Jewel Class - Help me pick my deck!

[Pack My Bags]

I have not been on an NCL cruise in over 10 years, sailing on the Gem in January. Here is my dillema.

 

Do I book an oceanview on deck 5 just above the bars and lounges or do I book an obstructed view on deck 8 with restaurants below me? I get a nice window on deck 5 for more $, but my gut is telling me to book the obstructed view for less as I wont hear crashing plates & rolling carts if the restaurants are below me.

 

Your Suggestions?

[mking8288]

Are you planning to pick your specific cabin per availability? You might want to refer to specific deck plan for the GEM - http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/Main/decks.php?ship=Norwegian%20Gem

 

We generally like deck 8 on the Jewel & Dawn class ships - regular & obstructed OV as well as balcony, where noises are generally not an issue - except those screaming & running down the hallway (which happened all the time, regardless of deck & location, anyway)

 

Deck 5's OV cabins are challenging, depending on specific cabin - Forward & Port side ones BELOW the casino looks to be fine, the ones below Le Bistro could be noise during dinner & worst if they are close/next to the gallery service area, with the carts ... Noises from the ship's gallery is usually a problem in the morning for late-risers and at dinner time, and if you will be elsewhere on the ship or in the theater - it shouldn't be a problem on deck 5 if you select your specific cabin carefully.

 

We opted for a last minute cruise for a great price for a GTY obstructed oceanview on the Gem's deck 8 and just been assigned a mid-ship port-hole OV on deck 4, port side - with stateroom above us, so we are going to be fine and should seas get rough, rocking & rolling in the most preferred part of the ship. I will have our review once we get back next month & post pix to share here on CC.

[Pack My Bags]

THANKS.... Wouldn'tcha know it....

 

As luck would have it, I found an accessible obstructed oceanview with a picture window as opposed to the porthole windows on deck 8. My mom is disabled & blind so the extra square footage will allow her to walk freely without bumping her shins, face or nose into any sharp corners, furniture, etc. Also the fact that the restroom is level & no stepping up or down to get in or out will be soooo helpful for her along with the shower seat.

 

8102 is towards the aft elevator bank, and so I hear that if you are walking from the midship stairs or bank that you have to walk through the Tapas restaurant. Have you heard of this? Do lots of people do this & in the middle of service? Or is it a casual setting & it happens all the time. Curious.

[emcelh]

THANKS.... Wouldn'tcha know it....

 

As luck would have it, I found an accessible obstructed oceanview with a picture window as opposed to the porthole windows on deck 8. My mom is disabled & blind so the extra square footage will allow her to walk freely without bumping her shins, face or nose into any sharp corners, furniture, etc. Also the fact that the restroom is level & no stepping up or down to get in or out will be soooo helpful for her along with the shower seat.

 

8102 is towards the aft elevator bank, and so I hear that if you are walking from the midship stairs or bank that you have to walk through the Tapas restaurant. Have you heard of this? Do lots of people do this & in the middle of service? Or is it a casual setting & it happens all the time. Curious.

Tapas is now Moderno, the Brazillian Steakhouse. On the other side is the Blue Lagoon which is very informal so, if you need to walk through I'd use that route.

[mizLORInj]

Have fun. I LOVE the Gem!!! Just saw her beautiful hull as I was walking up 12th Avenue on Saturday!

[sdmike]

To the OP, I have two suggestions on room placement:

 

1) Don't be under the galley. We were on DCL and heard carts, and people all night.

 

2) Don't be near the nightclub or bar (over, under or beside). They are loud and go into the wee hours of the morning.

[Pack My Bags]

I too like to avoid staterooms anywhere near the theatre, I also dont like to book underneath the pool deck because of the music & people dragging the lounge chairs on deck above. Normally I like to book a deck which has staterooms both above & below me.

 

When budget limits you but, you must try to make the best choice & cross your fingers. This cruise my parents are booked above the photo gallery. Better than being below the bars! Sometimes you end up across from a crew door & hear it slamming all the time. I tend to like staterooms bear the elevator banks & surprisingly after 16 cruises I have only had a problem with noise ONCE.

 

Thank you all with your help on this topic. Have not been on NCL in ten yrs and trust that my parents will enjoy their cabin choice.

 

Wishing you all happy travels & smooth sailing!