Princess Cruises

The main Majestic Princess cabins to avoid are Deck 15 cabins below the Lido Deck pools and buffet, starboard midship cabins that sit just below the glass-floored SeaWalk, and the handful of balconies with obstructed views on Decks 8, 15 and 16. Far-forward cabins are also best skipped if you get seasick. For most passengers the best value is a midship balcony or mini-suite on Decks 9 to 12, while the aft-corner Owner’s Suites are the top choice for space.

Majestic Princess is a 143,700-ton Royal-class ship that launched in 2017. She carries 3,560 guests in 1,780 staterooms, and more than 1,400 of them are outside cabins, almost all with a balcony. She is still in the Princess fleet. For winter 2026-27 she moves from Galveston to South America and Antarctica, sailing from Buenos Aires and San Antonio (Chile), and she is named in Princess’s 2027 Northern Europe programme. Whichever itinerary you book, the cabin layout is the same. This guide covers every stateroom type, where the problems are, and how to check a cabin number before you pay.

Majestic Princess cabins at a glance

The ship has no standard oceanview category to speak of. Nearly every outside cabin has a balcony, and cabins run from Deck 8 (Emerald) up to Deck 16 (Lido). There are no cabins on Decks 4 to 7, which hold the public rooms. The sizes below are approximate and include the balcony where there is one. Figures differ slightly between sources, so check the exact cabin on the Princess deck plan.

The ship also has 38 wheelchair-accessible staterooms and around 200 connecting staterooms. A note on names: Princess has rebranded what used to be called Club Class as the Reserve Collection. On Majestic Princess this covers all the suites and selected, well-placed mini-suites. Guests get a private section of the main dining room with no wait, wine on arrival, canapés on request and other extras. Suite guests also get the Concierge Lounge, breakfast in a private venue and free laundry. Older reviews that mention “Club Class mini-suites” are talking about the same cabins.

Majestic Princess cabins to avoid

Every one of these Majestic Princess cabins to avoid suits someone. What matters is whether the particular downside will bother you.

1. Deck 15 cabins below the Lido Deck

Deck 16 (Lido) holds the main Fountain Pool area, the plunge pool, the grills and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet. Cruise Critic singles out Deck 15 cabins as ones to avoid because they sit under this busy area. The usual complaint is loungers being dragged and stacked early in the morning and late at night, plus foot traffic overhead. If you want Deck 15, check that what’s directly above your cabin is more cabins rather than pool deck or buffet.

2. Starboard midship cabins under the SeaWalk

The SeaWalk is a glass-bottomed walkway that juts out from the starboard side of the top decks. It’s fun to visit but less fun to sleep under. One Cruise Critic member staying in a mini-suite two decks below it reported that passers-by could look straight down onto the balcony. They also said its blue lighting glowed all night and part of the view was blocked, including while cruising the New Zealand fjords. If balcony privacy matters, choose port side or a cabin forward or aft of the SeaWalk.

3. Obstructed-view balconies

A few standard balconies on Deck 8, and a handful of Deluxe Balconies on Decks 8, 15 and 16, have views partly blocked by lifeboats, solid steel railings or structure. Princess sells these in their own obstructed categories, so the price is usually lower. If you’ll mostly use the balcony for fresh air rather than scenery, they can be good value. For Antarctic or fjord itineraries, where the view is the whole point, avoid them.

4. Forward cabins if you’re prone to seasickness

The bow pitches the most in a swell. That matters more than usual on South America and Antarctica voyages, which cross open water around Cape Horn and the Drake Passage area. Seasick-prone travellers should book low and midship.

5. Cabins where extra berths block the balcony

In some balcony and deluxe balcony cabins, using the pull-down upper berth or sofa bed for a third or fourth guest blocks the balcony door. Cruise Deck Plans flags this on its category notes. A family of four squeezed into one balcony cabin may find two connecting cabins work far better.

6. Interconnecting cabins (if you aren’t using the connection)

With around 200 connecting staterooms on board, there’s a fair chance of booking one by accident. The connecting door lets more sound through than a solid wall. If you’re not travelling with the people next door, choose a cabin without the connecting-door symbol on the deck plan.

7. Cabins near service areas, lifts and the Deck 16 cabins by the pool

Cabins next to crew doors, laundry rooms or lift lobbies get more door noise. A small number of cabins sit on the Lido Deck itself, and those closest to the pool and buffet zones will hear more of the daytime activity.

Majestic Princess best cabins

Midship balconies on Decks 9 to 12

These decks have cabins above and below, are close to the lifts and move the least. A standard or deluxe balcony here is the safest all-round choice and is usually the sweet spot for price.

Midship mini-suites with angled balconies

Mini-suites are the upgrade most often recommended on Royal-class ships, thanks to the bathtub, sitting area and extra room. The midship mini-suites with angled balconies have more outdoor space than standard ones. If yours is in the Reserve Collection, the dining perks add real value too.

Aft cabins and Owner’s Suites

Some aft deluxe balconies have slightly deeper balconies. The Owner’s Suites wrap around the aft corners with large balconies and are the biggest cabins on the ship. On any ship, aft cabins give wake views but can feel more vibration, particularly when manoeuvring in port.

Penthouse and Premium Suites

The Penthouse Suites are midship on Deck 14, close to the Concierge Lounge, which makes them convenient as well as roomy. The Premium Suites are larger but sit forward on Decks 9 to 12, so they suit good sailors best.

Accessible and connecting cabins

The 38 accessible staterooms come in several categories. Book them early, as they go fast. Families often do best with two connecting balcony cabins rather than four people in one room.

Avoid this, book that instead

Quick checklist before booking a Majestic Princess cabin

Most Majestic Princess cabins to avoid can be spotted in a few minutes on the deck plan:

1. Open the official Princess deck plan and check the deck above your cabin for pools, the buffet, galleys or the SeaWalk.
2. Check the deck below. Deck 8 cabins sit over public rooms on Deck 7.
3. Look for connecting-door, accessible and obstructed-view symbols on your cabin.
4. Note whether you’re starboard midship near the SeaWalk.
5. If you need a third or fourth berth, confirm whether it blocks the balcony.
6. Think twice about guarantee fares if you’re a light sleeper or get seasick. Princess picks the cabin for you, and it could be any of the spots above.

Sailing on a sister ship? The same Royal-class logic applies in our Royal Princess cabins guide. For the newer Sphere-class ships, see our Sun Princess best and worst cabins. If you haven’t picked a sailing yet, our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 is a good place to start.

FAQs

What class is Majestic Princess?

Majestic Princess is a Royal-class ship, alongside Royal, Regal, Sky, Enchanted and Discovery Princess. She is 143,700 tons, carries 3,560 guests and entered service in 2017.

Which deck is best on Majestic Princess?

For most people, Decks 9 to 12 midship. They have cabins above and below, easy lift access and the least motion. Deck 14 is also good, except for cabins at the starboard midship SeaWalk location and anything beneath busy areas.

Are Deck 15 cabins on Majestic Princess noisy?

Some can be. Cabins directly below the Deck 16 pools and buffet can hear loungers being moved and foot traffic early and late. Deck 15 cabins with more cabins above them are fine. Check the deck plan for your specific number.

Is Majestic Princess still sailing with Princess in 2026-27?

