Cruise Ship Cabins: How To Get The Best, And Avoid the Worst ?

[@xulshaenlightened5860]

I love the engine rumble because it reminds me of happier days, but the person I’m cruising with might not appreciate it as much if they’ve not spent years on the other side of an engine room bulkhead. 😂

[@lexzbuddy]

I've spent years working offshore in the oil industry. Every cabin on these ships are an upgrade to my eye :)

[@FF-xl7yw]

After a looooong time I have found a sensible person on youtube giving sensible advice in decent video lengths. I just subscribed! Thanks.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Awesome, thank you!

[@travellinglady9484]

Wonderful information because you are a man after my own heart, you can't stand noise. I notice that some commentators on your videos seem to be loud party animals who think you are boring or old fashioned. I think you are the perfect example of the sort of person I would like to find on a cruise, polite and considerate of others.

[@curtiserecacho1401]

Well said, me too especially on a small Luxury cruise. ☺️✈️💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏

[@locutusdborg126]

@Jordy Caspian This is a scam.

[@barbarastuart3519]

@@curtiserecacho1401 u,

[@curtiserecacho1401]

@@barbarastuart3519 U2?

[@jonjeffries3265]

Quiet is a must for me.. non negotiable.

[@yesimsixtyfive]

Thank you for this. I recently booked a cruise with a guaranteed cabin and realized by looking at the deck plan that I was right below the food court and the gym! A quick e-mail exchange moved me 2 levels down so I'm surrounded by rooms only.

[@nicolezhang7715]

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 and I’m glad you mentioned it in the video

[@inthevault9603]

How can you avoid that? Will they give you a different cabin if you complain? Bc I certainly would.

[@LadymaryC]

How would you know where crew doors are when choosing a room from a plan? Are they shown?

[@jenbrooks5872]

That happened to me too.

[@tonymanero5544]

I don’t see crew and service doors displayed on the floor maps. And they’re noisy as heck.

[@brianpawlowski6498]

I love Gary's take on things. However, he forgot one thing. Especially if you are in the front or rear and on lower decks, be aware if your cabin is above the bow thrusters. They are extremely loud. And if you plan on sleeping in, forget it. Those things will wake you up without fail. It will sound like a jet taking off.

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

What is a bow thruster?

[@misterg1157]

@@justSTUMBLEDupon They are small propellers mounted at a right angle to the ship, embedded in tunnels in the hull. They provide sideways movement, making the ship more manoeuvrable. They make docking easier as without them a ship can’t turn without forward movement. With them, a ship can for example crab into or away from a dock.

[@EfficientRVer]

I'm somewhat impervious to noise, and have never been bothered by motion in 38 nights of cruising, including an Atlantic round trip on Canberra alone when I was 15, sharing a cabin with 3 strangers to go see a solar eclipse. That was just above water line, with a round porthole bolted shut more often than not, and many times providing underwater views in rough seas. I've also had a suite with a separate bedroom on the Regal Empress (formerly Olympia). The suite was in what Gary would consider a horrific location. Front of the ship looking out on where deckhands noisily cranked the anchor and ropes at each docking. My honeymoon was on Volendam (formerly Brasil) when a tugboat strike in NYC prevented fueling, so we spent a day sunbathing in Chesapeake Bay smelling fuel being pumped onboard, and had one less day in Bermuda. Yet every memory on every cruise, was a good one, and remains so. It was always smooth sailing, whether alone, blissfully coupled, with family groups, or even with a normally-difficult girlfriend. That one was a bit of a risk, being with someone who might have been troublesome, with nowhere to escape! I now waffle between choosing a great cabin with style and optimal location, versus taking the cheapest inside cabin class that has a wifi bundle offered with it. Solo, I'll probably go cheap. Coupled, I'll probably go more classy.

[@danautore3977]

The one time I did a guaranteed cabin, I elected an inside stateroom and could've been put into the worst possible situation. Instead, we were upgraded to a balcony cabin because the inside and outside staterooms were sold out. It worked out well for us.

