Spectrum of the Seas - Best Level for Balcony Cabin - First Time Cruisers

[Matkai]

Hi,  Looking at booking Spectrum of the seas for 2023 and wondering if there is any deck / cabin etc.. we should be looking at?  As first time cruisers we know to go for a room that has rooms under, above and in front and to choose midship (in case we get sea sick 😞 )  however, that is all we know, any other advice or tips we should be aware of before we book?

Thank You

[Cruise Wonderland]

If you are looking for a balcony cabin:

 

- Avoid Deck 13, since the above Deck 14 is wider that will shade the Deck 13 balconies from the sunlight.

 

- Also Deck 12 balconies may have some supporting columns that slightly affect the view.

 

- Deck 6 are obstucted view balcony cabins.

 

Here is a picture taken on a Deck 12 balcony.

 

[twangster]

32 minutes ago, Cruise Wonderland said:

If you are looking for a balcony cabin:

 

- Avoid Deck 13, since the above Deck 14 is wider that will shade the Deck 13 balconies from the sunlight.

 

- Also Deck 12 balconies may have some supporting columns that slightly affect the view.

 

- Deck 6 are obstucted view balcony cabins.

 

Here is a picture taken on a Deck 12 balcony.

 

 

That is true for the midship area but forward and aft are fine.  

[twangster]

Spectrum is a Quantum Ultra class ship.  The only other similar ship in class would be Odyssey.  Spectrum was built for China so it has some unique features you won't find on any other ships like it.

 

In general terms Spectrum and Odyssey are based on the Quantum class ships that came before the Ultra versions.  Anthem, Ovation and Quantum are non-ultra versions.  When it comes to a generic balcony cabins much of the "wisdom" of best location is shared with all ships in this class.

 

You'll find lots of reviews and photos from the ships that spend time outside of China and unfortunately fewer posts about ships when they are in China.  You may need to glean some information from her older sister ships where there are many more comments posted while keeping in mind that Spectrum isn't exactly like those other sister ships. 

 

Deck 5 starboard side is a smoking area.  If you are sensitive to the smell of cigarette smoke avoid lower balconies on starboard.

 

Balconies start on deck 6 but most of the deck 6 balcony cabins are considered obstructed balconies due to where the lifeboats are stored.  Deck 7 has similar issues but to a lesser degree.  

 

If you search the internet for images of the whole ship you'll see there are areas that are inset where the bulk of balcony cabins are found.  When you are on lower decks or as pointed out above, the inset is more of a factor.  In the more forward and near aft areas this inset doesn't exist or is not noticeable.  

 

A lower balcony deck in the 7-9 range are great for easier access to the ship features like the theaters, Esplanade, dining  and Two70 entertainment areas.  Decks 10 - 13 mean better access to the outdoor areas like the pools, Flowrider and North Star.  Depending on your tendency to use stairs versus elevators you may want to consider what ship features are important to you more, pools and outdoor areas or food and entertainment.   

 

The midship elevators are also the most aft elevators and there can be long walks to areas closer to the aft.  I don't mind long walks while others may want to avoid them.   Anything relatively close to an elevator bank and stairs will be quick and convenient.   

[Tan1415]

Thanks for the information. I am currently having problems walking. I saw on the charts of the ship it has 2 elevator banks. Is their more elevators at the rear front or rear part of the ship? Will want access to kost elevators tonreduce the wait.

[Ethanol95]

Deck 10 is always a safe bet, in between decks of balcony cabins but also provides unblocked balcony views. Midship should be best as there are FWD and AFT elevators so can decided which side is better for you.

[Sunshine3601]

4 hours ago, Tan1415 said:

Thanks for the information. I am currently having problems walking. I saw on the charts of the ship it has 2 elevator banks. Is their more elevators at the rear front or rear part of the ship? Will want access to kost elevators tonreduce the wait.

Both areas have same number elevators.

We prefer cabin near aft elevator as that puts you closer to dining rooms on deck 3 and 4, closer to casino, esplanade and windjammer and 270 theater.

[Jasukkie]

I like deck six close to the forward elevators because it's a quick jog down the steps to get my morning coffee and return to my balcony. With mobility issues, I would echo the response to be near the aft elevators. Elevator waits are all about supply and demand. Avoid high volume times like after a show lets out. This is a big ship and it would be a shame to not be able to move around freely. Have you considered renting a scooter?

[Tan1415]

Scooter? On board? Not sure what it will be. I have a rollator…so will trundle around.