Princess Cruises

The Ruby Princess cabins to avoid are mostly a question of location rather than category: cabins on Riviera deck (14) that sit under the Lido deck pools and buffet, obstructed-view oceanview cabins, cabins at the far forward and aft ends if you are prone to seasickness, and cabins next to busy lifts, stairwells or service areas. The best cabins for most people are midship balconies on the middle decks, especially the larger half-covered balconies on Caribe deck (10).

Ruby Princess is a 113,561-ton, 3,080-guest ship with 1,542 cabins, and it is sailing from San Francisco through 2026-27 on California Coast, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest and Alaska itineraries. Because she does a lot of open-Pacific sailing, where your cabin sits matters more than on a calm Caribbean route. This guide covers every cabin type, from inside cabins to balconies. If you are thinking about a mini-suite or full suite, our companion Ruby Princess suites and mini-suites guide covers those in detail.

Ruby Princess cabins at a glance

Ruby Princess is a Crown-class ship, a stretched version of the older Grand-class design. Cabins run from deck 5 (Plaza) up to deck 15 (Lido), and Princess calls them staterooms. Here is how the main categories compare, using the sizes Princess publishes.

Around 80% of outside cabins have a private balcony, so even at the lower end of the balcony price range you have plenty of choice.

Ruby Princess cabins to avoid

None of the cabins on Ruby Princess are bad in themselves. The problems people run into almost always come from what is above, below or next to the cabin. These are the locations worth thinking twice about.

Riviera deck cabins under the Lido deck

Riviera deck (14) is the deck directly below Lido (15), where the main pools and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet are. Cabins here have covered balconies and are close to food and sun, but some guests report hearing deck chairs being moved and cleaning crews working early in the morning, and pool deck noise late in the evening. Other guests on the same deck hear very little, so it varies cabin to cabin. If you are a light sleeper, choose a deck that has cabins above and below you instead, such as Baja (11) or Aloha (12).

Obstructed-view oceanview cabins

Princess sells some oceanview cabins as obstructed (category codes OV, OW, OY and OZ). Most are on Emerald deck (8), where the lifeboats hang outside the windows, and there are a few on Lido deck (15). The level of obstruction varies a lot: some cabins have a partial view past a lifeboat, while others look straight at one. If the price gap to an unobstructed oceanview is small, it is usually worth paying it. If all you want is daylight, an obstructed cabin can still be a sensible saving.

Cabins near lifts, stairwells and service areas

Cabins right beside a lift lobby or main staircase are convenient but can get corridor chatter late at night and early in the morning. Cabins near crew doors, service lifts or galley areas can get trolley and door noise at odd hours. Cabins next to the self-service launderettes see steady foot traffic on sea days.

Cabins above or below loud public rooms

On the lower decks, look at what sits above or below your cabin. Cabins directly under or over the theater, casino, nightclub or main lounges can pick up music and rehearsal noise. Most cabin decks on Ruby Princess are sandwiched between other cabin decks, which is exactly what you want, but cabins at the edges of the public-room decks are worth a quick check.

Far forward and far aft if you get seasick

The ends of the ship move the most in a swell. On routes like the California coast, Hawaii crossings and Pacific Northwest cruises, open-ocean days can be lively. Forward cabins can also pick up anchor and thruster noise when the ship docks. If you are prone to seasickness, a midship cabin on a lower or middle deck is the safest choice.

Best cabins on Ruby Princess

When people ask about the best cabins on Ruby Princess, they usually mean the best value for a normal budget. These are the locations that tend to work well.

Caribe deck balconies (deck 10)

Caribe deck balconies are frequently recommended by regular Ruby Princess cruisers. On this deck the balconies are deeper than the standard ones and are partly covered and partly open to the sky, so you get more room and some privacy. The trade-off is that the open part can be seen from balconies higher up.

Midship balconies on Baja and Aloha (decks 11 and 12)

These decks have cabin decks above and below, covered balconies and a central position for motion. They make a good default if you just want a quiet, stable balcony cabin and do not want to study the deck plan for hours.

Aft-facing balconies

Aft cabins look out over the wake, and some aft-facing balconies on Ruby Princess are larger than side balconies. They are popular on scenic itineraries. The downsides are more motion in rough seas, a longer walk to the theater and forward lounges, and occasional engine vibration or wind. Good for good sailors, not ideal if you get seasick.

Interior and oceanview cabins on lower decks

If you are on a budget, a midship interior cabin on a lower deck is the most stable and darkest option on the ship. Plaza deck (5) has oceanview and interior cabins low in the ship, a good choice if you want stability and do not mind using the lifts.

Mini-suites and suites

Mini-suites on Dolphin (9) and Emerald (8) decks give you noticeably more space and a sofa bed for not much more than a balcony on some sailings. Note that Dolphin deck balconies are open from above, so they offer little privacy. For full comparisons, perks and which suites to skip, see our guide to Ruby Princess suites and mini-suites.

Avoid this, book that instead

How to check a Ruby Princess cabin before you book

This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that avoids most cabin complaints. Before you pay a deposit, do this:

1. Find the cabin on the deck plan. Use the deck plans on princess.com or a free tool like the Ruby Princess cabin check on CruiseDeckPlans.
2. Look one deck up and one deck down. You want cabins above and below you. Watch for the buffet, pool deck, theater, casino, nightclub or galley.
3. Check either side. Look for lifts, stairs, crew doors, service areas and launderettes next to the cabin.
4. Read the category code. Obstructed oceanview codes on Ruby Princess are OV, OW, OY and OZ. A balcony category description will often say whether the balcony is larger or partly open.
5. Check the bed layout. Princess notes that in some cabins the twin beds cannot be pushed together into a queen. If that matters, ask before booking.

