15 Cruise Ship Cabins You Should Never Book (and why)
Choosing the right cruise ship cabin can make or break your vacation, yet many travelers overlook this essential detail in their excitement to set sail. Frequent cruisers warn that specific staterooms come with hidden pitfalls, ranging from relentless noise and lack of privacy to seasickness and sleepless nights. Cruise Fever notes that the most regrettable cabins came from letting the cruise line choose, showing how a poor cabin choice can ruin the trip.
With careful planning and attention to deck plans, you can avoid these notorious cabin types and ensure your cruise is as relaxing and enjoyable as you imagined. Here are 15 cruise ship cabins you should avoid and why.
Guaranteed Cabins
Booking a guaranteed cabin may seem like a savvy way to save money, but it often comes with significant trade-offs. Cruise lines assign these rooms from the pool of leftover staterooms that other guests have avoided, meaning you could end up in the least desirable locations, such as near noisy venues or at the far ends of the ship. Although guaranteed cabins can be 10% to 30% cheaper, their random location can lead to sleepless nights, as one cruiser experienced four restless nights.
In rare cases, guests with guaranteed cabins have even been denied boarding due to overbooked sailings. For travelers who value peace, quiet, and convenience, the risks of a guaranteed cabin usually outweigh the savings.
Cabins Above/Below Nightclubs or Theaters
Staying in a cabin directly above or below a nightclub or theater can quickly turn your dream vacation into a noisy ordeal. The thumping bass, late-night revelry, and sound bleed from live performances often continue well past midnight, making restful sleep nearly impossible for light sleepers. Even the best soundproofing can’t entirely block out the persistent noise from these entertainment hotspots.
The Points Guy states, “Getting to sleep early in a cabin just above a nightclub, piano bar, music hall or theater can be a challenge, depending on the soundproofing of the venue and your room.” Deck plans can help you identify these trouble spots before you book, ensuring your cabin is a true sanctuary.
Connecting Cabins (If You’re Not Booking Both)
Connecting cabins are ideal for families or groups traveling together, but they can be a nightmare if you share a wall and door with strangers. The connecting door is typically less insulated than a standard wall, which means conversations, televisions, and even hairdryers from the neighboring cabin are much more audible. Travelers often report hearing every word and late-night activities from next door, leading to a lack of privacy and disrupted rest.
Royal Caribbean Blog notes, “Cruise ship cabins are poorly insulated from noise to begin with, but connecting doors are even worse.” Unless you’re booking both cabins for your party, it’s wise to avoid these rooms for a quieter, more relaxing cruise. Deck plans usually mark connecting cabins, making them easy to steer clear of during the booking process.
Forward Cabins (Front of the Ship)
Forward cabins, located at the very front of the ship, may offer unique views but come with the downside of feeling the brunt of the ship’s motion. These rooms experience the most pitching and swaying, which can be particularly challenging for anyone prone to seasickness. Noise from the anchor and bow thrusters, wind, and sea spray can further disturb your peace, especially during rough seas or early morning arrivals.
Due to these factors, many cruisers find forward cabins less comfortable, and as a result, these rooms are often priced lower. Midship cabins are usually the better choice for a smoother ride and a quieter experience.
Aft Cabins (Back of the Ship)
Aft cabins at the back of the ship are prized for their panoramic wake views but can be problematic for several reasons. These rooms are more susceptible to engine and anchor vibrations, which can cause noticeable shaking and noise, especially during docking maneuvers. In rough seas, aft cabins can also feel rocky, making them less ideal for those sensitive to motion.
Some cruisers have reported soot or exhaust fumes drifting onto their balconies, depending on wind direction. Despite the allure of the view, the combination of motion and mechanical noise makes aft cabins a risky pick for a restful vacation.
Low Deck Far Forward Cabins
Cabins situated on low decks at the far front or back of the ship tend to amplify every movement and noise. These rooms are often chosen for their lower price, but guests frequently report disturbances from the anchor, engines, and waves slapping against the hull. These areas can become crowded and noisy on port days as passengers disembark or return to the ship.
Reliance on elevators to reach main amenities can also be inconvenient, especially on larger vessels. Experienced cruisers generally prefer midship cabins on higher decks for stability and convenience.
