Great video I just saw about choosing a room on a cruise (good for newbies)

[fredandkell]

Well worth the time to watch! I’ve had many of these rooms over the years (under jogging track, near slamming crew door, etc.). Helps you know what to avoid!

 

[darnheather]

Well worth the time to watch! I’ve had many of these rooms over the years (under jogging track, near slamming crew door, etc.). Helps you know what to avoid!

Just some questions and thoughts as I plan for future cruises.

1) How much thinner are the connecting doors from the actual walls to make a big difference?
2) Would love to hear from anyway who's stayed on deck 8 of Wonder or Magic!
3) There aren't any staterooms under the jogging track on Magic/Wonder. And it looks to be the same for Fantasy/Dream.
4) Deck 5 of all four ships may have problems with this. Anyone want to speak to this issue of being near kids' clubs?
5) There are no staterooms on the same levels as clubs but has anyone had issues being underneath or above them? I would be extremely upset to hear "that bass noise" on my vacation.
6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL?
7) Thankfully DCL does not have rooms facing the interior and I can't see them doing this on the new ships either. I'd hate to be in such a room and I don't think I'd be really comfortable on such a ship.
8) I'm going to disagree with obstructed views. There are some fantastic deals to be had on obstructed view cabins especially if you book opening day. And the obstruction are minimal considering the upgraded room and view.
9) I've never experienced noise from the crew at all. Maybe someone else has and can warn of rooms to stay away from due to this.
10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience?

 

[southerngirl528]

1) How much thinner are the connecting doors from the actual walls to make a big difference?
2) Would love to hear from anyway who's stayed on deck 8 of Wonder or Magic!

I have stayed a couple of times on Deck 8 of the Magic. Loved it! Yes, there were a few times we heard deck chairs, but I am an exceedingly light sleeper and it did not bother me while trying to sleep and we did not find it problematic during the day. Don't know that it makes a difference in this instance, but has been a number of years since I have sailed on Deck 8 on either of these 2 ships.

3) There aren't any staterooms under the jogging track on Magic/Wonder. And it looks to be the same for Fantasy/Dream.
4) Deck 5 of all four ships may have problems with this. Anyone want to speak to this issue of being near kids' clubs?

I have not stayed on Deck 5, but I know folks w/kids that will be in the kids' clubs often really like that deck. For me, I think I would prefer a different deck.

5) There are no staterooms on the same levels as clubs but has anyone had issues being underneath or above them? I would be extremely upset to hear "that bass noise" on my vacation.

Hmm. I've stayed on Deck 2 on the Wonder/Magic 3 different times, both far forward, and far aft. I do not recall hearing any noise or bass thumping while forward Deck 2.

6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL?

If you are referring to the laundry/dry cleaning services, I have used them a LOT over the years cruising DCL and have found them to do an excellent job cheaper than my home dry cleaners. If you are speaking of self service laundry, I have used them a couple of times, and found it pretty easy as long as there were machines available. Don't wait until the evening before disembarkation to do your laundry!

7) Thankfully DCL does not have rooms facing the interior and I can't see them doing this on the new ships either. I'd hate to be in such a room and I don't think I'd be really comfortable on such a ship.
8) I'm going to disagree with obstructed views. There are some fantastic deals to be had on obstructed view cabins especially if you book opening day. And the obstruction are minimal considering the upgraded room and view.

Agree with you here! We have had a navigators verandah once and found it both very acceptable and charming!

9) I've never experienced noise from the crew at all. Maybe someone else has and can warn of rooms to stay away from due to this.

Never, ever, ever have I heard any noise from the crew in any location, any deck in the approximately 3+ months I have spent aboard a Disney ship.

10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience?

No bad experience here! And I am pretty picky btw.

 

[Van Houten]

6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL?
10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience?

Laundry can be problematic, particularly on the days when it gets crowded (preparation for formal day, with lines for an ironing board). Folks don't just stand in line - they talk. Sometimes loudly. And if your cabin door is opposite the laundry, the sounds of conversation will seep through.

No issues whatsoever with lower decks - although you need to watch for what's above and below deck 2 location. You may end up under the galley (which is between Triton / Lumiere and Tiana's / Rapunzel's), under an adult bar, or right above a tender lobby. The latter may be problematic for anyone who likes to sleep late, as the crew starts preparing the gangway even before the ship docks - they lift it up using chains and electric pulleys, which is a rather noisy ordeal.

