The US Coast Guard made a back-to-back rescue from Princess Cruises ship Crown Princess, when two passengers suffered medical emergencies.
The ship was located 50 miles off Cape Kumukahi, Hawaii, when the rescues took place.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu was alerted to the medical emergencies on 4th October at around 6 p.m.
The ship’s crew reported that two passengers, a 70-year-old man showing symptoms of a heart attack and an 86-year-old man suffering from internal bleeding, needed immediate evacuation.
Responding promptly, a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point arrived the next morning.
The 70-year-old passenger was airlifted first and taken to Hilo Medical Center. Shortly after, a second helicopter was dispatched to evacuate the 86-year-old man, who was also transported to Hilo. Both men are reported to be in stable condition.
The Crown Princess had departed Kahului, Maui, on 3rd October 2024, as it repositioned for a 114-night world cruise from Sydney, Australia.
The medical emergency required the ship to briefly turn back towards Hawaii before resuming its course to its next destination, Moorea, French Polynesia.
After the rescues, the vessel continued its journey as planned, with future stops in New Zealand and a final arrival in Sydney on 26th October 2024.
Medical emergencies do happen
While two back-to-back rescues from the same ship are rare, the U.S. Coast Guard regularly responds to emergencies at sea, particularly in remote areas where access to advanced medical care is limited.
In a similar incident on 23rd September 2024, an 8-year-old boy on board the Royal Princess required emergency assistance for acute appendicitis while the ship sailed 20 miles off the coast of Eureka, California.
Despite challenging conditions with thick fog, the Coast Guard successfully evacuated the boy, who underwent surgery upon reaching a hospital.
Medical evacuations from cruise ships are a frequent necessity, as was seen earlier this year on 22nd August when a 56-year-old woman was airlifted from Carnival Venezia shortly after departing New York for Bermuda. She was transported to a medical facility in New Jersey for urgent care.
Similarly, on 27th April 2024, a 35-year-old crew member aboard Carnival Sunshine had to be airlifted 160 miles off the Florida coast due to a life-threatening condition.
The Princess Medallion is your gateway to a faster check-in process, drinks served to you anywhere on the ship without you having to lift a finger and a whole host of other benefits.
But they’re quite small, so keeping them to hand without losing them is a bit of a balancing act. You do get a lanyard included, but you may prefer to use something else.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options available to buy to hold your Princess Medallion safely while you focus on relaxing. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
You’ll get your Princess Medallion when you’re due to check in for your cruise. Make sure you’ve already filled out your details on the MedallionClass app to make the process even smoother. US-based passengers can get the medallion shipped to their homes.
The lanyard is usually available for collection at the port as well, although it may be shipped alongside the Medallion for American passengers. If you don’t get it with the Medallion in the mail, just ask for your lanyard as you check-in.
This is the lanyard you’ll be given to hold your Medallion. It’s decent, but as it’s white, you may find that it starts to look grubby a few days into your cruise.
The Medallion itself is free!
The Princess Medallion is completely free – you’ll be given it alongside a free lanyard when you are about to board the ship. You can also get it replaced at no extra cost if you lose it during your cruise.
The other accessories that Princess sells for the Medallion do have an additional cost, and if you lose those then you’ll need to buy them again – you can’t get them replaced for free.
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It’s worth buying a Medallion holder
Like I say, you get given a lanyard for your Princess Medallion for free when you sail, which comes with a holder that will keep your Medallion nice and secure. But some people may prefer not to wear a lanyard.
They may chaff your neck over time, or you might find that they just get in the way of your outfit, or when you’re trying to swim. And you don’t want to take it off ideally, because then you could lose it.
Buying an alternative holder is a way to keep it nice and safe, but also discreet too – so you can enjoy all the benefits of having it on your person, without it hanging across your chest if you don’t want it to.
The Best Princess Medallion accessories
Here’s a look at some of the best Princess Medallion accessories you can buy.
1. Retractable Cruise Lanyard
So you already get a Princess Medallion lanyard, but why not swap it out for one that is a bit more unique, but also retractable? That way if you ever need to swipe your Medallion close to a touch screen, you don’t have to lean in an awkward position to do so.
This one comes in a variety of beachy colours to match all your cruise outfits. And it also has a regular cruise card holder too, so you can use it with every cruise, not just Princess.
2. Luke3DP Watch Adapter
A lot of people agree that the most convenient place to wear your Medallion is on your wrist, but if you already have a watch then you might not want to add a second strap to your arm – things might get a little crowded.
This watch strap adapter is therefore ideal – it’ll attach to an existing watch strap and perfectly fits the Princess Medallion. It’s also available in a wide range of colours, so you can find the perfect one to match your existing strap.
3. Sport Band
If you don’t already wear a watch, or you don’t mind a second strap on your wrist, then a sports band is often the perfect holder for your Princess Medallion. It keeps it out of the way, it looks quite modern, but it will always stay secure no matter what you’re getting up to.
This option comes in a variety of colours. It’s slightly more pricey than the sports bands you could pick up on the ship, but you’re getting two in the pack, so it works out cheaper overall. Plus you can have them bought and delivered to you well in advance of your cruise so you know you have it ready to go.
4. Medallion Clip
This small clip is the most discrete way to wear a Medallion. You can clip it onto your shirt, pocket, waistband, hat or bag so that you know it’s safe.
Because this clip is so small, it’s also one of the cheapest Medallion accessories. It comes in a range of colours.
5. Kids’ Character Bracelets
If you’re taking a Princess cruise with children, then these fun Medallion bracelets are a must! The lanyard that comes with the Medallion isn’t great for kids – it’s far too long and I’d be worried about them getting it caught while playing and hurting themselves.
Most children would definitely prefer a soft silicone Princess Medallion bracelet that keeps the Medallion safe inside. They come in a pack of four, so your children can choose their favourite characters like Hello Kitty and Monsters Inc as well as cute animals like pandas, unicorns and dinosaurs.
6. Aluminum Alloy Carabiner
Another option for keeping your Medallion secure and out of the way is to attach it to a clip. You can then clip this to any part of you that’s most comfortable – a shirt pocket, a belt loop or a bag.
Available in a range of colours and designed to be the perfect size for the Medallion, this option is durable and secure, so you don’t need to worry about your Medallion coming loose during a brisk walk and you accidentally losing it. Plus you get four, ideal for a family cruise.
7. AirTag Leather Keyring
The Princess Medallion is almost the exact same size as an Apple AirTag, so you can use AirTag accessories to keep your Medallion safe. This clip has a tight ring that you can either attach to your belt or pocket, or secure to a bag, and it won’t slip loose at any stage.
It is made from premium leather, so if you’re comfortable owning that material then it’ll have a premium look and feel. You can also get a multi-pack so that you can pass one out to each of your travelling party.
8. Dingfeiyu AirTag Wristband
Another wristband option, this is better suited to anyone who either doesn’t like the sensation of plastic on their wrist or that gets irritated skin from plastic materials. It works the same as the sport bands, but it’s made from a gentle and breathable nylon.
It’s not the softest material, but it’s durable and washable, and it will allow your wrist to avoid some of the sweaty build-ups when you’re in hotter locations. Just be aware that it has a Velcro fastener, so keep an eye on it if you’re doing any vigorous excursions.
9. Four-Pack Silicone AirTag Holder
A great budget option, this pack includes four different clips that can hold a Princess Medallion, with three options of how to affix them to yourself. You’ve got keyring clips, a D-ring clip and a longer plastic loop option that you could tie around your wrist or around an item of clothing.
The versatility is great if you aren’t sure how you’d prefer to wear your Princess Medallion yet, or if you’re buying for your travelling group and just want a convenient pack that has four of you covered.
10. Official Princess Medallion Accessories
If you like the idea of sticking to something official, then you can buy official Princess cruise Medallion accessories, including plastic wrist bands, a plastic clip, and metal jewellery including bracelets and necklaces. You can also get replacement paper inserts for the lanyard, which can celebrate a special occasion.
Prices range from $3 (paper insert) to $65 (gold bracelet) so there’s a wide variety of options. You can’t order them online through the Princess Cruises website, but once you’ve booked your cruise and downloaded the MedallionCruise app you can order through there, or just head to the store on-board your ship to browse the accessories in person.
Remember, while Princess will happily replace a Medallion and a lanyard free of charge, any other accessories are your responsibility once you’ve bought them.
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To Conclude
Picking up a new holder for your Princess Medallion is important if you don’t think the lanyard will suit you. You’re going to be carrying the Medallion around with you a lot – it’s your stateroom key, your payment device and a lot more. So you need to be happy with how you’re wearing it.
There are a lot of options available for the neck, the wrist or to clip onto your clothes, so consider what would be the least intrusive for how you intend to dress and what you want to do while on your cruise, and you should be able to find an accessory that suits you.
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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.
Majestic Princess is a ship that truly lives up to her name – she really is majestic in every way, with some fantastic restaurants, places to relax and accommodation. But not all rooms are created equally.
So, before you make a snap decision and book a cabin that isn’t right for you, it’s important that you learn about the options available.
That’s why I’ve created this guide to all of the stateroom options onboard Majestic Princess. I’ve scoured the deck plans, read up on the cruise forums and Majestic Princess reviews, and I’ve spent time in various social media groups dedicated to the ship to learn everything I can. It’s been a hectic task!
In this guide to accommodation on Majestic Princess, I’ll give you the most comprehensive information on the internet to help you make the right choice for your stateroom. I’ve included everything on the best and worst cabins on Majestic Princess.
It’s worth reading through the whole guide. Even if you’re someone who only wants the cheapest room available, or you’re set on a Suite, it’s good to learn about the various options.
But most importantly, make sure you don’t skip the ‘cabins to avoid’ section – that’s got some great tips that the cruise line won’t necessarily tell you.
Majestic Princess Cabin Types
There are five main cabin types available on Majestic Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
166 to 175 sq. ft.
Balcony
2 to 4
222 to 232 sq. ft.
Deluxe Balcony
2 to 4
242 to 312 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
299 to 329 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
440 to 682 sq. ft.