The guarantee cabin gamble

A guarantee fare (often shown as a category guarantee) is cheaper because Princess picks the cabin for you, at or above the category you paid for. You might get a great location, but you might also end up under the Lido deck, at the very front of the ship or with a partly blocked view in that category. If you are a light sleeper or get seasick, pay a little more to choose your exact cabin.

Which Ruby Princess cabins suit which travellers?

• Light sleepers: mid-deck balcony or interior cabins with cabins above and below, away from lifts.
• Seasick travellers: midship, as low as you are comfortable with. Avoid the forward and aft ends.
• Families: a mini-suite with a sofa bed, two connecting cabins, or one of the two family suites on Dolphin deck, which sleep up to eight.
• Alaska and scenic cruising: any balcony, but aft-facing and Caribe deck balconies are the most popular.
• Guests with limited mobility: Ruby Princess has 31 wheelchair-accessible cabins across suite, mini-suite, balcony, oceanview and interior categories. Midship cabins near the lifts cut down walking.
• Tight budgets: an interior cabin, with the money saved spent on a drinks package or a specialty dinner.

If you are comparing sister ships, the layout and advice are very similar on our Crown Princess cabins guide and Emerald Princess cabins guide, since all three ships share the same basic design.

Quick checklist before you book

• Is the cabin midship-ish, or are you comfortable with motion at the ends?
• Is there a cabin deck directly above and below?
• Is it at least a few doors from lifts, stairs and launderettes?
• If it is oceanview, is the category obstructed?
• If it is on Dolphin or Caribe deck, are you happy with a balcony that is partly visible from above?
• Have you checked whether the beds convert to a queen?
• Would a guarantee fare save enough to be worth the risk?

Prices for Ruby Princess sailings move around a lot, especially on repositioning and Pacific Northwest cruises. Our cruise deals for 2027 roundup is a good place to watch for offers once you know which cabin type you want.

FAQs

Which cabins should I avoid on Ruby Princess?

The main ones to avoid are Riviera deck (14) cabins directly under the Lido deck pools and buffet if you are a light sleeper, obstructed oceanview cabins (OV, OW, OY and OZ) if you want a clear view, far forward and aft cabins if you get seasick, and cabins right next to lifts, stairwells and service areas.

What is the best deck to stay on Ruby Princess?

For most people, the middle cabin decks are best: Caribe (10), Baja (11) and Aloha (12). They have cabin decks above and below, and a midship cabin there gives a good balance of stability and access to the rest of the ship.

Are Caribe deck balconies on Ruby Princess bigger?

Yes, many Caribe deck balconies are deeper than standard balconies and are partly covered and partly open. That gives you more space, but the open section can be seen from balconies above.

What does an obstructed balcony or oceanview mean on Princess?

It means something, usually a lifeboat or part of the ship’s structure, blocks some or all of the view from your window or balcony. On Ruby Princess the obstructed categories are oceanview cabins, mainly on Emerald deck (8), and the level of obstruction varies from cabin to cabin.

Where is the best place to stay on Ruby Princess to avoid seasickness?

Book a midship cabin on a lower or middle deck. That part of the ship moves the least. Interior or oceanview cabins on lower decks are the most stable, and a midship balcony on deck 10 or 11 is a good compromise.

The main Sun Princess cabins to avoid are Deck 9 cabins along the walkway to The Eatery buffet, cabins on Decks 9 and 10 that border or sit above the Piazza, cabins directly beneath the pool deck, and forward cabins near The Dome on the top decks. For most people the best picks are midship balconies on the middle accommodation decks, the sheltered Cove balconies on Deck 6, and Cabana or Sanctuary mini-suites if the budget stretches.

Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises’ Sphere-class ships. She entered service in 2024 and has about 2,160 staterooms, so cabin choice matters more than on a smaller ship. Below you’ll find each stateroom type, the specific spots that tend to cause noise, motion or privacy problems, and how to check a cabin number on the deck plan before you pay. If you want the wider picture of the ship’s restaurants, venues and atmosphere, read our Sun Princess ship guide alongside this one.

Sun Princess cabins at a glance

Sun Princess has more balcony cabins than any other Princess ship. Cruise Critic counts about 1,500, including 949 standard Deluxe Balconies. There are also Cove balconies set lower in the hull, several types of mini-suite, and a top tier of Signature Collection suites. The sizes below are Princess’s own approximate figures and include the balcony where there is one.

Two packaging terms to know. The Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess covers 215 staterooms: the 80 Signature Collection suites, 123 mini-suites and 12 Premium Deluxe Balconies. Those guests get the adults-only Sanctuary Club (16+) and the Princess Premier bundle. The Reserve Collection name is used for some of the better-placed mini-suites and Cabana staterooms. The perks differ by category, so check exactly what comes with the fare you are quoted.

Sun Princess cabins to avoid

None of these Sun Princess cabins to avoid are bad as such. Each has a trade-off that matters to some passengers and not at all to others.

1. Deck 9 cabins on the route to The Eatery

The Eatery buffet is on Deck 9, beside the Piazza. Many passengers reach it through the Deck 9 cabin corridors, so cabins along that route get heavy foot traffic from early breakfast onwards. If you’re booking Deck 9, choose a cabin away from the corridor that leads to the buffet, or move up a deck.

2. Cabins bordering or above the Piazza (Decks 9 and 10)

The Piazza sits inside the ship’s glass Sphere, which bulges out on both sides of the ship and is easy to spot on the deck plan. It hosts music and events into the evening, and Cruise Critic advises light sleepers to avoid Deck 9 and 10 cabins that border it or sit directly above it.

3. Cabins directly beneath the pool deck

Crew set out and stack sun loungers early in the morning and late at night, and that scraping carries into the cabins below. On the deck plan, find the pools, then avoid cabins on the deck immediately underneath them.

4. Forward cabins under The Dome

The Dome sits at the front of the ship on the top decks. It works as a pool area by day and an entertainment venue at night, sometimes running late. Cruise Critic flags the forward cabins on Deck 16 for night owls only. If you go to bed early, choose something further aft.

