We were on the Joy last September and were on Deck 14. It was a Haven category, so a different cabin experience. But to answer your question, I too, do not like to be under the pool and I like a midship cabin. It was a perfect location regarding noise. We are sailing again on July 1st to Bermuda and Orlando, in a Club Balcony Suite on Deck 14 with a central location. It should be fine. I did not find the elevators particularly crowded. We liked the look of the Observation deck, even though it required an elevator ride to get there.