Jayestravellingadventures

Choosing your P&O Cruises cabin can feel like a bit of a minefield.

You’ve got different decks, cabin grades, forward, midship and aft locations, balconies, sea views, inside cabins… and then you’re presented with a deck plan covered in tiny cabin numbers and symbols!

But the deck plan can actually be one of the most useful tools you have when booking a P&O cruise.

Rather than simply choosing the cheapest cabin in the category you want, spend a few minutes looking at where that cabin actually sits on the ship.

Here are 11 things I always recommend checking before you click that booking button.

1. Look at what’s directly above and below you

This is probably one of the biggest things people forget.

Your cabin might look perfect on paper, but check the decks above and below it.

Is there a restaurant? Theatre? Bar? Pool? Gym? Buffet?

These areas can be busy, and some operate from early morning until late at night.

For a quieter night’s sleep, I’d generally look for a cabin with other passenger cabins above and below it rather than being directly underneath a busy public area.

Think: cabin above + cabin below = potentially much quieter.

2. Be careful with cabins underneath the buffet or pool areas

This deserves its own mention because it can be easily overlooked.

A deck plan might show a beautiful balcony cabin directly underneath one of the ship’s popular areas, making it look like a convenient location.

But remember what happens above you.

Pool decks can mean loungers being moved around, people walking about and early-morning activity. Restaurants and buffet areas can involve staff preparing the space before guests even arrive.

So when looking at P&O ships such as Iona, Arvia or Britannia, don’t just look at the cabin itself — look at the entire deck around it.

3. Don’t automatically choose the cabin closest to the lifts

Being close to the lifts sounds brilliant.

And yes, it can be incredibly convenient — particularly on a larger P&O ship when you’ve walked what feels like half a mile from one end to the other!

However, being too close can mean more people passing your door, conversations in the corridor and the constant opening and closing of lift doors.

My preference would be close enough to be convenient, but not directly beside the lift lobby.

4. Look for cabins in the middle of the ship

If you’re someone who struggles with movement at sea, cabin location is worth thinking about.

P&O’s own guidance suggests that cabins towards the middle of the ship and on lower decks tend to experience less movement. (P&O Cruises)

So if you’re worried about seasickness, don’t assume that the highest deck with the best view is necessarily the best choice.

A centrally located cabin could be much more comfortable.

5. Check whether your cabin has an obstructed view

If you’re paying extra for a balcony or sea view, you definitely want to know what you’re actually going to see.

Some P&O cabins can have partial or obstructed views, depending on the ship and location.

An obstruction doesn’t necessarily mean the cabin is bad — it could still represent excellent value if you’re saving money — but you should know what you’re booking.

Never assume that “balcony” automatically means an uninterrupted panoramic view.

Check the individual cabin details and deck plan before booking.

6. Look closely at cabins at the front and back of the ship

Forward and aft cabins can have some fantastic advantages.

Aft cabins can offer beautiful views behind the ship, while forward cabins can give you a completely different perspective as you sail into port.

But there are things to consider too.

Forward cabins can feel more movement, particularly when the ship is sailing through rougher seas. Aft cabins can sometimes be closer to areas where you may hear machinery or thrusters during manoeuvring.

P&O also highlights these differences when helping guests choose cabin locations. (P&O Cruises)

So don’t choose the front or back purely because it looks exciting on the deck plan.

7. Look for those slightly unusual cabin shapes

Here’s where studying the deck plan can really pay off.

Not every cabin is identical.

Some cabins around corners or at the ends of cabin corridors can have different layouts or more space than the standard cabin next door.

P&O’s deck plans show the different cabin categories and locations, so it’s worth comparing several cabins within the same grade before making your final choice. (P&O Cruises)

You could potentially pay the same—or only slightly more—for a cabin that works much better for you.

8. Check for connecting cabins

If you’re travelling with family or friends, connecting cabins can be fantastic.

But if you don’t need a connecting cabin, it’s worth checking whether the cabin you’re considering has an interconnecting door.

This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but if you’re looking for maximum peace and quiet, it’s something I’d personally take into consideration.

9. Study the public areas around your cabin

Don’t just find your cabin number and stop there.

Look at the whole surrounding area.

• Where are the restaurants?

• Where are the theatres?

• Where are the pools?

• Where are the bars?

• Where is the kids’ club?

• Where are the staircases?

• Where are the launderettes?

This gives you a much better idea of what your day-to-day experience will actually be like.

P&O’s deck plans make it possible to see how cabins sit alongside the ship’s public areas, so use them before choosing your room. (P&O Cruises)

10. Think about where YOU will spend most of your time

There isn’t one single “best” cabin on a P&O ship.

The best cabin depends on how you cruise.

If you love sitting around the pool, you might want to be closer to the upper decks.

If you spend your evenings in the theatre, being nearer the entertainment areas could make life easier.

If you love heading to breakfast first thing, being closer to the buffet might be appealing.

And if you value peace and quiet above everything else, you may want to sacrifice a little convenience for a quieter cabin location.

Think about your own routine rather than simply choosing the cabin with the highest deck number.

11. Don’t just look at the cabin — look at the journey

This is one of my favourite ways to use a deck plan.

Imagine yourself getting ready in your cabin.

Where will you go for breakfast?

How will you get to the pool?

Where will you go for dinner?

How far is the theatre?

Where are the lifts?

Which staircase would you use?

Suddenly, the deck plan becomes much easier to understand.

You’re not just choosing a room anymore — you’re choosing where you’ll live for the duration of your cruise.

And on a large ship like Iona or Arvia, that can make a surprisingly big difference.

My biggest P&O cabin-booking tip

Don’t book based on cabin category alone.

Two cabins can both be advertised as balconies, for example, but their locations can make the experience feel completely different.

Before booking, I’d check:

✔️ What’s above the cabin

✔️ What’s below it

✔️ How close it is to the lifts

✔️ Whether it’s near entertainment venues

✔️ Whether the view is obstructed

✔️ Whether it’s forward, midship or aft

✔️ Whether it’s a connecting cabin

✔️ What’s directly around it

✔️ How close it is to the areas you’ll actually use

✔️ Whether the cabin has an unusual layout

✔️ How much movement you might experience

P&O allows you to use its cabin selector to choose a specific cabin type, deck and location, so don’t be afraid to spend some time studying the options before you book. (P&O Cruises)

The cheapest cabin isn’t always the best value — and the most expensive cabin isn’t necessarily the best location.

Sometimes, spending an extra few minutes studying that deck plan can make all the difference to your cruise.

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