Planning first cruise!

[kreckl]

Okay, we've been going back and forth and have finally decided to book a cruise. I am very excited- but know how truly clueless I am. They are asking where on the ship I want to be? Midship for least amount of rocking? Anything else??
Would love some help. Looking at next August, to the Caribbean. We don not want a loud/busy area, this I know. We need a verandah. But thats about it.
What deck do I want? I don't know! I am seeing prices go up as the deck number do...
Help please

 

[heather4Disney]

No idea, we just had to book what was available. You could ask your travel agent see if they have advice. Likely not near an elevator or under a dance area.. Sorry I'm no help.

 

[kreckl]

Thanks- your post made me laugh! At least you wrote SOMETHING

 

[gotomu212]

I personally like a deck with rooms above and below me to cut down on any common space noise but I prefer to be closer to the elevators. Really none of the spaces are truly busy though.

How many people are going? Kids? That sorta drives the category you want (slightly bigger).

 

[tink1970]

It's hard to say without knowing your specific situation but here are my thoughts:

Midship is probably best for stability as well as accessing all parts of the ship-if you're a family using kids clubs as well as adult areas. If you're adult only (which I frequently am) than fore is fine since the adult areas are located there.

Deck number is pretty subjective. I prefer 12 (concierge) but if I'm not sailing concierge then 9 or 7. Reasons- 10 is closer to the drink, food, pool area but these are also on top of the 10th floor so there can be noise from cleaning and moving furniture at weird hours. So 9 is almost as close but has a "layer" of cabins to insulate from that deck noise. Deck 7 is a little more affordable but still a relatively quick trip down to 3 (shops, restaurants), 4 (theaters, bars) and 5 (kids area) or up to 11 (cabanas, drink station, adult areas).

So if I were traveling with 2 adults and 3 children I'd consider a 4D on deck 6, if 2 A 1 C (teenager) maybe a 5A on deck 9. Hope this helps!

 

[kreckl]

Thanks for the replies!
We are 2 adults and our son, who is 14. I'm not sure if he will do the clubs alone- maybe?

 

[heapies926]

I always choose Deck 6 forward. I like Deck 6. Elevators can get very long lines on the ships, so I like that I can walk just a few flights to get down to the main dining rooms and theaters, and up a few flights to get to the pool/buffet action.

I choose forward because I travel all adults, and the adult stuff is oriented there, but midship probably makes sense for you.
Just avoid the aft - I hated staying in the aft, it's much louder and shakier back there.

 

[buzzrelly]

We stayed on deck 9 mid-ship and loved it. It was close and convenient to everything and we didn't have any trouble with noise. We booked deck 9 mid-ship again for our next cruise, as well.

My DS was 14 on our cruise and loved the Vibe. If you want more information, click the link to my trip report below

 

[taysalyn]

It is I suppose all relative and highly subjective but my DH and I prefer the upper decks in order to see more when docked at ports of call. Our favorite is deck 7 and when the elevators are full or really busy just a few flights of stairs are doable for us. Also we prefer aft or the back which is usually closer to the drink station located on deck 9 as well as closer to the buffet and some restaurants. But as stated it just depends on personal preference which is hard to determine when cruising for the first time. We just finished up our 4th DCL cruise and always stay aft with never a problem. No loud noises or rocking sensations. We have stayed in a verandah (Alaska and Transatlantic) as well as an oceanview large porthole (Bahamian and Caribbean). Essentially I would say the higher the better for a great view. JMHO

 

[diznymom]

My TA explained it to me like this on our first cruise: Think of the ship as a giant pendulum. We chose a middle floor, midship. I wasn't sure about seasickness, so we planned accordingly. The midship elevators get crazy busy, but we either took the stairs or walked to the other elevators (aft or forward).

Off topic: I also go us the Psi-Bands for seasickness. We do not usually get motion sickness. However, these did help during rough seas.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for the replies!
We are 2 adults and our son, who is 14. I'm not sure if he will do the clubs alone- maybe?

Just a note - at 14 he can participate in both Edge and Vibe. Gives him more choices.

 

[tink1970]

FWIW, my DD is 15 and has cruised DCL 8 times. She usually loves the clubs but it depends on the composition of the others there. A good recommendation often given is to make sure they go to the first night meet and greet (it's called something else but that's the essence) because that's when kids get to know each other, decide on some of the group activities, etc. Of her 8 cruises, she's not meshed well once or twice. She really loved the Edge and was sad to "move up" to the Vibe. Now she's been to the Vibe a couple of times, she enjoys it. It's always hard to know what works with teenagers and I'll be honest, I hold my breath a little that first night, but it usually works out. And if it doesn't, then I spend a little more time with my very busy child who will soon leave the house-not the worst possible scenario either
Have a great cruise!