that 3 people would be in Bd #2. It is so small that I was semi-concerned about 2 in there.

 

If the couch would split into 2 single beds, we would be good to go. Any other A-3 passengers who can help?

 

I will probably end up calling NCL, but am skeptical about the reliability of the info I will receive.

Once again, thanks to all.

[srb162]

What about an A3 and a single room -- where I have heard that two smaller adults are comfortable too. We were in an A3 and would NOT suggest that you try to fit 6 adults in there. In fact, one of the posters on this board -- DL from Illinois or something like that -- was on our cruise and they had 5 in the room and were not comfortable. In addition to bed situation, you have to keep in mind storage. It would be very cramped and detract from the experience of the cruise. There is an elevator from 17-16 but you have to leave the Courtyard area and then go back in.

[Darthdaddy]

Yet another Q re: Courtyard:

 

is there some sort of balcony on deck 17 overlooking deck 16 pool area of the courtyard?

I picture a walkway on deck 17 that basically encircles the pool area below. If I am right, is there direct access from villas on 17 to this balcony/walkway.

 

I really appreciate the info from those who have first hand knowledge.

[Porterhouse248]

Never thought of the possibility that 3 people would be in Bd #2. It is so small that I was semi-concerned about 2 in there.

 

If the couch would split into 2 single beds, we would be good to go. Any other A-3 passengers who can help?

 

I will probably end up calling NCL, but am skeptical about the reliability of the info I will receive.

Once again, thanks to all.

 

BR2 couch pulls out to form a double -- cannot be split into 2 (same for LR couch). Max weight on pull-down bed is limited to 150 lbs.

[ascatsob]

We had 4 people in the villa, 2 adults, 1 teen and 1 child. It was just big enought not to feel crowded. I cannot imagine one or two more people in this room. It would definitely be a very tight fit and would feel very crowded. The second bedroom was great for my kids but it was very small and difficult for more than 2 to be in the room at one time.

[ascatsob]

Yet another Q re: Courtyard:

 

is there some sort of balcony on deck 17 overlooking deck 16 pool area of the courtyard?

I picture a walkway on deck 17 that basically encircles the pool area below. If I am right, is there direct access from villas on 17 to this balcony/walkway.

 

I really appreciate the info from those who have first hand knowledge.

 

There is a glassed enclosed hallway surrounding the courtyard. Off this hallway are the entrance doors to each of the suites. You need to go to deck 16 get into the courtyard.

[ninabanina]

I believe with a courtyard villa you pay for per person instead of for the room. If you go that route, you might as well reserve two rooms.

[Cubechick]

I don't think the bed set up will work well for six adults. In the A3, you have a double bed in the Master, a double pull out sofa bed and an upper bunk in the 2nd bedroom and the living room sofa is a single. I'm not too sure the upper bunk can even handle the weight of an adult.

 

I agree. I can't see 6 adults there...

[Darthdaddy]

Thanks to all who have shared their experience.

 

If I have things right, there is a "double" bed plus a fold down bunk in bed room #2. The couch in the common area also folds out into a "double."

 

Past experience is that a ship's "double" bed is awfully tight for two people over age 12-14. I'll have to chew on all this.

 

I really do appreciate the help.

[hencoll]

Thanks to all who have shared their experience.

 

If I have things right, there is a "double" bed plus a fold down bunk in bed room #2. The couch in the common area also folds out into a "double."

 

Past experience is that a ship's "double" bed is awfully tight for two people over age 12-14. I'll have to chew on all this.

 

I really do appreciate the help.

 

I don't think the sofa bed in the living room is a double... below is a picture of how it was made up in 16001, the Courtyard Villa we sailed in on the Epic TA in June.

 

[garycarla]

The penthouses are really nice, and as you said, the determination of cost is up to each family. I get really tired of people saying, "go for it, it is worth it". If it was so worth it, why do 95% of the people book something less?

 

Anyways, just a reminder if you opt for one penthouse and one extra cabin. The person(s) booked in that extra cabin is not entitled to the same perks as those that paid for them.

 

I also agree that 6 adults is a real push. Can be done, but a push.

[Sailaway Girl]

JMHO but 6 adults in that cabin also offers no privacy at all. I have sailed in the same cabin in the Dawn (AB) and the Jewel (A3) and I know 6 would not work there. And, I understand the Epic CV 's are smaller than the Dawn and Jewel same type cabins. The little bedroom on the other ships were previously described as a "childrens room". The childrens bedroom has a pull out couch that makes up into a very small double and has a pull down single bed right over it. It's really a room for 3 children. The couch actually sleeps one thus the advertisment that it is ideal for 6.

Your Mom sounds like mine, ambulatory but requiring some assistance. I would put her in a cabin where beds are not constantly being opened and closed and where she has benefit of privacy.

Again, JMHO.

[Why Knot Me]

I believe with a courtyard villa you pay for per person instead of for the room. If you go that route, you might as well reserve two rooms.

 

You pay per person no matter the type of room... courtyard villa, penthouse, balcony or otherwise.

[Darthdaddy]

I really appreciate the responses. There is no way a brochure or agent can give the same level of advice as folks who have actually spent a week in an A-3.

