I don't know where your stateroom is exactly on the Empress deck, but we were there last time in room 7369 to be exact. We were right across the hall from the steward's station. It was HORRIBLY noisy! They talked loud on the phone all night, banged doors and pots. I finally had to go and buy ear plugs. Plus, I don't know why people think they have to slam the balcony door, it closes well without slamming. We heard that all night too. We are on the Lido deck this time and I have read very good reviews on it. We will see. We still had a good time on the last cruise, even though we were sleep deprived! LOL!