Aft Balcony/Mini Suite Cabins

[tapia]

I'm going to try and book an Alaskan cruise (southbound) either on the:

 

Diamond/Sapphire Princess

or the

Coral/Island Princess

 

I've decided to get an aft cabin. I'd like a balcony cabin and fully covered--I can deal with slightly though. Also, I'd be willing to go up to a mini-suite, but not higher...

I'm hearing C748 and C753 are the best?

 

I know there are no aft-facing cabins on the coral/island princess, but what about the ones in the position of B734? Would that work?

 

For all those aft-lovers out there--help?

 

THANKS!

[Tom O.]

I'm going to try and book an Alaskan cruise (southbound) either on the:

 

Diamond/Sapphire Princess

or the

Coral/Island Princess

 

I've decided to get an aft cabin. I'd like a balcony cabin and fully covered--I can deal with slightly though. Also, I'd be willing to go up to a mini-suite, but not higher...

I'm hearing C748 and C753 are the best?

 

I know there are no aft-facing cabins on the coral/island princess, but what about the ones in the position of B734? Would that work?

 

For all those aft-lovers out there--help?

 

THANKS!

 

On the Coral & Island Princess B734 & B737 are excellent cabins, but they are not covered. If you can get one, E736 & E737 on the Emerald deck in my opinion are the best cabins on the whole ship - they face both out and aft and are covered. But they are usually the first ones booked on a cruise and I think they go for a premium price.

[mringenoldus]

I've booked C748 on the Sapphire for the Auckland to Sydney itinerary next March. Ilove aft cabins and this BB was available. I was lucky to get it since the cabins are going quick on this ship.

[tapia]

On the Coral & Island Princess B734 & B737 are excellent cabins, but they are not covered. If you can get one, E736 & E737 on the Emerald deck in my opinion are the best cabins on the whole ship - they face both out and aft and are covered. But they are usually the first ones booked on a cruise and I think they go for a premium price.

 

Wow, are they? Why do they go for such a premium? Are there no other cabins that sort of face rear? By any chance do you have pictures??

 

 

@mringenoldus: Why do you think that's the best? Thanks!

[mringenoldus]

I like C748 due to the aft location. I had an aft suite on the Sun Princess and so far it is my favorite cabin. I also have an aft JS on the Voyager next October. I was a bit disappointed that the Coral Princess didn't have aft cabins - but with all the good reviews on that ship, I'm sure I'll like our VS anyway.

 

There are only 6 cabins on the aft Sapphire Caribe deck. Four are PS category so I feel like that places us in prime real estate. The balcony on this BB is about twice as big as the typical side BB cabins. There is a great deal of privacy and I don't mind the walk to the aft.

 

Have fun choosing!

[tapia]

mringenoldus: What about the other balconies (aft) on the other decks?

 

Any special reason you like Caribe? I thought all the balconies were bigger on this deck? Also, is it covered? (I didn't think so...)

 

THANK YOU!

[mringenoldus]

The Aloha deck has four OV cabins next to the Terrace Pool. It would be a nice location but I would wonder if there would be a lot of foot traffic and noise.

 

Baja has only three suites - way out of my price range!!

 

Dolphin BB 740 and 741 would be terrific choices if available. Emerald 732 and 735 as well.

 

I don't know if these are covered - I like some cover but it's not a deal breaker.

[Tom O.]

Wow, are they? Why do they go for such a premium? Are there no other cabins that sort of face rear? By any chance do you have pictures??

 

 

@mringenoldus: Why do you think that's the best? Thanks!

 

I think they are the best because you can look both to the side and have a complete view aft, and they are covered. I also like being closer to the water. On these rear corners is where dolphins congregate and put on aerial shows. (they like to play in the wake).

The picture shows the stern end of the Coral Princess, the Emerald deck is the lowest with balconies. I am not sure of pricing. For more pictures and diagrams go to:

 

http://mysite.verizon.net/res76zxu/princessbalconies/

[tapia]

@ Tom: Wow, I love your site! By any chance, can you tell (or do you know) if you can see from the aft railings there onto the balconies of the aft cabins?

