What Is an Obstructed View on a Cruise Ship?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Obstructed View on a Cruise Ship: What It Is and How to Avoid It

Cruise ships offer a unique and luxurious way to travel, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you book your next cruise. One of the most important factors to consider is your view. If you’re looking for a cabin with a panoramic ocean view, you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium. But even if you’re willing to spend more, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the view you want.

In this article, we’ll discuss what an obstructed view on a cruise ship is, how to avoid it, and what to do if you end up with an obstructed view.

What is an Obstructed View on a Cruise Ship?

An obstructed view on a cruise ship is any view that is blocked by another part of the ship. This could be a lifeboat, a railing, a mast, or even another cabin. Obstructed views can be a major disappointment, especially if you’ve paid extra for a cabin with a specific view.

How to Avoid an Obstructed View

There are a few things you can do to avoid an obstructed view on a cruise ship.

  • Book your cabin early. The earlier you book your cabin, the more likely you are to get a cabin with a good view.
  • Ask about the view before you book. When you’re talking to a cruise representative, be sure to ask about the view from the cabin you’re considering.
  • Be aware of the ship’s layout. Before you book your cabin, take a look at the ship’s layout to see where the cabins with the best views are located.

What to Do if You End Up with an Obstructed View

If you end up with an obstructed view, there are a few things you can do to make the best of it.

  • Reframe your perspective. Instead of focusing on what you can’t see, try to appreciate the view you do have. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
  • Spend time on the open decks. The open decks on a cruise ship offer some of the best views, regardless of where your cabin is located.
  • Take advantage of the ship’s amenities. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy your cruise besides staring out the window. Go swimming, play games, or relax in the spa.

Obstructed views on cruise ships can be a major disappointment, but there are a few things you can do to avoid them. By booking your cabin early, asking about the view before you book, and being aware of the ship’s layout, you can increase your chances of getting a cabin with a view that you’ll love.

Obstructed View Cause Solution
Lifeboats Lifeboats are required by law to be located on every cruise ship. They are typically located on the sides of the ship, and their placement can obstruct views from certain cabins. Book a cabin that is not located directly behind a lifeboat.
Smokestacks Smokestacks are used to vent exhaust from the ship’s engines. They are typically located on the back of the ship, and their height can obstruct views from certain cabins. Book a cabin that is not located directly behind a smokestack.
Cargo Cargo is typically stored on the lower decks of a cruise ship. The height of the cargo can obstruct views from certain cabins. Book a cabin that is not located directly above the cargo hold.

What Is Obstructed View On A Cruise Ship?

Obstructed view on a cruise ship refers to the inability of passengers to see out of their windows or balconies due to obstructions such as lifeboats, railings, or other structures. This can be a major inconvenience for passengers, as it can prevent them from enjoying the views of the ocean and surrounding areas.

Causes of Obstructed View on a Cruise Ship

There are a number of factors that can contribute to obstructed view on a cruise ship, including:

  • The size of the ship: Larger ships tend to have more obstructions, such as lifeboats and railings, which can block the view from windows and balconies.
  • The location of the cabins: Cabins located on the lower decks or in the center of the ship are more likely to have obstructed views, as they are closer to the obstructions.
  • The type of cabin: Cabins with obstructed views are often cheaper than cabins with unobstructed views.

Impact of Obstructed View on Passengers

Obstructed view can have a number of negative impacts on passengers, including:

  • Reduced enjoyment of the cruise: Passengers who cannot see out of their windows or balconies may feel less connected to the ocean and surrounding areas. This can reduce their enjoyment of the cruise.
  • Feeling claustrophobic: Passengers who are surrounded by obstructions may feel claustrophobic or confined. This can make it difficult to relax and enjoy the cruise.
  • Increased risk of accidents: Passengers who cannot see out of their windows or balconies may be more likely to have accidents, such as tripping over obstructions or falling overboard.

Obstructed view on a cruise ship can be a major inconvenience for passengers. It can reduce their enjoyment of the cruise, make them feel claustrophobic, and increase their risk of accidents. If you are concerned about obstructed view, it is important to choose a cabin with an unobstructed view.

3. Solutions to Obstructed View on a Cruise Ship

There are a few things you can do to improve your view on a cruise ship if you have an obstructed view.

  • Choose a cabin with a good view. When booking your cruise, be sure to ask about the different cabin types and their views. Some cabins have obstructed views, while others have unobstructed views. If you’re willing to pay a little more, you can usually get a cabin with a better view.
  • Sit in the front of the ship. The best views on a cruise ship are usually found in the front of the ship. This is because the front of the ship is where you’ll get the best views of the ocean and the scenery. If you have an obstructed view from your cabin, try sitting in the front of the ship when you’re on deck.
  • Go up to the observation deck. The observation deck is another great place to get a good view of the ocean and the scenery. If you’re looking for an unobstructed view, head up to the observation deck and find a spot near the front of the ship.
  • Use binoculars. If you have binoculars, you can use them to improve your view of the ocean and the scenery. Binoculars can help you see things that you wouldn’t be able to see with your naked eye.
  • Be flexible. Sometimes, the best views on a cruise ship are the unexpected ones. If you’re flexible, you might be able to find a great view even if you have an obstructed cabin. For example, you might be able to find a good view from the pool deck, the solarium, or the spa.