5. Balconies that can be overlooked

Sun Princess has a stepped profile, so on some lower decks the balconies stick out further than those above. Passengers on higher balconies can then see down onto them. This mostly affects some mini-suites and Cabana staterooms on Decks 9 and 10. Privacy on the Cabana Deck itself also varies, with some spots shielded and others in plain view. Corner Premium Deluxe Balconies, where two balconies meet at an angle, can also be overlooked by the neighbours. The glass railings on Deck 9 are double-height, so you look at the sea through glass rather than over a rail.

6. Cabins beside laundry rooms, service areas and kids’ zones

Passenger laundrettes, crew service doors and lift lobbies all bring noise and door-banging. Some interior cabins have a long wall running along the corridor, sometimes with the bed against it, and several reviewers say the soundproofing isn’t the ship’s strong point. The Cove balconies closest to the Firefly Park children’s area on Deck 6 can also be busier in school holidays. That might suit a family, but not a couple looking for peace.

7. Far-forward cabins if you get seasick

Cabins right at the bow move the most in a swell. Low and midship is the steadiest place to be.

Best cabins on Sun Princess

Here are the Sun Princess best cabins for different budgets and priorities.

Cove Balconies on Deck 6

All 100 Cove balconies are on Deck 6, set into the hull lower down and closer to the water. They’re more sheltered and get less direct sun, which many passengers like for watching the sea and for windy days. They’re also a low, stable spot for anyone prone to seasickness. Choose one away from the children’s area if you want quiet.

Midship Deluxe Balconies on the middle accommodation decks

The Deluxe Balcony is the standard Sun Princess balcony and makes up the largest share of cabins. A midship one on Deck 11, 12 or 14 is usually the safest choice. It has a public area neither above nor below it, it’s close to the lifts, and the motion is gentle.

Cabana and Cabana Deck Mini-Suites

These are the most distinctive cabins on the ship. Cabana Mini-Suites come with a private outdoor cabana area as well as the balcony. Cabana Deck Mini-Suites, at about 389 sq ft, give access to the exclusive Cabana Deck on Deck 9. If you spend a lot of time outside, they are excellent value. Just check the specific cabin for privacy, as noted above.

Sanctuary Collection mini-suites and balconies

If you’d already be buying the Premier package, a Sanctuary Collection cabin can make sense on cost alone. You get the drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and specialty dining, plus the adults-only Sanctuary Club with its own pool and loungers.

Signature Collection suites and aft views

The four Signature Sky Suites on Deck 16 aft are the largest cabins on board. Each has two bedrooms and sleeps up to five. The Grand, Vista and Signature suites cost less but still come with the Sanctuary perks. On any ship, aft-facing cabins give wake views and usually larger balconies, but expect a little more vibration from the engines and propulsion in exchange.

Avoid this, book that instead

How to check a Sun Princess cabin before you book

Most Sun Princess cabins to avoid can be spotted with five minutes on the deck plan:

1. Look up. Open the official Princess deck plan for the deck above your cabin. You want more cabins overhead, not a pool, galley, buffet, gym or lounge.
2. Look down. Do the same for the deck below. Theatres, bars and the Piazza can send bass upwards.
3. Look sideways. Check for laundry rooms, service doors, lift lobbies or stairwells next door, and whether a connecting door links you to the cabin beside yours.
4. Check the balcony line. On the deck plan, see whether your balcony sticks out further than those above it, or sits at a corner where it meets another balcony.
5. Read the category notes. Sofa beds and pull-down berths for third and fourth guests take up floor space. In some cabins the bed sits by the balcony and in others by the bathroom.
6. Search the cabin number. It often turns up photos and past passengers’ comments.

A word on guarantee fares. A guarantee (or “GTY”) fare is cheaper because Princess picks your cabin within the category, or sometimes upgrades you. That’s fine if you sleep well anywhere. If you’re a light sleeper or prone to seasickness, though, you could be given exactly the cabins on this list. Paying a little more to choose the cabin yourself is often worth it.

Which Sun Princess cabins suit which traveller?

• Light sleepers: midship Deluxe Balcony on Decks 11, 12 or 14, sandwiched between cabin decks.
• Seasick-prone: Cove balcony on Deck 6 or any low, midship cabin.
• Families: Cove balconies near Firefly Park, connecting cabins (there are around 100), or a Sky Suite for groups of five.
• Sun-seekers: Cabana Mini-Suites or Cabana Deck Mini-Suites.
• All-inclusive fans: Sanctuary Collection, if you’d buy the Premier package anyway.

Comparing sister ships? Our Sun Princess vs Star Princess comparison covers how the two Sphere-class ships differ. If you’re also weighing an older Princess ship, our Majestic Princess cabins guide uses the same approach.

Comparing Princess ships? Our guide to Royal Princess cabins to avoid covers the equivalent pitfalls on the older Royal-class design.

FAQs

Which deck should I avoid on Sun Princess?

There isn’t one bad deck, but Deck 9 is the one most often mentioned. Cabins on the route to The Eatery buffet and those near the Piazza get the most traffic and noise. Cabins directly under the pool deck, and forward cabins near The Dome on Deck 16, are the other spots light sleepers tend to avoid.

Which cabin on Sun Princess is considered the best?

For space and luxury, the four Signature Sky Suites on Deck 16 aft are the best on board, at about 1,262 sq ft. For value, most experts point to a midship Deluxe Balcony on a middle deck, a Cove balcony on Deck 6, or a Cabana Mini-Suite if you love outdoor space.

Are Cove balconies on Sun Princess worth it?

Yes, for most people. They’re lower and closer to the sea, more sheltered from wind and sun, and fairly stable in a swell. The trade-off is a less sweeping view than from a high balcony. Some are near the Firefly Park kids’ area, so check the location if you want quiet.

