Are Cabins Quiet?

[LewiLewi]

We are considering a cruise on the Viking Sky in the near future. We have heard that the cabins are not well insulated and you can easily hear your neighbor's TV at night when trying to sleep.

Has this been anyone else's experience, or have you found the cabin's to be generally quiet.

[Richard2]

The cabins are generally quiet. The lack of noise from conversation in the hallway is excellent. Even guests with cabins directly across from the laundry room do not usually have complaints. Other than a few rooms directly above the Torshavn lounge or the Theater during an evening performance, I'm unaware of any rooms with unique problems. The TV issue you mention is the one general problem, if you have an inconsiderate neighbor. The TVs are mounted on the wall, so the headboard of your bed will be against the TV wall of one of your adjoining rooms. If that TV is on loud, you can hear a muffled sound. The room on the other side is not an issue. I've heard that Viking has reduced the maximum volume of the TVs, but can't verify that. Also, there is not much nightlife on Viking. No casino, and Torshavn is a small nightclub. Particularly on cruises with daily port stops, everyone is pretty much on the same schedule. It would just be an uncommon case of bad luck to have a neighbor playing the TV late at night.

[orchestrapal]

27 minutes ago, Richard2 said:

The cabins are generally quiet. The lack of noise from conversation in the hallway is excellent. Even guests with cabins directly across from the laundry room do not usually have complaints. Other than a few rooms directly above the Torshavn lounge or the Theater during an evening performance, I'm unaware of any rooms with unique problems. The TV issue you mention is the one general problem, if you have an inconsiderate neighbor. The TVs are mounted on the wall, so the headboard of your bed will be against the TV wall of one of your adjoining rooms. If that TV is on loud, you can hear a muffled sound. The room on the other side is not an issue. I've heard that Viking has reduced the maximum volume of the TVs, but can't verify that. Also, there is not much nightlife on Viking. No casino, and Torshavn is a small nightclub. Particularly on cruises with daily port stops, everyone is pretty much on the same schedule. It would just be an uncommon case of bad luck to have a neighbor playing the TV late at night.

 

27 minutes ago, Richard2 said:

The cabins are generally quiet. The lack of noise from conversation in the hallway is excellent. Even guests with cabins directly across from the laundry room do not usually have complaints. Other than a few rooms directly above the Torshavn lounge or the Theater during an evening performance, I'm unaware of any rooms with unique problems. The TV issue you mention is the one general problem, if you have an inconsiderate neighbor. The TVs are mounted on the wall, so the headboard of your bed will be against the TV wall of one of your adjoining rooms. If that TV is on loud, you can hear a muffled sound. The room on the other side is not an issue. I've heard that Viking has reduced the maximum volume of the TVs, but can't verify that. Also, there is not much nightlife on Viking. No casino, and Torshavn is a small nightclub. Particularly on cruises with daily port stops, everyone is pretty much on the same schedule. It would just be an uncommon case of bad luck to have a neighbor playing the TV late at night.

 

 

Recently on the SEA and found the TV’s maximum sound to be not much over medium. It certainly was not loud and never could be heard from adjoining room.

The suites were extremely quiet day and night.

[Ready to Sail!]

55 minutes ago, Richard2 said:

The cabins are generally quiet. The lack of noise from conversation in the hallway is excellent. Even guests with cabins directly across from the laundry room do not usually have complaints. Other than a few rooms directly above the Torshavn lounge or the Theater during an evening performance, I'm unaware of any rooms with unique problems. The TV issue you mention is the one general problem, if you have an inconsiderate neighbor. The TVs are mounted on the wall, so the headboard of your bed will be against the TV wall of one of your adjoining rooms. If that TV is on loud, you can hear a muffled sound. The room on the other side is not an issue. I've heard that Viking has reduced the maximum volume of the TVs, but can't verify that. Also, there is not much nightlife on Viking. No casino, and Torshavn is a small nightclub. Particularly on cruises with daily port stops, everyone is pretty much on the same schedule. It would just be an uncommon case of bad luck to have a neighbor playing the TV late at night.

On all the cruises we have been on (multiple lines)  the cabins are mirror imaged, meaning TVs back to back with cabin on one side while beds are back to back on the other side. Seems like this would be better than having a bedboard wall next to the TV in the adjoining cabin.  Is Viking different?  We have our first VO coming up. I have read these TV noise complaints also and am mildly worried.  We booked one of our earlier cruises over the Theatre-never again!  Since then we book cabins that are not above or below public spaces.  

[Dauntless]

3 hours ago, Ready to Sail! said:

On all the cruises we have been on (multiple lines)  the cabins are mirror imaged, meaning TVs back to back with cabin on one side while beds are back to back on the other side. Seems like this would be better than having a bedboard wall next to the TV in the adjoining cabin.  Is Viking different?  We have our first VO coming up. I have read these TV noise complaints also and am mildly worried.  We booked one of our earlier cruises over the Theatre-never again!  Since then we book cabins that are not above or below public spaces.  