Cabins Near Crew Areas
Staying near crew areas or service doors can mean dealing with constant noise from staff activities at all hours. Early morning housekeeping, maintenance work, and the movement of carts and supplies often create disturbances that can disrupt your sleep or relaxation. One traveler noted being woken daily at dawn by crew starting their work, making these locations less than ideal for light sleepers.
About 2 Cruise recommends that light sleepers choose a cabin away from crew access doors and service areas. These areas are usually marked as unassigned spaces on deck plans, so a careful review can help you avoid them. For a more peaceful experience, choose a cabin away from these high-traffic service zones.
Cabins Near Elevators or Stairwells
Cabins near elevators or stairwells may offer convenience, but they’re also magnets for noise. Foot traffic, late-night conversations, and the constant chiming of elevator bells can intrude on your privacy and rest. On some ships, air vents in cabin doors further amplify hallway noise, making it feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
Cruise118 adds, “Guests tend to congregate around these areas, using them as meeting places, and the general chatter is often loud enough to be heard in nearby cabins.” Frequent cruisers recommend booking rooms a few doors away from these busy areas to balance accessibility and tranquility. For those who value uninterrupted sleep, these cabins are best avoided.
Obstructed View Cabins
Obstructed-view cabins usually have a window or balcony partially or fully blocked by lifeboats, machinery, or structural elements. Although these rooms are often cheaper—sometimes by hundreds of dollars—the trade-off is a compromised view that can dampen the cruise experience, especially on scenic itineraries. Some guests find the lack of sunlight and the presence of maintenance activity outside their windows to be disappointing.
Obstructed view cabins are frequently assigned to those booking guarantee fares, so research and deck plan review are essential if a view is important to you. For travelers who dream of ocean vistas, these cabins are a letdown.
Interior Cabins Without Windows
Interior cabins without windows are typically the most budget-friendly option, but they come with challenges. The absence of natural light can make these rooms feel claustrophobic and disorienting, especially on longer voyages. Some guests report difficulty knowing the time of day, which can disrupt sleep patterns and overall comfort.
About 2 Cruise explains that lacking natural light and outside views can reduce comfort, especially for those prone to seasickness or who rely on daylight for orientation and well-being. On lower decks, interior cabins may also be subject to engine noise and vibrations, further impacting rest. For those who value space and daylight, upgrading to an oceanview or balcony cabin is often worth the extra cost.
Balcony Cabins on Overlooked Decks
Balcony cabins on decks overlooked by public spaces or higher decks can lack privacy and tranquility. Passengers using upper decks may be able to see directly onto your balcony, diminishing the sense of seclusion many cruisers seek. Noise from pool areas, jogging tracks, or party decks above can also filter down, making it hard to relax outdoors.
Some balcony cabins on these decks are also subject to sun exposure or shade, depending on the ship’s design, which can affect comfort. Checking deck plans and ship layouts helps avoid these overlooked balcony pitfalls.
Cabins Below the Pool Deck
Cabins below the pool deck are notorious for early morning and late-night noise. Crew members often rearrange lounge chairs and clean the deck at dawn, resulting in scraping and banging sounds that can wake even the heaviest sleepers. Afternoon pool parties and music add to the commotion, making these cabins less than restful.
One couple recounted being kept up nightly by the constant movement and music from above. For a quieter cruise, it is best to avoid any cabin directly beneath high-traffic public spaces.
Cabins Near Mechanical Rooms
Mechanical rooms house essential ship equipment, but proximity can mean ongoing noise and vibrations for nearby cabins. Engines, generators, and other machinery can create a persistent hum or sudden loud sounds, especially during docking or maneuvering.
Royal Caribbean Blog notes that mechanical noises like loud banging or persistent humming are common complaints, with one cruiser describing “a loud banging that rolls with the ship’s movement.” These locations are usually marked on deck plans, so a little research can help you steer clear. Avoid cabins near any mechanical or utility areas for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Cabins Near Refrigeration or Galley Areas
Cabins near refrigeration units or galley (kitchen) spaces are frequently subject to noise and odors. The constant hum of refrigerators, clattering of dishes, and movement of carts can disrupt rest at all hours, as the crew works around the clock to keep the ship running smoothly. Some passengers have complained of hearing kitchen activity late into the night or being disturbed by early morning preparations.
These areas are essential for ship operations, but not ideal neighbors for your stateroom. Choose a cabin well away from the ship’s culinary and storage hubs for a more restful cruise.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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