Norwegian Encore, Mini suite worth the up charge? Looking for extra room, family of 5

[Black_Pearl]

This is cruise #5 for me, #3 on NCL.  We are a family of 5 with 3 young kids and last cruise (the Star) we had an amazing suite, definitely got spoiled by that.  We're planning a cruise with extended family on the Encore next summer and I'm trying to get something similar to the last suite we had.  It's looking like the Haven is more than we want to spend but the only other option seems to be a Mini-suite, which is looking like a regular balcony with a larger shower?  I'm also reading that you don't get any of he suite perks with a Mini-SUITE, so what's the point?  $200 more per person per day for a roomy shower but still very cramped room and no other perks?

 

Please let me know if I'm missing anything

[KeithJenner]

You aren't really missing anything. There is very little difference between the Mini Suites and Balconies, especially on the newer ships.

[PTC DAWG]

The bathroom is close to twice the size...will any of the 5 be using it together?  🙂 Plenty of room in the shower for 2...much bigger sink too..two can easily stand in front of it to get ready..the Bride and I enjoy the extra bathroom space. 

 

room itself, not too much, if any, difference.

 

Edited September 8, 2019 by PTC DAWG

[YVRBassElectric]

A friend and I were in a mini suite on the Bliss, I normally travel in an H6 with hubby, it felt small, without enough storage, except in the bathroom, I couldn't imagine having 3 kids with us in that same room

 

Is your family set on the Encore? We were pricing January cruises and the Encore was $2 - $4k more than the Escape & Breakaway for similar itineraries. 

[mjkacmom]

I think mini suites max out at 4, so you would need 2. There might be family ocean views you can fit in, I don’t think there are very many of these xl cabins.

[Rsavtechcruise]

Mini suites and normal balcony cap at 4ppl

 

would need either 2 rooms connected

or family ocean view or a haven

[dexddd]

OP, you pretty much have it right.

[Black_Pearl]

Yes, regarding the number of kids we will probably have to have one of them listed in grandma's room but they won't actually stay there.  The last time we did a regular balcony room this was the set up.  They're too young to do two rooms unless DH and I split up, which I don't really see as an option.  I wish there was another option between a Minisuite and the Haven, the price difference is tremendous.  I will have to get someone on the phone and look into a family ocean view.

 

I can look at a different ship but we're looking to cruise out of NY, so it's somewhat limiting.  

[mjkacmom]

15 minutes ago, Black_Pearl said:

Yes, regarding the number of kids we will probably have to have one of them listed in grandma's room but they won't actually stay there.  The last time we did a regular balcony room this was the set up.  They're too young to do two rooms unless DH and I split up, which I don't really see as an option.  I wish there was another option between a Minisuite and the Haven, the price difference is tremendous.  I will have to get someone on the phone and look into a family ocean view.

 

I can look at a different ship but we're looking to cruise out of NY, so it's somewhat limiting.  

My family of seven always gets connecting balcony cabins and keep the connecting door open, we have one kid sleep with us and the other four in the connecting cabin.