Cove vs Deck 10 Lido

[klfhngr]

Yes, I'm back. I was originally in Cove, but under the kitchen. So I moved to Deck 10 Lido. Now there are more rooms in Cove not under the kitchen. I'm not sure if I should stay on Lido or move to Cove. We've never stayed in Cove. For those that have stayed in both, what do you suggest? And why? My concerns: In Cove, we'll be far from everything. Will balcony seemed closed in? Will we have good views? Please help us decide! Thanks in advance!

[BoozinCroozin]

I chose the List deck to be close to almost everything. My cruise after that one I will be on Deck 8 NCL Breakaway. All the restaurants and bars are within a deck.

[ChrisNCruiser]

We've done both, and agree you have a choice between experience vs. convenience. Being so close to the water in a cove balcony with a little extra foot-room is awesome, but the cabins are not conveniently located to the action. We also prefer the metal cove railing vs. plexi-glass Lido railing, and we like the shade provided by the lifeboats above.  

 

In non-COVID times we'd probably choose the Cove balcony. For our 8/21 Magic cruise, we selected a Lido balcony just a couple cabins down from the door that leads to the middle pool, as we planned to spend more time outside and less inside (masks, proximity, etc). In normal times we'd go with the inconvenience of a Cove balcony for the overall better experience, but for this past cruise the Lido cabin ended up being the best choice for our cruising comfort level, and we'd make that same choice again. 

[ejnsb]

We just returned from a Horizon cruise in a cove balcony and we would stay there again.  It is so accessible to the restaurants,  casino, lounges and shops on 3, 4 and 5.  The only time we used the elevator was to go to Lido for the pools or restaurants up there.  Loved the close proximity to the water.  I will say every night we heard what sounded like furniture being moved.  It was usually around 10 pm or so but never for long. 

[matymil]

1 hour ago, newpherchris said:

We've done both, and agree you have a choice between experience vs. convenience. Being so close to the water in a cove balcony with a little extra foot-room is awesome, but the cabins are not conveniently located to the action. We also prefer the metal cove railing vs. plexi-glass Lido railing, and we like the shade provided by the lifeboats above.  

 

In non-COVID times we'd probably choose the Cove balcony. For our 8/21 Magic cruise, we selected a Lido balcony just a couple cabins down from the door that leads to the middle pool, as we planned to spend more time outside and less inside (masks, proximity, etc). In normal times we'd go with the inconvenience of a Cove balcony for the overall better experience, but for this past cruise the Lido cabin ended up being the best choice for our cruising comfort level, and we'd make that same choice again. 

We are sailing with a toddler in a acouple of weeks. We figured with the extra shade and metal railings it would be better for him. However hes not a big fan of wind so we'll see how that goes.

[snowballs mom]

We had a cove balcony a while back. We liked it - my husband really enjoyed seeing the flying fish up close. I don't remember it being windy - they are very well protected.

 

[amcankid]

We like to sleep with our door open, at least until the heat and humidity has one of us get up to close it so the air conditioner will kick in.

Don’t know how comfortable I would be with an open door so close to the water line.

[Happy0810]

I personally would pick a cove all day, every day....as long as it's not under the galley.  Why?  If the cruise is in the warmer months, that shade is awesome because I get enough sun while we're exploring the ports.  I've never felt closed in and like the additional privacy you get. The close proximity to the water and watching the pier runners is an added bonus.  Will you have good views?  We returned from a cruise recently and the only photo not taken from our cove balcony was the one of the rear wake.

 

All that said, you may not have a choice here.  The cruise line may not let you "downgrade" from the lido balcony to the cove.  Although I think a cove is an upgrade, they don't care what I think. 😜   You would just have to call and see what they say, but I've read about that rule before.  Whatever cabin you end up in, I'm sure you'll have a great time. 

[klfhngr]

Awesome pix! You are making it difficult!

[GTO-Girl]

We had a cove once and never again!!  Why??  It was during hurricane season and we were on the Carnival Dream and riding out super storm Hurricane Sandy!!  The design of those rooms (at least on the Dream) during rough seas have a 24/7 banging that sounds like a Jack hammer that literally never stops!!!

 

We did not sleep for two days.  It was awful!!  It stopped me from ever booking another cove!  

[mexicobob]

I really enjoy being close to the water and being able to watch the ocean and its life go by so close you can almost touch it. We have waved at schools of dolphins that swam next to the ship. 
If the seas were angry a Cove balcony might be interesting and damp. The Cove balconies toward the front of the ship would not be usable, without getting wet.

The only time we ever used an elevator was to go to the Lido Deck. Otherwise we used the stairs. Very convenient on port days as after walking back onto the ship all you had to do was walk up a flight of stairs to be home. 

[teknoge3k]

Give me a cove balcony over a lido balcony every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

With a cove, nobody is looking down onto your balcony or up onto your balcony like a regular balcony. You have privacy for the most part. Regular balconies you don't.

 

When you look down, you see water and potential marine-life, not Ted lying out in the sun or a hot tub full of kids. 

 

They are slightly larger, and cheaper typically.

 

They are shaded so you can actually enjoy your balcony without baking in the sun.

 

They are low so you feel less motion which is great if you're prone to sea sickness.

 

When you're in port, it's quicker to debark the ship than on lido or anywhere else. It's also quicker coming back to your cabin from ports.

 

At dinner if you're like us and have to make trips to the cabin to get extra soda or something, it's quicker getting there.

 

lido balconies are nice but they're nowhere close to being as nice as a cove balcony imho. 

[BoozinCroozin]

I compared our decision on what cabin to book based on past vacations. The decision is "how long do I plan to sit in my room or on the balcony"? In almost all cases, the amount of time is minimal. I prefer to be out doing "stuff". Being as close to that "stuff" is more important to me. 

 

I do admit that we will not know until after our first cruise. Once we get that under our belt, we may .think differently/

[klfhngr]

Mixed crowd. I get it. I think we just need to do it, i..e, get a Cove and see what it's like.

[carib1]

I would pick a Lido balcony over a Cove balcony.  I've stayed in both and prefer the Lido deck hands down.  It will also depend on where you spend most of your time.  I am always on the Lido, its convenient.  I can always go back to the room to go to the restroom when staying on the Lido.  The Cove was nice, but I love the sun, so a shady balcony was not good for me.  Also, the only time we stayed in a Cove they closed the doors to the balcony 3 out of the 7 days due to rough seas.

[Joe817]

I think that there is no right or wrong choice. It depends on the lifestyle & mindset of the person choosing which one to get. If you are a 'party hardy' type then a balcony in Deck 10 Lido, will probably be the right choice. We've been there & done that. Had my fill of it. Now, we like a more quiet atmosphere.....subdued if you will. I like my peace & quiet. Both are good choices, but for different reasons. I suggest....try it; you'll like it.