How to Choose a Cruise Cabin: My Unexpected Balcony Fail

When I booked my suite on Carnival Mardi Gras, I thought I'd hit the jackpot, especially since it was a free casino comp cruise. But let's just say this "upgrade" turned into a masterclass in what NOT to do when selecting a cruise cabin.

Instead of just venting about my experience (though trust me, there will be some of that), I'm turning this into your ultimate guide for choosing the perfect cruise stateroom. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser who's become accustomed to interior cabins, these tips will help you avoid my mistakes and actually get what you pay for.

My Suite Disaster: When "Free" Comes at a Cost

Here's the thing about casino comps: while the room is free (minus port fees and taxes), you get to choose from limited inventory. And let me tell you, there's a reason certain rooms are available. I suspect the cruise lines save their "good" suites for paying customers, leaving us comp cruisers with the leftovers.

However, even if you're taking a traditional cruise, not a casino comp, you need to be cautious with room selection, as you may end up in the same situation I did. In fact, you should be more conscientious with this when you're paying full price. And that is to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck when it comes to stateroom selection.  

In my case on Mardi Gras, had I paid regular price for this suite, I would have been quite unhappy. Why? My room was not marked as having an obstructed view, but it was.

The deck below was fully blocked, and the recessed decks above meant passengers had a bird's-eye view into my supposedly private balcony. Taking those dreamy ocean photos that I love so much? Forget it. Having morning coffee in my robe? Sure, if I want zero privacy, as the people above could look directly down onto my balcony.

When I shared this experience on social media, the response was... interesting. Some called me entitled, others labeled me a "Karen." I took a lot of heat for "complaining" about my free suite (although spoiler alert: casino comps are far from free). 

But here's my thing. I wasn't complaining; I was simply sharing this experience as a cautionary tale for folks who book a balcony or suite and find out it's not free. And regardless of what anyone pays for a stateroom, transparency matters. Whether you're paying full price or sailing on a comp, you deserve to know what you're getting.

Understanding Cruise Cabin Categories: More Than Meets the Eye

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cabin selection, let me share something that might save you hundreds of dollars and countless headaches. The cruise industry has this fascinating way of making everything sound better than it is. "Partially obstructed view" might mean you can see a sliver of ocean if you crane your neck just right. "Cozy" means you'll be doing the cruise cabin shuffle every time you and your travel companion need to pass each other.

The GTY Gamble: What Nobody Tells You

Let's start with the elephant in the room: GTY (Guarantee) staterooms. These are the budget traveler's Russian roulette. You book a category (like "Balcony Guarantee"), pay less than selecting a specific room, and the cruise line assigns you any available cabin in that category or higher.

Sounds great, right? Here's the catch: you have ZERO control over location. You might end up:

• Next to the elevator (ding! all night long)
• Under the pool deck (think stampeding elephants at 6 AM)
• At the very front of the ship (hello, seasickness)
• With an obstructed view (like yours truly)

Pro tip: That $200 you save on a GTY booking? It might cost you your sanity. Unless you're genuinely flexible and have sailed enough to know you can sleep through anything, pay the extra for room selection.

Suite Dreams vs. Reality

Other than the view disaster, my suite was... fine. But here's the kicker: it was surprisingly small for a suite, and I honestly couldn't see much difference or added value compared to a regular balcony cabin. Of course, my situation was unique as a casino comp, but it taught me an important lesson: bigger isn't always better.

How to Choose the Perfect Cruise Cabin Location

After sailing on over 40 cruises and experiencing everything from crew hallway symphonies to nightclub bass lines vibrating through my pillow, I've become somewhat of an expert on where NOT to book a cabin. The thing is, cruise ships are floating cities with all the noise, traffic, and activity that entails. The difference between a peaceful sanctuary and a sleepless nightmare often comes down to location, location, location.

