Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end. Aft balcony accommodations at the ship's corners are also the largest and often give more outside area than conventional balcony cabins, allowing you to enjoy both the beautiful views and the extra space.On most cruise ships, the most luxurious accommodation is on the upper decks. Here, you'll find a selection of elegant suites, with generous outdoor space, separate living areas, and amenities ranging from all-inclusive drinks to the service of a concierge.

Is it better to be on the back or front of a cruise ship : The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

Do cruise ships give free upgrades

Cruise lines naturally give upgrade preferences to frequent cruisers who are members of their loyalty programs. It's easy to join. In fact, you might be a member without even knowing it if your name was added to a cruise line's email and mailing list after your first cruise with the brand.

What can you not do on a balcony on a cruise : Please do not climb onto balcony furniture, sit on the railings with your feet dangling or — and yes, this has been attempted — climb from one balcony to the next.

Check for decks close to the crew service entrances as well as the main cruise engine. Such decks will have a higher level of noise compared to a sandwiched deck area.

Making sure you have medicine to combat sea sickness can help you get a head start on feeling good, and sleeping well, during your cruise. Choose a cabin on the lower decks. The lower your cabin, the less rocking sensation you will experience.

How do I ask for a free upgrade on a cruise

To try your luck, you'll want to ask about an upgrade at guest services. Since the crew there will spend embarkation day fielding many questions and complaints from grumpy, travel-weary cruisers, your best bet may be to head to your assigned cabin. Then, wait until the second day of your cruise to ask for an upgrade.An upgraded cabin is almost always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget. If you change your mind once you've booked, you'll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher-category room.Check for decks close to the crew service entrances as well as the main cruise engine. Such decks will have a higher level of noise compared to a sandwiched deck area.

Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Can Make a Mess

You might want to prop open your balcony door as you sail, but cruise lines aren't so keen on the idea.

Where not to go on a cruise ship :

• Interior Cabins That Are Cramped and Often Windowless. The Interior Cabin on Marina.
• Cruise Ship Cabins With Obstructed Views. The Junior Suite (Obstructed View) on Carnival Elation.
• Noisy Cabins. The Family Harbor Suite on Carnival Horizon.
• Cabins With No Privacy.
• Cabins That Might Make Seasickness Worse.
• Guarantee Cabins.

What is the riskiest part of a cruise ship : The 5 Most Dangerous Parts of a Ship for Passengers

• Watertight Doors. Never try to outrun a closing watertight door.
• Wet/Slippery Surfaces.
• Ferries & Lifeboats.
• Dining Facilities & Fast-Spreading Illnesses.
• Balconies.
• Talking to a Florida Cruise Ship Injury Attorney.

Where not to sleep on a cruise

Reserve a cabin in a quiet area of the ship. For example, avoid cabins that are directly above the gym, near childcare areas, etc. Choose an interior cabin if maximum darkness is important. Bring a sleep mask and earplugs.

Here are our recommendations of cabin locations to avoid.

• Near Entertainment Venues.
• At The Bow.
• Near the Anchor.
• Obstructed Views.
• Close to the Engine Room and the Galleys.
• Near Elevator Landings and Stairwells.
• Under the Jogging Track or Near Children's Playrooms.
• Connecting Cabins.

Join a loyalty program

Cruise lines naturally give upgrade preferences to frequent cruisers who are members of their loyalty programs. It's easy to join. In fact, you might be a member without even knowing it if your name was added to a cruise line's email and mailing list after your first cruise with the brand.

How to get free upgrade from economy to first class : Here are our top eight tips.

1. Achieve elite travel status. Elite status is far and away the best route to securing free seat upgrades.
2. Use an airline rewards credit card.
3. Watch for sales & deals.
4. Ask at the gate.
5. Report bad experiences to customer service.
6. Fly solo.
7. Take advantage of oversold flights.
8. Use airline miles.