[@nancyseifert9399]

M

[@johnleslie9493]

I’ve only been on 3 cruises, however my best experience was in an aft cabin. The balconies are generally larger, there is virtually no wind and the view is wonderful!

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Is the aft the back of the ship?

[@francisbtube]

@@RedRoseSeptember22Yes !

[@ericericson3535]

Thanks for your informative videos. As a travel agent for more than ten years, a lot of the tips you show are the same as I gave to my clients. There is a lot more to cruising than just getting on board. As my supervisor used to say, "there is no bad cruise, just bad cruises for people who don't know"

[@sam60727]

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.

[@ruff113s]

Two cruises ago I got an upgrade that put me on the aft on the next to top level. That was the best room I've had, so chose an aft balcony on my last cruise. I have to say I prefer the aft. I don't get sea sick, and having a cabin looking out the back was easy to locate with little to no traffic in the hallways.

[@jenbrooks5872]

I always book Aft!

[@AllySa33]

Is there a diesel smell from the aft? I’ve never heard it mentioned. I am prone to sea sickness but I find the wake of boats to be so relaxing 😌

[@Smellynelly67]

Never take a cabin under the pool area,We had a suite onboard P&O and EVERY morning at 5.30am the staff scraping loungers & tables was the pits,we complained and were basically lied to saying it wasn't so but after reading reviews we knew IT WAS the staff, unacceptable no matter what grade of cabin you're in

[@dakg8034]

Of the numerous cruises I have been on, I have only stayed in balcony staterooms so I am unable to compare my experiences with those who have had broader experiences. However, I am the type of person who is not bothered by noise around me. I can literally fall asleep next to a sound system 😂😂

[@Rocky100fl]

The first time I took a cruise I ended up in a cabin under the midnight buffet. Good thing I was young enough to spend the evenings in the bars and casino.😊

[@billpaul6675]

Nice video as usual, thanks. Two things: If you have an inside stateroom, make your own virtual verandah by tuning the TV to the bow or stern camera, mute the volume, and watch the sun rise when you wake up. Your own balcony! And for a "free" upgrade, check out the deck plans when you book your cruise. On three fairly recent cruises, we have nailed staterooms near the "bump out" section of the ship. If your ship has this, getting a room where the "bump out" happens can result in a HUGE verandah for the same price as your neighbor with a lesser "normal" verandah! You might also get more room inside, often in an odd, but very cool looking, room layout. But beware of the location, it's often near an elevator... not an issue for us, but it might be for you.

[@angeliquehill4605]

I’ve had good luck with guarantee cabins, paying for a balcony and getting placed in a deluxe balcony on Princess and paying for a suite guarantee and getting a sunset veranda junior suite with an enormous balcony on RCCL. But you do have to have the mindset that you’ll live with what you get if you choose that option.

[@pxn748]

Not all cabins on the back are bad. We had an aft facing balcony on the HAL Rotterdam, and it was amazing. We were 3 decks down from the pool deck and the way the ship was built no one could see into the balcony. It was about 2.5 times deep as a side facing balcony and it was fabulous!

[@MrSteveCee]

pxn748 Agreed. An aft facing balcony cabins can offer a terrific view and extra balcony space ( I have booked several) however on my most recent Celebrity Silhouette cruise our balcony (and those of our neighbours) was repeatedly showered with ash from the stack. It was an issue that guest relations acknowledged. I expected the ship to make an extra effort to clean our balcony but they did not. It was constantly dirty through our 10 day cruise. I probably would not book an aft cabin again for this reason.

[@scotsolomon2729]

We definitely had the worst cabin; but it was $199 person for 7 nights Western Caribbean!

[@katielemos8590]

I LOVE when I get a Tips for Travelers notification!

[@tipsfortravellers]

😀😀😀👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 thanks for watching

[@smitajky]

I chose the guaranteed cabin for our trip to Tasmania. We booked early. The way demand worked we paid for a cabin for two but were given a cabin for four. We were very happy with the extra space.

[@ajruther67]

I've never been on a cruise so this was very insightful. I'm a light sleeper so I need to find the most quiet area on the ship. I am also going to read the comments as I'm sure it will also be helpful.

