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The Best Cruise Lines for Families with Kids

by with No Comment Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsKids

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Planning a family cruise can be tough, and one of the main problems that families face is being overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many cruise lines for families to choose from, each with its own unique offerings.

I’ve worked in the cruise industry for over eight years and have taken my children on lots of different cruises in that time. So I’d love to use my experience to help you find the best cruise line for your family.

There’s no single answer on the best cruise line for kids, though. Some cruise ships, which are fantastic for teenagers, would be a nightmare for parents of toddlers. Some family cruise lines have lots of activities for parents and kids to do together, whereas others have fantastic kids’ clubs that your children won’t want to leave.

When considering the best cruise lines for families, you should look at all the options and decide which aligns best with what you and your kids will enjoy. So, here’s 10 of the best kid friendly cruises options, including something for all ages.

The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Kids

To help you in your decision, here are some things that you need to know about each of the best cruise lines for families with kids of various ages…

1. Disney Cruise Line

Best for: A really special experience

What Are the Ships Like?

The five Disney cruise ships are luxurious and fun. On board, you’ll find excellent entertainment packed with Disney magic and bump into characters such as Donald Duck as they stroll the decks.

Here I am with Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Wish. It’s one of my favourite cruise ships ever! You can read my Disney Wish review here.

Activities On-Board

Disney cruises have a great focus on entertainment. You’ll enjoy themed deck parties, character meet and greets, award-winning live shows and 3D Disney movies. There’s loads to do, making them one of the best cruise for kids options.

The swimming pools on Disney ships are really fun, including some shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head and older kids will love the water slides.

Age Group Most Suited To

Disney Cruises offer a magical experience for kids of any age. Under threes can be cared for in the nursery, but this is quite expensive.

The free-of-charge kids’ clubs for three to 12-year-olds are out of this world. You’ll struggle to prise your kids away. Tweens and teens also have their own fun hangouts.

Can You Sail From the UK?

Yes. Disney Dream has a good choice of itineraries sailing from Southampton.

Disney Magic cruise

Passengers

Disney Cruises are pretty much exclusively for families and are popular with children of all ages, but there are plenty of adult-only areas too.

Price

Disney is one of the more expensive cruise lines with few reductions for children. Take a look at my article to find out how much a Disney cruise costs.

2. Royal Caribbean

Best for: Active families with older kids

What Are the Ships Like?

Royal Caribbean International has 27 ships with more being built all the time. The newest Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest in the world, accommodating as many as 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.

On board, you’ll find the most exciting features at sea, outstanding food and a fun atmosphere. Here we are in the North Star observation pod which extends 300 feet above Anthem of the Seas.

My family in the North Star ride on Anthem of the Seas

Activities On-Board

These vary by ship, but may include things like rock climbing, mini golf, surfing machines, sports courts, water slides, zip line, ice skating, skydiving simulator, parades, escape room game, trampolines, trapeze school and laser tag.

Age Group Most Suited To

Many of Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities have age and height restrictions which you can see here.

This means that if your children are younger than eight, they may be disappointed that they’re not allowed to take part in everything. Plus, you’ll essentially be paying for things you don’t use.

That said, on our most recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, my five-year-old loved the iFly skydiving simulator, the North Star observation pod and the bumper cars, while his seven-year-old sister was a huge fan of the rock climbing wall.

Bumper cars on Anthem of the Seas

Can You Sail From the UK?

Yes. Between May and October, you can sail from Southampton on Anthem of the Seas. In 2025, that will change as Independence of the Seas returns to Southampton.

Passengers

You’ll find a mix of couples and families of all ages. On sailings from the UK you can expect a lot of British travellers, whereas, on Caribbean sailings, the passengers will be mostly American.

Price

Royal Caribbean cruises are mid-range in terms of price. You can add on a drinks package to make your cruise all-inclusive, but these can be pricy. Look out for special offers where you might get drinks included in your cruise fare.

3. Carnival

Best for: US families on a budget

What Are the Ships Like?

With Carnival Cruises, the emphasis is on fun. The ships are brightly coloured with a real American feel.

Carnival cruise ship slides

Activities On-Board

Carnival’s newest ships have amazing facilities such as the SkyRide (which is a bit like riding a bike around a track in the sky).

Carnival Mardi Gras, which launched in 2021, features the first-ever rollercoaster at sea. There are waterslides aplenty and you’ll also find Dr Seuss characters on board.

Age Group Most Suited To

Carnival cruise ships are best suited for children aged eight and over.

The waterslides and activities have height restrictions of between 42 and 48 inches. Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line bans children in swimming nappies from the spray parks as well as the pools, so these ships aren’t great for toddlers.

Can You Sail From the UK?

Only occasionally do Carnival ships sail from the UK. Their
ships are predominantly based in the Caribbean, although you can sail from
European ports too.

Passengers

Carnival ships are very popular with American families. On
short cruises, you may find a lot of groups, particularly during college spring
break, which you should avoid as it would be like taking your children on an
18-30 holiday!

Price

Carnival cruises are fairly cheap, although this could be outweighed by the fact that you have to pay for flights in most cases.

4. MSC Cruises

Best for: Families with babies and toddlers

What Are the Ships Like?

MSC Cruises ships are very glitzy and glamorous, with Swarovski crystal staircases and lots of marble. The newer ships have water slides and splash areas.

Partnerships with LEGO and Chicco ensure that children have lots of fun on board and my two loved their time in the kids club.

MSC kids club

Activities On-Board

Some of the facilities such as the 4D cinema, bowling,
racing car simulator and the arcade are chargeable, so you’ll need to budget
for that if your children will want to do these things. There’s lots of fun to
be had in the kids’ club such as whole days devoted to LEGO building.

Age Group Most Suited To

MSC Cruises is great for babies. On many ships, you’ll find a dedicated baby area where parents can bring their babies at certain times.

The dining room offers a special baby menu for children aged 6-12 months and pushchairs are available to hire free of charge. All other age groups will have a great time too, although it’s worth noting that their friends in the kids’ club will probably speak a variety of languages.

Our family on board MSC Preziosa

Can You Sail From the UK?

Yes, but only on selected ships. MSC Cruises is unusual in that passengers embark and disembark at various points during the cruise, rather than all starting their cruise at the same port. This means that the choice of itineraries from the UK is somewhat limited.

Passengers

MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line and is popular with passengers from all over Europe. Because of this, all the announcements and signage are in six different languages and the entertainment often doesn’t include much speaking – think acrobats rather than comedians.

You won’t find many Brits on board, but when you do, you’ll probably remember them and say hello when you bump into them again.

Price

MSC Cruises can be really cheap. We paid £399pp for a 7-night cruise and the children were almost free as they were very young. The MSC drinks packages are also the most reasonable that you’ll find at sea.

5. P&O Cruises

Best for: British families with younger kids

What Are the Ships Like?

P&O Cruises offer both family and adults-only ships. They vary in size from medium to large and offer a modern, friendly, British atmosphere.

My family on board Iona

Activities On-Board

You won’t find loads of activities on-board P&O Cruises ships, but there will be several swimming pools and Jacuzzis and some ships have a splash area for the little ones. Most kids’ activities will take place in the kids’ club.

Age Group Most Suited To

P&O Cruises accept two-year-old children in the kids’ club, whereas on most other cruise lines the minimum age is three. This is one great reason for anyone cruising with a toddler to choose P&O Cruises.

Suggested read: Cruise Kids Club Age Groupings Guide

Under-fives can be dropped off at the night nursery where they’ll be cared for, free of charge, between 6 pm and 2 am. And P&O Cruises is one of the only cruise lines to allow babies and toddlers wearing swimming nappies to use the swimming pools.

Two year old Adam on P&O Britannia

Whilst this cruise line is good for children of any age, those older than seven or eight may have more fun on a ship with more facilities.

Can You Sail From the UK?

Yes! P&O Cruises offers a wide choice of cruises sailing from Southampton all year round. From two-night taster cruises to 14-night sailings around the Mediterranean, there’s something for everyone.

Passengers

Being a British cruise line, you’ll find that the vast majority of passengers on-board are British. The type of passengers on board will be different, with shorter cruises attracting a younger crowd than longer voyages.

Price

P&O Cruises is one of the cheapest family-friendly cruise lines. From time to time they offer reduced kids’ prices, with children able to sail from as little as £1, which makes for fantastic value for money.

The drinks on-board are cheaper than many other cruise lines, being similar to local pub prices. And, importantly, you don’t have to pay any gratuities (tips) as you do on most other cruise lines, which saves you around £10 per person, per day.

6. A-ROSA River Cruises

Best for: River cruises with the kids

What Are the Ships Like?

A-ROSA is a river cruise line, so the ships are a lot smaller than ocean cruise ships. One of the newest ships, A-ROSA SENA, was the first river cruise ship built with families in mind, so this is definitely the best ship to choose out of the fleet.

The ships don’t have a lot of space for running around, but this does at least mean it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids – they can’t get lost.

