Choosing a cruise is exciting, but picking your specific cabin can feel overwhelming. While all cabins offer a place to rest, their location can dramatically impact your vacation. We’ll guide you through the most preferred cabin spots that experienced cruisers try to book early, ensuring you have the best possible experience at sea.
Before we dive into the best spots, it’s important to understand why location matters so much. A well-chosen cabin can mean the difference between a peaceful, relaxing journey and one filled with unwanted noise or motion. Three key factors come into play: stability, noise, and convenience. Getting these right is the secret to a perfect cruise.
Experienced travelers know that the ship’s deck plan is their best friend. They study it carefully to find the hidden gems and avoid the potential pitfalls. By understanding what they look for, you can make a much more informed decision for your own trip.
Frequent cruisers have learned through experience which locations offer the best value, comfort, and views. These are the staterooms that get reserved months, or even a year, in advance.
If you are concerned about seasickness, this is the number one location to book. Think of a cruise ship like a seesaw. The ends go up and down the most, while the middle pivot point stays the most stable. The same principle applies to a ship.
While mid-ship is about stability, the aft (the very back of the ship) is all about the view. Aft-facing balcony cabins offer stunning, 180-degree panoramic views of the ship’s wake as it sails through the ocean.
This is a true insider tip. On many modern ships, particularly those from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, the superstructure of the ship is not perfectly flat. It curves outward in the middle, creating what cruisers call the “hump.”
A quiet cabin is essential for a good night’s sleep. Experienced cruisers meticulously scan deck plans to find rooms that are buffered from the ship’s noisiest areas. They look for cabins that are surrounded only by other cabins above, below, and on all sides.
The phrase “the early bird gets the worm” is especially true for cruising. The best cabins, particularly the specific locations mentioned above, are the first to go. Frequent travelers often book their cruises 6 to 18 months in advance to secure these prime spots. If you wait until the last minute, you will likely be left with less desirable locations, such as those with obstructed views or in noisy areas.
What is a “guaranteed” cabin? A guaranteed cabin means you pick a category type (e.g., inside, oceanview, balcony) but not a specific room number. The cruise line assigns your room closer to the sail date. You might get a great location for a lower price, but you also risk being placed in a less desirable spot, like under the gym or near a noisy lounge. It’s a gamble that seasoned travelers usually avoid unless the price is exceptionally low.
Does it matter if my cabin is on the port (left) or starboard (right) side? For most round-trip Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises, it makes little difference. However, for one-way “scenic” itineraries, it can be very important. For example, on a northbound Alaska cruise, a starboard-side cabin will give you views of the coastline. On a southbound cruise, the port side is preferred. Research your specific itinerary to see if one side offers a scenic advantage.
Are higher decks better? Not necessarily. While higher decks offer more impressive views and are often closer to popular amenities like the pool deck and buffet, they also experience the most motion. It’s a trade-off between view and stability. If you have a balcony, a mid-level deck often provides the perfect balance.