The Majestic Princess was the last of the Royal-Class ships built without Ocean View staterooms – these were introduced on the Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess.
So, on Majestic Princess, you’ve either got the choice of having a private balcony, or no view at all from an Interior room.
There’s more to booking your cruise accommodation than deciding on whether you want a view though. You need to think about your budget (and where you want to prioritise spending it), and the location of the room on the ship.
Don’t worry though, I’ve made it simple with my own checklist of things you need to think about when you’re deciding which cabin to book. Get your copy of the checklist here:
Majestic Princess Inside Cabins
The cheapest accommodation you’ll find on Majestic Princess is the interior cabins. As the name suggests, they’re on the inside of the ship, which means no windows and therefore no natural light.
They’re also the smallest rooms, but many of them can still accommodate up to four guests, even if they’re better suited for two people. If you aren’t too fussed about spending a lot of time in your room and your priority is to get the cheapest cruise, then an interior room is a good option.
Remember that you’re never too far away from an open deck or a lounge with windows for when you do want to watch the sunset. Choosing an interior frees up more of your budget to spend on speciality dining, or on excursions.
Interior cabins all come with twin beds that can be zipped together to create a queen-sized one for couples who want to share. Grades IA to IE, which can all sleep up to four people, have Pullman beds too.
Pullman beds are fold-down beds that will either be stored attached to the wall, or hidden in the ceiling. They’re better for children than they are for adults, but grown-ups can use them at a push.
Just be aware that the interior cabins on Majestic Princess are the fold-down type, which means it’s annoyingly easy for guests in the main beds to bash their heads on them when sitting up.
Take a look at this video to see more of an inside cabin on Majestic Princess:
Princess Cruises assigns every stateroom a grade. These grades are made up of two characters – the first is always a letter, and for most cabin types the second will be too, though sometimes it is a number.
The first letter tells you what kind of cabin it is, with Interior cabins all beginning with “I”. So far, so simple.
The second character refers to where the cabin is on the ship. The higher the letter or lower the number, the more prime the location. So an IA cabin is a better choice than an IF. However, you will pay more too.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
4
175
IB
4
166 – 175
IC
4
166 – 175
ID
4
166
IE
4
166
IF
2
166
Majestic Princess Balcony Cabins
If you’re someone who needs natural light in their stateroom to avoid feeling a little claustrophobic, or you like the idea of sitting outside in your own private space with a view, then a Balcony cabin is what you need. You’ll have a small balcony of your own, accessed via sliding doors from your main cabin.
The balconies are usually quite small unless you buy one of the more premium grade cabins. You’ll be able to sit, but most only have space for two chairs at most.
And remember that a balcony doesn’t guarantee a great view. You might think you’ll be able to enjoy the sights of the port, but you might be unlucky enough to be on the wrong side of the ship.
Here’s a video of a Balcony Stateroom on Majestic Princess:
Majestic Princess has five different types of balcony cabins:
Balcony
Balcony with Obstructed View
Deluxe Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Obstructed View
Premium Deluxe Balcony
An obstructed view balcony cabin means that your view is partially blocked. These rooms are all on Deck 8 and the cause is the lifeboats – they hang on the sides of the ship just outside these cabins.
If you’re clever you can book an ‘obstructed’ room that has its balcony between two lifeboats, which means they only hang slightly into your view. You still save money too. More on that later.
Majestic Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
D4
Premium Deluxe Balcony
4
242 – 312
DA
Deluxe Balcony
3
233
DB
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
DC
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
DD
Deluxe Balcony
3
233
DE
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
DF
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
BA
Balcony
2
222
BB
Balcony
4
222
BC
Balcony
4
222
BD
Balcony
4
222
BE
Balcony
4
222
BF
Balcony
4
222
DW
Deluxe Balcony (Obstructed)
4
233
BW
Balcony (Obstructed)
4
222
Standard Vs. Deluxe Vs. Premium Deluxe Balcony
As you can see from the table of grades, the main difference between a Standard Balcony cabin and a Deluxe or Premium Deluxe option is the space available.
You get around 5% more floor space in total when you upgrade from Standard to Deluxe and 18% more when you opt for a Premium Deluxe room. This extra floor space just makes things a little more comfortable, but the furniture included is still mainly the same.
Here’s a video of the Premium Deluxe Stateroom for you to compare with the Standard Balcony video you saw earlier…
The only furniture difference is in the bed configurations – you get a sofa bed with both a Deluxe and Premium Deluxe room. These are designed to sleep one person, which means that the 3-berth rooms have no Pullman beds at all, and the 4-berth rooms have just one Pullman bed.
If you’ve got a child that’s younger that you don’t want to risk in a higher bunk, choosing a Deluxe or Premium Deluxe Balcony is therefore ideal since you can put them in the sofa bed instead. It’s a more comfortable choice for three adults travelling together too.
Majestic Princess Mini Suites
Looking for something a little more luxurious than a Balcony stateroom but don’t quite have the budget for a full-blown Suite? Mini Suites offer a good middle ground.
You get some extra perks, although nowhere near as many as a Suite offers. But you don’t pay Suite prices either, so it’s a balance.
Majestic Princess Mini Suite Perks:
A dedicated sitting area for the sofa bed, with a coffee table and an extra TV
A curtain to separate the sofa bed area from the bed, creating two ‘bedrooms’
A better bathroom with a bathtub and a massage shower
An improved bed with an extra luxurious mattress topper and more premium pillows
More chairs on the balcony (up to 4)
A free glass of sparkling wine when you board the ship
Majestic Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
4
314
M6
Club Class Mini Suite
3
314
MA
Mini Suite
4
314
MB
Mini Suite
4
299 – 329
MC
Mini Suite
4
299
ME
Mini Suite
4
299
MF
Mini Suite
3
299
Club Class Mini Suites
An extra step up from your standard Mini Suites, the premium Club Class Mini Suites are even more spacious and they have a few extra perks to offer too. It’s up to you whether you think these are worth the extra cruise fare.
Majestic Princess Club Class Mini Suite Perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and end of your cruise
An enhanced bed designed to be more comfortable
A half bottle of red and half bottle of white wine provided in your cabin on embarkation day
Bathrobes for every guest in the room
Evening canapes served in your Mini Suite (though you have to ask for them)
Exclusive seating in the Main Dining Room with a few extra menu options too
So, take a look at this list – do you like the idea of shorter queue times and a nicer bed? Or would it be better to save the money? The decision on whether to upgrade to Club Class purely depends on your own preferences.
Check out this video of a Club Class Mini Suite on Majestic Princess…
Majestic Princess Suites
If you want the best of the best for your cruise holiday, you’re going to want to book one of the Majestic Princess Suites. These are much bigger rooms with a properly distinct bedroom and sitting area and the largest balconies too.
As well as all the benefits of a Club Class Mini Suite, there’s quite the list of extra perks you get too.
Majestic Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for excursions, as well as for embarkation and disembarkation
Priority queues at the guest services and shore excursion desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Exclusive Club Class dining with extra menu options
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An enhanced room service menu
A welcome glass of Champagne when you board the ship, and a free mimosa with every breakfast
A complimentary mini-bar in your room along with fresh orchids and a fruit bowl (topped up on request)
Twice-daily ice service
In-suite tea service
A cruise card wallet
Free laundry and dry cleaning, and a shoe-shining service
Free use of umbrellas if needed
A free private portrait sitting with the ship’s photographer
Majestic Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
879
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
587 – 682
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
440
S5
Premium Suite
4
554
Premium Suites Vs. Penthouse Suites Vs. Owner’s Suites
Within the Suite class, there are three different options: Premium, Penthouse and Owner’s.
Owner’s Suites are the crème de la crème of accommodation options, and they’re the most expensive. Penthouse Suites aren’t far behind and are just a little smaller. They only sleep 3 people though, so if you’re a group of 4 then you’ll want to look at Premium Suites instead.
The Premium Suites are situated towards the front of the ship, but they aren’t forward-facing. They’re closer to the elevators and have balconies facing the port or starboard side.
The Owner’s and Penthouse Suites are at the aft (back) of the ship with amazing views over the wake. The balconies are much larger than any other accommodation class on the ship and wrap around the aft.
The Owner’s Suites are situated on Deck 8 and are the biggest rooms on the ship. If you want the absolute best room on Majestic Princess, these are the ones to go for. The Penthouse Suites with the biggest balconies are higher up the ship on Decks 14 and 15.
If you’re trying to decide between the different suites, then here are some links to videos of each, which is the best way to have a look around before you book:
Special Cabin Types
Here are some special room types that may be perfect for you, depending on your situation…
Majestic Princess Aft Rooms
Some of the most popular staterooms on any ship are those located at the aft (back of the ship). The view over the wake of a ship is pretty stunning, and because you’re facing away from the direction of travel, you don’t have the wind smacking you in the face either – bonus. Often aft rooms are larger too.
On Majestic Princess there are three choices for aft-facing staterooms:
Premium Deluxe Balcony Rooms
Penthouse Suites
Owner’s Suite
Every deck from 9 to 15 has two Penthouse Suites in the respective aft corners, and then four Premium Deluxe Balcony rooms between them. The biggest rooms are the Owner’s Suites, which are both situated on Deck 8.
Majestic Princess Connecting Rooms
If you’re travelling with more than four people, or you just don’t want to rely on Pullman and sofa beds, you’ll want to consider connecting rooms. These are staterooms that have a connecting door between them. These doors stay locked unless you’ve requested for them to be unlocked to link the rooms together.
It’s best to try to avoid a connecting room if you are only booking one stateroom. No one can get through the locked door, but they’re not as soundproof, and sometimes there’s a draught under the door too.
On Majestic Princess you’ve got the following options for connecting staterooms:
Two Interior cabins
Two Standard Balcony cabins
An Obstructed Balcony and a Standard Balcony
An Obstructed Balcony and a Deluxe Balcony
Two Obstructed Deluxe Balcony rooms
Two Deluxe Balcony Rooms
Two Mini Suites
Two Club Class Mini Suites
Majestic Princess Accessible Rooms
There is a selection of accessible rooms available on Majestic Princess – these are specially designed for users of wheelchairs or scooters. They’re slightly larger and have widened doors to make it easier to get in and out. The bathroom is also a full wet room rather than having a separate shower cubicle.