Is a guarantee cabin a good idea on Sun Princess?

Only if you’re relaxed about location. A guarantee fare saves money but lets Princess assign your cabin within the category. Light sleepers and seasick-prone travellers are better off choosing a specific cabin.

The Enchanted Princess cabins to avoid are mostly ones with a specific location problem rather than a bad category: midship balconies on Deck 8 (Emerald) where lifeboats block the downward view, rooms directly beneath the pool deck, buffet or gym on Decks 15 and 16, and cabins right above the Princess Theater or beside busy lift lobbies and laundry rooms. The best cabins are usually midship on Decks 9 to 12 or 14, with passenger cabins above and below you.

Below is a practical guide to every stateroom type on this Royal-class ship, what each one is like, and how to spot the rooms worth skipping before you pay a deposit.

Enchanted Princess Cabins at a Glance

Enchanted Princess is a balcony-heavy ship. Most of its staterooms have a private veranda, and there are no standard oceanview (window) cabins at all, so your realistic choices are inside, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite or a full suite. Cabins sit on Decks 8 to 12 and 14 to 16, with the two Sky Suites up on Deck 18. Decks 5 to 7 are public spaces, and there is no Deck 13.

Sizes are approximate and vary by exact location, so confirm the figures for the specific stateroom on the Princess Cruises website before booking.

Enchanted Princess Cabins to Avoid (and Why)

No cabin on the ship is genuinely bad, but some locations come with trade-offs that many guests would rather avoid. These are the ones to check for on the deck plan.

1. Obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8 (Emerald)

Many midship balconies on Deck 8 look out over the lifeboats. In most of them you can still see the horizon, but the view straight down to the water is blocked, and some feel less private. These rooms are sold as obstructed categories (such as BW) and are usually cheaper. If you mainly want fresh air and a sea view while sitting down, they can be decent value. If watching the water or arriving into port from your balcony matters to you, choose a higher deck.

2. Cabins under the pool deck, buffet or gym

The upper cabin decks (15 and 16) sit beneath the busiest outdoor areas. Rooms directly under the pools and the Horizon Court buffet can hear sun loungers being dragged and carts rolling early in the morning, and those below the fitness centre may hear weights being dropped. Late-night events on the open decks can also carry down.

3. Cabins above the theatre and entertainment venues

Forward cabins on Deck 8 sit above the Princess Theater, and some midship rooms on the same deck are above bars and lounges. Bass from shows and live music can travel upward, especially in the evening.

4. Rooms beside lift lobbies, laundries and crew doors

Staterooms right next to a lift bank or stairwell see a lot of foot traffic and conversation. Self-service launderettes are found on the cabin decks, and rooms beside them may hear dryers and doors. A blank wall at the end of a corridor on the deck plan sometimes hides a crew service door, which can be busy at odd hours.

5. Far forward and far aft cabins if you are prone to seasickness

Motion is felt most at the bow, and the stern can pick up more vibration from the engines and propulsion. Forward cabins can also hear the bow thrusters when the ship docks or leaves port. If you get seasick, a low-to-mid deck midship is the steadiest choice.

6. Connecting cabins (if you are not travelling as a group)

Connecting staterooms share a locked internal door, which tends to let more sound through than a solid wall. They are perfect for families, but couples who value quiet may prefer a non-connecting room. Deck plans mark them with a symbol.

Enchanted Princess Best Cabins by Type

Inside cabins

Inside staterooms are among the more generous on a mainstream ship, at roughly 165 to 175 square feet, and they come with the Princess Luxury Bed, a fridge and a wardrobe. They suit guests who spend little time in their room. Pick one midship on Decks 9 to 12 or 14, away from lifts and launderettes.

Enchanted Princess balcony cabins

Standard balconies make up the largest group of rooms on the ship. The main thing to know is that there is no sofa or armchair inside, so seating is limited to the vanity chair and the bed. The veranda itself is fairly compact. For the best experience, avoid the obstructed categories on Deck 8 and aim for a midship room on Decks 9 to 12 or 14.

Deluxe and premium deluxe balconies

Deluxe balconies add a little more floor space and a small sofa, which makes a real difference on a cruise of a week or more. Aft-facing premium balconies offer more room inside and out, plus wake views, though they can feel more vibration and occasionally catch funnel soot on the upper decks.

Mini-suites and Reserve Collection mini-suites

Mini-suites are noticeably larger, with a sitting area, a sofa bed and a curtain dividing the bedroom area, making them a popular choice for families of three or four. The balcony is the same size as a standard one, though. Princess’s former Club Class mini-suites are now sold as Reserve Collection mini-suites. According to Princess, they add Reserve Dining in a dedicated area of the main dining room, priority embarkation and disembarkation, upgraded bathrobes and amenities, and a welcome bottle of wine.

Suites and Sky Suites

The ship’s full suites (Penthouse, Premium and Owner’s) offer separate living and sleeping areas, larger balconies and Princess’s suite perks such as priority boarding and an upgraded minibar setup. At the top are the two Sky Suites on Deck 18: around 1,500 square feet of interior space with two bedrooms and a huge wraparound terrace looking over the main pool and the outdoor movie screen. They are among the most requested rooms in the fleet, so expect to book well ahead.

How to Check a Cabin Before You Book

This is the part many guides skip. A few minutes with the deck plan will tell you more than any category name.

1. Look up and down, not just sideways. Open the deck plan for the decks above and below your cabin. The safest result is passenger cabins on both sides, often called a cabin sandwich.
2. Find the lifeboats. On Deck 8, check whether your room sits over the lifeboat line. If the category name includes “obstructed”, it does.
3. Count the doors to the lifts. Two or three cabins away from a lift lobby is usually close enough to be convenient without the foot traffic.
4. Spot the service areas. Laundries, crew doors and pantries are shown as blank or labelled spaces. Avoid rooms directly beside them.
5. Think about guarantees and upgrade bids. A guarantee fare lets Princess pick your room. You save money but give up control, so only take one in a category that is mostly midship on mid-level decks. If you win an upgrade bid, check the new room against this list before accepting.
6. Check accessibility needs early. The ship has a limited number of wheelchair-accessible cabins, split between inside and balcony categories, and they sell out early.

