After going on more than 25 cruises, I’ve learned what I really value and dislike on my sailings — especially when it comes to where I sleep.
First of all, even though it can save me money, I don’t let the cruise line choose my room, as it can result in me being stuck in a cabin near a noisy venue or with obstructed views.
Instead, I make strategic choices and consider a few crucial factors when choosing my ideal stateroom location.
Here are the cruise rooms I always try to avoid booking.
Cabins at the back of the ship can have great views but major drawbacks.
The aft, or ship’s rear, provides perfect panoramic views. During one Western Caribbean Princess Cruises sailing, I upgraded to a suite in the ship’s aft.
Though the wraparound balcony was beautiful, it was super rocky, especially on sea days. Plus, these rooms tend to be noisier because they’re usually near the ship’s engines.
While sailing in the back part of other ships, I’ve experienced engine noise and vibration, especially when entering and exiting ports of call.
I don’t book cabins one or two floors above a theater, nightclub, or live-music venue.
Though it may seem convenient to be near onboard entertainment hot spots, the risk of pulsating noise isn’t worth it for me.
To determine the location of these types of venues on a ship, check the cruise line’s website or conduct a quick internet search for “[ship name] deck plans.”
It feels too risky to book any cabins beneath sports courts, a pool, or a gym.
Soundproofing can vary from poor to excellent, depending on the cruise line, ship, and ship’s age.
Though most cruisers hear occasional noise from neighboring cabins and in the hallways, the sound can feel near-constant if you’re near highly trafficked public spaces.
I never book near recreational areas because the dribbling of basketballs and pounding from running can sometimes be heard within the cabins directly below. I also avoid rooms beneath the gym because some people like to drop their weights.
Lastly, I skip staterooms one floor below the pool so that I don’t need to worry about hearing music from concerts or the sound of deck chairs scraping across the floor.
I’ll skip ocean-view rooms on the same deck as running tracks or lifeboats.
On many decks with running tracks, passersby can easily see into your room, so you have to remember to keep the curtains shut, which defeats the purpose of having a porthole or window.
I also avoid booking ocean-view rooms on the same deck as lifeboats, as they can obstruct the view.
For example, when I sailed on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, I was given a complimentary upgrade from an interior cabin to one with an obstructed-view sea terrace. It was nice to have natural sunlight streaming into the room, but I’d never pay extra for a view of the lifeboats.
You won’t catch me choosing a stateroom on the bottom two decks of a ship.
Cabins on the lower levels of a ship tend to cost less than higher ones, but that discount usually comes with drawbacks. I don’t book these because they’re often more subject to engine noise and extreme ship rocking.
If I had to choose a room on a low deck, I’d pick one midship where there tends to be less motion.
I wouldn’t book staterooms in the bow of the ship.
I don’t book staterooms in the forward because they can be too close to the anchors. A cruise ship typically has at least two at the bow, one on the starboard (right) and one on the port (left).
On some ships, passengers close to the anchors can hear when they’re dropped.
The top deck isn’t for me.
I don’t book staterooms on the top deck — it doesn’t matter what type they are.
Although these rooms tend to have the best views, they’re usually located adjacent to noisy and high-traffic areas, such as the buffet and pool.
I avoid staterooms directly across or right next to the elevators.
Elevator banks are high-traffic areas on cruise ships, especially on embarkation, port, and disembarkation days. Though it’s convenient to be near them, the noise risk isn’t worth it.
Instead, I book staterooms that are five to 10 cabins away from the elevators, so I’m midship and close to the elevators.
Generally, I try to choose midship cabins on the middle decks.
For me, a midship cabin on a ship’s middle decks is ideal for avoiding excess noise and rocking.
Many ships divide their decks into thirds, and the midship cabins tend to be the most expensive … probably because they’re quite desirable.
To save money while reaping the benefits, I try to book the first room on either side of the midship — the difference is only a few feet.
This story was originally published on January 10, 2025, and most recently updated on January 12, 2026.
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