If you’re prone to motion sickness, choosing the right cruise ship cabin can make all the difference. The location of your stateroom plays a huge role in how much movement you feel onboard—and booking the wrong one could mean an uncomfortable trip.
At iCruiseApp, we help travelers find the best staterooms for their needs, whether it’s avoiding seasickness, finding the most spacious cabins, or getting the best views. Here’s exactly how to pick a cabin that minimizes motion discomfort so you can enjoy smooth sailing from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose a Midship Cabin on a Lower Deck
The most stable cabins on any cruise ship are located midship (center of the ship) and on a lower deck.
✔ Why it helps: Ships pivot from front to back, meaning midship feels the least amount of movement. Lower decks move less than higher ones.
✔ Best for: First-time cruisers, anyone prone to motion sickness, or travelers who want a smoother experience.
✔ Worst cabins for seasickness: High-deck cabins, especially in the forward (front) or aft (back) sections of the ship.
🚨 Avoid booking near the front or back of the ship! These areas experience more movement as the ship rocks with the waves.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use our Comparison Tool to compare different ships and see which ones offer the best midship cabin options.
Step 2: Book a Balcony or Oceanview Cabin for a Horizon View
If you’re prone to motion sickness, looking at the horizon can help your body adjust to the ship’s movement. That’s why balcony and oceanview cabins are a great choice.
✔ Balcony Cabins: Fresh air and an open view of the horizon can help reduce nausea.
✔ Oceanview Cabins: While they don’t have fresh air, having a window to see outside is better than an interior stateroom.
✔ Interior Cabins: These have no windows, which can make motion sickness feel worse for some travelers.
🚨 Avoid interior cabins if you’re sensitive to motion sickness—they can feel more enclosed and disorienting.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use Traveler Reviews to see what past guests say about their cabin experience for seasickness.
Step 3: Pick a Cabin on a Larger, More Stable Ship
Larger, newer cruise ships have advanced stabilizers that reduce rocking and swaying. The bigger the ship, the more stable it will be.
✔ Best ships for stability: Modern mega-ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian have advanced stabilizers.
✔ Worst for motion sickness: Smaller ships and older vessels don’t have as much stabilization, meaning they feel rockier in rough seas.
🚨 Avoid booking on smaller expedition ships or older vessels if you’re prone to motion sickness.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use the Explore Feature to find the newest and largest cruise ships for a smoother experience.
Step 4: Be Aware of High-Movement Itineraries
Where you sail affects how much movement you’ll feel. Some cruise itineraries are naturally smoother than others.
✔ Calmest waters: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska Inside Passage.
✔ Rougher waters: Transatlantic cruises, North Atlantic routes, open ocean crossings.
🚨 Avoid repositioning cruises or itineraries that cross large open ocean areas if you get motion sick easily.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use Traveler Reviews to see what past passengers say about their experience on different cruise itineraries.
Step 5: Stay Away from High-Traffic, Noisy Areas
Your cabin location can also affect how comfortable your cruise is, even beyond motion sickness.
✔ Best areas: Cabins surrounded by other staterooms (above, below, and on both sides) for less noise.
✔ Worst areas: Cabins near elevators, stairwells, theaters, or nightclubs can be noisy, making it hard to rest.
🚨 Avoid cabins directly above or below nightclubs, pool decks, or near the ship’s engines (aft).
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Explore Feature to find deck plans and choose the quietest cabin locations.
Final Thoughts: Pick the Right Cabin & Enjoy a Smooth Cruise
If you want to avoid seasickness, choosing a midship, lower-deck cabin is your best bet. Adding a balcony or ocean view, sailing on a large ship, and picking a calm itinerary can also make a big difference.
🚢 Ready to book your ideal cabin? Use the Explore Feature to find the best staterooms for your next cruise!