Activities On-Board

Don’t expect anywhere near the facilities that you would get on an ocean cruise ship. However, there are kids clubs at least, which offer various programs for kids aged 4 to 15 with experienced entertainers.

A-ROSA SENA also has a sun deck with a separate kids’ pool so you don’t need to worry about them splashing anyone and 28-square-foot family cabins that sleep up to five people.

Age Group Most Suited To

Because there’s not a huge amount to do onboard, A-ROSA river cruises are better suited to older children who don’t mind a bit of quiet time where they can entertain themselves. Family-friendly shore excursions are probably more targeted at older kids too.

On the sun deck of the A-ROSA Donna
On the sun deck of the A-ROSA Donna

Can You Sail From the UK?

You can’t sail from the UK with A-ROSA, as their family cruises take place on the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers, so you’ll need flights.

Passengers

There’s normally quite a mix of nationalities on an A-ROSA river cruise, including guests from around Europe and also from the US. River cruise guests generally prefer a quieter sailing so don’t expect a boisterous crowd – the kids can have fun but they won’t be able to run amok.

Price

A-ROSA river cruises cost a lot less than some other premium river cruise lines, and kids up to 15 sail for free when travelling with a paying adult. The fares are all-inclusive too, so they’re actually quite good value.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for: Cruising with total flexibility

What Are the Ships Like?

NCL ships are colourful and packed with fun. The cruising experience is all about enjoying the flexibility to cruise your own way, with a huge choice of dining options and places to relax and have fun, and no real set dining times.

The older ships aren’t quite as fun, but waterparks and slides feature heavily and there’s definitely a kid-friendly vibe across the whole fleet.

Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore

Activities On-Board

There is a serious amount of things you can do on an NCL ship, including aqua parks with multiple exciting water slides (some of which are aimed at younger guests), immersive VR experiences, bowling, and even go-karting on some of the newest ships.

Age Group Most Suited To

NCL is good for kids of all ages. The best activities onboard are probably aimed more at kids aged 7+ but the splash parks are suitable for younger kids, while there are dedicated groups in the Splash Academy kids clubs for 3- to 5-year-olds with tailored activities for that age group.

Kids Club on Norwegian Encore

Can You Sail From the UK?

There are some NCL ships that sail from Southampton, including some of the newest and biggest ships in the fleet. Cruises are available from the UK from April to October.

Passengers

NCL cruises generally include a mix of families and couples, but there’s definitely a younger vibe to the cruise line – don’t expect as many older couples to be sailing.

Price

Normally there are significant discounts on kids travelling with their parents. As for the cruise line in general, prices are mid-range, and there are often package deals to add things like drinks or WiFi for a reduced cost.

One thing to be aware of though is that a lot of the activities do cost extra. Yes, the virtual reality arcades are fun, but they are very expensive so if you have older kids you’ll need to budget for that.

8. Costa Cruises

Best for: Italian-style cruising on a budget

What Are the Ships Like?

Costa’s ships are not the most exciting or feature-packed, and they feel like they’re a bit of a budget cruise line at times. They don’t look cheap, but they aren’t offering some of the glitz and wow-factor moments that other cruise lines do. Expect a lot of great pizza and ice cream, though.

Costa cruise

Activities On-Board

Costa isn’t known for being super-innovative so don’t expect fancy features like roller-coasters or go-kart tracks. But they do have some good facilities for kids, including splash parks and dedicated teen rooms that are age-appropriate. Affiliations with Peppa Pig are great for younger kids, including themed water areas and activities in the younger kids’ clubs.

Age Group Most Suited To

Costa is better suited to families with younger children under 6, as much of the theming and activities are targeted at these age groups. Older children might get a bit bored with the lack of variety when they want to hang out with their friends, although if your teens enjoy relaxing by the pool then they might enjoy the atmosphere.

Costa Favolosa at deck 10

Can You Sail From the UK?

Costa doesn’t offer any sailings from the UK – instead you’ll need to fly to Europe, where there are many different departure ports to choose from.

Passengers

Costa passengers tend to include a mix of ages and nationalities, which is reflected in the kid’s clubs too – your children will be able to mix and mingle with others from various countries, which can be exciting for them.

Price

Costa cruises tend to be towards the lower end, and kids sail free on many sailings too, making them a good option if you’re on a budget.

9. Princess Cruises

Best for: Bringing the grandparents

What Are the Ships Like?

Princess Cruises ships are medium to large in size and offer understated luxury with excellent food and service. Princess Cruises are very popular with multi-generational families who want to cruise with kids, parents and grandparents all together.

With my mum on Enchanted Princess
With my mum on Enchanted Princess

Activities On-Board

Aside from the usual swimming pools and hot tubs, you won’t find many family activities outside of the kids’ clubs. However, the offering here is very good for those aged three to 17 and has a particular focus on education, thanks to partnerships with Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel.

Kids on Princess cruise

Age Group Most Suited To

Princess Cruises is a good cruise line for children of all ages. Under-threes are allowed in the kids’ club when accompanied by an adult and free baby food is available (either in a jar or pureed fresh).

Older children may have more fun on a cruise line with more for them to do on board.

Can You Sail From the UK?

Princess Cruises from Southampton and Dover are available on a choice of several ships with various itineraries available.

Passengers

The nationality of passengers varies depending on the
itinerary, with lots of Brits sailing from Southampton and lots of Americans
sailing from other ports, including European ports. The passengers can be
slightly older than some of the other family-friendly cruise lines.

Price

Princess Cruises are around mid-range in terms of price. Cruises under seven nights are rare, so you won’t find many cheap taster cruises.

10. Celebrity Cruises

Best for: Chilled-out teens

What Are the Ships Like?

Celebrity cruises offer a 5-star cruising experience on board modern and luxurious ships. The newest ships Celebrity ships have some uber-cool features such as real grass lawns, a ‘flying carpet’ that moves up and down the side of the ship and a silent disco.

Celebrity Cruises

Activities On-Board

You won’t find masses of kids’ facilities on-board Celebrity Cruises ships. However, there are Xbox stations where children can play solo or take part in tournaments.

Kids can also take part in iTake, a programme that involves storyboarding a movie, heading out to capture the shots on a GoPro camera and editing them in the iLounge.

Age Group Most Suited To

Celebrity Cruises are most suited to children aged 12 and over. The teen hangout is really cool and the glamorous onboard atmosphere is better suited to teenagers than children.

Celebrity Cruises Rooftop Garden

Can You Sail From the UK?

Yes, but only on-board certain ships and only between April and October.

Passengers

Similar to Princess cruises, the type of passengers you’ll
find on Celebrity Cruises varies depending on the itinerary. This cruise line
is popular with affluent couples.

Price

Being a 5-star cruise line, the price of a Celebrity Cruise is usually towards the higher end of the scale, although great deals can often be spotted.

What Are the Best Cruises for Families?

Do a couple of cruise lines from this list take your fancy in particular? You’ll find that the ships that each cruise line owns can be quite different, so be sure to take a look at this post next: The best cruise ships for kids

Take a look at my guide: How to choose a cruise in 7 easy steps to make planning your cruise holiday as easy as possible.

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Cruise Mummy

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

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The Best and Worst Cabins on Icon of the Seas

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal Caribbean

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Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, has 2,805 staterooms and suites. And within those, there are 28 different categories of room. So how can you pick the one that’s best for you?

The 'Icon of the Seas' cruise ship by Royal Caribbean sails on calm seas during a vibrant sunset, with a coastal landscape in the background. This massive white ship features an array of amenities visible on the top decks, including colorful water slides and outdoor pools.

In this guide, I’m going to give you a rundown of all 28 cabin categories. I’ll tell you which are the best, as well as specific cabins to avoid. I’ll be using real customer reviews, taking an in-depth look at the deck plans and much more.

After reading this guide, you’ll be able to decide which stateroom or suite will best meet your needs aboard Icon of the Seas. So let’s go!

Icon of the Seas cabins – an overview

At the most basic level, there are four broad categories of stateroom/suite on Icon of the Seas. All of those 28 categories of cabin I mentioned fit into one of those four categories.

Room Sleeps Size (inc balcony)
Interior 2 to 4 157 to 187 sq ft
Ocean View 2 to 4 160 to 258 sq ft
Balcony 2 to 6 196 to 285 sq ft
Suite 2 to 8 322 to 1,772 sq ft

Interior Staterooms

Interior view of a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' featuring a cozy arrangement. The room includes a round wooden table, a plush gray sofa, a comfortable bed with white and blue bedding, and colorful throw pillows. Artwork and mirrors decorate the walls, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

Here’s a quick list of all the interior stateroom options:

  • Interior
  • Interior Plus
  • Spacious Interior
  • Surfside Family View Interior
  • Central Park View Interior

Traditionally, an interior stateroom is one that has no windows, and therefore no natural light. This makes them the least desirable option for many guests, but also the cheapest.

Suggested read: Why I (Almost) Always Choose an Inside Cabin for a Family Cruise

That’s broadly true on Icon of the Seas too, but not entirely. Two of the interior stateroom options have a window that faces the inside spaces in the ship, namely Central Park or Surfside. 

