Which Deck is Perfect for Your Cruise Style?

Planning a cruise? You might be wondering which deck to choose for your cabin. It’s a big decision that can make or break your holiday at sea. 

Picking the perfect deck isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s like choosing between a penthouse view or a cosy ground-floor flat. Some people love being up high, taking in those sweeping ocean vistas. Others prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground, especially if they’re a bit wobbly on their sea legs. 

And let’s not forget about all the other bits and bobs to think about – like how noisy it might be or how many stairs you’ll have to tackle after that third helping at the buffet!

Pick a low deck to dodge seasickness

Want to keep your tummy happy on your cruise? The trick is to book a cabin on the lowest deck you can. It’s like being on a seesaw – the bottom moves less than the top. So, the closer you are to the waterline, the steadier you’ll feel.

If you’re a bit nervous about wobbly seas, try for a room with a balcony. Sitting out there and watching the waves can really help settle your stomach. It’s way better than being cooped up in a dark inside cabin.

Can’t stretch to a balcony? A room with a window on a low deck is your next best bet. Being able to see the horizon helps your brain make sense of all that moving about.

I once stayed in a lovely ocean-view room on deck 4 of a big ship. It had the lowest deck for passengers and a cute window seat. The view was fab, and I felt right as rain even when the sea got a bit choppy.

Want the best seats in the house? Aim high!

Fancy a room with a view? On a cruise ship, the higher you go, the better it gets. Picture yourself sipping a cuppa on your balcony, gazing out at the endless horizon. Bliss!

But don’t fret if you’re not perched at the top. Lower decks have their charms, too. You might catch a glimpse of playful dolphins or even whales swimming alongside the ship. 

Can’t splash out on a balcony? No worries! Head to the top deck – it’s your ticket to panoramic views. It’s the perfect spot to watch the world go by as you sail away.

Lift-phobic? Pick a middle deck for easy stairs.

Scared of small spaces or elevators? Don’t worry – you can still have a fab cruise without setting foot in one!

The trick? Book a cabin smack in the middle of the ship. You’ll be close to everything, with just a few flights of stairs to climb. No need to huff and puff your way up ten decks for a dip in the pool!

Think about it: a few floors up to catch some rays, a few down for dinner. It’s like a built-in workout minus the gym fees! Plus, you’ll feel extra smug when you zip past the queue for the lift.

Remember, ships are big. Really big. So, “middle” still gives you plenty of options. You might fancy deck 6 on a 12-deck ship or deck 8 on a 16-deck giant. Just pick what feels right for your legs!

Five decks you’d be wise to steer clear of

1. The one just under the pool party

Imagine you’re all snug in bed, trying to catch some Z’s, when suddenly it sounds like a herd of elephants is dancing above you. That’s life on the deck below the Lido. 

From late-night bashes to early-bird sun-seekers, you might find yourself wishing for earplugs. If peace and quiet are your jam, it’s best to bunk down a level or two lower.

2. The bottom of the boat

Fancy a bit of ship-wide karaoke? No? Well, that’s what you might get if you pick a cabin on the lowest deck. The engines, thrusters, and anchor chains all love to join in for an impromptu concert. 

And let’s not forget the occasional vibrations that might have your wardrobe doing the cha-cha. If you’re after a good night’s kip, you might want to climb a few decks higher.

3. The get-on, get-off level

Staying on the landing deck might seem handy for quick exits, but it’s not all smooth sailing. You could end up with a crowd of eager beavers outside your door at the crack of dawn, all raring to go ashore. 

And if your ship’s in port overnight? Be ready for a parade of night owls stumbling back at all hours. Not ideal if you’re after some shut-eye!

4. The walkabout deck

The Promenade Deck sounds lovely, doesn’t it? A nice stroll in the sea air, what could be better? Well, how about some privacy? These cabins often come with an audience. You might find yourself waving to passersby more often than you’d like. 

And if you’re unlucky, you could end up with a hot tub blocking your ocean view. 

5. The one above the indoor street

Some ships have an indoor promenade with shops and eateries. Sounds fun, right? Well, not if you’re trying to sleep in the cabin above. You might find yourself with a front-row seat to the ship’s nightlife – whether you want it or not. And don’t forget to draw those curtains unless you fancy being part of the evening entertainment!

How Cruise Ship Decks Work

Ever wondered why you can’t find Deck 1 on your cruise ship? It’s not a magic trick – there’s a simple explanation. Cruise ships number their decks from bottom to top, starting with Deck 1. But you might not see it!

On some ships, Deck 1 is the lowest level, where you can book a cabin. Carnival, Fred. Olsen and Disney’s cruises offer this option. However, on others, the lowest passenger deck might be Deck 3 or 4.

So what’s below that? The ‘hidden’ decks house important stuff like crew quarters, the engine room, laundry, and even a small jail (just in case). Some ships label these lower decks A, B, C, and so on.

When you board your ship, you’ll likely step onto Deck 4 or 5. From there, the numbers climb up to 20 or more on the biggest ships.

To add a bit of flair, cruise lines often give decks fun names, too. You might find yourself on the Van Gogh deck or the Petunia deck, depending on your ship’s theme.

Some lines mix it up with letters and numbers. On P&O Ventura, for example, Deck 12 is called ‘A Deck’, while Deck 11 is ‘B Deck’. It’s like a floating alphabet soup!

Fancy a gamble on your cabin?

Want to save some cash on your cruise? You might want to roll the dice with a ‘guarantee’ room. It’s like a lucky dip – you pick the grade, but the cruise line chooses where you’ll be.

You could end up with a deal. Booked an inside cabin? You might just find yourself in a room with a view if they’re short on space. 

Now, these rooms aren’t usually the cream of the crop. They’re often the leftovers after everyone else has had their pick. So, if you’re dreaming of a midship cabin, you might want to think again.

But here’s the thing – does it really matter which deck you’re on? If you don’t mind a bit of a stroll and can handle a few stairs, you could save a pretty penny. Plus, it’s a great way to work off those all-you-can-eat buffets!