Liveaboard Knowledge
Choosing the Right Liveaboard Cabin: A Diver’s Guide to Comfort at Sea
By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 23 Jul 2025
When planning your scuba liveaboard adventure, you’ve likely chosen your dream destination and itinerary. But one crucial decision remains: which cabin should you book? With various room types available, from budget-friendly bunk beds to luxurious master cabins, selecting the right one can make or break your experience. Should you splurge on a premium cabin or stick with a standard room? Does the deck level matter? Drawing from my personal experience diving on liveaboards, I’ll guide you through the considerations for choosing a cabin, the types of rooms typically available, and the pros and cons of each.
When planning your scuba liveaboard adventure, you’ve likely chosen your dream destination and itinerary. But one crucial decision remains: which cabin should you book? With various room types available, from budget-friendly bunk beds to luxurious master cabins, selecting the right one can make or break your experience. Should you splurge on a premium cabin or stick with a standard room? Does the deck level matter? Drawing from my personal experience diving on liveaboards, I’ll guide you through the considerations for choosing a cabin, the types of rooms typically available, and the pros and cons of each.
Understanding the Liveaboard Deck Plan
Before diving into cabin types, let’s break down the typical layout of a liveaboard. Most boats are structured with three main levels, plus an open sundeck:
Lower Deck: This is where the engine room, staff cabins, and some customer cabins are located. Cabins here may have limited views due to small portholes and can be noisier because of proximity to the engine.
Main Deck: The hub of activity, this deck usually includes the dive deck (where gear is set up and dives begin) and the dining area for meals and socializing. Cabins on this deck often have larger windows or balconies, offering better views and more space, and are typically considered higher-tier or master cabins.
Upper Deck: This deck houses the bridge where the captain operates the boat, and sometimes a saloon for lounging, watching movies, or playing games. Some boats place premium cabins here, which boast the best views due to their elevated position.
Sundeck: An open-air area for relaxing under the sun or stars, with no customer cabins.
Key Considerations for Choosing Your Cabin
When selecting a cabin, several factors come into play based on your preferences, travel companions, and sensitivities. Here’s what to consider:
1. Who Are You Traveling With?
Couples: A master cabin with a double or king-size bed is often the best choice, especially if it includes an ensuite bathroom for added privacy and convenience. These spacious cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway.
Friends: If you’re traveling with a buddy, you have flexibility. You might opt for a deluxe cabin with twin beds for private space or share a standard cabin to save on costs.
Families: A master cabin offers the most space for families, but some boats provide triple or quad bunk bed cabins, which are ideal for larger groups or those on a budget.
2. Noise Sensitivity
After a long day of diving, a good night’s sleep is essential, but noise can disrupt your rest. Common sources of noise include:
Engine Noise: Generators or engines running overnight can be loud, especially in lower deck cabins near the engine room. If you’re sensitive to noise, avoid cabins at the back of the lower deck.
Anchor Noise: Occasionally, the boat may move early in the morning, and the sound of the anchor chain can be jarring. Avoid lower deck cabins near the front of the boat to minimize this disturbance.
Social Noise: Some divers love to socialize late into the night in the dining area or saloon. To avoid chatter or music, choose a cabin away from these common areas.
If you sleep soundly like I do, noise might not bother you. But for light sleepers, these factors can significantly impact your experience.
3. Seasickness
Seasickness is a reality on any boat, but the degree of motion varies by deck. The higher the deck, the more pronounced the rocking motion when the boat is underway. If you’re prone to seasickness, a lower deck cabin is your best bet, as it’s closer to the boat’s center of gravity and experiences less sway. However, no cabin is entirely immune to the ocean’s movement, so consider bringing motion sickness remedies as a backup.
4. Ensuite Bathroom
Not all liveaboards offer ensuite bathrooms in every cabin. Some boats have shared bathrooms, while others reserve ensuite facilities for premium cabins. If you value privacy or want to avoid waiting for a shower after a dive, prioritize a cabin with an ensuite bathroom. If that’s not available, choose a cabin close to the shared bathroom for convenience, especially for nighttime needs.
Types of Cabins and Their Pros and Cons
Each liveaboard has its own unique cabin configurations, so it’s worth checking the specific boat’s deck plan. However, most boats offer the following standard room types, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks:
Master Cabin
The largest and most luxurious option, master cabins typically feature a double or king-size bed, an ensuite bathroom, and ample space. They’re usually located on the main or upper deck, often at the front of the boat, with large windows or a balcony for stunning sea views.
Pros: Private, spacious, convenient with ensuite facilities, ideal for couples, excellent views.
Cons: The most expensive cabin type.
Deluxe Cabin
These mid-tier cabins are often found on the main or upper deck, offering large windows for great views and a comfortable size. They may come with either a double bed or twin beds, and most include an ensuite bathroom.
Pros: Great views, comfortable, suitable for friends or solo travelers with a moderate budget.
Cons: More expensive than standard cabins, single bed options may limit sleeping arrangements.
Standard Cabin
Located on the lower deck, standard cabins typically feature two single beds and small porthole windows near sea level. These cabins are compact but functional.
Pros: Affordable, single beds provide personal space.
Cons: Potential engine or anchor noise, limited views, smaller space.
Bunk Bed Cabin
Designed for budget-conscious divers, bunk bed cabins come with two, three, or four bunks in a single room. These are often shared with other divers and lack ensuite bathrooms.
Pros: The most affordable option, great for groups or solo divers on a tight budget.
Cons: Shared space, less privacy, no ensuite bathroom, potentially less comfortable.
Bonus: Booking a Cabin as a Solo Diver
If you’re traveling alone, most liveaboards will pair you with another solo diver in a shared cabin, such as a standard or bunk bed room. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself, you can request single occupancy, but this typically comes with a surcharge of 50% to 100% of the cabin cost. Be sure to clarify this option when booking.
Conclusion
Choosing the right liveaboard cabin is about balancing your budget, comfort preferences, and travel needs. Whether you’re seeking the luxury of a master cabin, the value of a standard room, or the affordability of a bunk bed, understanding the deck plan and considering factors like noise, seasickness, and bathroom access will help you make an informed decision. For personalized advice and expert tips tailored to your chosen liveaboard, reach out to the team at Giant Stride. They’ll guide you through the booking process and ensure you find the perfect cabin for an unforgettable diving adventure. Book with Giant Stride today and dive into your dream trip with confidence!
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