How to Choose the Cabin on Cruise Ship

Choosing the Right Cabin on a Cruise Ship

You could end up paying a lot for a view of the lifeboats

Nothing can ruin the perfect cruise like lousy quarters. A berth next to the engines, underneath the jogging track, or within earshot of the disco, for instance, can ruin your night if you're a light sleeper. On the other hand, you need not reserve the most deluxe state-room to rest in comfort. Indeed, cruise brochures can sometimes be misleading. The description of one ship's most expensive cabin promises “three picture windows”, but neglects to point out the nearly half of the view is blocked – or that passengers walking by can stare inside. To avoid similar disasters, consider the following when selecting a cabin:

Size: Cabins costing the same can differ in size, particularly on older ships. Cabins mid-ship on older vessels are usually the largest, but ask your travel agent to supply you with the dimensions of several cabins within the class you want. Don't be fooled by the magnified photos  in brochures; compare them with the deck plans to get an idea of the actual size.

Location: On same of the largest ships, the cabins can be quite a distance from the nearest elevator. Also, party animals may want to be close to the disco, but party poopers will want to avoid it and other clearly noisy night spots. Study the deck plan carefully before choosing.

Price: Booking far in advance also puts you in line for an upgrade if an unsold higher-priced cabin becomes available at the price you paid. (Make sure your travel agent has you on the upgrade list.) Don't count on last-minute bargains – there are fewer of them than there used to be.

Bargain cabin: Outside cabins with views that are blocked by lifeboats or other obstructions often are discounted. Cabins that accommodate four people are, of course, cheaper per person than the standard room. Also, if you don't intend to spend much time in your cabin, consider one with no view at all.

Choosing the right room and cabin is very important. Photograph by Elena.

Deck by Deck

Your cabin's location can have a profound effect on your enjoyment of a cruise. The higher you go, for example, the more likely you are to suffer the ill effect of the ship's pitching and rolling. On the other hand, if you are too close to the night life, you might not get much sleep. No two ships are alike, but here is what you generally can expect on various decks:

Bridge: Expensive, spacious luxury cabins and penthouse suites. At this height, though, there can be more pitch and roll, particularly in the bow and stern. Cabins often have large outside windows, verandas, or balconies.

Aft: The aft end heavies less than the bow, but engine noise can be a problem.

Upper promenade: More expensive than lower decks, but the view is sometimes partly blocked by lifeboats.

Promenade: The entertainment deck, near bars and restaurants: It can be noisy. Some cabins even look out on a public deck.

Lower: Cabins are cheaper, but they can be affected by noise, especially in the middle, close to engine, and near the stern.

Main: Can be noisy, especially beneath the entertainment areas on the promenade above, but it usually has the most horizontal stability. Try to pick a cabin that doesn't connect internally with another.