Yes. For winter 2026-27 she sails South America and Antarctica voyages from Buenos Aires and San Antonio (Chile), replacing her planned Galveston season. Princess has also named her for its 2027 Northern Europe season.

The main Grand Princess cabins to avoid are cabins on Deck 12 (Aloha) under the Lido deck pools and buffet, forward Deck 8 cabins above the Princess Theater and lounges, obstructed oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that look onto lifeboats, and cabins beside the self-service laundrettes. The best cabins for most people are midship on Decks 9, 10 and 11, which have cabins above and below them. If you get seasick, stay midship and low.

This guide covers every Grand Princess cabin type, the locations worth avoiding and what to book instead. It also covers where the ship is sailing in 2026-27, because that has changed.

Is Grand Princess leaving the Princess fleet?

As of late October 2026, we could find no announcement from Princess Cruises or Carnival Corporation that Grand Princess has been sold or transferred, or that it’s leaving the fleet. Princess is still taking bookings on her for sailings into 2028. What has changed is where she sails:

• Autumn 2026: after US West Coast sailings from Los Angeles, she left on a 29-night voyage from Los Angeles on 5 October 2026, due in Sydney on 3 November 2026.
• 2026-28: she becomes Princess’s main long-stay ship in Australia, with cruises from Sydney and Brisbane plus some from Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle. She also sails Circle Pacific voyages to Alaska, Japan and back.
• Itineraries on sale currently run to about September 2028.

Grand Princess entered service in 1998, which makes her the oldest ship in the current Princess fleet. If you’re booking far ahead, read the cancellation and change terms on your fare. Cruise lines generally offer a refund or a move to another sailing if a ship is withdrawn. If you’d rather sail on a sister ship, Caribbean, Crown, Emerald and Ruby Princess are all built on a similar Grand-class plan, so most of the advice below applies to them too.

Grand Princess cabins: types and sizes

Grand Princess has about 1,300 cabins. Around three-quarters of the outside cabins have a balcony. Sizes below are approximate. The ship was refurbished in 2011, which added the Piazza atrium and the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, and again in 2013. Her most recent dry dock, in Portland, Oregon in spring 2025, covered maintenance and light updates to cabins and public rooms.

Interior and oceanview cabins

Interior cabins are the cheapest option. Oceanview cabins add a window, but some on Deck 8 look out onto lifeboats (more on that below). The Deluxe Oceanview cabins on the Lido deck have floor-to-ceiling windows and are a well-priced alternative to a balcony.

Balcony cabins

Grand Princess balconies are terraced, getting deeper on lower decks. That means people on the balconies above can often see down onto yours. Balconies range from about 46 to 89 sq ft, so if outdoor space matters, check the size for your specific cabin.

Mini-suites

Mini-suites are on Decks 8 and 9 and have a sitting area with a sofa bed, two TVs and a bath with a shower. Most of those on Deck 9 have open balconies that are overlooked from above and give no shelter from rain. The aft mini-suites on Deck 8 have covered balconies that offer more privacy and shade. A few, such as E728, E729, D732 and D733, have extra-large balconies.

Suites: Grand, Owner’s, Penthouse, Vista, Window and Family

The single Grand Suite is aft and has a whirlpool tub and its own balcony. Owner’s and Penthouse Suites have separate sitting areas, walk-in closets and large balconies. Vista Suites offer similar balcony space for less. The Window Suites on Deck 6 were added in 2011 and have no balcony. They sit on the same deck as the casino, the dining rooms and the Princess Theater, and some reviewers have complained about noise and smells there. The two Family Suites join a mini-suite and an interior cabin through a shared living room, and sleep up to eight.

Grand Princess cabins to avoid

Cabins under the Lido deck

Deck 14 is the Lido deck. It has the Horizon Court buffet, the Neptune’s Reef and Calypso Reef pools, grills, pizza and bars. There is no Deck 13, so Deck 12 (Aloha) sits directly below it. Cabins under the pool and buffet areas can hear early-morning deck chair moving and cleaning, plus footsteps late into the evening. On the Lido deck itself, the forward starboard cabins sit below the fitness centre, which can be noisy early in the morning.

Forward Deck 8 cabins above the theatre and lounges

The Princess Theater is forward on the lower public decks, and Deck 7 also has lounges such as Club Fusion and Explorers. Deck 8 (Emerald) cabins forward, or above those venues, can pick up show bass, rehearsals and late-night music. Some forward cabins on this deck are also near crew areas. The forward balconies on Deck 8 can be seen from the outdoor promenade, so they offer less privacy.

Obstructed oceanview cabins on Deck 8

Deck 8 sits above the lifeboats. Several groups of oceanview cabins here are sold as obstructed, roughly E209-E231, E301-E326, E401-E425, E501-E521, E601-E632 and E701-E715, in categories with codes ending in V, W, Y or Z. They’re cheaper and still get daylight, but the view is partly or largely blocked. That’s fine if you just want natural light, but disappointing if you were expecting a sea view.

Forward balconies and the Family Suites in the wind

Balconies at the front of the ship catch the most wind when the ship is moving. On colder routes, or on a long Circle Pacific crossing, you may not get much use out of them on sea days. That includes the forward-facing Family Suite balconies on Deck 9.

Cabins next to laundrettes and crew doors

Each main cabin deck has a self-service laundrette, and cabins right next to it get steady foot traffic and door noise. On Deck 9 (Dolphin), cabins near the blank space around D123 are next to a crew area. Blank spaces on a deck plan are worth treating with caution anywhere on the ship.

Cabins for seasick travellers

Motion is felt most at the bow and on high decks. Grand Princess will spend 2026-28 sailing waters that can be lively, such as the Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, and on long Pacific crossings. If you get seasick, avoid forward cabins and book midship on Deck 9 or 10.

The best cabins on Grand Princess

• Quietest all-round: midship on Deck 9 (Dolphin) or Deck 10 (Caribe). Both have cabin decks above and below and no public rooms next to them.
• Best mini-suites: the aft mini-suites on Deck 8 with covered balconies. These are some of the most sought-after cabins on the ship.
• Best for cooler weather: aft-facing balconies, which are more sheltered from the wind and tend to stay warmer.
• Best value: forward or aft cabins in the same category as midship ones. They’re the same size and often cheaper, though you’ll feel more motion.
• Best for families: a Family Suite for big groups, or connecting balcony cabins.
• Accessible cabins: there are 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins across several categories, including balcony cabins on Decks 11 and 12 and an accessible Window Suite. Door widths vary, so a collapsible wheelchair is recommended.

Aft cabins

Aft cabins have wake views and some of the larger balconies, and the aft mini-suites and suites are popular. The trade-off is some vibration and motion in a swell. Balconies are terraced at the stern too, so check what overlooks yours.

Avoid vs book instead

How to check a cabin before you book

1. Open the deck plan for your deck and the decks immediately above and below. Remember there’s no Deck 13.
2. Look for public rooms, laundrettes and unlabelled (crew) spaces near the cabin.
3. Check the category code. Codes ending in V, W, Y or Z usually mean an obstructed view.
4. Search for photos of the exact cabin number to see the view and balcony.
5. If location matters to you, avoid guarantee fares, where Princess picks the cabin for you.

