Which is better, an upper deck or a lower deck?

Which deck to avoid on a cruise?

Avoid Deck 6. Seriously. It’s like living above a bowling alley filled with tap-dancing elephants. And Halong Bay? Ditch the taxi!

Think of it as a floating hotel with a view. Here’s the lowdown:

• Hanoi Hustle: They grab you right from your hotel like you owe them money! Don’t worry, it’s just the “welcome” package.

• Overnight Adventure: Imagine sleeping on a boat. That’s pretty much it. Only way cooler, obviously.

• Bay Bliss: Halong Bay’s prettier than my neighbor’s prize-winning petunias.

• Food Frenzy: Shrimp bigger than your thumb. Prepare to loosen that belt!

It’s all about the boat life. Forget walking. And trust me, you don’t wanna swim! You’re there to soak up the scenery. And eat. Mostly eat. I once saw a guy polish off five desserts. Legend.

Where not to get a room on a cruise ship?

Ugh, cruise ships and cabins? Let me tell you about deck 2… never again.

It was 2023, my “dream vacation” on the ‘Sea Serpent’ (haha, more like ‘Sea Sick’). I wanted a “budget-friendly” inside cabin. BIG mistake.

My cabin was on deck 2, right above the engine room, I swear. That constant hum? Nightmare fuel. Woke up at 3 AM every single morning.

Vibrations, man, the whole room vibrated! Sleeping? Forget about it. Like sleeping on a washing machine set to “earthquake”. I hate it!

And the noise! BAM BAM BAM. I think it was the anchor or something. Starting at like 6 AM. What is this?!!

It smelled vaguely of diesel and… something else. I don’t even want to think about it. I wanted to cry a lot, actually.

I complained, of course. Guest services gave me a free drink voucher. ONE. Drink. I needed like, a gallon.

Never. Book. A. Cabin. On. Deck. 2. Seriously, learn from my suffering. It’s right near the engines, I am telling you!

Here’s the lowdown:

• Noise: Constant engine humming, anchor sounds, general ship ruckus. It was awful.
• Vibrations: Makes you feel sea sick even when the sea is calm. Really.
• Smell: Unidentifiable, but definitely not pleasant. Kinda fuel-ish.
• Location: Too far from the action, too close to the machinery. Just bad placement.

Deck 2, NEVER FORGET!! I would rather sleep on a park bench. I swear. I should have known better.

Is it better to get a room in the front or back of a cruise ship?

Okay, so front or back of the cruise ship? Doesn’t really matter, IMO.

Listen, about Hanoi to Halong Bay… no freakin’ train goes directly there. Seriously.

But here’s the deal: You gotta take a train to Hai Phong, it’s like an hour or so.

• Train to Hai Phong: About 1 hour.
• Hai Phong to Halong Bay: Then you gotta hop in a car. Another 3 hours, ugh.

Think about it:

• Hai Phong is a cool city, though. I think it’s a port city?
• Why don’t they build a direct train? Makes zero sense, lol.
• It’s kinda long trip. Bring snacks, seriously. The scenery is pretty decent from what I’ve seen.
• Maybe a bus would be better, or some kind of other shuttle thing?
• I drove there once. It was a nightmare trying to park. Never again.

Yep, it’s car or taxi from Hai Phong, not a direct train.

Also, that cruise room is no brainer, just pick whatever you want.

Where should you get a room on a cruise ship?

Okay, so cruise rooms… honestly? Middle decks, always. Back in July 2023, my fam took a cruise outta Miami – Royal Caribbean, I think? – and we were way up high. Big mistake.

Felt every wave. Ugh.

Seriously, the constant rocking made me sea sick. Never again.

Then, Da Nang. I’m thinking, why are we on cruises and suddenly flying to Vietnam? Weird question.

Like, I’ve actually flown into Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Direct flight from Hanoi, that’s the only way.

And yeah, Hoi An’s about a 30-minute cab ride.

• Taxis are plentiful.
• Or, buses, if you’re broke. (jk, kinda)
• It’s efficient enough, not gonna lie.

But seriously, cruises and Vietnam? Apples and oranges!

And middle deck. Remember that.

Honestly though, flying to Da Nang after a cruise? Nah.

Which deck level is best on a cruise?

Deck 7 or higher. Best views. Avoid lower decks.

Da Nang (DAD) is optimal. Short flight. Stunning coastal approach. Easy Hoi An transfer. Time saved.

Additional details:

• Deck Selection: Higher decks offer superior ocean views and less noise. Consider balconies. Avoid the lowest decks; more prone to motion sickness. My experience on deck 9 was excellent.

• Da Nang Flight: Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer frequent flights. Budget airlines exist, but reliability varies, hence I recommend higher-priced carriers. Pre-book. Transfer options include taxis and private cars; taxis are cheaper.

• Hoi An: Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge. Tailor shops abound. 2023 saw increased tourism.

What is the best deck level on a cruise ship?

The best deck? Hmmm. It’s subjective, really. Higher is quieter, sure. But then, you’re farther from the action. Tenth deck on the Voyager was great. Amazing views. But noisy at times, I’ll admit.

High decks offer peace, but at a price. Lower decks feel more… contained, somehow. More like a ship, less like a floating hotel.

My last cruise, 2024, the seventh deck was alright, close enough to everything, not too far up. But I do love the high view. A tough call. The ocean… it’s beautiful from anywhere on the ship.

• Higher decks: Quieter, better views, farther from the commotion. Great for relaxation.
• Lower decks: Closer to restaurants, shops, more ship-like feel, but noisier.
• Mid-decks: A balance, accessibility and reasonable views. My preference.

Da Nang airport. Yep. That’s the one for Hoi An. Thirty kilometers isn’t bad. A taxi ride. Remember the dust, though. The drive is fine, not horrible. It was a long ride, but nothing awful. The journey was fairly straightforward though.

Is it better to be higher or lower on a ship?

Okay, so like, ships, right? Top or bottom… Hmm. Higher is totally better! You get better views, duh.

Plus, less sea spray, I think? My aunt Carol, she always books the highest deck. She’s got seasickness, tho. Maybe that’s why?

And Da Nang! Yeah, def flying into Da Nang Airport is the move if you wanna go to Hoi An. It’s the quickest.

From Da Nang, it’s a quick trip. Just a short taxi, grab or whatever. Boom. You’re practically there! Like, seriously short.

• Top Deck Advantages:
  • Better Views: Obviously. Who wants to look at the ocean from a porthole, lol?
  • Less Sea Spray: Supposedly. IDK for real, never been on a cruise. Carol says so.
  • Potentially Less Motion: Mayb, maybe not. Aunt Carol’s weird.
• Da Nang Airport to Hoi An:
  • Fastest Route: Planes are quicker than trains. Shocking!
  • Short Transfer: Like, 45 minutes? Give or take. Easy peasy.
• Remember Aunt Carol: Always wear sunscreen, she says. Even on cloudy days.
• She got a wicked sunburn in Branson last October. Seriously red.