Are you planning your first cruise? Booking a cabin near the center is very helpful, especially if your ship will be traveling over rough seas.
While every room on a cruise is a great one—because it means you’re setting sail—there are rooms that are better than others when it comes to avoiding seasickness.
The cabins on the lower decks near the middle of the ship are the best, if they’re available,” Captain Alessandro Genzo told journalists on board the Princess Cruises ship. Genzo is celebrating 20 years working for Princess. Discovery Princess On a cruise, from Seattle to Alaska.
Genzo pointed out that this part of the ship is the one which tends to move the least in rough waters. He’s the man to trust. Genzo is a mariner who has served in the Italian Navy. Before joining Princess, he studied at one the oldest maritime schools in Europe.
He’s not alone in offering such sage advice. Don Bucolo, co-founder of Eat Sleep CruiseShared with Travel + Leisure. This is the place where passengers are less likely feel the motions of the ocean. If you are concerned about feeling seasick, book a cabin in the middle of the ship.
Graham Copeland/Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises
There is one major caution to be aware of. “These are usually the most expensive [cabins] Book up quickly. We recommend booking six to eight months ahead to get the best cabin choice,” Bucolo added.
Other factors, such as mobility problems, can also be taken into consideration. Bucolo recommends that you choose a stateroom close to an elevator, so you can enjoy the entire experience.
Mark Trim, founder of Complex Travel Group says that if you want to sleep well on your trip, it is important to look at the deck plan for your ship. He also recommends staying as far from the entertainment center or bars as possible.
Our number one tip would be to double-check the deck plan, both below your cabin and above it. Is there an adjacent bar, theater, or restaurant? Noise disturbances could occur late at night. Trim explained that the sound of a chair moving in your cabin is very annoying, just as any thunderous bass from a late-night club or venue. The best way to avoid these issues is by looking at a 3D image of the ship.
Want to see the view? Both experts suggest booking a room with a veranda or a balcony—especially if this is your first sailing.
Bucolo suggested verandas facing aft. These veranda-balcony cabins offer more space inside. But the biggest draw is the large balconies which face outwards. They overlook the back of ship.
Trim continued, “We would recommend starting with a veranda or balcony cabin for first-time cruisers. Then you can decide if it is worth not being able to open the window.” Some people don’t care about not having a window. This is especially true if the sun doesn’t set and you want to avoid sun rays coming through the curtains. Travelers who cruise to Antarctica during the summer season may enjoy 24-hour sunshine.
Still not convinced you’ve booked the best possible room? Our experts have said that it’s a good idea to book a room through an travel advisor They will be able to ensure that the cruise goes smoothly by knowing every ship’s schematics like they are their own.
