Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (2024)

FAQs

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? ›

The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

Worried about seasickness? You'll likely want to steer clear of forward cabins. These are far and away the cruise rooms most affected by waves since they're the first to dip in rough seas. Even if you're on a lower deck, the forward of the ship might be the worst place to stay if you're prone to seasickness.

Aft cabins can feel more movement from the ship's thrusters; this is true whether your balcony looks aft or faces to the side at the back end of the ship. Aft balcony rooms are a long walk from elevators and public areas compared to midship cabins, but they're also quieter with limited hallway noise.

On most cruise ships, the most luxurious accommodation is on the upper decks. Here, you'll find a selection of elegant suites, with generous outdoor space, separate living areas, and amenities ranging from all-inclusive drinks to the service of a concierge.

The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

If you'd rather see the sunrise while sailing south or east, staying on the port side is your ideal choice as well. Choose the starboard side for the opposite situation: sunsets are visible on southbound and eastbound sailings while sunrises are visible on northbound and westbound cruises.

Upper Decks: The upper decks are where much of the action happens. Here, you'll find pools, sports activity areas, outdoor bars, and other recreational facilities. Accommodations on these decks might offer better views and quicker access to outdoor activities.

Unless you're interested in a cabin with a wake view, those located in the back of the ship will be similar to those found mid-ship, which are more conveniently located. Like forward cabins, though, standard aft rooms are usually cheaper than those in the middle of the vessel, simply because they aren't as convenient.

Those areas where passengers tend to congregate. Large groups of people make LOTS of noise. Usually back by the rear, around the funnel— the vents from the ship usually blast out along or near the engine exhaust, and are noisy.

Where is the calmest room on a cruise ship? ›

The best type of cabin to book for the least amount of motion is on a deck in the middle of the ship and centrally located within that deck. If you have small children or treasure your rest, also be on the lookout for noisy areas of the ship, like above or below the nightclub, buffet, or pool deck.

The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

Aft of the ship

The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.

For passengers looking to enjoy views, especially the scenery in the wake of a ship, we recommend higher decks and the back of the vessel. The higher you pick, the farther you'll see. If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end.

2-Mid-ships (middle of the ship)

Common wisdom has always stated that if you can get a mid-ship cabin then this will be the 'best' position on the ship. Going back to the see-saw metaphor, imagine the middle of the it. Whilst the seats go up and down, the middle never actually moves. It's the same on a cruise ship.

The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks. Like to be near all the action? Most mega-ships place their lido (pool) areas on higher decks.