 

[Dug720]

1) How much thinner are the connecting doors from the actual walls to make a big difference?
I've had neighbors in non-connecting rooms I could hear and neighbors in connecting rooms I would not have known were there if we hadn't seen each other coming or going.
2) Would love to hear from anyway who's stayed on deck 8 of Wonder or Magic!
n/a - only been on Deck 2 on the Magic
3) There aren't any staterooms under the jogging track on Magic/Wonder. And it looks to be the same for Fantasy/Dream.
Yep
4) Deck 5 of all four ships may have problems with this. Anyone want to speak to this issue of being near kids' clubs?
I the one time I was on Deck 5 (not my choice...it was an "upgrade" from my 8B GTY) I was in the forward section, so it was a non-issue for me.
5) There are no staterooms on the same levels as clubs but has anyone had issues being underneath or above them? I would be extremely upset to hear "that bass noise" on my vacation.
n/a - have not been under them
6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL?
I am on vacation - ergo I refuse to do laundry. That is for when I get home.
7) Thankfully DCL does not have rooms facing the interior and I can't see them doing this on the new ships either. I'd hate to be in such a room and I don't think I'd be really comfortable on such a ship.
Ditto. Of course, I have no desire to cruise on any of those behemoths with the wind tunnels on them. Ew.
8) I'm going to disagree with obstructed views. There are some fantastic deals to be had on obstructed view cabins especially if you book opening day. And the obstruction are minimal considering the upgraded room and view.
Have not stayed in an obstructed view cabin before, but I've stayed at every other level (inside (RCCL), Ocean View (DCL and RCCL), Verandah (HAL), and Concierge (DCL...that also was a verandah cabin - not a suite). Put me on a ship (not a floating apartment building) and I'm happy.
9) I've never experienced noise from the crew at all. Maybe someone else has and can warn of rooms to stay away from due to this.
Never an issue on DCL. When I had a forward facing cabin on RCCL, I was right over the crew break area. It was not bad, until someone decided to work out with the punching bag. (I noticed that was not there on the Jewel this summer, so maybe they got enough complaints they took it down).
10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience?
Loved Deck 2 on the Magic. Staying Deck 2 on the Wonder next August for Alaska.

(My answers in pink)

 

[fredandkell]

Just some questions and thoughts as I plan for future cruises.

1) How much thinner are the connecting doors from the actual walls to make a big difference?
2) Would love to hear from anyway who's stayed on deck 8 of Wonder or Magic!
3) There aren't any staterooms under the jogging track on Magic/Wonder. And it looks to be the same for Fantasy/Dream.
4) Deck 5 of all four ships may have problems with this. Anyone want to speak to this issue of being near kids' clubs?
5) There are no staterooms on the same levels as clubs but has anyone had issues being underneath or above them? I would be extremely upset to hear "that bass noise" on my vacation.
6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL?
7) Thankfully DCL does not have rooms facing the interior and I can't see them doing this on the new ships either. I'd hate to be in such a room and I don't think I'd be really comfortable on such a ship.
8) I'm going to disagree with obstructed views. There are some fantastic deals to be had on obstructed view cabins especially if you book opening day. And the obstruction are minimal considering the upgraded room and view.
9) I've never experienced noise from the crew at all. Maybe someone else has and can warn of rooms to stay away from due to this.
10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience?

