Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new promotion called ‘More at Sea’, which replaces the previous ‘Free at Sea’ and ‘Free at Sea Plus’ packages.
However, while the promotion claims to be even better value for guests, there are some caveats which may mean that guests are actually worse off than they would’ve been under the Free at Sea promotion.
The new promotion came into effect for all new bookings from 1st October 2024. It’s an optional upgrade which includes a mix of benefits, including free drinks, free speciality dining meals, free WiFi and shore excursion credit.
However, it’s a paid-for upgrade (costs vary by sailing length) and it doesn’t include the extra costs of gratuities for the drinks package and speciality dining meals.
It’s likely that anyone who had booked a cruise with Free at Sea will get the same benefits they had already booked, although it’s not yet clear.
However, guests who had paid for the Free at Sea Plus package, which offered even more benefits, are saying that the package has been removed from their online account, with speculation that it may be cancelled and refunded.
The key differences in the More at Sea promotion are:
Guests will be able to enjoy a wider selection of included drinks, with no $15 per drink limit (though not everything will be included)
All guests in a cabin will now get free WiFi minutes, not just the first and second guest
Many guests will enjoy additional free speciality dining meals, with the maximum increasing from 3 to 5 (depending on cabin choice & sailing length)
More included appetizers and desserts with every speciality meal – up to 3 of each
Guests will continue to get a $50 shore excursion credit for the first person in a cabin only.
The negative changes are:
Increased gratuities for the drinks package – guests will now pay $30 per person, per day compared to $21.80, meaning a 7-night cruise for two guests will cost an additional $115
Increased gratuities for speciality dining – guests will now pay $20 per meal, compared to $11.80 under Free at Sea
Guests on cruises of 12 nights or more will have their free WiFi minutes halved from 300 to 150
The loss of Free at Sea Plus will also be disappointing as it means guests can’t pay for the upgraded package, which included bottled water, speciality coffee, unlimited WiFi, extra speciality dining meals, more premium drinks and additional shore excursion credit.
Response on social media has been mixed, with many guests feeling like the ‘upgrades’ are now putting more of a squeeze on budgets due to the increased gratuity costs.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced several changes today that include better all-inclusive options and all of their specialty restaurants are going back to a flat cover charge.
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Starting on January 1, 2025, NCL’s Free at Sea will become More at Sea and offer more value an ever before.
Guests sailing on cruises seven days or longer will receive more nights for specialty dining. They will also be able to enjoy more appetizers and desserts with up to three of each included at each sitting.
All guests in the stateroom will also receive a dedicated login for 150 minutes of Starlink WiFi each.
More At Sea will also feature an expanded offering of guest-favorite amenities to enjoy. This includes an extensive variety of globally sourced and recognized premium beverage brands across every spirit category, such as Grey Goose vodka, Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey and more.
Still included in the package will be a $50 credit per shore excursion for the first guest, free airfare for the second guest as well as third and fourth guests sail free on select cruises.
In addition, specialty dining on Norwegian cruise ships will move from á la carte pricing to a flat cover charge for cruises that depart on or after January 1, 2025. The cruise line said that they are making this change due to feedback from guests.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement about these changes:
“This has been one of the most exciting journeys we’ve been on at NCL – always looking to further and genuinely understand what our guests value most during their cruise.
“We have invested a lot of time listening to our guests and our travel partners…and we’ve found that what they want is to see more, do more and enjoy more when they vacation with us. They also want to do so with ease and simplicity, which is why today we are excited to announce the evolution of our signature ‘Free at Sea’ package to the all-new and elevated ‘More At Sea’ package. I
“It will deliver a best-in-class upgraded experience with more variety, choice and value to enhance the guest vacation, including more premium beverage options to choose from, more opportunities to experience our specialty dining restaurants, more connectivity with Starlink’s high-speed Wi-Fi, and so much MORE!”
A cruise line has decided to change the itineraries on two world cruises in 2026 which also results in them canceling some segments of them.
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Cunard Line, one of nine cruise lines from Carnival Corporation, is modifying their two world cruises in 2026 on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne.
The changes are being made after consulting with global security experts and government authorities due to the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area.
Instead of calling at Dubai on April 10, 2026, Queen Mary 2 will now sail around the west coast of Africa via Port Louis, Mauritius, and Cape Town. This will allow the ship to bypass the Red Sea and a transit of the Suez Canal.
The ship’s itinerary remains as scheduled up until Port Kelang, Malaysia on March 29, 2026.
Queen Anne will depart as scheduled from Southampton on January 11, 2026. Instead of sailing through the Suez Canal to Dubai, the ship’s new route will sail around the west coast of Africa to Cape Town. The vessel will then sail as planned to Asia and Australia.
Queen Anne will return from Australia via the South Pacific and America with a transit through the Panama Canal, before crossing the Atlantic and arriving back into Southampton as scheduled on April 30, 2026.
Several segments of the world cruises were canceled due to the itinerary changes.
Guests who were booked on one of the canceled segments will receive a full refund within 14 days.
World Cruises are often broken up into smaller segments for guests who don’t want to sail on the entire voyage.
A gastrointestinal illness outbreak occurred on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas during its last 2024 Alaska cruise.
167 passengers onboard have reported symptoms, which is almost 7.7% of those onboard. 3 crew members also reported being unwell.
There are caveats to these statistics. On one hand, numbers often go underreported as guests either try to hide mild symptoms (in fear of being quarantined) or just aren’t affected too badly.
