Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, offering 2,805 staterooms. The enormous cruiser can hold 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or a maximum of 7,600 guests, with plenty of options for cruise-goers hoping to book their stay onboard.
However, offering 28 different room types doesn’t reflect your average cruise, but the decision is still very important for holidaymakers. Picking the wrong cabin could result in a noisy stay or bad motion sickness for some unlucky cruisers. Avid cruise-goers have shared their wisdom, suggesting one specific spot on any ship.
When determining which room to select, a cruiser responded to a first-timer worried about seasickness.
They explained that midship high deck or front/back of ship low deck were the two options within their price range.
Sharing their insight on a Reddit thread r/Cruise, one user said: “Been on a few cruises myself, and I can say that midship is where it’s at if you’re worried about getting seasick.
“Even though it’s on a higher deck, midship is more stable compared to the motion you feel at the front or back. I think you’ll have a smoother ride there, so deck 9 midship should be a sweet spot.”
Several fellow Reddit users agreed, suggesting that seasickness isn’t as common as people may think on such a massive ship but that mid-ship rooms appeal “for convenience".
Another coined the catchy phrase “the more you pay, the more you sway,” suggesting that expensive suites are located near the action, often near the buffet, bars, entertainment, and pools.
An expert at Cruise Critic noted that this is generally true. They warned: “If you're at all prone to seasickness, you'll want to avoid an upper deck cabin. The higher you are on a cruise ship, the more motion you'll feel.”
Mobility is another factor cruisers should consider when booking their cabin.
If you want to avoid spending lots of time in the elevator or don’t want to take the stairs, remember how many decks there might be between your cabin and the main areas of activity (dining rooms, theatre, atrium, etc.).
The cruise expert noted that if you are too low down, you are likely to have to wait a long time for the elevator or walk up the stairs back to your cabin.
It’s always good to get your steps in by taking the stairs after indulging in the buffet.