Choosing cabins, are there certain decks/areas to avoid

[cruzlover56]

I notice that certain catagories such as Veranda suites are spread over a number of decks with the associated costs generally going up the higher up the ship you go.

What is the advantage of higher on the ship. Any?
Are there certain areas to avoid? Such as right below the Lido or next to elevators?

I have generally booked the highest Veranda Cat, but I am trying feed my cruise habit more often and perhaps save a few bucks and go to the lower end of the catagory.

I am thinking of the Oosterdam or Ryndam for next year.

Any suggestions excellent people? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Julie

Zuiderdam 07/04
Maasdam 08/02

[Vic The Parrot]

Anywhere on Main deck, or A deck is fine.

I usually end up in the 'G' or 'H' cabins at the bow. It's great that I'm a good sailor.
Being at the bow, or stern can be a problem
with those prone to trouble with motion.

And the same for the "Higher up you go"
If the ship rolls in bad weather, you can feel it more at the top of the ship.

If there's a lift next to the cabin, there's a chance you'll hear the equipment. But never heard any complaints in that department.

I think that any cabin is a 'good cabin'.
You're on a ship, after all, and it's more than enough to make you feel good! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Bon voyage!

16 - HAL
10 - Cunard
4 - Home Lines
2 - NCL
2 - Royal Viking Line


"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"

[Host Walt]

I'm with Vic. The only bad location is on the dock after the ship has left.

As for motion, there's so little difference it's not worth considering. The higher the pricier is only because you have a slightly etter view of ports from the highr decks...and you are closer to the Lido Deck if you want a quick trip to thebar or the Lido buffet.

Actually, when on the top floor, we have not been happy with the early morning racket when the staff set up the deck chairs after a general cleanup.

Our current cost reduction strategy is to book a fully obstructed view outside cabin on a guarantee basis and wait for the assignment. We've never gotten any obstructed view cabin, always a full view.

Walt Tuthill
Cruise Board Moderator

Contact at Shiptender@aol.com

[damman]

On the Vista Class ships, avoid Deck 4 forward, above the Vista Lounge. The sound from the shows below will reverberate through your floor until past midnight.

Noordam 1986
Nieuw Amsterdam 1988
Noordam 1989
Horizon 1991
Veendam 1998
Zuiderdam 2004

[alwaysfrantic]

I don't realy care about being forward or aft, but I actually prefer one of the middle decks in my room selection. From a middle floor, I can easily use the steps and walk up a few flights to pools and decks, or down a few flights for restaurants, shows and disembarking at ports. It saves the wait for elevators and walks off some of the great desserts.

[Gregg20]

Last year on the Z we were on deck 5 close to the midship elevators and I think deck 5 is close to midway from bottom to top. From a logistics standpoint it was easy going up or down and forward and aft. This year on the Z we were also on deck 5 but closer to the aft elevators. Both cabins we had were great with lovely views.

[the2ofus]

We have twice been in Lower Prom cabins on S class ships which were below the kitchen area. If you are a light sleeper or a late sleeper you might want to avoid these cabins because they start thumping and bumping around those kitchen areas pretty early. Later in the day there seem to be no really loud noises from above however.

[cruzlover56]

Thanks everyone for the info.

I couldn't see a significant difference between the decks and couldn't understand why the higher you go the higher the price.

I see your point of not being directly below a busy service or entertainment area. I would think that near the elevators could be an issue as well.

If I can book a lower deck I can cruise more often woo hoo!
Now I just have to convince my DH.

[Mary Ann 2]

The lounge is not the only reason to avoid deck 4 forward on Vista ships. The balcony is solid steel not plexiglass and totally ruins the reason for having a balcony in my opinion.

That being said, the location was great. Just one or two decks up from the Vista Lounge means you can just run upstairs before the show after dinner to redo hair/makeup/change. And just jump on the elevator to get to the gym or therapy pool and only a few steps further to the pool. Didn't notice that much more motion. Only had to walk aft to go to the dining room or lido.

The noise from the shows was over before we made it to the room except on the night of the crew show at 11:30 and then they didn't have a bunch of loud percussion anyway.

So I would avoid the rooms with solid balconies, but loved the forward elevator location.

[the2ofus]

Have had a cabin opposite the elevator lobby/stairs on the Statendam and never noticed a lot of noise in the late evenings or early mornings. Only drawback would be if you were in process of dressing and forgot to pull the privacy curtain before your cabin mate/spouse opened the cabin door. :)