But equally, the reported numbers are across the entire 7-night cruise, and it doesn’t mean that 7.7% of passengers were all sick at the same time.
To help combat the spread, the cruise line stepped up the announcements to remind guests to wash their hands, and public areas were cleaned more frequently and disinfected.
It was the last cruise in Radiance’s Alaska season, with the ship now departing on a trip to Los Angeles ahead of a Panama Canal cruise before she takes up residence in Tampa.
While the next departure wasn’t delayed, it’s expected that enhanced cleaning protocols will be in place for the duration of that sailing.
It’s also not the first outbreak on Radiance of the Seas this year. Norovirus affected 69 people onboard a cruise in April.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, an important decision is whether to buy a drinks package or pay for your drinks individually.
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the drinks can be pretty expensive. You can take a look at the menus to see exactly how much they cost.
However, savvy cruisers will know that lots of drinks are completely free of charge on Royal Caribbean cruises. If you stick to these, you won’t need to spend a penny on drinks for your cruise.
Wondering if the Royal Caribbean drinks package is worth it? Thousands of cruisers use my free drink package calculator to work it out:
1. Water
Tap water is free on a Royal Caribbean cruise. And there are lots of places you can get it on the ship. You can ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant, or get iced water by the glass for free at any bar.
Most people say that tap water on cruise ships tastes better than water on land. It’s filtered well, and doesn’t have to travel through as many pipes as it does in your home.
You’ll also be able to help yourself to water in the Windjammer buffet, as well as from drink dispensers around the ship.
It’s not sanitary to use a water dispenser to fill your personal bottle that you’ve been drinking out of. It’s recommended that you use one of the clean glasses provided, and then pour it into your bottle.
His breakfast choices may be unhealthy, but Adam only ever drinks water
It’s not just plain old tap water that you can enjoy for free on a Royal Caribbean cruise. You’ll also find a choice of flavoured waters available for free in the Windjammer buffet restaurant.
The flavoured water on Royal Caribbean ships is really nice. I think it’s a bit more like fruit cordial than water. And there are always at least two flavours to choose from.
3. Lemonade
In the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, the machines that dispense flavoured water also dispense lemonade. Royal Caribbean’s lemonade tastes absolutely delicious – it’s cloudy, with a little pulp and just the right amount of sweetness.
If you prefer fizzy lemonade like Sprite or Minute Maid, you can get this on board too, but you’ll have to pay for it.
4. Coffee
On Royal Caribbean cruise ships you can get complimentary coffee in the main dining room, Windjammer buffet, Cafe Promenade, Lafe Latte-tudes, the Park Cafe and also through room service.
There’s a choice of regular or decaf coffee. When it comes to milk you can choose from whole, semi-skimmed (half and half) skimmed, (fat free), soy or almond.
There’s a difference between the free coffee and speciality coffees like Cappuccino and Espresso, as these have an extra charge. Some ships have Starbucks on board, and the coffee from there isn’t free either.
Royal Caribbean’s free brewed coffee tastes fine. It’s not amazing, but it’s pretty good. Always ask for a ‘brewed’ coffee to make sure that you get the free version. If you’re something of a coffee aficionado, you might want to pay to upgrade to the fancy coffees.
5. Tea
You’ll find a selection of complimentary hot teas to choose from in Royal Caribbean’s main dining rooms and Windjammer buffet. There’s quite a big choice, includingEarl Grey, English Breakfast tea, black tea, green tea, orange tea, peppermint tea, chamomile tea and other herbal teas.
You can also get unsweetened iced tea for free in the main dining room and buffet. If you prefer sweet tea, one tip is to add a little lemonade.
This machine always has iced tea as an option
If you cruise from the UK, you’ll also find a kettle in your room with tea bags. Isn’t it great that Royal Caribbean realises how much Brits love a cup of tea first thing in the morning?
6. Hot chocolate
On Royal Caribbean ships, you’ll find packets of hot chocolate mix in the Windjammer buffet. You can also order hot chocolate or hot cocoa in the dining rooms, Cafe Promenade and through room service for free.
The hot chocolate is very chocolatey, so you may wish to add a little milk to it.
7. Milk
In the Windjammer buffet, you can help yourself to milk. There’s semi-skimmed and skimmed milk next to the coffee and cereal, but you can also ask for almond or soya milk if you prefer that.
If your room has a kettle (cruises from the UK do), you’ll get small pots of milk. But if you need dairy-free milk for your morning cuppa or want some whole milk to feed your baby or toddler, call room service and they will bring some to you. You can keep it in your fridge until you need it.
As I’m vegan, I requested almond milk on room service for my coffee. It was delivered free of charge.
8. Chocolate milk
In the Windjammer buffet, you’ll often see single-serve cartons of chocolate milk. If they’re not there, just ask and the staff will bring one out for you. You can also request chocolate milk in the main dining room – the staff will make it up for you using chocolate milk powder. Chocolate milk is also available for free via room service.
My daughter drank a lot of chocolate milk on Mariner of the Seas
9. Fruit juice
On Royal Caribbean cruise ships, fruit juices are available free of charge. In the main dining rooms and buffet, you’ll find a choice of fruit juices that usually include apple juice, orange juice, and one or two other types such as grapefruit juice or tropical breakfast juice.
Fresh juice al fresco – is there anything better?
Most other cruise lines only offer free fruit juice at breakfast time. So I love that on a Royal Caribbean ship, you can help yourself to free fruit juice in the buffet at any time of day. The photo above shows us enjoying fruit juice at lunchtime.