Deck Location: Your First Line of Defense

Not all decks are created equal. Here's your cheat sheet:

Avoid These Decks:

• Directly under the pool/lido deck: Unless you enjoy 6 AM deck chair dragging symphonies. I had an under-the-lido-deck room once, and the chair dragging kept us up most nights, and this is (of all rooms to avoid) the top contender for rooms I will never stay in again.
• Above or below nightclubs/theaters: I learned this the hard way on Holland America, ending up above the nightclub. Thankfully, HAL caters to an older crowd, so everything shut down by midnight, and I was usually in there enjoying the live music anyway. But on party ships like Carnival? Good luck.
• Below specialty venues: Here's a fun one - on MSC Seaside, I spent the first two nights at dinner in the MDR hearing this loud rumbling intermittently that almost sounded like thunder. Finally realized there was a bowling alley directly overhead. The noise was quite disruptive during what should have been a relaxing dinner, and I can only imagine trying to sleep in a cabin below a bowling alley. Always check what's above AND below your cabin!
• Deck 1 or 2: Often crew areas with early morning noise. Although I should note that I quite like lower-deck-located rooms because there's less motion from the ocean. If you have a port-heavy itinerary, it can be really convenient to have a Deck 1 or 2 room for easy access to your room from the ship's disembarkation point.
• Top decks: More motion, hotter cabins

Sweet Spot Decks:

• Mid-ship, middle decks: Less motion, central location
• One deck below restaurants: Convenient but generally not noisy
• Away from elevators but not at the ship's ends: Balance convenience with peace. I always try to find a room that's not far from a bank of elevators, since that's convenient, but not too close that you hear all the noise.

The Midship Deck 9 Warning (Excel Class Ships)

Now, let me tell you about a specific design flaw that Carnival seems particularly proud of, despite it being a privacy nightmare. On their Excel class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee) the midship Deck 9 balcony rooms have a tiered design that creates serious privacy and view obstruction issues.

Here's the crucial part: My room was NOT marked in ANY way as obstructed. Not on the deck plan, not in the booking details, nowhere in Carnival's official information. Even an experienced cruiser doing their due diligence would have no idea this room had major issues just from booking online.

This is exactly why you MUST search for your specific room number online before booking. YouTube room tours, TikTok reviews, cruise forums: these real passenger experiences will tell you what the cruise line won't. I spent hours after my cruise watching other people's videos of the same cabin category, and guess what? They all mentioned the same privacy issues. If only I'd done this research beforehand.

Reading Deck Plans Like a Pro

Deck plans are like real estate listings: what they don't tell you is often more important than what they do. Those colorful layouts with their neat little cabin squares hide a multitude of sins. Let me decode the mysteries for you, learned through years of unfortunate discoveries.

What to Look For:

Blank spaces = mechanical areas or crew spaces (noisy)

Let me tell you about my experience on the Carnival Horizon. I ended up in an oddly configured room that was oriented horizontally, rather than the typical vertical layout. At first, I thought, "Cool, a unique room!" Then I noticed the blank space behind it on the deck plan.

It turns out that the innocent-looking empty area was actually a crew hallway. Carts rolling, dishes clanging at all hours: not exactly the peaceful ocean soundtrack you're expecting. It wasn't a huge deal, but the noise was noticeable and would be quite disruptive for folks like me who tend to be lighter sleepers.

The rest of my deck plan detective work has taught me to look for thick lines between cabins (steel beams that actually block noise), proximity to stairs and elevators (convenience versus constant foot traffic), and those sneaky lifeboat positions that nobody mentions until you're staring at one instead of the ocean.

The Lifeboat Lottery

Speaking of lifeboats, here's another fun story from my collection of cruise cabin adventures. On Carnival Spirit during an Alaska cruise, I had an obstructed balcony room where the obstruction was a massive orange lifeboat. And when I say significant obstruction, I mean it blocked about 70% of those gorgeous Alaskan views.

Now, in this case, I wasn't upset because the room WAS clearly marked as obstructed (unlike my Mardi Gras disaster), it was another free casino comp, and I'd been to Alaska before, so missing some views wasn't devastating.

But imagine if this were your once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise? Your first time seeing glaciers, whales, and those incredible mountain vistas? That $200-300 extra for an unobstructed view suddenly seems like the bargain of the century.

The Secret Symbols Nobody Explains:

• Partially obstructed view ≠ slightly obstructed (could be 90% blocked).
• Connecting rooms = potential noise, even if not connected. I've ended up in this type of room many times, and it's shocking how much noise carries through.
• Handicap accessible = often larger but may have different layouts.
• No obstruction marking ≠ actually unobstructed (as I learned the hard way).

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cabin Selection Strategies

You know what I love about cruising? There's always something new to learn, and every mistake becomes a lesson that makes the next cruise even better. After years of cabin roulette, I've finally cracked the code on finding those perfect staterooms that make you want to spend time in your room, rather than just using it as a place to crash.