Understandably, given how popular cruising is with less able-bodied people, these rooms are really popular. So, if you need one then try to book as far in advance as possible.
Majestic Princess’ accessible staterooms are as follows:
Interior – Decks 8 and 9
Balcony – Decks 9-12, Deck 15
Mini Suites – Decks 10, 11 and 12
Club Class Mini Suites – Decks 11 and 12
Penthouse Suites – Deck 14
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Majestic Princess Cabins to Avoid
OK, now you know the different options for cabin grades and all the factual information, let’s delve a little deeper into the specific cabins you’ll want to avoid.
This is the stuff the cruise line might hold back on telling you, or may not make completely obvious when you book. So, let’s take a look at the cabins you shouldn’t book for your Majestic Princess cruise holiday.
1. Cabins That May Make Seasickness Worse
L101 to L229, M101 to M229, R101 to R229
If you’re one of the poor few to suffer from seasickness, the last thing you want is a stateroom that can amplify the motion of the ocean and make you feel queasy. This is a general tip for any cruise ship rather than a specific Majestic Princess once, which is why I’m getting it out of the way early.
The rule is that the closer you are to the middle of the ship, the less you’ll feel the movement. So, avoid higher decks, and avoid the front or aft of the ship. The worst staterooms are those on high decks in a forward or aft position. If you know you’re likely to get seasick, ask for a lower mid-ship room instead.
2. Interconnecting Rooms That You Don’t Need
Various
Another tip that applies to any cruise ship rather than specifically Majestic Princess. If you don’t plan on booking two interconnecting rooms together and opening the door between them, you’ll want to avoid booking one of them altogether.
It’s not like you’ll get strangers wandering into your room – the door stays locked. But, that door is a lot less solid than an actual cabin wall, so don’t be surprised if you hear next door’s TV, a baby crying, or any other noises they might be making.
Interconnecting rooms are great for people who want to share two cabins, but otherwise, definitely one to avoid.
3. Obstructed View Rooms
Most of Deck 8 – cabins beginning with E
The lifeboats on Majestic Princess hang in front of the balconies on Deck 8, which means you’ll have an obstructed view. The whole point of paying for a Balcony stateroom is so that you can enjoy the ocean sights in comfort – not see the bottom of a lifeboat in front of your face.
However, there are some rooms that are between lifeboats, which only have a partially-blocked view. So if you don’t mind only seeing between two boats, or you don’t care about the view at all and just want to enjoy the fresh sea air, then you can save money by choosing one of these options instead.
When you check the Majestic Princess Deck plan, you can see the shapes of the lifeboats on Deck 8. The gaps between, such as where E310 is, are where you’ll want to aim for with your obstructed view cabin. This way, you’ll be able to see right through the gap.
The good thing about obstructed views on Majestic Princess is that the lifeboats are a little lower than on some other ships, so you can see over them. Check out this video to see what to expect from this cabin type…
4. Front-Facing Rooms With Limited Balcony Access
L101 to L108, M101 to M108
On the higher decks on Majestic Princess, there is a selection of forward-facing staterooms that have good-sized balconies. The catch is that you’re only allowed to use them in port, and they aren’t made of glass, so you only get a really good view when you’re stood up.
This is because the wind speed caused by the ship’s movement is pretty fast. It’s not safe to open the cabin doors while the ship is moving and it wouldn’t be particularly comfortable for you either.
If you want to use your balcony while the ship is sailing, don’t choose one of these cabins.
5. Rooms Underneath the Lido Deck or Sun Deck
M302 to M436, L101 to L301
These are the staterooms that you’ll want to avoid if you don’t want to hear sounds during the daytime. And that daytime could be very early hours, as other guests rush to secure themselves a deck chair on these decks.
While they’re dragging chairs around, it might not sound too loud to them, but the sound will definitely amplify through your ceiling. If you prefer a lie-in in the morning, try to avoid a room that’s directly underneath an area where guests might be moving furniture around.
6. Rooms Above the Entertainment at Night
E125, E130, E201 to E225, E445 to E612, E630 to E733
While the rooms on higher decks are at risk of noise above, it’s the rooms on Deck 8 situated above some of the entertainment venues that can cause problems in the evening. Some of the live music and shows can go onto the later hours, and the sound will carry through your floor.
If you are a light sleeper and you enjoy getting an early night ahead of another day of cruise adventures, then maybe book a room a little higher up the ship, away from the theatre and lounges.
M722, M723, M724, M725, M726, M727 (Overlooked by the Wake View Bar Terrace)
D145 to D277, D701 to D725(Overlooked by cabins above)
There are three areas on the ship where you’re at risk of being overlooked when you’re sitting on your balcony.
The first is in the staterooms below the SeaWalk – the glass-bottomed walkway that comes out from the side of the ship. Bear in mind too that not only can people see down into your balcony, but you can see them. Maybe don’t wear a skirt when you walk the SeaWalk yourself!
The other location is at the aft of the ship, where the design means that each balcony juts out a little further as you progress down the decks. It’s not usually an issue for any rooms below Deck 15 since you’d have to stand at the edge of your balcony looking down.
But on Deck 16 near the Wake View Bar, that’s exactly what some cruise guests do – stand at the railing to look out to sea. If they look down, they’ll see right into your balcony. Maybe opt for a lower deck or a mid-ship location if you value your privacy.
On Deck 9, some of the Deluxe Balcony staterooms have large balconies that jut out further than the rest. These are overlooked from above as you can see in this photo:
The Best Cabins on Majestic Princess
We’ve been through the cabins to avoid, but which are the best rooms on Majestic Princess? Well, there are a few that stand out as offering great value for money or special touches that might be worth splashing out on. These are…
1. Interior Stateroom
The cheapest and smallest accommodation on the ship – and one of the best? Well yes, if you don’t care about your room too much and you want to save money.
Majestic Princess is packed with places where you can relax and hang out, whether that’s a lounge or the theatre or just a deck chair beside the pool. You may only need your stateroom for a quick shower, a change of clothes and sleep. Why overspend if you don’t really care about relaxing in your own private space?
Mini Suites and above can sometimes be twice the price of an Interior room, if not more. Would you rather have one cruise in a Mini Suite, or two cruises in an Interior? One to think about.
If you’re a real budget cruiser like me, you can get some great deals by having four adults in an inside stateroom and taking advantage of discounts for third and fourth passengers. Sometimes, they can cruise for just a nominal extra fee – making your cruise virtually half price!
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2. Owner’s Suite
From one end of the scale to the other – Owner’s Suites are definitely amazing and if you have the money for them – they do make your holiday feel so much more special.
As well as having all the space you could want to unwind in peace, you get a lot of extra perks both within your room and as part of your overall cruise experience.
But, you can’t ignore the price, which makes it a personal decision as to whether they are right for you or not. If you want all those extras then go for it, but consider whether two cruises in a Balcony stateroom would be a better use of your hard-earned money.
3. Rooms With Larger Balconies
Not every balcony on Majestic Princess is the same. Some of the mid-ship balconies have angle balconies, which makes them larger. Look at this section of the deck plan to see what I mean:
You can find these balconies in some Mini Suites, including Club Class Mini Suites. They’re also an option on Decks 8 and 9 for Balcony and Deluxe Balcony staterooms too, although the ones on Deck 8 are those with an obstructed view because of the lifeboats.
If a larger balcony appeals, then make sure you try to secure one of these options with an angled veranda.
4. ‘White Noise’ Rooms
If you’re the kind of person who likes to fall asleep to the gentle sound of white noise, then this little hint might be right up your street. There are some interior cabins on Deck 10 from C316 to C335 that are next to an air vent from the funnels. It generates a low background humming noise.
The cruisers that have commented on this have said that it’s not annoying at all because it’s so quiet, but it is audible when the ship is peaceful, and it’s apparently quite relaxing. If you like the sound of a gentle hum sending you to sleep at night then consider one of these rooms – no white noise app required!
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Majestic Princess Accommodation FAQs
Do you still have questions about Majestic Princess staterooms and suites? Here are some of the top ones I’ve been asked…
Does Majestic Princess have single cabins?
There are no dedicated single cabins on Majestic Princess. Solo travellers will need to book a two-berth room and may need to pay the full amount for two people, but you may avoid that if you book early enough and secure a deal.
How many suites are on the Majestic Princess?
There are 36 Suites available on Majestic Princess. There are 12 aft-facing Penthouse Suites, 14 mid-ship Penthouse Suites, 8 Premium Suites and 2 Owner’s Suites.
What deck is the SeaWalk on Majestic Princess?
The SeaWalk on Majestic Princess is situated on Deck 16, the Lido Deck. If you choose a Balcony Stateroom on Decks 15 (M403 to M431) or 14 (R403 to R437), you should be aware that people on the SeaWalk can see onto the balconies.
How old is the Majestic Princess cruise ship?
Majestic Princess is one of the Royal-class ships in the Princess Cruises fleet and she launched in 2017. Originally designed for the Chinese market, she has since started offering itineraries in Oceania and on the west coast of America too.
Has Majestic Princess been refurbished?
Majestic Princess has not been refurbished. She was launched in 2017 and so hasn’t needed to be updated yet. Sister ship Royal Princess, which launched the Royal-class of ships in 2013, was refurbished in 2018, so Majestic Princess may be refurbished in the near future.
The Bottom Line
Majestic Princess is a wonderful cruise ship, but as with any ship, there are some rooms that are better than others. It usually doesn’t cost any extra to choose your room on a Princess Cruise, so it’s worth spending a little time to make sure that you choose a great one, rather than having any room assigned to you.
After all, the rooms that are assigned will, by default, be the rooms that nobody else has chosen!
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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.
While it’s not been confirmed which cruise line or ship was involved, social media images and the ship schedules for the time suggest it was Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas or Enchantment of the Seas.
No information has been released about the passenger’s well-being or how they fell overboard.