Interior view of another stateroom aboard Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' showcasing modern amenities and décor. The room features a plush bed with blue and white bedding, colorful accent pillows, a beige sofa, and a small work desk with an oval mirror. A large porthole-style window provides a view of the ship's exterior passageways, adding natural light to the space.

They might be a good option if you want some natural light, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them – more on that later.

Interior Plus only has additional storage space, so it’s not really a bigger stateroom. If you want a larger interior room, choose the Spacious Interior option.

Ocean View Staterooms

Elegantly appointed ocean view stateroom on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' featuring a large bed with pristine white linens and vibrant blue and orange accent pillows. A large porthole window offers a serene view of the ocean, complemented by stylish furnishings including a beige sofa, a flat-screen TV, and a small work area with modern amenities.

There are only two types of ocean view stateroom on Icon of the Seas:

  • Ocean View
  • Panoramic Ocean View

As the name suggests, a Panoramic Ocean View is a larger stateroom with a much better view. They’re all situated on Deck 14, and you do get quite an impressive sight when you look out of the window.

Otherwise, the standard Ocean View rooms are a good alternative to an Interior, especially if you want to see the sea but you don’t want to pay for a Balcony room. You can get them from Decks 3 to 11. I’d recommend the lowest decks if you suffer from seasickness.

Balcony Staterooms

Balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' featuring a stylish and spacious interior. This room offers a bed with blue and white bedding, a large gray sofa adorned with colorful throw pillows, and a balcony view of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. The room is further enhanced by contemporary artwork, a wooden desk with a yellow chair, and a carpet with blue tones.

There are an impressive number of stateroom options available if you want a Balcony room:

  • Ocean View Balcony
  • Ocean View Large Balcony
  • Infinite Ocean View Balcony
  • Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
  • Connecting Ocean View Balcony
  • Central Park View Balcony
  • Infinite Central Park View Balcony
  • Surfside Family View Balcony

You can see from the list that there’s a mix of balcony and infinite balcony options. The regular balconies are those you’d expect from a cruise ship, with a sliding or hinged door that opens into an outside balcony area.

Infinite balconies are different, in that there isn’t really a separate balcony. Instead you get a section of the stateroom to treat as a balcony, and an infinity window that lets you slide down the entire upper half of the window.

View from the 'Infinite Balcony' aboard Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' showing a bustling port scene. The large window frames a view of colorful cargo containers and the port infrastructure, blending the indoor comfort with the industrial exterior. A subtle, wicker chair is partially visible, enhancing the room's connection to the outdoor scenery.

Some guests have complained in reviews about this, saying they didn’t realise what they were paying for:

“I booked two connecting rooms which were suppose to be infinity ocean view deck. The room was ocean view but did not have a deck. It was a large window which came partially down. Paid more money for this room which was told to me by the Royal Caribbean agents was a larger deck ocean room not ocean view no deck.”

Many of the balcony staterooms don’t face the ocean, but instead face either the Central Park or Surfside internal neighbourhood.

This means someone will have a balcony stateroom directly opposite you as well! But they are cheaper than balcony rooms with an ocean view.

Lively central park area inside Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' featuring multiple levels of staterooms with colorful shutters in red, orange, and yellow. The open-air atrium is bustling with activity, adorned with green plants, outdoor seating areas, and a curving pathway, creating a vibrant community space onboard the cruise ship.

Finally, a quick but important note on Guarantee staterooms. Each category of stateroom (Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) has a Guarantee option. This is cheaper, but you’ll be assigned a room by the cruise line instead of choosing your own. It’s a risky move, but one that some people prefer due to the lower cost.

Within the Balcony category, if you want to make sure your room is in a neighbourhood or has an ocean view, you can actually select a Balcony Guarantee OR a Neighbourhood Balcony Guarantee.

Suites

Aerial view of a luxurious suite on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' The suite features an expansive balcony with multiple lounging areas, both shaded and sunlit, furnished with blue and white upholstered chairs and sofas. Inside, the suite is elegantly decorated with a plush seating area, a dining space, and private sleeping quarters, all designed with a cohesive nautical theme.

Finally, there are the suites on Icon of the Seas. There are loads of these! They range from the entry-level Junior Suites all the way up to the very best multi-storey suites, such as the Ultimate Family Townhouse and the Royal Loft Suite.

Suites are the most expensive accommodation, but come with a host of extra perks, depending on which suite you choose. They’re also the most spacious options. So if you like to spend a lot of time relaxing in your own private space, they’re worth considering.

With so many suite options, it’s best to read my dedicated guide to Icon of the Seas suites if you want to know more about them.

The Cabins To Avoid On Icon Of The Seas

Here are the cabins that you might want to avoid, although it’ll depend on your personal preferences.

1. Surfside Staterooms if you don’t have kids

Vibrant and colorful view of the Surfside neighborhood on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' This bustling area showcases a playful design with multicolored floors, bright beach umbrellas, and various recreational activities. Overlooking this lively scene are multiple levels of staterooms with pastel-colored balconies, while towering water slides curl down into the area, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Surfside is a fantastic new addition to Icon of the Seas. This is a neighbourhood specifically targeted to younger families, primarily with kids aged between 0 and 6. They have attractions suitable for them, spaces for parents to unwind, and accommodation that’s family-friendly.

However, young kids can be noisy! Not all of them, but you shouldn’t expect peace and quiet in an area of the ship designed for fun, especially if you have balconies near the pools where the sound’s going to carry.

So if you don’t have young kids, it’s best to avoid booking the Surfside Family View Interior Staterooms, but especially the Surfside Family View Balcony Staterooms and Surfside Family Suites. 

2. Rooms directly below Chill Island

14164 to 14286, 14565 to 14686

Common advice when booking any cruise cabin is to try to avoid any staterooms directly under the pool. The main pools on Icon to be concerned with are around Chill Island, which hosts several pools, whirlpools and loungers.

Busy pool deck scene at 'Chill Island' on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' featuring a large, vibrant swimming area. Guests relax in blue sun loungers and enjoy the water in circular pools, while others gather under a large white canopy. The area is accented with colorful, vertical stripes, creating a lively, vacation-ready atmosphere.

The area can be pretty noisy, both early in the morning and late at night. The crew will often be moving loungers around, which can scrape on the floor. Then at the end of the day they’ll stack the chairs, which can cause more noise disruption. And that’s without the sound of people enjoying Chill Island during the day!

The early mornings and late nights are more of a concern though, so best to avoid these rooms if you value a lie-in or an early night.

3. Rooms below The Hideaway

14288 to 14350, 14352 to 14362, 14688 to 14750, 14752 to 14762

I’ve already explained how the kids’ area and pool area can be quite loud. Surprisingly, the adults-only space can also be one of the worst offenders for noise!

Dynamic view of 'The Hideaway' pool area on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' bustling with activity. This vibrant deck features a large rectangular pool flanked by pink and white loungers, and is overshadowed by towering, multicolored water slides. Guests enjoy the sun and water in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Icon of the Seas doesn’t have a peaceful Solarium, like many other Royal Caribbean ships do. Instead it has The Hideaway, a space with an infinity pool, bar and some luxurious day beds to enjoy. But this definitely has more of a party atmosphere.

So if you book a stateroom directly below The Hideaway, don’t be surprised to hear loud music above you.

4. Rooms close to the AquaDome

12134 to 12162, 12530 to 12562, 14538 to 14562, 14138 to 14162

This is another new neighbourhood for Royal Caribbean. It’s close to the AquaDome with a modern space that offers entertainment throughout the day and evening, with some amazing productions to enjoy.

Spectacular performance at the AquaDome on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' The dome-shaped venue is bathed in vibrant purple lighting, featuring a circular water stage where an acrobat performs mid-air, surrounded by cascading water curtains. The audience, filling the surrounding seats, watches in awe, creating an immersive and theatrical atmosphere.

Those productions often use a lot of music, with a pretty thumping bass track. There are also rehearsals, but they tend to happen during the day when you’re more likely to be exploring the ship or ashore.

Still, if you’re likely to be tucked up in bed a little earlier, stay clear of this part of the ship when choosing your stateroom. 

5. Surfside and Central Park Interior Staterooms

These two odd stateroom categories could be a great choice for a lot of people. Personally, I’m not too sure. 

Although technically classed as an ‘Interior’ room, they do offer some natural light through a reasonably sized window. They’re also bigger than standard Interior or Spacious Interior Staterooms, so they have that going for them.

But I don’t know how often you’ll want to have your curtains open in these rooms. There is a serious amount of foot traffic walking right past your stateroom window, meaning any sense of privacy is essentially gone.

View from the window of an interior stateroom on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas,' overlooking the ship's colorful and lively Surfside neighborhood. The window frames a bustling children's area featuring a whimsical carousel under a large blue and white striped umbrella, surrounded by vibrant playground equipment and seating areas.

Interior-facing balcony staterooms also have some privacy issues, since you’re directly opposite someone else, although that’s not as bad. At worst, you’re exposed when enjoying your balcony, or to the room directly across from you.

