Rhapsody 8532 or 8040 (next to Explorer Club) which one to choose?

[notfromaroundhere]

Just finished paying for Cabin 8532 on Royal Caribbean Rhapsody out of Galveston Jan 15 (Yay!). Looking at what other cabins might be available, in case I want to switch, I see that Cabin 8040 is available. It "looks" bigger on the deck plan, has no other cabins across from it, but it is next to the Explorer Club (on deck 8), near what seems to be the opening for the upper part of the atrium (just guessing, this is our first cruise, never been on a ship before), and is sort of near, but not right next to, the elevators. I don't know what is above it, haven't looked that far yet.

 

I am wondering if this would be a good switch or if I should just stick with what I have? Or if this would be a horrible switch and I should absolutely stick with what I have?

 

Thanks for your advice -- I just tried calling the Royal Caribbean "Guest Vacation Specialist" to ask this same question and I have typed this message while he put me on hold, so I just gave up and hung up.

[packed&ready!]

I would personally stick to original cabin mainly because I like the starboard side of ship and prefer not to be too close to any bars. I was on Rhapsody on the starboard side 7574, it was smoky area from the Friends Of Bill W. meetings and made the atrium area near my cabin & elevator very smelly and unpleasant. It wasn't a bar! Now I always ask where the meetings are held on whatever ship I sail on. I would think there would be alot of folks walking back & forth near that cabin.(8040)

 

Sailing Rhapsody in 2007 and have booked the aft 8588, a deck above. Whatever you choose have fun! Bon Voyage!