The top 5 sought-after cabin spots on any cruise ship

What is the optimal cabin location on a cruise ship?

As a cruise writer for over 20 years, I often get asked this question, and it’s not a straightforward one. The best cabin for one person may not suit another.

For example, the perfect cabin for a light sleeper might be in the most secluded area of the ship. Conversely, a guest who prioritizes the view may prefer a completely different location.

Cabins on a typical cruise ship are distributed throughout — from high to low, and from the front to the back. However, this isn't always the case.

Some cruise ships, especially river vessels, feature cabins grouped at the rear with public spaces at the front. In contrast, many ocean liners operated by luxury brands like Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, and Scenic Luxury Cruises have cabins positioned at the front and public areas at the back.

Cruise cabins vary widely in shape, size, and amenities. Lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line provide an extensive selection of room types, ranging from small, windowless "inside" cabins to lavish suites in various locations on their ships.

The sheer variety of cabin types and locations on ships means that a practical way to narrow down your accommodation options might be to create a list of cabins you definitely want to avoid.

Fortunately, we’ve already compiled that list here at TPG in our guide to cabin locations you should steer clear of.

Nonetheless, certain categories of cabin locations on cruise ships consistently attract high demand due to their desirable placements.

Midship cabins

These are the ideal cabins to choose if you're prone to seasickness.

The main attraction of a midship cabin is its stability. You’ll experience much less motion in a midship cabin compared to one at the front or back of the ship. This is because ships behave like teeter-totters, pivoting around a central point that remains relatively still.

Being positioned in the center of the ship is similar to sitting at the midpoint of a teeter-totter. Even during rough seas, you won’t feel the up-and-down movement as intensely as someone located at either end of the ship.

Additionally, being closer to the water can help mitigate seasickness concerns.

On extremely large ships, where activity zones are widely spaced, midship cabins provide the benefit of being centrally located. For example, the main pool deck is typically directly above a midship cabin, making it just a short walk away. The same goes for central indoor areas.

Cabins at the rear

There’s something captivating about being at the back of a ship, watching its wake. In open waters, you can see the long trail of stirred-up water behind you, extending endlessly like a pathway through the sea. When departing from a port, you enjoy the best view around.

I could easily spend hours at the back of a ship gazing out at the water, and I particularly love rear-facing cabins — especially if they come with a balcony. I firmly believe that rear-facing balcony cabins rank among the finest on any cruise ship.

Typically, the balconies on rear-facing cabins are larger than those on side-facing ones, and they offer a more tranquil experience. There are significantly fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship compared to the sides, resulting in less noise from neighboring cabins.

If your cabin is positioned at the rear corner of the ship, you might enjoy a balcony that wraps around two sides. These balconies are the epitome of luxury.

Keep in mind that on some ships, most or all rear-facing cabins are spacious, expensive suites, but this isn't universally true. For example, Carnival Cruise Line ships often have a number of non-suite options at the back.

Cabins at the front

I have to confess, I'm not particularly fond of forward-facing cabins. For one, there's no area on a ship that experiences more movement than the front. Additionally, these cabins often lack balconies, for reasons I’ll explain shortly.

That said, many cruisers absolutely adore forward-facing cabins. They appreciate the stunning views, especially when arriving at a new port. Plus, some enjoy the thrill of being at the very front of the ship and seeing their destination ahead.

These cabins sometimes offer additional space due to the unique angled interiors at the front of ships, which often feature slanted designs. As noted, forward-facing cabins typically lack balconies because the wind over the bow makes them impractical. Instead, they boast large windows — sometimes even floor-to-ceiling — providing breathtaking views.

Cabins surrounded by other cabins

Attention light sleepers: The ideal spot for minimal noise disturbance is a cabin flanked by other cabins. This means having a cabin directly above, below, and on both sides of yours.

Finding such a cabin can be trickier than you might expect. On most ships, the top deck of cabins is situated directly below the pool and activity areas, which can be noisy both day and night (yes, the sound may filter through your ceiling). The deck just beneath this top level can be a good alternative.

However, going down a couple more decks often places you above interior entertainment areas featuring music lounges, theaters, and other loud venues.

For the ultimate quiet experience, steer clear of cabins near elevators, passenger laundries, and other high-traffic zones. It may take some careful examination of deck plans, but as experienced cruisers know, it's worth waiting for a cabin that’s far removed from anything that could disrupt your sleep.

Cabins adjacent to the spa

If you're an avid spa enthusiast who loves indulging in treatments for hours, you'll want a cabin located right next to your ship's spa. Trust us; strutting across a bustling ship in your robe and slippers for a spa appointment can feel a bit odd.

Cruise lines cater to spa aficionados with special spa cabins located near the spa, featuring unique spa-related amenities. These may include cozy bathrobes and slippers for your walk to the spa, premium toiletries, scrub kits, aromatherapy diffusers, and even yoga mats. Additionally, these cabins often offer spa discounts, unlimited lounge access, and other spa perks.

Cruise lines offering designated spa cabins on some or all of their ships include Celebrity Cruises, Carnival, Holland America, Azamara, and MSC Cruises.

On Celebrity, the spa cabins—known as AquaClass cabins—grant exclusive access to a specialized spa restaurant called Blu.

If you're considering a spa cabin, it's advisable to book well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

In conclusion

There isn't a definitive answer to the question of the best cabin location on a cruise ship. What may be ideal for one traveler could be less than perfect for another.

That being said, certain areas on cruise ships are generally more favorable for cabin locations, such as the front and back of the vessel. There's something special about gazing forward from your cabin as you approach a port or enjoying the view of the ship's wake from a rear-facing room.

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