Forward, Aft, or Midship? – Where’s the best cabin location?

Choosing the location of your cabin can be an absolute minefield!  In some cases it can make or break the whole experience of your cruise.  Should you go forward, aft, mid-ship, high deck, low deck?? Near the restaurant? Close to the elevators and stairs?

You hear horror stories of people in forward cabins being almost tossed out of bed by the movement of the ship pitching and rolling in rough seas, equally passengers have complained of engine noise if located aft of the ship or on a low deck.    Passengers suffering from severe motion sickness from being on a high deck,  or even a low deck.  (You’d be surprised at how many of my clients have said they didnt want to ‘see the sea’ as it makes them sick!)  Other passengers don’t like to have a cabin directly opposite the entrance to the stairs and elevator area, due to the noise other passengers make talking and walking past the cabin doors to reach their own cabins. (Especially when they are in bed trying to sleep, and all they can hear is a chorus of ‘Lovely evening Fred & Doreen must meet up tomorrow for lunch’ and ‘What did you think of the singer tonight?  not as good as  blah blah blah’……) you get my drift….

There is no right or wrong answer I’m afraid , only what is right for you, depending on your past experience, or if this is your first cruise, what would suit you best.  But if you don’t know where on the ship you should choose here’s my take based on my own personal experience and those of other passengers.

FORWARD  The more forward your cabin is , the more you are likely to feel the movement of the ship.  Of course alot depends on whether you have ‘sea-legs’.  Some people have to be in a Force 10 Gale before they feel a little queasy.  Others, like myself, only have to feel a little pitching and rolling to run for the motion sickness tablets!  (I wear a bracelet specially designed for anti-nausea called a Sea-Band)  I dont know if there is any scientific proof for wearing one or if its just a placebo but I take it on every cruise just in case.  On the flip side though, you’re first to see the magnificent views ahead of you (provided you have chosen an Oceanview or Balcony cabin of course)

AFT Again, some passengers say they can feel the movement of the ship but mainly passengers avoid the back of the ship in case they hear the noise, vibration and humming of the engines.  However, you get amazing views at the back of the ship, and its my personal favourite.  A balcony cabin aft facing, sat watching the sun set with a glass of wine or a cheeky cocktail, is just beautiful.

MIDSHIP Without doubt the most popular part of the ship, due to being less prone to movement and vibration.  Passengers like the central area, with easy access to the Atrium, central staircase & lifts, shops etc.  On the flip side however, this is a very busy part of the ship with lots of foot traffic, so queuing for lifts etc, can be lengthy  and of course noise levels are higher.

Tips for choosing the location of your cabin:

• If you are prone to seasickness choose a midship cabin on a lower deck. You’ll feel less roll and sway
• If you’re a sun lover and want to ensure you grab yourself a sunbed, choose an upper deck close to the pool and sun decks
• If you are a party animal and want easy access to the entertainment choose a mid-ship cabin
• If you have mobility concerns, choose a cabin close to the elevators
• If you like a good night’s sleep and dont want to be disturbed by the party animals in the Show Lounge, Theatre or Bar  then                 choose a deck which is cushioned above and below by other accommodation decks. Also avoid cabins near to or below service               areas, as the rattling of trollies back and  forth will deprive you of any decent sleep.  Same goes for cabins near launderettes.  

Of course if you dont have any sea-legs, avoid the sun, cant swim, dont drink, like an early night, and are frightened of the sea….. give me a call and I’ll see what I can do!

I hope these tips help you decide the best location of your cabin, and if you know of any other good tips you’d like to share, please let me know.

Gina