Never book your cabin in these areas on a cruise ship

Sailing on a luxury cruise ship is great way to relax as it safely transports you to exciting new destinations far and wide.

At the end of a day filled with adventure and enjoyable activities, there is nothing quite like retiring to a cozy cabin where the gentle, calming noises of the ocean gently ease you into a peaceful slumber. It truly is the ideal way to conclude a day full of wonder and joy.

However, travel experts warn that not all cruise ship cabins are created equal – and booking one in the wrong area might result in a less-than-stellar experience while onboard.

The Youtube channel, Tips for Travellers, hosted by seasoned cruiser Gary Bembridge, recently released a video highlighting some of the worst cabins to book on a cruise ship – including near the entertainment area.

From noise issues to lack of privacy, certain rooms have the potential to turn a dreamy vacation into a sleepless nightmare.

According to the Tips for Travellers host, among the worst offenders are cabins located beneath the promenade deck. 

The promenade, often a popular area for joggers and leisurely strollers, becomes a source of constant thuds, chatter, and high footfall at all hours.

Bembridge explained: ‘Early in the morning there would be thump, thump, thump from people going running, there’d be people walking all kinds of hours of the night and the day and it was really quite stressful being underneath the promenade deck.’  

Another issue highlighted by the host is privacy – even with curtains drawn, the proximity to foot traffic on the promenade makes it challenging for guests to feel truly secluded.

Other problematic cabins include those near entertainment areas, laundry rooms, and adjoining rooms, which can all lead to increased noise levels.

In the comments section under the video, hundreds of experienced cruisers shared their own tips and stories for passengers aiming for a noise-free experience.

One viewer wrote: ‘One of our last carnival cruises we had a room in the back of the ship. The room was spacious and we had a great big window. 

‘The vibration almost knocked out our teeth filling. It was horrible. I swear a few times I also almost rolled out of bed because of waves. Never never again. Middle low is our top choice now.’

Another commented: ‘Had a balcony room directly under the gym one time. Folks in the gym would allow the weights to slam down, even at 6am. Annoying for sure.’

A third said: ‘We had a cabin that was near a crew door and the banging never stopped. I feel for the crew members that are still working until 11 at night and get up at 4-5 in the morning but as a light sleeper it really bothered me.’

One viewer advised, ‘Always on midship, away from noise from the top and bottom.. on the 9th or 10th floor,’ while another warned, ‘Also try to avoid cabins near lifts and laundromats.’

A third said: ‘I always try to find out where the smoking areas are and avoid cabins that are nearby. Nothing worse than walking near or through the smoking area to get to another part of the ship.’

While cabin selection is often guided by passengers’ budgets, understanding the different price tiers can help travellers make informed decisions before their stay onboard. 

According to Compare That Cruise, inside cabins are the cheapest accommodation as they don’t have any windows or balcony. 

Another cost-effective cabin is an ocean-view room, which features a port hole or a window looking out over the ocean.   

The most expensive rooms are generous-sized balcony cabins, and suites, which are designed to resemble small apartments and located on quieter areas on cruise ships.