Going on my first cruise this year, what is the best deck to be on? must be outside cabin?

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phoenix2frequent

A lot depends on what ship you'll be travelling on.

Traditionally, upper decks were always a better class (further from the engines, larger cabins etc). Today, cruise ships' hulls don't have such a curvy profile, so lower cabins aren't necessarily smaller.

On many ships, some upper-deck cabins are too close to public entertainment areas for comfort -- if everyone is having a poolside party on the main deck and your cabin's nearby it can get pretty loud. Check the deck plan for the ships you're considering to see what is close by.

Cabins by the lifts have pros and cons: the advantage of not having to walk far to your cabin, of course, but the disadvantage of disturbance at all hours with lift doors opening/closing and other people coming and going -- especially late at night and after several drinks... :-( ....

Another consideration is that on some (generally older) ships, lifeboats can obscure the views from some cabins and walkways can go right past cabin windows. This isn't an issue if you book a balcony cabin, of course!

Tom

Not mentioned so far, but pay attention to what is on the decks immediately below and above you. While the cabins are fairly well noise-insulated these days, it only goes so far. If you sleep lightly, here's some locations that you might want to avoid:

1. Directly beneath the gym
2. Directly beneath heavily traveled public areas
3. Near the disco
4. Directly beneath food preparation areas
5. Near the poolside sound system on ships with poolside theaters
6. Above the anchor chain (although can make for a great alarm clock)

IMO, an outside (just a sealed window) isn't worth the extra $$$ on any ship. A balcony cabin can be worth the extra $$$ if you plan to spend considerable time on it. With them, higher is usually better. Usually, there are a few that have larger balcony areas because they are "aft" or have to accomodate odd points in the ship like stairwells. You'll see these on the deck plans. Beware of "sloped" ship designs that do not afford privacy on the balconies (Princess has several of these ships) As previously mentioned, for inside cabins "low and center" will afford the least motion (and lowest cost).

Lots more information on Cruise Critic...

Maria C

I would say deck 8 or higher.a balcony is nice as you can watch the ship depart from each port and not be crowded on the top decks as it can get very busy

The Tank

Which deck you ask for depends on the ship. They're all different.
You must look at the deck plans of your chosen ship.

Some decks give you clear and unobstructed ocean views with proper windows; some will even give you a balcony; other decks will have a passge outside the cabins which means that you'll have people walking past your windows; some decks will just provide you with a porthole.

Also, check that your cabin does not have its view obstructed by a lifeboat. This can happen on some ships.

Truck

Most of the decks are very similar. The choice of deck becomes more of what you would prefer. If you are oceanview only (no balcony) then it is not a big issue about where you will be, just higher is better. If you are in a balcony then I would suggest the highest deck you can possibly get because you will get a slightly better view. If your cabin is at the aft of the ship then your view will be great regardless of the deck you are on, there is something about watching the ships wake.

If you really don't care what deck your cabin is on then instead of picking a specific stateroom just go guarantee. There is a chance that by going guarantee you will be bumped up in cabin category. On our last cruise we had one couple in our group that booked balcony guarantee rather then a specific balcony cabin, not only did they pay the lowest balcony price they were upgraded to a penthouse. Not that it happens often but there is always that chance.

seventy

It doesn't really matter, you really only use it to sleep in

RIGGS

the best tip i can offer you,is find out where the doctors surgery onboard is?? this is usually about mid-ship.the stablest part of the ship,either go on the same level or one up or below. trust me,the higher up you go especially towards the bow or aft..you will feel more movement. i dont get sea sick,but its experience im sharing with you,to make your cruise a more enjoyable one....BON-VOYAGE.
RIGGSx

Tiffy

The higher the deck number the better the class of cabin.

The lower down and closer to the middle of the ship the less movement you will feel.

Most cruise lines have a deck plan in their brochure and will allow you to reserve a particular cabin (for a fee of course.)

mel

Just ask for cabin as high up as possible

Amy

It really depends what Cruise you'll be going on, like Ocean Village, Royal Carribean...

Veronica Alicia

If you are inclined to be a bad sailor, an inside cabin isn't such a bad idea.
When the ship is rushing through a 9 metre swell, I've needed to keep the curtains closed. A balcony would be just a waste of money for me at times like that!

James P

Personally, I don't usually bother with an outside cabin, as for me it's only a place to sleep, wash and get changed. But if you're the sort of person who thinks that not having daylight is like being in a prison cell, or plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, then pay the extra.
2 factors about decks - a) convenience for outside areas / indoor facilities / bars/ dining room - whichever are most important for you - study the ship's plan before choosing; b) if you expect a rough passage, less motion on lower decks.
More important than deck is position of cabin - if it's near either end of the ship and there's a swell, it's like being in a lift bouncing slowly up and down (been there, done that, won't do it again if I can avoid it). And on a big ship, it's a long walk to facilities amidships!

jeremy h

Went on Med Cruies in June, on Royal Caribbean.

We were on Deck 6 which I thought was perfect - and yes - even though it is more expensive it is really nice to have a balcony.

Also it is good to be port side as you have a better view.

vegasqueen1970

We always have a balcony cabin and cabins do get better, the higher up you go. It varies from ship to ship. I'd try and go as high up as possible and try and get somewhere in the middle of the ship. You're not likely to feel a lot of motion but there's even less chance if you're in the middle.

Enjoy x

the ones with the outside cabins are high up so around deck 10. my grandparents had an amazing room. one of the biggest available and we had a party for 18 in it and it had a porch and a huge bathroom

old know all

The cabins get better the higher up you go. However, if you think you might get seasick, choose the lowest deck that has windows you can open.

Going on my first cruise this year, what is the best deck to be on? must be outside cabin? pic 1
Going on my first cruise this year, what is the best deck to be on? must be outside cabin? pic 2
Going on my first cruise this year, what is the best deck to be on? must be outside cabin? pic 3

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