Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (2024)

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (1)

Forward vs. Aft: A Cabin Comparison (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (2)

Forward vs. Aft: A Cabin Comparison (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)

While most cruise ship balcony rooms are along a ship's port or starboard sides, aft cabins on your cruise (as well as forward cabins) often provide even bigger decks and more square footage. That means choosing between the back or the front of the ship, respectively. While it might not seem like there's much difference at first, there are pros and cons to an aft balcony room or one at the front of the ship. We break down the differences of forward versus aft balcony cabins so you know which is right for you.

On This Page

  • The Pros: Cruise Aft Cabins
  • The Cons: Cruise Aft Cabins
  • The Pros: Forward Balcony Cabins
  • The Cons: Forward Balcony Cabins
  • The Bottom Line: Aft Cruise Cabins vs. Forward Cabins

The Pros: Cruise Aft Cabins

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (4)

Indulge Aft Deck Night

Aft balcony cabins are located at the back of a cruise ship. And that comes with some big pros for cruisers looking for outdoor space. Fans of aft balcony cabins love the expansive, uninterrupted ocean views over the ship's wake. You're also likely to score significantly more space in your cruise's aft cabins than standard balcony cabins along the port and starboard sides of the ship. If you're after lots of deck space, aft rooms located at one of the ship's corners may have balconies that wrap around both sides of your room to double the viewing pleasure.

Worried about the noise of fellow cruisers? Aft cabins on cruise ships tend to be quieter, as they're farther from the midship bustle of activity that might be just a few decks above or below you, like bars, lounges, pools and the atrium.

Related: How to Choose a Cruise Ship Cabin

The Cons: Cruise Aft Cabins

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (5)

Forward vs. Aft: A Cabin Comparison (ID: 1924) (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)

While not the worst cabins on a cruise ship for seasickness, aft cabins can be a bit more at the whims of the ocean's movements then those in the middle of the ship. If you're super sensitive to motion sickness, consider a balcony room that's along the port or starboard sides of the ship, toward the middle.

Aft cabins might also experience vibrations from the engine or anchor, which can add to the feeling of motion and be a source of noise. Additionally, while it's not common, occasionally smoke or exhaust from the back of the ship might blow through your aft balcony. Exhaust funnels are aimed off the back, and breezes can sweep fumes backward in your direction.

Because aft balcony rooms are coveted, some cruise lines categorize them as higher-end cabins, which means they sell for higher prices than standard balcony cabins.

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The Pros: Forward Balcony Cabins

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (6)

Scarlet Lady

Cruisers in cabins at the front of the ship are the first to see what's ahead. With such priority viewing, it's a nice way to sail into each port of call.

Some cruise lines use the forward space on their ships for unique cabin layouts and arrangements -- like those found in Royal Caribbean's panorama cabins -- that you can't find elsewhere on the ship. Ask your travel agent or the cruise line if the ship you're interested in booking has a special forward cabin class.

Are you a theater fan? Cruise ship theaters tend to be located at the forward of the ship; book a cabin near the front, just a few decks up or down from the theater so you can catch the evening show or afternoon lecture in a snap.

Being all the way at the front of the ship also means you don't risk getting turned around when you leave your cabin. No matter what, you're always heading toward the back. This can make it easier to get your bearings on your first day or two. (This rule also applies to aft cabins; when you leave them, you'll always be headed toward the front of the ship.)

Pro Tip Alert: 12 Things Not to Do in Your Cruise Room

The Cons: Forward Balcony Cabins

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (7)

The Ocean-View Panoramic Suite on Independence of the Seas

Worried about seasickness? You'll likely want to steer clear of forward cabins. These are far and away the cruise rooms most affected by waves since they're the first to dip in rough seas. Even if you're on a lower deck, the forward of the ship might be the worst place to stay if you're prone to seasickness.

Even if you've booked a cabin with a view at the front of the ship, be wary of cabins with views blocked by the bridge wing. Check deck plans, or discuss the issue with a travel agent before booking a forward balcony cabin to ensure this isn't the case. The flip side is that obstructed view cabins typically cost less. You should also be aware that some forward balcony cabins may have access to their decks restricted on certain cruise days due to weather.

Another consideration of staying in a forward cruise ship cabin is the noise from the bow thrusters (propulsion devices used to maneuver the ship). That, paired with water smacking against the front of the ship (especially if you're on a lower deck), could make for some distracting sounds.

