What is the best side of a cruise?

Here's the general advice for seeing sunrises and sunsets on a cruise: Headed north or west? Choose a port side stateroom for sunsets. Go with starboard for sunrises.



There is no universal "best" side for a cruise ship, as it depends entirely on your itinerary and personal preference. For a scenic cruise, like one through the Inside Passage in Alaska, the "starboard" (right) side is often preferred for northbound trips, while the "port" (left) side is better for southbound journeys to keep the coastline in view. For a Transatlantic crossing, the "port" side is usually better for westbound trips (facing South for more sun) and "starboard" for eastbound. If you enjoy watching the ship dock, a port-side cabin often offers a view of the pier, though this is never guaranteed as the captain may dock the ship on either side. In 2026, many cruisers prioritize the "hump" section of the ship (the middle part that bows out) for larger balconies and central access, regardless of whether it is port or starboard.

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Here's the general advice for seeing sunrises and sunsets on a cruise: Headed north or west? Choose a port side stateroom for sunsets. Go with starboard for sunrises.

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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.

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Staterooms on the Lower Decks The noisiest staterooms at sea located on the lower decks should be avoided when possible.

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Best Deck for Seasickness and Access to Amenities The best location to book your cabin will be in the center of the cruise ship and on the lower deck. The lower you go down, the less rocking you will experience during your trip. If you suffer from any motion sickness, this area is ideal for you.

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Midship cabins The big allure of a midship cabin is its stability. You won't feel the rocking of the sea in a midship cabin nearly as much as you will in a cabin toward the front or back of a vessel. This is because ships are like teeter-totters. They pitch forward and back around a central axis that barely moves.

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Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.

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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.

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Those mid-ship are more in demand and will be more expensive than those located fore and aft. This is partly because of convenience (much less walking down corridors on big ships) and partly because mid-ship is more stable. Cabins are often slightly larger since ships curve inwards towards either end.

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Cabins at the Front of the Ship This is because the front of the ship is more exposed to the movement of the water as they plough through the rough seas. If you're prone to seasickness, it's best to avoid cabins at the front of the ship.

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Cruise itineraries that stay within a sea, such as European cruises that sail along the Mediterranean Sea or Caribbean cruises that depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico are often good bets for having relatively calm waters during cruises.

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The bottom line For example, passengers who get seasick will find comfort in the rhythm of the sea from a lower deck, while those prioritizing the best views will enjoy an upper deck more. Finally, consider the noise levels and choose the option that will make your sea voyage more enjoyable.

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Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.

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Cruise ships usually have designated areas for singles and couples, so be sure to check out those spots first. You should also take advantage of any onboard activities or events that might bring people together – such as pool parties or karaoke nights – and don't forget to dress your best!

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Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!

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Most cruise lines do usually have a fridge of sorts in the cabins. These fridges are really “mini-bars.”

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