But the interior rooms that are right at eye-level for anyone walking past in Surfside or Central Park? I’m not a fan.

6. Suites forward and high if you get seasick

Aerial view of Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' during sunset, highlighting two prominent features with red arrows pointing at them. The ship is seen cruising through calm waters, showcasing its massive structure and colorful top deck activities including water slides and pools, against a backdrop of scattered islands under a glowing sky.

Icon of the Seas utilises all kinds of amazing technology, including the very latest in stabilisers.

However, tech can’t do everything, and the ship is utterly massive. So it’s going to rock when it hits rough seas, and there’s no way of preventing that.

The general advice for anyone who suffers from seasickness is to stay in cabins on lower decks, in the middle of the ship. They should ideally have an ocean-facing balcony too, as it can help to have fresh air and a horizon to focus on.

Many of the top suites on Icon of the Seas are situated on Decks 16, 17 and 18, right at the front of the ship. That’s the worst area you could be in if you feel seasick. So if you get it pretty bad, I’d look elsewhere.

7. Rooms with sofa beds if your kids are bigger

Well-appointed stateroom on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' featuring a serene ocean view through a large window. The room is elegantly furnished with a gray sofa, a yellow chair at a small desk, and a comfortable bed adorned with blue and white bedding accented with colorful pillows. Artwork of tropical leaves and minimalist designs add a touch of sophistication to the space.

Here’s something I didn’t expect to be an issue for a ship this modern, but it’s a comment I saw several times when researching!

Icon of the Seas has moved away from using pull-down Pullman beds for kids, and instead prioritises sofa beds where possible. On many ships that would be preferable, because there’s no risk of children falling out (or, more likely, adults bumping their heads on the bed).

But the sofa beds in many of the staterooms aren’t very big. If you’ve got an older child, or two smaller children who want to share, you might find that it’s a bit uncomfortable for them:

“There is just one major item where we felt that RC Royally messed up on which I hope they address for the future ships is the new sofa bed is awful for a family of 4 sharing a balcony room!”

If you’re travelling with older kids, it’s best to look at staterooms or suites that are larger, and have better bed options than these sofa beds. You want to make sure they’re fully rested for all the activities!

The Best Rooms On Icon Of The Seas

The vast majority of cabin options on Icon of the Seas are pretty good. Even if you do get one that’s not ideal, you probably won’t be too upset considering how much time you’ll spend outside of your room.

I’ve picked out some of the new stateroom/suite categories as the best ones. Unsurprisingly, they’re all aimed at families, since the ship is very family-oriented.

Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony

Family-friendly Infinite Ocean View Balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' The room features a cozy bunk bed setup with a bottom twin bed and a top loft-style bed, a playful yellow-striped ceiling, and nautical-themed décor. A small desk area with a chalkboard, books, and maritime-inspired accessories create a fun and inviting space for children.

Of all the different balcony cabin options for families, this one’s probably the best, and that’s mainly down to the layout of the room.

As I’ve mentioned, many of the family rooms use smaller sofa beds. However, the Family Infinite Ocean View has a separate bedroom area, with cool bunk beds that each have their own TV. So as long as there’s no arguments about the volume, everyone can watch what they want!

The room also has a split bathroom, which is a huge perk that not many Royal Caribbean staterooms can offer. Having a shower while your children use their own toilet, instead of interrupting you, is a bigger win than it might sound!

These are the best and the most spacious balcony staterooms. You’ll pay a premium compared to other balcony options, but it’s still cheaper than choosing a suite. It’s absolutely worth the extra money if you’re travelling with kids, especially older kids who would struggle on a sofa bed.

Surfside Family Suite (with young children)

The Surfside Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' offers a spacious and stylish living area. The room features a large bed with navy blue accents, a comfortable sitting area with modern chairs and a round table, and contemporary artwork on the walls. Large sliding glass doors open onto a balcony overlooking the colorful and vibrant Surfside neighborhood below.

The Surfside Family Suite might be an odd choice for one of the ‘best’ rooms, since it is facing the often-noisy Surfside area and only has a sofa bed for children.

But for younger kids, I think it’s great. That sofa bed is in a half-bedroom of its own, which can be partitioned off and has its own huge TV.

If you’re travelling with younger children, you can let them enjoy their own entertainment while you unwind in the spacious main suite area. And again, you have the perks of a split bathroom.

The Surfside Family Suite is a Sky Class suite, which means it’s considered a mid-tier suite. There are many additional extras, including access to The Grove sun deck when the kids are in Adventure Ocean, access to the Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge, and priority dining reservations. 

You also get VOOM internet included, which is perfect if your kids prefer to watch their favourite shows on a tablet or phone.

The Family Infinite Balcony is a better choice for older kids. But I’d say the suite perks for parents, and the proximity to Surfside, make this the best choice for young families who aren’t super-rich.

However, if you ARE super-rich…

Ultimate Family Townhouse

Aerial view of the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' This unique suite is spread over multiple levels and features an assortment of family-friendly amenities, including an outdoor slide into a private pool, colorful play areas, and various lounging spaces. The suite overlooks the ocean, blending luxurious living spaces with exhilarating outdoor activities, perfect for family entertainment.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse really is the best of the best when it comes to family suite accommodations. The price tag is a serious caveat – expect to pay around £20,000 per person for a week. It really is a suite only for those with a huge amount of money to spend.

It has an amazing location on the aft corner of the ship. There is direct access to the Surfside neighbourhood from its own picket-fenced backyard area, which is super-cute. 

It’s a three-storey suite and super-spacious, around 11 times the size of an Interior Stateroom. The perks include separate bedrooms for kids and parents, gaming tables, a karaoke machine, a slide from the upper levels, a piano staircase (that plays notes as you walk up or down it), and much more.

Close-up view of the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' This multi-story suite features expansive glass balconies offering panoramic views of the sea and the ship's vibrant Surfside neighborhood below. The suite includes playful outdoor areas with slides and pools, and luxurious indoor spaces with modern furnishings, all designed to cater to a high-energy, family vacation experience.

Plus, as a Star Class suite, you get complimentary gratuities, complimentary drinks packages, and your own Royal Genie (essentially a butler).

Sure, most people reading this will never book the Ultimate Family Townhouse. But it’s called ‘Ultimate’ for a reason, so I had to include it. 

Read more about the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

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Final word

Icon of the Seas is still a relatively new cruise ship. So the recommendations in this guide are a little broad, and are based on real customer reviews and my investigation of the deck plans.

There might be odd staterooms or suites that have an unusual quirk or issue. These are likely to come to light as more people sail on the ship. If you’ve experienced anything like that, please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list!

Generally, the ship’s accommodations are comfortable and very modern. Most people will have an incredible cruise onboard, with their stateroom often just being used for sleep, showering and getting dressed.

If you want to book a particular cabin on Icon of the Seas, you can check to see if someone has reviewed it already. Here are some of the resources I used to write this guide:

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The Best & Worst Rooms on the Ship

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsPrincess Cruises

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

grand princess cruise ship rooms

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

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

Grand Princess Cabin Types

There are seven main types of accommodation on Grand Princess.

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

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

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

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

Grand Princess Inside Cabins

grand princess inside cabin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Princess Inside Cabin Grades

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

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

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

Grand Princess Oceanview Cabins

grand princess ocean view

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

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

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

Grand Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades

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

Grand Princess Balcony Cabins

grand princess balcony cabin

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

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

Grand Princess Balcony Cabin Grades

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

Grand Princess Mini Suites

grand princess mini suite

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

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

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

Grand Princess Mini Suite Grades

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

Club Class Mini Suites

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

Grand Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:

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

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

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

Grand Princess Suites

grand princess suite

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

Grand Princess Suite Perks:

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

Grand Princess Suite Grades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Special Cabin Types

Grand Princess Aft Rooms

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

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

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

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

Grand Princess Family Suites

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

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

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

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

Grand Princess Accessible Rooms

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

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

The accessible cabins on Grand Princess include:

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

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Grand Princess Cabins to Avoid

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

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

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

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

1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck

A310 to 751

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

And that sound carries through the floor.

grand princess lido deck

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

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

2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship

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

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

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

grand princess cruise ship

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

3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness

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

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

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

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

4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat

D714 and 715, B714 and 715, A316 and 317

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Window Suites if You Want a Peaceful Room

F301 to 315

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

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

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

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

A746 to 748, B748 to 751

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

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

grand princess cruise ship

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

The Best Cabins on Grand Princess

1. Family Suites

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

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

2. The Cheapest Cabins

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

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

3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool

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

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

grand princess terrace pool

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

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To Conclude

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

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

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

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Grand Princess Accommodation FAQs

When was Grand Princess last refurbished?

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

What is the oldest Princess Cruises ship?

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

How many cabins are on Grand Princess?

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

What is the sister ship of Grand Princess?

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

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

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

Related Posts:

More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides

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

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What Is A Pullman Bed? (See Real Photos)

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsFirst time cruisers

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In cruise ship cabins that sleep more than two people, the third and fourth beds may be sofa beds or Pullman beds. But what is a Pullman bed, exactly?

