The aft, or ship's rear, provides perfect panoramic views. During one Western Caribbean Princess Cruises, I upgraded to a suite in the ship's aft.

Although the wraparound balcony was beautiful, it was super rocky, especially on sea days. Plus, these rooms tend to be noisier because they're usually near the ship's engines.

While sailing in the back of other ships, I've experienced engine noise and vibration, particularly when entering and exiting ports of call.

Although it may seem convenient to be near onboard entertainment hot spots, the risk of pulsating noise isn't worth it for me.

To determine where these sorts of venues are on a ship, check the cruise line's website or conduct a quick internet search for "[ship name] deck plans."

Soundproofing can vary from poor to excellent, depending on the cruise line, ship, and ship's age.

Although most cruisers hear occasional noise from neighboring cabins and in the hallways, the sound can feel near-constant if you're situated near highly trafficked public spaces.

I never book near recreational areas because the dribbling of basketballs and pounding from running can sometimes be heard within the cabins directly below. I also avoid rooms beneath the gym because some people like to drop their weights.

Lastly, I skip staterooms one floor below the pool so I don't need to worry about hearing music from concerts or the sound of deck chairs scraping across the floor.

On many decks with running tracks, passersby can easily see into your room, so you have to remember to keep the curtains shut, which defeats the purpose of having a porthole or window.

I also never book oceanview rooms on the same deck as lifeboats because they can obscure the view.

When I sailed on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady, I was given a complimentary upgrade from interior cabin to one with an obstructed-view sea terrace. It was nice to have natural sunlight streaming into the room, but I'd never pay extra for a view of the lifeboats.

Cabins on the lower levels of a ship tend to cost less than higher ones, but that discount usually comes with drawbacks. I don't book these because they're often more subject to engine noise and extreme ship rocking.

If I had to choose a room on a low deck, I'd pick one midship where there tends to be less motion.

I never book staterooms in the forward because they can be too close to the anchors. A cruise ship typically has at least two at the bow, one on the starboard (right) and one on the port (left).

On some ships, passengers close to the anchors can hear when they're dropped.

I don't book staterooms on the top deck — it doesn't matter what type they are.

Although these rooms tend to have the best views, they're usually adjacent to noisy and high-traffic areas like the buffet and pool.

Elevator banks are high-traffic areas on cruise ships, especially on embarkation, port, and disembarkation days. Although it's convenient to be near them, the noise risk isn't worth it.

Instead, I book staterooms that are five to 10 cabins away from the elevators, so I'm midship and close to the elevators.

For me, a midship cabin on a ship's middle decks is ideal for avoiding excess noise and rocking.

Many ships divide their decks into thirds, and the midship cabins tend to be the most expensive (probably because they're quite desirable).

To save money while reaping the benefits, I try to book the first room on either side of the midship — the difference is only a few feet.

I almost always book an interior stateroom because I don't spend a lot of time in my cabin and like saving money.

Although this is often the cheapest option, I learned this year that it isn't always.

In September, my father and I booked a last-minute cruise on the Disney Wish. We almost booked one of the many interior cabins available until I discovered a deluxe ocean-view stateroom with a verandah for over $100 cheaper.

When I booked my sailing on Margaritaville at Sea's Islander in July, I assumed my trip on this new ship would be more expensive than its older one.

After all, the Islander is much nicer and has more amenities than the budget cruise line's Paradise ship that I sailed on in 2023.

Much to my pleasant surprise, my trip on the newer ship cost less. My total per night for an interior stateroom was $93 on Islander compared to $165 on Paradise.

I haven't always been on top of joining and checking cruise-line and voyage-specific Facebook groups, but I think I will from now on.

Many of these online groups contain a wealth of information, even for seasoned cruiser like me.

You can find information on how cruise lines compare, photos of what staterooms actually look like, and practical advice for troubleshooting a slew of issues.

By ignoring emails and promotional mailers about sales, I missed out on complimentary add-ons like drink packages and free WiFi in 2024.

Even if I'm not sure when or where I want to cruise next, I plan to actually look at seasonal sales and offers in 2025 — especially those that require low deposits or have flexible rules for payment.

In the past year, I learned the value of enrolling in loyalty-match programs to score upgrades, onboard credits, and more. However, I'd forgotten to use offers from my American Express Blue Sky credit card.

Now, I've started to check and use monthly offers each time I make my credit-card payment.

After all, just a few years ago, I was able to use an AmEx offer to get hundreds of dollars back when using my card to pay for a Princess Cruise.

When I book a cruise, I only pay the deposit. I put the due date for the final payment on my calendar, but I usually forget to mark anything else.

In 2025, I want to better track important milestones, like the first day I can book onboard experiences and shore excursions.

Because I forgot to do this in the past few months, I missed out on booking my first-choice Holland America Line excursion in Curaçao and didn't get to reserve a beach cabana on Disney's Castaway Cay.

Moving forward, I want to take full advantage of each ship's embarkation day by boarding as early as possible.

I've learned to pay attention to each cruise line's check-in procedure to see when I can select an early port arrival time.

On Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, travelers who have completed online check-in can begin selecting arrival times 21 days before their sail date. Some cruise lines include early boarding in add-on packages or offer it via loyalty programs.

When I sail on a new cruise line, I splurge for specialty dining because I want to try every restaurant. However, more often than not, paying extra to eat in these places hasn't been worth it.

In the past few months, I found myself particularly disappointed by the mediocre food at Asian-themed specialty restaurants at sea — especially ones serving sushi.

Plus, the specialty steakhouses are usually worth skipping because many cruises serve steak at least once in the main dining room at no extra cost.

When I've booked cruises in the past, I've focused on the price, ports, and length of a sailing. Moving forward, though, I'm going to look up the age of a ship to avoid disappointment.

For most cruise lines, older ships tend to be smaller with fewer amenities, even if they've been recently refurbished. Plus, the ship's age can influence everything from stateroom size to ports of call.

Last December, I sailed on Holland America Line's Rotterdam for a 12-day Panama Canal cruise that cost $849 plus $460 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

My rate included a $25 onboard credit but no gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

The above rate was for my half of the cabin, which I booked to share with a friend. Had my original reservation been for one person, I would've paid a higher rate for the same cabin.

My 160-square-foot cabin featured two wardrobes, a queen-size bed, a desk, and a minibar.

It was only about 15 square feet smaller than some ocean-view staterooms on the ship, which start at 175 square feet.

This bathroom is one of the largest ones I've experienced on a cruise.

I liked that it had a walk-in glass shower as big as ones I've seen in nice hotels on land and a ton of storage around the vanity, shower, and toilet.

The number of in-room amenities was impressive and included a mini refrigerator, a safe, a makeup mirror, a hairdryer, robes, beach towels, and an umbrella.

Plus, this cabin had the most electrical outlets I've seen in a cruise room thus far.

The cabin had an expertly curated minibar area featuring a cabinet that included red wine, white wine, rocks glasses, and a stainless-steel ice bucket.

Bottles of Mondavi chardonnay, La Marca prosecco, and premade On the Rocks cocktails were also available for an extra fee.

Overall, my Holland America Line room was classy, and standouts included the well-stocked minibar and massive shower.

In February 2023, I sailed alone in a studio cabin on Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway on a six-day Bermuda cruise for $699 plus $283 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

The rate included free WiFi, an unlimited drink package, one specialty dining meal, and $50 toward a port excursion.

Norwegian's studio suites are designed for solo travelers, so I didn't have to pay the single-traveler supplement most lines charge for cruising alone.

If I'd had a travel companion with me and we booked a non-solo interior cabin, the rate per person would've been even cheaper.

My 100-square-foot studio was packed with thoughtful and stylish futuristic decor, such as cushioned wall panels along two sides of the bed back-lit with strip lighting.

I also loved my porthole "window" that could transform the room from pitch black to colorfully lit. Though I couldn't see the ocean out of it, it made the room feel larger and more cheerful than a standard interior cabin.

The studio was filled with space-saving furnishings and designs.

For example, the handles on the wardrobes' sliding doors doubled as towel racks.

As this room is designed for solo travelers, the shower isn't separated by a door — it's just across from the bed.

The all-glass tiled shower and separate stall with a toilet felt tiny but manageable.

My room came with attractive perks, such as access to a private lounge for cruisers in studios.

Plus, my hallway was accessible only by keycard for other people staying in studios, which made me feel extra safe as a solo traveler.

Overall, I found my interior Norwegian Cruise Line studio to be convenient, cozy, and stylish.

In August 2023, I stayed in an interior room on Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess on a 16-day sailing to Canada, New England, and Greenland for $1,863 plus $270 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

I sailed with another traveler in this interior stateroom, so this was for my half of the cabin and based on double occupancy.

This rate didn't include gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

My 162-square-foot cabin had one large closet, a desk, and a queen-size bed.

The highlight was its famous Princess Luxury Bed, a comfy medium-firm mattress with a plush 2-inch-thick pillow top. It's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on while cruising.

I forgot to photograph it, but the cabin's compact bathroom felt nice and standard compared with others I've had on cruises.

The ship's touchless technology made it easy for me to unlock the stateroom door and request services.

Plus, the in-room entertainment was superior to what I've had on other cruise lines. I could watch movies or live satellite television or listen to music and audiobooks that were preloaded on the TV.

Overall, I found my cabin to be comfortable and quiet, with tons of options for entertainment.

Holland America Line had the most luxurious furnishings and impeccable service, and Princess Cruises had the most comfortable bed and the best in-room entertainment.

For me, though, the all-around pricing and perks of Norwegian Cruise Line's stylish interior studios can't be beaten.

It was the smallest room I stayed in, but it had nearly the same furnishings and amenities as competitors' cabins. Plus, as a frequent solo traveler, the lounge access, the added security, and the lack of a supplemental fee are music to my ears.

Still, I was happy with my cabins on Holland America Line and Princess Cruises — and I'd love to see both lines offer studios in the future.