Usually, rescues involving cruise ships either involve the cruise ship crew rescuing stranded people on a boat, or the coast guard rescuing people from a ship if they suffer a medical emergency.
People do occasionally go overboard from ships, but a lot of those cases end tragically with no body found.
Rescues of this nature – with a passenger being the hero – are certainly rare and he deserves all the credit he is getting!
Have you already booked a cruise but are worried that you’ve chosen a poor cabin location? Or perhaps you’re just wondering if there’s an option to upgrade your accommodation to something a bit more indulgent? Whatever your reasons, a cabin upgrade is always a nice perk to add to your cruise.
If you want to upgrade your cruise cabin after you’ve booked, this guide will tell you exactly how to do it…
Can You Change Your Cabin on a Cruise?
You should have no problems changing your cruise cabin after booking, although you will have to pay extra. It’s very easy to upgrade by contacting the cruise line or your travel agent. Some cruise lines also offer programs to allow you to bid for upgrades closer to the departure date.
The rules are a little different for each cruise line though, so read on for all the details…
But first, you’ll want to make sure that your new cabin doesn’t have any issues like noise or being far from the main amenities. Grab a copy of my free checklist to know what to look out for to avoid picking a bad stateroom:
Is It Worth Paying Extra for a Balcony on a Cruise?
On some cruises, it’s definitely worth paying extra for a balcony, but on others, you may barely use it.If you’re sailing to a scenic destination such as the Norwegian Fjords, the extra cost of a balcony is a small price to pay for the enjoyment you would get in return. However, on a cold, windy, transatlantic cruise you’re unlikely to spend much time on your balcony.
I don’t usually get a balcony, but I did on this cruise
Balcony cabins are the next option to upgrade to after Inside and Ocean View cabins. They provide additional outdoor space, which is entirely your own, and often come with furniture such as a table and chairs to relax on while outside.
Sailing to hot destinations is a great time to opt for a balcony as you can enjoy the warm weather all to yourself without hunting for a sun lounger on the pool deck. For families, it also offers more space to spread out without leaving your room. This is great for when you’re getting ready in the morning or if you want somewhere to sit and relax once the little ones go to bed.
If you suffer from claustrophobia, you may not enjoy the feeling of staying in a small, windowless room, so a balcony can be an essential upgrade for some.
When deciding whether to upgrade to a balcony room on your cruise, be sure to consider how much extra it costs. Balcony staterooms can be pricey, sometimes even double the cost of an inside cabin!
A suite is the top level of accommodation on a cruise, and if you ever have the opportunity to upgrade, it’s more than worth it. Suites come with all the benefits of the cabins before them as well as additional extras, though the exact perks depend on the cruise line and the type of suite you book.
Suites have enough space to entertain friends
Typical perks you would find in a suite include butler service and delicious canapes and snacks delivered to your room daily. You’ll enjoy luxurious amenities from top brands such as Le Labo bathroom toiletries or Venchi goodnight chocolates. Suites also come with exclusive access to a range of dining venues, lounges and even VIP pools on some ships.
If you decide that you want to go for a suite, be sure to have a look at the different suite options that are available. Entry-level suites are called Mini Suites and these don’t always come with the perks of a suite – on some cruise ships, they’re not that different to balcony rooms.
The suite perks vary depending on the cruise line, but here are a few guides that may help you to decide whether to upgrade to a suite or stick with the balcony room…
How to Upgrade Your Cruise to the Cabin Number You Want
To upgrade your cruise accommodation to the cabin number you want, you should speak with the cruise line directly, or via your travel agent if you’ve booked with one. This allows them to advise you on the latest availability as well as any necessary charges such as admin fees or upgrade prices.
Some cruise lines offer a choice of different fares when booking such as P&O Cruises which offers an Early Saver Fare, a Saver Fare and Select Fare.
If you initially booked an Early Saver or Saver Fare you would have received a great price but wouldn’t have had the option to choose your cabin number as this is assigned by P&O Cruises. In this instance, to upgrade you would need to switch to Select Fare where you can enjoy alternative benefits including being able to choose your cabin location and being amongst the first to be offered upgrades where available.
The best time to upgrade your cruise to the cabin number you want is as soon as possible, especially if you have a specific location on the ship in mind. The longer you leave this option open, the more likely it is that the cabin you want will be booked by someone else and no longer be available.
How to Get a Cruise Upgrade for Cheap
If you’re not fussy about cabin location, you may be able to opt for a cruise line program that allows you to upgrade for cheaper. If you’re eligible for one of these, you should receive an email from the cruise line to invite you to bid a few weeks before your cruise departs.
Only selected cruise lines offer upgrade bidding and it’s only available on cruises that haven’t sold out.
Cruise lines that offer the bidding process for cheap upgrades:
Here’s what the upgrade emails I’ve received look like…
The bidding process is similar to a blind auction. You enter your maximum bid for each cabin type and whichever guests bid the most will win and be upgraded. Sometimes, the gains are incredible with people snapping up fantastic deals on their cabin upgrades for much cheaper than they would have originally cost.
You have to be careful though. Oftentimes, the system will allow you to bid more than the room originally cost, so be careful not to get carried away and bid too much!
The bidding process isn’t always open to everyone. If limited rooms are available it may be offered to those who are loyal passengers to the cruise line and sometimes also based on how much you paid for your cruise in the first instance. Other factors in the process include how many cabins are remaining on the ship and the category of accommodation you have originally booked.
Invites to make a bid are shared via email, so make sure you have opted into the cruise line’s marketing emails. If you haven’t received one, you may be able to log into the cruise planner section on their website to check.
It’s key to know that the bid process doesn’t guarantee an upgrade, nor does it guarantee a specific room location or attributes. In most cases, if your bid wins and is accepted, you will be charged immediately, and the upgrade amount is non-refundable.
How to Get a Cruise Upgrade for Free
One of the best ways to get a cabin upgrade for free is with a cruise line promotion. Quite often, cruise lines will offer upgrades on staterooms, such as from an Ocean View to a Balcony, for free if you book during the promotional period.
Free upgrades are most commonly offered on winter cruises where most people will opt for an inside cabin. You may find that the balcony cabins are the same price as the insides, so there’s no reason for most people not to book one.
Another way to be upgraded for free is with a guaranteed cabin. This is an option when you book with certain cruise lines and simply means that can’t choose your cabin number. Instead, you are guaranteed a room at the grade you’ve chosen, or higher. The cabin number will be assigned to you before you board.
As the cruise lines always try to ensure that their ships are full to capacity, if they find that a specific grade is sold out, they might offer upgrades to those in that grade in order to continue offering a cheap rate.
This is something Cruise.co.uk mention as working time and time again. For example, you could book a guaranteed inside cabin and after a while, all the inside staterooms sell out. The cruise line could offer you an ocean view or balcony cabin to make room for more of the cheaper insides that they can then sell.
Free upgrades are more likely to happen if you book a cruise on a ship with fewer inside rooms. Once they sell out, you’re more likely to be upgraded.
Alternatively, if you book a cruise on a ship like P&O Cruises’ Britannia that has no sea view rooms, if you get upgraded from an inside room you’ll skip straight to the balcony tier!
Cruising off-peak is another great tip as the ships are usually quieter. This offers more options for the cruise lines to offer upgrades. If you’ve booked with a travel agent, get them to check if any free upgrades are available in the last few weeks before your embarkation. Some people on Cruise Critic’s message boards have said they have been able to upgrade this way on their last two cruises.
Another tip to bag a free upgrade is to join the cruise line’s loyalty programmes. Each cruise line has one and while it might not offer a completely free upgrade, there are perks including discounts on balcony rooms and suites.
Cabin Upgrade FAQs
On a Royal Caribbean cruise can I upgrade room after final payment?
If you’ve passed the final payment deadline for your cruise, you can still upgrade your cabin if another is available. Just be aware that you’ll need to pay the difference in full, immediately when calling to upgrade. You won’t get an extra deadline to pay off the difference.
How does the MSC Upgrade Program work?
The MSC Upgrade option works similar to other cruise lines – you can place a bid on an upgraded stateroom and, if your bid is highest, you automatically win and will be charged the difference. You can wait for the MSC Upgrade email to be sent to let you know when bidding is open, or keep checking your online account.
Can I change my cabin on a P&O cruise?
P&O cabin upgrades are possible, provided you’ve booked a Select Fare. If you booked a Saver Fare then you’ll need to switch to a Select Fare and pay the difference in order to choose a new room.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of ways you can upgrade your cabin after purchase, even if it’s within the same stateroom category or just moving to another deck. These small changes can sometimes make or break your cruise.
It’s worth researching the grades and stateroom categories for the ship you’re booking beforehand, to check you would be happy upgrading to anything and everything, or if you have a specific stateroom in mind. After all, once you upgrade it can be difficult to move back to your original cabin selection.
If you’re booking through a travel agent, let them know you want to upgrade if any become available and they can be on the lookout for a good deal too.
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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.
Many of the world’s biggest cruise lines are making changes to cruises this week, due to the impact of Hurricane Milton.
The hurricane, hitting Florida on Wednesday 9th October, is causing major problems for cruise ships that are due to dock in the ports of the state, including Tampa, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Several cruises have seen their itineraries altered even before the hurricane reached land, including the world’s biggest cruise ship Icon of the Seas, which had to cancel a planned visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Grandeur of the Seas was another Royal Caribbean ship heavily impacted, sailing to the Bahamas instead of two scheduled port visits to Mexico.
Carnival has been carefully monitoring five ships which have been in the path of the hurricane, with Carnival Paradise due to return to Tampa on 10th October, and Carnival Elation set to return to Jacksonville on the same day.
Carnival Sunrise is also scheduled to return to her port of Miami on Thursday. Carnival Dream and Carnival Pride are set to have their itineraries adjusted to avoid the storm while at sea.
Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Reflection was due to call at Key West on Tuesday 8th October, but instead sailed to Nassau in the Bahamas to avoid the oncoming storm.
Virgin Voyages, at the time of writing, hasn’t yet altered plans for Valiant Lady but the cruise line has said that last-minute itinerary changes may be needed.
