Posts in category: Princess Cruises

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.

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:

Majestic Princess Inside Cabin Grades

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

7. Overlooked Balcony Rooms

M411, M415, M417, M419, M423, M425, R415, R417, R421, R423, R427, R429, A417, A421, A423, A427, A429, B417, B421, B423, B427, B429 (Overlooked by the SeaWalk)

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!

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.

See what extra perks you get with an Owner’s Suite here.

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!

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…

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!

Related Posts:

More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides

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.

Read more about me

The Grand Princess was the largest cruise ship in the world when she first launched in 1998, although she has of course been surpassed since. Yet the former Princess Cruises flagship remains a popular choice for many cruise passengers.

She is part of the Grand Class of ships for Princess, and also a part of the wider Grand Class of ships that was built for both Princess and P&O Cruises, which includes six other ships still in the Princess fleet.

If you’re considering booking a cruise on the Grand Princess, make sure you read this guide first. Here I’ll tell you about all the different cabin options on-board, and which ones you may wish to avoid, depending on your own preferences for your holiday.

Grand Princess Cabin Types

There are seven main types of accommodation on Grand Princess.

Accommodation	Sleeps	Size (incl. balcony)
Interior	2 to 4	160 to 182 sq. ft.
Oceanview	2 to 4	163 to 171 sq. ft
Premium Oceanview	2	206 sq. ft
Balcony	2 to 4	232 to 274 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony	2 to 4	274 sq. ft.
Mini Suite	2 to 4	323 sq. ft.
Suite	2 to 6	319 to 730 sq. ft.

Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Grand Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.

However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).

Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:

Grand Princess Inside Cabins

On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Grand Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light. 

They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Grand Princess – though not by much.

These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.

And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Grand Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.

Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults.

Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Grand Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.

Grand Princess Inside Cabin Grades

Every cabin on Grand Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.

Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.

Grade	Sleeps up to	Average size (sq ft)
IA	2	160
IB	4	160
IC	2	160 – 182
ID	2	160
IE	2	160
IF	4	160

Grand Princess Oceanview Cabins

If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.

Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Grand Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.

And if you want a little more floor space, you can choose a Premium Oceanview cabin – they’re around 20% bigger. Also be aware that the OE cabins only have a porthole – these don’t offer a great deal of light or an amazing view, but they are a little cheaper than some other cabins.

Grand Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades

Grade	Type	Sleeps up to	Average size (sq ft)
O3	Premium Oceanview	2	206
OC	Oceanview	2	163 – 171
OE	Oceanview (Porthole)	2	168
OF	Oceanview	2	163 – 171
OV	Oceanview (Obstructed)	4	168
OW	Oceanview (Obstructed)	2	168
OY	Oceanview (Obstructed)	2	168
OZ	Oceanview (Obstructed)	2	168

Grand Princess Balcony Cabins

Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.

Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.

Grand Princess Balcony Cabin Grades

Grade	Type	Sleeps up to	Average size (sq ft)
B2	Premium Balcony	4	274
B4	Premium Balcony	4	274
BA	Balcony	4	232
BB	Balcony	4	232
BC	Balcony	4	232
BD	Balcony	3	232 – 274
BE	Balcony	2	232 – 274
BF	Balcony	2	232

Grand Princess Mini Suites

The Mini Suites on Grand Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as you would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.

The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Grand Princess are:

• A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
• A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
• An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
• A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
• An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
• Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
• A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship

Grand Princess Mini Suite Grades

Grade	Type	Sleeps up to	Average size (sq ft)
M1	Club Class Mini Suite	3	323
MB	Mini Suite	4	323
MD	Mini Suite	4	323
ME	Mini Suite	4	323

Club Class Mini Suites

If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.

Grand Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:

• Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
• An even comfier bed
• Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
• A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
• Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
• Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.

If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.

If the suite perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.

Grand Princess Suites

If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Grand Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.

Grand Princess Suite Perks:

• Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
• Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
• Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
• Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
• Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
• An upgraded room service menu to choose from
• Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
• A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
• A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
• A twice-daily ice service
• Tea served in your suite
• A cruise card wallet
• Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
• Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
• One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer

Grand Princess Suite Grades

Grade	Type	Sleeps up to	Average size (sq ft)
S1	Grand Suite	4	730
S2	Owner’s Suite	4	692
S3	Penthouse Suite	4	468 – 473
S4	Penthouse Suite	4	536
S6	Vista Suite	4	484 – 527
S7	Window Suite	3	319 – 341
S8	Family Suite	6	595

Grand Vs. Owner’s Vs. Penthouse Vs. Vista Vs. Window

There are six different types of Suite on the Grand Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.

But when comparing the other suites, the best is the Grand Suite. There are two Grand Suites, situated high on the ship on Deck 14 in a mid-ship location, giving them great access to the pools and other facilities on the higher decks. They’re the most spacious suites on the ship with a large, wide balcony.