What Is an Upper Pullman on a Cruise Ship?

An upper Pullman bed is a top bunk bed that pulls down from the ceiling or comes out of the wall of a cruise ship cabin. Pullman beds are most often used for children but may also be used by adults, provided that they meet the weight requirements.

Pullman beds take their name from inventor George M Pullman who designed the concept for the sleeper cars of trains in the late 1850s. Pullman beds are also known as ‘upper beds’, ‘bunk beds’ or ‘pull down beds’.

Cruise ship cabins can have either one or two Pullman beds. Underneath the Pullman bed may be a single bed, a double or queen-sized bed or the floor.

A Pullman mattress for cruiseship staterooms won’t be super thick but it’ll be comfortable enough.

What Does a Pullman Bed Look Like?

When they are not in use, Pullman beds may be folded up against the wall or hidden away in the ceiling so that they are barely visible at all.

The photo below shows Pullman beds folded up against the wall…

Pullman bed when not unfolded
Pullman beds against wall on P&O Cruises’ Britannia

The photo below shows one Pullman bed which has been lowered and one which remains hidden in the ceiling…

Pullman bed coming down from ceiling
Pullman bed hidden in ceiling on Royal Caribean’s Mariner of the Seas

I made a video of our cabin on Britannia, which shows the Pullman bed upright and lowered along with footage of the ladder and the extra railing to prevent young kids from falling out of bed. See it here: P&O Britannia Inside Cabin Review

Can Adults Use Pullman Beds?

Adults are allowed to use the Pullman beds on cruise ships. This means that it’s possible for up to four adults to share a cabin. If your child is too young to use the top bunk, you can put them in the bottom bed and take the top bunk yourself.

Pullman bed on a cruise
Photo: Linda McHugh

What Is the Weight Limit on a Pullman Bed?

As upper Pullman beds are attached to the wall or ceiling, there are limits to the weight that they can hold safely. Pullman beds are suitable for most adults but are not recommended for particularly heavy people. The table below shows the maximum Pullman bed weight limit for each cruise line.

Cruise Line Pullman max weight
(kg)		 Pullman max weight
(lb)
Carnival 113 kg 250 lbs
Celebrity Cruises 90 kg 200 lbs
Cunard 130 kg* 287 lbs
MSC Cruises 150 kg 330 lbs
Norwegian Cruise Line 163 kg 360 lbs
P&O Cruises 130 kg* 287 lbs
Princess Cruises 113 kg 250 lbs
Royal Caribbean 136 KG 300 lbs

*On P&O Cruises and Cunard, the restriction of 130 kg applies to the bunk ladder. There is no restriction on the bed itself, and it has been ‘shock tested’ to 300 kg.

Is There a Height Limit for a Pullman Bed?

On Royal Caribbean cruises, the maximum height to use an upper Pullman bed is 6 feet 6 inches. The other cruise lines don’t specify a maximum height. Pullman beds are usually the same length as a standard single bed.

What Age Can Children Use Pullman Beds?

Most cruise lines do not have any age limits on who can use a Pullman bed on a ship. However, on Royal Caribbean cruises and Celebrity Cruises, children must be at least six years old to use a Pullman bed. This is not monitored, however. I let my five-year-old sleep in a Pullman bed with no issues.

When deciding who should sleep in the Pullman bed – you or your child – it’s important to think about the sleeping habits of your own child and the bed they sleep in at home. If your older child or teenager is prone to sleepwalking, then a Pullman bed probably isn’t the best option. It really depends on the child.

I allowed my daughter to use the top Pullman bed on MSC Preziosa when she was two years old. The bed was positioned over a double bed so if she were to jump out, the fall would only be a couple of feet onto the bed below, rather than further on to the hard floor.

If you would prefer your child not to use a Pullman bed, there are some beds available for third and fourth passengers in a cabin that are at floor level. These include sofa beds (where a sofa converts into a bed) or pull-out beds (also known as trundle beds, where a bed rolls out from under another.)

Usually, when there is a sofa bed, it’s a single sofa bed for the third passenger. If you have four people in your room, the fourth may have a Pullman bed above the sofa.

Pullman bed on Iona

You’ll need to make sure that you’re happy with the bed type when you book your cruise, as you won’t be able to change it once you’re on-board.

Read more: How To Upgrade Your Cruise Cabin After Purchase

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Do Pullman Beds Have Guard Rails?

Pullman beds have guard rails to prevent people from falling out. However, the size of the guard rail can vary considerably depending on the ship.

The photo below shows the Pullman bed on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas with a very small rail. I asked the cabin attendant if there was any option to have a larger rail but he said no.

Pullman bed with small guard rail on Mariner of the Seas
Small guard rail on Mariner of the Seas

The photo below shows the guard rail on Allure of the Seas which is a little larger.

Photo credit: Kay Blake
Larger guard rails on Allure of the Seas

The photo below shows an ocean view cabin on Liberty of the Seas which has large guard rails and a double bed beneath.

Liberty of the Seas Ocean View cabin with Pullman beds
Photo credit: Shara Busser
Large guard rails on Liberty of the Seas

The photo below shows the standard guard rail on P&O Cruises Britannia (the silver one) with the additional guard rail which was provided on request by our stateroom attendant.

Pullman bed with extra guard rail on Britannia
Extra guard rail on Britannia

If your Pullman bed has no guard rail at all, lift up the mattress and you’ll likely find it under there. If you’re in any way concerned, just call your cabin attendant and they’ll be happy to help in any way they can.

How To Stop Your Child From Falling Out of Bed on a Cruise

If you’re at all worried that your child may fall out of bed on your cruise, there are some things you can do to prevent this. These are:

  1. Ask for an extra guard rail. This is available on some ships but not others.
  2. Bring your own guard rail. Inflatable guard rails are available to buy from Amazon.
  3. Ask for an extra blanket. You can roll this up to create extra padding between your child and the edge of the bed.
  4. Put your child in the lower bed. This may mean that an adult has to sleep in the upper Pullman bed.
  5. Place the mattress on the floor. Some cabins have enough space to do this, but not all do.
  6. Allow your child to sleep on the sofa. Some cabins have a small sofa which can be turned around so that kids can’t fall off it.
  7. Bring your own inflatable bed. Ready beds are available to buy on Amazon.

Whilst a Pullman bed might look like a safe place for a child to sleep, it’s important to pay attention to the weather. If the ship passed through a storm in the night, this could increase the chance of your child being rocked out of bed.

It’s also important to think about what they would fall onto if they did fall out. Would it be onto a double bed below, or onto the floor?

Can You Put the Pullman Beds Up and Down?

On a cruise, your cabin steward will raise the Pullman beds during the day and lower them again while you’re out for the evening. It’s usually not possible to do this yourself.

sign on Pullman bed on a Disney Cruise ship

How Big Is a Pullman Bed?

Pullman beds vary in size but are generally the size of a single bed or slightly narrower. Space above the bed is limited so an adult may not be able to fully sit up in bed.

Pullman beds are generally best suited to children and smaller adults. If you have three of four adults in your cabin, it would probably make sense for the smaller adults who are most capable of climbing a ladder to use the top bunk.

What Is a Convertible Bed?

A convertible bed on a cruise ship is two single beds that can be joined together to create a queen size bed. An extra thin mattress is placed on top so that you don’t feel the join in the middle. Convertible beds enable cruise ship cabins to be used by people who prefer double or twin beds.

A lower convertible bed usually means a sofa that converts into a bed. These are suitable for children or adults.

Disney cruise ships don’t have convertible beds, they are always Queen beds. However, there is a sofa that converts into an extra single bed for friends who don’t wish to share a bed.

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

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Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of October 7, 2024 • The Disney Cruise Line Blog

by with No Comment Cruise NewsCruise Special OffersDisney Cruises

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The Best & Worst Rooms on the Ship

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsPrincess Cruises

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Most cruise ships are part of a single class – a group of ships within a fleet that have the same or similar features, or are built to a certain theme. But the Grand Class is different, as it is a class of ship that was built for both Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises (both being owned by the same parent company), with several sub-classes within it.

Emerald Princess

One of those is the Crown Class, which consists of the Emerald Princess and two of her sister ships, Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. These three ships are almost identical, offering guests a wonderful cruise holiday with plenty of great features to enjoy.

And there are some wonderful accommodations you can choose from as well, including cabin types to suit any budget. But which ones are the best ones? And arguably more importantly, which are the ones you really want to avoid?

Let’s take a look – I’ve put this guide together based on real reviews, forum threads, and the Emerald Princess deck plans so it has every angle covered.

Emerald Princess Cabin Types

There are six main types of cabin on Emerald Princess.

Accommodation Sleeps Size (incl. balcony)
Interior 2 to 4 162 to 234* sq. ft.
Oceanview 2 to 4 158 to 181 sq. ft
Balcony 2 to 4 231 to 271 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony 2 to 4 231 to 298 sq. ft.
Mini Suite 2 to 4 323 sq. ft.
Suite 2 to 4 460 to 777 sq. ft.