If Grand Princess’s schedule doesn’t suit you, the layouts of her sisters are close enough that our guides to Caribbean Princess cabins, the best and worst cabins on Crown Princess and Ruby Princess cabins to avoid will feel familiar.

Our guide to Sapphire Princess cabins covers another long-serving Princess ship, now sailing in Asia.

Sailing on a smaller Princess ship instead? Read our guide to Island Princess cabins to avoid and the best rooms to book.

FAQs

Which cabins should I avoid on Grand Princess?

Avoid Deck 12 cabins under the Lido pools and buffet, forward Deck 8 cabins above the theatre and lounges, obstructed oceanview cabins on Deck 8, and cabins beside laundrettes or crew areas. If you get seasick, also avoid high forward cabins.

Is Grand Princess being sold or retired?

As of October 2026 no sale or retirement has been announced. She is moving to Australia from November 2026, and Princess is selling cruises on her into 2028.

Where is the best place to get a cabin on Grand Princess?

Midship on Deck 9 or 10 is the quietest and most stable option. For a suite feel at a lower price, the aft mini-suites on Deck 8 with covered balconies are popular.

Do Grand Princess mini-suites have covered balconies?

Most mini-suite balconies on Deck 9 are open and overlooked from above. The aft mini-suites on Deck 8 have covered balconies, which give more shade and privacy.

The Emerald Princess cabins to avoid are mainly those on the Riviera deck (14) directly below the Lido deck pools and World Fresh Marketplace buffet, oceanview cabins on the Emerald deck (8) that look straight at lifeboats, and any cabin right beside a launderette, stairwell or busy public room. The best cabins on Emerald Princess are midship balconies and mini-suites on decks 9 to 12, which are quiet, stable and an easy walk from almost everything.

This guide explains each cabin grade, the specific locations worth thinking twice about, the best picks for families, light sleepers and seasick cruisers, and a simple way to check any cabin number before you commit.

Emerald Princess in 2026-27: fleet status and where it sails

Emerald Princess was launched in 2007 (its inaugural cruise was in April that year) and is the middle sister of a three-ship group that also includes Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. It is 113,561 tons, carries 3,090 guests at double occupancy, and has around 1,546 staterooms. As of October 2026 there has been no announcement that it is being sold or leaving the Princess fleet.

The ship’s most recent drydock was in Palermo, Italy, in April 2025. That was routine maintenance and class work rather than a major cabin redesign. The last big cabin change was a 2015 refit that brought in Princess Luxury Beds. Its current pattern is very West Coast focused:

• Autumn and winter 2026-27: round trips from Los Angeles to Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera, plus West Coast sailings including San Francisco departures.
• Summer 2027: Alaska, with weekly Inside Passage cruises from Vancouver to Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, plus two 16-day round trips from Los Angeles.
• Late 2027 onwards: Caribbean sailings appear in the schedule, including departures from San Juan, Fort Lauderdale and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Hawaii round trips from Los Angeles involve several open-ocean sea days each way, so cabin location matters more than usual on this ship.

Emerald Princess cabins explained: every grade

The table below gives approximate sizes. Figures differ a little between Princess and the deck-plan sites, so treat them as guides rather than exact measurements.

Inside cabins

Inside cabins are found on almost every cabin deck. Those midship on Dolphin (9), Caribe (10), Baja (11) and Aloha (12) are the pick: quiet, dark and stable. Rooms with third and fourth upper berths are fine for a family but feel cramped once the bunks are down.

Oceanview cabins

The unobstructed oceanview cabins are mainly on Plaza (5) and Emerald (8), with a few aft on deck 14. A large share of the deck 8 rooms face the lifeboats, and a handful forward on the Lido deck (15) are also obstructed. Princess discounts these, but if you want a sea view, choose a cabin that is not marked obstructed.

Balcony and Premium Balcony cabins

Standard balcony cabins line decks 10 to 15. The hull steps out on the lower decks, so balconies there are partly visible from above. From the Caribe deck (10) upwards they feel noticeably more private. Premium Balcony cabins, many at the stern on decks 8 to 11, have bigger outdoor space and views over the wake, which is lovely on a long Hawaii crossing, at the price of more movement in a swell.

Mini-suites and Reserve Collection

Emerald Princess mini-suites are among the best value rooms on board: about twice the size of a standard balcony cabin, with a sitting area and sofa bed, two TVs and a tub. Princess’s former Club Class mini-suites are now sold under the Reserve Collection name. The Reserve Collection mini-suites are on the Dolphin deck (9) and come with a private dining area in the main dining room, wine on arrival, plush bathrobes and canapés on request.

Suites and Family Suites

• Vista Suites are on the aft corners of decks 8, 9 and 10, with large wraparound balconies.
• Penthouse Suites are aft on decks 10 and 12 with wake views, and midship on the Riviera deck (14) beside the panoramic lifts.
• Owner’s Suites are two suites aft on the Aloha deck (12), each nearly 690 sq ft including the balcony, with sweeping wake views.
• Family Suites: there are two, forward on the Dolphin deck (9). Each joins two cabins through a shared living room and a large balcony.

Emerald Princess cabins to avoid

None of these Emerald Princess cabins to avoid is a deal-breaker for everyone, but each location comes up again and again in passenger feedback.

Under the Lido deck

On Emerald Princess the Lido deck (15) runs from the Lotus Spa at the bow, past Neptune’s Reef and Pool, to Calypso Reef and Pool and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet from midship to the stern. Riviera deck (14) cabins underneath, including the midship Penthouse Suites, are close to the action but can hear deck chairs being moved and decks being cleaned early in the morning. The Terrace Pool is on deck 14 aft, so the nearby cabins get foot traffic and door noise too. If you want quiet mornings, drop down a deck or two.

Next to launderettes, stairwells and service doors

Self-service launderettes on the cabin decks are busy on sea days, and Hawaii round trips have plenty of those. Cabins beside them, or beside lift lobbies and crew doors, hear far more coming and going than rooms a few doors along.

Above or below entertainment venues

The Princess Theater is at the bow on decks 6 and 7, Gatsby’s Casino is forward on deck 6, and Club Fusion is aft on deck 7. Skywalkers Nightclub is high up on deck 18. Cabins on the decks immediately above or below these venues can pick up music and late-night traffic. A cabin-check tool will show you whether yours does.

Lower forward cabins

Some cruisers have reported vibration in certain lower-deck forward cabins on the Plaza deck (5), and bow cabins in general pitch more in a swell and can hear the anchor at tender ports. If you are sensitive to noise or motion, stay midship.

Forward balconies on windy routes

Forward-facing and bow-side balconies catch the full headwind. On an Alaska morning or an open-ocean leg to Hawaii, that can make them almost unusable while the ship is moving.

Best cabins on Emerald Princess by traveller type

Light sleepers

Choose midship on decks 9 to 12, with cabins above and below and no launderette next door. This is the single most reliable rule on this ship class.

Seasick cruisers

Choose low and central. A midship balcony or mini-suite on deck 8 or 9 rides the swell best. This matters most on the Los Angeles to Hawaii crossings, which have several consecutive sea days.

Families

Book one of the two Family Suites early. Otherwise, Princess lists 100 connecting staterooms on Emerald Princess, so two connecting balcony cabins are a practical alternative. The youth and teen centres are on the Sports deck (17).

