For a bigger balcony, we have a choice (on Radiance class/Serenade of the Seas) of deck 9, 1st cabin next to elevator main area or deck 7, aft, middle, above lounges. Both have the bigger balcony, but both with their own pros/cons.

Which would you choose and why? My obvious concerns are noise in hallway from the elevator traffic on 9, or the thumping or other music noise from the clubs below on 7.

Thanks!

Think you've already answered your own question sleeepy

The only real advantage is the larger balcony and your concerns about noise are very realistic.

So, you need to just decide...is a larger balcony worth those two setbacks. Having been in noisy cabins I can easily say what I'd do...take the smaller balcony and enjoy the cruise.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

What do you need the 'larger' balcony for...do you plan on inviting the entire ship over for a bar-b-que?

To answer a question with a question: for the same price as a regular balcony, wouldn't you book the room available with the bigger one (lounge chair, etc.)? We don't plan to spend much time in our room at all, but it's nice to have the option if we're not paying any more. We can have the other couple we're going with over for drinks on our balcony, etc, chill out on the lounge chairs (that come with the longer balcony, etc.

We have been on two or three cruises right next to the elevator and have never heard it. Your door is usually around the corner so have never been bothered by people waititng for it. Music from lounges can be heard on some ships. On an old ship, the piano played had to leave at 11PM so he wouldn't disturb passengers in nearby cabins!But trhis doesn't happen now. Go to cruisecritic.com and ask the same question. You'll get good knowlegable answers on this site. (Go to 'boards' on their banner then 'discusions' then 'ask a cruise question'.