Every cruise ship offers a different set of amenities and experiences, so the best deck for one person may not be the best for another. You can also expect slightly higher cabin prices than those on the upper decks. Single cabins are generally difficult to find. I will answer this question to help you out. Find out the best place to be on a cruise ship and choose the cruise ship cabins before you make a cruise booking. Heres a look at all the major cruise lines, and which deck number they typically start with for their deck plans: *Holland America doesnt number its decks, but instead gives them names. The best deck for you is the one that can provide all the things you need and want from your cruise. So I did some research to work out what to expect. If you're at all prone to seasickness, you'll want to avoid an upper deck cabin. If you love the idea of this, then choose a stateroom at the very stern (back) end of the ship, and for the best views, opt for the highest deck possible. I heard that this is the worst location because of noise from kitchen and tables and chairs being moved.I would also avoid deck below pools. That's because on any given ship, the best cabin location for one person might not be the best choice for another. Balcony Apart from the balcony they can offer You twin beds that can be converted to King-size bed. Concierge cabins may also come with in-cabin amenities like welcome drinks, fruit baskets or afternoon canapes. I personally will not be staying any deck one below the pool on any ship going forward. If you are worried about your seasickness, choosing a cabin on the lowest passenger deck of a cruise ship is your best bet. How is deck 7? Allowing in some fresh air can help reduce the symptoms of seasickness. Choosing a stateroom high up on the ship is a good discipline, too, if you can get into the habit of using the stairs rather than the elevator (you could perhaps excuse yourself in the evenings when wearing high heels). Be an awful thing to not have cabin till just before your trip and to end up under the water wouldnt like that!!! Sports courts and activities like ropes courses, mini-golf, water parks and other wet and wild attractions are located at or toward the top of the ship, as well. The new Xcelerate Internet service allows fast streaming of music and HD movies , uploading multiple pictures , video chatting . I don't like middle decks since it's a caos to get in an empty elevator. The best lines with family cabins are Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and NCL. Not all decks have accommodation; on Celebritys ships, youll generally find entire decks dedicated to restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment spaces. Most European river cruise ships have two or three decks. 8.7k. Whether the rooms on Deck 1 are too noisy is subjective, because each ship is different. However, when the view doesnt matter to you, then you can choose the deck that suits your priorities the best. If you're unsure, always check deck plans, discuss cabin location with your travel professional, or inquire about rooms on the Cruise Critic forums before booking a cabin. Newer cruise ships are huge: Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Sea has decks running for 1,187 feet. Upper Deck: The upper deck is the highest point on the ship, often offering spectacular views of the ocean and any ports of call. We prefer Deck 10 or 11 - nothing available as of now.. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Allow your Personal Suite Attendant to help you navigate the ship or unpack your luggage. Read more: Where Are The Engines Located On A Cruise Ship? A guaranteed cabin is a room with a low rate that is a specific cabin type (inside, outside, etc.). What Deck on a Cruise Ship Is Best? Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is the various decks. What Is It Like to Work on a Cruise Ship? Also on Plaza deck 3 a new office for Future Cruise Sales was built and a new portrait studio was added. On Solstice-series ships, this is Deck 12. Among the changes were also upgraded bathrooms , new carpeting, new drapes, new bed linens. 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You then have to go all the way back to your stateroom to find the offending item, which on a large ship, can take time. Accessible/Disabled cabins are special accommodations for passengers with mobility challenges. A cruise with butler service can make you feel truly spoiled. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Holland America's Koningsdam vs. Nieuw Amsterdam, Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. If price is a major factor for you, then you should consider choosing a cabin located on a lower deck. There is more running back and forth to the cabin during the dayand not having to use elevators is a HUGE timesaver! If you luck out, you could get assigned to a higher-category cabin, like scoring a balcony for a standard outside cabin price. I can combine past guest benefits with current promotions to give clients the biggest bang for their buck, says Debbie Devine, owner of Cruise Planners. Decks on a cruise ship refer to the levels or floors of the ship. Prev; 1; 2; . For cruisers with mobility difficulties, accessible cabins are likely to be located lower on the ship. These are accessible staterooms, adapted for wheelchair users. You can have a great time in an inside cabin on the lowest level. Here are 5 possible, Passages 2023: Tom Sizemore, Wayne Shorter, more, Every 'Rocky' movie, definitively ranked, Tom Sizemore dies at 61: Look back at the star's, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' star, dead at, My hotel is not what I expected. You have to know this beforehand because it may be difficult to change cabins later on. Share More sharing options. Celebrity Edge deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2023-2024-2025 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Celebrity Cruises deckplan pdf (printable version).. Each of the Celebrity Edge cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger . For this reason, it's important to decide early what kind of suite you'd like. If so, an upper deck can magnify the problem. The spaces for kids can range from a small alcove with bunk beds to an entire adjoining cabin. I wouldn't go up any higher as that's getting pretty close to the sports deck although a group of my friends stayed in a boardwalk balcony cabin on deck 14 right under the basketball courts and they said they couldn't hear anything nor could they feel any movement. There are secret porthole rooms on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The vast majority of balcony rooms are standard balcony cabins or slightly larger rooms along either side of a cruise ship -- the port and starboard sides. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's centre. Generally, cruise lines like to keep guests above water, although that doesnt mean the underwater decks are empty. Best Cruise Ship Cabins for Motion Sensitivity. So, youve made your choice on your cruise ship. Well, I just booked a cruise and was assigned a cabin on deck 1! It varies by cruise ship, but if you are low down in the ship you may hear the ships engines, and feel the vibrations. This doesnt bother me so much but if your fitness levels arent what they used to be, you might want to reconsider booking a cabin that is too far from the lifts or stairs. The upper decks and those found at the end (aft), including the front (forward) parts of the ship, are more affected when the ship rolls and sways. The following are the pros and cons of lower decks: Once you have chosen the most appropriate deck for you, you can now choose your cabin. Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. However, one-way sailings such as a trip from Barcelona to Rome or a Norwegian fjords voyage means that scenery is, in fact, one of the biggest reasons to sail. We're testing out that deck very soon :D.typically we like Deck 9 overall on most ships. So for many, the best deck on a cruise ship is at the midship and lower deck areas. Often, fares drop just after final payment is due (about two months before sailing). Taking a cruise is a wonderful adventure. Celebrity Edge's Iconic Suites span a massive 1,291 square feet with an additional 398 square feet of outdoor space. A concierge cabin comes with -- you guessed it -- easy access to a cruise concierge. But it isnt a bad location, and it has its advantages. What does the Norwegian Dawn offer in terms of "things to do?". Do you have to have a whirlpool bathtub or a walk-in closet? Having a safe, private, and restful place to stay while at sea is essential for you to enjoy your cruise. If your cruise ship has deck plans that begin with Deck 3 or higher, theres a good chance that Deck 1 is below the waterline. How Many Decks Are There in a Cruise Ship? Much higher up, youll find sparkling pools, and on Solstice-series ships, the lush Lawn Club. On P& O Ventura, for example, Deck 12 is called A Deck, Deck 11 is called B Deck, and so on. Congress, Who doesn't love LEGO? So get a head start. Deck 1, or whatever the lowest deck is on a cruise ship that has staterooms, is not a prime location. Its worth noting as well, that often guests will be able to access just a small part of the lower decks. Pool decks sometimes can be the scene of late-night revelry that's loud enough to carry down to the deck below. Port Vs. Starboard: What Side of the Ship Is Best? You'll also find massive suites like the Royal Loft on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. The higher you are on a cruise ship, the more motion you'll