We used to book rooms without checking the deck plans. We quickly learned about cruisedeckplans.com., which is free to use. We also discovered Mac's, which we rate highest after trying dozens of earplugs. I never leave home without them. They are very soft and really block out the noise. And no offense to the HAL agents who book your cabin for you, but they really aren't familiar with the ships, or so it seems, lol.