Why Booking The Cheapest Cabin Might Mean A Smoother Cruise

Lots of people will tell you that upgrading to a balcony or suite will mean your cruise will be better in every way.

When it comes to movement, cheaper cabins can actually be located in the most stable places on the ship.

The location of your cabin might matter more than the facilities and price, particularly if you are sailing in winter months or in areas notorious for rough seas!

The Most Expensive Cabins Are Often In The Worst Place For Movement

Suites on cruise ships are usually positioned high up and at the front or back of the ship.

That’s where you feel the most motion — more swaying, more rattling of coat hangers, more rolling about in your bed when you are trying to sleep!

Suite locations are chosen for views and exclusivity, not stability! That is great when the seas are smooth and the weather is good.

The Cheapest Cabins Are In The Most Stable Location

Inside cabins and cheaper rooms are often mid-ship and on lower decks.

That’s the most stable part of the ship, and you will feel less noticeable movement in these cabins.

So unintentionally, budget cruisers often get the smoothest ride.

When I took a Transatlantic crossing on the last Ocean Liner at Sea, Queen Mary 2, I knew I had to pick my cabin location carefully.

I needed to be low down and central – and I picked an unusual “Atrium View” cabin. As the name suggests, this had a window looking down into the ship’s central Atrium.

It was a great choice; the crossing was really rough, and I was in the best location for stability and lack of movement.

Have a look at that cabin here:

Why Ship Size Changes Everything

If you sail on a mainstream cruise line like MSC, P&O, Royal Caribbean or Cunard, you will be on a fairly large ship, with the capacity to hold thousands of passengers.

Bigger ships are heavier, wider, and designed to minimise movement.

Compared to a smaller luxury ship – like the Emerald Azzurra, they are very stable.

On Emerald Ocean ships, everything onboard is luxurious, cabins, bars, wonderful onboard service – but the ship itself moves more simply because it’s smaller – no matter how premium it is.

Real Example: When Luxury Means Movement

We had a wonderful, memorable trip on Emerald Azzurra, but despite it being a high-end experience, you could really feel the motion of the seas on the ship badly.

It was the most expensive cruise I had ever taken to that point – but expensive doesn’t equal stable.

Have a look at that Superyacht sailing here:

Luxury Cruises Go To More Exposed Destinations

Higher-end cruises tend to have itineraries that often visit more remote or open-water locations.

Think Iceland, or expedition-style routes to Antarctica, Svalbard, or the Galápagos Islands.

These areas naturally have rougher seas compared to your typical Caribbean or Mediterranean routes.

So… Can Cruising On A Budget Actually Help?

The answer is: sometimes, yes.

Being on a lower deck, in the middle of a bigger ship, is the best combination for stability.

It’s not about price, it’s about physics and ship design.

Have a look at the Suite I was upgraded to on the Norwegian Star.

I had originally been in a midship balcony cabin, which felt quite stable, but when I was offered an upgrade to a suite mid-voyage, I couldn’t resist.

The suite’s location did have some drawbacks, though.

Find out more in the video below:

When Paying More Does Still Make Sense

There are so many lovely things about suites – included perks, service, extra space, wonderful views – but don’t expect less movement.

Booking a suite can be fantastic, but it is a bit of a trade-off when it comes to movement.

If you are sailing a route where you are pretty confident that rough seas won’t be an issue, they really can be the best cabins onboard.

If you see a good deal on a suite, think about why it might be cheap. Is it going to an unusual location, or is the ship sailing at a time of year when the seas could be rough?

If so, will you get seasick if the ship starts rocking and rolling?

Some people love rough seas and never feel seasick. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people!

Simple Tips To Reduce Movement (Whatever You Book)

My top tips would be:

• Pick a mid-ship cabin if you’re worried about feeling seasick.
• Avoid very high decks.
• Consider the ship’s size and age when booking.
• Check itineraries and seasons before booking that cheap deal.

My parents were “upgraded” from a central, obstructed-view cabin on Queen Mary 2 to an unobstructed balcony. Unfortunately, it was at the top, front of the ship, and the noise and movement were terrible!

Find out more about that here:

Why I Wouldn’t Recommend This Balcony Cabin on Queen Mary 2 (Full Cabin Review)

Before You Go

The largest cruise ships carry over 6,000 guests. Find out how crowded that feels in the article below:

6,000 People On One Ship… Does It Actually Feel Crowded?

Find out whether seasickness wristbands are as good as the adverts say here:

Do Seasickness Wristbands Actually Work? (Here’s My Honest Opinion)