Which Cabin Should You Choose?

If you want value, a midship inside cabin on Decks 9 to 12 is hard to beat. If you want sea air on a budget, an obstructed Deck 8 balcony can work as long as you accept the lifeboat view. Most couples will be happiest in a standard or deluxe balcony away from the pool and buffet decks, while families should look at mini-suites or a pair of connecting balconies. Guests who want the full experience should consider a Reserve Collection mini-suite or a suite.

Prices change constantly, so it is worth comparing current fares; our guide to cruise deals for 2027 is a good place to start. If you are weighing up other ships, see how cabins compare in our best and worst cabins on P&O Arvia guide, or our ranking of every suite on Carnival Mardi Gras.

Sailing on Enchanted Princess’s near-identical sister instead? Our guide to Sky Princess cabins to avoid covers the same Royal-class layout from that ship’s perspective.

Booking one of Enchanted Princess’s sisters instead? Our guide to Discovery Princess cabins to avoid covers the same Royal-class layout ship by ship.

FAQs

Which decks should you avoid on Enchanted Princess?

Deck 8 has many midship balconies with lifeboat-obstructed views, and the upper cabin decks (15 and 16) can hear noise from the pools, buffet and gym above. Check the deck plan rather than ruling out a whole deck.

Which deck is best on Enchanted Princess?

Decks 9 to 12 and 14 are usually the best, especially midship, because they have passenger cabins above and below and sit away from the busiest public areas.

Do Enchanted Princess balcony cabins have a sofa?

Standard balcony cabins do not have a sofa or armchair. If you want one, book a deluxe balcony or a mini-suite.

Does Enchanted Princess have oceanview cabins?

No. The ship has inside cabins, balconies, mini-suites and suites, but no standard window-only oceanview rooms.

Do these Enchanted Princess tips work on Majestic, Sky and Discovery Princess?

Largely, yes. Enchanted Princess is a Royal-class ship, and its sisters Majestic, Sky and Discovery Princess share the same basic layout, including the Deck 8 balconies above the lifeboats and the cabins under the pool and buffet decks. Venue names and some cabin numbers differ, so check your own ship’s deck plan. See our Sky Princess cabins to avoid guide for that ship.

What is the best room location on a cruise ship?

For most people, a midship cabin on a mid-level deck, with cabins above and below, offers the least motion and the least noise.

The best Discovery Princess cabins are midship balconies and mini-suites on Decks 9 to 12, where you are cushioned from noise and feel the least motion. The main Discovery Princess cabins to avoid are the obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8, the forward Deck 8 balconies with steel railings, the very forward-facing cabins high up at the bow, and rooms directly under the Lido pool deck. Here is how to choose well for your budget and itinerary.

Discovery Princess entered service in 2022 as the last of the six Royal-class ships, so if you have sailed on Sky Princess or Enchanted Princess, the layout will feel very familiar. That also means the same rules apply: passenger cabins start on Deck 8, the busy public rooms sit below them on Decks 5 to 7, and the Lido deck with its pools and buffet sits on top. Pick your spot with that sandwich in mind and you will rarely go wrong.

Where Discovery Princess Sails in 2026 and 2027

Your itinerary should shape your cabin choice, so it helps to know where the ship goes. Based on Princess’s current schedule, Discovery Princess spends the cooler months sailing round trips from Los Angeles, mostly week-long Mexican Riviera cruises calling at ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. In spring she repositions north for the Alaska season, which in 2027 is based around Vancouver, with Inside Passage round trips and one-way Gulf of Alaska sailings to and from Whittier (for Anchorage), before heading back to Los Angeles in late September.

That matters because a balcony view counts for far more in Alaska, where you are scenic cruising past glaciers, than on a Mexican Riviera week where most of the day is spent ashore or by the pool. Itineraries change, so always confirm your exact dates on the Princess website.

Discovery Princess Cabin Types at a Glance

Roughly 80% of cabins on Discovery Princess have a balcony, and the ship has no traditional porthole oceanview rooms in the main cabin blocks. Sizes below are approximate and vary slightly by location.

Discovery Princess Cabins to Avoid

There are no truly bad cabins on this ship, but these locations are the ones most often mentioned by passengers and cruise reviewers. Whether they are a deal-breaker depends on how you like to cruise.

1. Obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8

Deck 8 (Emerald) sits just above the lifeboats, so a long run of balcony cabins on both sides has davits and boats partly blocking the view, especially when you are sitting down. These cabins are clearly marked as obstructed in Princess’s categories and are cheaper, which makes them a smart pick for a Mexican Riviera cruise when you mostly want fresh air. On a glacier-heavy Alaska cruise, most people would rather pay a little more for a clear view one or two decks higher.

2. Forward Deck 8 balconies with steel railings

The handful of deluxe balcony cabins at the very front of Deck 8 (around E101 to E110) have solid steel railings rather than glass because of their position on the bow. The railing blocks much of the view when seated, and because the hull tapers here, the cabins closest to the bow have noticeably smaller balconies.

3. Forward-facing cabins high on the bow

The forward-facing balconies at the front of the upper cabin decks (cabin numbers in the M101 and L101 ranges) look straight ahead over the bow. The view is dramatic in port, but when the ship is moving the wind can make the balcony almost unusable, particularly in Alaska. They are also high and far forward, so you feel more motion in a swell.

4. Cabins under the Lido deck

Midship and aft cabins on Deck 15 sit directly under the Lido deck pools, loungers and buffet. Early-morning lounger set-up and late-night foot traffic can be audible. Light sleepers should book a deck lower.

