Expert Cruise Traveler Shares 8 Rooms to Avoid

For travelers planning a cruise, selecting the right stateroom is just as important as choosing the destination. After completing more than 25 cruises, one experienced traveler has outlined specific cabin locations to avoid to ensure a peaceful trip. The advice focuses on mitigating noise, reducing motion sickness, and securing a good view.

The core strategy involves avoiding the rear of the ship, the bottom decks, and areas near high-traffic public venues. Instead, the author recommends booking a midship cabin on the middle decks for the most comfortable experience. By making strategic choices rather than accepting a random assignment, passengers can significantly improve their sailing vacation.

Choosing a cabin location requires careful consideration of the ship's layout to avoid excessive noise and movement. The author advises against several specific areas that are prone to disturbances.

The Rear and Lower Decks

Cabins located at the back of the ship, known as the aft, offer panoramic views but come with significant drawbacks. During a Western Caribbean Princess Cruises sailing, the author experienced significant rocking in an aft suite, particularly on sea days. These rooms are also typically noisier due to their proximity to the ship's engines, with vibrations often felt when entering and exiting ports. Similarly, cabins on the bottom two decks are cheaper but are more subject to engine noise and extreme ship rocking.

Above Entertainment Venues

It is risky to book cabins located one or two floors above theaters, nightclubs, or live-music venues. The author warns against the pulsating noise that can travel upward from these hot spots. To avoid this, travelers should check the cruise line's website or search for "[ship name] deck plans" to identify these locations before booking.

Below Recreational Areas

Soundproofing varies across ships, but booking directly below high-traffic public spaces is generally a bad idea. The author never books cabins beneath sports courts, pools, or gyms. Specific noises to expect include:

• The sound of basketballs dribbling and running footsteps.
• Noise from people dropping weights in the gym.
• Music from poolside concerts and the scraping of deck chairs.

While a room may seem fine on paper, certain locations can ruin the experience with poor views or external noise. The author highlights specific areas to skip for these reasons.

Obstructed Views and Privacy

Booking an ocean-view room requires checking what is on that deck. On decks with running tracks, passersby can easily see into the room, forcing passengers to keep curtains closed and defeating the purpose of a window. Additionally, ocean-view rooms on the same deck as lifeboats often have their views obstructed. The author noted that while a complimentary upgrade to a cabin with an obstructed view provided natural light, it was not worth paying extra for a view of the lifeboats.

The Bow and Top Deck

Cabins in the forward section (the bow) of the ship should be avoided because they are too close to the anchors. On some ships, passengers in these rooms can hear the anchors being dropped. Conversely, rooms on the top deck might seem appealing for the views, but they are usually located adjacent to noisy, high-traffic areas like the buffet and pool. As the author puts it, "I want to visit a pool, not sleep near it."

Proximity to Elevators

Staterooms located directly across from or right next to elevator banks are high-risk for noise. Elevator areas are busy, especially on embarkation, port, and disembarkation days. To balance convenience and quiet, the author recommends booking a cabin that is five to ten rooms away from the elevators.

Based on extensive experience, the author has developed a specific strategy for booking the perfect cabin that balances cost, comfort, and location.

The Midship Sweet Spot

The ideal location is a cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) on the middle decks. This location is prized because it minimizes the sensation of rocking and reduces exposure to noise from both the engines and public decks. Many ships divide their decks into thirds, with midship cabins often being the most expensive due to high demand.

How to Save Money

To get the benefits of a midship location without the premium price tag, the author suggests booking the first room on either side of the exact midship point. The difference in location is only a few feet, but it can result in significant savings. While amenities like terraces are nice, the author emphasizes that the physical location of the room is of the utmost importance for a good cruise experience.