I've stayed on Deck 2 on several ships, and never found it to be "bad" at all. Since I never take the elevator, I enjoy burning calories climbing the stairs from the 2nd level... I eat to my heart's content and have never gained more than a pound or two. Of course, I've never been too particular about where my room is because I don't get sea sick and I don't spend much time there anyway. Plus, the money I save staying on deck 2 can go toward my next cruise.