5. Lower aft balconies that are overlooked

The aft of the ship is stepped, which gives some cabins extended balconies but also means passengers on higher decks or public aft terraces can look down onto them. On Deck 9 in particular, some extended aft balconies have limited privacy.

6. Cabins near noise sources

Wherever you are, check what is next to, above and below your cabin. Rooms beside crew doors, laundry rooms, lift lobbies and stairwells can be busy. Deck 8 cabins sit above the lower public decks, and cabins at the very front or back on lower decks can pick up anchor, thruster and docking noise in port.

The Best Cabins on Discovery Princess

If you want a simple rule for picking Discovery Princess best cabins, aim midship, choose a deck with cabins above and below you, and match the cabin type to your itinerary.

Best deck on Discovery Princess for most people

Decks 9 to 12 (Dolphin, Caribe, Baja and Aloha) are the most popular. They are insulated from the theater, casino and bars below and the Lido deck above, and midship cabins here are the most stable if you are prone to seasickness. Deck 14 and the lower parts of Deck 15 are good alternatives if the lower decks are full.

Best value: a standard or deluxe balcony

Because the ship is built around balconies, standard balcony prices are often close to inside cabins on some sailings. A deluxe balcony adds a bit more floor space and a sofa while keeping the same small balcony, so compare the price gap before you upgrade.

Best for families: mini-suites and connecting cabins

Mini-suites have a separate sitting area with a sofa bed and two TVs, which gives families more breathing room. Premium mini-suites are larger still. Discovery Princess also has a good number of connecting balcony cabins, which can work out better than one bigger room for a family of four or five.

Best small upgrade: the Reserve Collection

Formerly known as Club Class, Reserve Collection mini-suites add a reserved section of the main dining room with no-wait seating and dedicated waiters, priority boarding and disembarkation, a welcome bottle of wine and upgraded robes. If you value relaxed dinners, the perks can justify the modest premium.

Best splurge: aft suites and the Sky Suites

Aft corner suites with wraparound balconies and wake views are some of the most sought-after rooms on the ship. At the very top, the two Sky Suites on Deck 18 are the largest suites in the Princess fleet at around 1,500 square feet, with enormous balconies overlooking the pool deck. They are booked far in advance.

Best for accessibility

Discovery Princess has a selection of wheelchair-accessible inside and balcony cabins with wider doorways and roll-in bathrooms. Book these early and speak to Princess’s accessibility team, as numbers are limited.

How to Check a Discovery Princess Cabin Before You Book

Most of the best rooms on a cruise ship are found by reading the deck plan carefully rather than by paying more. Use this quick checklist with the official Discovery Princess deck plan:

1. Look up and down. Make sure there are cabins, not a pool deck, buffet, theater or nightclub, directly above and below.
2. Look sideways. Avoid rooms right beside lifts, stairwells, crew doors or service areas.
3. Read the category name. Obstructed-view balconies are labelled as such. If the price looks too good, check.
4. Think about motion. Midship and lower decks move least. Far forward and high up move most.
5. Match the itinerary. Pay for a clear, starboard or port-side balcony on a scenic Alaska sailing. Save money on a Mexican Riviera week.
6. Use a guarantee fare wisely. A guarantee cabin can be cheaper, but you give up control over location, which can land you in one of the spots above.

Comparing Discovery Princess With Her Sister Ships

Because the Royal-class ships share the same basic design, many of the same tips apply across the class. If you are weighing up a different ship, see our guide to the best and worst cabins on Enchanted Princess and our rundown of Sky Princess cabins to avoid. Sky Princess introduced the Sky Suites concept, and Discovery Princess refined it. If you would rather sail on the line’s latest Sphere-class ships, our look at the newest Princess Cruises ships explains what is different.

FAQs

Which deck is best on Discovery Princess?

For most passengers, a midship cabin on Decks 9 to 12 is the sweet spot. These decks are sandwiched between other cabin decks, so you avoid noise from public rooms and the pool deck, and midship feels the least motion.

What are the worst cabins on Discovery Princess?

The cabins most often flagged are the obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8 (lifeboats below the railing), the forward Deck 8 balconies with solid steel railings, the very forward-facing balconies high up at the bow that get hit by wind, and cabins on Deck 15 below the Lido pool and buffet.

Is the Discovery Princess a good ship?

Yes. Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-class ship, launched in 2022, and it is one of the newer Princess ships. Around four in five cabins have a balcony, which makes it popular for scenic itineraries like Alaska.

Are aft cabins on Discovery Princess worth it?

Aft-facing balconies give wake views and often larger outdoor space, which many cruisers love. The trade-offs are more vibration when docking and, on some lower aft balconies, upper decks can look down on you. Check the deck plan before you book.

What is the Reserve Collection on Discovery Princess?

Reserve Collection (formerly called Club Class) is a group of mini-suites with extra perks: a reserved area of the main dining room with no-wait seating, priority embarkation and disembarkation, a bottle of wine on arrival and upgraded robes.

Booking a Princess cruise holiday isn’t as simple as picking a date, picking a room and then paying. There’s an added layer of complexity thanks to the different cruise fare options available, and choosing the right one for you is important.

They each impact what’s covered by your fare, and you need to make sure that you understand exactly what the price of the cruise is paying for, and how much extra you’re going to need to budget to pay for everything.

So, in this guide, I’ll take you through what you get with your Princess Cruises fare, what you need to pay extra for, and make it as easy as possible for you to work out how expensive your cruise will actually be.

Standard Vs Plus Vs Premier – An Overview

Exactly what you get included in your cruise depends on whether you choose a standard fare, or you upgrade to Plus or Premier.

Plus and Premier are packages that offer a wide range of extras for a set fee. Plus costs £50 ($60) per person, per day, while Premier costs £65 ($80) per person, per day.