[@jeannehandley5801]

I really enjoyed the far rear cabin, because I wanted to force myself to walk all the way to the dining room at the front. Just my preference.

[@amandareiche9083]

We do the same--noise levels are non-existent in mid level cabins aft--another thing is to avoid elevator, stair and laundry noise.

[@BanAvtai]

You give THE best info of all the travel channels! Thank You!

[@suepresley2986]

If you do end up in a cabin with a connecting door, I found that placing a blanket against the door and then placing my suitcase and backpack against the door helped muffle the noise, also I always bring some extra magnetic hooks for convenience, so I hung my bathrobe, pajamas, coat , there too, not a perfect sound barrier, but it worked pretty good!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good tip!

[@beverlymorabito3206]

Love cabins with a curtain dividing the room which is difficult to fine. I personally prefer forward or aft cabins as opposed to midship because of less traffic in hallways.

[@phil-bailey-cox]

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. We also never use carnival.

[@paveladamek3502]

I heard that suites, i.e. the "best cabins" are at the very back, which is to be avoided for other reasons (noise, motion). Suites often overlook the stern pool. So any cruise will certainly be a lesson in compromise and there is really no "avoiding" everything. Also, if you are on a SHIP, listening to the anchor being lowered a handful of times is just part of the experience. Once on a holiday I specifically chose a hotel near an airport so that I could watch takeoffs and landings during breakfast and dinner on my balcony. :) Fun times.

[@ZoliAkiApa]

On our first cruise Enchantment of te Seas. The lowest deck (5), just right in the middle, ocean view. It was amazing, had big part in falling love with cruising.

[@johndittmer8488]

I agree aboiut the avoiding the upgrades offers, especially if you already have an accessible cabin.

[@dlb4299]

Ours was not so much and upgrade as 'we will lower that price slightly and give you some extras if you agree to change rooms.' Don't fall for that. The room we got was so small I could barely get into the bed. It was the worst.

[@jayward8237]

Definitely true about the loud areas of noise. Made that mistake a couple of times. I would Never again book a room over the engines & the anchor . We did that one time & it was a nightmare. The entire room shook every time we came into port.

[@ysbel]

I’d like to thank you. Because of this video, I found a great balcony cabin on the Oasis of the Seas midship with cabins above below and across from mine. I really wasn’t bothered by noise except for the slamming of doors which surprisingly I was able to tune out after awhile. The best part is that I was two floors away from the Solarium which was my favorite part of the ship.

[@silviaeaston]

About tuning out the “slamming on doors”… I was inadvertently was doing such until my next door neighbors one day came out and told me so and it didn’t happen again. I strongly urge to mention it to whoever is doing so, and the worst that can happen is that nothing will happen! AND I cannot “tune out “ slamming of doors, sorry

[@ysbel]

@@silviaeaston this is an old comment. On this trip, I didn’t see the need because I literally stopped hearing the door slams the second day. If people had been talking in the hallway late at night, I would have said something. That I can’t ignore. But it was all good and I had a wonderful time.

[@riohenry6382]

Thank you for this wonderful information ! I have a tip for you on flying. I recently chose to fly ‘premium economy' with Air Canada. While I had more legroom, I was sitting directly over an A300 jet engine for 12 hours. I was still vibrating in tune with the jet engine going to bed that night

[@Hattonbank]

I thought that all engines on Airbus and Boeing’s were mounted under the wings not under the fuselage.

[@riohenry6382]

@@Hattonbank yeah. I was on the wing which was on the engine. I could see it from my window

[@cubeweaver]

Also try to avoid cabins near lifts and laundromats

[@Solstice2820]

Whenever my family cruised we always liked when we get a cabin that's is close to the elevators. You don't have to walk down a long, claustrophobic corridor.

[@jackandersen6761]

This could be a personal thing. We were in a cabin that was visible when you stepped off the lift. Best cabin we have had as we are getting on in age and really appreciated the short walk (just a few steps) from the lift.

