What is the best location for the cabin on a cruise ship?
As one journey writer for more than 20 years, I’ve heard that question a lot, and it’s not an easy question to answer. That’s because on any ship, the best cabin position for one person may not be the best choice for another.
For example, the ideal cabin for a light sleeper on a particular ship might be a room located in the quietest corner of the ship. But another passenger on the same ship more interested in the view might be happiest with a completely different position.
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On a typical cruise ship, the cabins are spread out all over the place – high and low, front, middle and back. Not always so.
Some cruise ships – especially river ships – have cabins centered at the back with public areas at the front. Other ships, such as those operated by luxury airlines seaport and Silver Sea CruiseThere are centralized cabins at the front with public areas at the rear.
Cruise cabins also come in all shapes and sizes, along with a variety of amenities and benefits. Some lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line provide a many room optionsFrom tiny, windowless “inside” cabins to palatial suites, in all sorts of locations on their ships.
Indeed, there are so many not only cabin locations but also cabin types on board, the best way to narrow down accommodation options on any given ship might be to put together a list of cabins that you sure. do not want to choose.
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As it happens, we did it here at TPG in guide to 8 cabin places you should definitely avoid.
However, there are several types of cabin placements on cruise ships that are always in high demand due to their prime locations.
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midship cabin
These are the cabins that you should look for if you are particularly prone to seasickness.
The big appeal of the midship cabin is its stability. You won’t feel the tremors of the sea in a midship cabin as much as you would in a cabin at the front or rear of a ship. This is because ships are like seesaws. They move forward and backward around a central axis that barely moves.
If you are at the center of a ship, you are in the same position as the center of a seesaw. Even in very rough seas, you won’t move as much as the ship rises and falls in waves like someone on either end of the ship.
Note that being in the water also helps if you’re worried about seasickness.
On very large ships where operational areas are spread far apart, the feeder cabin also offers the advantage of being the center of everything. For instance, the main pool deck could be directly above you when you’re in the midship cabin – not far away. Ditto for central interior areas.
Cabin in the back
There’s something enchanting about being at the back of a ship looking out over its rear. When you’re in the open ocean, you can see the long trail of water churning up behind you, extending seemingly endlessly like a road in the sea. It’s tangible proof of your journey. When you leave the port, you will have the best view in the house.
I admit that I could stand at the back of the ship for hours, looking out over the water, and I would love the rear-facing cabins – as long as they have a balcony. The aft-facing balcony cabin is one of the best balcony cabins on any ship. Usually, their balconies are larger than those on facing cabins, and they feel quiet too. There are fewer balcony cabins at the rear of the ship than on either side of the ship, so you don’t hear as much noise from your neighbours.
If your cabin is in the back corner of a ship, you can even have a balcony that wraps around the sides of the ship. Those types of balconies are the most amazing.
Note that on some ships, all or most of the rear-facing cabins are large, expensive suites. But this is not always true. Festival cruise line ships, for example, often have quite a few non-suites aft.
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Cabin in front
I’ll admit, I’m not a big fan of the forward-facing cabin. For starters, there is no place on the ship that is easier to maneuver than the front of the ship. Front-facing cabins also often lack balconies, for reasons I’ll explain shortly. All that said, though, many cruisers just prefer forward-facing cabins. They love them because the view can be breathtaking, especially when you arrive at a new harbor. Also, some people just love the idea of being in front of a ship and being able to see where they’re going.
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Forward-facing cabins also sometimes have extra space. This is because they sometimes incorporate the oddly angled interior spaces that exist at the front of the ships, often with slanted fronts. As mentioned above, forward-facing cabins will often not have balconies, as the wind blowing over the bow of a moving train makes a balcony impractical. Instead, they will have large windows – sometimes floor-to-ceiling windows – that offer great views.
The cabins are surrounded by other cabins
Light sleepers, take note: The best place if you want the best chance of not being disturbed by noise is a cabin surrounded by other cabins. This means that a cabin has a cabin directly above it and a cabin directly below it, as well as cabins on both sides.
To find such a cabin is harder than you think. On a conventional ship, the top deck of the cabin is directly below the swimming pool and activity deck, which can get noisy during the day and even at night (yes, the noise will sometimes penetrate your ceiling. ). The cabin deck just below that top cabin deck can be a good choice. But go a few more floors, and you’re usually right on the entertainment decks inside, home to music lounges, theaters, and other buzzy venues.
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If your goal is to achieve maximum quiet, you’ll also want to avoid cabins anywhere near elevators, small passenger launderettes, and other high-traffic areas. It may take some research on deck plan, but as seasoned cruisers know, you should keep a cabin away from anything that might keep you up at night.
Cabins near the spa
If you’re a big spa lover — the kind who can spend hours on vacation getting a treatment — you’ll want a cabin right next to the spa on your ship. Believe us. Walking a long distance past a bustling train in your robes and slippers to a spa appointment can be a bit odd.
Cruise lines are increasingly catering to spa lovers with special spa cabins that are not only close to the spa, but also come with special spa amenities including plush bathrobes and slippers, and toiletries. Premium personalizations, body scrubs, aromatherapy diffusers, and even yoga mats. Cabins also sometimes get spa discounts, unlimited spa lounge access, and other perks.
Routes with designated spa cabins on some or all ships include Famous peopleCarnival, Netherlands USA, azamara and MSC Cruises.
On Celebrity, spa cabins – known as AquaClass cabins – have exclusive access to a special spa restaurant called Blu.
If you’re interested in a spa cabin, just remember to book in advance. They usually sell out early.
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