My thoughts in capitals:
1) How much thinner are the connecting doors from the actual walls to make a big difference? I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS, BUT I ALWAYS BOOK TWO CONNECTING ROOMS, SO IF THE PERSON NEXT TO ME ISN'T QUIET, I CAN TELL THEM TO SHUT UP, LOL! I HAVE HEARD PEOPLE ON THESE BOARDS COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS WITH MAGIC/WONDER THOUGH.
2) Would love to hear from anyway who's stayed on deck 8 of Wonder or Magic! I HAVEN'T PERSONALLY BUT HAVE SEEN PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ON THESE BOARDS. APPARENTLY IF YOU BOOK DECK 8 ON M/W YOU NEED TO BE UNDER THE SPA. ALSO ON DREAM/FANTASY MY BIL HAS STAYED ON DECK 10 AND HAS COMPLAINED OF THE CHAIR SCRAPING ISSUE.
3) There aren't any staterooms under the jogging track on Magic/Wonder. And it looks to be the same for Fantasy/Dream. CORRECT. DISNEY IS SMART FOR THIS ONE. I HAD THIS PROBLEM ON NORWEGIAN AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE. EARLY BIRD JOGGERS THUMPING AT 6 AM EVERY DAY.
4) Deck 5 of all four ships may have problems with this. Anyone want to speak to this issue of being near kids' clubs? I HAVE NOT STAYED ON THE KIDS' CLUB DECK, BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN, I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE WORSE WITH FANTASY/DREAM THAN MAGIC/WONDER DUE TO THE LAYOUTS. THE ROOMS ON THE MAGIC KIDS' FLOOR SEEMED QUITE REMOVED FROM THE KIDS' CLUBS.
5) There are no staterooms on the same levels as clubs but has anyone had issues being underneath or above them? I would be extremely upset to hear "that bass noise" on my vacation. READ THE STATEROOM REPORTS - THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THIS, BIG TIME. TRUE FOR ANY SHIP. ALSO I'VE HEARD PEOPLE ON DECK 2 OF MAGIC/WONDER THAT ARE UNDERNEATH THE ATRIUM TALKING ABOUT NOISE - THEY HAVE LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC THERE AND IT'S LOUD. A LOT OF THIS DEPENDS ON IF YOU'RE A NIGHT OWL WHO WOULD NORMALLY BE AT SAID CLUBS UNTIL LATE OR IF YOU'RE AN EARLY BIRD LIKE ME, WHERE THUMPING BASS WOULD MAKE YOU MISERABLE.
6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL? I HAVE NOT STAYED BY THE LAUNDRY ROOM BUT I'VE USED IT A LOT AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMING AND GOING, PLUS THE CONSTANT SMELL OF DETERGENT/FABRIC SOFTENER, WHICH MAKES ME NAUSEOUS
7) Thankfully DCL does not have rooms facing the interior and I can't see them doing this on the new ships either. I'd hate to be in such a room and I don't think I'd be really comfortable on such a ship. I AGREE, HOPE THEY DON'T GO THIS ROUTE LIKE ROYAL CARIBBEAN
8) I'm going to disagree with obstructed views. There are some fantastic deals to be had on obstructed view cabins especially if you book opening day. And the obstruction are minimal considering the upgraded room and view. I AGREE. I THINK HE MEANS THE SHIPS THAT USE THEIR OWN LIFEBOATS TO TENDER. I'VE ONLY TENDERED ONCE WITH DCL AND THEY USED THE PORT'S LARGER BOATS, NOT THEIR OWN LIFEBOATS.
9) I've never experienced noise from the crew at all. Maybe someone else has and can warn of rooms to stay away from due to this. THIS HAPPENED TO ME NORWEGIAN. WE WERE ON THE LAST ROOM NEXT TO A BIG "GREY AREA" ON THE MAP. TURNS OUT IT WAS A VERY HIGH TRAFFIC CREW AREA AND WE DID HEAR THE SLAMMING DOOR ISSUE. WE ALSO RECENTLY STAYED IN A ROOM BELOW A GREY AREA ON THE MAGIC. DID NOT HEAR CREW NOISE BUT DID HEAR A HYDRAULIC PUMP NOISE - I THINK WE WERE UNDER SOME KIND OF MOTOR.
10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience? SEE #9 - THAT WAS THE PUMP NOISE. READ THE STATEROOM REPORTS FOR SPECIFIC ROOMS. SOME ARE GREAT ON LOW DECKS AND SOME ARE APPARENTLY HIDEOUS. I'VE STAYED ON THE BOTTOM DECK ON BOTH THE MAGIC AND ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN, BUT I'VE ALWAYS BEEN MIDSHIP ON THE BOTTOM.

MORAL OF THE STORY - ALWAYS READ THE STATEROOM REPORTS BEFORE BOOKING - THEY ARE A LIFESAVER. AND IF YOU'RE NOISE-SENSITIVE, LIKE ME, AVOID LETTING DCL ASSIGN A ROOM FOR YOU AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'LL END UP.

 

[Starwind]

Just some questions and thoughts as I plan for future cruises.

