Choosing the right cruise ship deck can significantly enhance your vacation experience. With the myriad of options available, it’s essential to understand the nuances of ship layout, amenities, and what each deck has to offer. This guide aims to provide you with some helpful insights to make an informed decision about the best deck for your cruise holiday.
Understanding a Ship’s Layout
Modern cruise ships are marvels of engineering and design, offering a wide range of accommodations, dining options, entertainment, and activities spread across multiple decks. Generally, cruise ships have lower, middle, and upper decks, each with its unique advantages and potential drawbacks.
Lower Decks: Since lower decks are closer to the waterline, they offer a more stable feel with less motion. This can be a significant advantage for those prone to seasickness. Accommodations on these decks are often more affordable, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, they might be further away from the ship’s main attractions and require more time to navigate to upper-deck amenities.
Middle Decks: The middle decks often strike a balance between stability and accessibility. Rooms on these decks are conveniently located, providing easier access to dining areas, lounges, and other facilities. They are ideal for those who want a mix of comfort and convenience without the need for frequent elevator rides or long walks.
Upper Decks: The upper decks are where much of the action happens. Here, you’ll find pools, sports activity areas, outdoor bars, and other recreational facilities. Accommodations on these decks might offer better views and quicker access to outdoor activities. However, they can also experience more motion and may be noisier due to the proximity to entertainment and activity areas.
Choosing the Best Deck for You
Consider Your Preferences: Your ideal ship deck will depend on what you value most in your cruise experience. If you prioritize easy access to specific amenities, choose a deck that is close to those features. For example, families might prefer decks closer to kid-friendly activities, while those seeking relaxation might opt for quieter, more secluded areas.
Think About Motion Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to motion, lower decks towards the middle of the ship offer the most stability. The higher and further forward (or aft) you go, the more motion you will feel, especially in rough seas.
Your View Preferences: Upper decks typically provide more expansive views of the ocean and ports. If waking up to a breathtaking sea view is important to you, consider booking a room on a higher deck. Balcony rooms on these decks can offer private, picturesque experiences.
Budget Considerations: Generally, rooms on higher decks, especially those with balconies or suites, are more expensive. If budget is a key consideration, exploring options on the lower decks can provide excellent value while still offering the full cruise experience.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best ship deck on a cruise ship. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences, priorities, and what you hope to get out of your cruise vacation. By considering the factors of stability, convenience, views, and budget, you can select a deck that will enhance your cruising experience. Remember, the best cruise is the one that aligns with your desires and expectations, making every moment onboard unforgettable.
FAQs
For most cruise itineraries, it makes little difference as to what side of the ship your stateroom is located. While the view can sometimes vary, the best views on the river are had from either the sun deck or forward observation lounge. Your Premier expert can explain all about cabin locations for the ship you select.
Which deck is best on a river cruise ship? ›
Which Deck Is Best On A River Cruise Ship?
- Sun Deck: This deck is a public deck, and does not feature any accommodation. ...
- Upper Deck & Middle Deck: This is usually where you'll find the main public areas, such as the dining room, lounge bar, and reception.
For most cruise itineraries, it makes little difference as to what side of the ship your stateroom is located. While the view can sometimes vary, the best views on the river are had from either the sun deck or forward observation lounge. Your Premier expert can explain all about cabin locations for the ship you select.
Is it better in front or back on a river cruise? ›
The root of the question itself is understandable: There is a lot to see along the waterways of Europe, and prospective cruisers want to ensure they make the most of their investment by securing the best views. The truth, though, is this: There's no “better” side of the ship.
What level deck is best on a cruise ship? ›
The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks. Like to be near all the action? Most mega-ships place their lido (pool) areas on higher decks.
Is it worth getting a balcony on a river cruise? ›
A balcony is a big plus at a resort and on a huge ocean ship, but on river boats it can actually be a drawback: River ships have a width limit (so that they can fit through locks), which means that cabins can only be so wide, which in turn means that a balcony takes away from your interior room space.
What deck do you want to be on a cruise? ›
For passengers looking to enjoy views, especially the scenery in the wake of a ship, we recommend higher decks and the back of the vessel. The higher you pick, the farther you'll see. If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end.
Is it better to take a river cruise upstream or downstream? ›
Advantages. The average speed of an upstream cruise is only 16-19 kilometers per hour compared to 28-30 kilometers for downstream cruise. Passengers have more time to enjoy the culture and beautiful sights along the River.
When cruising, which side of the ship is best? ›
Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.
Where are the best and worst cabins on a cruise ship? ›
Log in .
- BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
- Ocean-level cabins.
- Studio rooms.
- Port or starboard staterooms.
- Cabins close to popular attractions.
- Rooms by elevators.
- WORST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
- Staterooms directly above or below busy areas.
Best river cruises for first timers
- Best of Holland & Belgium. AmaWaterways. ...
- Vineyards Of The Rhine & Moselle. AmaWaterways. ...
- Melodies of the Danube. AmaWaterways. ...
- Jewels of Europe. Scenic. ...
- Jewels of Europe. Scenic. ...
- Jewels of Europe with Prague. Scenic. ...
- From Budapest to Nuremberg in 8 days. ...
- The Habsburg Monarchy.
Here are our recommendations of cabin locations to avoid.
- Near Entertainment Venues. ...
- At The Bow. ...
- Near the Anchor. ...
- Obstructed Views. ...
- Close to the Engine Room and the Galleys. ...
- Near Elevator Landings and Stairwells. ...
- Under the Jogging Track or Near Children's Playrooms. ...
- Connecting Cabins.
For daytime and excursions, think shorts or light trousers in warm weather, and jeans with jumpers when it cools down. Dining Dress Code: Lunch is casual, reflecting your daytime attire. Dinner, however, nudges towards smart casual, with shorts, T-shirts, and jeans generally discouraged.
What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship? ›
On most cruise ships, the most luxurious accommodation is on the upper decks. Here, you'll find a selection of elegant suites, with generous outdoor space, separate living areas, and amenities ranging from all-inclusive drinks to the service of a concierge.
What is the noisiest part of a cruise ship? ›
And don't forget the cruise ship engine. While humming noises put some to sleep, the loud buzz of machinery might not exactly be restful to others, making these some of the worst cabins on a cruise ship. Passengers on the lowest deck are most likely to hear engine or even anchor sounds.
Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise ship? ›
Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.
What is the difference between a veranda and a French balcony on Vikings? ›
Viking French balcony cabins are always on this shorter side, and the Veranda Staterooms are on the wider side of the ship. This is really smart as the drawback of outdoor balconies is that it typically takes away from the rest of the cabin space.
Is it better to be on deck 1 or 2 on a cruise? ›
The best deck on a cruise ship largely depends on your needs. For most people, the higher the deck, the better. If you're looking for large suites and specialty cabins, you will most likely find them there. However, this preference does vary from person to person.
Is it better to have a higher or lower deck on a cruise ship? ›
The higher and further forward (or aft) you go, the more motion you will feel, especially in rough seas. Your View Preferences: Upper decks typically provide more expansive views of the ocean and ports. If waking up to a breathtaking sea view is important to you, consider booking a room on a higher deck.
When on a cruise, what part of the ship is best? ›
In the Northern Hemisphere, book the starboard side of an eastbound cruise and the port side of a westbound cruise. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to the sun, or want to ensure that your cabin remains cool, consider booking on the side of the ship that is likely to face the nearest pole.
