We have been on large ships and small ships. While neither DW or myself suffer from motion sickness we have had no issues on the lido deck forward inside cabins (that is our favorite type). We have never had any issues of feeling motion. We haven't been on any smaller ships lately, but I do remember our first cruise (late Oct.) we was on a small ship, we hit some rough waters and no mater where were it was rocking. The good thing is your choice of season is before hurricane season, You living in NC know that really doesn't mean a whole lot.