Cruise expert issues cabin warning - why you should avoid two key areas onboard

Whether you're heading on your first cruise holiday are travelling onboard a brand new ship, choosing the right kind of cabin or stateroom can transform your holiday experience. This is especially true for passengers who may be prone to seasickness or simply want to ensure that once their cabin door is shut, they will not be disturbed.

According to Will Sarson, a cruise expert and product Director at Riviera Travel with almost 10 years of experience, choosing the wrong kind of stateroom is one of the most common mistakes made by first-time cruisers.

Will Sarson said: “Planning your first cruise holiday is really exciting, but there’s plenty to consider to ensure you’re well prepared. From timekeeping to overpacking, we constantly see the same mistakes made by non-seasoned cruise travellers."

For passengers who are prone to seasickness, Will recommends opting for a room that will not be as impacted by the motion of the vessel.

"What many inexperienced cruisers may not know, is the location of the cabin on the ship can have a huge impact on seasickness," he said. "For travellers particularly susceptible to feeling ill at sea, it’s best to book a cabin that’s located in the central section of the cruise to minimise the motion felt onboard."

In a similar vein, if you are hoping for an entirely peaceful experience in your cabin, Will urges passengers to be cautious about the placement of their cabin. Though most cruise lines work hard to ensure cabins are sound-proofed, so as not to be disturbed my activities elsewhere on the ship, some staterooms can be noisier than others.

"If you’re looking for a quiet trip, I’d recommend choosing a cabin that’s out of the way of facilities such as the bar," he said.

While interior rooms onboard ships are often offered at a discount price, many cruise guests prefer a balcony room. Sharing to a Reddit forum, cruise guests revealed their favourite spots onboard - with many saying the extra spend goes a long way.

One cruise guest said: “For my wife and I, if we can’t afford a balcony room, we can’t afford the cruise. But that’s definitely a personal preference.

“I have a fairly low social battery and as much as I enjoy my time out in the public areas, I like having a private area to relax and recharge.”

Another guest added: “I would not go on a cruise without a balcony. The idea of retreating to a pitch-black sealed-in coffin of a room causes me actual anxiety. I cannot live without fresh air, no matter the outside temperature.”