Last updated on
It’s one of the most fun ways to get around a wide variety of destinations, from tropical islands to wild coasts, but cruising can also cause some less than anticipated discomfort. While many people spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on their cruise of a lifetime, some might end up being disappointed.
You’re at sea, after all, and a chance of motion sickness is always present, for example. Moreover, some cabins have no view at all while others are just loud. Not all places on a cruise ship are created equal. In fact, there can be major difference between certain areas. So, we wrote this blog post to help you figure out what’s the best place to stay on a cruise ship.

What’s the Best Place to Stay on a Cruise Ship?
Basically, there are a handful of different areas that are considered great places to stay. They all have different reasons why they’re so nice specifically, but we’ll get to that below. It essentially all depends on what you’re after and how prone you are to seasickness.
Mid-ship Staterooms
If seasickness is a worry of yours, the best way to avoid that is getting a room in the center of the ship. As cruise ships tend to bob on waves and slightly roll from side to side, the heart of the ship is its only part that stays virtually in the same place. Look at the deck plan before booking your room, avoiding picking a room at either end of the ship. An additional benefit of getting a mid-ship stateroom is that you’ll have to walk shorter distances to get places. You’re literally in the middle of the action.
That being said, though, just because midship staterooms are in the ship’s center, they can be loud. Do some research and stay away from rooms near, above, or below public spaces such as restaurants, theaters, and nightclubs.
Lower Decks
In addition to picking a midship stateroom, which are usually spread out across several levels, it’s also a good idea to opt for one that’s below the water level. This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions. A central cabin on one of the lower decks is the best place you can be when you’re feeling nauseous.
Note that these cabins can feel a bit claustrophobic, though. There are no windows, so try and get one with easy access to other parts of the ship.

Oceanview Balconies
Alternatively, some people deal with motion sickness best when they’re outside and looking at the ocean’s horizon. Sometimes looking out across the waves makes you feel their motion less. If you’re one of those people, don’t lock yourself in a cabin at the bottom of the ship. In that case, you need to be in the opposite type of room—one with a large balcony that overlooks the ocean.
These kinds of rooms, of course, are fantastic just because they have an expansive view. They’re not only useful when you’re feeling ill. During calm conditions, which are the most common conditions anyway, you’ll have to chance to just sit and enjoy the view. If you’re visiting a calm destination, a balcony room is without question the best place to stay on a cruise ship.
Aft Cabins
Perhaps less popular than the other room types listed above, aft cabins are also among the most underrated places to stay on a cruise ship. Their main feature is that they provide glorious views of the ship’s wake. Additionally, they often lack a lot of neighboring rooms as well. This makes them the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet time with your partner, family or other travel companion.
When looking at aft cabins, however, do make sure that they’re located away from exhaust vents or other related features. Overall, they might just be the best place to stay on a cruise ship, particularly if you’re after a room that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship.
Amid Other Staterooms
This applies to all the above-mentioned room types. It is critical to get a room that’s between other staterooms. And that means completed surrounded by other rooms on all sides, left and right, above and below. This is just because those rooms are most likely to be the quietest on the entire ship. The exception is the rare circumstance that you’re next to a bunch of party-goers or someone who turns up their TV’s volume at night. These rooms are still your safest bet, though, and much more peaceful than those near public areas.
FAQs
Which part of the cruise ship is the best to stay in? ›
You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.
Where is the best deck to stay on a cruise ship? ›The nicest and most expensive cabins on any ship are generally on the highest decks. That typically means just below the pool deck. However, the pool deck is often the loudest during the day (and often well into the night).
What area is the #1 destination to travel to on a cruise ship? ›The most popular destination in the world for pleasure cruises is the Caribbean sea, it is called by many "heaven on earth". Over 2 million people each year sail to that area. Main reasons for the cruises Popularity to the Caribbean: 1.
Is it better to stay at the front of a cruise ship or back? ›The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
Which deck is better on a cruise ship? ›The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
Is the middle of the ship better on a cruise? ›Generally, mid-ship is most favorable on lower decks, especially if you are prone to motion sickness. There is more noticeable movement in the more forward areas of the vessel, or on higher decks. One of the most often overlooked issues in the selection of your cabin is whether it is on Port or Starboard side.
Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise ship? ›Balcony cabins are great for giving you that much needed bit of personal space when you're both in the room. If he wants to nap but you're wide awake, a balcony offers you a place to hang out without worrying if you're making too much noise or using too bright lights.