The Tiered Balcony Privacy Problem

Modern ships love their tiered balcony designs because they look gorgeous in marketing photos. Those sweeping curves of balconies creating Instagram-worthy ship profiles? Yeah, they're also creating a neighborhood watch situation where everyone can see into everyone else's outdoor space.

What the glossy brochures don't show is passengers on upper decks peering directly into lower balconies. If privacy matters to you, research the ship's design or, better yet, call the cruise line and ask specific questions about sight lines.

Price vs. Value: When to Splurge

Here's something I've learned after years of trying to save a buck on cruise cabins: sometimes being cheap costs you more in the end. That $200 difference between an obstructed and clear view? Worth every penny when you're not spending your entire cruise annoyed at staring at a lifeboat.

The sweet spot for splurging comes when you're celebrating something special, like an anniversary or honeymoon or "bucket list" itinerary, taking a longer cruise where minor annoyances compound over time, or if you're a light sleeper who needs peace and quiet more than you need that extra $300 in your pocket.

Research Tools That Actually Work

You no longer have to book blind or rely solely on cruise line deck plans (which, as I've learned, don't always reveal the full story about things like balcony obstructions). The internet has revolutionized how we research cruise cabins, and savvy cruisers now tap into the wealth of real passenger experiences available online.

Here's a pro tip: if you can't find a video tour of your exact stateroom, try searching for rooms directly adjacent to yours. Adjacent cabins typically have identical layouts, and when it comes to checking for view obstructions, neighboring balconies will show you exactly what you're in for. This detective work has saved me from booking disasters more than once.

1. YouTube: Search "[ship name] [cabin number] tour" - As a cruise content creator, I always try to be helpful and do quick room tours for fellow cruisers. You can find some of my stateroom tours on my channel by searching "stateroom tour". Many other creators do the same, so there's usually someone who's stayed in the exact cabin you're considering.
2. CruiseCritic forums: Real reviews from real cruisers who have no reason to sugarcoat
3. Ship tour videos: Pause to see actual cabin locations and what's really nearby
4. Facebook groups: "[Cruise line] [ship name]" groups have brutal honesty
5. Direct calls: Cruise lines will often tell you about the obstruction if asked directly (but you have to ask)

Cruise Line Specific Tips

Every cruise line has its quirks, and after sailing with most of the major players, I've noticed patterns that can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Carnival, bless their party-loving hearts, designs ships for maximum fun, which means maximum noise if you're in the wrong spot. My cruise bestie once had a cabin just a few doors down from the midship atrium on one of Carnival’s older ships.

Thanks to that open design, she could hear every bit of the party action echoing down the hallway on nights there were atrium parties. Fun when you're in the mood, or a non-factor when you're participating in those atrium parties, but not so much when you're trying to sleep.

As for the quiet side of Carnival room options, Havana cabins are worth the premium for exclusive deck access, but avoid anything near their nightclubs unless you're planning to close them down every night.

I'm a big fan of Carnival’s Family Harbor rooms (probably my favorite room type overall) mainly because I love the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge. These rooms are only available on select Carnival ships, like Vista, Horizon, Panorama, and the Excel class ships. 

While they’re located near areas that could be noisier (like the kids’ spaces), and geared toward families with kids, I was honestly surprised by how quiet my Family Harbor rooms have been. I expected more noise, but it's never been an issue during my own stays in these types of rooms.

When booking with cruise lines that feature promenades, like Royal Caribbean or MSC World America, you’ll come across some unusual cabin layouts.

Promenade-facing rooms, for instance, have windows that look directly into the ship’s indoor or outdoor promenade areas, which are like malls/walkways. They’re definitely not quiet. However, when I stayed in one on a Royal Caribbean ship once, the people-watching made it worthwhile. Seeing the events and parties unfold below added a fun vibe, and the tradeoff was one I didn’t mind. I’d absolutely stay in that type of cabin again.

Royal's Central Park balconies are beautiful, but keep in mind you’re paying balcony prices for a view of plants and walkways. And if your ship has an ice rink, avoid any cabins nearby unless you enjoy being woken up by the Zamboni at sunrise.

Norwegian's Haven suites are spectacular if you can afford them, creating a ship within a ship experience. But their regular cabins can be hit or miss, especially the studios, which, while great for solo travelers, tend to be in high-traffic areas.

