We personally love the back of the ship, provided that it is on one of the higher decks. We booked and inside right outside the aft deck so we don't have the added expense of a balcony that would hardly be used. Booking the last inside right off the deck makes it seem like you have your own deck especially in the later evening when others are else where on the ship. We found it a romantic spot to watch the ships wake. We are booked on the Star Princess in Dec on the Aloha Deck. This deck even has isn't own adult pool as a bonus.
On other ships we booked an inside on the lower decks and yes you can hear more noise. Now it's the higher the better.
Hope this helps