Cruising with kid(s)

[CelebrationMom]

I'm interested in Philippe's question about tipping in the Oceaneer's Club, and any other insights anyone can share about doing a Disney cruise with a child.

We're thinking about doing a 4-day cruise on the Wonder for our anniversary. It'll be our first cruise ever. Our three-year-old son will be with us.

Husband says "book the least expensive cabin, you'll only be there to sleep." Anyone ever stayed in a 184 sq.ft., category 11 inside cabin with a child along? Thoughts?

Would appreciate any advice. :D

:minnie:
CelebrationMom

[Esmerelda]

I don't have any experience yet but we are planning on staying in a category 11 during our 4 day cruise next March. I actually chose the category 11 not solely due to price, but because the room will be completely dark so more conducive to taking naps. Also, I didn't want to worry about having a verandah with a young child-I can be very overprotective!

When will your trip be?

[DisneyPam]

I really like the category 11 - it feels surprisingly roomy for its actual size. Deck 6 is a great place for a category 11 b/c it is very convenient to take the stairs up and down from there, especially for little legs.

The only potential negative that I can see is that in the category 11, the layout has the sofa (where I assume your son will be sleeping) nearer the door than the main sleeping area. If you sleep with the privacy curtain closed, your son could possibly leave the stateroom without you knowing. Very unlikely, of course, but it is the only drawback that I can think of.

For a very little bit more, you can try to get a category 10 "Secret Porthole" stateroom on deck 5. This has a split bath and gives some natural light to aid in keeping to a normal sleep schedule. There are only 6 of these staterooms however (5020, 5022, 5024, 5520, 5522, 5524) so you need to book early and get lucky to snag one.

And don't forget our awesome Florida Resident rates - I am saving over $400 on my category 10 because of it.

[CelebrationMom]

Good insights, guys! Thanks!

I've put a hold on cabin 6015 on deck six. See deck plan: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/disneycruiseline/ratesanddates/ships/deckindex?id=Deck6

It's pretty far forward in the bow, nothing mid-ship available right now. And...its rotated opposite from most of the cabins, oriented front-to-back instead of side-to-side. Plus, there's a hallway on each side of the cabin. I understand the furniture arrangement is different than most category 11 rooms, too--and that some people think the cabin feels bigger. Anyone ever traveled in one of these cabins?

thanks again!

:minnie:
CelebrationMom