And another notable change is for Princess Cruises and their newest ship Sun Princess, which was due to complete its inaugural transatlantic cruise on Wednesday 9th October but will now remain out at sea, likely until Friday 11th October.
Obviously, the safety of passengers and crew is paramount. And while the changes to itineraries will be disappointing for many, it’s important to remember that cruise lines must make changes to avoid storms where necessary.
It seems that most people expect to gain weight when they cruise. Around 68% of people who responded to the question on Facebook said they normally gained weight.
Around 12.5% said that they actually lost weight when they cruised. This was either because they were so active when walking around the ship or the ports they visited, or because they used the onboard gyms and tried to be reasonable with their dining and drinking.
The rest of the people who responded said that they would usually stay around the same weight, balancing out activity with eating and drinking on the ship.
Still, that’s the majority of people who will gain weight. And not an insignificant amount either, with an average of around 6 lb (2.7 kg) put on during a typical cruise.
Some people even said that they worked hard before their cruise to lose weight so that, by the end, it all balanced out:
I also think that some people might be in denial…
Not everyone gains weight on a cruise…
There were still plenty of people who said that they didn’t gain weight on a cruise, and either stayed roughly the same or even lost weight.
A lot of people explained how they try to keep similar routines to what they do at home, or they just didn’t go overboard (pun not intended) when they cruised. But for some, it’s just a metabolism thing. Lucky people!
If you’ve never cruised before, then based on the vast majority of responses you should probably expect to gain some weight, and maybe as much as 6 to 7 lb.
The main reasons people gain weight on a cruise
If you want to try and cruise without putting on any extra timber, then some responses highlighted the main reasons people put on weight:
1. Free ice cream
A lot of cruise lines will offer free ice cream by the pool deck, and there’s no limit on how many cones you enjoy. It can be very tempting to just grab another one every hour or so, especially when you’re cruising in a hot destination.
However, while each cone might feel small, they soon add up in terms of calories, sugars and fats. So they can be a key reason why people put on weight.
2. All those amazing desserts
The food on cruises is amazing, and it’s not just the starters/appetisers and the main courses/entrees. Desserts are often spectacular, and the waiters are always happy to get you more than one…
If you don’t tend to eat many sweet things at home, you’ll soon find that the dessert menu will expand that waistline for you.
3. Just all that food and alcohol!
Ultimately, the reason people tend to gain weight on a cruise is because food and drink is freely available, especially if you’ve booked a drinks package.
It’s often booze that’s the problem. People don’t think as much about the calories they’re drinking compared to those they’re eating.
A couple of beers, wines or cocktails can go down so easily, and yet you’re consuming a lot more energy than you need, meaning you’re going to gain weight.
4. Water retention
The other consideration with drinks on a ship is water retention. If you’re drinking more than you normally would (whether alcohol or soft drinks such as coffees), then you’re more likely to retain water, especially in hotter weather.
The good news about this type of weight gain is that it usually corrects itself within a week or two of getting home, with minimal effort.
Top tips to stay in shape on a cruise
Here are some tips from the cruise guests who managed to either maintain their weight or even lose some while on a ship.
1. Use the stairs
One of the top tips from so many people – and something I try to do as well – is to take the stairs when you’re moving between floors on a cruise ship.
It’s not always possible. You might have mobility issues, or you’re right at the bottom of the ship and just don’t want to be flustered when heading for the top deck.
But if you’re able to, and you’re only moving between a few floors, then the stairs can be your ticket to keeping the weight under control as you sail.
As a family, we usually pick a number for how many floors we will do without using the list and then stick to that. So if we decide that four floors or fewer is walkable, then we’ll only use the lift for five or more.
2. Eat when you’re hungry
Food is pretty much available 24/7 on most cruise ships, typically in vast quantities and without anything extra to pay. It’s generally very good quality too, which means it can be tempting to go back for more again, and again, and again…
Remember that you have plenty of days on your cruise to try everything, so don’t overindulge too early. Try to limit your eating to when you’re actually hungry. Make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your belly, as the saying goes.
Eat what you like, but don’t go so far that you end up feeling bloated and uncomfortable when you should be relaxing.
3. Don’t overdo the booze
Alcohol can be the sneaky issue for anyone who doesn’t want to put on weight during a cruise. It won’t necessarily make you feel full in the same way food will, but the calories will add up.
Cocktails can be particularly bad as they usually have a lot of sugary fruit juice and some even have milk, cream or chocolate sauce in them.
If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ve got a serious advantage. Try to stick to water or sugar-free drinks if you can, and limit the mocktails, coffees and sugar-rich drinks.
But if you like alcoholic drinks, and you’re conscious of weight gain, try to stick to spirits with zero-sugar mixers.
4. Get your exercise in
Cruise ships offer plenty of ways to stay fit and healthy during your cruise if you want to. There’s almost always a gym that’s free for guests to use. There may be exercise classes too, although these may come with an additional charge.
Personally, I just enjoy using the running/walking track around the ship. You get to enjoy amazing views and the fresh sea air as you complete your laps, making it a much more enjoyable experience.
Of course, on port-heavy itineraries you might do a lot of walking ashore too, so bear that in mind. The more sea days, and the more time spent relaxing by the pool, the more you might want to force yourself to get up and walk, jog or swim onboard.
Do what makes you happy!
Assuming you have no health issues, it doesn’t matter if you gain or lose weight on a cruise. There’s a lot of great food and drink to enjoy, so if you want to, then go for it.
The important thing is that you enjoy yourself, and that you’re happy by the end of it. If that means moderation so that you stay in shape, that’s fine. If it means completely letting go and not caring what the scales say, then that’s fine too!
Your cruise holiday is yours to enjoy as you see fit and as long as you’re respectful of other people, and how they choose to cruise, then that’s all that matters.
Don’t be like this, whatever you do:
Oh, and one more key bit of advice from me and other cruisers: pack some stretchy or bigger clothes to wear on the second half of your cruise, especially if it’s a longer one!
A humorous look at how Royal Caribbean’s colossal cruise ship Icon of the Seas manages to stay afloat!
There are still some great discussions on Twitter/X every once in a while. Some are super-useful and informative, but occasionally there’s a thread that is packed with great and funny replies.
In response to a video about Icon of the Seas, user @edmsillygoose made a request:
— 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐫 (@edmsillygoose) August 19, 2024
A couple of people took the assignment a little too literally:
Simple really!
Ah, the age-old question of how something as gargantuan as a cruise ship doesn’t just go “glub glub” and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Here’s the lowdown:
1. **Archimedes’ Principle**: This is the real MVP. It states that any object placed in a fluid (like…
But there were some fantastic funny replies too, which definitely made the thread worth reading!
Here’s a look at some of the best ‘definitely real’ reasons why Icon of the Seas stays afloat:
1. Thoughts and prayers
‘Thoughts and prayers’ are apparently all that you need to keep a cruise ship floating on the water.
But does everyone onboard need to think about the ship floating, or pray for it to stay up? What happens if someone gets distracted?
Or is it just the thoughts and prayers of the captain? Maybe that’s why they’re paid so well – to always stay focused on using their brains to keep the ship afloat!
2. Iconic legs
Turns out, the real secret behind the ship’s buoyancy is its impressive set of iconic legs. Forget complicated engineering or displacement – the ship just gracefully wades through the ocean on its oversized limbs, like some sort of stylish aquatic flamingo.
It raises the question: do the legs get tired after a long journey? Maybe there’s a secret team of masseuses onboard, dedicated solely to giving the ship’s legs a well-deserved break after hours of elegant striding across the waves.
3. Magic
It’s as simple as that – magic. While the engineers might try to convince you with their fancy jargon and science, we all know it’s really just a sprinkle of pixie dust and a flick of the wand.
No need for hulls, stabilisers, or propellers when you’ve got good old-fashioned sorcery keeping the ship afloat.
4. Floating devices
It’s a well-kept secret that the real buoyancy magic happens at the stern, where dozens of brightly coloured helium balloons keep the ship bobbing along.
It’s so obvious once you think about it. Why else would cruise ships need to stay so far from shore? They can’t risk anyone seeing the balloon setup!
And next time you’re on board, try and sneak a peek over the back. If the wind’s just right, you might catch a glimpse of a rogue balloon trying to float away.
5. Clouds
Clouds aren’t just for dramatic sunsets and holiday snaps – they’re the real reason cruise ships stay afloat. Like a giant waterbed in the sky, the ship just lounges comfortably on a soft, fluffy cloud as it glides across the ocean.
It explains why cruises are so relaxing. The passengers are basically on a floating pillow! The tricky part is making sure the clouds don’t drift away.
That’s why the crew always keeps an eye on the weather forecast – it’s all about cloud management.
6. Neanderthal poetry
In perhaps the most ancient and poetic explanation, our Neanderthal ancestors have cracked the code. With wisdom passed down from the dawn of time, they remind us that it’s all about the big air pockets. Water stays wet, air stays dry, and the boat just… floats.
Simple, right? Who needs modern science when you’ve got the primal power of Neanderthal logic? We can only assume they were also responsible for the earliest cruise designs – probably with fewer decks and a lot more mammoths.
7. Help from another Icon
When you’re the Icon of the Seas, who better to keep you afloat than another icon? That’s right – the ship doesn’t rely on engineering or physics, but on the sheer power of Beyoncé’s presence. Her energy alone is enough to keep the cruise ship gliding smoothly over the waves.
Forget lifeboats! All you need is a playlist of Queen Bey’s greatest hits, and you’ll stay above water indefinitely. Maybe that’s why the ship has such amazing sound systems – they’re secretly part of the flotation plan!
8. I’m not sure this is right…
Buoyancy? Who needs it when the ship is actually airborne? That’s right – Icon of the Seas isn’t floating on the water at all, it’s just hovering slightly above the surface, like a giant luxurious hovercraft.
The smooth ride? That’s because you’re technically flying the whole time. So next time someone asks how a cruise ship stays afloat, you can confidently tell them it doesn’t. It’s secretly just levitating in style.