1) How much thinner are the connecting doors from the actual walls to make a big difference?
2) Would love to hear from anyway who's stayed on deck 8 of Wonder or Magic!
3) There aren't any staterooms under the jogging track on Magic/Wonder. And it looks to be the same for Fantasy/Dream.
4) Deck 5 of all four ships may have problems with this. Anyone want to speak to this issue of being near kids' clubs?
5) There are no staterooms on the same levels as clubs but has anyone had issues being underneath or above them? I would be extremely upset to hear "that bass noise" on my vacation.
6) Laundry, anyone have experience with this on DCL?
7) Thankfully DCL does not have rooms facing the interior and I can't see them doing this on the new ships either. I'd hate to be in such a room and I don't think I'd be really comfortable on such a ship.
8) I'm going to disagree with obstructed views. There are some fantastic deals to be had on obstructed view cabins especially if you book opening day. And the obstruction are minimal considering the upgraded room and view.
9) I've never experienced noise from the crew at all. Maybe someone else has and can warn of rooms to stay away from due to this.
10) Low decks. I've so far shied away from these but I've seen them recommended here. Anyone with a bad experience?

1) the door is basically flush with the wall. Each connecting room has a door (so 2 doors total); the combined width is about the same as the wall. I found a couple pictures where you can see the connecting door closed (it is the left hand door):

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqTPJT7_NNI/TkEWTmQa86I/AAAAAAAAGPg/uqWoqeorTYQ/s1600/GEDC0983.JPG

And the two connecting doors open:

https://i2.wp.com/ourmagicaladventu...ting-Rooms-Doors-Propped-Open.jpg?w=768&ssl=1

Of course because there is not a perfect seal around the door some noise could travel. Our 5 cruises on DCL have always had connecting doors and we have never had an issue with noise from the strangers beside us.

4) we stayed on deck 5 forward and it wasn't an issue.

6) we have done laundry on all of our cruises. our last couple and our upcoming we were in the same area but the opposite hall. I don't t hink i would want to be across from the laundry room, but i don't know how much a problem it would actually be other than there being traffic outside the room particularly at certaian times. The DCL self service laundry rooms are open 24 hrs. I found most people using them when we were spoke quietly or not at all and were respectful of the nearby staterooms.

9) we've been a couple doors down from a crew entrance and across from one and it was not a big deal. the crew were respectful and quiet and weren't slamming doors or making great amounts of noise.

SW

 

[southerngirl528]

Ditto. Of course, I have no desire to cruise on any of those behemoths with the wind tunnels on them. Ew.

Amen to THIS!!! Happy so many folks love them, but I will be one less passenger for them to enjoy it all the more! This girl even prefers the Classic ships as opposed to the DCL Dream class.

Hope all the great answers are helping you, darn heather!

 

[darnheather]

Amen to THIS!!! Happy so many folks love them, but I will be one less passenger for them to enjoy it all the more! This girl even prefers the Classic ships as opposed to the DCL Dream class.

Hope all the great answers are helping you, darn heather!

Very much so. I may switch to NCL for Alaska and this helps with that as well. Just have to wait and see those opening day prices!

 

[Van Houten]

ALSO I'VE HEARD PEOPLE ON DECK 2 OF MAGIC/WONDER THAT ARE UNDERNEATH THE ATRIUM TALKING ABOUT NOISE - THEY HAVE LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC THERE AND IT'S LOUD.

On our last cruise on Wonder, we were directly below the atrium lobby (2063 and 2065). Can't really say that the noise from the atrium is much of an issue - music noise was quite remote and never bothered us. On a few occasions kids would stomp around the atrium, but that can happen anywhere, even with another cabin above you.

WE ALSO RECENTLY STAYED IN A ROOM BELOW A GREY AREA ON THE MAGIC. DID NOT HEAR CREW NOISE BUT DID HEAR A HYDRAULIC PUMP NOISE - I THINK WE WERE UNDER SOME KIND OF MOTOR.

One of the two rooms I mentioned above is directly behind the mid-ship elevator bank - not a "grey area", but rather, something that's well marked - and in the room you could hear a very prominent recurring mechanical sound every couple of minutes during the day, and about every 10 minutes at night. So if you are a light sleeper, or get easily annoyed by noises, then researching stateroom reports is critical.
But also keep in mind that DCL will do anything they can to make things right if you are unhappy for whatever reason.

 

[Van Houten]

Of course because there is not a perfect seal around the door some noise could travel.

We had connecting rooms on Dream and Wonder, as well as one room with connecting door on a Magic, and in my experience, the sealing of double doors between the rooms is as good or even better than the sealing of the main cabin door. So rowdy neighbors next door will likely bother you less than rowdy passers-by in the hallway.

