According one cruise guest, choosing a cabin was a bad move on their behalf as it made it impossible for them to fully enjoy their trip.
While there is typically a wide variety of cabins available on most cruises, one guest has cautioned that certain cabins should be avoided at all costs.
Reddit user thepete404 shared their story, saying: “I got a great free suite upgrade once, and I spent nearly zero time enjoying it. It was under the fitness centre and some inconsiderate people were dropping dumbbells literally on my head 18 hours a day. It was no wonder none of the savvy passengers picked it, so I paid good money for a s*** cabin I hated, but it was really big.”
While a larger room might seem appealing, a cabin located under noisy areas like a gym or theatre can disrupt a guest’s rest.
Noise from fitness activities or shows late into the night can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
As this seems to be a recurring issue for passengers, many cruise lines now provide deck plans online, allowing passengers to identify which rooms to avoid.
For example, a cabin located beneath the theatre can experience disturbances from late-night shows, as well as early-morning rehearsals.
Another user, Alanamil, described a similar experience: “Yeah I did that once, they had me under a bar. All day, it was bean bags thumping and chairs dragging the floor.
“At night, it was head thumping music and chairs being dragged. Never, ever again. I always look to see what is above and below me.”
Once on the ship, it can be nearly impossible to change cabins, so making an informed decision when booking is crucial.
Some guests might find a larger cabin for a better price, but it’s important to weigh the noise and location before committing. This might be a good option for those who plan to spend little time in their room.
Thepete404 added: “Deck chair scraping began at 5:30am the last time I thought being under the pool deck was a good idea. There are just some places I can’t enjoy a cruise.
“Slamming doors is another problem, picking a cabin these days, at least for me, has become more of a what can go wrong here rather than a fun thing.
“Last cruise, I was over the stage, and music rehearsals started at 3pm and the late show on many nights ran way over time.”
Cabins under the pool deck are typically some of the loudest, as crew members begin setting up deck chairs early in the morning.
Interior rooms are usually the most affordable and ideal for passengers who plan to spend minimal time in the cabin. However, some guests find these rooms to be cramped.
On the other hand, balcony cabins offer private outdoor space but come with a higher price tag. Some ships also allow room service, so passengers can enjoy meals in the comfort of their own balcony space.