If you prefer freshly-squeezed juice, you can request this for an extra charge.
Enjoying freshly-squeezed orange juice in the Main Dining Room
Other ways of getting free drinks
So now you know which drinks you can get for free. If those aren’t enough for you, it’s worth looking into the various Royal Caribbean drinks packages. Those can make all of your drinks free, once you’ve bought the package of course.
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There are also some other times when you can get alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for free on Royal Caribbean cruises, as explained below.
Free fizz at art auctions
If you attend one of the art auctions on board your cruise, you’ll be handed a glass of free Champagne. It’s probably not real Champagne, but it tastes good and it’s free. Just be careful that you don’t drink too much and end up bidding on some art that you don’t really want!
After I drank this free mimosa, I placed a bid on some art and and bought it! It was only $60 though and it hangs in pride of place in my living room, so I feel like I got a good deal.
Concierge Club and Suite guests
If you’re staying in a suite or are a Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Crown & Anchor member, you’ll have access to the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge or Suite Lounge. The type of lounge depends on the ship.
In your VIP lounge, you’ll get complimentary alcoholic drinks during happy hours between 5pm and 8pm.
Guests staying in suites on Oasis Class ships used to be able to get free wine, beer and soft drinks between 11am and 11pm, but it appears from a discussion in a forum that this has now been halted.
There’s usually a second party for Platinum members and above, called the Top Tier event. Look out for the cards placed in your stateroom with the invitations.
Bring your own – it’s cheaper than buying onboard!
When you board your Royal Caribbean cruise ship, each stateroom may bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine or Champagne. You can drink these in your stateroom free of charge. If you want to drink them in a public area, a corkage fee will be applied.
You can bring soft drinks too…
You can bring up to 12 cans, bottles or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per stateroom on board with you on boarding day. So sodas are fine – just make sure you pack them in your carry-on luggage.
There are lots of free drinks available on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, especially in the Windjammer Marketplace Cafe and the main dining rooms. In most bars and lounges, you may be limited to tap water for the free drink selection. But the Windjammer is open almost all of the time, you can always head there and get your free drinks to take away.
Remember that with the Royal Caribbean soda policy, you’re allowed to bring 12 cans or bottles with you, so that’s another way you can save. Or bring bottled water if you prefer to drink that. The tap water is clean and refreshing, but you may not want to leave your cabin to get it (and I wouldn’t recommend drinking the warm tap water in your stateroom bathroom!).
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Crown Princess is a Crown Class ship for Princess Cruises. This is a sub-class of the larger Grand Class ships.
She is considered a large ship, with a guest capacity of over 3,000. As well as a lot of exciting facilities and dining venues, there are also a lot of cabins to choose from too.
Cabins may be grouped by type, but there are still better and worse options that you can choose from. These are usually down to the location on the ship, and your own personal preferences.
To help make booking your cruise easier, I’ve compiled this guide on the best and worst rooms on Crown Princess, so you aren’t just picking a cabin at random.
I’ve looked at past guest reviews, the Crown Princess deck plans, forums and more – so every angle is covered.
Crown Princess Cabin Types
There are six main types of cabin on Crown Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
162 to 23162 to 234* sq ft (15 to 21.7 sq m)
Oceanview
2 to 4
158 to 181 sq ft (14.7 to 16.8 sq m)
Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 271 sq ft (21.4 to 25.2 sq m)
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 298 sq ft (21.3 to 27.7 sq m)
Mini Suite
2 to 4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
Suite
2 to 4
460 to 777 sq ft (42.7 to 72.2 sq m)
*Wheelchair-accesible interior rooms are significantly larger than standard ones, which range from 162 to 182 square feet (15 to 16.9 square metres).
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Crown Princess does. These include some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. The majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others. You also need to think about the location on the ship, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
There’s a lot to think about, so I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Crown Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Crown Princess is no different. As the name suggests, these rooms are on the inside of the ship, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people, but some that can sleep four. Inside rooms are usually the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Crown Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows. They’re also idea for anyone who isn’t bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks when you do want to see the sea.
Interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Crown Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds. These are more suited to children, but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall or they’re hidden in the ceiling. On Ruby Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Crown Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Crown Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type. The second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF. For the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
IA
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IB
4
162 to 182 sq ft (15 to 16.9 sq m) Wheelchair accessible: 234 sq ft (21.7 sq m)
IC
2
162 to 182 sq ft (15 to 16.9 sq m)
ID
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IE
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IF
4
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
Crown Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get a little more space than an Interior cabin, but some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Crown Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
Crown Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
OB
4
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OC
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OE
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OF
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OV – Obstructed
4
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OW – Obstructed
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OY – Obstructed
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OZ – Obstructed
2
158 to 179 (14.7 to 16.6 sq m)
Crown Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda, where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are two different options: Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Crown Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
B1
Premium Balcony
4
271 sq ft (25 sq m)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
271 sq ft (25 sq m)
B4
Premium Balcony
4
231 to 298 (21.5 to 27.7 sq m)
BA
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BB
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BC
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BD
Balcony
3
231 to 271 (21.5 to 25.2 sq m)
BE
Balcony
2
231 to 271 (21.5 to 25.2 sq m)
BF
Balcony
2
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
Crown Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Crown Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size Suite. This has some pros and some cons. You get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as a full suite.
However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Crown Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table.
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms.
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area.
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower.
