What decks to avoid on a cruise ship?

1. Size

How big do you want your "home away from home" to be? While you might be ok with it being really small, it is recommended that you check the cabin dimensions carefully before booking. They differ from ship to ship. Check if they have included a balcony in the room's total area. While it may be nice to have a balcony, you might want to rethink it if it is also included within the cabin space.

2. View

If you want a good view from your deck, then make sure you know what view you are getting before booking a cabin. A cabin with an obstructed view might cost less, but you might only be able to see a line of lifeboats from your window. Some cabins might offer partly obstructed views, while others will offer you the full glory of sunsets over waves.

3. Noise Levels

Most people make the mistake of not checking the deck layout plans before booking a cabin. Any place near a dance venue, sports venue, or even eatery could mean loud noise until late into the night. Even if a venue shuts down at a particular time, there will be enough and more noise as the place is being cleaned. The best passenger decks are the ones that are sandwiched between other decks. You will be able to stay away from all the additional industrial noise here. Check for decks close to the crew service entrances as well as the main cruise engine. Such decks will have a higher level of noise compared to a sandwiched deck area. In a sandwiched deck, even if there are people making noise, it is wise to remember that a cruise line can handle the complaint of noisy neighbours better than a request to change your cabin at the last minute.

Also Check: What is the most luxurious cruise line in the world?

4. Privacy

If you are traveling with family, a view with privacy is something you need to consider. Cabins with views that open up directly to the promenade, central park, or the boardwalk are less likely to give you any privacy. There have been instances where passengers who were staying at the lowest level of the Central Park cabins had always to keep their windows shut and curtains drawn as passers-by could see right inside their cabin.

5. Consider motion sickness

If you get seasick, the entire cruise vacation can be ruined. If you have a history of motion sickness, you should look for more "stable" cabin options. Look for options for mid-ship, which is closer to the ship's interiors. The rocking motion of the ship reduces in these areas. The rougher the waves, the choppier the sea gets, and the ship will bob more. If you feel seasick, it is better to steer away from any upper deck or cabins in the aft (rear) of the ship.