"The first night on my first cruise was truly terrifying," recalled Joey Hadden from New York City, USA, speaking about her 2022 trip on Royal Caribbean's 18-deck Wonder of the Seas. While sleeping, she was startled by rumbling sounds echoing from the decks above and below, and the floor vibrated beneath her feet. She imagined furniture on the ship sliding, crashing, and hitting walls, creating the noises she heard.

Joey sat rigid on the sofa in the middle of the night, determined to stay awake and prepare for the worst. She reread the emergency safety instructions for hours until she fell asleep.

Joey posing for a souvenir photo on the cruise four years ago. *BI*

Upon waking, she rushed out of her cabin to ensure everything was fine. Seeing seasoned passengers calmly crowding the buffet and lining up for water slides, Joey realized she had just experienced a completely normal night at sea.

Four years ago, Joey spent 2,000 USD for 7 nights on the ship. She chose a cabin approximately 17 m2 located near the bow, at the front of deck 8. This mid-range room category was more expensive than an interior cabin, cheaper than a balcony cabin, and two tiers below a suite, the highest class on the ship. Due to her inexperience, she unintentionally booked a cabin in the position where the ship's movements were most acutely felt at sea.

After the unsettling first night, Joey spoke with other passengers to ask if they had similar experiences. Experienced travelers informed her that the bow is one of the worst locations for those prone to seasickness. Higher decks in the middle of the ship are generally smoother and more stable.

The Wonder of the Seas cruise ship at sea. *Cruise spotlight*

Joey's cabin was located at the front of deck 8, causing her to constantly feel every shake in her room. For someone who gets dizzy even from slight movement in a bathtub, the cabin's location was a nightmare for the American traveler, spoiling many of her experiences during the trip.

On many nights, the ship rocked more intensely than usual. During the nights with the largest waves, every few minutes Joey heard and felt vibrations like thunder beneath her feet. The loud crashes and strong shaking in the cabin sounded like large pieces of furniture colliding.

A premium cabin on the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship. *Cruise mapper*

During the 7 days at sea, eating and participating in activities were "particularly difficult" for her. Joey also lacked the energy to join shore excursions, including long walks under the sun.

Joey regretted not thoroughly researching the different cabin locations on the ship and how they are affected by the ship's movement. Had she chosen a different cabin or location, her trip would have certainly been more enjoyable.

"Next time, I will choose a cabin in the middle of the ship," Joey stated.

Lauren Mack, a travel and culinary expert, has gained extensive experience in choosing cabins after 25 cruise trips. According to her, the most ideal cabin has a balcony, is located in the middle of the ship, and on a mid-level deck, neither too high nor too low. To save money while still benefiting, she advises booking the first cabin at the edge of the mid-ship section, as the difference is only a few extra meters.

By Anh Minh (Source: Business Insider)