feel. Plus, there usually arent too many cabins on the lowest deck, which can make it a bit quicker to grab an elevator. . You should aim to have staterooms directly above and below you that helps to minimise the noise. Lower decks are close to areas of embarkation and disembarkation, as well as the main lobby, theater and most main dining rooms, so it shouldn't be far to get to most places you'd like to go. Are they comfortable enough? There's no single answer for the best deck on a cruise ship. Letting the cruise line choose your cabin is risky, so be sure you'll be happy no matter which cabin you get assigned. As sizes, balcony cabins on cruise ships vary, with those on Princess and NCl ships being among the smallest compared to other big-ship lines. Infinite Veranda Stateroom on Celebrity Beyond. Furthermore, you can be stable on your feet and easily attend to your business in this deck. What is that? That can be a blessing when you need a break from the lively vibes elsewhere on your cruise. These services are mostly located on the lower or lowest decks of the ship. If you intend to make full use of the steam rooms, saunas, and heated mosaic loungers with dreamy sea views, it makes sense to choose a stateroom near the spa, especially if youre likely to wander between the spa and your stateroom in your robe (which is perfectly acceptable but could feel awkward in a busy elevator). For a Boardwalk Balcony I would avoid deck 12. Cruise Food Photos Cruise Ship Photos Ports of Call Photos Towel Animal Photos Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos Top 10; Live Cruise Reports . Someone might say the exact opposite as you because the weather was different their week. Suites come in all shapes and sizes. However, cool cabins are usually on higher decks, which means spending more money wont necessarily save you from seasickness. When it comes to cruise ships, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which deck is best. While you can't count on the upgrade fairy to pay you a visit after you've booked that low-tier cabin, you can look out for upgrade deals before you book. It would be good to select your cabin close to the elevator or easy to access to restaurants, disembarkation decks and activity decks. Thats wonderful! With any cruise ship, the location of your stateroom will have an impact on how much you pay. By It really depends on your itinerary. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. A good specialists role will go beyond simply deciphering the various cabin configurations and categories. 3. The key to a great cruise experience is having the right deck for your needs. Other rooms to avoid on a cruise ship are those situated low and at the back of cruise ships. You'll want to determine how much space you actually need and want to pay for before you book your room. Its not just about the type of cabin you book, but whether it is in a prime location or not. On the contrary, you can choose this deck if youre not bothered by the noise and prefer to be near cruise amenities. Sports courts and activities like ropes courses, mini-golf, water parks. Travellers with mobility concerns may prefer a stateroom close to a bank of lifts. Youd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship). We never had a problem on Allure or Harmony with the lifts to the boardwalk. Cruise ships are a great way to have a fun, relaxing vacation. For my Harmony cruise later this year I picked a middle deck (7) so that it was close enough to Central Park, Entertainment Place, and Royal Promenade to get to without an elevator and even the pool decks were doable. Choosing the best cabin on a cruise ship is definitely a matter of personal choice, with cost and location being the primary factors in making a decision. There is a lot that goes into the successful running of a cruise ship far more than what you see when youre wandering around. You can also look to see if theyve taken part in a reputable training program, such as Cruise Lines International Association , and have accreditation. Many cruise ships give the decks names as well as numbers. When it comes to noise, the best bet is to select a cabin that is both above and below other cabins instead of public spaces. If you do, youll want to get a room on the lowest deck possible. On Celebritys Edge-series ships, these Sunset Veranda staterooms are located on Decks 7 to 12 and have deeper verandas than the accommodations on the sides of the ships. In this post, I will answer that question and discuss other vital information related to it. Balcony cabins are a nice midway point when it comes to your holiday budget, but balconies range from those that barely hold two chairs to huge wraparound decks with hot tubs. The studio cabins on select Norwegian ships are the most famous example of this: The 100-square-foot staterooms each contain a full-size bed, nifty lighting effects and a large round window that looks out into the corridor. Here, we will explore some of the decks offered on cruise ships and their benefits, so you can make an informed decision when selecting your ships deck. Your cruise ship deck plans are undoubtedly important. Well, you came to the right place. Mast Grill is also nearby, a favorite spot for burgers and fries. Its not that the view from the lower decks is bad. But if you do worry that you might feel a little unwell, think about the location of your stateroom. Xcelerate Internet packages can be purchased on the ship or upon booking . 