9. The animal kingdom pulls its weight
Why rely on man-made propulsion when nature’s finest are happy to help? Beneath the waves, a dedicated team of dolphins is hard at work, pushing the ship along with graceful flips and synchronised swimming.
They don’t just make for great photo ops – they’re the true power behind the ship’s movement! So the next time you spot dolphins frolicking near the bow, just know they’re not playing. They’re clocking in for another shift keeping the Icon of the Seas afloat and moving.
10. Crouching giant
Forget engines and displacement – the real reason the ship floats is thanks to a helpful giant, wading through the ocean like it’s a paddling pool.
With the ship perched delicately on his head, he carefully strolls along the seabed, making sure to keep everything balanced. You can only hope he doesn’t sneeze!
Maybe he’s on the cruise payroll, or maybe he’s just a friendly sea giant who enjoys the steady pace of ocean travel.
Either way, it explains why the ship never seems to struggle, since it’s just along for a ride on a giant’s shoulders.
11. Mythical creatures
That’s right, hundreds of mermaids working tirelessly beneath the surface, holding up the ship like a mythical support crew. They don’t just save sailors from storms – they’ve upgraded to luxury cruise ships now.
Their siren songs might explain why everyone’s so relaxed on board. While passengers sip cocktails and sunbathe, a hidden mermaid workforce is keeping everything in balance. I wonder if they’re included in the daily gratuities you’ve got to pay.
12. Human-generated propulsion
Well, I know that some people do worry about the emissions of a cruise ship…
The next time you’re enjoying the smooth ride on the Icon of the Seas, just remember that somewhere below deck, there’s a hidden team of passengers contributing their share to keep the ship gliding effortlessly over the waves.
13. That’s why you always find them onboard…
The true secret to keeping the ship afloat lies in a vast, hidden army of rubber ducks!
They’re discreetly tucked away under the deck, or all around the ship, creating a buoyant force that ensures the ship stays high and dry. Who knew those little quacking companions were actually the unsung heroes of marine engineering?
Next time you spot a rubber ducky hidden on a ship, remember: it’s not just a toy. It’s a key component in the high-tech floating system of the Icon of the Seas.
14. Ah, the Finns made it so
When in doubt, trust the Finns! Apparently, the real magic behind the Icon of the Seas is that it’s Finnish-made, and the key to its buoyancy lies in the simple command: “Float.”
In true Finnish fashion, they’ve infused the ship with a special blend of craftsmanship and polite, no-nonsense efficiency. It’s a bit like asking a well-trained husky to pull you along – you just tell it what you need, and it delivers.
15. Of course, it’s so simple…
It turns out the secret to floating is as straightforward as it gets: just make the ship’s bottom really big, and voilà, it goes ‘floaty float’. Who knew?
Science is the answer, and you don’t need to understand it to believe. Just say “Science!” and you have solved the problem!
Final word
There you have it – lots of reasons why a cruise ship as big as Icon of the Seas can stay afloat. Don’t trust anyone who tells you it’s displacement. It’s clearly a combination of magic, mermaids, rubber ducks and some human-powered emissions.
Feel free to add your own suggestions too!
Or if you’re interested in the actual answer, I spoke to my friend John who is a cruise ship pilot and he explained everything here: How Cruise Ships Float And Not Tip Over.
Planning a family cruise can be tough, and one of the main problems that families face is being overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many cruise lines for families to choose from, each with its own unique offerings.
I’ve worked in the cruise industry for over eight years and have taken my children on lots of different cruises in that time. So I’d love to use my experience to help you find the best cruise line for your family.
There’s no single answer on the best cruise line for kids, though. Some cruise ships, which are fantastic for teenagers, would be a nightmare for parents of toddlers. Some family cruise lines have lots of activities for parents and kids to do together, whereas others have fantastic kids’ clubs that your children won’t want to leave.
When considering the best cruise lines for families, you should look at all the options and decide which aligns best with what you and your kids will enjoy. So, here’s 10 of the best kid friendly cruises options, including something for all ages.
The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Kids
To help you in your decision, here are some things that you need to know about each of the best cruise lines for families with kids of various ages…
1. Disney Cruise Line
Best for: A really special experience
What Are the Ships Like?
The five Disney cruise ships are luxurious and fun. On board, you’ll find excellent entertainment packed with Disney magic and bump into characters such as Donald Duck as they stroll the decks.
Here I am with Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Wish. It’s one of my favourite cruise ships ever! You can read my Disney Wish review here.
Activities On-Board
Disney cruises have a great focus on entertainment. You’ll enjoy themed deck parties, character meet and greets, award-winning live shows and 3D Disney movies. There’s loads to do, making them one of the best cruise for kids options.
The swimming pools on Disney ships are really fun, including some shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head and older kids will love the water slides.
Age Group Most Suited To
Disney Cruises offer a magical experience for kids of any age. Under threes can be cared for in the nursery, but this is quite expensive.
The free-of-charge kids’ clubs for three to 12-year-olds are out of this world. You’ll struggle to prise your kids away. Tweens and teens also have their own fun hangouts.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes. Disney Dream has a good choice of itineraries sailing from Southampton.
Passengers
Disney Cruises are pretty much exclusively for families and are popular with children of all ages, but there are plenty of adult-only areas too.
Price
Disney is one of the more expensive cruise lines with few reductions for children. Take a look at my article to find out how much a Disney cruise costs.
2. Royal Caribbean
Best for: Active families with older kids
What Are the Ships Like?
Royal Caribbean International has 27 ships with more being built all the time. The newest Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest in the world, accommodating as many as 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.
On board, you’ll find the most exciting features at sea, outstanding food and a fun atmosphere. Here we are in the North Star observation pod which extends 300 feet above Anthem of the Seas.
Activities On-Board
These vary by ship, but may include things like rock climbing, mini golf, surfing machines, sports courts, water slides, zip line, ice skating, skydiving simulator, parades, escape room game, trampolines, trapeze school and laser tag.
Age Group Most Suited To
Many of Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities have age and height restrictions which you can see here.
This means that if your children are younger than eight, they may be disappointed that they’re not allowed to take part in everything. Plus, you’ll essentially be paying for things you don’t use.
That said, on our most recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, my five-year-old loved the iFly skydiving simulator, the North Star observation pod and the bumper cars, while his seven-year-old sister was a huge fan of the rock climbing wall.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes. Between May and October, you can sail from Southampton on Anthem of the Seas. In 2025, that will change as Independence of the Seas returns to Southampton.
Passengers
You’ll find a mix of couples and families of all ages. On sailings from the UK you can expect a lot of British travellers, whereas, on Caribbean sailings, the passengers will be mostly American.
Price
Royal Caribbean cruises are mid-range in terms of price. You can add on a drinks package to make your cruise all-inclusive, but these can be pricy. Look out for special offers where you might get drinks included in your cruise fare.
3. Carnival
Best for: US families on a budget
What Are the Ships Like?
With Carnival Cruises, the emphasis is on fun. The ships are brightly coloured with a real American feel.
Activities On-Board
Carnival’s newest ships have amazing facilities such as the SkyRide (which is a bit like riding a bike around a track in the sky).
Carnival Mardi Gras, which launched in 2021, features the first-ever rollercoaster at sea. There are waterslides aplenty and you’ll also find Dr Seuss characters on board.
Age Group Most Suited To
Carnival cruise ships are best suited for children aged eight and over.
The waterslides and activities have height restrictions of between 42 and 48 inches. Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line bans children in swimming nappies from the spray parks as well as the pools, so these ships aren’t great for toddlers.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Only occasionally do Carnival ships sail from the UK. Their
ships are predominantly based in the Caribbean, although you can sail from
European ports too.
Passengers
Carnival ships are very popular with American families. On
short cruises, you may find a lot of groups, particularly during college spring
break, which you should avoid as it would be like taking your children on an
18-30 holiday!
Price
Carnival cruises are fairly cheap, although this could be outweighed by the fact that you have to pay for flights in most cases.
4. MSC Cruises
Best for: Families with babies and toddlers
What Are the Ships Like?
MSC Cruises ships are very glitzy and glamorous, with Swarovski crystal staircases and lots of marble. The newer ships have water slides and splash areas.
Partnerships with LEGO and Chicco ensure that children have lots of fun on board and my two loved their time in the kids club.
Activities On-Board
Some of the facilities such as the 4D cinema, bowling,
racing car simulator and the arcade are chargeable, so you’ll need to budget
for that if your children will want to do these things. There’s lots of fun to
be had in the kids’ club such as whole days devoted to LEGO building.
Age Group Most Suited To
MSC Cruises is great for babies. On many ships, you’ll find a dedicated baby area where parents can bring their babies at certain times.
The dining room offers a special baby menu for children aged 6-12 months and pushchairs are available to hire free of charge. All other age groups will have a great time too, although it’s worth noting that their friends in the kids’ club will probably speak a variety of languages.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes, but only on selected ships. MSC Cruises is unusual in that passengers embark and disembark at various points during the cruise, rather than all starting their cruise at the same port. This means that the choice of itineraries from the UK is somewhat limited.
Passengers
MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line and is popular with passengers from all over Europe. Because of this, all the announcements and signage are in six different languages and the entertainment often doesn’t include much speaking – think acrobats rather than comedians.
You won’t find many Brits on board, but when you do, you’ll probably remember them and say hello when you bump into them again.
Price
MSC Cruises can be really cheap. We paid £399pp for a 7-night cruise and the children were almost free as they were very young. The MSC drinks packages are also the most reasonable that you’ll find at sea.
5. P&O Cruises
Best for: British families with younger kids
What Are the Ships Like?
P&O Cruises offer both family and adults-only ships. They vary in size from medium to large and offer a modern, friendly, British atmosphere.
Activities On-Board
You won’t find loads of activities on-board P&O Cruises ships, but there will be several swimming pools and Jacuzzis and some ships have a splash area for the little ones. Most kids’ activities will take place in the kids’ club.
Age Group Most Suited To
P&O Cruises accept two-year-old children in the kids’ club, whereas on most other cruise lines the minimum age is three. This is one great reason for anyone cruising with a toddler to choose P&O Cruises.