Holland America generally offers quieter ships overall. Their verandah spa cabins come with nice perks, and Neptune Suites consistently have the best locations.

For my first Alaskan cruise, which was on Hollan's m.s. Westerdam, I booked a Neptune Suite, and it was perfect in every way. The extra space, the prime location, the special perks, the flawless, unobstructed view of Alaskan landscapes... totally worth the splurge for my first time to Alaska. It was pricey, but I have no regrets.

Would I have paid a premium for a Neptune suite on a Caribbean cruise? Absolutely not, as I've taken over 35 Caribbean cruises. But for my first time to a bucket list destination? No brainer.

When to Book for Best Selection

Timing isn't everything, but it's close. The cruise cabin you want exists, but whether it's available when you're ready to book is another story. The best availability typically occurs when bookings first open (18-24 months in advance) or during Wave Season (January-March), when cruise lines release their inventory and deals. Repositioning cruises often have great cabin availability too, since they're less popular.

The worst times? Last-minute bookings during peak season after final payment dates, when all the savvy cruisers have already snagged the good rooms. You'll be left to choose between the cabin next to the anchor mechanism and the one under the dance floor.

The Bottom Line: Do Your Homework

Look, I love cruising. Even with my "not so sweet" suite, I had a great time. But imagine how much better it would've been with a cabin that didn't feel like a fishbowl?

Whether you're paying regular price or sailing on a casino comp like me, you deserve transparency and a cabin that enhances, not detracts from, your vacation. That "great deal" on a GTY cabin might save you $300, but is it worth potentially being placed in the cruise equivalent of a highway motel room?

My advice? Do your homework. Spend the extra time researching. Go down the YouTube rabbit hole. Ask all the questions in the various cruise Facebook groups. Pay the bit extra for the room you actually want. Because at the end of the day, your cabin is your sanctuary at sea. Make sure it's one you'll actually want to spend time in.

And if you do end up in a less-than-ideal cabin? Well, at least you'll have a story to tell, or maybe a TikTok video to share. Just be prepared for the internet to have opinions about it. ;)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are obstructed balcony views always marked on deck plans?

No! This is one of the biggest misconceptions in cruise booking. As I learned the hard way on Carnival Mardi Gras, some cabins with significant obstructions are NOT marked as obstructed on deck plans or in booking details. Always research your specific cabin number through YouTube tours, cruise forums, or social media before booking.

What exactly is a GTY (Guarantee) stateroom?

A GTY or Guarantee stateroom means you're booking a cabin category (like "Balcony") at a discounted rate, but the cruise line assigns your specific room. You have no choice in location and could end up anywhere on the ship in that category or higher. While you might get lucky with an upgrade, you could also end up next to the elevators or under the nightclub.

How much more should I expect to pay for a good cabin location?

Typically, selecting a specific cabin over a GTY rate costs $100-300 more per cabin. Prime locations (midship, higher decks, and unobstructed views) may add an additional $200-$ 500. For a week-long cruise, you can expect to pay an additional $300-800 for a well-located cabin compared to the cheapest option in the same category.

What's the best deck to avoid seasickness?

Lower decks (4-7) and midship locations experience the least motion. Avoid the very front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship, and skip the highest decks where motion is most noticeable. If you're prone to seasickness, it's worth paying extra for a midship cabin on a lower deck.

Are connecting cabins noisy even if the door stays locked?

Yes, connecting cabins can be noisier than regular cabins because the connecting door isn't as soundproof as a regular wall. You might hear conversations, TV, and movement from next door, even with the door locked. If you're a light sleeper, avoid connecting cabins unless you're traveling with the group next door.

Should I book directly with the cruise line or use a travel agent?

Both have advantages. Booking directly gives you immediate access to deck plans and cabin selection, as well as direct communication for any changes. Travel agents often have access to perks, group rates, or expertise about specific ships. They can also help identify problematic cabins. For first-time cruisers or complex bookings, a knowledgeable cruise specialist can be invaluable.

What's the deal with "secret" decks on deck plans?

Some areas shown as blank spaces or crew-only areas on public deck plans might actually contain passenger cabins. These are often oddly configured rooms (like my horizontal Carnival Horizon cabin) that don't fit the standard layout. They can be larger but might have noise issues from adjacent crew areas. Always ask specifically about any cabin that looks unusual on the deck plan.