4. Examples of Cruise Ships with Obstructed View

Not all cruise ships have obstructed views. However, there are some cruise ships that are more likely to have obstructed views than others. Here are a few examples of cruise ships with obstructed views:

  • Carnival Cruise Line ships typically have obstructed views because they have a lot of cabins on each deck. This means that there are a lot of pillars and other obstructions that can block your view.
  • Royal Caribbean International ships also have a lot of cabins on each deck, which can lead to obstructed views. However, Royal Caribbean International ships tend to have more balconies than Carnival Cruise Line ships, which can help to improve your view.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line ships typically have more open decks than Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International ships. This means that you’re more likely to have an unobstructed view from your cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

Of course, even if you’re on a cruise ship with obstructed views, you can still enjoy the view. Just keep in mind that you might have to be a little more creative to find a good spot to take in the scenery.

Obstructed views on a cruise ship can be a nuisance, but there are a few things you can do to improve your view. By choosing a cabin with a good view, sitting in the front of the ship, going up to the observation deck, using binoculars, and being flexible, you can still enjoy the view on your cruise ship.

What is an obstructed view on a cruise ship?

An obstructed view on a cruise ship is a cabin or stateroom that has limited or no view of the ocean. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the location of the cabin on the ship, the size of the cabin, and the presence of obstructions such as lifeboats, masts, or other structures.

What are the different types of obstructed views on a cruise ship?

There are three main types of obstructed views on a cruise ship:

  • Partial obstructed view: This is the most common type of obstructed view. It occurs when a cabin or stateroom has a view of the ocean, but it is partially blocked by a structure such as a lifeboat, mast, or other shipboard equipment.
  • Fully obstructed view: This type of obstructed view occurs when a cabin or stateroom has no view of the ocean whatsoever. This can be caused by the location of the cabin on the ship, the size of the cabin, or the presence of obstructions such as lifeboats, masts, or other structures.
  • Restricted obstructed view: This type of obstructed view occurs when a cabin or stateroom has a view of the ocean, but the view is restricted by a structure such as a lifeboat, mast, or other shipboard equipment. This type of obstructed view is less common than partial or fully obstructed views.

What are the disadvantages of having an obstructed view on a cruise ship?

There are a few disadvantages to having an obstructed view on a cruise ship. These include:

  • You may not be able to enjoy the view of the ocean. This is the most obvious disadvantage of having an obstructed view. If you are looking for a cabin or stateroom with a great view of the ocean, you should avoid cabins or staterooms with obstructed views.
  • You may have less privacy. Cabins and staterooms with obstructed views are often located closer to public areas of the ship, such as the pool deck or the promenade deck. This can mean that you have less privacy than you would in a cabin or stateroom with a better view.
  • You may have to pay more for a cabin or stateroom with an obstructed view. Cruise lines often charge more for cabins and staterooms with obstructed views. This is because these cabins and staterooms are less desirable to passengers.

What are the advantages of having an obstructed view on a cruise ship?

There are a few advantages to having an obstructed view on a cruise ship. These include:

  • You may be able to get a better deal on your cabin or stateroom. Cruise lines often charge less for cabins and staterooms with obstructed views. This is because these cabins and staterooms are less desirable to passengers.
  • You may have more peace and quiet. Cabins and staterooms with obstructed views are often located away from public areas of the ship. This can mean that you have more peace and quiet than you would in a cabin or stateroom with a better view.
  • You may be less likely to get seasick. Cabins and staterooms with obstructed views are often located lower on the ship. This can mean that you are less likely to get seasick than you would in a cabin or stateroom with a higher view.

How can I avoid getting an obstructed view on a cruise ship?

There are a few things you can do to avoid getting an obstructed view on a cruise ship. These include:

  • Book your cabin or stateroom early. The best cabins and staterooms on a cruise ship are often booked early. If you book your cabin or stateroom early, you will have a better chance of getting a cabin or stateroom with a good view.
  • Ask about the view when you book your cabin or stateroom. When you book your cabin or stateroom, be sure to ask about the view. This will help you to avoid getting a cabin or stateroom with an obstructed view.
  • Consider paying extra for a cabin or stateroom with a better view. If you are really looking for a cabin or stateroom with a great view, you may want to consider paying extra for a cabin or stateroom with a better view. This will ensure that you have the best possible view of the ocean.

obstructed view on a cruise ship can be a major inconvenience for passengers. It can make it difficult to enjoy the views, take photos, and even relax. However, there are a number of things that passengers can do to minimize the impact of obstructed view. By choosing a cabin with a good view, avoiding peak times, and being aware of the potential for obstructed view, passengers can still have a great time on their cruise.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.