Under-fives can be dropped off at the night nursery where they’ll be cared for, free of charge, between 6 pm and 2 am. And P&O Cruises is one of the only cruise lines to allow babies and toddlers wearing swimming nappies to use the swimming pools.
Whilst this cruise line is good for children of any age, those older than seven or eight may have more fun on a ship with more facilities.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes! P&O Cruises offers a wide choice of cruises sailing from Southampton all year round. From two-night taster cruises to 14-night sailings around the Mediterranean, there’s something for everyone.
Passengers
Being a British cruise line, you’ll find that the vast majority of passengers on-board are British. The type of passengers on board will be different, with shorter cruises attracting a younger crowd than longer voyages.
Price
P&O Cruises is one of the cheapest family-friendly cruise lines. From time to time they offer reduced kids’ prices, with children able to sail from as little as £1, which makes for fantastic value for money.
The drinks on-board are cheaper than many other cruise lines, being similar to local pub prices. And, importantly, you don’t have to pay any gratuities (tips) as you do on most other cruise lines, which saves you around £10 per person, per day.
6. A-ROSA River Cruises
Best for: River cruises with the kids
What Are the Ships Like?
A-ROSA is a river cruise line, so the ships are a lot smaller than ocean cruise ships. One of the newest ships, A-ROSA SENA, was the first river cruise ship built with families in mind, so this is definitely the best ship to choose out of the fleet.
The ships don’t have a lot of space for running around, but this does at least mean it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids – they can’t get lost.
Activities On-Board
Don’t expect anywhere near the facilities that you would get on an ocean cruise ship. However, there are kids clubs at least, which offer various programs for kids aged 4 to 15 with experienced entertainers.
A-ROSA SENA also has a sun deck with a separate kids’ pool so you don’t need to worry about them splashing anyone and 28-square-foot family cabins that sleep up to five people.
Age Group Most Suited To
Because there’s not a huge amount to do onboard, A-ROSA river cruises are better suited to older children who don’t mind a bit of quiet time where they can entertain themselves. Family-friendly shore excursions are probably more targeted at older kids too.
On the sun deck of the A-ROSA Donna
Can You Sail From the UK?
You can’t sail from the UK with A-ROSA, as their family cruises take place on the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers, so you’ll need flights.
Passengers
There’s normally quite a mix of nationalities on an A-ROSA river cruise, including guests from around Europe and also from the US. River cruise guests generally prefer a quieter sailing so don’t expect a boisterous crowd – the kids can have fun but they won’t be able to run amok.
Price
A-ROSA river cruises cost a lot less than some other premium river cruise lines, and kids up to 15 sail for free when travelling with a paying adult. The fares are all-inclusive too, so they’re actually quite good value.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Best for: Cruising with total flexibility
What Are the Ships Like?
NCL ships are colourful and packed with fun. The cruising experience is all about enjoying the flexibility to cruise your own way, with a huge choice of dining options and places to relax and have fun, and no real set dining times.
The older ships aren’t quite as fun, but waterparks and slides feature heavily and there’s definitely a kid-friendly vibe across the whole fleet.
Norwegian Encore
Activities On-Board
There is a serious amount of things you can do on an NCL ship, including aqua parks with multiple exciting water slides (some of which are aimed at younger guests), immersive VR experiences, bowling, and even go-karting on some of the newest ships.
Age Group Most Suited To
NCL is good for kids of all ages. The best activities onboard are probably aimed more at kids aged 7+ but the splash parks are suitable for younger kids, while there are dedicated groups in the Splash Academy kids clubs for 3- to 5-year-olds with tailored activities for that age group.
Can You Sail From the UK?
There are some NCL ships that sail from Southampton, including some of the newest and biggest ships in the fleet. Cruises are available from the UK from April to October.
Passengers
NCL cruises generally include a mix of families and couples, but there’s definitely a younger vibe to the cruise line – don’t expect as many older couples to be sailing.
Price
Normally there are significant discounts on kids travelling with their parents. As for the cruise line in general, prices are mid-range, and there are often package deals to add things like drinks or WiFi for a reduced cost.
One thing to be aware of though is that a lot of the activities do cost extra. Yes, the virtual reality arcades are fun, but they are very expensive so if you have older kids you’ll need to budget for that.
8. Costa Cruises
Best for: Italian-style cruising on a budget
What Are the Ships Like?
Costa’s ships are not the most exciting or feature-packed, and they feel like they’re a bit of a budget cruise line at times. They don’t look cheap, but they aren’t offering some of the glitz and wow-factor moments that other cruise lines do. Expect a lot of great pizza and ice cream, though.
Activities On-Board
Costa isn’t known for being super-innovative so don’t expect fancy features like roller-coasters or go-kart tracks. But they do have some good facilities for kids, including splash parks and dedicated teen rooms that are age-appropriate. Affiliations with Peppa Pig are great for younger kids, including themed water areas and activities in the younger kids’ clubs.
Age Group Most Suited To
Costa is better suited to families with younger children under 6, as much of the theming and activities are targeted at these age groups. Older children might get a bit bored with the lack of variety when they want to hang out with their friends, although if your teens enjoy relaxing by the pool then they might enjoy the atmosphere.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Costa doesn’t offer any sailings from the UK – instead you’ll need to fly to Europe, where there are many different departure ports to choose from.
Passengers
Costa passengers tend to include a mix of ages and nationalities, which is reflected in the kid’s clubs too – your children will be able to mix and mingle with others from various countries, which can be exciting for them.
Price
Costa cruises tend to be towards the lower end, and kids sail free on many sailings too, making them a good option if you’re on a budget.
9. Princess Cruises
Best for: Bringing the grandparents
What Are the Ships Like?
Princess Cruises ships are medium to large in size and offer understated luxury with excellent food and service. Princess Cruises are very popular with multi-generational families who want to cruise with kids, parents and grandparents all together.
With my mum on Enchanted Princess
Activities On-Board
Aside from the usual swimming pools and hot tubs, you won’t find many family activities outside of the kids’ clubs. However, the offering here is very good for those aged three to 17 and has a particular focus on education, thanks to partnerships with Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel.
Age Group Most Suited To
Princess Cruises is a good cruise line for children of all ages. Under-threes are allowed in the kids’ club when accompanied by an adult and free baby food is available (either in a jar or pureed fresh).
Older children may have more fun on a cruise line with more for them to do on board.
The nationality of passengers varies depending on the
itinerary, with lots of Brits sailing from Southampton and lots of Americans
sailing from other ports, including European ports. The passengers can be
slightly older than some of the other family-friendly cruise lines.
Price
Princess Cruises are around mid-range in terms of price. Cruises under seven nights are rare, so you won’t find many cheap taster cruises.
10. Celebrity Cruises
Best for: Chilled-out teens
What Are the Ships Like?
Celebrity cruises offer a 5-star cruising experience on board modern and luxurious ships. The newest ships Celebrity ships have some uber-cool features such as real grass lawns, a ‘flying carpet’ that moves up and down the side of the ship and a silent disco.
Activities On-Board
You won’t find masses of kids’ facilities on-board Celebrity Cruises ships. However, there are Xbox stations where children can play solo or take part in tournaments.
Kids can also take part in iTake, a programme that involves storyboarding a movie, heading out to capture the shots on a GoPro camera and editing them in the iLounge.
Age Group Most Suited To
Celebrity Cruises are most suited to children aged 12 and over. The teen hangout is really cool and the glamorous onboard atmosphere is better suited to teenagers than children.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes, but only on-board certain ships and only between April and October.
Passengers
Similar to Princess cruises, the type of passengers you’ll
find on Celebrity Cruises varies depending on the itinerary. This cruise line
is popular with affluent couples.
Price
Being a 5-star cruise line, the price of a Celebrity Cruise is usually towards the higher end of the scale, although great deals can often be spotted.
What Are the Best Cruises for Families?
Do a couple of cruise lines from this list take your fancy in particular? You’ll find that the ships that each cruise line owns can be quite different, so be sure to take a look at this post next: The best cruise ships for kids
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.
Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, has 2,805 staterooms and suites. And within those, there are 28 different categories of room. So how can you pick the one that’s best for you?
In this guide, I’m going to give you a rundown of all 28 cabin categories. I’ll tell you which are the best, as well as specific cabins to avoid. I’ll be using real customer reviews, taking an in-depth look at the deck plans and much more.
After reading this guide, you’ll be able to decide which stateroom or suite will best meet your needs aboard Icon of the Seas. So let’s go!
Icon of the Seas cabins – an overview
At the most basic level, there are four broad categories of stateroom/suite on Icon of the Seas. All of those 28 categories of cabin I mentioned fit into one of those four categories.
Room
Sleeps
Size (inc balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
157 to 187 sq ft
Ocean View
2 to 4
160 to 258 sq ft
Balcony
2 to 6
196 to 285 sq ft
Suite
2 to 8
322 to 1,772 sq ft
Interior Staterooms
Here’s a quick list of all the interior stateroom options:
Interior
Interior Plus
Spacious Interior
Surfside Family View Interior
Central Park View Interior
Traditionally, an interior stateroom is one that has no windows, and therefore no natural light. This makes them the least desirable option for many guests, but also the cheapest.
That’s broadly true on Icon of the Seas too, but not entirely. Two of the interior stateroom options have a window that faces the inside spaces in the ship, namely Central Park or Surfside.
They might be a good option if you want some natural light, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them – more on that later.
Interior Plus only has additional storage space, so it’s not really a bigger stateroom. If you want a larger interior room, choose the Spacious Interior option.
Ocean View Staterooms
There are only two types of ocean view stateroom on Icon of the Seas:
Ocean View
Panoramic Ocean View
As the name suggests, a Panoramic Ocean View is a larger stateroom with a much better view. They’re all situated on Deck 14, and you do get quite an impressive sight when you look out of the window.
Otherwise, the standard Ocean View rooms are a good alternative to an Interior, especially if you want to see the sea but you don’t want to pay for a Balcony room. You can get them from Decks 3 to 11. I’d recommend the lowest decks if you suffer from seasickness.