Accessible travel

Princess lists 28 wheelchair-accessible staterooms on Emerald Princess across several grades. Ask Princess to confirm the bathroom layout and balcony threshold of the specific cabin before you pay the deposit.

Alaska and Hawaii views

For glacier days, a balcony on either side works, because the ship turns at the glacier face. Aft-facing Premium Balconies and Vista Suites give the widest views. On Hawaii trips, a starboard or port balcony both catch the islands, depending on the day.

How to vet an Emerald Princess cabin before booking

1. Find your cabin on the Princess deck plan and open the decks directly above and below it.
2. Look for red flags: pools, the buffet, galleys, the theater, nightclubs, the casino, the fitness centre and launderettes.
3. Run it through a cabin-check tool such as CruiseDeckPlans, which shows what sits directly above and below a cabin number.
4. Read the category name. “Obstructed” or “partially obstructed” means lifeboats or structure in the view.
5. Match the cabin to the route. Sea-day-heavy Hawaii sailings reward a quiet midship cabin. A port-a-day Caribbean week is more forgiving.

A word on guarantee fares: they are cheaper because Princess assigns the cabin, which could be a Riviera deck room under the pool deck or one beside a launderette. If location matters to you, pay for a specific cabin.

Emerald Princess’s sisters share almost the same layout, so these tips carry over. See our guides to Crown Princess cabins to avoid and Ruby Princess suites and mini-suites if you are comparing sailings.

Emerald Princess has a near-identical sister, and our guide to Ruby Princess cabins to avoid looks at her layout in the same way.

FAQs

Which cabins should I avoid on Emerald Princess?

The cabins to weigh up are Riviera deck (14) cabins under the Lido deck pools and buffet, lifeboat-view oceanview cabins on deck 8, cabins next to launderettes or stairwells, and lower forward cabins if you are sensitive to motion or vibration.

What is the best deck on Emerald Princess?

Decks 9 to 12 (Dolphin, Caribe, Baja and Aloha) are generally the quietest, with cabins above and below and an easy lift ride to the dining rooms and the pool deck.

What are the benefits of an Emerald Princess suite?

Full suites come with a much larger balcony, a living area, priority embarkation and disembarkation, Concierge Lounge access and complimentary laundry. Reserve Collection mini-suites add dining and in-room perks without the full suite price.

Is Emerald Princess leaving the Princess fleet?

No sale or transfer had been announced as of October 2026. The ship is scheduled for West Coast, Hawaii and Mexico sailings in winter 2026-27 and Alaska from Vancouver in summer 2027.

The main Sapphire Princess cabins to avoid are obstructed-view oceanview cabins behind the lifeboats, Dolphin-deck mini-suites if you want a private, shaded balcony, cabins beside lifts, launderettes and crew doors, and far forward cabins if you are prone to seasickness. The best picks for most guests are midship balcony cabins on the Baja and Caribe decks and the covered-balcony mini-suites on the Emerald deck.

As of October 2026, Sapphire Princess is still sailing for Princess Cruises and has moved to Asia for 2026-27. Below we cover where she is sailing, every cabin type, and how to choose the right one.

Where Sapphire Princess is sailing in 2026-27

Sapphire Princess remains part of the Princess fleet and is on sale for 2026 and 2027 voyages.

Here is what has actually changed recently:

• October 2025 drydock. A two-week refit in Portland, Oregon, refreshed the ship and added two specialty restaurants: Crown Grill steakhouse, which replaced the Savoy Dining Room on deck 5, and Makoto Ocean sushi, which replaced the former Internet Café on deck 7. Princess’s release did not mention any changes to staterooms.
• A move to Asia. For the 2026-27 season Sapphire Princess joins her sister Diamond Princess in Asia, with voyages of 10 to 42 nights from Singapore and the Tokyo area (Yokohama) to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and beyond.
• A long Japan season in 2027. Princess says Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will sail together from the Tokyo region from March to December 2027, the first time the line has based two ships there at once. A Fremantle (Western Australia) season has also been reported for the 2027-28 southern summer; check princess.com for confirmed dates.

What this means for you: if you are in North America or Europe, Sapphire Princess will not be sailing from your region for the time being, so you will need to fly to Asia to sail on her. Her sister Diamond Princess is almost identical inside, so the cabin advice below works for both ships.

Sapphire Princess at a glance

Sapphire Princess entered service in 2004. At about 115,900 gross tons, she carries around 2,670 guests in 1,337 cabins, and more than 700 cabins have balconies. Fun fact: she and Diamond Princess swapped names during construction after a fire delayed the ship originally due to be Sapphire. Cabins are spread over seven decks: Plaza (5), Emerald (8), Dolphin (9), Caribe (10), Baja (11), Aloha (12) and part of the Lido (14) deck. A 2017 refit fitted every cabin with the Princess Luxury Bed.

Sapphire Princess cabins: every category compared

Sizes are approximate and vary within each category. Deck-plan sites sometimes disagree slightly, so treat these as a guide.

Interior and oceanview

Inside cabins are generously sized for their price. Oceanview cabins come in several grades, and four of them (shown as OV, OW, OY and OZ on deck-plan sites) have windows partly or fully blocked by lifeboats or ship structures. They are fine if you just want daylight, but not if you expect a clear sea view.

Balcony cabins

Standard balconies are the backbone of the ship. Balcony depth varies, with some corner and aft cabins getting noticeably more outdoor space. Cruisedeckplans records guest complaints about vent smells on the balconies of cabins D740 and D741, so it is worth checking reviews of any specific cabin number you are offered.

Mini-suites and Reserve Collection

Mini-suites are on the Emerald (8) and Dolphin (9) decks. The Dolphin-deck mini-suite balconies are uncovered and can be seen from decks above, which cruisers on forums regularly mention. Emerald-deck mini-suites have covered balconies that give more shade and privacy. Princess now sells its premium mini-suites, previously called Club Class, under the Reserve Collection name, with a reserved dining area and priority perks.

Suites and family suites

The single Grand Suite sits aft and is the biggest room onboard. The two-bedroom family suites are forward on the Dolphin deck and connect two bedrooms through a central living room. Their forward-facing balcony gets little wind protection, so it may be unusable at speed.

Best cabins on Sapphire Princess

For most couples

A midship balcony on the Caribe (10) or Baja (11) deck is the sweet spot. These decks are sandwiched between other cabin decks, so noise from public rooms is unlikely, and midship cabins are close to the lifts without being right beside them.

For wake views

Aft-facing balconies and suites look over the wake and often have bigger outdoor areas. Expect a longer walk forward and some vibration when the ship manoeuvres in port.

For families and accessible travel

The two family suites sell out early, so book well ahead. CruiseMapper lists 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins across balcony, oceanview and interior grades; confirm the exact features, such as roll-in showers and balcony thresholds, directly with Princess before you book.

Sapphire Princess cabins to avoid

• Obstructed-view oceanviews if you want a real sea view.
• Dolphin-deck mini-suites if privacy and shade on the balcony matter to you.
• Cabins on the upper cabin decks directly under the pool deck or buffet. The Aloha (12) deck and the cabin section of Lido (14) are closest to the pools, Horizon Court and World Fresh Marketplace, so check what is above any cabin there.
• Cabins beside lifts, stairwells, launderettes and crew doors, which bring corridor noise.
• Far forward cabins on longer sea crossings if you are prone to seasickness, such as the long Pacific and Asia voyages.
• Lower-deck cabins near gangways and tender platforms, which can be noisy on port mornings.

