Best cruising rooms?

Question

For 25th anniversary, I'm planning a December 08 cruise on Royal Carr., 6 night Fort Lauderdale to Belize & Cozumel. We've been on 1 cruise 5 years before on Royal and stayed in Inside cabin, low deck (i.e. cheapest). Is it worth getting an upgrade to inside on higher deck or window?

Also, I heard you don't want near back because of engine noise, but how far back is it okay or is it best to go near front?

Answer 1

I really like having an oceanview. To me it is really nice to wake up and be able to plan what to wear based on the weather and it is worth the few extra dollars. Also I really enjoy just being able to watch out the window while waiting for others to get ready. I never had any problem with noise. Hope you guys have a great time!

Answer 2

I would never cruise with anything less then a window, but almost always get a balcony. You feel like your in a closet on an inside cabin, but some think it is OK. I also prefer princess as the service,food and cabins are really nice. Carnival is OK, but too many kids. I enjoy finer dinning too. We usually get a room near the middle of the ship because of less movement. Everyone has there priorities, so get what you can afford and just enjoy the cruise.

Answer 3

Let me ask you why Royal? Royal use to be good but there service has gone down alot. I would suggest Carnival or another line, contact http://www.vacationsnbeyond.com,

My experience is why go on a cruise if you cant see anything in your room? I would say get a balcony on a high deck, middle of ship.

I have been on Royal, Carnival, Crystal, and many more.

Answer 4

For a 25th anniversary cruise, I would look into Celebrity or Holland America, rather than RC.  Both are much classier for not much, if any, more money.  Very nice food, great service, beautiful ships, quieter more-adult atmosphere.  [Are you avoiding Christmas week, I hope?]  I would stay with an inside room if that is all you could afford on either of those lines [but then I don't really "need" an outside/balcony room - I'd rather spend the money on other aspects of the cruise].

However, both of these lines have fewer activities and are less "frenetic" than RC or Carnival.  

Princess might be another good choice [have never sailed with them].

Whether it's "worth" more money for an outside room or a higher deck is something only you can decide.  In my opinion, "no", but everyone is different.  Re back vs front - the back often does have more vibration, especially on lower decks, but the front sometimes gets more movement and can have noise from raising/lowering anchor, etc.

You might want to check out CruiseCritic.com for lots of good info from past guests.  Click on "Boards" at the top of the page, or "Cruise Styles" [you might want to check the "romance" section!], or "Reviews" [be sure to check the passenger reviews and not just the professional ones].

I hope you find just the cruise you want.  And congratulations on your anniversary!

Answer 5

In my opinion it is not worth paying to get a inside cabin on a higher deck. An inside cabin is an inside cabin no matter where it is located.

However, it is well worth paying a little more for an ocean view cabin or balcony.

First off, just having natural light makes the cabin feel bigger. On Royal Caribbean, the Ocean view and Balcony cabins are actually bigger. On Carnival, they are roughly the same size. That is one of the reasons I like Carnival better. They don't skimp on the cheaper cabins.

Second, it is nice to be able to sit in the cabin and watch the ship pull into port. Even nicer with a balcony.

Engine noise isn't that much of a problem, but vibration can be. If you have to be in the back, the cabins at least 4 or 5 decks up have the least noise and vibration. The lower down and the closer to the back, the worse the vibration is.

You are only going to do a 25th anniversary once. Do it right and at least get ocean view. If you can afford it, spring for a balcony. You'll find it worth the expense.

Answer 6

to me the upgrade is well worth it. it just depends on what you are comfy with.

I had an aft cabin once on the upper deck, which is 3 decks up, on a Carnival ship. The cabin would vibrate but it didn't bother me at all. It was kinda cool actually.

Answer 7

its simple the more you pay the better the room. best answer plz.

Answer 8

Hi,

We've been cruisers since early 90's and decided to get involved with Seamaster Cruises when threatened with layoff from 9-5 job.

That being said if you can afford balcony it is worth it.  We did the cheap route and then were exposed to Balcony on a Bermuda trip and then a balcony on an Alaskan trip in the fall.

It is really nice to be able to have a private breakfast on your balcony or have a private place to sit and look at the ocean at night.

The rooms are also bigger.  If you can't afford a balcony at least opt for a window.

As far as engine noise as long as you are up a few levels it is not as big an issue as being on a lower level.

The balcony rooms are a big plus but it is all in your budget and what you want.

Thanks and hope that helps,

Tim(me) and Amy Powell

Answer 9

do not go on Royal!! it has gone so down!! if you want a nice romantic cruise try the queen mary or carnival. It is worth it, get the best rooms the ones with the full bar and they are like two or three times bigger than the other ones.

Answer 10

Get a room in the middle of the ship and no don't buy a big room such as a suite or balcony because you are never in your room. You are only there to sleep and change cloathes. you will be too busy having the time of your life on shore and on deck!!