Elation layout?

[firsttimer2004]

HI all! I've been reading the posts for about an hour now, in preparation for my very first cruise this July. I can see myself becoming addicted to cruises after my inaugural voyage! Thanks for all of the helpful tips I've received thus far.

Now, on to my question: I may or may not have an oceanview room on the Empress deck of the Elation. I just confirmed my reservation a few days ago, and the travel agent hasn't come through yet with the exact wherefores and whosits. If it does turn out to be one of the rooms I had my eye on (approximately E-122 through E-131), do these rooms open up to an open-air deck, or an enclosed hallway? The rooms are near the photo gallery (closer to the stern), if that helps.

The reason I ask is, sometimes I wake up at night gasping for air (I generally fall right back asleep, though, and barely remember it most of the time). Last night, though, I woke up and felt compelled (while still half-asleep, remember) to run to the front door and fling it open, breathing the night air deeply and desperately.

It was the first time I can remember having to do that in a while, and hopefully it won't happen on the cruise. But if it does...if that room is where I think it is, is it at least easily accessible to some open air area? I could freak out if I have to stumble through a dark hallway for more than a few seconds.

 

[Petert]

Hi Firsttimer,

The bad news is that the empress deck has no access to the outside while at sea. The closest outside access is two decks above on the promenade deck. The good news is that the interior lighting is always on and the halls are never darkened. You might want to reconoiter the area prior to retiring so you can plan your quickest route to the atrium or open deck in case of a future panic attack. It sounds like you ought to find out the cause of your problem. Some things like sleep apnea are very treatable. Hope you have a great cruise and that your precautions are unneeded.

Peter

 

[kellie j]

you DEFINATELY need to talk to your dr about this...sleep apnea could be one reason and it can be VERY dangerous, causing heart attacks and strokes among other things. symptoms include: flat affect (.i call this the eyeore syndrome, people constantly asking if you are ok, cause you seldom get excited over anything,), snoring, tiredness in the AM, extreme fatigue at night(can't stay awake to watch tv), etc

 

[firsttimer2004]

I talked to my doctor the first time it happened, three or four years ago. Like I said, I don't remember it ever happening that drastically other than those two times (though I heard that it can happen several times a night without you remembering). Anyway, I have a doctor's appointment next month, so I'll ask him about it then.

I just got my itinerary in the mail today, and it says I have an oceanview room on the RIVIERA deck! That's much lower than the Empress. Ick! I'm not going to be staring at fish out of my window the whole time, am I? I took Oceanview to mean you'd be looking at the ocean from above it, not below it!

It also means I'll have a much longer walk to the outside air, I'll wager. Well, be that as it may, it's a done deal now, and I'm determined to enjoy myself, no matter what. Thanks for the input, and don't worry--I won't second-guess my health issue(s). If my doctor recommends one of those breathing machines or Paxil or whatever, I'll do it.