How to check a Sapphire Princess cabin on the deck plan

The Sapphire Princess deck plan is one of the most searched things about this ship, and it is the best tool you have. Before paying a deposit:

1. Ask for the cabin number. Guarantee fares are cheaper but Princess picks the cabin for you, so skip them if location really matters.
2. Look above and below. Use the official Princess deck plan or a cabin-check tool such as the one on cruisedeckplans.com to see what is directly over and under the cabin.
3. Check the grade code for obstructed views.
4. Scan the corridor for lifts, stairs, launderettes and crew doors.
5. Search the cabin number online for recent reviews mentioning noise, smells or balcony shape.

Not sailing in Asia? Alternatives to Sapphire Princess

If you wanted a Sapphire Princess cruise closer to home, similar Princess ships are still sailing from North America and Europe. The Grand-class ships have a comparable layout and cabin mix; see our guides to Caribbean Princess cabins and Crown Princess cabins. For the newest ship in the fleet, read our Sun Princess best and worst cabins guide.

Sapphire Princess has a near-identical sister ship, so our guide to Diamond Princess cabins to avoid is useful if you are comparing the two.

FAQs

Where is Sapphire Princess sailing in 2026-27?

Sapphire Princess is still operated by Princess Cruises. She is sailing in Asia for 2026-27 and is scheduled to spend March to December 2027 based in the Tokyo area alongside Diamond Princess.

Which cabins should I avoid on Sapphire Princess?

Avoid obstructed-view oceanviews if you want a sea view, Dolphin-deck mini-suites if balcony privacy matters, cabins beside lifts, launderettes and crew doors, cabins directly under the pool deck, and far forward cabins if you get seasick.

What is the best deck on Sapphire Princess?

The Caribe (10) and Baja (11) decks are the best all-round choice for balcony cabins, with cabins above and below. For the smoothest ride, choose a midship cabin on the Emerald (8) or Dolphin (9) deck.

What does obstructed mean on Princess Cruises?

An obstructed cabin has part or all of its view blocked, usually by lifeboats. These grades cost less, and you still get daylight, but not a clear sea view.

Are Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess cabins the same?

They are sister ships with very similar layouts and cabin categories, so the same advice on decks, mini-suites and cabins to avoid applies to both.

The Caribbean Princess cabins to avoid are mostly about location rather than category: obstructed-view oceanview cabins behind the lifeboats, rooms right next to lifts, launderettes or crew doors, cabins on the top Riviera and Lido decks that sit close to the pool deck, and far-forward cabins if you are prone to seasickness. The best-value picks are midship balcony cabins on the Baja and Aloha decks, Emerald-deck mini-suites with covered balconies, and the aft-facing balconies for anyone who wants a wake view.

Below you will find every cabin type on Caribbean Princess, which ones suit couples, families and light sleepers, and a simple way to check any cabin number on the deck plan before you pay a deposit.

Caribbean Princess at a glance in 2026-27

Caribbean Princess is a modified Grand-class ship that launched in 2004. At around 112,900 gross tons and roughly 3,140 guests at double occupancy, she is slightly bigger than her sisters because of an extra deck of cabins, the Riviera deck, added during construction. Deck-plan sites list around 1,569 cabins across more than 30 price grades, so there is a lot of choice and a lot of variation within each category.

The ship is still very much part of the Princess fleet. For winter 2026-27 she is based in Fort Lauderdale, mainly on 12-night round-trip Caribbean voyages, as part of Princess’s large Caribbean deployment. In summer 2027 she is one of four Princess ships assigned to Northern Europe, with sailings from Copenhagen, before Canada and New England voyages in the autumn and a return to Fort Lauderdale. Itineraries do change, so always confirm the exact sailing on princess.com.

Caribbean Princess was last refurbished in 2019, when Princess updated staterooms, dining and the children’s areas and added the Reef Splash Zone. An earlier 2017 refit replaced all beds with the Princess Luxury Bed and, according to CruiseMapper, created extra pairs of interconnecting cabins, which is good news for families.

Caribbean Princess cabin categories compared

Sizes below are approximate and vary within each category, especially for balconies. Use them as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Interior and oceanview cabins

Inside cabins on Caribbean Princess are a sensible size for the price and work well on busy port itineraries where you are rarely in the room. Oceanview cabins sit on fewer decks than you might expect. The key thing to know is that Princess sells several oceanview grades (OV, OW, OY and OZ on deck-plan sites) where the window is partly or fully blocked by lifeboats or ship structures. Cruisedeckplans lists obstructed cabins on the Emerald deck, for example in the E101-E121 and E401-E425 ranges. They are cheaper for a reason, so only book one knowingly.

Balcony cabins

With hundreds of standard balcony cabins, this is the most popular choice. Balconies vary in depth: corner and aft positions are often larger, while some Caribe-deck balconies have a ceiling overhang that covers the first few feet. That overhang gives shade in the Caribbean sun, which many guests see as a plus.

Mini-suites and Club Class

Mini-suites are on the Emerald and Dolphin decks. Cruisedeckplans notes that Dolphin-deck mini-suite balconies are uncovered and can be seen from decks above, because the ship steps out below them. If privacy and shade matter, the Emerald-deck mini-suites are usually the safer pick. Club Class mini-suites, now sold under Princess’s Reserve Collection banner, are the same size as standard mini-suites but add a reserved section of the dining room, extra in-cabin touches and priority boarding and tendering.

Suites: Grand, Owner’s, Penthouse, Premium, Vista and Window

The single Grand Suite is aft on the Aloha deck and is the largest room onboard. Owner’s and Penthouse suites have the biggest balconies after that, and Premium and Vista suites are a step down in size. Window suites on the Fiesta deck have no balcony but offer suite space and perks for less money, which suits guests who rarely sit outside.

The best cabins on Caribbean Princess by traveller type

Couples and first-timers

A standard balcony on the Baja (11) or Aloha (12) deck, as close to midship as your budget allows, is hard to beat. These decks have cabins above and below them, which is the simplest way to avoid noise from public spaces, and midship cabins are close to the lifts without being right next to them.

Wake-view lovers

Aft-facing balcony cabins and suites look straight out over the wake and often have bigger balconies. The trade-off is that you may notice more vibration when the ship manoeuvres in port, and aft cabins are a long walk from the forward theatre.

Families

The two-bedroom family suites on the Dolphin deck sleep up to eight and give each bedroom its own bathroom. Their balcony is at the front of the ship, so it can be windy and may be unusable in strong winds while sailing. Connecting cabins are another good option since the 2017 refit added more of them; ask Princess or your agent to block a connecting pair early, as they go fast in school holidays.

Accessible cabins

CruiseMapper lists 25 wheelchair-accessible staterooms across suite, balcony, oceanview and interior grades. Numbers are limited, so book as early as possible and confirm the exact features (roll-in shower, door widths, balcony threshold) directly with Princess.

Caribbean Princess cabins to avoid

No cabin on this ship is truly bad, but some locations come with trade-offs that catch people out. These are the ones to think twice about.

