Staterooms

On Disney Wonder, standard inside staterooms are about 184 square ft. with the smallest balcony cabin starting at about 226 square ft. The majority offer a comfortable layout with bedroom and living room areas, separated by a curtain (a plus for anyone who likes to read before bed but doesn't want to make it too bright for children sleeping nearby). Stateroom decor is understated with honey maple furniture, lovely little propeller-shaped clocks and nautical influences throughout.

Especially convenient, and clever in design, is the deep sofa that converts to a daybed with a top "bunk" that folds down from the ceiling. This is an advantageous design for two reasons. First, some children don't sleep well together in the same bed. Second, if you still have nappers, it is great to be able to leave the beds set-up during the day without monopolizing the majority of the open floor space like a pulled out sofa bed would in these cabins. Families of five can choose a family stateroom. They're a bit larger and have a sofa bed in addition to a wall-mounted Murphy bed.

There are plenty of storage areas including a closet with an attached six drawer dresser, several drawers and high shelves in the desk/dressing table area, plus an upright steamer trunk that provides easy access to clothes for young kids. The TV, while small, has a wide array of channels to choose from including ABC, ESPN, CNN, some Discovery Channels, and, of course, The Disney Channel.

Most staterooms include Disney's unique "bath and a half" where one person can shower in one bathroom while someone else is using the toilet in the other. While they are nicely appointed with white and navy blue tile and granite countertops, the result of the split design is that each bathroom is cramped, so much so that my 6' 2" husband couldn't sit on the toilet without his knees touching the wall in front of him and his head was only a few inches shy of the tub/shower ceiling above. Personally, I'd prefer one large bathroom instead, plus outlets that could accommodate a hairdryer, so that you don't have to take your things out of the bathroom and sit at the desk (in front of children on bunk beds trying to watch TV) to dry your hair.

When selecting a stateroom, there are a few things to keep in mind. The only difference between categories 5 and 6 is that category 5 is on a higher deck. The handicap-accessible rooms are huge with plenty of open floor space, a large walk in closet, couch, pull down bed, and a bathroom larger than the ones in some of the suites. The balcony is also sizable except it has a half-wall so it's difficult to see the water unless you're standing. If the only thing keeping you from cruising is concern over claustrophobic quarters, consider one of these cabins; first priority, of course, is extended to those in need of the handicap accessibility.

Category 7 balconies also have an obstructed half-wall view, but Disney made them look extremely attractive, with weathered wood bead-board half walls around the perimeter, a built-in bench seat, and a large open-air porthole. For a stateroom that offers an outside view at an inside price, try to book one of the following cabins: 5020, 5022, 5024, 5520, 5522 or 5524. These cabins are priced as an inside category 10, but are similar in layout to outside category 8, and offer a porthole window (5024 and 5524 with an obstructed view). Inside cabins are similar in decor and amenities to the outside with the exception being the least expensive inside staterooms have one bathroom and one sink.

There are three types of suites ranging from one to two-bedrooms and accommodating five to eight people. They are appointed with dining tables, numerous storage areas and TVs, plus whirlpool tubs, expansive balconies, and a cabinet well-stocked with popular board games. The Walt Disney Suite is the grandest (typically booked a year in advance) and filled with family photographs of Walt himself, plus a baby grand piano. In addition to upgraded bath amenities including mouthwash, toothpaste, cotton balls and the like, suite guests can enjoy robes, slippers and 100 percent cotton Frette linens.

Cribs and Diaper Genies are available upon request for any cabin category.

1 Bedroom Suite with Verandah Deck: Deck 8 1 Bedroom Suites with Verandah 3 are 614 square feet and feature a queen-sized bed, living area with double convertible sofa, a Murphy bed, two full bathrooms, a walk-in closet, wet bar, TV, VCR, safe, hairdryer, phone with voicemail messaging, individual climate control, and concierge service.

Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah Deck: Deck 8 Deluxe Family Staterooms with Verandah 4 are 304 square feet and feature a queen-sized bed or two twin beds and a single convertible sofa, Murphy bed, privacy divider, private split bathroom with tub and shower, TV, ample closet space, safe, hairdryer, phone with voicemail, and individual climate control.

Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah Deck: Deck 7 Deluxe Staterooms with Verandah 5 are 268 square feet and feature a queen-sized bed or two twin beds and a single convertible sofa, privacy divider, private split bathroom with tub and shower, TV, ample closet space, safe, hairdryer, phone with voicemail, and individual climate control.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Deck 5, Deck 6, Deck 7 Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms 8 are 214 square feet and feature a queen-sized bed or two twin beds and a single convertible sofa, porthole, privacy divider, private split bathroom with tub and shower, TV, ample closet space, safe, hairdryer, phone with voicemail, and individual climate control.

Deluxe Inside Stateroom Deck: Deck 1, Deck 2, Deck 5, Deck 7 Deluxe Inside Staterooms 10 are 214 square feet and feature a queen-sized bed or two twin beds and a single convertible sofa, privacy divider, private split bathroom with tub and shower, TV, ample closet space, safe, hairdryer, phone with voicemail, and individual climate control.