Read More: 7 Cruise Cabin Hacks that Will Change the Way You Cruise Forever

The Bottom Line: Aft Cruise Cabins vs. Forward Cabins

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (8)

Oasis of the Seas after its $165 million Royal Amplification refurbishment in 2019. (Photo: Royal Caribbean)

If you want a cabin with a special view but are looking to save a little money and aren't sensitive to noise, a forward cabin might be right for you. Also choose a forward cabin if you're worried about exhaust, soot or cigarette smoke wafting across your verandah.

If you want to see what the hype is about or have your heart set on gazing out over the ship's wake, and you don't mind risking a bit of vibration, then an aft cabin might be right for you.

If seasickness is a worry, beware: The movement in aft cabins is less drastic than in forward cabins, but they do move. If you don't like motion at all -- and especially if your itinerary is prone to rough seas -- ditch the ends of the ship altogether for something located midship.

Aft Cabin vs. Forward: Which Is Right for Your Cruise? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to be forward or aft on a cruise? ›

Worried about seasickness? You'll likely want to steer clear of forward cabins. These are far and away the cruise rooms most affected by waves since they're the first to dip in rough seas. Even if you're on a lower deck, the forward of the ship might be the worst place to stay if you're prone to seasickness.

Is it better to have a cabin at the front or back of a cruise ship? ›

The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.

Are there drawbacks to being in an aft facing cabin? ›

CON: The view could be partially blocked.

While we've found that most aft-facing balconies offer incredible views, you definitely want to do a little research to find out if there are any obstructions.

Which deck to avoid on a cruise? ›

The lowest passenger deck: Cabins on this deck are usually the cheapest, but they are also the most prone to motion sickness. Look on the deck plans and make sure nothing but other staterooms are above and below you.

What is the best cabin position on a cruise ship? ›

You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.

Are AFT cabins on cruise ships good? ›

If you are keen on a view out over the ship's wake and the potential for scoring a larger veranda (and don't mind the potential for some extra vibration), then the aft of a ship is probably the right move. Keep in mind, too, that there is a case to be made for forgoing both sides and simply booking a midship stateroom.

What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship? ›

The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).

Is forward or aft better for seasickness? ›

Choose the right cabin

If you are worried about getting seasick, don't book a cabin or suite at the very front (or forward end) of the ship, at the very back (aka the aft) of the vessel, or on the upper deck of a ship. These staterooms often feel the most movement.

Which deck level is best on a cruise? ›

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.

Why are forward cabins cheaper? ›

Rooms towards the front tend to be cheaper than other rooms largely because there's less demand for a cabin at the front. Just like rooms towards the back, it's a longer walk towards the front and most of the signature activities and public areas are further away.

Which is the best side to have a cabin on a cruise ship? ›

If you'd rather see the sunrise while sailing south or east, staying on the port side is your ideal choice as well. Choose the starboard side for the opposite situation: sunsets are visible on southbound and eastbound sailings while sunrises are visible on northbound and westbound cruises.

Which part of a cruise ship is the least bumpy? ›

Rough seas or not, motion sickness can ruin a cruise vacation. If you know you have a history of seasickness -- or you're not sure -- your best cabin on a cruise ship will be the more stable cruise ship rooms at midship and on a lower deck, where rocking motion is less likely to be felt.

What is the riskiest part of a cruise ship? ›

Identifying Dangerous Areas on Cruise Ships. Rough seas can significantly impact certain areas of a cruise ship, creating potential hazards for passengers. Areas such as the pool deck, dining room, and outer decks are particularly prone to hazards due to the destabilization of unsecured objects.

What is the noisiest part of a cruise ship? ›

The engine room while at sea. Thruster room and chain lockers when going in and out of port (both in the bow). The areas around elevator banks and stairways on cruise ships can be noisy, just like they can be at hotels on land. You'll get people milling around talking as they wait for an elevator car.

Where are the best and worst cabins on a cruise ship? ›

Here are what I consider to be the best and worst staterooms to book on a cruise.
  • 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.
Jan 30, 2024

Where is the best position to be on a cruise ship? ›

2-Mid-ships (middle of the ship)

Common wisdom has always stated that if you can get a mid-ship cabin then this will be the 'best' position on the ship. Going back to the see-saw metaphor, imagine the middle of the it. Whilst the seats go up and down, the middle never actually moves.

What is the best end to be on a cruise ship? ›

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.

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