tink1969

On Voyager class and Freedom class ships there are a pair of rooms that are one Balcony and one connected Interior.  On Voyager class they are rooms 9381/9376 and 9676/9681, and on Freedom class they are 9396/9401 and 9696/9701.  They are in the rear back corners of the ship on deck 9 on both classes of ships.  Before booking I would advise looking at the desk plans online to see if you'd like the location - I have no problems with longer walks to the elevators, etc., but to some that may be an issue.  

We booked these for our upcoming November cruise on Adventure for us and our 2 kids.  It saved a few dollars by not having to pick up two connected balcony rooms, and since the the kids are 7 and 9 I'd rather they use our balcony anyway... it's a double win.  

AMEN to that!!!!! :)

Seconded!

We have 3 kids so we had to look at the options we had. 2 connecting rooms ended up being WAY cheaper so we went with that. Plus when we booked there was a 200$ OBC per room offer, so we got 2 !

This and having separation from the kids!

You pay less for the third berth, but it varies widely. In Europe next year, the third berth is running $249 for an 8 day cruise; at other times, I've paid over $1,000 and have even gotten it for $50. There's no way to predict other than knowing it less than the first two.

2 bathrooms.  Win.

Outside of the cost, which I agree with the previous posts, allowing the kids to have their own space and for you to have a bit of an escape will SIGNIFICANTLY increase the value your respective vacations!
 
Just mho.

You should look at it both ways. Also call Royal custom service direct as they have family cabins that are much larger than a normal cabins. These do not always show in the online inventory. Reynaline and I took her younger sister with us on the last trip and were able to book on of these rooms on Mariner of the seas. It had two separated bedrooms (1 Large King Bed, 1 Bunk Beds) , and a living room that also had fold out. But it was priced the same as a standard cabin.
 
We had cabin 8200 which was over 300 square feet and three port windows, since the Explorers layout is very close I'm sure they have these same family cabins. Since cabins open and close even after you are booked keep looking as new cabins and better deals can pop up, just call and re book at that point.

You can get two balcony cabins and open the divider between the two balcones, Instant connecting staterooms!
Bring a bungee to hold the connecting door open in case the latch is missing.

We have 6 (2 adults and 4 kids) and every time I price it, 2 rooms comes out cheaper.  Even 2 JS can come out cheaper.  I would get with a TA and have them price it multiple ways.  I find using a TA is very helpful in getting 2 rooms especially if you want them connecting.  

Iv never done it but heard 2 rooms is much better. It's cheaper, you get two bathrooms, and better privacy when needed.