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper.
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two).
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship.
Crown Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
MB
Mini Suite
4
3323 sq ft (30 sq m)
MD
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
ME
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house! They’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Crown Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise.
An even comfier bed.
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!).
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day.
Evening canapes served in your room (on request).
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite. Although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you, compared to a Balcony cabin.
Crown Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or just want the most space to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go.
Crown Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Crown Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders.
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks.
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues.
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices.
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite.
An upgraded room service menu to choose from.
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne.
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival.
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day.
A twice-daily ice service.
Tea served in your suite.
A cruise card wallet.
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary.
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining.
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer.
Crown Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
687 to 777 sq ft (63.8 to 72.2 sq m)
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
524 to 531 sq ft (48.7 to 49.3 sq m)
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
533 sq ft (49.5 sq m)
S5
Premium Suite
3
568 sq ft (52.8 sq m)
S6
Vista Suite
3
460460 to 495 (42.7 to 46 sq m)
S8
Family Suite
6
606 sq ft (56.3 sq m)
Suite Types: Owner’s, Penthouse, Premium and Vista
There are five different types of Suite on the Crown Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
When comparing the other suites, the best is the Owner’s Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corners of the ship. This gives you the biggest balcony area, and what many believe to be the best view.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location. The smaller Vista Suites are too, although they are on a lower deck, so the view isn’t quite as expansive.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship. Although these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa, you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing, so bear that in mind.
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Special Cabin Types
Crown Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out at the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Crown Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for groups travelling together, that either can’t fit into one cabin or want a little more space. These are two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.
This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms, you can have this connecting door unlocked to wander between the two rooms freely.
You can see the connecting rooms easily on the deck plans. Just check the box and they’ll all appear highlighted.
On Crown Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Interior Cabins
Two Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Two Mini Suites
Crown Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special: the Family Suite. Technically, each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted. So instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too. There are two sofa beds, so the suites sleep up to six guests. If you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Crown Princess Accessible Rooms
Although the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins. These have wider doorways, a wet room, and more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre.
These are really popular and often book up quickly, so try to book in advance if you’re interested. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Crown Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 10, 12, 14 and 15
Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 11, 12 and 14
Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
Mini Suites – Deck 9
Penthouse Suite – Deck 14
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Crown Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Crown Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Crown Princess that people haven’t been too happy with. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Crown Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
R311 to R525
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with rooms directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools. When guests wake up early to secure a deck chair, they often scrape it along the floor to get it into position. And that sound carries through the floor.
Lido deck on Crown Princess
It wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained, they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their onboard spend account. That should show that it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in, definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L106 and 107, R201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship. They’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing, because of the high winds (barring some that have special reinforced panels in place).
Although Crown Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds. Even when you are allowed to use them, I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L101 to 311, R201 to 301 and 628 to 751, A201 to 301 and 628 to 751, B201 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Crown Princess. A couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s the same with the other Crown Class ships too, and something to be aware of if you book a cruise in this region. Mid-ship lower deck rooms will be a little better for anyone prone to seasickness.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundry Room
A628, C312, D720, P212
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Crown Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
The first reason is the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible, but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for P212 as, while this is next door to the laundromat, it is perpendicular so the machines aren’t sharing a wall with the room – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is just traffic. You may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
E101 to 104, D103 to 104, C101 to 102, B201 to 204, A201 to 204, R201 to 204
There are three main staircases on the Crown Princess that go from Decks 7 to the higher decks: one at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only. Some guests have reported some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors, to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a frequent comment, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View Is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), L101 to 104 (Deck 14)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. In the Oceanview cabins at the front of Deck 14, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room, since you don’t know how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall. So you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
R748 to 751, A750 to 753, B748 to 757
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck, and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The Best Cabins on Crown Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Crown Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. But they’re really spacious and have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Crown Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities. But they’re ideal for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room.
You’ll also save a lot of money, often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying. This can go towards all your onboard experiences, or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically, the Interior rooms R744 and R745, Balcony cabins R746 and R747 (which have slightly extended balconies too) and the Premium Balcony cabins R748 to R751.
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning, so you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around ten yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Terrace Pool on Crown Princess
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic. But if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on the Crown Princess cruise ship. But depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling seasick, some are better than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, and from Crown Princess cabin reviews. So it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too.
You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone in the group will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences. They might have their own Crown Princess cabin pictures you can look at too.
I’d also recommend one last look at the Crown Princess deck plan when you’re about to book a cabin. That will help you confirm that the one you’ve picked is in a good location.
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Crown Princess Accommodation FAQs
Has Crown Princess been refurbished?
The Crown Princess was last refurbished in April 2018, where she received some new dining venues and spa facilities. The beds in every room were upgraded to a more luxurious option too, while décor was updated throughout the ship where necessary.
What deck is best on Crown Princess?
The best deck on Crown Princess is subjective. If you want the best view, choose a higher deck. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a lower deck and a mid-ship location. Dolphin, Caribe, Baja and Aloha are surrounded by cabins above and below, so should be quieter.
Does the Crown Princess have connecting cabins?
Crown Princess does have connecting cabins across multiple different cabin types. She also has two dedicated Family Suites, which are built like connecting cabins but with a completely open-plan shared living area.
Is Crown Princess a Medallion Class ship?
All ships in the Princess Cruises fleet have now received the Medallion Class upgrades. This allows guests to use their own Medallions to get around the ship, place orders on their onboard account and locate others from their travelling party on the ship.
