The best cabin by far is one close to the buffett. It's so nice to be close to where you plan to eat breakfast. When you are still sleepy and you don't feel like walking far before you are fully awake you will be thankful. Inside cabins are completely fine. I've never seen an issue with them.
I prefer a dark room. I was fine with an interior cabin also, I brought remote controlled battery operated twinkle lights that I strung up with magnetic hooks around the room.
I've done a few & it's def the more I've done, the less they appeal. Quality in all sorts of areas has declined. I got back from what's going to be my final one a few weeks ago & immediately cancelled 1 booked for next year. Lost the deposit but worth it to swerve another overrated holiday camp germ factory.
I always go with an interior cabin due to cost but I was upgraded to ocean view once. Didn't cost me anything. I just keep busy with surfing the net, watching TV or reading so I don't notice the lack of windows.
I just booked a room on the MSC Seascape that is a connecting room on deck 14, as it seemed preferable to a deck 9 cabin, but after watching this review I am a bit worried... First time cruiser, by the way. I guess here's hoping that a ship of this size and so new as it is will be insulated as best as it can (Aurea cabin).
You mention the occasional noise from the anchor, but one noise that is unavoidable is the engine. Cabins at the stern of the ship can suffer from engine noise and, perhaps even more noticeable, vibration when the ship is in motion, and especially when it is manoeuvring into port. As that's often early morning it can shake you awake!
I love the Central Park balconies! Closing the sheer curtain is adequate for privacy. I agree about not booking a connecting room because you can sometimes hear your neighbor's tv.
A few dollars more than an inside cabin an Oceanview provides a little more of the sea and less feeling that you are in a box. Though depending on the ship it can be $100-$300 more per person.
It all depends on personal preference. I am very slight sleeper and get notion sickness easily so mufship lower deck is best for me. Was on deck 9 in the front did make me sick little.
