You should first become familiar with some location-related jargon before learning the layout of your cruise ship. For example, the front of a cruise ship is referred to as the forward, and the back as the aft.
The aft – Also known as the afterdeck – is at the rear of the boat, also called the stern. On a cruise ship, it is the side that faces the bow and is furthest forward.
To assist you in selecting the stateroom that best suits your needs, here is all the information you need to know about a ship’s forward and aft areas.
What’s the Difference Between the Forward and Aft of a Ship?
The maritime industry has its own language when it comes to naming parts of a ship. The forward of a ship is exactly what it sounds like: It’s the side of a cruise ship that faces the bow most forwardly. The rear of a ship, at the direction of a ship’s stern, is called the aft.
Midship is the term used to describe the area between a ship’s forward and aft ends.
What Are the Benefits of Booking a Stateroom at the Forward of a Ship?
A cruise ship’s front-facing staterooms can be appealing. For many passengers, the views from a forward-facing stateroom are unmatched anywhere else on a ship. It is pleasant to see what the captain sees from the bridge as your ship approaches a port or points its bow out to sea.
The alternative stateroom arrangements made possible by the angled shape of a ship’s bow also frequently result in forward staterooms having a little extra room to spread out.
Staterooms that face forward experience more movement than other areas of the ship. This is due to the fact that a ship moves through the water with the most wind and direct contact from rolling waves, which causes a lot of motion and sea spray. However, some cruisers enjoy that sense of being so connected to the sway of the seas.
Due to the elements, a veranda isn’t especially practical at the forward (if you’ve ever had your Leonardo DiCaprio/Kate Winslet moment at the front of a cruise ship, you know that the wind and sea spray there is strong). The few verandas that are located forward, however, are frequently overly large.
Although verandas are relatively uncommon, the forward’s oceanview staterooms take on some distinctive features. Staterooms in the front of a cruise ship occasionally substitute larger or even floor-to-ceiling window panels for the standard picture window due to the more unusual configurations, which provide pretty amazing views.
What Are the Benefits of Booking a Stateroom at the Aft of a Ship?
Looking out at a ship’s wake can be downright hypnotic, and for many cruisers, taking in the scene of the churning seas below with the vastness of the ocean stretching out toward the horizon is the pinnacle of relaxation.
If that’s not enough to convince you, keep in mind that cruisers with staterooms at the aft also get some of the best views available when leaving port.
Another major perk is that coveted rear-facing verandas typically run bigger than the ones found midship. Some deluxe staterooms located at the very back of a ship may even have verandas that form an L-shape around the ship, giving you views from both sides.
Many ships have at least one main dining room located at the aft, so if you prefer to access your meals by taking a flight or two of stairs, this might be the best option for you. However, aft staterooms also typically tend to be a little further from the elevator banks, so plan on doing some extra walking to get to them in order to access other ship amenities.
Engine equipment is also placed at the aft of a ship, so be prepared for the possibility of some extra vibrations and sounds from the engine room, especially if your stateroom is located on the lower decks of a ship.
Do Higher Or Lower Decks Matter When Booking a Stateroom at the Forward Or Aft of a Ship?
Before making a reservation, whatever stateroom you decide on, be sure to speak with a travel agent or conduct some independent research on the deck plan of the ship to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is above, below, and immediately next to your stateroom.
If noise is a concern, you should probably stay away from apartments that are too close to busy areas that could produce noise, like elevator banks. If you’re sensitive to noise or a light sleeper, you probably don’t want to reserve a room directly above or below the nightclub, theater, or pool deck. Staterooms that are surrounded by quieter ones typically have those on either side, above, or below them.
However, you might want quick access to a certain amenity. Maybe you enjoy being close to the spa (often found toward the forward of a ship) or Oceanview Café (casual dining establishments are typically found at the aft of a ship). Or perhaps you require easy access to the bank of stairs or elevators. Therefore, keep an eye out for these potential geographic advantages in deck plans as well.
Also keep in mind that lower-deck staterooms are typically less expensive than higher-deck ones whether you book forward or aft. Because outdoor attractions like the pool and sundecks are grouped on the top decks of the ship, staterooms closer to the top of the ship are typically thought to be more desirable, especially on warmer-weather voyages. Higher-deck staterooms also offer better vantage points and panoramas.
Read: What Deck Is Best on a Cruise Ship?
Which Side is Best for Staterooms?
The best “real estate” on a cruise ship really is subjective and based on your personal tastes and preferences. That said, there are benefits when it comes to booking your stateroom in either the forward or aft of a ship.
In conclusion, the ship’s forward compartment might be your best bet if you don’t mind motion and want a unique front-perch view. The aft of a ship is probably the best choice if you are interested in a view of the ship’s wake and the chance to score a larger veranda (and don’t mind the possibility of some additional vibration).
Keep in mind, too, that there is a case to be made for forgoing both sides and simply booking a midship stateroom. You’ll be in the center of the action, within fairly equidistant striking distance of most ship amenities, which is a saving grace for those with mobility issues.
By contrast, when you’re tucked away off to the sides of the ship, it’s quieter. Additionally, the staterooms forward and aft of a ship will typically have more distinctive layouts than the more conventional staterooms midship, which may or may not be to your advantage.
Which Side is Best for Sunrises and Sunsets?
If having the ideal vantage point for the daily spectacle of sunset—or sunrise, if you’re an early bird—is important to you, you should carefully consider your itinerary. Of course, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so you’ll want a stateroom that faces primarily east for the duration of your itinerary if sunrise is what you’re after, or west if you’re more interested in sunsets.
You’re probably going to experience both, at least in small doses, on any given cruise vacation if your itinerary isn’t a straight line. Be sure to ask ahead to better ascertain the stateroom’s anticipated orientation and views out to sea. Remember that there are plenty of public decks on the ship, so regardless of where you stay, you can find the ideal sunrise/sunset location.
Conclusion
This is a fantastic option if you enjoy the larger room, sense of seclusion, and breathtaking views of the ship’s wake that an aft-facing cabin offers.