[@tlangdon12]

@@Solstice2820 There is probably an optimum distance to be from the lifts; not very close to them, but not far away either. There is so much fun to be had picking out the one cabin that you think is going to be the best!

[@stevemcneal9191]

One more from experience, do not go at time colleges are on spring break unless you are a parties.

[@ashman4827]

unless you're one of the college kids.....

[@steveroyer7619]

We have done 30 cruises and he nailed this! Great advice.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear. Really appreciate you watching

[@dwicruise]

Great.. Have you Cruise on Celebrity?

[@ericjohnson4230]

THIRTY!? Ok I’m jealous! Teach me! How you’ve done this! I’m at like 3 and still struggle to find the tome and money to go!

[@kdlove3118]

Hell I’d love to have 1 cruise. Take me I never get to go 🤣

[@brieromie9301]

I also cruise all the time(except this year and I miss it!) I agree this is great advice!!

[@kknutsen49]

I'm not going on a cruise, but I love this guy's videos.

[@LJSkyistBigskyMT]

Well done! We have gone on 17 cruises, your advice is excellent for anyone booking a cruise.

[@davidrn2473]

A few cruises ago, we went with a guaranteed ocean view, knowing it would be obstructed. Fortunately we got a nice cabin, but underneath the kitchen (did close at 9pm) . So no issues at first with noise, but in the middle of the night, we awoke to leaking. Seemed the discharge pipes from the kitchen had a rupture, and we got moved fairly quickly to another cabin. The next morning they asked us to stop at the desk and select another cabin. We got a nice midship balcony. Worked out, if instead of having the leaking cabin, we were next door, we would have been miserable. We walked by a few days after the leak and the hallway still stunk, and the neighbors were not moved.

[@lisabill3478]

I've been on several cruises & I let the cruise line chose my cabins never had a problem with the room or location. However my only complaint was who i choose to go on the cruise with.😭

[@sct4040]

Lisa Bill So true!

[@dakg8034]

Lisa, that last statement 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tlangdon12]

There are many things the Cruise Line can't control and that's one of them!

[@travelnomad2128]

I know, there's no perfectly located cabin. Never had a problem with guaranteed cabins, not bothered by noise at all.

[@karenswidzinski6071]

All good tips! However we had a cabin on the back of the ship on our cruise around Hawaii and really loved it! Our balcony was deeper and watching the water was mesmerizing!

[@bessamemucho]

I stayed in cabin you described and did not like it. While balcony is deeper , room itself is smaller. It was like staying in a shoe box.

[@karenswidzinski6071]

@@bessamemucho also true.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Get a cabin near the middle of the ship to be close to all activities but stay away from areas of activity where noise can be problematic. Got it.

[@karonhamilton7314]

Yes i have learned all of this years ago when we first started cruising! He is right.

[@Solstice2820]

Something that we noticed about room #8556 on Norwegian Star is that it is relatively close to the theater at the front of the ship so whenever we were in our room we could hear the music from the theater.

[@mikemahon6164]

The very first thing you suggested, choose a cabin that is surrounded by other cabins, is exactly what I do to avoid noise. Always enjoy your videos.

[@jfelix7650]

Thanks, Gary, for this video. We got stuck right above the ship's designated smoking area (Celebrity Cruise Line). Terrible location and we were unable to use our deck. Now we know but that ruined that cruise for us.

[@katherynedarrah4245]

Another problem prevalent in hotels (less so on board a cruise ship but I've still had it be an issue) with the interconnecting doors is the locks are often bypassable from one side with enough pressure. This is usually due to age and lack of use. The more often the door is used (or at least checked) the less likely for this to happen, the last thing you want is 251's 4 kids barreling into your room at 2 AM.

[@angelaterranova1577]

Just booked our family’s first cruise and am learning lots from your videos! Very helpful, thank you!