Each cover your tips, a drinks package, WiFi internet access and more, with potential savings of up to 69% compared to buying everything separately.

However, you might not use everything within a package. If you’re not someone who drinks alcohol, or you don’t plan to use the WiFi, it’s important to price up what each element costs and decide whether it’s cheaper for you to upgrade to one of those fares, or stay with Standard and then add on the extras individually.

Read my full guide to Princess Plus vs Princess Premier to learn more.

What’s Included in a Princess Cruise and What Costs Extra..?

1. Accommodation

Regardless of which cruise fare you choose to pay for, your accommodation is always included. Whether you choose Standard, Plus or Premier has no impact on the stateroom or suite you book.

You’ve got five main options when you book a room with Princess Cruises:

• Interior – rooms without a window, always the cheapest option
• Oceanview – rooms with a window
• Balcony – rooms that have their own private balcony
• Mini Suite – larger than a Balcony with a small number of extra perks
• Suite – the biggest rooms, with a longer list of extras

You also have the option of choosing a guarantee cabin, where Princess Cruises will pick your cabin for you, or you can pay a little extra to choose the exact cabin you want. 

Picking a guarantee cabin can save money, but risks you getting the worst cabins in your chosen class – an Interior room that’s a long walk from anything, or a Balcony stateroom with an obstructed view, for example.

If you pay extra for a Mini Suite, you’ll get a few extra benefits:

• A separate sitting area with sofa bed and coffee table
• A curtain to separate the sofa bed sitting area from the main bed
• An extra TV
• An enhanced bathroom with bathtub and massage shower
• A luxury mattress topper and better pillows
• Up to four chairs on the balcony (compared to the standard two)
• A glass of sparkling wine when you board

If you pay for a Suite, you get a much longer list of perks. The best features include priority boarding and disembarkation, welcome Champagne, an upgraded room service menu and reserved dining areas.

Here’s the full list of Princess Cruises suite perks

2. Food

On a Princess cruise, you’ll always be able to eat for free. You get to enjoy all your meals in the Main Dining Room, or you can eat casually at the buffet restaurant whenever it’s open.

There’s also an International Cafe serving lighter bites, and you can enjoy snack items from a poolside venue too, and none of these cost any extra.

There are some Premium Dessert options served in the Main Dining Room which cost extra – these are extra to the regular desserts.

If you’re a Plus guest you can enjoy two of these every day (surely that’s enough?) while Premier guests get as many as they want.

Then there are paid-for dining venues available too. These are split into two categories – Casual Dining, and Speciality Dining.

Casual Dining includes a range of different relaxed venues, such as Alfredo’s pizza, the Salty Dog Pub and more. These all have either a la carte pricing or a fixed fee, but they aren’t super-expensive – fixed-fee dining is $14.99 per person.

If you choose the Standard package, you’ll always have to pay for these. On the Plus package, you get two Casual Dining meals included in your cruise. On the Premier package, they’re completely unlimited.

Speciality Dining venues are more formal restaurants onboard, serving a range of cuisine. These cost more – typically around $29 per person for dinner. 

Standard and Plus guests always have to pay for these, whereas Premier fare guests can enjoy two speciality meals during their cruise at no extra charge – the only exception is at the Chef’s Table Lumiere which is considered fine dining, and so will always cost extra.

Cruise Fare	Main Dining Room, Buffet, International Cafe	Casual Dining	Speciality Dining
Standard	Always included	Charged	Charged
Plus	Always included	2 included, then charged	Charged
Premier	Always included	Always included	2 included, then charged

3. Drinks

On a Princess cruise, you get eight different types of drink included as standard – tap water, lemonade, ice tea, hot tea, standard coffee, hot chocolate, milk, and fruit juice.

But you can’t get all of those from the bars – some are only available for free in the buffet, and some only at breakfast.

The rest of the day, you’re going to have to pay for your drinks. Expect to pay in the region of $7 for a beer, $10+ for a glass of wine or a cocktail, and $2.50 for a fountain soft drink, to give you an idea of how much you’re likely to spend onboard.

You can see the Princess Cruises drinks menus with prices here.

Like most cruise lines, you can also choose to pay for a drinks package. There are four you can choose from:

Drinks Package	Daily Cost	What It Includes
Premier Beverage Package	$84.99 per day + 18% service charge = $100.29 per day	All drinks up to a value of $20
Plus Beverage Package	$64.99 per day + 18% service charge = $76.69 per day	All drinks up to a value of $15
Zero-Alcohol Beverage Package	$29.99 per day + 18% service charge = $35.39 per day	Wide range of non-alcoholic drinks
Classic Soda Package	$14.99 per day + 18% service charge = $17.69 per day	Limited range of non-alcoholic drinks

If you choose the Standard fare, you can pick any drinks package if you want one – but you don’t have to. Remember that you can’t have a drinks package for just a few days, you need to pay for it for the duration of your cruise.

If you book your cruise with the Plus package, you get the Plus Beverage Package included. And the same with the Premier cruise fare – you get the Premier Beverage Package included.

Here’s what’s weird – the Plus and Premier packages are cheaper than buying the drinks packages separately!

There’s no catch – it literally makes zero sense to buy a Plus or Premier Beverage Package. If you want them, then buy the Plus or Premier cruise fare.

There are only two reasons that the prices could be weird in this way:

• It’s an oversight by Princess Cruises (unlikely, as it’s been like this for a while)
• Having the drinks package prices this much higher means they can claim bigger percentage savings for the Plus and Premier cruise fares

The Plus fare is advertised as saving you 57% instead of buying each bit separately.

The Premier fare apparently saves you 69%. But those percentages would be a little bit lower if the drinks packages cost less than the cruise fare packages.

A bit sneaky? Maybe.

Regardless – you need to work out whether a drinks package is right for you, and then budget for the package you want or for the drinks you’ll buy individually. My drinks package calculator can help you work it out.

