Heading out on your first cruise? Take this extremely helpful advice: Book a cabin in the center of the ship, especially if you’re traveling through rocky waters.
While every room on a cruise is a great one—because it means you’re setting sail—there are rooms that are better than others when it comes to avoiding seasickness.
“Cabins toward the center of the ship on lower decks are the best if you can get them,” Captain Alessandro Genzo, who is celebrating his 20th year working on Princess cruise ships, told journalists aboard the Discovery Princess on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska.
As Genzo noted, this section of the ship tends to rock the least when the waters get rough. And really, he’s the guy to trust. Before joining Princess, Genzo studied at one of the oldest nautical schools in Europe and served in the Italian Navy, so he knows the motion of the ocean all too well.
But he’s not the only expert offering this sage 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, the co-founder of Eat Sleep Cruise, shared with 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.”
Graham Copeland/Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises
However, there is a major caveat to consider. “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.
There are, of course, some other factors to take into account, including any mobility issues that may make getting around a ship more difficult. In this case, Bucolo suggests picking a stateroom near an elevator so you can fully enjoy the experience.
And, if you’re looking to get some serious shut-eye on this trip, Mark Trim, the founder of Complex Travel Group, says it’s key to check the deck plans for your ship and stay as far away from the bars or entertainment center as possible.
“Our number one tip is to check the deck plan both below and, importantly, above your cabin. Is there a bar, theatre, 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.”
Want a great view? Both experts suggest booking a room with a veranda or a balcony—especially if this is your first sailing.
“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 that it’s best to start with a balcony/veranda cabin for any new cruisers and then see 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 doing a cruise where the sun may not set to avoid the sun coming in around the curtains.” Travelers cruising to Antarctica or the Arctic Circle during their respective summer seasons may experience 24-hour sunlight.
Still not sure you’ve got the best room? As our experts stated, it could be a good idea for first-timers to book through a travel advisor who will likely know the schematics of every cruise ship like it’s their own home and can ensure a smooth sail ahead.
