Choosing a stateroom on Rhine River cruise
 

First time cruisers. We will be on the Avalon Affinity in May, cruising the Rhine from Zurich/Basel to Amsterdam.

Trying to figure best choice for a quiet stateroom. Looking at top two accommodations decks (Royal and Sapphire). Would middle of ship be best choice--away from noise of engines and also away from forward dining? Upper deck is more costly, but are there downsides other than price?

Better to be on left or right side traveling on Rhine in this direction?

Thanks--we are new to cruising and are curious. We will probably spend as much time as possible on land, though, exploring destinations.

Take the middle level (I think that's Sapphire). Don't worry about which side of the ship - great scenery on both sides.

On many river cruise ships,there is a jogging track on the overhead above the top level of cabins. Check the ship's layout on the website. I would avoid being under any such area. The photos from your cabin actually are enhanced by a lower angle for most part. All this suggests a middle deck would be best. Our experience suggests there is almost no noise from either the dinning areas or the engines.

Thank you both for your replies. I have checked Cruisecritic, and it seems that the middle deck had slightly more favorable reviews there, too.