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean Cruises, 12 Things You Don't Need to Take on a Cruise, 15 Things You'll Regret Not Doing on a Cruise, Sail Here, Not There: Avoiding Overtourism in Cruise Ports, 16 Pictures of Our Favorite Cruise Balcony Views, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, Ship Exterior on Allure of the Seas (Photo: Cruise Critic), Ocean View Balcony on Royal Caribbean (Photo: Royal Caribbean), Family Harbor Cove Balcony Cabin (Photo: Carnival Cruises). If you're a solo traveller, you'll want to price out the cost of a solo cabin (usually somewhat higher than the double-occupancy rate of a similarly sized stateroom) compared to the cost of paying the single supplement (an extra fee tacked on if there aren't two people in a cabin; the price can come out to as much as double the regular rate) for a standard cabin. You probably wont be gazing out it but it does offer natural light into the room without paying an additional cost. In this age of mega-ships, cruise ship cabins now come in all shapes and sizes -- and are priced to match. On deck 11 was added the Qsine restaurant. Both areas received new furniture and flooring. I believe the issue with the boardwalk sign exists on all Oasis class ships. Decks above the ship's primary deck (#1) can be numbered as #A2 (A for Above), while those below are #2, #3, etc. Ask for 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024, 5522 or 5524. Most cruise lines allow you to select your stateroom at the time of booking, but if youve never cruised before, where do you start? If views are important to you, then selecting an upper deck will give you better views of your journey as well as potential sightseeing opportunities from above. Where is the best room on a cruise ship for you? Related: Forward vs. Aft: A Cabin Comparison. Related: The Guarantee Gamble: The Odds of an Upgrade When the Cruise Line Picks Your Cabin. Powered by Invision Community. Related: Best Cruise Ship Inside Cabins and a Few to Avoid. How do you want to be pampered on your holiday? What does the Norwegian Jewel offer in terms of "things to do?". Just got off Oasis in boardwalk balcony deck 10. These decks are not recommended for children and adults who have motion sickness. On this deck on each ship, you'll usually find the buffet, bars and entertainment like a big outdoor screen for movies. For the first time cruisers, deciding the right cruise ship rooms is often not easy. If youve never been on a cruise ship before, it can be difficult to choose which deck is best. All Rights Reserved. The agents get a preview of new cabins and staterooms, as well as new gadgets, amenities, and services. Higher decks are usually more expensive than those on lower levels, and vice versa. When cruising with kids, families may also want to consider decks where there are interconnecting staterooms. While staterooms on higher decks and far forward or aft on the ship are desirable for their prime . live in UK love USA and Royal Caribbean Cruises. After a ship sets sail, changing a cabin is always difficult. The best of all ships with single-occupancy cabins is the NCL Norwegian Epic, boasting 128 of its 100 square foot (9,3 m2) "Epic Studios" - specifically designed for solo travelers, and features a full-size bed and a large round window looking out into the corridor. We never go to bed early during the cruise and we don't spent much time during the day on the stateroom. The new satellite technology guarantees stable and fast VPN connections, allowing faster web browsing and HD video streaming. But if your cabin is underneath the promenade deck, pretty soon youll be wishing that these fellow passengers were also having an exercise holiday. The fine print usually indicates that the line will give you a so-called better cabin within the same category. MV Gemini is setting sail in its latest guise to offer the world's first -- and only -- three-year world cruise. On the Sun would upper deck be preferable to Empress, I know that Empress is one deck higher but appears to be beneath the resteraunts etc on the next floor up.Would upper be quieter or is the noise from above not a problem.