Question for anyone with experiences of cruises

DieHard

I am thinking of booking a cruise for the 4th June for 14 days, its a Mediterranean cruise leaving from Southampton.

The dilemma I have is that the estate agent says I will be centrally situated in an inside cabin on the Vista deck (all decks for passengers are above the waterline).

I am interested in the penthouse deck and the agent has said there is one vacant. It is more expensive than the Vista deck and is beneath the pools and spas as opposed to the being near the discos and the theatres and entertainment. Which suggests that it would be more quiet but it is more expensive (about £100 more). The agent has recommended the Vista deck over the Penthouse deck which is why I would like advice from anyone who has been on a cruise.

Does any one has any experience of either higher or lower decks on a cruise boat? Also any other useful tips/advice or experience regarding cruises would be appreciated.

luci

Whatever you do, don't book a cabin beneath the pool area. They tend to clean the pool area during the night and you won't get slept for the noise of sun loungers being dragged across the deck.

If the Vista deck is near the entertainment, etc that shouldn't be a problem unless you are intending spending every evening in your cabin. When it is noisy in those areas you will most likely be out and about enjoying it.

moonrakerz

DieHard wrote: »

The dilemma I have is that the estate agent says

(My highlighting)


Wouldn't believe a word they say !

DieHard

Hahahaha!

I have estate agents on the brain at the moment.

@ Luci, thank you very much for the advice!

bcl999

You might find it useful to read some reviews from people who have travelled on the same ship. There are quite a lot of review sites. Try the forums on www.cruise.co.uk and www.cruisecritic.com
Generally, the higher up you are in ship the more movement you experience in turbulent waters but in the Med that would (hopefully) not be a problem.
Luci is right about avoiding cabins below the pool. Also watch out for being below the buffet restaurant as it is often on the top deck with the pools. A couple on a recent cruise had terrible problems with noise from 4am as that was when the staff started setting up etc for breakfasts! They were able to move after a few days. Some people think the top-but-one cabin deck is the best position on a ship as then you have only cabins directly above and below you.

travellerboy

I assume that you have never been on a Cruise prior to this year. Thefirst decision you need to make is which cruise line will suit you best. They are all very different eg. young /old passengers, casual/more formal, American/ British/ Italian, modern/older ship and the size of ship is of critical importance.

If you are choosing the Mediterranean consider starting the cruise from a Mediterranean port. You lose 2 days going and 2 days returning when you depart from Southampton and the Bay of Biscay can be rough, very rough.

If you are choosing an inside cabin and have the choice of location, then mid-ship, lower the better and away from the noise of the lift areas.

The most important decision is choose the best ship for you. (avoid Thomson ships like the plague)

Caz3121

Second vote for cruisecritic and when you do decide make sure you shop around for the best price - it is amazing the different prices for exactly the same cabin you will get

joebob

We go for the cheapest rooms on the inside, you are only in the room to sleep and get changed. just been on ventura in caribean we were on deck 8 near the front and had no problems.

travellerboy

joebob wrote: »

We go for the cheapest rooms on the inside, you are only in the room to sleep and get changed. just been on ventura in caribean we were on deck 8 near the front and had no problems.

.......but a Balcony Cabin is far better, if you can affoard the extra cost!