• Cabins near the pool and buffet decks. The Riviera (14) and Lido (15) decks sit right by the main pool deck, World Fresh Marketplace buffet and sun loungers. Some cabins here can pick up early-morning chair scraping and deck cleaning. Check exactly what is above any cabin on these decks.
• Obstructed-view oceanviews. Fine if the price is right and you only want daylight, but disappointing if you expected a sea view.
• Cabins next to lifts, stairwells, launderettes or crew doors. Expect corridor chatter, slamming doors and trolleys. The self-service launderettes are popular on sea days.
• Dolphin-deck mini-suites, if privacy matters. The uncovered balconies can be overlooked from above.
• Far forward cabins on rough itineraries. The front of the ship moves the most in a swell, which matters more on transatlantic crossings and North Atlantic or Baltic sailings than in the Caribbean.
• Lower-deck cabins near the gangway or tender platforms. These can be noisy on port mornings.

Best cabins on Caribbean Princess for seasickness and light sleepers

Motion is felt least low and in the middle of the ship. If you are worried about seasickness, choose a midship cabin on the Emerald (8) or Dolphin (9) deck. A balcony helps too, as fresh air and a view of the horizon make many people feel better. This matters most on the Northern Europe, transatlantic and New England sailings, where seas are often rougher than in the Caribbean.

Light sleepers should prioritise a cabin sandwiched between other cabin decks, away from lifts and service areas, and should avoid the very top cabin decks under the pool area and the cabins nearest the aft nightclub and family areas on the upper decks. An interior cabin is also the darkest option if you like to sleep late.

How to check a Caribbean Princess cabin before you book

1. Get the cabin number. If you are booking a specific cabin, ask for the number before paying. A guarantee fare (where Princess assigns the cabin later) is cheaper but means you cannot control location, so avoid guarantees if noise or motion really matter to you.
2. Look at the deck above and below. Open the official Princess deck plan or a cabin-check tool such as the one on cruisedeckplans.com and see what sits directly over and under your cabin.
3. Check the grade code. Oceanview grades marked obstructed and some balcony grades flagged for partial views will be listed on the booking page.
4. Look along the corridor. Spot the lifts, stairs, launderette and any crew doors.
5. Read recent cabin reviews. Search the cabin number on forums to see if anyone has reported vent smells, noise or an unusual balcony shape.

If you like the Grand-class layout, the same approach works for her sisters; see our guides to Crown Princess cabins and Emerald Princess cabins. If you are still deciding on a ship, our round-up of cruise deals for 2027 is a good place to compare prices.

Quick checklist: picking the best rooms on a cruise ship like Caribbean Princess

• Midship and lower for a smoother ride.
• Cabins above and below you for a quieter night.
• Not next to the lifts, launderette or crew doors.
• Emerald-deck rather than Dolphin-deck mini-suites if balcony privacy matters.
• Avoid obstructed grades unless the saving is worth it to you.
• Book early for family suites, connecting cabins and accessible cabins.

Planning a cruise in Asia instead? Our guide to Sapphire Princess cabins to avoid gives the same kind of advice for a Princess ship based there.

Caribbean Princess grew out of the Grand-class design, so our guide to Grand Princess cabins to avoid covers many similar layout issues.

FAQs

Which cabins should I avoid on Caribbean Princess?

Avoid obstructed-view oceanview grades if you want a sea view, cabins beside lifts, launderettes and crew doors, cabins on the top Riviera and Lido decks directly under busy pool or buffet areas, and far forward cabins if you are prone to seasickness.

What is the best deck on Caribbean Princess?

For most guests, the Baja (11) and Aloha (12) balcony decks are the best balance: they have cabins above and below, easy access to the lifts and buffet, and good balcony choice. Seasick-prone travellers may prefer the lower Emerald (8) or Dolphin (9) decks midship.

What does an obstructed balcony or oceanview mean on Princess Cruises?

It means part or all of the view is blocked, usually by lifeboats or ship structures. Princess prices these grades lower. You still get daylight, but you may not see the sea clearly from your bed.

Are aft cabins on Caribbean Princess worth it?

Aft-facing balconies are often larger and have a wake view many cruisers love. The trade-offs are a longer walk to forward venues and possible vibration when the ship manoeuvres in port.

What are the best rooms on a cruise ship for families?

On Caribbean Princess, the two-bedroom family suites sleep up to eight, and connecting cabins are a flexible alternative. Book early, as both sell out quickly in school holidays.

The main Crown Princess cabins to avoid are those on the Riviera deck (deck 14) directly below the Lido deck pools and buffet, cabins that sit next to the self-service launderettes or above or below busy public rooms, and the oceanview cabins on the Emerald deck whose windows look out at lifeboats. For most cruisers the best Crown Princess cabins are midship balconies on decks 9 to 12, where there are cabins above and below you, the motion is gentlest and the walk to everything is short.

Below we cover every cabin grade, the quiet spots, the best picks for families and light sleepers, and how to check any cabin number before you pay the deposit.

Crown Princess at a glance: where the ship is sailing in 2026-27

Crown Princess entered service in June 2006 and is a 113,561-ton, 3,090-guest ship built by Fincantieri. It has around 1,545 staterooms, and roughly four in five outside cabins have a private balcony. It is one of three near-identical sisters, together with Emerald Princess, whose cabin layout we cover in a separate guide, and Ruby Princess.

The ship had a scheduled drydock between late November and mid-December 2025, so its soft furnishings and public rooms have been freshened up recently. There has been no announcement of a sale or transfer out of the Princess fleet. Its deployment is unusually varied, which matters when you choose a cabin:

• Autumn 2026: Australia and the South Pacific, including a round-Australia voyage that called at Fremantle in October 2026, before repositioning across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.
• Winter 2026-27: Caribbean, including seven-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean round trips from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and 14-night Southern Caribbean sailings.
• Summer 2027: Alaska from Vancouver, with six- to nine-day sailings that include Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and can be combined with a Denali land tour.
• Later: Princess has announced that Crown Princess will return to Australia and be based in Melbourne for the 2028-29 season.

Long Pacific crossings and the Panama Canal transit mean runs of sea days, when cabin location and motion matter most.

Crown Princess cabin types and grades

Princess sells Crown Princess cabins in six broad groups. Sizes below are approximate, because Princess and the deck-plan sites round them slightly differently.

Inside and oceanview cabins

Inside cabins are a sensible choice on itineraries packed with ports, and those midship on decks 9 to 12 are some of the quietest rooms on the ship. Some have pull-down upper berths for a third and fourth guest, which makes the floor space tight. Oceanview cabins are the same size with a picture window. The thing to watch is the Emerald deck (deck 8): many oceanview cabins there look out onto the lifeboats, and Princess prices these as obstructed-view rooms. If the view matters, pay the small extra for an unobstructed grade or a balcony.

Balcony and Premium Balcony cabins

Standard balconies make up the largest group of cabins. Because the side of the ship steps out on the lower decks, balconies on decks 9 and 10 can sometimes be seen from cabins above, while decks 11 and 12 feel more private. The ten Premium Balcony cabins at the aft end of deck 11 are widely considered some of the best balconies on board, with larger outdoor areas and wake views, but some have support beams in the sightline and you will feel more pitching at the stern than midship.