 

I have been on 2 VO cruises  Both V cabins.  One 3010, let's say above the theater, though these cabins are all balconies and even if you are above the theater, the stage is really in the middle, more towards the Explorer's suites, but I didn't hear a thing from below.  We were at most of the shows but when we arrived late, we came from the cabin and I didn't hear noise before I departed to cabin.  In 3076, there was no noise from the Restaurant below.  The cabins are mirror image, with TV backs facing each other and on the side of the bed you are removed from that noise.  Now the results will depend on how well you and your adjoining cabin mates hear.  The princess felt that pea under the mattress, if you remember. Dogs can hear whistles we can't.   Under normal circumstances, there should be no problem.

[LewiLewi]

Thank you all for your quick responses .

[Heidi13]

Another fact that reduces cabin noise is that each cabin is an individual unit that was completely constructed ashore and trucked to the shipyard. Therefore you have at least 2 bulkheads between each cabin.

 

If concerned with potential noise, opt for a cabin at one of the transverse fire zone bulkheads, as it should eliminate any noise from 1 side.

[jiminyC_fan]

Neighboring TVs were never a problem for us.  It's amazing how you never hear a sound out in the hallways either.  Other lines you hear loud talking, running etc.  My pet peeve is slamming of stateroom doors and that isn't even an issue on Viking.

[Dauntless]

18 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

Another fact that reduces cabin noise is that each cabin is an individual unit that was completely constructed ashore and trucked to the shipyard. Therefore you have at least 2 bulkheads between each cabin..

 

Interesting.   We have a Hilton on the Riverwalk here that was constructed for Hemisfair '68 with that exact building technique.

[MarkTapley]

We were on Deck 8 and didn’t hear any noise at all.  Our traveling partner was on Deck 6, just below the pool bar and she heard lots of noise early and late from staff moving chairs around above her room.  So position on the ship may have some influence on noise experience.

[Heidi13]

27 minutes ago, Dauntless said:

 

Interesting.   We have a Hilton on the Riverwalk here that was constructed for Hemisfair '68 with that exact building technique.

The modular cabins started in early 80's, so most ships have them. They are craned onto the correct deck, wheeled into position and connected to the services. So much quicker than the old style ship construction.

[Dauntless]

32 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

The modular cabins started in early 80's, so most ships have them. They are craned onto the correct deck, wheeled into position and connected to the services. So much quicker than the old style ship construction.

 

The hotel rooms were built south of down town and completely finished out, down to the toilet paper.  Trucked to building site and then cranes were used to stack them up, one by one.  Very revolutionary in 1968. 

[vnb2003]

We heard our neighbors TV both times we cruised on Star. First time was the worst because our neighbors didn’t hear well. Plus it seemed the TV was always on. We actually had to turn up volume to hear better our TV. That was on deck 6 in cabin 6013. The second time was better (deck 5 cabin 5091) but we still heard it. I do hear very well and actually use ear plugs at night. But honestly we had such a good time and were so relaxed that it didn’t bother us 🙂

[deec]

We have never heard neighbors’ TV or conversation.  We have on the SEA and the SUN had creaking noises when the seas are not flat.  Sounds seem to be around the sliding door.  I don’t remember the creaking on the SKY.

[Parsley Cruises]

We didn't notice any noise from neighbours - it depends on the people.  You might however on a 'warm weather' cruise experience some noise from people next door on their balconies.

[molymoo]

We were on the Star twice and never noticed any noise issues at all ... our first cruise was on deck 7 and was VERY quiet at all times and the second was on deck 5 ... still very quiet. 

 

We did, however, notice a lot of noise on the Sky last summer.  No problems with the television but the door slamming was really something!  The stateroom doors don't close completely unless you give it a little extra pull when you are leaving or push when you are arriving.  It doesn't take much, but we were apparently cruising with a lot of people who preferred to simply give the door a good slam to get it to catch.  It was almost comical the first afternoon (as people were embarking) when it was slam, slam, slam for hours!  You could hear it from above, below, and up and down the corridors.  Our neighbors continued to slam throughout the cruise ... and they also slammed the bathroom door regularly as well!  Fortunately we weren't particularly bothered by it ... it was almost amusing by the end of the cruise!

Edited December 4, 2018 by molymoo

[Steve Q]

We sailed for the first time on Viking this past June for 14 days. Honestly, we loved the cruise and booked another while onboard. That said, there is no question that, at times, we were able to hear the TV in the cabin next to us.