 

In the past we have sailed in various accommodations: just two of us in an inside cabin; 3 in an outside; 4 in a balcony; but never in the courtyard. We have done the split arrangement of having part of the family in a balcony and others across the hall in an inside. My point is that we can adapt pretty well with minimal whining and complaining from the troops. Still, I don't want to create a situation that doesn't work.

 

If not for my mom (89), we would simply go for 2 lower level cabins and be happy. The suite perks would make her trip easier and less stressful. It's not an easy call, but it will work out.

 

I'll share my info/experience when it's all over.

Thanks again to all.

[suz1607]

We just returned and had a similar situation. Having stayed in a villa with four last year, I knew that having more people in that suite would be miserable [unless 3 of them were children who could share the small bedroom]. The lower bed in the small bedroom would be a tight fit for two adults and the sofa only sleeps one. My solution was to get a villa with the penthouse next to it in the courtyard area. It was an expensive solution but provided a trip that we will always remember!

[insidecabin]

I am not sure your mix would quite work in the villa.

 

It needs the use of 2 doubles unless you get a rollaway for the living room.

 

Did not see a 150b limit on the pulman it looked like a standard one to me.

 

The living room sofa is not that comfortable either.

 

2 of the villas are bigger which would help a bit but still going to be a struggle.

 

Bathrooms are not a problem there are 2 in the villa and the courtyard spa changing rooms are available for extra showers and facilities so stick to deck 16.

 

With 6 and 1or2 sleeping in the living space you kind of need to be on similar schedules, with 2+2 or 2+3(in the baby room) you can get away with different schedules.

 

You might get away with mum(single) + sis/teen(pulman) in the small room, 2 in the living room and couple(you) in the master.

 

Be prepared to share a lot.

[Darthdaddy]

Back again with more Q's...

 

Moving beyond the issue of how many people we can squeeze in an A-3, I have some questions relating to amenities that may be important for my 89-yr old mother.

 

1. Embarkation: Am I correct that she (and rest of suite guests) will receive some level of priority boarding; will be escorted to the suite; and will be able to have lunch in courtyard restaurant on Day 1?

 

2. Dining: I understand that she will be able to access courtyard restaurant for breakfast and lunch plus dinner, if desired. I also understand that specialty reservations can be made by butler/concierge. Are there any other advantages regarding dining that folks know of?

 

3. Entertainment: I have read numerous posts concerning people---with tickets---waiting outside theater for BMG and/or Cirque Dreams for 30-60 min. This is followed by a mad dash into the theater for desirable seats. My mom simply can't do this. I have vague recollection of posts about courtyard guests being escorted to reserved seats in the theaters by butler/concierge. This would be significant for us. Is this service available?

 

4. Wheel chairs: Again, vague recollections of people posting that manual wheelchairs are available on the ship. Is this true? Has anyone here taken advantage of this? In the past we have taken a "transporter" ( light weight variant of standard wheelchair) for mom, but it would be nice to leave it at home. She doesn't need it all the time, but it is crucial, when she does.

 

4. Debarkation: Is there some sort of priority for courtyard passengers? This is far less important to us, but could be helpful.

 

As always, your help is appreciated.

[time2cruise1]

Back again with more Q's...

 

Moving beyond the issue of how many people we can squeeze in an A-3, I have some questions relating to amenities that may be important for my 89-yr old mother.

 

1. Embarkation: Am I correct that she (and rest of suite guests) will receive some level of priority boarding; will be escorted to the suite; and will be able to have lunch in courtyard restaurant on Day 1?

 

Yes that is the case.

 

2. Dining: I understand that she will be able to access courtyard restaurant for breakfast and lunch plus dinner, if desired. I also understand that specialty reservations can be made by butler/concierge. Are there any other advantages regarding dining that folks know of?

 

Your understanding is correct

 

3. Entertainment: I have read numerous posts concerning people---with tickets---waiting outside theater for BMG and/or Cirque Dreams for 30-60 min. This is followed by a mad dash into the theater for desirable seats. My mom simply can't do this. I have vague recollection of posts about courtyard guests being escorted to reserved seats in the theaters by butler/concierge. This would be significant for us. Is this service available?

 

You still need to make reservations in advance but we were always able to meet with the concierge and be escorted directly into the shows. Never waited in a line.

 

4. Wheel chairs: Again, vague recollections of people posting that manual wheelchairs are available on the ship. Is this true? Has anyone here taken advantage of this? In the past we have taken a "transporter" ( light weight variant of standard wheelchair) for mom, but it would be nice to leave it at home. She doesn't need it all the time, but it is crucial, when she does.

 

You can contact NCL in advance and have a rental chair waiting for you.

 

A dedicated special needs coordinator is available to assist guests with special needs, such as wheelchairs, seeing-eye dogs, oxygen, etc.

Email

 

accessdesk@ncl.com

 

4. Debarkation: Is there some sort of priority for courtyard passengers? This is far less important to us, but could be helpful.

 

Yes, you will be escorted off the ship and the VIP luggage will be the first off loaded.

 

As always, your help is appreciated.

 

Hope that helps.

[Darthdaddy]

Huge thanks to "time2cruise1" for the responses.

E-address for special needs coordinator is especially useful. I don't want to abuse the courtyard staff, because I'm sure they are EXTREMEMLY busy catering to everyone's whims & wishes. Still, avoiding long waits will significantly increase my mom's ability to attend and participate in a host of activities.