Mini-suites and Reserve Collection mini-suites

Mini-suites add a separate seating area with a sofa bed, two TVs, a bathtub and shower combination, and champagne on arrival. Princess has replaced its old Club Class branding with Reserve Collection, which applies to selected mini-suites on Crown Princess. Reserve Collection adds a dedicated dining area in the main dining room with no-wait seating, complimentary wine, upgraded bathrobes and evening canapés on request. These rooms are grouped on the Dolphin deck (deck 9), close to the middle of the ship, so they also make a good choice for anyone prone to seasickness.

Suites: Vista, Penthouse, Premium and Owner’s

• Vista Suites sit on the aft corners of decks 8, 9 and 10, with large wraparound balconies. Some corner balconies have partly obstructed views.
• Penthouse Suites are mostly midship on the Riviera deck (14), plus a pair aft on deck 10. The deck 14 suites are well placed for the pools but sit below the Lido deck (see the next section).
• Premium Suites are a pair forward on the Lido deck (15).
• Owner’s Suites are the two largest cabins, aft on the Aloha deck (12), with big balconies and wake views; a support beam crosses part of the view.

Suites include extras such as Concierge Lounge access, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and complimentary laundry.

Crown Princess cabins to avoid (and why)

No cabin on Crown Princess is truly bad, but these Crown Princess cabins to avoid carry known trade-offs worth weighing before you book.

Riviera deck cabins under the Lido deck

The Lido deck (15) holds Neptune’s Reef and Pool, Calypso Reef and Pool and the Horizon Court buffet area running from midship to the stern. Riviera deck (14) cabins underneath are popular because the pool is close, but cruisers on Princess forums regularly report hearing deck chairs being dragged and decks being cleaned from around 6am. The aft Terrace Pool is on deck 14 itself, so the cabins nearest it get door noise and passing foot traffic too. If you sleep lightly, book a deck lower.

Cabins next to launderettes

Crown Princess has self-service launderettes on most cabin decks. They are busy on sea days and in the evening, and the doors open and close constantly. Cabins directly next to them pick up chatter and the hum of dryers. They are marked on the Princess deck plan, so these are easy to spot.

Forward balconies and the extreme bow

Balconies at the front of the ship catch the wind when the ship is moving, which can make them unusable on sea days or in Alaska’s cooler air. The bow also pitches most in a swell, and cabins at the very front sometimes hear the anchor being dropped or raised at tender ports. They are fine for heavy sleepers on calm itineraries, but not ideal on a long Pacific crossing.

Cabins next to or above public rooms

The Princess Theater is at the bow on decks 6 and 7, Gatsby’s Casino is forward on deck 6, and Club Fusion is at the stern on deck 7. Cabins on the decks immediately above or below these spaces can pick up bass and late-night foot traffic. Cabins next to stairwells, lift lobbies and crew service doors get more corridor noise as well.

Obstructed-view and connecting cabins

Lifeboat-view oceanview cabins on deck 8 are fairly priced if you accept them, and disappointing if you didn’t notice. Connecting cabins are ideal for families, but if you are not travelling with the people next door you may hear them through the connecting door. Avoid them if you are a light sleeper.

The best cabins on Crown Princess for different travellers

For the quietest sleep

Choose a midship cabin on the Dolphin (9), Caribe (10), Baja (11) or Aloha (12) decks, where there are cabins directly above and below you and no venues nearby. These are passenger-only decks sandwiched between other cabin decks, so they are reliably calm.

For seasick travellers

Go low and central. Midship cabins on decks 8 to 10 move the least. Mini-suites on the Dolphin deck are a comfortable option. Avoid the bow and, on rough crossings, the high aft cabins.

For families

Crown Princess has two Family Suites forward on the Dolphin deck. Each combines a mini-suite and an inside cabin, linked through a living area, and sleeps up to six. They sell out early. Otherwise, look for connecting balcony cabins, or a balcony cabin with a third and fourth berth. Kids’ and teen centres are aft on the Sports deck (17).

For accessible travel

Princess lists 29 wheelchair-accessible staterooms on Crown Princess, spread across several grades. Book them as early as possible and confirm the specific layout (roll-in shower, door widths, balcony threshold) with Princess before you pay.

For scenery and wake views

Aft-facing cabins, including the deck 11 Premium Balconies, the Vista Suites and the Owner’s Suites, have wake views that are especially good in Alaska. Expect a little more vibration when the ship is manoeuvring.

How to check a Crown Princess cabin before you book

Top results often say “avoid noisy cabins” without telling you how to find them. This quick routine works for any cabin number:

1. Open the Princess deck plan for the deck above and the deck below your cabin. Look for pools, the buffet, galleys, the theater, lounges and launderettes directly above or below.
2. Use a cabin-check tool. Sites such as CruiseDeckPlans let you click a cabin and see what sits above and below it.
3. Look sideways. Stairwells, lifts, crew doors and launderettes beside the cabin are the most common source of corridor noise.
4. Check the category description for “obstructed view” or “partially obstructed” wording before you accept an upgrade or guarantee.
5. Think about your itinerary. A sea-day-heavy Panama Canal or Pacific crossing deserves a midship cabin. A port-intensive Caribbean week is more forgiving.

Guarantee cabins: the trade-off

A guarantee fare saves money because Princess picks the cabin for you within or above your grade. You cannot rule out a cabin under the Lido deck or next to a launderette. If your sleep is fragile, pick a specific cabin number instead.

Choosing between sister ships? Our guide to Ruby Princess cabins to avoid covers the third member of this class.

For the ship that started this design family, see our guide to the Grand Princess best and worst cabins.

FAQs

What is the best deck on Crown Princess?

For most people it is the Dolphin (9), Caribe (10), Baja (11) or Aloha (12) deck. These decks have cabins above and below, are well away from the pool and entertainment decks, and are a short lift ride from both.

Which cabins should I avoid on Crown Princess?

The cabins to weigh up carefully are Riviera deck (14) cabins under the Lido deck pools and buffet, cabins next to launderettes or stairwells, lifeboat-view oceanview cabins on deck 8, and forward balconies if you dislike wind or motion.

What does an obstructed balcony or view mean on Princess Cruises?

It means something, usually a lifeboat, support beam or structural overhang, blocks part of the view from the window or balcony. Princess flags these cabins in the category description and normally prices them lower.

Is Crown Princess being sold or leaving the Princess fleet?

No sale or transfer has been announced as of October 2026. Crown Princess is scheduled for the Caribbean in winter 2026-27 and Alaska from Vancouver in 2027, and Princess has announced a Melbourne season for 2028-29.

Are Crown Princess mini-suites worth it?

Often, yes. A mini-suite is far bigger than a standard balcony cabin, adds a sofa bed and a bathtub, and Reserve Collection mini-suites add dining and in-room perks, which adds up on long voyages.

A Ruby Princess mini-suite is about 323 sq ft including the balcony, roughly half as big again as a standard balcony cabin, with a separate sitting area, sofa bed, two TVs and a bathtub. Reserve Collection mini-suites (what Princess used to call Club Class) add a private dining area, priority boarding and a few in-cabin extras. Full suites on Ruby Princess are larger again and come with the widest set of perks, but there are only 26 of them, plus two family suites.