Balcony Staterooms
There are an impressive number of stateroom options available if you want a Balcony room:
Ocean View Balcony
Ocean View Large Balcony
Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Central Park View Balcony
Infinite Central Park View Balcony
Surfside Family View Balcony
You can see from the list that there’s a mix of balcony and infinite balcony options. The regular balconies are those you’d expect from a cruise ship, with a sliding or hinged door that opens into an outside balcony area.
Infinite balconies are different, in that there isn’t really a separate balcony. Instead you get a section of the stateroom to treat as a balcony, and an infinity window that lets you slide down the entire upper half of the window.
Some guests have complained in reviews about this, saying they didn’t realise what they were paying for:
Many of the balcony staterooms don’t face the ocean, but instead face either the Central Park or Surfside internal neighbourhood.
This means someone will have a balcony stateroom directly opposite you as well! But they are cheaper than balcony rooms with an ocean view.
Finally, a quick but important note on Guarantee staterooms. Each category of stateroom (Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) has a Guarantee option. This is cheaper, but you’ll be assigned a room by the cruise line instead of choosing your own. It’s a risky move, but one that some people prefer due to the lower cost.
Within the Balcony category, if you want to make sure your room is in a neighbourhood or has an ocean view, you can actually select a Balcony Guarantee OR a Neighbourhood Balcony Guarantee.
Suites
Finally, there are the suites on Icon of the Seas. There are loads of these! They range from the entry-level Junior Suites all the way up to the very best multi-storey suites, such as the Ultimate Family Townhouse and the Royal Loft Suite.
Suites are the most expensive accommodation, but come with a host of extra perks, depending on which suite you choose. They’re also the most spacious options. So if you like to spend a lot of time relaxing in your own private space, they’re worth considering.
With so many suite options, it’s best to read my dedicated guide to Icon of the Seas suites if you want to know more about them.
The Cabins To Avoid On Icon Of The Seas
Here are the cabins that you might want to avoid, although it’ll depend on your personal preferences.
1. Surfside Staterooms if you don’t have kids
Surfside is a fantastic new addition to Icon of the Seas. This is a neighbourhood specifically targeted to younger families, primarily with kids aged between 0 and 6. They have attractions suitable for them, spaces for parents to unwind, and accommodation that’s family-friendly.
However, young kids can be noisy! Not all of them, but you shouldn’t expect peace and quiet in an area of the ship designed for fun, especially if you have balconies near the pools where the sound’s going to carry.
So if you don’t have young kids, it’s best to avoid booking the Surfside Family View Interior Staterooms, but especially the Surfside Family View Balcony Staterooms and Surfside Family Suites.
2. Rooms directly below Chill Island
14164 to 14286, 14565 to 14686
Common advice when booking any cruise cabin is to try to avoid any staterooms directly under the pool. The main pools on Icon to be concerned with are around Chill Island, which hosts several pools, whirlpools and loungers.
The area can be pretty noisy, both early in the morning and late at night. The crew will often be moving loungers around, which can scrape on the floor. Then at the end of the day they’ll stack the chairs, which can cause more noise disruption. And that’s without the sound of people enjoying Chill Island during the day!
The early mornings and late nights are more of a concern though, so best to avoid these rooms if you value a lie-in or an early night.
3. Rooms below The Hideaway
14288 to 14350, 14352 to 14362, 14688 to 14750, 14752 to 14762
I’ve already explained how the kids’ area and pool area can be quite loud. Surprisingly, the adults-only space can also be one of the worst offenders for noise!
Icon of the Seas doesn’t have a peaceful Solarium, like many other Royal Caribbean ships do. Instead it has The Hideaway, a space with an infinity pool, bar and some luxurious day beds to enjoy. But this definitely has more of a party atmosphere.
So if you book a stateroom directly below The Hideaway, don’t be surprised to hear loud music above you.
4. Rooms close to the AquaDome
12134 to 12162, 12530 to 12562, 14538 to 14562, 14138 to 14162
This is another new neighbourhood for Royal Caribbean. It’s close to the AquaDome with a modern space that offers entertainment throughout the day and evening, with some amazing productions to enjoy.
Those productions often use a lot of music, with a pretty thumping bass track. There are also rehearsals, but they tend to happen during the day when you’re more likely to be exploring the ship or ashore.
Still, if you’re likely to be tucked up in bed a little earlier, stay clear of this part of the ship when choosing your stateroom.
5. Surfside and Central Park Interior Staterooms
These two odd stateroom categories could be a great choice for a lot of people. Personally, I’m not too sure.
Although technically classed as an ‘Interior’ room, they do offer some natural light through a reasonably sized window. They’re also bigger than standard Interior or Spacious Interior Staterooms, so they have that going for them.
But I don’t know how often you’ll want to have your curtains open in these rooms. There is a serious amount of foot traffic walking right past your stateroom window, meaning any sense of privacy is essentially gone.
Interior-facing balcony staterooms also have some privacy issues, since you’re directly opposite someone else, although that’s not as bad. At worst, you’re exposed when enjoying your balcony, or to the room directly across from you.
But the interior rooms that are right at eye-level for anyone walking past in Surfside or Central Park? I’m not a fan.
6. Suites forward and high if you get seasick
Icon of the Seas utilises all kinds of amazing technology, including the very latest in stabilisers.
However, tech can’t do everything, and the ship is utterly massive. So it’s going to rock when it hits rough seas, and there’s no way of preventing that.
The general advice for anyone who suffers from seasickness is to stay in cabins on lower decks, in the middle of the ship. They should ideally have an ocean-facing balcony too, as it can help to have fresh air and a horizon to focus on.
Many of the top suites on Icon of the Seas are situated on Decks 16, 17 and 18, right at the front of the ship. That’s the worst area you could be in if you feel seasick. So if you get it pretty bad, I’d look elsewhere.
7. Rooms with sofa beds if your kids are bigger
Here’s something I didn’t expect to be an issue for a ship this modern, but it’s a comment I saw several times when researching!
Icon of the Seas has moved away from using pull-down Pullman beds for kids, and instead prioritises sofa beds where possible. On many ships that would be preferable, because there’s no risk of children falling out (or, more likely, adults bumping their heads on the bed).
But the sofa beds in many of the staterooms aren’t very big. If you’ve got an older child, or two smaller children who want to share, you might find that it’s a bit uncomfortable for them:
If you’re travelling with older kids, it’s best to look at staterooms or suites that are larger, and have better bed options than these sofa beds. You want to make sure they’re fully rested for all the activities!
The Best Rooms On Icon Of The Seas
The vast majority of cabin options on Icon of the Seas are pretty good. Even if you do get one that’s not ideal, you probably won’t be too upset considering how much time you’ll spend outside of your room.
I’ve picked out some of the new stateroom/suite categories as the best ones. Unsurprisingly, they’re all aimed at families, since the ship is very family-oriented.
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Of all the different balcony cabin options for families, this one’s probably the best, and that’s mainly down to the layout of the room.
As I’ve mentioned, many of the family rooms use smaller sofa beds. However, the Family Infinite Ocean View has a separate bedroom area, with cool bunk beds that each have their own TV. So as long as there’s no arguments about the volume, everyone can watch what they want!
The room also has a split bathroom, which is a huge perk that not many Royal Caribbean staterooms can offer. Having a shower while your children use their own toilet, instead of interrupting you, is a bigger win than it might sound!
These are the best and the most spacious balcony staterooms. You’ll pay a premium compared to other balcony options, but it’s still cheaper than choosing a suite. It’s absolutely worth the extra money if you’re travelling with kids, especially older kids who would struggle on a sofa bed.
Surfside Family Suite (with young children)
The Surfside Family Suite might be an odd choice for one of the ‘best’ rooms, since it is facing the often-noisy Surfside area and only has a sofa bed for children.
But for younger kids, I think it’s great. That sofa bed is in a half-bedroom of its own, which can be partitioned off and has its own huge TV.
If you’re travelling with younger children, you can let them enjoy their own entertainment while you unwind in the spacious main suite area. And again, you have the perks of a split bathroom.
The Surfside Family Suite is a Sky Class suite, which means it’s considered a mid-tier suite. There are many additional extras, including access to The Grove sun deck when the kids are in Adventure Ocean, access to the Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge, and priority dining reservations.
You also get VOOM internet included, which is perfect if your kids prefer to watch their favourite shows on a tablet or phone.
The Family Infinite Balcony is a better choice for older kids. But I’d say the suite perks for parents, and the proximity to Surfside, make this the best choice for young families who aren’t super-rich.
However, if you ARE super-rich…
Ultimate Family Townhouse
The Ultimate Family Townhouse really is the best of the best when it comes to family suite accommodations. The price tag is a serious caveat – expect to pay around £20,000 per person for a week. It really is a suite only for those with a huge amount of money to spend.
It has an amazing location on the aft corner of the ship. There is direct access to the Surfside neighbourhood from its own picket-fenced backyard area, which is super-cute.
It’s a three-storey suite and super-spacious, around 11 times the size of an Interior Stateroom. The perks include separate bedrooms for kids and parents, gaming tables, a karaoke machine, a slide from the upper levels, a piano staircase (that plays notes as you walk up or down it), and much more.
Plus, as a Star Class suite, you get complimentary gratuities, complimentary drinks packages, and your own Royal Genie (essentially a butler).
Sure, most people reading this will never book the Ultimate Family Townhouse. But it’s called ‘Ultimate’ for a reason, so I had to include it.
Icon of the Seas is still a relatively new cruise ship. So the recommendations in this guide are a little broad, and are based on real customer reviews and my investigation of the deck plans.
There might be odd staterooms or suites that have an unusual quirk or issue. These are likely to come to light as more people sail on the ship. If you’ve experienced anything like that, please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list!
Generally, the ship’s accommodations are comfortable and very modern. Most people will have an incredible cruise onboard, with their stateroom often just being used for sleep, showering and getting dressed.
If you want to book a particular cabin on Icon of the Seas, you can check to see if someone has reviewed it already. Here are some of the resources I used to write this guide:
