Aft Cabin? Myths and Facts

My family loves to cruise! Every time we start to plan a vacation, it's "where should we cruise to?" Having been on a number of cruises throughout my single days, I introduced my family to cruising and now my husband has cruised equally as much as our boys. The one part of cruising that we all have in common is where we like to be on the ship. We have always loved mid-ship for its convenience, stability and location. So you can imagine the dismay of everyone when after all of these years, I decided to book our recent cruise in the aft. Where is THAT? How far will we have to walk?  Do you hear the engines all night long? 

I stuck to my plan and (hesitantly!) assured them they would love it. ​​The aft is the back of the ship. No, you don't hear the engines all night long and the aft cabins have an amazing view as to where you have been. There are many myths about staying in the aft. Now it's time to check out the facts. 

Facts on Booking an Aft Cabin

​On the Celebrity Solstice-class ships, many of the aft cabins are Sky Suites and some have a corner, aft view along with a large porthole window looking out to the side. For more about these beautiful cabins, take a look at my Celebrity Cabins page. It also shows how our cabin connected with a wonderful private alcove. Perfect for families!

Myth

Long walk to your cabin at the aft of the ship.

fact

This isn't nearly as intimidating as it looks on the deck plans. On our most recent ship, Celebrity Reflection, there are no aft stairways or elevators so you will  have to walk  towards mid-ship to go up or down. But there are railings all along the hallway. Friendly stateroom attendants always greet you for a quick chat. (We came across one who surprisingly knew my youngest son by name since she encountered him often while walking back to and from the cabin.) Then when you get to mid-ship, take a break and enjoy a rest in the Library or check your emails at the Internet Cafe. We do find that most ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet don't have many staircases. However, ships in Princess Cruises and Holland America fleet often have stairs in the forward and aft of the ship. I have heard that Norwegian Cruise Line ships often have great aft cabins. Take a look at the deck plans on any ship before you book. 

MYTH

Soot on deck. ​

FACT

Not on our Celebrity Cruises ship. Didn't see one speck. Maybe it was because they are rigorously cleaning the verandas, furniture and windows daily. The only time I noticed any smoke was at night against the dark sky but it was oddly relaxing and beautiful. 

MYTH

Seasickness. ​

FACT

This was tested since we did hit a bit of rough seas one night, typical of the Caribbean. However, nothing. No extra bumps or swaying in the aft of the ship. This was actually the only cruise that I ended up taking my SeaBands off early. However, if you are concerned about seasickness, make sure to see my tips to prepare ahead of time.

Yep, we've been convinced. A cabin in the aft of the ship provides a secluded spot that is not heavily traveled or noisy. The view is unbelievable and when gazing at the wake, it feels like you are cruising on your own private yacht. 

We have already booked our next cruise and quickly grabbed the perfect aft cabin. It's our home away from home on our own ship, in our quiet space and with our amazing, reserved view.  You'll now find us always in the aft!