[@bradh3139]

Only a few cruises under my belt so far, but four more booked. Most recent cruise we had a mini suite below the “adult” pool area. Only so-called noise was chairs scraping the above floors about 1 am. No biggie. Kept balcony door open and ocean sounds were beauteous to sleep to

[@marjoriecoleman8280]

I’ve never been on a cruise ship before, just on a day cruise. These are some great and useful tips. Tfs Happy sailing! 🛳❤️

[@pennyclark9079]

We’ve just thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise with celebrity. We booked aqua class on the top deck with balcony. There was little passing traffic nothing above us. There were cabins below and either side but nothing opposite. Excessive movement was not an issue. I think especially having cabins opposite and where there’s high traffic could be a problem.

[@thierrypauwels]

I had a cabin intended for 4 people, but fortunately I was alone. This gave me just enough room in my cabin to sleep, put my luggage an still being able to sit somewhere. It must have been 2.5 m x 4 m or so. I could not imagine how 4 people could put their luggage in it and still find some place to sleep.

[@watersbey25]

Sounds like a lot of trouble. I'm just going to fly to some resort, do a lot of tipping, and take the easy way out.

[@robertgriggs8984]

Never been on a cruise line and never want to be. When I go on vacation I like to be where there are fewer people. Preferably no more than four people. Vacation is meant for relaxing. The fewer peopke the better.

[@shashonda8]

Yes what same thing happened at resorts to they have a lot of noise problems to sometimes

[@watersbey25]

@@robertgriggs8984 fewer people is a good thing for you: others will feel differently, enjoying more people..

[@jenbrooks5872]

I love the Aft! I book as far Aft as I can afford! Lol. I love the movement (I don't get seasick) and the sound of the motor lulls me sleep. I never thought of the upgrade advice. I have bid for upgrades and have been lucky. The thought of even a suite, that is right under or over the pool woukd be awful! Thank you. I will not be bidding on my upcoming cruise.

[@bobneedham6224]

I have never taken a cruise and don’t ever plan to, but I love your videos.

[@nolieman79]

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.

[@winonayvette4615]

I agree! I'm HIGHLY allergic to cigarette and cigar smoke!

[@HOlsen-xe1xy]

Thank you for the tip about cabins on all four sides of the cabin to get the best experience. Your tips are the best. We look forward to them. Your videos are well made with a vast amount of clips. Keep up the good work.

[@katwoman6523]

This is rapidly becoming my favorite channel. Thank you ever so much!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear. Really appreciate you watching

[@Batters2000]

Hi Gary, thanks for this! I am travelling on the MSC Virtuosa in October and was allocated cabin 14082 which is directly below the pool area. I have now changed this, at a small extra cost, but its better than two weeks of noise.

[@bonnitaclaus2286]

Once upon a time, I worked as a mate on a boat. It was not a cruise boat. But I was sleep right above the engine or should I say I would take a nap. That always put me to sleep listening to the engine. On the other hand is the engine sound changed, I’ll be awake in an instant. Of course it depends upon what kind of change. If I hear it laboring I know something is wrong. I guess I’d be a strange duck, because I would want a cabin where I could hear the engine grinding away, the heartbeat of the ship.

[@silviaeaston]

You mention on here about avoiding interconnecting cabins. Since then, I’ve looked to avoid these until I noticed that on a particularly ship, interconnecting cabins were significantly larger (20sq ft) for same price so will note these in the future.

[@gerardmackay8909]

Celebrity Infinity cruise in the Caribbean 2004 ocean view on a low deck. Each morning around 5am the ship’s waste disposal macerator ground into action and the entire cabin shook and the decibel level was off the scale. The customer service desk played dumb and when it happened the next night my partner and I relocated our bedding lock stock and barrel to one of the public lounges (not a grand gesture of defiance just absolute sanity preserving necessity) We were given a different cabin the next day which was a downgrade to an inside cabin but the silence was heavenly.

[@debstarcrazy]

Interesting ! We gave gone mostly for guaranteed cabins, usually insides and we have been fine. In fact I would say that the best sleep I ever get us in an inside cabin, they are like cosy cacoons! We got upgraded to an outside when we went to Russia and it was amazing, right at the front with extra space and a fantastic view over the bow. When we sailed into Copenhagen there were VIP guests who paid to stand up front so we got out our champagne and laughed at them as we had a better view! Like you say it is rolling the dice. I have only struggled once when MSC put us high up right near to the front, its the only time I have been seasick. I suppose in an ideal world it is better to know and I love your tip about cabins on all sides.