This guide explains every suite and mini-suite option on Ruby Princess as she sails from San Francisco in 2026-27, what the perks really include, where each type is on the ship and which ones give the best value. If you are still deciding between a regular balcony, oceanview or interior cabin, read our companion guide to Ruby Princess cabins to avoid and the best cabins to book first.

Ruby Princess suites and mini-suites at a glance

Ruby Princess has 178 mini-suites, 26 suites and 2 family suites out of 1,542 cabins. The sizes below come from Princess and from the CruiseDeckPlans category pages. Suite sizes differ slightly between sources, so treat them as approximate.

For comparison, a standard Ruby Princess balcony cabin is 214-222 sq ft including the balcony, so a mini-suite gives you roughly 100 sq ft more.

The Ruby Princess mini-suite

The Ruby Princess mini-suite is the most popular upgrade on the ship, and with 178 of them it is also the easiest to find. It is essentially a longer balcony cabin with a sitting area at the window end.

What you get in a mini-suite

• Twin beds that convert to a queen (Princess notes some layouts cannot be converted, so check)
• A separate sitting area with a sofa bed for a third guest; some also have a pull-down bed for a fourth
• Two flat-screen TVs, a mini-fridge, a desk and a walk-in closet
• A full bathroom with a bathtub and shower combination, which standard balcony cabins do not have
• Egyptian cotton linens, a welcome glass of champagne and evening turndown with chocolates
• A balcony with patio furniture

Mini-suite drawbacks to know about

Most standard mini-suites on Ruby Princess are on Dolphin deck (9). The balconies on this deck are uncovered and can be seen from the decks above, so they offer little privacy. On the plus side, they get plenty of sun and an open-sky feel. If privacy matters more to you, look at the mini-suites on Emerald deck (8), which sit under the deck above. Balcony sizes vary from cabin to cabin, from about 46 to 89 sq ft, so compare individual cabins on the deck plan rather than assuming they are all the same.

A standard mini-suite does not include suite perks such as priority boarding, free laundry or a mini-bar. You pay mostly for space, the bathtub and the sofa bed.

Ruby Princess Club Class and Reserve Collection mini-suites

If you see “Ruby Princess Club Class” in older reviews, it refers to the same thing Princess now sells as the Reserve Collection mini-suite. Princess renamed Club Class to Reserve Collection in early 2023 and kept the same core perks. On Ruby Princess, Reserve Collection mini-suites are in the M1 category on Dolphin deck (9). The cabin itself is the same size and layout as a standard mini-suite. What changes is the service.

Reserve Collection perks

• Reserve Collection dining: a private area of the main dining room with its own entrance, no wait for a table, dedicated waiters and extra menu choices. It is open for breakfast and dinner daily, plus lunch on sea days.
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation at the start and end of the cruise.
• A bottle of wine in your cabin on boarding day, and evening canapés on request.
• Upgraded bathrobes and bath products, plus the Princess Luxury Bed.
• Priority help booking specialty restaurants.

Is Reserve Collection worth it on Ruby Princess?

It depends on how you like to eat. If you prefer the main dining room and hate waiting for a table or being seated with others, the private dining area is the biggest benefit, and it adds up over a 7 or 10 night cruise. If you mainly eat at the buffet or specialty restaurants, you will get much less from it, and a standard mini-suite is better value. Price gaps vary by sailing, so compare both before you book.

Ruby Princess suites: which are best and worst value?

All full suites on Ruby Princess share the same core layout: a bedroom area, a separate living area with a sofa bed, a wet bar, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub and separate shower. The differences are mostly size, balcony and location.

Owner’s suite: the most space

The owner’s suites on Aloha deck (12) are the largest suites on the ship, with the biggest balconies. Aloha deck has cabin decks above and below, which is good for quiet. If you are spending a long time on board and will use the space, these are the top choice.

Penthouse suites: the sweet spot

Penthouse suites on Caribe (10) and Aloha (12) give you most of the space of an owner’s suite for less money. They tend to be the best value full suite for couples who want room to spread out.

Vista suites: cheapest way into a full suite

Vista suites are the entry-level full suites. They still come with full suite perks and a generous balcony. The ones on Emerald, Dolphin and Caribe decks are in quieter areas. The Vista suites on Lido deck (15) are on the same level as the pools and buffet, which is convenient but can be busier.

Premium suites: check the location first

Premium suites are on Riviera deck (14), directly below the Lido deck. That puts you close to the pools and food, but some guests on this deck report early-morning noise from deck chairs and cleaning above. If you are a light sleeper, a Penthouse or a Vista suite on a lower deck is a safer choice.

Family suites

Ruby Princess has two family suites on Dolphin deck (9), made by connecting two cabins. Princess describes them as two-bedroom suites that sleep up to eight. They are a good alternative to booking two or three separate cabins, but because there are only two, they sell out early on school holiday sailings.

What full suite guests get

Princess lists these perks for suite guests (on top of the Reserve Collection benefits above). Some depend on the ship and cruise length, so check the current list for your sailing.

• Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning
• A complimentary mini-bar set-up
• Complimentary breakfast in a private venue and a specialty restaurant dinner on boarding day, with a glass of bubbly
• Priority disembarkation at tender ports and at the end of the cruise
• A suite experience manager for reservations and requests, and a concierge lounge on ships that have one

Note that suites and mini-suites do not automatically include the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages. For 2026 sailings these are sold separately at about $65 (Plus) and $100 (Premier) per person per day when bought before the cruise, unless your fare promotion bundles them in.

Mini-suite vs balcony vs suite: which should you book?

One extra tip: on Ruby Princess’s longer Hawaii and Mexican Riviera cruises, the free laundry included with full suites saves real money and a lot of packing. On a shorter cruise, the extra perks matter much less, and a mini-suite is usually the better buy.

If you are comparing ships, our Crown Princess cabins guide covers a sister ship with a very similar layout, while the newer Sun Princess cabins guide shows how the suite offer differs on Princess’s newest ships, which use the Sanctuary Collection instead.

For a tier-by-tier comparison of mini-suite, Reserve and Sanctuary perks across the fleet, see our guide to Princess suite benefits.

FAQs

What do you get with a mini-suite on Princess?

On Ruby Princess a mini-suite gives you about 323 sq ft including the balcony, a separate sitting area with a sofa bed, two TVs, a bathtub with shower, Egyptian cotton linens, a welcome glass of champagne and turndown with chocolates. Suite perks like priority boarding and free laundry are not included unless you book a Reserve Collection mini-suite or a full suite.

Does Ruby Princess have Club Class?

Not under that name. Princess renamed Club Class to Reserve Collection in 2023. Ruby Princess has Reserve Collection mini-suites on Dolphin deck with private dining, priority boarding and in-cabin extras.

Are Dolphin deck balconies on Ruby Princess private?

Not very. Dolphin deck (9) balconies are uncovered and can be seen from decks above. They get lots of sun and open sky, but if privacy matters, consider mini-suites on Emerald deck or a covered balcony elsewhere.

How many suites are on Ruby Princess?

Ruby Princess has 26 suites with balconies plus 2 family suites, and 178 mini-suites. Suite types include owner’s, penthouse, premium and vista suites.

Is a mini-suite worth it over a balcony on Ruby Princess?

Often yes, if the price gap is small. You get about 100 sq ft more space, a sofa bed and a bathtub. If you rarely spend time in your cabin, a standard balcony is the better value.