Aft Cabin? Myths and Facts

Updated May 29, 2024

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, also called the stern. 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. 

When choosing a location on the ship, it's typically divided up into Aft, Midship, and Forward. When I'm talking about a true aft, I'm describing the rooms that face out the back of the ship...all the way at the end of the ship. Below is a diagram, courtesy of Celebrity Cruises:

Myths and Facts on Booking an Aft Cabin

See below for the Myths and Facts on booking an aft stateroom. Keep in mind, they do sell out very quickly so you should plan ahead and reserve your aft cabin as soon as you've found your ship and cruise. If you don't get the opportunity to have an aft stateroom, there are often various public areas located at the rear of the ship so you can enjoy the same aft view. The Yacht Club on the MSC Divina has a pool that overlooks the back of the ship, although below the staterooms, there are lounges where all guests can secure an aft view.  Celebrity Cruises has a wonderful restaurant called Eden that has an amazing aft view with large windows. If you can get a reservation during sunset, the view won't disappoint. 

There are always an amazing number of aft views on MSC ships

Aft view from Celebrity Beyond's restaurant Eden

As you can see on the MSC Divina above, not only do the cabins on the back of the ship have that coveted aft view, but the last balcony staterooms also offer an extended view. ​This style of a flat back, offers a very private experience for each cabin and you'll notice that they are all shaded. Celebrity Cruises Solstice class ships are sloped in the back and are sunnier (which is nice when cruising in Alaska or other cold weather climates) however, if you sit further out on your balcony, you may be slightly visible from above. 

On the Celebrity Cruises 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. This Sky Suite connected to either another Sky Suite or a Deluxe Stateroom with a wonderful private alcove. Perfect for families!

Beautiful views from the Celebrity Reflection but they aren't the most private

Norwegian Breakaway has a fabulous aft view from their lounge

MYTH

"It's a loooong 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 some ships, such as Celebrity Reflection, there are no aft stairways or elevators so you will have to walk mid-ship to go up or down. But think positively! There are railings all along the hallway. And they are being cleaned constantly and so the friendly staff or stateroom attendants may 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.) Before or after your walk to mid-ship, take a break and enjoy a rest in the library or check your emails at the Internet Cafe, if you are on Celebrity Cruises Solstice class ship. 

Before you cruise, check out the ship's deck plan on the website to see where the closest set of stairs or elevators are to the aft. For example, on Princess Cruises, you'll find stairs and elevator options very near the aft-facing staterooms as well as in the forward. Whereas on various MSC Cruises, they have very convenient stairs and lifts for the aft rooms, although none on the very forward, so plan for a bit of a walk.

It definitely could be a negative if you have a hard time walking, so consider your fitness level if your ship doesn't have an elevator in close proximity to the aft. But don't give up the experience for fear of the walk. I admit, there have been a few occasions at the end of the evening you where you might see me carrying my high-heels while walking back to our aft stateroom, but it's worth it!

Wonder of the Seas offers not only aft views, but also views of the aquatic center

There is nothing like a gorgeous aft view on a sunny day!

MYTH

"Soot falls on the deck of your balcony."

FACT

Not on our Celebrity Cruises ship. I 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. 

However, this isn't always the case. I have heard that some aft cabins are more prone to soot. It's possible you may wake up in the mornings to a bit a grayish dust on your balcony chairs or tables. The room attendants will gladly wipe this down for you if it is an annoyance, so don't hesitate to ask. If you want to research a specific stateroom or suite on a ship, I always head over to the Cruise Critic Message Board Forum. Sign-in (or sign-up) and then go to the cruise line you want to research. Many of them have cabin information pinned to the top or you can search the forums using your ship and cabin number as keywords. Also, join a Facebook page and start a discussion or search for advice previous cruises have given to what they've experienced on their aft stateroom balcony. 

An aft sunset view is spectacular

Beautiful cruise ships in Miami seen from the aft view at sail away

MYTH

"I'll get seasick in an aft stateroom.​"

FACT

The myth is because it can be rockier at the forward or the aft of the ship when in-climate weather or if the ship is going a bit faster. During these times, midship is notoriously the most stable. However, I've never found that I get more seasick in an aft cabin versus any other location on the ship. This was tested since we did hit a bit of rough seas one night in our aft suite, 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 for seasickness ahead of time.

Aft balcony on Celebrity Solstice in Alaska

View of Seattle, WA at sail-away

Conclusion? 

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. Of course, any veranda view from the ship is amazing. There is just something about seeing the ship's wake behind you and feeling like the view is your own. I highly recommend it if you are cruising to Alaska. Our aft suite was especially beautiful in Alaska while looking at the glaciers and mountains from this view. They are usually the first to fill up since it is a desirable location and they are limited. So when looking to book your next cruise, consider the aft view! 

​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 in the aft!