On my very first cruise I was on main deck (Jubilee) and it was just fine. Right in the middle of all the action. On my second cruise (honeymoon on Festivale) we were on Riviera. It was nice but way too far down for my taste. I would much rather be up higher by the pools so on the 3rd and 4th cruises, we went higher. The last cruise on the Triumph we were on Verndah aft which was perfect. One deck below the aft pool. It was perfect. We were with another family who was on Riviera. They said the walk up to the pool area was a bit (estimated at 20 steps per flight and 11 flights) and the elevator wait could be a little long. I think it all depends what you want to be by. It's only $10 more a person (interior) to go up another deck so if you prefer to be by the pools, then I would go higher. If you prefer to be more toward the indoor public areas, then you could go lower.