I've gone on over 25 cruises. There are 8 types of rooms I'd never book — and one I swear by.
Lauren Mack
- After over 25 cruises, I know how to book the best cabin on a cruise — and which I prefer to avoid.
- Cabins in the ship's rear or on the bottom two decks can feel rocky during sea days.
- I avoid rooms next to elevators, below gyms, or above theaters to reduce my risk of noisy neighbors.
After going on over 25 cruises, I've learned what I really value and dislike on my sailings — especially when it comes to where I sleep.
First of all, even though it can save me money, I don't let the cruise line choose my room, as it can result in me being stuck with cabins near noisy venues or with obstructed views.
Instead, I make strategic choices and consider a few crucial factors when choosing my ideal stateroom location.
Here are the cruise rooms I always try to avoid booking.
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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."
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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.
Lauren Mack
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.
