I've been on over 25 cruises. There are 8 types of rooms I'd never book — and one I swear by.

The aft, or ship's rear, provides perfect panoramic views. During one Western Caribbean Princess Cruises sailing, I upgraded to a suite in the ship's aft.

Though the wraparound balcony was beautiful, it was super rocky, especially on sea days. Plus, these rooms tend to be noisier because they're usually near the ship's engines.

While sailing in the back part of other ships, I've experienced engine noise and vibration, especially when entering and exiting ports of call.

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."

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.

On many decks with running tracks, passersby can easily see into your room, so you have to remember to keep the curtains shut, which defeats the purpose of having a porthole or window.

I also avoid booking ocean-view rooms on the same deck as lifeboats, as they can obstruct the view.

For example, when I sailed on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady, I was given a complimentary upgrade from an interior cabin to one with an obstructed-view sea terrace. It was nice to have natural sunlight streaming into the room, but I'd never pay extra for a view of the lifeboats.

Cabins on the lower levels of a ship tend to cost less than higher ones, but that discount usually comes with drawbacks. I don't book these because they're often more subject to engine noise and extreme ship rocking.

If I had to choose a room on a low deck, I'd pick one midship where there tends to be less motion.

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.

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.

Elevator banks are high-traffic areas on cruise ships, especially on embarkation, port, and disembarkation days. Though it's convenient to be near them, the noise risk isn't worth it.

Instead, I book staterooms that are five to 10 cabins away from the elevators, so I'm midship and close to the elevators.

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.