*Wheelchair-accesible interior rooms are significantly larger than standard ones, which range from 162 to 182 square feet.

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

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

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

Emerald Princess Inside Cabins

Emerald Princess Inside Cabins

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

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

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

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

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

Suggested read: What is a Pullman bed?

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

Emerald Princess Inside Cabin Grades

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

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

Grade Sleeps up to Average size (sq ft)
IA 2 162
IB 4 162 – 182 (234 for wheelchair accessible)
IC 2 162 – 182
ID 2 162
IE 2 162
IF 4 162

Emerald Princess Oceanview Cabins

Emerald Princess Oceanview Cabins

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

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

Emerald Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades

Grade Sleeps up to Average size (sq ft)
OB 4 179
OC 2 179
OE 2 179
OF 2 179
OV – Obstructed 4 179
OW – Obstructed 2 179
OY – Obstructed 2 179
OZ – Obstructed 2 158 – 179

Emerald Princess Balcony Cabins

Emerald Princess Balcony Cabins

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

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

Emerald Princess Balcony Cabin Grades

Grade Type Sleeps up to Average size (sq ft)
B1 Premium Balcony 4 271
B2 Premium Balcony 4 271
B4 Premium Balcony 4 231 – 298
BA Balcony 4 231
BB Balcony 4 231
BC Balcony 4 231
BD Balcony 3 231 – 271
BE Balcony 2 231 – 271
BF Balcony 2 231

Emerald Princess Mini Suites

Emerald Princess Mini Suites

The Mini Suites on Emerald Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite.

However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.

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

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

Emerald Princess Mini Suite Grades

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

Club Class Mini Suites

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

Emerald Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:

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

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

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

Emerald Princess Suites

Emerald Princess Suites

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

Emerald Princess Suite Perks:

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

Emerald Princess Suite Grades

Grade Type Sleeps up to Average size (sq ft)
S2 Owner’s Suite 3 687 – 777
S3 Penthouse Suite 3 524 – 531
S4 Penthouse Suite 3 533
S5 Premium Suite 3 568
S6 Vista Suite 3 460 – 495
S8 Family Suite 6 606

Owner’s Vs Penthouse vs Premium vs Vista

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

But when comparing the other suites, the best is the Owner’s Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corners of the ship, giving you the biggest balcony area and what many believe to be the best view.

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

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

The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing – so bear that in mind.

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Special Cabin Types

Emerald Princess Aft Rooms

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

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

  • Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 8 to 14, excluding Deck 12
  • Vista Suites – Decks 8 to 10
  • Penthouse Suites – Decks 10 to 12
  • Owner’s Suites – Deck 12

Emerald Princess Connecting Rooms

Connecting room

Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space. They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.

This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.

If you want to check out where they’re based, you can take a look at the deck plans – there’s a check box that will highlight all the connecting rooms.

On Emerald Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:

  • Two Interior Cabins
  • Two Oceanview Cabins
  • Two Balcony Cabins
  • Two Premium Balcony Cabins
  • Two Mini Suites

Emerald Princess Family Suites

There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special – the Family Suite. Technically each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.

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

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

Emerald Princess Accessible Rooms

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

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

The accessible cabins on Emerald Princess include:

  • Interior Cabins – Decks 10, 12, 14 and 15
  • Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
  • Balcony Cabins – Decks 11, 12 and 14
  • Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
  • Mini Suites – Deck 9
  • Penthouse Suite – Deck 14

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Emerald Princess Cabins to Avoid

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

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

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

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

1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck

R311 to R525

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

And that sound carries through the floor.

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

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

2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship

L106 and 107, R201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106 

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

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

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

3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness

L101 to 311, R201 to 301 and 628 to 751, A201 to 301 and 628 to 751, B201 to 301 and 628 to 757

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

The itinerary will of course make a difference too, but with some of Emerald Princess’ cruises taking place around waters north of San Francisco, and others in Europe around the notorious Bay of Biscay, there is definitely the chance of some choppier waters so it’s worth bearing this in mind.

4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat

A628, C312, D720, P212

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

And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for P212 as while this is next-door to the laundromat, it is perpendicular and so the machines aren’t all sharing a wall with the room – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.

The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.

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

E101 to 104, D103 to 104, C101 to 102, B201 to 204, A201 to 204,  R201 to 204

There are three main staircases on the Emerald Princess that go from Decks 7 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.

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

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

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

Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), L101 to 104 (Deck 14)

There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. And equally in the Oceanview cabins at the front of Deck 14, the bridge causes an obstruction too.

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

7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them

Various

The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.

The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall, and so you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.

If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.

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

R748 to 751, A750 to 753, B748 to 757

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

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

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

The Best Cabins on Emerald Princess

1. Family Suites

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

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

2. The Cheapest Cabins

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

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

3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool

Specifically, the Interior rooms R744 and R745, Balcony cabins R746 and R747 (which have slightly extended balconies too) and the Premium Balcony cabins R748 to R751.

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

Emerald Princess terrace pool

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

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To Conclude

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

I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too.

You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences, and they often post their own Emerald Princess cabins photos so you might see exactly what yours looks like!

And I’d also recommend one last look at the Emerald Princess deck plans before you confirm a booking – just make sure you’re happy with your cabin’s location before committing.

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Emerald Princess Accommodation FAQs

When was Emerald Princess last refurbished?

Emerald Princess was refurbished in 2019. While the main focus of the refurbishment was adding some new dining venues to the top deck, some of the décor and fixtures throughout the ship were updated too. All of the Crown-Class ships were refurbished around this time.

How many suites are there on Emerald Princess?

There are 28 Suites on-board Emerald Princess, as well as 178 Mini Suites. The other cabin types include 463 Interior rooms, 218 Oceanview rooms and 682 Balcony rooms, including Premium Balcony. The total number of cabins and suites combined Is 1,542.

Is Emerald Princess a big ship?

Emerald Princess is not one of the biggest ships you can book a cruise on, but with a maximum passenger capacity of 3,080 and 15 public decks, she is definitely a relatively large ship and offers a lot of space for guests to relax and explore.

What’s the difference between Balcony and Premium Balcony on Princess?

There are two main differences between Balcony and Premium Balcony cabins on Emerald Princess. Premium Balcony cabins are larger, and they also tend to be situated in prime locations including at the aft with a view overlooking the wake.

What class of ship is Emerald Princess?

Emerald Princess is a Crown-Class ship along with Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. The three ships are a sub-class of the Grand Class of ships which were built for Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises.

What is the best deck on the Emerald Princess?

The best deck on the Emerald Princess is subjective, but you should choose one with cabins above and below to minimise the noise levels. You can also check the Emerald Princess deck plans to see which cabins are close to your favourite facilities onboard.

Related Posts:

More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides

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Cruise Mummy

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

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The Future is Bright for Solar-Powered Cruise Ships

by with No Comment Cruise NewsOther

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Imagine gliding across the ocean on a cruise ship that is powered entirely by the sun’s rays, rather than using fossil fuels.

It’s an appealing thought for eco-conscious travellers. But why don’t we see solar-powered cruise ships sailing the seas?

The answer lies in a mix of technological challenges, practical limitations and an industry in transition.

A futuristic solar-powered cruise ship sailing on calm sea waters under a cloudy sky. The vessel features a sleek design with multiple vertical solar panels on top, enhancing its modern and environmentally friendly attributes.

The Current State of Cruise Ship Emissions

Before we dive into the world of solar-powered ships, let’s look at why they’re needed in the first place.

The shipping industry, including cruise lines, is responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That might not sound like much, but it’s a significant chunk when you consider the scale of global transport.

Recognising this impact, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target to slash these emissions by at least 40% by 2030.

Challenges in Implementing Solar Power on Cruise Ships

There are several issues when it comes to creating cruise ships that can be fuelled by solar power.

1. Energy Demands of Large Vessels

Cruise ships are like floating cities, with massive energy needs. Propulsion, air conditioning, lighting, entertainment and much more all require constant power. Current solar technology simply can’t generate enough to meet these demands.

A typical cruise ship might use up to 60 megawatts of power – that’s enough to light up a small town!

2. Space and Weight Constraints

Cruise ships are designed to maximise space for passengers and amenities. Covering a ship with solar panels would take up valuable deck space that’s usually reserved for pools, lounges and other attractions. Plus, solar panels add weight, which can affect a ship’s performance and fuel efficiency.

Aerial view of a large cruise ship sailing on vibrant green ocean waters. The top deck is bustling with amenities including two large swimming pools, rows of lounge chairs, and a variety of colorful recreational areas, showcasing the ship’s leisure and entertainment facilities.

3. Efficiency of Current Solar Technology

The best modern solar panels operate at about 20% efficiency. That means they convert only a fifth of the sunlight they receive into usable energy. While that’s impressive for home use, it’s not enough to power a massive cruise ship. The energy density just isn’t there yet.

Innovations in Sustainable Cruising

Despite these challenges, the cruise industry isn’t sitting still. Companies are exploring various ways to make their ships more sustainable.

