Why are staterooms on upper decks better?

[Mango Mike]

This has always puzzled me and I really can't come up with a truly logical explanation on my own - why are staterooms on the upper decks better than the ones on the lower decks?

 

I'm basing my assumption on the fact that the higher you go, the more the stateroom costs as well as that is typically where they place the suite staterooms.

 

On the S class ships for example, all veranda staterooms are the same size (194 sq. ft.) [balcony sizes differ depending on location] so nothing gained in this category. And with all due respect, with the exception of the staterooms with obstructed views (lifeboats) on deck 6, those on the lower decks are closer to the sea, and isn't that a part of being on a cruise? I'm beginning to think the lower decks might actually have better views than the upper decks (especially when pulling away from port and watching the late comers running for the ship).

 

Adding to this, I read occasionally that some passengers aren't too happy with some of the top deck cabins because of the noise from some vents or the obstructed view from deck supports, yet you pay much more for these staterooms because of the perks included. Shouldn't one of the perks you're paying for include a better stateroom location?

 

Don't get me wrong, my wife and I book as high a deck as we can afford as well - but why???

[DYKWIA]

- but why???

 

Nearer to the pool....and buffet!

 

And maybe a bit of status because the higher up means the more you've paid.

Edited August 14, 2015 by DYKWIA

[villauk]

Nearer to the pool....and buffet!

 

And maybe a bit of status because the higher up means the more you've paid.

 

Not so on the M class ships; the penthouse suites are situated on the lower decks ;).

[Olive1950]

For ME, fewer cabins and wider corridors.

 

Sometimes, but not always, fewer children.

[WALKER1313]

On some ships the smells of oils and fuels are quite powerful on the lowest decks.

[helen haywood]

I don't think the higher cabins warrant a higher price tag. For example, on Reflection (or any S-Class ship), there are 2C cabins port side aft that have as an obstruction just the roof of Blu. If you selected 6305 you would have basically the same view as 7305 one deck above you, which is a 2A category and priced accordingly as it is 2 categories above the 2C. But the obstructed view of 6305 is practically the same as 7305 one deck above.

 

Some people consider it worthwhile to spend extra for a midship cabin as they don't have to walk as far to an elevator. That doesn't bother me.

[Fouremco]

Why do apartment buildings or condos charge more for units on higher floors? :)

[Pipo]

Probably for the same reason as in real estate: the higher the floor (better view), the higher the price.

But I agree that not always the highest deck is the best... been there, and the noise from the lounge chairs, the tables being accommodated in the morning, and the music from the bars above, is uncomfortable. On both M and S class, the top deck of rooms has the supporting beams, which makes an obstructed view. For me, the second or third decks from above are the best, but still "high expensive decks". I think deck 7 is the "best value", not that expensive as a 10 or 11, but no obstructed view as deck 6.

[steve ch]

I read occasionally that some passengers aren't too happy with some of the top deck cabins because of the noise from some vents or the obstructed view from deck supports, yet you pay much more for these staterooms because of the perks included.

 

I believe that one reason for making cabins Concierge or Aqua class is to persuade people to choose what are otherwise less desirable cabins, a cunning plan improve their perceived value.

[CathyCruises]

We cruised in a midship cabin on Deck 6 in May and I loved the location, found it more convenient than than being on 8 or 9 where we usually are. If you think about it, it's just cruise line hype to pay more for higher floors. . .not like an apartment building at all IMO

[grayjay]

Strangely enough, on Holland America ships the lower decks are often higher in price than the higher ones, for example cabins in the same location on deck 7 are less expensive than the ones on decks 5 and 6 below that. Good for us because we prefer deck 7...

[Fish Lover]

I don't know how true it is anymore, but here are the reasons I think or have heard:

 

- wider halls, fewer state rooms, and the halls are broken up with common areas (not so claustrophobic)

- less boat movement discernable on the upper decks

- verandas on the upper decks, with fewer obstructed views

- verandas with full sunshine

- no elevator wait, just a couple flights to buffet, pool , lounges

- above the dining room, kitchens, casino and lounges so above the noise

[SantaFeFan]

On some ships the smells of oils and fuels are quite powerful on the lowest decks.

 

Which ships? Give us more info on this.

[wwcruisers]

Not so on the M class ships; the penthouse suites are situated on the lower decks ;).

