Hi, this is our first family cruise in Hawaii waters and we are travelling with a 3 year old. I'm thinking of a family suite. Can anyone advice me on this? Does anyone know what it means by 'obstructed family suite'?

Any other advice is appreciated - thanks!

Hello, If it is a ocean view cabin, you will usually have a lifeboat, railing or outside deck partially blocking your view. If it is a balcony, usually it will be a portion of a truss (I-Beam) across part of the balcony. In my case, it took up about 1/3 of the balcony. It looks like this:

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from what I understand, the family suite has a top to bottom glass window with the ocean view... just not sure if the view from the family suite is worth the price.

Any idea on that?

How many people, what ship?

it's for 2 adults, 1 child (3 years) in Pride of America. Thinking of either the oceanview (balcony) or one of the most affordable suites.

In your case, the obstructions are life boats.

The red and white striped cabins are the obstructed family suites in the deck plan below.

Link To Deck Layout.

<edited by Dave to remove copyrighted image>

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dave Beers,

thanks for the advice and detailed info. Is it worth paying for a suite like this? thanks!

That's a tough all, coolmum. It depends on how much time you expect to spend in the suite, and how much space you'd like. If you are going to be spending a lot of time on shore or going to shows on the ship, it might not be worth it. But if you believe you and your family will feel cramped in a smaller cabin, it will be worth every penny.

Here are the floor plans for each:

Click HERE for obstructed view family suite,
and
HERE for the oceanview stateroom with balcony

I don't believe that the family suite comes with concierge service, although there's a lot more space and two TVs!

Sorry I couldn't be of more help with this one, as it comes down to personal preference.

Look at your itin on the NCLA ships. You're at port most of the time during waking hours. You'll spend your time on the islands. Then you come back to the ship for dinner, catch a show and have very little time for peering out that window bfore you're up and at another port. This is one cruise itin where the view is of little importance unless you want to look out the window, balcony, etc and see the pier. Spend as little as possible on your cabin, you'll need spending $$$$ on shore in Hawaii more for a great vacation.

Cheers, Neil

quote:

Originally posted by coolmum:
thanks for the advice and detailed info. Is it worth paying for a suite like this? thanks!

The three year old will be very happy sleeping in the sofa of a regular Oceanview cabin, or Balcony cabin. Those Family Suites are a better suited for a family of four or five.

If you booked the family suite, that's one less cabin large enough to accomodiate four or five comfortably, forcing that family into booking two cabins vs one.

But it is your vacation, book whichever cabin you prefer.

Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I'll check out the oceanview with balcony ones. If anyone got a good website that I can place my booking, I'll be most thankful.

We have decided to book the oceanview balcony on the Pride of America. Does anyone has an advice on the room location and deck location? We have no idea what to expect

Thanks!

To me the middle of the ship is the best. It seems to be the least motion. Do not book a room directly above or below a restaurant or night club. You may regret it! Choose a cabin with cabins above and below. Some say stay away from cabins near the elevators as these can get noisy with passengers but I have been near the elevators twice and never heard anything.

You will love cruising the islands. They are beautiful! We did a Hawaiian cruise April 06. We were going to go again this Nov but 20 other family member wanted to go too but they preferred the Caribbean so that's where we will go. Hawaii for sure next year though.