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Mom And Daughter Laughing together on Hammock at beach
  • On May 26, 2009
    Melissa from KY Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are considering a 3 night Bahama cruise in Sept 2009. We want a room with a balcony. Is there a particular deck that is best? Also, is it ok to fly in on your sail date, planning on taking a 7am flight that arrives in Orlando at 930am.

    For a stateroom with a verandah, you’ll need to book a Category 1-7 cabin.

    Category 7 has a Navigator’s verandah which is enclosed with an open-air porthole. Categories 1-3 are suites and require booking far in advance due to their popularity.

    Category 6 and higher have open-air balconies. I like the Category 6 staterooms that are located on Deck 6. The cabins on Deck 5 are in the Aft. We have found this location convenient to the youth clubs. This will also be your least expensive option for a Deluxe Stateroom with an open-air Verandah.

    For less walking to Deck 9 where the pools are located, booking a stateroom in Category 5 on Deck 7 or Category 4 on Deck 8 will move your family closer to the outdoor action. However, you’ll then be farther away from the dining rooms, Guest Services, Walt Disney Theatre, etc.

    So, I would vote for Category 6 on Deck 6 and would suggest a mid-ship stateroom. This location is convenient for the outdoor decks and indoor amenities.

    It is okay to fly in on your sail date. However, I’ll be honest. I wouldn’t do so. Travel delays occur every day. While the vast majority of passengers get to the ship prior to sailing, the stress of getting to the ship on time is not my ideal way to start a vacation. Also, it’s easy to underestimate how exhausting travel day can be with getting to the airport, worrying about delays, etc. A 3-night cruise goes very quickly and you’ll want to be well rested to enjoy every moment of your voyage.

    Delays happen all of the time. Last June, my family was flying from Philadelphia to Orlando. We boarded our plane and sat for 1.5 hours as there was a mechanical issue. Finally, we were asked to deplane. While we were able to get on the next flight out, some passengers were booked much later in the day. Still, we arrived Orlando and our WDW hotel much later than anticipated. We missed our dinner reservation and we were at the airport for an early morning flight!  
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Meet the Panelist: Kimberly, Tennessee

I am a stay-at-home mom with a 12 year old son. I thrive on planning vacations, especially to WDW. Inspiring families to vacation at Disney with a memorable itinerary and budget-saving tips is extremely rewarding for me. Learn More About Kimberly

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