Heading out on your first cruise? Here’s some essential advice: book a cabin in the center of the ship, particularly if you’ll be traveling through choppy waters.
While any room on a cruise is exciting because you're sailing, some rooms are better than others for avoiding seasickness. "Cabins toward the center of the ship on lower decks are the best if you can get them," Captain Alessandro Genzo, celebrating his 20th year with Princess cruise ships, advised journalists aboard the Discovery Princess during a cruise from Seattle to Alaska.
According to Genzo, this area of the ship rocks the least in rough waters. With his extensive experience, including studying at one of Europe's oldest nautical schools and serving in the Italian Navy, he’s well-versed in ocean motion.
He’s not the only one offering this advice. "The most coveted space on a cruise ship is midship, which is the middle of the ship going from the bow to the stern," Don Bucolo, co-founder of Eat Sleep Cruise, told Travel + Leisure. "This is where travelers are less likely to feel the motion of the ocean. Thus, cruisers concerned about getting seasick should consider booking a cabin midship on a middle deck."
However, there's a significant caveat. "These tend to be the most expensive [cabins] and book up fast. That is why we always suggest booking at least six to eight months in advance to ensure the best cabin selection," Bucolo added.
Other factors to consider include any mobility issues that might make navigating the ship more difficult. In such cases, Bucolo recommends choosing a stateroom near an elevator for easier access.
For those seeking a quiet trip, Mark Trim, founder of Complex Travel Group, advises checking the ship’s deck plans and selecting a cabin far from bars or entertainment areas. "Our number one tip is to check the deck plan both below and, importantly, above your cabin. Is there a bar, theater, or restaurant directly above? This could result in noise disturbances late into the night. The sound of a moving chair is extremely frustrating to hear in your cabin, as is any thundering bass from a nightclub or late-night venue," Trim said. "Looking at a 3D view of the cruise ship and locating any of these potential issues in advance is ideal."
For a great view, both experts recommend booking a room with a veranda or balcony, especially if it’s your first cruise. "We suggest aft-facing verandas," Bucolo said. "These veranda balcony cabins tend to offer more interior space. But the big draw is the oversized balconies that face outwards, overlooking the back of the ship."
"We'd recommend starting with a balcony/veranda cabin for any new cruisers and then seeing how you feel about not having a window to open," Trim added. "An inside cabin can be great for some who don't mind not having a view, especially if you’re on a cruise where the sun may not set to avoid the sun coming in around the curtains." This is particularly relevant for travelers cruising to Antarctica or the Arctic Circle during their respective summer seasons, where they may experience 24-hour sunlight.
Still unsure if you have the best room? As our experts suggested, it might be a good idea for first-timers to book through a travel advisor who knows the schematics of every cruise ship well and can ensure a smooth sail ahead.
