How to choose the best cabin on a cruise ship

Does the location of your cabin matter? Yes. It influences cost, convenience, noise levels and movement, and also creates subtle differences in cabin space.

Let's deal with the obvious first: you don't want your cabin to be right by the lifts, stairwell, laundrette or other highly trafficked area. If you're a light sleeper, far fewer chattering passengers will pass by your door if your cabin is in the middle of a long corridor, assuming entrance points are at either end.

Illustration: Greg Straight

Nightclubs, theatres, casinos and kids' clubs create noise and, while cabins are seldom located near them, don't forget the vertical dimension, as some might be right above or below. Don't book a cabin below the pool deck either. These often host barbecues or movie nights, and crew can be out surprisingly early in the morning dragging lounge chairs into place.

In the back of ships, especially on lower levels, engines and thrusters can sometimes be heard. At the front, anchor deployment might rattle you awake at the crack of dawn.

Size and cabin category determines cost but so does location for cabins in the same category. Those mid-ship are more in demand and will be more expensive than those located fore and aft.This is partly because of convenience (much less walking down corridors on big ships) and partly because mid-ship is more stable. Cabins are often slightly larger since ships curve inwards towards either end.

The higher the deck, the more expensive the cabin, although the contradiction here is that you feel more of the ship's roll (or side-to-side movement) on higher decks.

The claim is that higher cabins are quieter and have better views, but the difference is often negligible. There may be more engine and other mechanical noise and more vibration on lower levels, but crew cabins are usually sandwiched between working parts of the ships and passenger areas.

On many ships, some low-level cabins have views restricted by decks or lifeboats. Reputable cruise companies should identify these as cabins with obstructed views. However, consider how much time you're really going to spend in your cabin. Lounges and bars are nicer places to relax. For splendid sail-ins, you'll want to be up on deck where views on all sides are unrestricted.

For those who really want to save, then inside cabins are the cheapest location. Don't dismiss them out of hand. The décor and amenities are no different than regular cabins. They're dark and quiet and will give you a good sleep, and suit passengers keen to explore ashore and socialise aboard, who seldom use their cabins during the daytime.

If you're worried about seasickness, a cabin on a low deck and mid-ship is the best option. That's where both pitch and roll is most reduced, and why restaurants are often located on lower decks. Ironically, passengers in expensive suites – which are usually high up, and on the ship's extremities – get the biggest impact from ship movement.