How many decks does the Crown Princess have?
Crown Princess has 15 decks that are open to passengers, from Deck 4 Gala to Deck 19 Star. (As with most cruise ships, there is no unlucky Deck 13). There are three decks below Deck 4 that are for crew only, making a total of 18 decks. The Crown Princess deck plan is a great resource to help you find your room once booked.
Related Posts:
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Ruby Princess is a very popular Grand-Class ship in the Princess fleet, despite being one of the oldest ships the cruise line still operates. She is regularly based on the west coast of the US and around Australia.
Ruby Princess has some excellent features and offers exciting itineraries. She may not be quite as new as the Royal Class flagships in the fleet, but still has plenty for guests to enjoy.
If you’re planning to book a cruise on this ship, you’ll want to find the room that’s right for you. There are a lot of options on Ruby Princess. In this guide, I’m going to break them all down: what options are available, what you should base your decision on, and which are the specific rooms to avoid.
This guide uses the Ruby Princess deck plans, as well as real reviews of the ship on forums, review sites and social media. So, let’s jump in.
Ruby Princess Cabin Types
There are six main types of cabin on Ruby Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (inc balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
162 to 234* sq ft (15 to 21.7 sq m)
Oceanview
2 to 4
158 to 181 sq ft (14.7 to 16.8 sq m)
Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 271 sq ft (21.4 to 25.2 sq m)
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 298 sq ft (21.3 to 27.7 sq m)
Mini Suite
2 to 4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
Suite
2 to 4
460 to 777 sq ft (42.7 to 72.2 sq m)
*Wheelchair-accessible interior rooms are significantly larger than standard ones, which range from 162 to 182 square feet (15 to 16.9 square metres).
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Ruby Princess does. These include some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, deciding which room you should book is more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others. You also need to think about the location on the ship, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
There’s a lot to think about, so I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Ruby Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Ruby Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people, but there are some that can sleep four. Inside rooms are usually the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Ruby Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows. They’re also idea for anyone who isn’t bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks when you do want to see the sea.
Interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Ruby Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds. These are more suited to children, but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall or they’re hidden in the ceiling. On Ruby Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Ruby Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Ruby Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type. The second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF. For the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
IA
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IB
4
162 to 182 sq ft (15 to 16.9 sq m) Wheelchair accessible: 234 sq ft (21.7 sq m)
IC
2
162 to 182 sq ft (15 to 16.9 sq m)
ID
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IE
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IF
4
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
Ruby Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Ruby Princess have an obstructed view, caused by either the lifeboats or the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
Ruby Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
OB
4
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OC
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OE
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OF
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OV – Obstructed
4
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OW – Obstructed
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OY – Obstructed
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OZ – Obstructed
2
158 to 179 (14.7 to 16.6 sq m)
Ruby Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? You want one of the Ruby Princess balcony rooms. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda, where you’ll have a couple of chairs to sit and relax with a view.
Within the Ruby Princess Balcony stateroom category, there are two different options: Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Ruby Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
B1
Premium Balcony
4
271 sq ft (25 sq m)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
271 sq ft (25 sq m)
B4
Premium Balcony
4
231 to 298 (21.5 to 27.7 sq m)
BA
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BB
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BC
Balcony
4
231231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BD
Balcony
3
231 to 271 (21.5 to 25.2 sq m)
BE
Balcony
2
231 to 271 (21.5 to 25.2 sq m)
BF
Balcony
2
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
Ruby Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Ruby Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size Suite. This has some pros and some cons. You get more space and a few extra benefits, but not as many as a full Suite.
However, you’re also not paying the same price as you would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Ruby Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table.
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms.
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area.
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower.
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper.
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two).
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship.
Ruby Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
MB
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
MD
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
ME
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house! They’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Ruby Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise.
An even comfier bed.
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!).
A half-bottle of red wine and a half-bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day.
Evening canapes served in your room (on request).
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth considering whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. If they are, you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite. Although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you, compared to a Balcony cabin.
Ruby Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or just want the most space to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go.
Ruby Princess has some fantastic Suite options. These give you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras.
Ruby Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders.
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks.
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues.
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices.
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite.
An upgraded room service menu to choose from.
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne.
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival.
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day.
A twice-daily ice service.
Tea served in your suite.
A cruise card wallet.
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary.
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining.
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer.
Suite Types: Owner’s, Penthouse, Premium and Vista
There are five different types of Suite on the Ruby Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
When comparing the other suites, the best is the Owner’s Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corners of the ship. This gives you the biggest balcony area, and what many believe to be the best view.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location. The smaller Vista Suites are too, although they are on a lower deck, so the view isn’t quite as expansive.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship. Although these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa, you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing, so bear that in mind.
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Special Cabin Types
Ruby Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out at the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Ruby Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for groups travelling together, that either can’t fit into one cabin or want a little more space. These are two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.
This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms, you can have this connecting door unlocked to wander between the two rooms freely.
If you want to check out where the connecting rooms are situated (either because you want one or to avoid them), look at the deck plans for the ship. There’s a check box which will highlight them all.
On Ruby Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Interior Cabins
Two Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Two Mini Suites
Ruby Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special: the Family Suite. Technically, each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted. So instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too. There are two sofa beds, so the suites sleep up to six guests. If you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Ruby Princess Accessible Rooms
Although the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins. These have wider doorways, a wet room, and more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre.
