WorkingMomNeedsaVacation Posted August 25, 2006 #1 Share Posted August 25, 2006 We are booked on the Miracle next February - there will be 2 adults and 2 kids ages 11 and 7. We booked a Category 8E (Extended Balcony) but now I am starting to worry about being too cramped. We have a huge balcony (I hear it is about 100 sq feet) but I wonder how much room we'll actually have to navigate in the cabin. We won't be spending a lot of time there, but it is those moments when everyone is trying to get ready for dinner that can get really stressful when lacking personal space. Should I give up the huge balcony and pay extra for a larger stateroom? I can get a 9A for $500 more, or go up to a Cat 11 for a bit more. How comfortable is a Category 8E for a family of 4? Also, please let me know your tips for making the best use of the space you have. We have done the shoe holder for our toiletries before - love that! Can you put suitcases under the beds? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted August 25, 2006 #2 Share Posted August 25, 2006 , but it is those moments when everyone is trying to get ready for dinner that can get really stressful when lacking personal space. we have done a cabin with 5 of us..and it is doable with a plan. We only have one bathroom at home and we manage to get ready and be somewhere on time.. Even with a suite you still will only have one bathroom Planning ahead of time is very important-- you all cant get ready at the same time..so schedule showers accordingly-- have the kids shower earlier.. the sofa has two drawers under for storage-- store your luggage under the bed... dirty clothes get put in the luggage. Hang up as much as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockeyluver Posted August 25, 2006 #3 Share Posted August 25, 2006 We have done it with no problem on 2 cruises with two teenagers. On one cruise we had a bunk and a sofa/bed and twin beds together for a kind. On our last cruise we had 2 bunks and the twins put together. Our girls were 14 and 16 and did not have a problem with the bunks. Luggage stores under the beds. I would suggest bringing some extra hangers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyspop Posted August 25, 2006 #4 Share Posted August 25, 2006 You can also use the spa showers for the adults to save on time.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs007 Posted August 25, 2006 #5 Share Posted August 25, 2006 Another option to consider is if the male members of the family could go to the spa/sauna. I understand they have a wonderful shower area there. My experience in an 8E is the sofa and table and the stool at the vanity are very tight. But, that is where the hairdryer and only outlet is located. So, you are constently having someone squeeze past you while you try to do your hair and makeup. But, if the men go upstairs to shower and dress, all could be quite happy. Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.FL Cruisers Posted August 25, 2006 #6 Share Posted August 25, 2006 ...(I hear it is about 100 sq feet) ... We booked an extended balcony too. Does anyone know what the square feet of a regular balcony is? I have never had one before and I am trying to visualize how much bigger and extend would be. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs007 Posted August 25, 2006 #7 Share Posted August 25, 2006 Actually, I believe a regular balcony is 40 sq. ft and an extended is 60 sq. ft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted August 25, 2006 #8 Share Posted August 25, 2006 We booked an extended balcony too. Does anyone know what the square feet of a regular balcony is? I have never had one before and I am trying to visualize how much bigger and extend would be. thanks where is your balcony located?? this is an extended balcony http://community.webshots.com/photo/231082601/1293682914062547426RhfvOj but so is this- http://community.webshots.com/photo/231082601/1283578778062547426xGRsek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
da_cruisin_bears Posted August 25, 2006 #9 Share Posted August 25, 2006 We were in an 8E on Miracle in February 2006. We have a 10 year old and 8 year old, although they were not with us at the time of this cruise, we would have had plenty of room. I agree that it would be ok if you have a plan for getting ready etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.FL Cruisers Posted August 25, 2006 #10 Share Posted August 25, 2006 where is your balcony located?? this is an extended balcony http://community.webshots.com/photo/231082601/1293682914062547426RhfvOj but so is this- http://community.webshots.com/photo/231082601/1283578778062547426xGRsek We are in cabin 8153 so which one would it be? My computer here (can't say where:) ) blocks me from webshots, and my one at home just went to computer heaven. Is there anyway to post these pics online? Merci! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
da_cruisin_bears Posted August 25, 2006 #11 Share Posted August 25, 2006 I can email you some if you would like. My email is 'wendyodo' at 'yahoo.com' - send me a note if you want me to send them to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.FL Cruisers Posted August 25, 2006 #12 Share Posted August 25, 2006 I can email you some if you would like. My email is 'wendyodo' at 'yahoo.com' - send me a note if you want me to send them to you. Yes, thank you. I'll e-mail you in a bit here....:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted August 25, 2006 #13 Share Posted August 25, 2006 We are booked on the Miracle next February - there will be 2 adults and 2 kids ages 11 and 7. We booked a Category 8E (Extended Balcony) but now I am starting to worry about being too cramped. We have a huge balcony (I hear it is about 100 sq feet) but I wonder how much room we'll actually have to navigate in the cabin. We won't be spending a lot of time there, but it is those moments when everyone is trying to get ready for dinner that can get really stressful when lacking personal space. Should I give up the huge balcony and pay extra for a larger stateroom? I can get a 9A for $500 more, or go up to a Cat 11 for a bit more. How comfortable is a Category 8E for a family of 4? Also, please let me know your tips for making the best use of the space you have. We have done the shoe holder for our toiletries before - love that! Can you put suitcases under the beds? Well.... this site is for opinions - and ours would be that your 8E would be too cramped for US. I realize that MANY MANY people routinely book 4 to a cabin. A cat 12 suite would give more room, but our option would be for a SECOND cabin, that also gives adults quality alone time to enjoy their vacation... Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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