What’s your favourite position?

When it comes to preferred positions, are you partial to the back or the front? Do you prefer to be high? Perhaps you like to be close to the action, or do you like the more secluded parts of the ship? Those not fond of the rocking motion often prefer to be mid-ship on one of the lower decks… but when it comes to cabin location, what is your personal preference? …& as a cruising-virgin how do you ensure you’re in the best position the first time you cruise?

The inside cabins on the lower decks are often the least expensive cruise ship cabins largely due to the fact that they are the farthest cabins from the main deck area lounges, bars and facilities. That said, the lower deck cabins have the benefit of providing a smoother journey in rough seas, as well as boasting significant savings on same-size cabins on the higher decks. If you enjoy a stroll and are happy to work off those cruise-calories when heading to and from your cabin, lower deck cabins can be a good option. For me, the option to save a few pounds on my cruise fare and maybe shed a few pounds from my intake of cruise-fayre whilst still on board, makes lower deck cabins quite appealing.

Cabins on higher decks tend to cost a little bit more as they are considered to be more desirable than their lower deck counterparts – they are closer to the main deck area lounges and amenities, as well as being closer to the pool deck and sun deck. The higher decks boast fabulous panoramic views, however it is worth noting that with higher deck cabins you will notice more of the rocking motion on smaller ships, so this is worth taking into consideration if anyone in your party suffers from motion sickness.

Once you’ve assessed the ideal deck level for your cruising needs, it’s then a question of bow, midship or aft – basically front, middle or back?

Midship cabins are typically closest to the action and thus tend to be particularly appealing to those with mobility issues or those wanting to be centrally located and close to the amenities on board. This central location also affords cruisers with less sensation of motion, making midship cabins on the lower decks an ideal choice for those who are seasick prone. Perhaps the only downside to midship cabins is that their central location means that they may be subject to more traffic-noise, since other passengers will often be passing by as they make their way to the various amenities of the ship.

If you are considering a balcony cabin in the midship area or even an ocean view cabin, I would suggest speaking with a cruise-expert regarding the exact location, as the placings of tenders or lifeboats can obstruct views somewhat; and your dedicated cruise consultant will be best placed to advise you on the cabins to avoid and those which offer the best sea views.

At the bow of the ship you will find cabins that will appeal to the true sailors among us – at the front of the ship you will experience more wind and sea spray, as well as truly feeling the motion of the ship as you venture forth aboard your cruise. The windows in forward cabins can often be smaller or recessed due to the shape of the bow of the ship, although nowadays modern cruise ships tend to take advantage of the unusual shapes and incorporate this into the design of their suites at the front of the ship, enabling them to provide larger sweeping balconies.

If you’re not splurging for the suite but are keen to have a large balcony with your cabin, look to the rear of the ship… cabins in the aft of the ship tend to have larger balconies which provide a panoramic view of where you have sailed in the wake of the ship. One thing to note though is that, depending on the shape of the ship, these balconies can sometimes be overlooked by the lounges and restaurants of the upper decks; which isn’t ideal for those who value a more private balcony… once again your cruise consultant will be able to advise you on which aft balconies best combine both privacy and size.

Hopefully this has given you a little insight into the benefits of each area of the ship in terms of cabin location, and once you find your favourite position you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.