High or Low? Bow or Stern? Choosing the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

Taking a vacation on a cruise ship is one of the most carefree and enjoyable experiences one can have. One of the factors that can enhance your cruise experience is selecting a cabin that best suits your needs. Selecting a cabin on a cruise ship can be a bit more challenging than one might think … especially when deal with some of the larger cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers. Simply choosing a stateroom on a higher or lower deck can impact the price of your cruise as well as how comfortable you are once the ship is out to sea. Price is only one consideration. For example, cabins that are closer to the bow (the front) of the ship will provide a very different experience from those that are further aft (rear of the ship). Below are some tips on selection the best cabin location for you and/or your traveling companion(s).

Higher Decks Verses Lower Decks on a Cruise Ship

cruise ship jobs Typically, cabins on the lower decks of a ship are the least expensive, especially if you opt for an interior stateroom. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Staying toward the bottom of the cruise ship also usually ensures you will have a smoother ride at sea even if you enter rough waters. Cabins tend to be priced higher the higher up you go on a cruise ship. This has more to do with people’s perception of ‘status’ than that the cabins are actually better higher up on the ship. Yes, the higher decks often can have a view, but how much time do you really plan to spend in your cabin.

The possible downside of being on a lower deck is that you are often further away from where the ship’s activities are located such as the pool, dining rooms, bars and so forth. If walking a great deal is a problem for you, then possibly the upper decks may be best for you. Check to see if all the lower decks are serviced by an elevator(s). Some older cruise ships still have lower decks that passengers need to access a flight of stairs to get to an elevator.

On a very large cruise ships the highest decks can get you into the same situation – a distant walk to get to any of the activities, although many of the newer cruise ships now locate amenities such as swimming pools or bars on the upper decks. A good idea is to check the ships layout before booking a cabin so you know how far away the activity centers are located.

As mentioned, the upper deck of a cruise ship is where the most expensive cabins are located (especially cabins an ocean view). But, being on a higher deck can often mean that you feel the ship’s motion more, so if you are prone to seasickness or dislike the constant feeling of motion on a ship at sea, then think about the lower deck cabins. They are cheaper, offer a smooth ride and the little extra walking will help keep off those extra pounds you may gain due to all the wonderful food typically offered by cruise liners.

The Bow Verses The Stern of the Ship

Choosing a stateroom towards the bow (front) of the ship can certainly provide a few thrills for cruisers wishing to take on the full experience of seafaring. Bow cabins will often provide sea breezes and spray from the ocean. They are also spot on the ship where you feel the most motion. If you tend to get seasick, a bow cabin can be a challenge if you happen to hit rough seas. But, for the person who want to feel that he/she is out at sea, a bow cabin will be the best choice.

The staterooms and cabins along the stern (back) of the ship used to be considered the least desirable (again, it is more about perceived status since cabins in the rear of the ship during the Victorian era were for the second class passengers). Fortunately, people grow older and wiser. Now staterooms and cabins in the stern of the ship are quite popular. Cabins with a window on deck at the stern often have unobstructed views looking straight back at the sea. And, from the stern of the ship you generally are closer to the water. Cabins with balconies can be one of the most peaceful locations on the ship. On most ships, the rear-facing cabins are “stepped-out” in tiers that resemble a large set of stairs. Keep in mind that this type of design means you can look down on the balconies/decks below you and those above you look down on your. No big deal, but it aft cabins (those on the stern or rear of the ship) are not as private.

Consider A Midship Compromise

While you can always choose to be at one or the other extreme ends of the ship, the majority of passengers tend to prefer cabins that are located somewhere a midship (the center of the ship). This often has a lot to do with being closer to the activity centers like work-out rooms, pools and/or dining halls. Cabins that are a midship in the lower decks tend to provide the smoothest ride for those prone to sea sickness. Cabins a midship in the higher decks are the smoothest ride if one prefers being in the upper decks.

One last tip: If you are planning a cruise, plan ahead. By booking your cabin early for a cruise you can get your choice of cabins or staterooms. If you are only interested in getting a deal on a cruise and you can be very flexible with when to take a cruise and where you want to go on vacation, then keep an eye out for cruise ships that are unable to fill their quota for passengers. Often cruise ships will offer very good deals on cabins just before departure in order to get all the cabins occupied before sailing.

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