These are really popular and often book up quickly, so try to book in advance if you’re interested. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Ruby Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 10, 12, 14 and 15
Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 11, 12 and 14
Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
Mini Suites – Deck 9
Penthouse Suite – Deck 14
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Ruby Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation on Ruby Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Ruby Princess that people haven’t been too happy with. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Ruby Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
R311 to R525
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with rooms directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools. When guests wake up early to secure a deck chair, they often scrape it along the floor to get it into position. And that sound carries through the floor.
It wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained, they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their onboard spend account. That should show that it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in, definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L106 and 107, R201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship. They’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing, because of the high winds (barring some that have special reinforced panels in place).
Although Ruby Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds. Even when you are allowed to use them, I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L101 to 311, R201 to 301 and 628 to 751, A201 to 301 and 628 to 751, B201 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re worried about getting seasick, you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks, towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Ruby Princess. A couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Ruby Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat
A628, C312, D720, P212
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Ruby Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
The first reason is the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible, but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for P212 as, while this is next door to the laundromat, it is perpendicular so the machines aren’t sharing a wall with the room – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is just traffic. You may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
E101 to 104, D103 to 104, C101 to 102, B201 to 204, A201 to 204, R201 to 204
There are three main staircases on the Ruby Princess, that go from Decks 7 to the higher decks: one at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only. Some guests have reported some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors, to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a frequent comment, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), L101 to 104 (Deck 14)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. In the Oceanview cabins at the front of Deck 14, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room, since you don’t know how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms, it’s a good idea to avoid booking one.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall. So you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you too.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
R748 to 751, A750 to 753, B748 to 757
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck, and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The Best Cabins on Ruby Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Ruby Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. But they’re really spacious, and have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Ruby Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities. But they’re ideal for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room.
You’ll also save a lot of money, often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying. This can go towards all your onboard experiences, or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically, the Interior rooms R744 and R745, Balcony cabins R746 and R747 (which have slightly extended balconies too), and the Premium Balcony cabins R748 to R751.
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning, so you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around ten yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way, so there can be increased traffic. But if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Ruby Princess. But depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling seasick, some are better than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too. You can even find specific Ruby Princess cabin reviews – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.
If you’re ready to book your cruise, have one last look at the Ruby Princess deck plan and make sure you’re happy with the cabin location before you commit.
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Ruby Princess Accommodation FAQs
Has the Ruby Princess been refurbished?
The Ruby Princess cruise ship underwent her most recent refurbishment in 2018. As well as some basic updates to decor and fixtures, this refurbishment included the addition of the Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones on the top deck.
What deck are the lifeboats on Ruby Princess?
The lifeboats on Ruby Princess are hanging outside Deck 8, obstructing the view of many of the Oceanview cabins on that deck. Guests who want an uninterrupted view should either book a Balcony on a higher deck, or check the Ruby Princess deck plans to avoid a lifeboat being outside their cabin.
How many cabins does the Ruby Princess have?
There are 1,542 cabins in total on Ruby Princess. This is broken down to 463 Interior Cabins, 218 Oceanview Cabins, 682 Balcony Cabins, 178 Mini Suites and 28 Suites.
What deck is the best to be on a Princess cruise?
The best deck on Ruby Princess depends on your priority. The best views are on the higher decks, which are also closer to the swimming pools if you like an early-morning dip. Lower decks are better for anyone who may feel seasick, or that wants to be closer to the evening entertainment.
What is the best cabin position on a cruise ship?
The best cabin position on a cruise ship is subjective, but people make stronger arguments for mid-ship and aft cabins. Aft cabins often have the best views, while mid-ship cabins are closer to both ends of the ship, so you never have to walk as far to the onboard facilities.
Related Posts:
More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides
If you found this interesting, please share!
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Ruby Princess is a very popular Grand-Class ship in the Princess fleet, despite being one of the oldest ships the cruise line still operates. She is regularly based on the west coast of the US and around Australia.
Ruby Princess has some excellent features and offers exciting itineraries. She may not be quite as new as the Royal Class flagships in the fleet, but still has plenty for guests to enjoy.
If you’re planning to book a cruise on this ship, you’ll want to find the room that’s right for you. There are a lot of options on Ruby Princess. In this guide, I’m going to break them all down: what options are available, what you should base your decision on, and which are the specific rooms to avoid.
This guide uses the Ruby Princess deck plans, as well as real reviews of the ship on forums, review sites and social media. So, let’s jump in.
Ruby Princess Cabin Types
There are six main types of cabin on Ruby Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (inc balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
162 to 234* sq ft (15 to 21.7 sq m)
Oceanview
2 to 4
158 to 181 sq ft (14.7 to 16.8 sq m)
Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 271 sq ft (21.4 to 25.2 sq m)
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 298 sq ft (21.3 to 27.7 sq m)
Mini Suite
2 to 4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
Suite
2 to 4
460 to 777 sq ft (42.7 to 72.2 sq m)
*Wheelchair-accessible interior rooms are significantly larger than standard ones, which range from 162 to 182 square feet (15 to 16.9 square metres).
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Ruby Princess does. These include some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, deciding which room you should book is more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others. You also need to think about the location on the ship, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
There’s a lot to think about, so I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Ruby Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Ruby Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people, but there are some that can sleep four. Inside rooms are usually the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Ruby Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows. They’re also idea for anyone who isn’t bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks when you do want to see the sea.
Interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Ruby Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds. These are more suited to children, but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall or they’re hidden in the ceiling. On Ruby Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Ruby Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Ruby Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type. The second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF. For the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
IA
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IB
4
162 to 182 sq ft (15 to 16.9 sq m) Wheelchair accessible: 234 sq ft (21.7 sq m)
IC
2
162 to 182 sq ft (15 to 16.9 sq m)
ID
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IE
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
IF
4
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
Ruby Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Ruby Princess have an obstructed view, caused by either the lifeboats or the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
Ruby Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
OB
4
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OC
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OE
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OF
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OV – Obstructed
4
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OW – Obstructed
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OY – Obstructed
2
179 sq ft (16.6 sq m)
OZ – Obstructed
2
158 to 179 (14.7 to 16.6 sq m)
Ruby Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? You want one of the Ruby Princess balcony rooms. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda, where you’ll have a couple of chairs to sit and relax with a view.
Within the Ruby Princess Balcony stateroom category, there are two different options: Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Ruby Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
B1
Premium Balcony
4
271 sq ft (25 sq m)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
271 sq ft (25 sq m)
B4
Premium Balcony
4
231 to 298 (21.5 to 27.7 sq m)
BA
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BB
Balcony
4
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BC
Balcony
4
231231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
BD
Balcony
3
231 to 271 (21.5 to 25.2 sq m)
BE
Balcony
2
231 to 271 (21.5 to 25.2 sq m)
BF
Balcony
2
231 sq ft (21.5 sq m)
Ruby Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Ruby Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size Suite. This has some pros and some cons. You get more space and a few extra benefits, but not as many as a full Suite.
However, you’re also not paying the same price as you would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Ruby Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table.
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms.
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area.
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower.
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper.
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two).
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship.
Ruby Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
MB
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
MD
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
ME
Mini Suite
4
323 sq ft (30 sq m)
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house! They’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Ruby Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise.
An even comfier bed.
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!).
A half-bottle of red wine and a half-bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day.
Evening canapes served in your room (on request).
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth considering whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. If they are, you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite. Although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you, compared to a Balcony cabin.
Ruby Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or just want the most space to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go.
Ruby Princess has some fantastic Suite options. These give you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras.
Ruby Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders.
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks.
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues.
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices.
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite.
An upgraded room service menu to choose from.
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne.
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival.
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day.
A twice-daily ice service.
Tea served in your suite.
A cruise card wallet.
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary.
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining.
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer.
Suite Types: Owner’s, Penthouse, Premium and Vista
There are five different types of Suite on the Ruby Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
When comparing the other suites, the best is the Owner’s Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corners of the ship. This gives you the biggest balcony area, and what many believe to be the best view.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location. The smaller Vista Suites are too, although they are on a lower deck, so the view isn’t quite as expansive.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship. Although these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa, you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing, so bear that in mind.
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Special Cabin Types
Ruby Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out at the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Ruby Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for groups travelling together, that either can’t fit into one cabin or want a little more space. These are two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.
This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms, you can have this connecting door unlocked to wander between the two rooms freely.
If you want to check out where the connecting rooms are situated (either because you want one or to avoid them), look at the deck plans for the ship. There’s a check box which will highlight them all.
On Ruby Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Interior Cabins
Two Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Two Mini Suites
Ruby Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special: the Family Suite. Technically, each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted. So instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too. There are two sofa beds, so the suites sleep up to six guests. If you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Ruby Princess Accessible Rooms
Although the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins. These have wider doorways, a wet room, and more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre.
These are really popular and often book up quickly, so try to book in advance if you’re interested. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Ruby Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 10, 12, 14 and 15
Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 11, 12 and 14
Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
Mini Suites – Deck 9
Penthouse Suite – Deck 14
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Ruby Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation on Ruby Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Ruby Princess that people haven’t been too happy with. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Ruby Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
R311 to R525
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with rooms directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools. When guests wake up early to secure a deck chair, they often scrape it along the floor to get it into position. And that sound carries through the floor.
It wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained, they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their onboard spend account. That should show that it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in, definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L106 and 107, R201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship. They’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing, because of the high winds (barring some that have special reinforced panels in place).
Although Ruby Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds. Even when you are allowed to use them, I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L101 to 311, R201 to 301 and 628 to 751, A201 to 301 and 628 to 751, B201 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re worried about getting seasick, you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks, towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Ruby Princess. A couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Ruby Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat
A628, C312, D720, P212
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Ruby Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
The first reason is the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible, but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for P212 as, while this is next door to the laundromat, it is perpendicular so the machines aren’t sharing a wall with the room – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is just traffic. You may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
E101 to 104, D103 to 104, C101 to 102, B201 to 204, A201 to 204, R201 to 204
There are three main staircases on the Ruby Princess, that go from Decks 7 to the higher decks: one at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only. Some guests have reported some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors, to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a frequent comment, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), L101 to 104 (Deck 14)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. In the Oceanview cabins at the front of Deck 14, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room, since you don’t know how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms, it’s a good idea to avoid booking one.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall. So you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you too.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
R748 to 751, A750 to 753, B748 to 757
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck, and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The Best Cabins on Ruby Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Ruby Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. But they’re really spacious, and have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Ruby Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities. But they’re ideal for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room.
You’ll also save a lot of money, often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying. This can go towards all your onboard experiences, or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically, the Interior rooms R744 and R745, Balcony cabins R746 and R747 (which have slightly extended balconies too), and the Premium Balcony cabins R748 to R751.
