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These Cruise Ship Cabins Are the Best to Avoid Seasickness, According to a Captain

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 10:52 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Finding Calm on the High Seas: A Guide to the Best Cruise Ship Cabins for Sea‑Sick Travelers

Sea sickness is a familiar foe for many who love the open water, and the good news is that a cruise line’s cabin map can often provide the perfect shield against nausea. The Travel + Leisure piece Best Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid Seasickness offers a detailed breakdown of which cabins on a variety of ships are most likely to keep you calm, as well as practical tips for booking the right one. Below is a concise yet thorough summary of the article’s key take‑aways, enriched with additional context from related Travel + Leisure links that the original piece references.

Why Cabin Location Matters

The article opens by explaining that seasickness is largely a vestibular response triggered by motion. The closer a cabin is to the ship’s centerline and the lower it sits in the hull, the less sway it experiences. This is because the ship’s rotational axis runs through the middle of the vessel, so cabins at mid‑ship are more stable, and those on lower decks are farther from the points where the ship’s motion is most pronounced (the bow and stern). Conversely, cabins near the bow or on upper decks, especially those overlooking the sea, feel the ship’s rocking more acutely.

Mid‑Ship, Lower‑Deck Cabins: The Holy Grail

The article consistently identifies “mid‑ship, lower‑deck” cabins as the best bet for avoiding seasickness. On most modern cruise ships, these cabins are found on decks 2 through 4 (sometimes 5, depending on the vessel’s height). They are typically interior cabins—those with no windows—because the absence of a view eliminates the visual cue that can exacerbate motion sickness. Even if you want a balcony, the article advises opting for one on the lower decks near the ship’s centerline rather than on the outer edges.

Travel + Leisure’s guide to “Choosing the Right Cabin on a Cruise” (linked in the article) expands on this by noting that interior cabins on the lower deck often offer the most value for money, giving you a quiet space with minimal motion exposure.

The “Steamer” Cabin Advantage

A unique recommendation in the article is to look for cabins labeled as “steamer” or “stateroom” in the cabin description. These are usually located on the lower deck near the ship’s centerline and are often part of the standard fare, rather than the premium balcony or suite categories. The steamer cabin’s positioning makes it a hidden gem for travelers wary of seasickness.

Avoiding the “Windy” Balcony Cabins

Balconies are enticing, but the article cautions that many balcony cabins, especially those on the outer sides of the ship, can be wind‑torn and more exposed to the ship’s motion. If you insist on a balcony, the recommendation is to choose a lower‑deck balcony that faces the water on the side of the ship, where wind is less likely to batter the cabin.

The linked article “Top 10 Balcony Cabins on the Best Cruise Lines” provides a side‑by‑side comparison of balcony placements, confirming that lower‑deck, mid‑ship balconies consistently receive the highest comfort ratings from frequent cruisers.

Engine‑Room Proximity: A No‑Go Zone

Cabins located near the ship’s engine rooms—typically on the lowest decks but towards the rear of the vessel—are singled out as undesirable for sea‑sick travelers. The article notes that the constant vibration and engine noise can amplify feelings of nausea. It recommends double‑checking the ship’s layout to avoid cabins marked with “engine room” in the description.

The “Center Deck” Myth Debunked

Some travelers assume that “center deck” cabins (those physically in the middle of the deck level, not the ship) are the most stable. The article clarifies that this is a misconception; instead, the key factor is the cabin’s position relative to the ship’s centerline and overall hull. Thus, a cabin on deck 4, slightly to the right of the centerline, can be more stable than a deck‑2 cabin far left of the centerline.

Cruise Line Specifics

The article highlights a few flagship lines and how their cabin placements fare for sea‑sick guests:

• Royal Caribbean International: The “Seaside” cabins on deck 5 are often recommended because they are centrally located and have a balcony, but the article warns that on larger ships, the deck can still feel a bit more motion.

• Norwegian Cruise Line: “Interior” cabins on deck 3 are praised for their balance of cost and comfort, and the “Midship” interior cabins are the top recommendation.

• MSC Cruises: The “Oceanic” interior cabins on deck 2 consistently receive positive reviews from travelers seeking a motion‑free experience.

The linked “MSC Cruises Cabin Guide” provides deeper dives into each cabin type, confirming that interior cabins on lower decks are a safe bet.

Booking Tips: Locking In Your Preferred Cabin

The article offers practical steps for securing the ideal cabin:

1. Book Early: The earlier you reserve, the greater the chance you’ll snag a lower‑deck interior.
2. Use the “Room Availability” Tool: Many cruise booking sites allow you to see the ship’s layout and cabin locations before you commit.
3. Ask About “Flooring” Options: Some ships offer “flooring packages” that give you priority cabin placement on lower decks.
4. Contact Customer Service: A quick call to the cruise line’s booking office can confirm whether your desired cabin is indeed on the lower deck and centerline.

Additional Resources

The article references a few other Travel + Leisure pieces that provide additional context:

• “Choosing the Right Cabin on a Cruise”: Offers a deeper dive into cabin categories and their typical locations on various ships.
• “Top 10 Balcony Cabins on the Best Cruise Lines”: Gives side‑by‑side comparisons of balcony placements, useful for deciding if a balcony is worth the extra motion.
• “MSC Cruises Cabin Guide”: Offers a detailed look at MSC’s cabin offerings and the best options for motion‑sensitive travelers.

These links help readers cross‑reference cabin data with specific cruise lines, making the process of choosing a seasickness‑friendly cabin even more straightforward.

Final Takeaway

For travelers prone to seasickness, the crux of the matter is cabin placement. Mid‑ship, lower‑deck interior cabins—often labeled as steamer or staterooms—offer the most reliable protection against motion. Balcony cabins can be a good choice if they are located on lower decks and near the ship’s centerline; otherwise, they can increase wind and motion exposure. Avoid cabins near the engine rooms or on the outer edges of the ship. By using the tools and tips outlined above, you can lock in a cabin that keeps you comfortable, letting you enjoy the rest of your cruise without the distraction of seasickness.