The two Owner’s Suites are situated on Deck 11, occupying the aft corners. They’re also exceptionally spacious, and have fantastic views across the wake.

Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.

The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.

The Window Suites are on Deck 6 and are situated mid-ship, right next to the casino. They’re the only suites to not have a balcony, but they are much more spacious that other ocean view rooms.

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Special Cabin Types

Grand Princess Aft Rooms

Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus, the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.

On the Grand Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:

• Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 8 to 10
• Vista Suites – Decks 8 to 10
• Penthouse Suites – Decks 10 and 11
• Owner’s Suites – Deck 11

Technically there are also Oceanview rooms at the aft on Deck 12, but these are those that only have a porthole – you won’t really be able to take advantage of the view over the wake of the ship.

Grand Princess Family Suites

Towards the front of the ship on Deck 9, you’ll find two Family Suites. Each suite is actually listed as two separate rooms on the Grand Princess deck plans but they must be booked together.

Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area. 

Plus, you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So, if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.

What makes this even more interesting is that Grand Princess, unlike many other ships in the fleet, doesn’t have any other connecting cabins. So if you want to share a room with family, then these suites are your only option.

Grand Princess Accessible Rooms

While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There is a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.

These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.

The accessible cabins on Grand Princess include:

• Interior Cabins – Decks 8, 10, 11, 12 and 14
• Obstructed Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
• Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 to 12
• Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
• Mini Suites – Deck 9
• Window Suite – Deck 6

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Grand Princess Cabins to Avoid

Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Grand Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.

I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Grand Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.

None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.

With that clarified, here are the Grand Princess cabins you might want to avoid.

1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck

A310 to 751

A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.

And that sound carries through the floor.

What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.

When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.

2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship

L201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106,

A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.

While Grand Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.

If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.

3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness

L201 to 308, A201 to 304 and 618 to 749, B201 to 304 and 618 to 751, C101 to 304 and 618 to 753

If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.

It’s particularly important on Grand Princess as a couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.

It’s not a reason to avoid Grand Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.

4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat

D714 and 715, B714 and 715, A316 and 317

There are a handful of laundry rooms on Grand Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.

And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room.

The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going. So maybe consider avoiding these cabins if you can.

5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells

P200 to 201, E100 to 103, C101 to 102, D102 to 105

There are three main staircases on the Grand Princess that go from Deck 5 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.

The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.

It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.

6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View Is Important to You

Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8) or OE (Deck 12)

There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats.

This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.

Technically the porthole rooms aren’t obstructed, but the view is so limited that I wanted to include it here.

7. Window Suites if You Want a Peaceful Room

F301 to 315

The Window Suites are situated on Deck 6 (Fiesta), adjacent to the casino. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing place to unwind in the evening, it might not be the best location.

The doors leading into the casino are separate from the corridor and situated next to the lift, so you won’t have people walking past your room all the time. But it will still be a bit noisier than some other locations – the casino is a lively place.

If you really want the extra floorspace then they’re worth considering – and they’re great if you intend to spend a lot of time in the casino yourself – but of all the suites they’re definitely the least appealing, even if the cost reflects that.

8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot

A746 to 748, B748 to 751

Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.

It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.

Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.

The Best Cabins on Grand Princess

1. Family Suites

The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Grand Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.

The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.

2. The Cheapest Cabins

The cheapest cabins on Grand Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.

You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.

3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool

Specifically the Interior rooms A744 and A745, the Balcony cabins A742 and 743, and the Oceanview cabins A746 to A749.

These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.

Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.

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To Conclude

There really aren’t any bad cabins on the Grand Princess cruise ship, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.

I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself, too. People love to write their own Grand Princess cabin reviews!

You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone in the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.

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Grand Princess Accommodation FAQs

When was Grand Princess last refurbished?

Grand Princess last underwent a refurbishment in March 2019, although she has been updated a few times since she first launched in 1998. The latest refurbishment updated the decor and furnishings, and added new top-deck dining venues and a revamp of the Princess Theater’s audio setup.

What is the oldest Princess Cruises ship?

Grand Princess is the oldest ship in the Princess fleet, first launching in 1998. When she entered service she was the largest cruise ship in the world. She’s undergone multiple refurbishments since then and remains an important ship in the fleet.

How many cabins are on Grand Princess?

Grand Princess has a total of 1,303 cabins, of which 366 are Inside and 937 have either a window or a balcony. There are 37 suites in total on the ship – more than on some other Grand Class ships due to the extra Window and Penthouse suites mid-ship.

What is the sister ship of Grand Princess?

Grand Princess used to have two sister ships – Golden Princess and Star Princess. Both ships have since transferred to P&O Cruises Australia, leaving Grand Princess as the last of the original Grand Class ships for the cruise line.

What is the difference between Balcony and Premium Balcony on Grand Princess?

Premium Balcony cabins are larger than Balcony cabins and are usually situated in better locations, including at the aft of the ship with views over the wake. There are no other benefits beyond the extra floor space and the better location.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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