@ mringenoldus: Do you know how to find out if these are covered or not? Have you stayed in any of the aft cabins?

 

 

I really am getting excited and want to book as soon as the rates come out. I just still am unsure which ship I will get based on the dates.....unless anyone knows a schedule they have out?

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

[Tom O.]

@ By any chance, can you tell (or do you know) if you can see from the aft railings there onto the balconies of the aft cabins?

 

The cabins on the Aloha, Baja, Caribe, & Dolphin rear corners are not covered and can be seen from above. The Emerald deck is covered, but someone might be able to lean over the rear railing and see at least partially into it. I've never had one of these rooms, because of either budget or poor planning, but I would like to some day. As for the other corner cabins above - they are uncovered, but because of their outstanding location I wouldn't hesitate to take one of those either. But if they were available I would go with the Emerald ones first. This information only applies to the Coral and Island Princess.

[tapia]

@Tom: Thank you SO much for the info!!!! I really appreciate it. Do you think it would be harder to lean over from any of those cabins and see?

 

Do you think people actually do that? I think it would freak me out. I had a cabin on the Golden in mid-ship on the Lido deck and it was great! No one could see us at all!

 

I'm just not sure if aft is the way to go, but I feel like the people are the board are really convincing me! Also, I really like being higher..... Do you really get that much of a better view for Alaska?? Help?

[Once Upon A Time]

We were lucky enough to have E736 on the Sapphire. Fully covered, would be great for Alaska. We didn't pay a premium, but we just happened to pick it up after someone else cancelled. Coming up on our Alaska cruise, we have E728 on the Sapphire (mini-suite). This cabin has the largest fully covered deck outside of suites. It does go for a bit of a premium, but well worth it. As far as I know, Emerald deck is the only deck with fully covered balconies. It's actually a great deck... very smooth sailing!!!!! I speak from experience.

[serene56]

I booked C753 based on reading these boards and seeing these photos.

http://community.webshots.com/album/102025550UlWCMW

[Tom O.]

@Tom: Thank you SO much for the info!!!! I really appreciate it. Do you think it would be harder to lean over from any of those cabins and see?

 

Do you think people actually do that? I think it would freak me out. I had a cabin on the Golden in mid-ship on the Lido deck and it was great! No one could see us at all!

 

I'm just not sure if aft is the way to go, but I feel like the people are the board are really convincing me! Also, I really like being higher..... Do you really get that much of a better view for Alaska?? Help?

 

You probably need to hear from someone who has actually stayed in one of those cabins. I will say this, those rear viewing decks on the Coral and Island Princess are very small and aren't used that much. A lot of people don't know they are there. If somebody was able to lean over and see you, it would be unintentional and I am sure they would quickly turn away. Actually in all regular side cabins you can see into your neighbors balcony by leaning. People don't usually do this unless there is something to see forward or aft such as when you are coming into port.

[tapia]

@Tom: Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate all your advice and information!

 

@serene56: Isn't that the grand princess though? Those aft cabins looks great, but it's a different ship, right?

 

@onceuponatime: Thanks for your info as well. Why that cabin though?

 

Thank you everyone!

[Robroy]

We had this cabin last month for a Mexican Riviera trip and really enjoyed it. It's listed as an "AE" category -we booked it five months before travelling. Originally we had booked an "AD" but our travel companion astutely noticed both E-728 and E-731 came up for grabs one evening and we were able to "downgrade" to these cabins. (E-731 is the exact location but on Starboard). They were about $150 cheaper than the AA and in our opinions, the best minis on the ship, with the extended balconies and total privacy. You might luck into them if you book something you can live with and watch religiously to see what comes up......

Have a great trip!!

 

Rob

[tapia]

We had this cabin last month for a Mexican Riviera trip and really enjoyed it. It's listed as an "AE" category -we booked it five months before travelling. Originally we had booked an "AD" but our travel companion astutely noticed both E-728 and E-731 came up for grabs one evening and we were able to "downgrade" to these cabins. (E-731 is the exact location but on Starboard). They were about $150 cheaper than the AA and in our opinions, the best minis on the ship, with the extended balconies and total privacy. You might luck into them if you book something you can live with and watch religiously to see what comes up......

