Guarantee? These are the cabins the cruise line allocates, after everyone who has picked their own cabin has had their choice. By definition, they are the cabins that nobody else wanted. Think the very back of the ship, above the nightclub, or with life rafts blocking your view. However, these cabins still get you on board the cruise, and are good for saving money.

Midships or front and back of the ship? The conventional wisdom is that midship on a low deck is best to avoid sea sickness. These ships are so stable these days that this isn’t quite as important. However, when you are at the front of the ship and use the elevators at the back of the ship it’s a long walk. I always try and get a cabin between the elevators.

What deck? Low decks are a short trip to the bars and restaurants, and high decks are close to the pool and buffet. Low may be better for sea sickness. Generally, the more expensive cabins are higher up, showing what the cruise line thinks. Always look at the deck above and below your cabin for sources of noise like the pool, buffet and nightclub.