Where is the best position for a cabin on a cruise ship? ›Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
What part of the Caribbean is best for a cruise? ›- San Juan, Puerto Rico. ...
- Barbados. ...
- Labadee, Haiti. ...
- Bonaire. ...
- Colon 2000, Panama. ...
- Roatan, Honduras. ...
- George Town, Grand Cayman. Great for: Dining, shopping, wreck dives, swimming with stingrays. ...
- Oranjestad, Aruba. Great for: Hiking, desert adventures, sunny beaches.
A cruise ship will leave passengers behind on shore if they arrive back at the ship too late. But ship staff have procedures in place to help you out.
Where is the least rocky part of a cruise ship? ›
Rough seas or not, motion sickness can ruin a cruise vacation. If you know you have a history of seasickness -- or you're not sure -- your best cabin on a cruise ship will be the more stable cruise ship rooms at midship and on a lower deck, where rocking motion is less likely to be felt.
Which part of the cruise ship is safest? ›Lower Decks
This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions.
Fans of aft balcony cabins love the expansive, uninterrupted ocean views over the ship's wake. You're also likely to score significantly more space in your cruise's aft cabins than standard balcony cabins along the port and starboard sides of the ship.
Where is the best place to stay on a cruise ship to avoid seasickness? ›To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you're worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda.
Is it better to take cash or card on a cruise? ›We highly recommend paying for anything OFF of the ship in cash. Ports in tourist areas are typically safe from violent crime, but petty crime like theft — or credit card fraud — can happen. So if you plan to pay for meals and entertainment with a card, there is always the risk of being overcharged, charged twice, etc.
How much money should you bring on a cruise? ›What Is The Average Amount of Cash to Bring on a Cruise? On a cruise, most guests bring between $100-$120 in cash per day to be spent on transportation, tips, gifts, food, and shopping. In a survey of 850 cruisers, 71% stated that they took over $100 per person per day when cruising.
Which deck is safest on a cruise? ›- Close to Dining Rooms and Disembarkation/Embarkation – Cruise ships have their embarkation/disembarkation and dining rooms on the lower decks. ...
- More Stable – As mentioned, lower decks are more stable. ...
- Close to Main Lobby – Inquiries can be placed without the need to go very far.
If you want to make your life easier, and don't plan on removing or adjusting the gratuities on a cruise, it's better to prepay before you go. In our experience, prepaying gratuities does not negatively affect the service onboard. We have consistently been very pleased with the wonderful service on cruise ships.
Which level of the cruise is the best? ›The best cruise ship deck for many people is a lower deck because less movement will be felt there. However, for the best views, you should choose a higher deck. If you want to avoid taking the elevator, a mid-level deck would be best.
Can I sleep with balcony door open on cruise? ›With a balcony stateroom, you have the ability enjoy these outdoor benefits while you sleep. While the cruise lines do recommend against it, keeping your balcony door partially open while you sleep is a benefit you can not get in an inside cabin.
Is it cheaper to book a cruise through AAA? ›
Save up to 35% off cruise fares and get up to $150 onboard spending money plus drinks, Wi-Fi, premium desserts, fitness classes, crew appreciation and refundable $100 deposits. AAA Members also receive up to $235 onboard credit and $50 shore excursion credit per stateroom.
What cabin to book on a cruise ship? ›Inside staterooms are the best accommodation for value for money, as these staterooms are often equivalent in size to outside and balcony cabins, but do not have an ocean view. Instead, the picture window or balcony area is replaced by a large mirror.
What is the best month to go on a Caribbean cruise? ›The best time for a Caribbean cruise is from December to April when the weather is dry, sunny, and clear skies on most days. The ideal cruising conditions of mild temperatures and calm waters typically last throughout winter and spring, making it the prime Caribbean sailing season and very traveler-friendly.
Which Cruise Line is the most inclusive? ›The Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines in the World
At the top of our list are Regent Seven Seas, Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking, Virgin Voyages, and Azamara. Here's what you should know about each of these all-inclusive cruise lines.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Trinidad and Tobago.
- St. Lucia.
- Grenada.
- Grand Cayman.
- Aruba.
- Anguilla.
- Cuba.
No Pat-downs
Don't worry. We've never seen anyone being patted down for a cruise. They are looking for metal objects. If someone sets off the metal detector, then a wand will be used to find the object.