 

Absolutely spot on, about the Millie-Class ships! The aft section of Deck 6 is referred to as "Suite-Land". And further forward, the "Sweet Sixteen" cabins (with their big balconies) are only found on Deck 6.

[dj_crusin]

The answer to this OP will require a thesis in marketing! The cruise lines are experts in marketing and make you perceive that a cabin on the upper decks is worth more.

 

Other questions:

How do cruise lines make money selling a cabin for $499 for a 7 night cruise?

Is cruise line X better than cruise line Y?

Do you prefer an inside, outside, veranda or suite?

Is premium liquor worth more than standard?

Is dining in Blu or Luminae better than the regular dining room?

And on and on...............................

 

See http://www.cruisecritic.com/v-2/articles.cfm?ID=77 for good guidelines.

 

I do know that the least movement on the ship is midship on the lowest deck.

 

Dan

[blueboro]

I don't know how true it is anymore, but here are the reasons I think or have heard:

 

- wider halls, fewer state rooms, and the halls are broken up with common areas (not so claustrophobic)

- less boat movement discernable on the upper decks

- verandas on the upper decks, with fewer obstructed views

- verandas with full sunshine

- no elevator wait, just a couple flights to buffet, pool , lounges

- above the dining room, kitchens, casino and lounges so above the noise

 

Actually from my experience the HIGHER the deck the more noticeable the movement. Kind of like the top of a flag pole moves more than the bottom. Plus, some of the higher cabins on Solstice class have the supports and are shaded a good part of the time.

[WALKER1313]

Which ships? Give us more info on this.

 

Every "older" ship on which we have traveled seems to have more issues with this problem. Scored super prices for staterooms on decks 2 and 3 and been a little sorry that we did. We have also found that the lower decks have a lot more action as they are the decks for entering tenders, crew travel and loading items onto and off the ship.

[captdave]

I stick with Summit/Infinity in Aqua 1, Deck 11 Stern Cabin if I can.

 

Location, location, location!

 

CaptDave

[judyfssw]

If you want an accessible Sky Suite on the S class ships, then you are just below the buffet where the staff wheels little vehicles with plates etc. on it beginning about 4 AM and ending after I want to be asleep. A mild irritant for some. And poor planning on Celebrity's part.

Edited August 14, 2015 by judyfssw

[wieslaw]

Actually from my experience the HIGHER the deck the more noticeable the movement........

 

And if one is prone to motion sickness ...... the better the chance that one might run to the rail (in an emergency) ...... hopefully no one is under that spot ...... so that is the reason the "higher" is better..... nobody above you..... right ?

Edited August 14, 2015 by wieslaw

[Mango Mike]

Well, some of you have given me a few of things to consider, although a couple items could be debatable.

 

Nearer to the pool or buffet??? Lower decks are closer to the dining room, theater, shopping, etc. (Entertainment deck).

 

I didn’t realize the hallways were wider on the upper decks – learn something new everyday.

(Fewer children – hmmm, my wife thinks I’ve never grown up, does that count?)

 

A couple replies have been “higher floor = better view”. But is this really the case? Wouldn’t this most likely boil down to personal preference. I believe one would get a much better sense and feel for the ocean if you were on deck 6 rather than deck 10 or 11, again, my opinion.

 

As mentioned, I’m sure Celebrity has done their research (extensively) and know what sells best for what cost in what location. Plus marketing has a great deal to do with it. They could have very easily marketed the staterooms on the lower decks as being in the “premier” location, up the price on those, and we probably would have bought into that way of thinking.

 

Wow, am I glad it’s Friday. With all of these newly gained considerations and maybe a home brewed margarita or four, my weekend is taking shape.

[helen haywood]

I can't speak for every ship afloat....but I have never seen wider hallways on Celebrity as one goes up to a higher deck.

[need2cruisesoon]

I can't speak for every ship afloat....but I have never seen wider hallways on Celebrity as one goes up to a higher deck.

 

I agree.....this is deck 11.

[ChucktownSteve]

Is cruise line X better than cruise line Y?Dan

 

Dan, That depends. Does X=Celebrity and Y=Carnival? :D

[richsea]

I can't speak for every ship afloat....but I have never seen wider hallways on Celebrity as one goes up to a higher deck.

 

I have never seen wider hallways on upper decks either'at least on Celebrity. In fact, on Century, Galaxy, & Mercury, the widest hall were on Plaza Deck, ( 4or 5?) along with guest relations.

In addition, the closer to the water line,the less movement there is.