Hybrid and Battery-Powered Ships

Some cruise lines are already dipping their toes into cleaner technologies. In 2019, Hurtigruten launched the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ship. 

A hybrid-powered cruise ship named 'Richard With' sails close to a lush, mountainous coastline. The ship features a distinctive black funnel with a red logo, and its hull is painted in white and red. Lifeboats are mounted on the side, ready for emergency use, reflecting the ship's modern safety measures and sustainable design.

Although not fully solar-powered, it’s a step in the right direction, and shows how battery technology could play a role in future sustainable cruise ships.

Wind and Solar Combinations

Innovative designs are combining old and new technologies. For example, Hurtigruten Norway is planning a zero-emissions electric cruise ship named ‘Sea Zero’. 

A modern Hurtigruten cruise ship cruising on calm sea waters under a partly cloudy sky. The ship is sleek and futuristic in design, featuring a dark grey and red hull with multiple solar panels on its top deck, showcasing its eco-friendly propulsion technology.

This ship will feature retractable sails covered in solar panels, harnessing both wind and solar power. It’s an exciting glimpse into what future cruise ships might look like.

The Sea Zero Project

The Sea Zero project is worth a closer look. Set to launch in 2030, this ship will primarily run on 60-megawatt batteries, charged with clean energy from Norway’s largely renewable electricity system. The solar sails, rising up to 50 metres high, will supplement this power. It’s a bold vision that could reshape the industry.

The Future of Solar Technology in Cruising

While current solar technology isn’t up to the task of fully powering a cruise ship, the future looks brighter.

Advancements in Solar Panel Efficiency

Scientists are working on new solar technologies that could boost efficiency up to 80%. If achieved, this would be a game-changer for all solar-powered transport, including cruise ships. Imagine panels that could generate four times as much power in the same space. Suddenly, those energy needs don’t seem so insurmountable.

A worker wearing a white helmet and high-visibility jacket carries a large solar panel inside a warehouse. The focus is on his profile as he carefully handles the panel, indicative of his professionalism and the importance of safety in his work environment.

Integration with Other Renewable Technologies

The future of sustainable cruising likely lies in combining multiple green technologies. Solar power could work alongside wind power and battery storage, as well as emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel cells. This multi-pronged approach could help overcome the limitations of any single technology.

Economic and Environmental Incentives

The push for solar-powered cruise ships isn’t just about being green, for there are strong economic incentives too. Fuel is one of the biggest costs for cruise lines. A ship that can generate its own power from the sun could slash operating costs.

Two technicians work diligently on the engine of a cruise ship, located in a well-equipped workshop. The image captures one worker adjusting components inside the open engine bay, while the other observes carefully, both surrounded by various tools and mechanical parts, highlighting their expertise in marine engineering.

As one expert put it: “It’s hard to compete with someone who has no fuel bills.”

As travellers become more environmentally conscious, cruise lines that offer truly sustainable voyages may gain a competitive advantage.

Industry Collaboration and Regulations

The shift towards solar-powered cruise ships won’t happen overnight, and it can’t be done by individual companies alone. It requires industry-wide collaboration and supportive regulations.

Hedda Felin, Hurtigruten’s CEO, emphasises this need for collective action:

 “We don’t want to be alone. We need the entire industry to pull up our sleeves and work a bit harder and be more ambitious.”

As more companies invest in research and development, and as regulations push for cleaner technologies, we could see a snowball effect of innovation in the industry.

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Conclusion

So, why don’t we see solar-powered cruise ships yet? The short answer is that the technology isn’t quite there. The energy demands are too high, and the current solar panels aren’t efficient enough to meet them. But that doesn’t mean solar-powered cruise ships are an impossible dream.

The cruise industry is making strides towards sustainability with hybrid ships, solar sails and zero-emission projects. As the technology improves and is combined with other renewable energy sources, we may well see solar playing a significant role in powering the cruise ships of the future.

The next time you set sail, keep an eye out for those solar panels. They might just be the start of a sea change in the cruise industry.

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Changes That Would Make Cruise Lines’ Loyal Guests Abandon Them

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsUncategorised

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What potential changes could your favourite cruise line make that would immediately turn you off them?

Refuse to cruise reasons

Most cruising regulars have a favourite cruise line. It might be because of the food, the entertainment or just the general vibe. Cruise lines all offer a different experience, that resonates with different types of cruise passengers.

But what if a cruise line suddenly changed the way they did things?

I asked my Facebook followers what would be the ONE big change that would make them drop all loyalty to their favourite cruise line. And the responses were pretty interesting!

Here are 23 potential changes a cruise line could make that would turn off their loyal customers. Some named their specific cruise line, while others made more general claims, so I’ve grouped them for you:

Specific cruise line announcements

1. Virgin Voyages to allow children onboard

"Welcome children!" - Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is renowned for being a stylish, modern and fun cruise option – but for adults only. It’s not a cruise line where families are welcomed, unless those families are all 18 or over.

Scarlet Lady

This makes the cruise line a popular choice for those who would rather avoid the louder atmosphere of a family-friendly cruise line. So it’s no surprise that a few people mentioned that Virgin accepting children would be their deal-breaker.

2. Cunard getting rid of its dress code

Eliminating the dinner dress codes on Cunard. I believe this "dressier" code automatically eliminates the cruisers who don't care about other people. I found those who comply willingly with a dress code are generally more courteous around the ship. Even on a ship with a dress code, there are those that don't want to comply... and the difference in general behavior is obvious.

I’m not sure it’s fair to say that Cunard’s dress code gets rid of people who don’t care about others. But I do understand that the Cunard atmosphere is well-loved.

A spacious dining room on a Cunard cruise ship, featuring elegantly set tables with white tablecloths, flower centerpieces, and large windows offering an ocean view.

Guests look forward to glamorous evenings where black tie and ball gowns are the norm, especially on the famous gala nights. For many, it’s part of the charm and sets Cunard apart from more casual cruise lines.

So, it’s no wonder that scrapping the dress code would be a step too far for some loyal Cunard passengers. The refined, classic experience would lose its distinctive touch, making it just another cruise option rather than the pinnacle of luxury at sea.

3. No more free laundry for Elite guests on Princess Cruises

No more free laundry ooohh who does free laundry?!if your Elite loyalty level on Princess Cruises you get free laundry

Princess Cruises, like many other cruise lines, has its own loyalty programme. And one of the biggest perks for Elite-level guests is the complimentary laundry service. This is a practical and much-appreciated benefit, especially on longer voyages where packing light can make all the difference.

It’s one of those small but meaningful touches that makes guests’ loyalty feel valued. Without it, the experience would start to feel less special, and that could be enough for some to jump ship.

4. No more top-tier benefits for Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises

They are taking away Pinnacle on Royal and Zenith on Celebrity. We've worked hard for the perks!

We all know how divisive the conversation around loyalty programmes would be. But there are some cruisers who do feel like their cruises deserve a lot of rewards.

If a cruise line suddenly took those rewards away, I can get how that would make you look elsewhere. That’s the whole point of the programmes – they make you loyal to one cruise line family. Without the perks, you could look at any other cruise line instead.

5. P&O sacking crew and replacing them with cheap labour

Sacking p&0 workers for cheap labour !!!!

This one might seem a bit left-field, but it’s based on a real event where P&O Ferries (a completely different company to P&O Cruises) tried to do exactly this.

There were also rumours in November 2023 that Carnival Group, which owns P&O Cruises, was looking to do similar.

It ended up being unfounded, or at least deterred. But it’s good to see that some cruise guests wouldn’t stand for this treatment of the crew onboard. They would actively look to sail with another cruise line if the crew were mistreated.

6. MSC Cruises closing Ocean Cay

If MSC closed their private island.

Several cruise lines have their own private destinations – either an island or a resort on a larger island – and MSC has Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

Ocean Cay - A beautiful island in the middle of the ocean with a huge MSC cruise ship docked beside it

It’s a beautiful location with loads of interesting things to see and do, and definitely a highlight of MSC itineraries in the Caribbean.

MSC is a cruise line that already splits opinion, with some people finding it to be a bit cheap (not always in a good way). If the Caribbean itineraries lost a popular destination such as Ocean Cay, it could definitely drive people to consider other cruise lines with their own private islands.

7. Switching to Disney-style cruising

They are going to do everything Disney does.

This is less about a cruise line that people are already loyal to, and one that they want to avoid.

Disney Cruise Line very much has its own style. It’s primarily aimed at families, but it has other quirks too. These include rotational dining, where you visit different restaurants each night, with your waiters following you around.

A Disney cruise crew member is serving a family at a beautifully set dining table on the ship. The waiter is placing a bread basket on the table as the family, including a young girl, looks on with smiles. The elegant dining room features other guests enjoying their meals, with polished decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

It’s also one of the most expensive cruise lines outside of ultra-luxury options. So I don’t blame anyone who would stop cruising with their favourite line if it began taking more of a Disney-style approach.