Have a great trip!!

 

Rob

 

Thanks! Do you think the minis are that much better than the balconies?

[Robroy]

Tapia:

 

The minis are actually very dangerous. Once you've had one, I don't think you'll go back to a regular balcony as you'll be extremely spoiled. Just ask my wife!!!

From a price perspective also, they're worth every penny IMHO.

But be careful. If you try one, just remember you've been warned......!!!

 

Have a great trip!

 

Rob

[tapia]

I sense myself falling into the mini-suite danger! But, the only reason I would book it is if it was in so much of a better location & view.

 

Is that the case with E-728 and E-731??? Why are these so much better than the ones in the VERY aft (with those you can see both sides as you're passing)?

 

(I'm struggling with my decision...)

 

Also, are these so much better than the regular balconies in the aft (just for location & view)??

 

THANK YOU!

[elmtree]

We had E731 on the Diamond to Alaska last year and we loved it! I also had to decide between the far aft regular balcony ones or the Mini's on the side aft. I am glad we chose E731, as the balcony wraps around just far enough to get that aft feeling and still has the extra room of a mini..The balcony is hugh and we used all of it..We sat out at night bundleded up in a blanket and during the day to watch the scenery go by. We loved it so much I have tried to book it again, and can;t seem to find it available for the times we have off..so rest assured it is a great choice!!!

[serene56]

(I'm struggling with my decision...)!

 

 

To make it easier--- are these cabins eevn available for the date you want to sail? You might be struggling for no reason.

[DanJ]

We had A746 on Sapphire. Would gladly book this cabin again. There was no premium on it. It is a BC category and was cheaper than the mid-ship Aloha BB cabins our friends had on the same cruise. There was very little noise coming and going to the Terrace Pool, but the Mexican Riviera in January is not prime pool time anyway. Most people went to the covered pool.

 

It was a great location for getting to Horizon Court. Just go out the door to the pool, and up to the Lido deck and you are there. It does seem a little far for going to the casino or Princess Theater, but this justifies an extra dessert or boat drink LOL.

 

The balcony was pretty large for a standard balcony cabin. It comes with 2 chairs and a small table, like they all do. I wasn't on board the ship for more than 10 minutes before our balcony also had a lounger borrowed from the Terrace Pool LOL. The lounger fit against the left wall of the balcony, fully reclined, so the balcony is that deep. The left wall is steel, the right is a typical balcony divider to A748 and the balcony is totally covered. The balconies aren't rectangular in these 4 cabins on Aloha. The railings follow the curve of the stern. So the 2 cabins adjacent the pool (A746 and A751) have deeper balconies than the 2 on the outside (A748 and A749). These cabins look down on parts of the suites on Baja deck below.

[DanJ]

Forgot to say that I wish when the decision was made to move Skywalkers on the Crown and Emerald, that they also decided to make these 4 cabins balconies instead of the portholes they have on Riviera Deck on those ships. I would love to have a cabin like we had on a Carribean ship, but they don't exist on those classes. I think I'd rather have a solid wall than 2 portholes.

[tapia]

To make it easier--- are these cabins eevn available for the date you want to sail? You might be struggling for no reason.

 

Actually, these are for Alaska 2007--the rates aren't even let out yet. So, I'm planning on getting the cabins as soon as they are released. So, that makes them all available....

 

 

@DanJ: Kind of a weird question, but for Alaska I have to ask. How's the temperature in A746? It looks odd right by the Terrace Pool there. Is there a hallway or anything??

 

@elmtree: Thanks for the info--that looks more & more like what I want. Do you know if those cabins (E731/28) are smaller than the other minisuites? (Why are they cheaper?)

 

 

 

Thanks!

[elmtree]

No, E 731 are the same size as the regular mini's, and I don;t think they are cheaper..From what I gather....it is rather complicated with the pricing...I paid more for mine..something about wanting people to book for that catagory and then pretending to upgrade them to another room...I paid more for mine when I told them to lock me into only that room...I was confused also, but try and get one of the aft corner mini's and see what happens to you...They are great rooms, and I would pay a little more for them the next time also...