[@noeldillabough]

I once booked a junior suite under the gym....didn't notice but my wife sure did lol.

[@Tremonius]

I love your videos, excellent production value and great insider info.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear. Really appreciate you watching

[@DianeRoma1]

I cruised many times but watching your videos, I still learn quite a bit. Thank you so much! Hope cruising will be back to or closer to normal by fall of 2021.

[@francisbtube]

I’m was thinking it might be amusing if you answered your own comment!

[@candirenee74]

We were lucky on our upgrade in January from Ocean Suite to Grand Suite. Literally 3 doors down. 2 floors above casino 5 and 2 below lido 9. More fwd then mid I’d call it fed/mid. It was nice, but for the price (was decent) we could’ve stayed where were but hey it was nice. Also don’t forget 2 level dining rooms. On Carnival they are aft in very back. Definitely don’t want to be on deck 3 listening to all that. The Valor had 2 dining rooms. 1st Cruise I didn’t do anything let hubby do it all. Once I learned the ship I was good.. 2nd Cruise I got involved. I called because I noticed our room number was odd number. Every cruise ship has a place they pull in at ports so depends on ship. Found out if I wanted to see the pier and Cozumel we needed port side even numbers so I switched us. We lucked out 1st time and most ppl don’t ask. If I was on the symphony of the seas next to us I’d want the opposite. Always check the deck plans. It will seem over whelming at 1st, but the class the Valor and Triumph are in, are literally the same layout desks. Our room was 7306 and close to glass elevators but Iif we went the other way we were 3/4 rooms from stairs and elevators. Since I’d go 2 up or 2 down, I’d take the stairs. Also, going that war to Lido, you don’t have to cross the Lido to get to buffet restaurants cuz you’re already there and if it’s raining that’s good.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching. Good to hear your experience and thanks for adding

[@agnesturman7690]

My favorite cabin was at the back of the ship by the engine. The noise function as white noise and was soothing. It had a window I could climb up in and watch the dolphins.

[@neilbarnett3046]

We chose one that looked good, midships, deck 5, low down for my seasickness, but the whole cabin creaked continuously, the throbbing of the engines was penetrating and was worse through the pillow and every so often, from about 6:30am, a member of the crew slammed a trolley (of sheets or something) against the other side of the wall that was our bedhead. P&O moved us without a frown or murmur and although deck 14 didn't sound like an improvement, we weren't right next to the infrastructure and we slept well, for a change.

[@trishkeller8228]

We had an aft cabin on Disney fantasy it was the most amazing cabin ever. It was huge with a wraparound deck, huge shower because it was handicap. You really felt it when the ship was doing maneuvers and turns but I’m really OK with that. It was an amazing cabin

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Hi, how much is a Disney fantasy cruise? For our first cruise (still a few years away yet) we're thinking of going with Disney, maybe on dream, what would you recommend for first-timers?

[@carolannkaplan]

So glad you recommended this video on the last one I just viewed. You rock your role!!!

[@stevemclean9411]

I love your channel. Since covid, I am dubious about cruising.

[@travelnomad2128]

In all our 3 cruises with NCL & RC we always get the oceanview. Never had a problem with noise, we hardly hear our neighbors. On a few occasions I hear the anchor being lowered or raised but the noise was minimal, maybe me & my hub are lucky being heavy sleepers. We're going on our next cruise in March & this time our room will be inside as there's no oceanview at all on this ship, hoping it'll be ok.

[@jffrocks]

Interesting information. I have never gone on a cruise because I have heard so many horror stories about bad cabins, miserable cruises, etc. I might reconsider...

