Cabin on lower Deck with Window or higher with no Window

[evolutiondob]

Hi,

I am crusing on the Mariner of the Seas in August. Unfortunatley, I cannot afford a suite or balcony since I am a single mom paying for herself and two kids. I have been given an option for a cabin with a window on Deck 2 and an interior cabin (no window) on Deck 9. Any suggestions on what would be best? I honestly don't have a preference either way since I really don't know how much a window will add (or not having a window will detract) from my experience.

Thanks for your input.

[skymaster]

I'd probably take the deck 2 with the window. The lower deck will have less motion, if you're concerned about that, and the window may add to the enjoyment of being in the cabin. Deck 2 is closer to the theatre, the dining rooms, the ice rink, and most of the "inside" activities. You will be further from the pools and the buffet area, but they are only an elevator ride away. (we found that by being on the medium decks (7,8,9,and 10) that the elevator was almost always full when it arrived, so the lower decks should be better in that respect as well)
Whatever you decide, you'll have a great cruise.

Ken

[evolutiondob]

Is there more noise down there? I heard that you can hear engine noise sometimes in the lower cabins.

[Robbie H]

We have booked everything from large closets on up and I vote for the window. The mega ships really are huge and you will get used to using the elevators to get around.

[msblackjack]

decide how much time you will realistically spend in the room - you didn't mention the age of the kids - if you are going to be in the room a lot of the time or if you will only be in teh room for nap times adn to get ready/change etc; get teh interior room; also look at the layout of where you will spend most of your time; find the room closest to where you will be; i.e. if you will be in the children's pool area most of the time, to eliminate the long walk back to the room for forgotten items

is the deck 2 window a "porthole" or big window?

[evolutiondob]

My children are ages 17 and 12. I'm sure my son will be hanging out in the teen portion of the boat (Fuel, disco, basketball court) while my daughter loves to swim. My son will likely be on his own most of the cruise although I have made him agree that he has to be with the family for breakfast, dinner hour and excursions when we dock so we can spend time together. I'm not sure what my daughter will be doing at this point although she will definitely be in more supervised activities - either with me or with the youth program on the boat.

As for me, I have NO idea. Since I don't have a friend going along with me, I hope to meet someone on the boat to pal around with. I like being at the pool, I can see myself enjoying some of the movies and shows, hitting the casino and maybe some quiet time in the library.

I'm not sure how big the window is on Deck 2. I looked on the RC interactive porition of virtual tours and it looks to be a large, round window.

[msblackjack]

good the bigger window is worth it over the porthole; this is how I pick a room and maybe it well help - with the older kids doesn't sound like you will be in the room hardly at all and a window may not be such a big deal - however, if the cruise is longer than 5 days, the window keeps you from feeling stir crazy...

with all ships I try to stay center/center in the ship; meaning midway from top to bottom as well as from back to front; then if I look at what rooms are just about 5-6 doors away from the main elevator/stairwells that I will be using and also check to make sure that I am not directly beneath any loud area of the ships, i.e., the showrooms dining rooms.
if I can get a good deal, I will take an inside room near the pool, as I prefer to be closer to the pool area, as I spend most of the time there and that is when I always seem to need to go back to the room cause I forgot something and I also prefer to use my room's restroom rather than the pool's restroom - also when I book closer to the pool and buffett; in the mornings I can just go out get my morning coffee and light breakfast, take in the sites on teh deck and duck back into the room to get ready for the day...

also FYI I have gone with older family members and basically felt on my own; it is farely easy to meet people; especially at the pool and in the casino..just don't be shy and introduce yourself to everyone ..... no stalking though

[evolutiondob]

Thanks for all of your help and suggestions. I elected to keep the Deck 2 with window. I was told by Carnival that there will be a lot of moving, switching and cancellations between now and the cut off date in June. I'm going to try to move up a few floors - perhaps Decks 6 through 8 - if it doesn't end up costing considerably more.

[Cassandra]

Stick with the window. At least you'll have something to look at other than the walls of the room. :-)

[CaptRon]

Good Question, and mine too.

We've done 3 previous RCI cruises, all with a window and loved it. But we too are on the Mariner but going 4/1. We booked at the last minute, hence a 7th floor inside room..I am rather dreading it, my wife doesn't seem to care because its cheaper.

But I'm an early riser & always loved my coffee by the window. I was told we are on a wait list for a promenade w/ a window, that would be great but Im not holding my breath. In any case, I won't allow it to ruin the cruise. Good Luck with your pick.

[subtropic]

An ocean view cabin is always more desirable than an interior one, and being on the second deck has less motion than a higher deck. There was no noise from the elevators and very little from anchors or engines.