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning, so you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around ten yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way, so there can be increased traffic. But if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Ruby Princess. But depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling seasick, some are better than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too. You can even find specific Ruby Princess cabin reviews – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.
If you’re ready to book your cruise, have one last look at the Ruby Princess deck plan and make sure you’re happy with the cabin location before you commit.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
Ruby Princess Accommodation FAQs
Has the Ruby Princess been refurbished?
The Ruby Princess cruise ship underwent her most recent refurbishment in 2018. As well as some basic updates to decor and fixtures, this refurbishment included the addition of the Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones on the top deck.
What deck are the lifeboats on Ruby Princess?
The lifeboats on Ruby Princess are hanging outside Deck 8, obstructing the view of many of the Oceanview cabins on that deck. Guests who want an uninterrupted view should either book a Balcony on a higher deck, or check the Ruby Princess deck plans to avoid a lifeboat being outside their cabin.
How many cabins does the Ruby Princess have?
There are 1,542 cabins in total on Ruby Princess. This is broken down to 463 Interior Cabins, 218 Oceanview Cabins, 682 Balcony Cabins, 178 Mini Suites and 28 Suites.
What deck is the best to be on a Princess cruise?
The best deck on Ruby Princess depends on your priority. The best views are on the higher decks, which are also closer to the swimming pools if you like an early-morning dip. Lower decks are better for anyone who may feel seasick, or that wants to be closer to the evening entertainment.
What is the best cabin position on a cruise ship?
The best cabin position on a cruise ship is subjective, but people make stronger arguments for mid-ship and aft cabins. Aft cabins often have the best views, while mid-ship cabins are closer to both ends of the ship, so you never have to walk as far to the onboard facilities.
Related Posts:
More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides
If you found this interesting, please share!
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Living in UAE is related to many strategic benefits, such as perfect chances to expand the business, enjoy discounts and tax-free rules, and get access to world-class medical care and education. The easiest and quickest legal way toward it is UAE residency by investment.
The initiative applies to Indian citizens and offers various inclusion options. Let’s delve into the details of existing opportunities and useful tips on applying for and obtaining this permit.
Detailed Overview of UAE Golden Visa Program
Usually, Golden Visas are associated with investments in the economy of the selected region. This is also true in this case, as one can select:
buying property for at least AED 2 million (approximately $540,000);
invest in the local fund or business of AED 2 million.
Moreover, entrepreneurs who would like to launch projects worth AED 500,000 can apply, as well as business executives with a minimum salary of AED 30,000.
The list of possible participants also includes outstanding talents and students in various spheres, humanitarian workers, and heroes. These options require proper substantiation. However, it is quite a rare case, and not many countries provide this offer.
As for the threshold for investors, it is more than attractive, especially taking into account all additional profits and valuable opportunities provided by this state.
Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
As pointed out by Kenley Henderson, an expert of My Golden Visa, the profits that are associated with this program are various and unique.
The next advantages should be definitely mentioned:
The approved candidates get the right to live, work, and launch a business in the country without any restrictions or limitations.
There is no income tax for the purchased property, as well as for inheritance and gifts. Other taxation rates are also more than attractive.
Those who buy property get significant returns, as pricing increases per year reach 4%.
It is profitable to launch new companies in free zones located here.
The issued permit is valid for multiple entries. Thus, one can feel free and travel in and out of the country whenever there is such a need.
The country is ranked as one of the safest worldwide in terms of both political stability and the possibility of natural disasters.
Local universities are included in the list of the best in the world and their diplomas are recognized in India and many other regions.
The high quality of medical care also attracts those who wish to live a long and happy life.
Since 2022, the Esaad privilege card has been provided to all participants of this program. It is associated with discounts at over 7,000 businesses here and more than 90 other states all over the world.
Last, but not least, it’s worth mentioning the vibrant life of this country with numerous entertainment options and loyalty to other cultures and their representatives.
The whole family is able to move here as participants of this program, and everyone will find a comfortable environment, starting with children and ending with elderly people.
How to Apply and Visa Validity
The person who is ready for an application should correspond to the following eligibility criteria:
be full of age;
have a good health and reputation;
provide data about financial conditions.
The main processing steps are as follows:
Due diligence check of the candidate.
Preparation of the necessary documentation.
Obtaining a temporary permit for half a year. During this period, the candidate should visit the country, pass a health check, select the type of funding, and complete an application.
Final approval and making an investment.
Issuance of the permit.
The obtained document is valid for a period from 5 to 10 years and can be easily renewed. If you wish to learn more details about each step and the related procedures, discover more on mygoldenvisa.io.
Comparison with Other Golden Visa Programs Worldwide
What makes this initiative so special and distinguishes it from other similar options? The first thing to mention is the long list of options for participation. Of course, not everyone can boast some outstanding achievements but investment programs are also competitive and various. Their threshold is low compared to many European alternatives.
Furthermore, the permit is granted for a period of 5 to 10 years with no problems of further prolongation. Thus, the participant feels safe and protected and can build up future plans without hesitation.
The attractive taxation and the presence of free zones are another unique feature. It is appreciated by Indian entrepreneurs and businessmen who wish to expand their companies and increase income. Still, even a property purchase in this secure and thriving region guarantees quick and decent profits.
To conclude, there are no limitations for Indian citizens in this initiative. It is aimed at a global community and appreciates every person who is eligible and wishes to become a participant and get a permit to live and work in one of the safest and strongest regions worldwide.