 

[Bonnie1222]

DH and I stayed in room 9500 on the Fantasy a couple years ago. It was the last room before the officers quarters and directly across from the laundry. We had no issues and I would stay in it again. Another year we were in room 6501 an inside stateroom that was against a laundry room wall and never heard anything there either. As for adjoining rooms, I agree with a PP that I have heard more noise from neighboring cabins when I didn't have the door.

Personally some of the worst noise we have experienced on cruises when we were in room 2644 on the Magic (engine noise) and I don't remember the room number but we were just off mid ship and the kids running back and forth in the hall talking loud, hitting the walls as they walked by were the worst (we were on an upper floor closer to mid ship) in a higher traffic area.

We prefer forward.... WAY forward. I know it's far away from everything, but I would rather walk a little further to have less foot traffic.

 

[Van Houten]

DH and I stayed in room 9500 on the Fantasy a couple years ago. It was the last room before the officers quarters and directly across from the laundry. We had no issues and I would stay in it again.

I was looking at 9500 on Fantasy for one of our future cruises (it happens to be one of the rooms which fits 5), but was put off by the comments about noise related to laundry in stateroom reviews. Perhaps I should reconsider. Having laundry nearby is a benefit, too.

 

[Starwind]

The worst stateroom noise we experienced wasn't from other humans, but from the hangers in the closet banging against each other during rough seas ;-)

We were in an 8A "sideways" room on deck 5 on the Dream and again on the Fantasy. It took us a while to figure out WHAT the sound was the first time, but once we did and it was clear it was not going to stop anytime soon I finally gave up and hauled the empty hangers onto the stateroom floor - at least on the carpet they stayed quiet

SW

 

[southerngirl528]

The worst stateroom noise we experienced wasn't from other humans, but from the hangers in the closet banging against each other during rough seas ;-)

Having done a few cruises in pretty rough to quite rough seas, I remember the hanger noise well! I think I put something to wedge the hangers where they couldn't slide. That sound surely can keep you awake at night, huh?

 

[Dug720]

The worst stateroom noise we experienced wasn't from other humans, but from the hangers in the closet banging against each other during rough seas ;-)

We were in an 8A "sideways" room on deck 5 on the Dream and again on the Fantasy. It took us a while to figure out WHAT the sound was the first time, but once we did and it was clear it was not going to stop anytime soon I finally gave up and hauled the empty hangers onto the stateroom floor - at least on the carpet they stayed quiet

SW

I make it a practice to put and empty hangers after unpacking on the closet floor. And they stay there until debarkation morning - they get joined by used-but-now-empty hangers as I pack, and then when I wake up debarkation morning I put them all back on the rack.

 

[Bonnie1222]

I was looking at 9500 on Fantasy for one of our future cruises (it happens to be one of the rooms which fits 5), but was put off by the comments about noise related to laundry in stateroom reviews. Perhaps I should reconsider. Having laundry nearby is a benefit, too.

I just double checked with DH and he said he doesn't remember any noise. I can honestly say that I heard something maybe once, but it was daytime and so insignificant I can't even say for sure it was the laundry - but more people just talking.

I also do not recall a lot of people using the laundry room on that trip, but since it wasn't an issue for us, I really didn't pay attention to it.

I will also say that the noise level in your room can depend on your "neighbors". Some guests are just loud... there is nothing you can do to avoid that.

 

[Bonnie1222]

On a personal side note.... After watching this video, while it does contain good pertinent information, when you are done crossing off all the rooms he tells you NOT to stay in, there really aren't many rooms left. I wonder if he did a video on the BEST rooms to stay in as well.

Good thing we all love DCL... We don't really have to worry about several of his warnings like the promenade, the interior balcony viewing rooms and being under the night clubs.

 

[darnheather]

Having done a few cruises in pretty rough to quite rough seas, I remember the hanger noise well! I think I put something to wedge the hangers where they couldn't slide. That sound surely can keep you awake at night, huh?

Three girls who love to get dressed up. We never have empty hangers.

 

[Starwind]

Having done a few cruises in pretty rough to quite rough seas, I remember the hanger noise well! I think I put something to wedge the hangers where they couldn't slide. That sound surely can keep you awake at night, huh?

Yep ! I am normally a pretty sound sleeper. Those hangers clanging were something else.

SW