How much does a Hourly Cruise Ship Worker make? As of Dec 30, 2022, the average hourly pay for a Hourly Cruise Ship Worker in the United States is $23.11 an hour.
Are there curfews on cruise ships? ›Royal Caribbean's teen activities regularly run late at night until 1 a.m. -- and even later for older teens. But with the exception of these activities and spaces, on most 2022 Royal Caribbean sailings, ships have set a curfew of 1 a.m. for all cruise passengers 17 and under.
Why do cruise ships skip floor 13? ›Why do Cruise Ships Not Have a Deck 13? Many ships do not have a deck 13 due to superstition surrounding the number. These ships will simply skip from deck 12 straight to 14.
What is the best balcony room on a cruise ship? ›Head Aft for the Best Balconies
If a balcony is a priority for you, you'll find some of the best ones at the rear, or aft, of the ship. The aft cabins tend to be quite popular because they provide great views and usually don't have many neighbors.
How do I protect myself from Covid on a cruise? ›
Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). Get tested again after cruise travel.
Is there a lot of crime on cruise ships? ›Consider that about 12-14 million people cruise from the United States in a given year. With 137 total crimes reported in the past four quarters, that means the chances of being a victim on the ship are about 1 in 88,000.
Why are aft facing balconies better? ›Aft-facing balconies are at the back of the ship, looking out over the ocean that the vessel has traveled. The advantages of an aft-facing cabin are the views. They are generally bigger than the side-facing cabins, they provide more privacy, and there is less people-generated noise.
Are aft facing balconies noisy? ›Aft balcony rooms are a long walk from elevators and public areas compared to midship cabins, but they're also quieter with limited hallway noise.
What deck is best for sea sickness? ›For example, if you choose a room on the lower deck, in the middle of the ship, it reduces your chance of seasickness. This is because of the way the boat is engineered. The lower you are, and more towards the middle of the ship, you will not feel it as much.
What is a trick to avoid seasickness? ›Many people find that eating crackers along with drinking water or soda helps. Wear an acupressure wristband. These wristbands apply pressure to a point on the wrist, generally where you wear a watch. Many people find the pressure helps them avoid nausea, one of the symptoms of motion sickness.
Does it matter where you are on a cruise ship? ›In general, many cruisers prefer mid-ship room locations on a lower deck, especially if getting seasick is a major concern. Rooms that are located at the very front or very aft of the ship, and/or rooms on higher decks have a reputation of there being more noticeable movement.
What are the 9 popular cruise regions? ›- Europe.
- Caribbean.
- Alaska.
- Mediterranean.
- Hawaii.
- Asia.
- Baltic.
- The South Pacific - Australia and New Zealand. ...
- Mexico. ...
- Alaska. ...
- The Caribbean. ...
- Fjords of Norway. ...
- Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-
With few exceptions, you need to pack only 4-5 pairs of shoes for your cruise.
How many outfits do I need for a 3 day cruise? ›
Depending on the length of your cruise, you'll need about 4 tops. This includes one tank top, a tee, a blouse, and a long-sleeve to keep you warm at night (one of these can double as a pajama top). If your cruise is closer to 3 days, perhaps bring 2 tops and a casual dress so as not to overpack.
What does pineapple mean on cruise? ›On a cruise ship, the secret symbol of an upside-down pineapple is regularly used as a code for swinging or “wife-swapping”. In most cases, an illustrated and upside-down pineapple is fixed to the cabin door of a guest interested in swinging and partner swapping.
Can you wear jeans on a cruise ship? ›Acceptable attire includes sportswear, collared shirts, pants and jackets (if desired, but not required) for men and sportswear, casual dresses, or skirts and pants with blouses or knit tops for women. Regular, but not torn or distressed jeans, are fine.
Why cruise is a hassle free vacation? ›Cruising allows for stress-free vacation planning with pre-planned excursions, inclusive meals and endless on-ship entertainment. It also allows you to unpack and get settled in your cabin without the hassle of having to move your belongings, while you visit multiple destinations.
Which state is famous for cruises? ›Among the cruises of India are trips to and from Mumbai, Goa, Lakshadweep, backwaters of Kerala, Sunderbans, Andaman, Kochi, Maldives, Ganges river, and Brahmaputra river.
Where is the cruise capital of the world? ›Port of Miami
Known for its pristine beaches, bayside markets and vibrant nightlife, Miami is the Cruise Capital of the World and welcomes the biggest passenger ships on its nine modern cruise terminals.