I've been on over 25 cruises. There are 8 types of rooms I'd never book — and one I swear by.
I don't book cabins one or two floors above a theater, nightclub, or live-music venue.
Though it may seem convenient to be near onboard entertainment hot spots, the risk of pulsating noise isn't worth it for me.
To determine the location of these types of venues on a ship, check the cruise line's website or conduct a quick internet search for "[ship name] deck plans."
It feels too risky to book any cabins beneath sports courts, a pool, or a gym.
Soundproofing can vary from poor to excellent, depending on the cruise line, ship, and ship's age.
Though most cruisers hear occasional noise from neighboring cabins and in the hallways, the sound can feel near-constant if you're near highly trafficked public spaces.
I never book near recreational areas because the dribbling of basketballs and pounding from running can sometimes be heard within the cabins directly below. I also avoid rooms beneath the gym because some people like to drop their weights.
Lastly, I skip staterooms one floor below the pool so that I don't need to worry about hearing music from concerts or the sound of deck chairs scraping across the floor.
I wouldn't book staterooms in the bow of the ship.
I don't book staterooms in the forward because they can be too close to the anchors. A cruise ship typically has at least two at the bow, one on the starboard (right) and one on the port (left).
On some ships, passengers close to the anchors can hear when they're dropped.
The top deck isn't for me.
I don't book staterooms on the top deck — it doesn't matter what type they are.
Although these rooms tend to have the best views, they're usually located adjacent to noisy and high-traffic areas, such as the buffet and pool.
Generally, I try to choose midship cabins on the middle decks.
For me, a midship cabin on a ship's middle decks is ideal for avoiding excess noise and rocking.
Many ships divide their decks into thirds, and the midship cabins tend to be the most expensive … probably because they're quite desirable.
To save money while reaping the benefits, I try to book the first room on either side of the midship — the difference is only a few feet.
This story was originally published on January 10, 2025, and most recently updated on January 12, 2026.