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Don’t stay in a room near the ship’s anchor. It could be deployed in the middle of the night and passengers in rooms near the anchor can hear the chain being dragged when it’s being dropped

[@BuoysAhoy]

Super content Gary. I’m currently binge watching 🤗

[@malcolmfraser7939]

The old way of choosing a cabin was Port out Starboard home. When travelling on a liner to a posting in the Empire the experienced traveller knew to select a Port side cabin travelling out to India, Ceylon, Malaya, Hongkong. Even on the trips to the Goldcoast, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa , although less important POSH was the helpful anacronym. Those with experience, money and status understood to make sure they booked a cabin on the left side ( Port ) of the ship to avoid the sun's rays all day travelling East. And Right ( Starboard ) side of the ship travelling west , home. Up until 1960 liners did not have air conditioning.

[@Phoenixdark1]

I'm going to be on the Carnival Panorama on the 18th, and I made the mistake of getting a "guaranteed oceanview." I wish I had known that although "guaranteed" sounds like it would be a positive, it's actually kind of not. We're in an interconnected room, with a lifeboat obstructed view, and directly beneath the Liquid Lounge. I'm sure we'll still have fun. We have a white noise machine that will hopefully drown out whatever noise there might be. But I definitely will pay the little extra to choose my exact room next time.

[@jelmcd1]

Gary, you're the best.... love the impressions, suggestions and overall commentary. About a decade ago, I took my large, extended family on a Carnival Cruise out of San Pedro/Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta. It was one of the most unpleasant experiences of my life. I put some family/friends into inside-cabins... which they did not like.... I was not impressed by the windows-only cabins... worst of all, it was clear that mngt was abusing the mostly Philippine staff... which did a fantastic job. Then on the last day of the cruise, we were gotten out of bed very early, told to pack and taken to the disembarkation area where we stood for hours... (I felt like I'd seen this movie before.... and it was called Schindler's List).... to cap it all off, we all got sick the next day... and spent Xmas in bed... we just missed a "ship-wide" mass infection, which apparently had occurred on the same ship on its previous tour. You videos have put cruising into a different light... and all the suggestions have made me wonder if I might not do a cruise sometime in the future?... but definitely not on a mega-ship.... and not with the new fake-balcony rooms, where you sit in lawn furniture in front of a "picture-window", which when lowered is a view thru two panes (pains?) of glass... All the very best, Luke, an Arizona Cowboy...

[@alsuzy1345]

All great points Mr. Gary. We were on a cruise once were a couple took an upgrade. You mentioned it but the couple took it. What a mistake. They were right below the pool deck. No afternoon rest or quiet evenings.

[@richardcommins4926]

You forgot about the noise from the bow thrusters when docking at ports of call. I was on one ship that when they would pull into a port of call at around 5:30am, the noise was like a freight train going by. The room vibrated so bad that glasses would fall off the tables. It was impossible to sleep and the only thing to do is get dressed and go on deck and watch them dock. About 1 hour later the ship was docked and I went back to my room to sleep. There are no good cabins on a cruise ship without something that will get you. Bow, stern, high, low and mid-ships all have their problems. I once stayed in a mid-ships cabin near the lower decks. The elevators were impossibly slow and over crowed so I had to walk up and down 11 flights of stairs to get to the promenade deck.

[@livelovelaugh3105]

Excercise is not a bad thing

[@richardcommins4926]

@@livelovelaugh3105 Yes, except with a full stomach or a bad leg or foot.

[@LCLand]

Most I’ve had were wonderful. I’ve only had one problem in 9 cruises. Above the theatre. Nope

[@richardcommins4926]

@@livelovelaugh3105 It is when you have neuropathy in both feet from type II diabetes.

[@silviaterracciano4513]

Very good tips on choosing your cabin. 👏👏👏

[@joeconn4]

We usually try to book a cabin surrounded by other cabins, right left top bottom. But last cruise we were on, Oasis OTS, we got an inside balcony the deck below the pool deck. This was a busy late February western Caribbean cruise. Perhaps Royal Caribbean has worked on their sound proofing, because we never had any issues with excess noise.

[@PhillipEngelman]

One other thing to know about "wakeview" cabins is that sometimes they get soot on the balcony from the stacks and have to be cleaned daily (by the cabin steward). We do actually like the "navigation" deck (one deck below the Lido with pools and buffet). We sleep well and don't notice the extra noise. It's nice to be able to walk up just one level to all the activities we enjoy most, without having to use the elevator.

