8 Cabin Types to Avoid on a Cruise: A Guide for Savvy Travelers

Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure, offering the promise of luxurious accommodations and breathtaking ocean views. However, not all cabins are created equal. While most cruise ship cabins are comfortable and enjoyable, there are a few types that can dampen the experience. To ensure a memorable and hassle-free vacation, we work to find you the best cabin possible based on your needs and pocketbook.

In general, there are three categories of cabins, interior, oceanview, and balcony. Everything from the most cramped inside solo cabin to the largest owner’s suite will be one of these three categories. In this blog we’ll be discussing issues that can help you and us decide whether it’s the right fit for you To help you help us, we’ll explore eight cabin types that may leave you less than satisfied during your cruise.

1. Guarantee Cabin

Guarantee cabins are the least expensive, the guarantee cabin is generally purchased in a category, see above. This cabin’s upside is that on occasion you may be upgraded from one class to a higher class, never lower. So if you purchase a guarantee interior cabin, for example, you’ll save money and perhaps get upgraded to an oceanview cabin or better…but. The downside of the guarantee cabin is you may not find out what type or where your cabin is until boarding. Most cruise lines will try to let you know about 30-60 days in advance…but don’t necessarily count on it.

2. Obstructed View Cabins:

Booking an obstructed-view cabin might save you some money as well, but it could also leave you disappointed. These cabins are often situated in the bowels of the ship or near lifeboats, obstructing your view of the magnificent sea. On our 18-day San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale cruise through the Panama Canal, we had an obstructed oceanview cabin. The nice thing was the natural light from the portal. The downside was we were looking directly at a lifeboat which seemed like they worked on daily. We had to be careful when opening our curtains. Opting for an unobstructed view cabin is a worthwhile investment for an uninterrupted scenic experience.

3. Cabins Near High-Traffic Areas:

Cabin placement is crucial for a peaceful voyage. We try to avoid cabins located near elevators, stairwells, or public areas like bars and theaters. Noise from foot traffic and late-night revelry can disturb your sleep and compromise the tranquility you seek on a cruise.

4. Interior Cabins without Natural Light:

While interior cabins are typically more affordable, they lack windows or portholes, making them feel claustrophobic and disconnected from the outside world. If you spend most of your cruise on deck and only use your cabin for sleeping and bathing, it can be a great way to save money and go on more cruises!

5. Cabins Adjacent to Crew Work Areas:

We pour over deck plans to find you and try to avoid the ones near crew work areas because it may result in disruptions caused by noise and commotion. Crew members work around the clock, and their shifts often involve clanging dishes or heavy equipment. On one of our cruises, for example, we were just across the hall from a major entrance for our cabin stewards and you could hear conversations, clanking of dishes, and other annoying noises at all hours of the day. We’ll help steer you clear of cabins close to these busy zones.

6. Cabins Below or Above Entertainment Venues:

Cabins located beneath or above entertainment venues, such as theaters or nightclubs, may experience unwanted noise during performances or late-night parties. We’ve also learned to look for cabins not above or below the galley since food prep on a cruise ship goes on 24/7. For a peaceful atmosphere, we’ll help you choose cabins away from these bustling areas.

7. Cabins with Limited Privacy:

See number two above and in addition some cabins have obstructed or shared balconies, reducing your privacy and limiting your ability to fully enjoy the outdoor space. Some of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships also have inside balconies that could mean nosey neighbors or if you’re in a cabin with venues and walkways, looky-loos checking out your cabin. We’ll help you find a private balcony or at least a dedicated seating area to relish the stunning vistas and soak up the sea breeze undisturbed.

8. Bow or Stern Cabins:

While bow or stern cabins offer unique perspectives of the ship’s movement and scenery, they are more prone to feeling the ship’s motion. If you tell us you’re susceptible to seasickness or prefer a smoother sailing experience, we’ll try to find you cabins located in the middle and in the lower parts of the ship where the movement is minimized.

Choosing the right cabin is a crucial aspect of planning a cruise vacation. By avoiding cabin types like obstructed views, noisy, or busy areas you’ll experience an adventure that you’ll rave about for years. Let us help you choose the right cabin that fits your needs and your wallet.