A cruise is an unforgettable experience. However, you may not remember this trip for good reasons if you don’t choose the right cabin. With a wide variety of staterooms available, knowing which rooms have the best comfort, sights, and amenities and which might leave you regretting your choice is helpful. Thankfully, we have a list of the best and worst rooms to book to help you make an informed decision.
The Best Rooms to Book
Midship Staterooms
These staterooms are located in the center of the ship. They are more stable because they are less affected by the ship’s motion. This makes them ideal for seasick passengers, as the midship area deals with less sway and vibration. Being centrally located also means it is easier to reach the ship’s amenities and common areas from there, so the walking distance to dining, entertainment, and activities is shorter.
Balcony Cabins
Balcony cabins give you a private outdoor space where passengers can catch the fresh sea air and unobstructed ocean sights. These rooms provide a serene escape and allow guests to relax in privacy without having to leave their cabin. The balcony is ideal for morning coffee, romantic dinners, or watching the sunset. Natural light from the balcony can make the room feel more spacious and inviting.
Suites
The pinnacle of luxury on a cruise ship is the suites. Here, you’ll get more space and a range of upscale amenities. Guests in suites often benefit from perks such as priority boarding, dedicated concierge services, access to exclusive lounges and dining areas, and sometimes even butler service. Extra space can include separate living and sleeping areas, large bathrooms with bathtubs, and expansive balconies, so they are great for longer voyages or special occasions.
Aft-Facing Cabins
At the back of the ship are the aft-facing cabins, sought for their unique views of the ship’s wake and expansive ocean vistas. These cabins often feature large balconies, providing ample space for outdoor furniture and relaxation. The aft location tends to be quieter since it is further from the ship’s main public areas, so one can get a peaceful retreat there. During sunsets and when the ship is docked at scenic ports, the panoramic scenery is stunning.
Forward Cabins
Forward cabins, located at the front of the ship, give dramatic, sweeping sceneries of the sea and the ship’s path. They are excellent for those who love to watch the ship’s arrival into ports or relish the unobstructed sightlines of the open sea. While they can be more susceptible to movement, the spectacular views and the sense of adventure they bring can outweigh this for many travelers.
Family Staterooms
Because these rooms are designed with families in mind, they have more space and additional bedding options, such as bunk beds or sofa beds, to comfortably accommodate multiple guests. Family staterooms often come with thoughtful amenities like extra storage space, multiple bathrooms, and sometimes even separate sleeping areas for parents and children. These features make traveling with kids more convenient and enjoyable and give everyone a home-like atmosphere at sea.
Spa Cabins
They are close to the ship’s spa and wellness center, which is excellent for anyone who prioritizes health and relaxation. It may have special amenities like complimentary access to thermal suites, exclusive spa treatments, and wellness-focused décor. Being near the spa facilities makes it easy to indulge in a quick massage, facial, or yoga session.
Connecting Cabins
Ideal for groups or families traveling together, connecting cabins combine the benefits of shared space with the ability to retreat to your room when needed. As a door links these rooms, there is easy access between cabins without going through the hallway. This setup is fantastic for parents with older children, groups of friends, or multi-generational families.
Oceanview Cabins
Oceanview cabins feature large windows that provide natural light and scenic sea sights. They are a great mid-range option between inside and balcony cabins. Here, guests savor the beauty of the sea from the comfort of their cabin without the higher cost of a balcony. Window views make the room feel more open and connected to the maritime environment, which enhances the cruising experience.
Accessible Cabins
Guests with mobility problems or other disabilities should choose accessible cabins, which commonly have extra space and modified facilities to ensure comfort and ease of use. The rooms may include wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered fixtures. The thoughtful design of accessible cabins provides a more inclusive and accommodating environment and ensures that all guests can enjoy their cruise with independence and dignity.
The Worst Rooms to Book
Inside Cabins
Inside cabins are commonly the most economical option on a cruise ship. Sadly, their drawbacks include having no windows or natural light, which can make the room feel small, dark, and claustrophobic. This may be uncomfortable for some, especially on longer voyages. Having no view can also make it difficult to get a sense of the time of day and may disrupt your sleep cycle.
Near the Engine Room
Cabins close to the engine room can be quite noisy due to the constant hum and vibration of the ship’s machinery. This noise can be disruptive at night and affect one’s ability to sleep and relax. It’s worse when these cabins might be subject to unpleasant odors from the machinery and exhaust systems.
Below the Pool Deck
Rooms directly below the pool deck are prone to unwanted sounds from foot traffic, moving furniture, and late-night parties or events. Constant activity overhead can be disturbing, especially if you prefer a quiet and restful environment. Setups and cleanings may happen early in the day and make it challenging to get a good sleep.
Near Elevators and Stairs
If your room is close to elevators and stairs, you may encounter high foot traffic and increased noise levels throughout the day and night. The sound of people coming and going, conversations, and the mechanical noise of the elevators can disrupt your quiet. These areas can become congested during peak times, making moving around the ship less convenient.
Forward Low Deck Cabins
Forward low-deck cabins are often more susceptible to the ship’s motion and can experience huge movement and waves, especially during rough seas. This increased motion can lead to seasickness, which can be uncomfortable and affect your enjoyment of the cruise. The location may also be further from the ship’s amenities, so you’ll take longer walks to reach dining areas, entertainment venues, and other facilities.