[@sct4040]

Cruising to Canada in September was so cold, needed to pack a down coat. It was cold even at the buffet. Once on shore, it was much warmer and you only need a jacket.

[@jeannettehoward7990]

You are so right, we had base noise coming up from 2 decks below, so bad, it made us ill.

[@imnosey9737]

Thankyou for all these great tips I'm planning to go on my first cruise in another year or so I want to plan it really well

[@mikeodonnell14]

Bring ear plugs it never mattered where my cabins have been located as most often I can hear music from the main lobby, kids running down the halls, or LOUD adults carrying on conversations in the hall way late at night as they are probably drunk.... rooms near the elevators are the worse. I usually stay in Suits so it doesn't much matter where you get placed but this video is still good info... EAR PLUGS fixes most of this...

[@kevd9825]

good tips,,,but if I'm getting upgraded from ocean view to balcony,,,i would take the worst balcony any day of the week

[@douga3212]

I actually did get a free ocean view to balcony upgrade. And strangely enough it met most of the 'best cabin' criteria (very lucky) except that the deck below wasn't cabins (the casino below it made no noise though). The inside cabins on the same deck had all their doors at the starboard corridor, I was on the port side so the only doors there were along one side for the balcony staterooms. This meant hardly any noise from foot traffic/doors etc. Probably worth considering when choosing as quiet a room as possible (cruise ship deck plans are worth scrutinizing, over & over again).

[@steeviem1835]

Depends on the itenary and region. Bad weather and long sea days in cold conditions aren't worth it

[@wavieeee4033]

Thankyou for showing us this sending prayers to you and your family and everyone God bless you and your family and everyone

[@missbecky2571]

I was under the pool deck once. Never again. Every morning at 5am the crew would set up the pool area. I swear they didn’t pick up a single deck chair-they dragged every single one. Imagine having a hangover and waking up an hour after you fell into bed…

[@narsdoktor]

always on midship, away from noise from the top and bottom.. on the 9th or 10th floor.. so far, satisfied with Princess Cruises.

[@cruisingthroughlifewithalj5606]

Thanks Gary! Great advice for new cruisers and great reminders for seasoned cruisers. Nice job!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear. Really appreciate you watching

[@mewdar]

Everyone, thankfully is different to the type of cabin they want, we actually prefer to be either at the front or the back and have had them in these areas in the past with no problems at all, but we don't really mind where it is, our very first cabin we ever had was as low as you could go but it was midship and we loved it, the only times we have made a mistake was having and end of corridor cabin that was next to a crew door we didn't realise this when we booked however so yes we did get a bit noise from that one, but as far as other go we have never had a problem with noise, the only thing we generally check for these days is if the cabin will sleep more than 2, this meaning a family could stay so would have bunks, being only 2 of us and usually have an inside cabin these bunks although folded up out of the way, are actually still in the way, so now we check when choosing.

[@michaelinarizona1403]

I must jump on the bandwagon also. I frequently cruise on Princess and in Nov had an Italy/Baltic cruise on the Pacific Princess. The suite was great and overlooked the bow but was directly over the lounge/theatre. Not only did the shows every evening seem loud they started rehearsing everyday about 12:30pm and the bass was enough to vibrate the glass on the table (no naps for me). I know better and slipped up when booking this cruise. Will not do it again (love Princess otherwise - great cruise line).

[@CamtengTv]

Thank you for all the videos been binge-watching them. I'm a new cruiser hoping to do a lot more.

[@alsoekko]

3:23 I miss them so much 🥺 Me and my family have been on one for a long time, we have a chain of them. My mom takes pictures from the cruise and turn in into a magnet, we have had ones from the past couple of years, there will be no 2020 one though, hopefully a 2021 though D:

[@Marvel83]

I chose a guarantee stateroom and was upgraded from a Oceanview to a mini suite.

[@carolmassero5699]

Don’t Believe it!!!!

[@glamp63]

Great tips! Some information I hadn’t thought about before. Thank you!❤️