[RetroRod]

We were on the Star this past April in cabin 6092. This cabin is aft directly below the World Cafe and the outdoor seating areas. I heard what sounded like chairs/tables being dragged across the deck almost every night around 2-3 AM. I suspect they were cleaning the deck. My wife never heard anything but I'm a light sleeper so I just lived with it.

[SquatsandChampagne]

I can say that if the band is playing in the theatre and you are on the 3rd floor you can hear them. Currently in cabin 3006 and could quite clearly hear the band playing below in the theatre , not a big big deal but really for the $$ you pay you should not be hearing it in the evenings

[Viking Cruises]

Dear @SquatsandChampagne,

 

Welcome aboard! Though we appreciate your understanding, we do regret any unwelcome noise in your cabin and apologize for the inconvenience. If you haven’t already, we recommend reaching out to Guest Services on Deck 1 as we are interested in learning more about and improving our guests’ in-stateroom experience. 

 

In light of that, we extend our thanks to the Cruise Critic community at large for this spirited conversation regarding the sound environment of our ocean cabins and, as always, welcome the chance to discuss your individual experiences at TellUs@vikingcruises.com. 

 

Thank you for the opportunity to chime in, SquatsandChampagne, and we wish you a restful remainder of your voyage.

 

Warm regards,
Viking Cruises
 

11 hours ago, SquatsandChampagne said:

I can say that if the band is playing in the theatre and you are on the 3rd floor you can hear them. Currently in cabin 3006 and could quite clearly hear the band playing below in the theatre , not a big big deal but really for the $$ you pay you should not be hearing it in the evenings

[peasmith]

We were in 3077 on the Sky at end of October and we could hear next door's TV or radio and it vibrated on the wall - also problems with slamming doors. In cabin 3022 on our Xmas cruise so will see if it is any quieter up the front end! Had quite rough seas and sliding wardrobe door and hangars were a bit bothersome too

[Islandbc]

We had the very unfortunate issue of being next to very inconsiderate neighbors.  They obviously had another couple visiting in their room with them on the first night and the partying went on until at least 2:30 a.m.  At one point I thought that there might be a medical emergency,  as we heard a woman screaming, but it later turned into very loud laughing.  We didn't complain, as we thought that this behavior was just due to the excitement of the first night.  

The second night was quiet.  On the third night we had a repeat performance of the first night, so I called security,2:15 a.m.  After the phone rang next door the noise level went down a bit, but didn't end until about 3 a.m.

The next morning after our early tour off the ship, we visited customer services on level 1.  When we revisited them at about 3 p.m.  The second person looked up the record of our previous visit and found that an alternate cabin had been found for us.  As it was a lower level than the one we were in, I suggested that the people causing the problem should be moved.  Apparently this was not possible, so we moved.  

We were most appreciative of the two people in customer service who assisted us. We were told that the guests who were so inconsiderate were "very young."  I don't believe that this is an excuse for inappropriate behavior.  

[stretchcruz]

Wow. So sorry that happened but glad that you were able to be moved. You still kept your amenities, etc? I do sleep with earplugs as I am extremely sensitive to noise. The door slamming was really bad, though, I agree....even with the earplugs I could hear the door slammers!

[Islandbc]

1 minute ago, stretchcruz said:

Wow. So sorry that happened but glad that you were able to be moved. You still kept your amenities, etc? I do sleep with earplugs as I am extremely sensitive to noise. The door slamming was really bad, though, I agree....even with the earplugs I could hear the door slammers!

I also use earplugs, but the noise was still well above a level that allowed me to sleep.  Yes, we were fortunate to be moved, as we were told that this was the only cabin available on the ship.

[Heidi13]

1 hour ago, Islandbc said:

We had the very unfortunate issue of being next to very inconsiderate neighbors.  They obviously had another couple visiting in their room with them on the first night and the partying went on until at least 2:30 a.m.  At one point I thought that there might be a medical emergency,  as we heard a woman screaming, but it later turned into very loud laughing.  We didn't complain, as we thought that this behavior was just due to the excitement of the first night.  

The second night was quiet.  On the third night we had a repeat performance of the first night, so I called security,2:15 a.m.  After the phone rang next door the noise level went down a bit, but didn't end until about 3 a.m.

The next morning after our early tour off the ship, we visited customer services on level 1.  When we revisited them at about 3 p.m.  The second person looked up the record of our previous visit and found that an alternate cabin had been found for us.  As it was a lower level than the one we were in, I suggested that the people causing the problem should be moved.  Apparently this was not possible, so we moved.  

We were most appreciative of the two people in customer service who assisted us. We were told that the guests who were so inconsiderate were "very young."  I don't believe that this is an excuse for inappropriate behavior.  

Agree that the offenders shouldn't be moved, but they should have received a warning and security check the cabin nightly. Any further incidents and they should have been disembarked at the next port.