I’ll also send you some of my best cruise tips. You can easily unsubscribe at any time

4. Room Service & Ocean Now

Princess Cruises offer a room service menu with a wide range of food items you can enjoy. There’s a great breakfast selection, and plenty of snacks and simple food items served throughout the rest of the day.

There’s a $5 delivery fee every time you use room service, although this is waived if you’ve paid for the Plus or Premier cruise fares.

Princess also does something cool called OceanNow, which is essentially room service but for almost anywhere on the ship.

You might be sat by the pool, or in a bar, or in the theatre and decide you’re feeling peckish – just use the app on your phone and you can order food to be delivered to you.

If you want to use this, you’ll need to pay a one-off activation fee of $15 for your cruise but this is again waived if you’ve gone for the Plus or Premier cruise fare.

5. Entertainment

Princess Cruises offers a range of entertainment during your cruise, from Movies under the Stars on the pool deck to immersive theatre shows, live comedy, bar singers and so much more.

And it’s all included at no extra cost – you’re welcome to enjoy the entertainment in any of the venues no matter which fare you’ve chosen for your cruise.

However, there is one little catch. If you’ve paid for the Premier cruise fare, you get to enjoy reserved seating in the theatre for any production shows, meaning you’re guaranteed to get one of the best seats. Otherwise, you’ll need to queue up and hope you get a good seat.

6. Activities

There are a lot of activities available during your cruise with Princess, including organised sports games, leisurely swimming in the pool, fitness classes, cookery classes, casino gaming, shopping and more.

Some of these – the sports, the pool etc. are free and can be enjoyed as much as you want to, but most of the activities require you to spend your own money. You don’t get a casino budget as part of your cruise fare, unfortunately!

The only impact on activities from the cruise fares comes with the fitness classes. Plus fare guests get two free classes per cruise, while Premier fare guests can enjoy unlimited fitness classes.

7. Kids’ Clubs

Princess Cruises has a range of kids’ clubs that offer exciting activities throughout the day, and guests are welcome to use these at no additional charge.

Infants and toddlers under 3 must be accompanied by parents, but children aged 3 to 7 can stay in The Treehouse, while those aged 8 to 12 can enjoy The Lodge. There are also dedicated teen lounges too.

These are open into the evening, but then at night from 10 pm there is a charge for babysitting, and only for kids aged 3 to 12. It costs $5 per hour, per child.

8. Service Charges

There are two types of service charge that you’ll need to pay on your Princess cruise. The first are the daily gratuities, which cost between $16 and $18 per person, per day depending on which class of stateroom you have booked.

They’re included in the fare if you’ve chosen Plus or Premier fare packages, but anyone with a Standard cruise fare has to pay the gratuities separately.

Suggested read: Can you opt out of gratuities on a cruise?

The other charges are a set rate of 18% applied to any purchases of speciality dining, drinks, drinks packages, spa services and a couple of other features onboard. 

If you get the Plus or Premier packages then the service charge is covered for anything included, but you’d need to pay it for anything you buy on top of that – so if you booked Premier, you wouldn’t pay the 18% service charge on the two included speciality dining meals, but you would pay it on any further speciality dining meals you paid for.

9. WiFi

WiFi is another feature which isn’t included on a Standard cruise fare, but that you do get if you pay for the Plus or Premier fare.

It costs from $24.99 per day for one device, but you can also get a four-device plan for $44.99 per day. The speeds are the same, it just affects how many devices you can connect.

The Plus cruise fare gets you the one device package included, while the Premier cruise fare includes a four-device WiFi package for your cruise.

10. Laundry

If you’re on a longer cruise, you might want to use the laundry services instead of packing enough outfits for every single day. Princess gives you two options, and neither are included in the fare – so make sure you budget for laundry if you plan on using it.

The self-serve laundry facilities are the cheapest option, but they take more effort. It costs $3 for a washload, $3 for drying, and you can buy detergent for $1.50.

If you’d rather have your laundry done for you, you can pay for the service instead. You’ll pay by the item, with the option for laundering or for dry cleaning. Expect to pay between $1 and $4.50 per item for washing and pressing, and between $2.75 and $11.50 for dry cleaning.

11. Flights and Transfers

The advertised cruise fares for Princess on their website won’t include your flights by default, but you can add them on through the cruise line if you prefer. If you do, you’ll also get your overseas transfers included too.

You don’t have to use the cruise line’s flights though. If you book via a travel agent, they’ll typically price flights separately and get you a better deal, or you can always book your own.

Just make sure you don’t forget to budget for (or book) your transfers from the airport to the cruise port, and leave plenty of time too. If your cruise port is more than half a day away, travel the night before and pay extra for a hotel so that you definitely don’t miss the ship.

Cruising from a port in your own country, like Southampton for UK guests?

Factor in cruise parking costs, or the cost of your coach or train to get to the port as well when putting together your cruise budget, as that won’t be included in the fare.

12. Shore Excursions

One last thing that you won’t get included in your fare – even if you book a Premier fare – is shore excursions.

If you want to go on tours when you’re in port, you’ll need to pay for them – either via the cruise line, or with a third party if you want to save money.

Suggested read: How I Find Affordable Shore Excursions

You don’t always have to. Some ports are walkable or there may be free shuttle buses to get you into the main town. Just be careful if you aren’t on a cruise line excursion – you have to make it back to the ship in time or you will be left behind.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

To Conclude

There you have it – everything you get included with your cruise fare with Princess, whether you choose Standard, Plus, or Premier, and all the extras you’ll need to pay for.

It can be tough working out what the best deal is for you, so try to work out what you would want to pay extra for, and then see if either the Plus or Premier fare offers better value. They definitely do if you want one of the drinks packages, but not everyone drinks enough to justify that cost.

At least now you know everything that will cost more, and it should be much easier to work out how much a Princess cruise will actually cost you.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

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

Read more about me

Source link