Why I Love the Back of the Ship (And Why the AquaTheater Suites Are My Dream Cabin)
After sailing on ships like the MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady, and Utopia of the Seas, I've learned something important:
Not all cabins are created equal.
When clients ask me where I'd stay if budget wasn't the biggest concern, my answer is almost always the same:
The back of the ship.
And if we're talking Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class ships? The AquaTheater Suite is at the top of my list.
The Best Views on the Ship
Most people focus on whether they want an interior, ocean view, or balcony cabin.
I focus on location.
The aft (back) of the ship offers some of the most incredible views you'll find at sea. Instead of looking straight out over the water, you get a wider perspective of the ocean, the ship's wake, and the horizon.
There's something special about sitting on your balcony watching the ship leave a port while the wake stretches for miles behind you.
It's one of my favorite views in cruising.
The AquaTheater Suite Advantage
On Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class ships, the AquaTheater Suites take that experience to another level.
These suites overlook the AquaTheater, one of the most popular entertainment venues onboard.
Most guests have to arrive early and compete for seats to watch the shows.
Guests in AquaTheater Suites?
They can often watch the performance directly from their own balcony.
Imagine enjoying an evening show without fighting crowds, standing in line, or searching for the perfect seat.
That's the kind of luxury that changes the entire cruise experience.
Why I Recommend the Back of the Ship
When I help clients choose cabins, I'm always looking at more than the category.
I'm looking at:
Views
Privacy
Noise levels
Convenience
Overall experience
The back of the ship checks a lot of boxes.
Many aft-facing cabins offer:
Larger balconies
Incredible wake views
Less foot traffic
Unique perspectives you can't get elsewhere on the ship
For travelers who enjoy spending time on their balcony, that extra value can be worth every penny.
It's Not Just Royal Caribbean
This isn't just a Royal Caribbean thing.
On Celebrity Cruises, one of my favorite cabin categories is the Sunset Veranda.
These cabins are located at the aft of the ship and provide many of the same benefits:
Wide-open ocean views
Beautiful sunsets
Peaceful balcony experiences
Stunning sail-away moments
If you've ever watched the sun set over the ocean from the back of a cruise ship, you understand why these cabins are so popular.
The Difference Between Booking a Cabin and Choosing a Cabin
A booking engine can show you a balcony.
An experienced travel advisor can show you which balcony.
That's a big difference.
Sometimes two cabins cost similar amounts but deliver completely different experiences.
That's why I always encourage travelers to look beyond the category name and consider the location.
Final Thoughts
If you're someone who enjoys spending time on your balcony, appreciates incredible views, and wants a unique cruise experience, don't overlook the back of the ship.
And if your budget allows for it, the AquaTheater Suites on Royal Caribbean are among the most impressive accommodations at sea.
Because sometimes the best seat on the ship isn't in the theater.
It's on your balcony.
Turning travel wishes into reality—one incredible view at a time.
— Eric Miles
Poet's Year-Round Travel
