Symphony

[mworkman]

I'm looking at booking the cruise for March 2, 19 and contemplating on boardwalk balcony (near the rear of the ship, as to see the aqua theater and  ocean) or just go with an ocean view balcony.  Which one would you choose?

[DocLC]

@mworkman this is really a personal decision. If your idea of relaxing is staring out at the sea, then an ocean view balcony is a no brainer. However, the neighborhood balcony cabins provide a very good value and some nice incentives. While I favor Central Park, the Boardwalk area is much livelier and if you get far enough aft you might have a small glimpse of the sea and the Aqua Theater.

Here's some info on the Boardwalk and the balconies there: 

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/08/26/royal-caribbeans-boardwalk-everything-you-need-know

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/11/16/photo-tour-of-category-b1-boardwalk-view-stateroom-balcony-harmony-of-the-seas

General info on the neighborhood balconies: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/10/19/what-you-need-know-about-neighborhood-balcony-staterooms-royal-caribbeans-oasis-class

[mworkman]

I was looking at the 12th deck closest to the stern, but after reading a lot of reviews people complaining about bells ringing from the carousel area and the noise level was a lot to deal with. Has anyone experienced this?

[WAAAYTOOO]

Obviously, haven't been on Symphony yet but we have done a number of cruises on Allure/Oasis in Boardwalk balcony rooms.  We love those rooms !  ...and as Matt said in the latest podcast, we have never really been bothered by ambient noise.  Yes, there is some "street" noise when you are out on your balcony and you can hear the music from the aqua theater shows when they are going but once you seal your door the noise is really very minimal.  We actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk.  There's always something going on down there and it's fun to watch from on high.  It certainly can save you some money, and there are booking perks !

[Buzzard05]

We just got off Harmony and our (teenage) boys had the last Boardwalk balcony on the 12th deck (12329) and loved it (we were directly across the hall in an oceanview balcony).  The views out the back were awesome (even with the Abyss slide taking up some of it.)  It was cool to be able to sit/stand on their balcony and watch the Aqua show as well as the guys in the control room right next to their balcony to see all of what was going on during the show (you can see the scuba divers swimming under the water in the pool from up that high).

The noise wasn't overwhelming.  The carousel wasn't loud at all.  The only noise they heard in their room was when they were having a movie or a show in the Aqua Theatre, and even then it wasn't overpowering.  Also, during most times they are having those shows, you are usually out and about anyway....so it really isn't that intrusive.  With the door closed (and no show going on), you couldn't hear the normal noise from the Boardwalk at all.  My kids never complained that their room was loud.

The only drawback of the interior balcony is that you have people directly across from you, where on the outside balconies....you don't. 

If we ever cruise on an Oasis class ship again, getting that same room (or very close) will be very tempting....especially if it comes with some nice perks (as theirs did).

[BrianAlt]

It depends.  If you want it REALLY quiet, as some people do, this isn't for you.  But to me those are fun noises.  

So you have to decide what's best for you.