Noise Levels Deck 1 Zuiderman

[Been There, Planning That]

We're planning a family cruise to Alaska and are considering the Zuiderman. We're considering 8 interconnecting cabins on Deck 1.

 

When I go to the plans for Deck 2 I realize that there could be much noise from above possibly disturbing sleep of generally early-to-bed families with young children.

 

• Could anyone out there offer specific cabin advice, given what's located above?
  
• Is one type of activity noisier than another? i.e. restaurant noise, bar or casino
  

I really don't think we could afford a higher deck, given we're footing the cruise bill for 16.

 

We prefer the Zuiderman to the older Ryndam which doesn't have this configuration of deck plans. We'd like to sail on a slightly newer ship.

[jrzebird]

We're planning a family cruise to Alaska and are considering the Zuiderman. We're considering 8 interconnecting cabins on Deck 1.

 

When I go to the plans for Deck 2 I realize that there could be much noise from above possibly disturbing sleep of generally early-to-bed families with young children.

 

• Could anyone out there offer specific cabin advice, given what's located above?
  
• Is one type of activity noisier than another? i.e. restaurant noise, bar or casino
  

I really don't think we could afford a higher deck, given we're footing the cruise bill for 16.

 

We prefer the Zuiderman to the older Ryndam which doesn't have this configuration of deck plans. We'd like to sail on a slightly newer ship.

 

We were on the Noordam, which has the same deck plan, on Deck 1 (Main Deck) in Cabin 1046. We were right below the Northern Lights Disco. We did hear some music at night, mostly just the bass sounds, and once we heard dancing. However, the sound did not bother us, and was quiet by midnight. This, of course, is a personal choice and if any little noise is bothersome, you might not like that location.

 

I have also found that the VF cabins on some sailings are even more reasonable than cabins on Deck 1 and some interior cabins. Worth checking out. They are all on Deck 4 or Deck 5. Some have steel railings instead of plexiglass on the veranda.

[Been There, Planning That]

Thanks jrzebird, for that idea about trying another deck. I just assumed they'd be beyond our budget. We've only had lowest deck window cabins on our 4 cruises to date.

 

Time is on our side as it's to be a 2010 celebration and the cruising schedule is not yet released.

[jbhcw]

One of our most enjoyable cruise ever was on the Zuiderdam with the entire family in February of 2008. Great ship and staff.

 

But....that being said we did encounter some of the worst noise in our cruising history all the way aft on the port side of Main Deck. Biggest problem was that the noise was in the middle of the night, and really loud, believe we were below the galley. Earplugs were offered by the front desk, and after we got used to it for a few nights we just semi tuned it out and enjoyed the rest of our cruise.

 

I love the Main deck on the Vista class ships, to me it's very convenient to everything..... just don't book all the way aft and you should be fine.

 

I will also say that Hal responded extremely well to the complaints of several cabins in that area.

[Been There, Planning That]

Thanks for the warning jbhew. We have a daughter who suffers from insomnia and another family who never operates above a whisper when kids retire -- and they live it a big home.

 

We enjoyed a 30 day cruise on the Ryndam which also does Alaska; we just thought we'd like a few more bells and whistles for the 8 wondergrandchildren who will be along. And none of the family has cruised before.

 

I'm surprised that this problem wasn't anticipated and greater sound insulation installed when the ship was built.

 

You've sure given us food for thought.

 

Thanks

[RuthC]

I've stayed on Main Deck on both the Noordam and the E-dam---the same deck plan as the Zuiderdam.

I was in inside cabins, just forward of the Atrium, starboard side. My cabins were under the Queens Lounge. There was no discernable noise from there. I would highly recommend this area for your family. Anything aft of the Sports Bar, and on starboard side, should work nicely.

[Been There, Planning That]

I'm busy cutting and pasting all this advice -- can't beat the voice of experience -- to a 'noise file.'

 

Time is on our side since the sailings haven't even yet been released.

 

I wonder if the economy is delaying the release. Do they price at this year's lower rates or hope to price at higher levels trusting the economy will improve?

[22Vines]

We were on the Oosterdam last year to Alaska in cabin 1108 and noticed a little bit of kitchen noise from time to time but it was definately not something to keep you awake or wake you up and was usually only in the morning when we needed to get up anyway.

 

This year we are on the Zuiderdam in a very forward Main Deck cabin and concerned a little more about the noise from the Piano Bar. In another thread someone said they were in "our" cabin and had to be moved because of the singing not the piano playing. We'll see how it goes!

 

It will be hard to find all of those adjoining cabins unless you book early and I'm wondering if you could grab onto some of the low rates that are coming out booking so far out? If you know someone has trouble with sleep, they may want to bring earplugs just in case... BUT, sleeping on a ship is some of the best sleeping available IMHO!!!

[Been There, Planning That]

22 Vines, the cruise is to celebrate our 45th anniversary, and with the last wondergrandchild just born this week, cruising earlier isn't an option. One family with older children could manage in a simple side by side or even across the hall set up but the other two families need interconnecting.

 

My 'noise files' grows with plenty of food for thought. We have a good travel agent. I'll alert her to all my new found 'wisdom' on the off chance HAL isn't up front about the noise level in some cabins.

 

We sure sleep well on ships -- and the rougher the weather the better, unless the creaking gets too loud.

 

Thanks

[pipedreams62]

I'm still running some tests

 

 

 

[bookpusher]

We are booked in Cabin 1094, Main Deck of Zuiderman. Above us it shows white space.....it doesn't indicate on the deck plans what this blank space is......like you, I am concerned about the noise level. I am a horribly light sleeper and I am hoping this is not a galley area. Does anyone know what area this is?

Good luck on booking your cabins!

[bookpusher]

We are in Cabin 1094. We are taking earplugs and hoping for the best. I have adjusted my attitude to this: Any cabin is better than no cabin!:)

[Been There, Planning That]

We're back! We were in a string of seven cabins on centre Deck 1 and not one of our group complained of any noise. All that fussing on my part for naught.

 

And since we could only afford inside steerage for our family of 16 we ended up pleased. The youngest set slept soundly, not awakened by any light and the 14 month old enjoyed sound afternoon naps.

 

Thanks for all your expert advice.

[RuthC]

And thank YOU for coming back and letting us know that it all worked out so well. Happy to hear it.

[Sailkeywest]

Pipedreams, missed u!

[English_in_Spain]

Pipedreams, missed u!

 

That post of Pipedreams was over a year old (March 2009)