Aloha from Kauai.

We sailed in a HS, #992 on the Mariner and we loved it.

The way the suite is configured, it feels very, very roomy. You actually have two TV's and a nice long couch in the living area to stretch out on.

The decks (or lanais) as we call them here in Hawaii are more than 3x's as large as a Penthouse C Suite.

I don't believe that you will have a problem with noise being above the Horizon Lounge. As has been discussed here at LCT many times, the lounges aren't exactly crowded, especially after dinner. I think the busiest time in the Horizon Lounge is probably for afternoon tea.

In terms of stability, the back of the ship is very stable, and being on a lower deck will make it even more so.

The only thing I would mention is that being on Deck 7, you will see all the other folks on their balconies on the back of the ship. We didn't get a great sense of privacy. We really ended up enjoying that part of it though, as we got to know all our neighbors on the adjoining suites (up & down, and side to side). We felt like we were in a bit of an exclusive little group and kind of formed an instant bond with the others cruisers in the HS and SSA suites.

You'll love either suite. The only other difference I can think of is that you'll probably have the infamous Butler in a HS and I don't think you will in a Penthouse C.

Hope all that helps. We have also sailed in a Penthouse A on the Mariner, so if you have any other questions I can assist you with, please send me an email.

Happy Aloha Friday!!