8. No more Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival

No more serving Guys Burgers

Some people will base their cruise plans on food, whether it’s the general quality of the dining or specific venues they know and love.

Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival is one example: a relaxed place to grab a signature Guy Fieri burger (or hot dog) while you unwind on deck.

Guy's Burgers and Fries on Carnival Cruises.

If your favourite dining venue disappeared from a ship, would you be fine or would you have to look at alternative options?

Generic announcements

These aren’t specific to a particular cruise line, but would still make travellers look at other options if they were announced.

9. Smoking is allowed everywhere onboard

Smoking allowed throughout ship and staterooms

For many cruisers, the balance between designated smoking areas and smoke-free zones is important. Allowing smoking everywhere onboard would be a nightmare for those who prefer a cleaner, fresher environment.

Smoking area on a cruise ship

The idea of smoke wafting through restaurants, lounges and balconies would turn a relaxing cruise into an unpleasant experience. For some, it would be enough to abandon their loyalty to even their favourite cruise line.

10. No smoking on the ship

No smoking

On the flip side, some guests would be just as outraged if smoking were entirely banned.

A 'No Smoking' sign placed on a wet circular table with a mosaic trim, surrounded by metal chairs on the wooden deck of a cruise ship, conveying a clear non-smoking policy in the outdoor seating area.

For smokers, having designated areas to enjoy their cigarettes, cigars or vapes is part of the experience. Removing those altogether would feel restrictive and unwelcome to guests who appreciate the current balance of smoker-friendly zones.

Suggested read: What Smokers Need To Know Before Taking A Cruise For The First Time

11. Formal attire throughout the whole cruise

Every day is formal day

Although some cruisers love the elegance of formal nights, wearing formal attire all day every day would be exhausting for most.

A cruise is meant to be a relaxing vacation. For many, that means the freedom to choose when to dress up and when to keep it casual.

A strict formal dress code throughout the entire trip would strip away the laid-back vibe, driving some guests to seek out more relaxed options.

12. Vegan food only

Vegan food only

Oof. I feel targeted!

Offering vegan options is a great way to cater to a diverse range of diets, but a vegan-only menu would be a hard sell for many cruisers.

vegan starter

A big part of the cruise experience is indulging in the wide variety of food available, whether it’s a steak, fresh seafood or decadent desserts.

Forcing everyone to stick to a plant-based diet would be a deal-breaker for many. It takes away the culinary freedom that so many guests love to enjoy at sea.

I’d love it, though! There are a few all-vegan cruises, but they’re pretty expensive.

Suggested read: Cruise Guests Would Rather Give Up Alcohol Than Meat!

13. No more alcohol onboard

Alcohol free cruise, no thank you

For many cruisers, enjoying a cocktail by the pool or a glass of wine at dinner is a highlight. If a cruise line suddenly decided to go alcohol-free, it would likely be a shock to the system.

soft drinks on a cruise

Sipping a drink while relaxing or mingling with fellow guests is a key part of the experience for many. Without that option, some might look elsewhere for a more lively and carefree atmosphere.

14. No drinks packages

No drink packages

Drinks packages are a popular way for cruisers to enjoy unlimited beverages without a hefty bill at the end of the trip.

Removing that option would feel like a major downgrade for many loyal passengers. Instead of enjoying cocktails, sodas or speciality coffees with ease, they would find themselves constantly calculating costs.

For some, the convenience of the drinks package is essential, and losing it could be enough to make them reconsider their cruise line loyalty.

15. Getting rid of the casino

There will be no more casinoMine would be that they’re adding a casino

The onboard casino is a big draw for many cruisers who enjoy a flutter at sea, whether it’s slot machines, poker or roulette. It’s not just about gambling, but also the excitement and social atmosphere that make it a fun part of the trip.

Inside the casino on Holland America Line's Rotterdam, showcasing a range of slot machines with bright screens, elegant chairs, and a sophisticated ambiance with stylish carpeting.

Eliminating the casino would take away one of the key entertainment options for those guests. That could drive them elsewhere, especially since some cruise lines reward serious gamblers with freebies (including free cruises!).

16. No more adults-only spaces

For those who cruise to escape the noise and bustle of everyday life, adults-only spaces like pools, lounges and sun decks offer a peaceful retreat.

Removing those tranquil areas would disrupt the calm that many passengers crave, especially on lines known for providing that serene experience.

Inviting Serenity deck on the Carnival Panorama featuring vibrant blue sun loungers with plush yellow towels, contemporary wicker sofas, and transparent windbreaks, all set for relaxation and offering panoramic views at sea.

Without these kid-free zones, some cruisers would be pushed to explore other lines that still prioritise adult-only escapes.

17. Dormitories instead of cabins

Dormitories instead of cabinscould be fun

One of the great pleasures of a cruise holiday is the privacy of your own cabin, whether it’s a cosy interior room or a luxurious suite with a balcony.

The idea of dormitory-style accommodation, with shared sleeping spaces, would be an instant turn-off for many.

Losing that personal sanctuary at sea would strip away much of the relaxation and exclusivity, making it feel more like a hostel than a holiday. For most, this change would be the final straw.

18. Compulsory sport each day

Sport on board is compulsory

Staying active on holiday is a priority for some, but compulsory sport every day would not sit well with most cruisers. A cruise is often seen as a time to relax and unwind, where guests can choose their own activities.

sports court on Royal Caribbean ship

Forcing daily exercise would take away the sense of freedom that many value. Turning a holiday into something that feels more like a fitness retreat would be make some guests abandon ship – almost literally.

19. Ages 18 to 30 only

Now going to be 18to 30’s only!

Cruises appeal to a wide range of ages, from families to retirees. So limiting the age group to those aged between 18 and 30 would alienate a huge portion of loyal guests.

Part of the joy of cruising is the diversity of people you meet, spanning different ages and backgrounds. Imposing such a strict age limit would strip away the community feel that many passengers love. It would certainly send older and younger guests looking for a more welcoming alternative.

Not to mention that 18 to 30s holidays have something of a reputation – and not everyone wants that party vibe on their cruise.

Suggested read: The Best Singles Cruises If You’re Under 30

20. No more buffet

Buffet is closed !

For many cruisers, the buffet is a central part of the experience. They offer a wide variety of food choices and the flexibility to eat whenever it suits.

Fred Olsen buffet

Getting rid of the buffet would be a major disappointment, particularly for those who enjoy the casual dining style and the chance to try new things each day.

The more formal dining options wouldn’t suit everyone. For some passengers, this change would be enough to make them reconsider their loyalty.

21. Mandatory haircuts by trainees onboard

They’re making a free haircut, done by trainees, mandatory.

This one was a bit niche, but still…

I know some people like to get their hair done while they’re on a cruise. Being forced to have a free haircut by trainees would be very weird. I’d certainly say no to that cruise line.

22. All ports become tender ports

All ports are now by way of tender

Tender ports, where passengers have to take small boats to reach the shore, can be a hassle for many cruisers. They often involve longer waiting times and less convenience compared to docking directly at a port.

This image depicts a large cruise ship with a distinctive blue wave design on its hull, sailing through misty waters. In the foreground, a smaller tender boat is seen moving quickly across the water, likely shuttling passengers between the ship and a nearby port. The scene captures the vast size difference between the cruise ship and the tender boat, illustrating the scale and operations involved in managing a cruise journey.

If a cruise line made all its ports tender-only, it would seriously frustrate those who value ease and accessibility when getting on and off the ship. For some loyal guests, this would feel like a downgrade in service, making them reconsider their future bookings.

Some people don’t feel comfortable using tender boats at all, worried they will slip or hurt themselves. Another reason why docking at ports is crucial for many.

23. Clothing optional!

That they will have nudity on cruises

The concept of a ‘clothing optional’ cruise would be a step too far for most traditional cruisers. Cruises are generally seen as family-friendly or elegant escapes, and this change would dramatically shift the atmosphere onboard.

nude couple on a cruise

Many passengers enjoy the balance of casual and formal attire. But a completely clothes-optional policy would make a lot of guests uncomfortable.

Of course, there are plenty of people who would love it too. And there are specialist nude cruises for them.

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Final word

This is all a bit of fun, but it does highlight some of the hard lines that people draw when choosing their cruise.

I know from experience that some people refuse to even try a cruise, or have tried one and decided it’s not for them. I tell them every time: you just haven’t found the right cruise line yet.

Take the time to research your options, and you’ll always find a cruise for you. It may be a relaxed adults-only cruise, one that’s perfect for families, or even one where clothing is optional!

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What To Do In The WORST Cruise Ports in Europe

by with No Comment Cruise NewsCruise TipsDestinationsEurope

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Picture this: You’ve saved for months, packed your bags and boarded a fantastic cruise ship, ready to explore the wonders of Europe. But as you step off the gangway at your first port of call, your dreams of cobblestone streets and charming cafes are shattered by a harsher reality.

Worst ports in Europe

According to online reviews, European ports such as Le Havre, Naples, Santorini, Marseille and Civitavecchia will set you up for disappointment.

So in this guide, I’ll show you what to do if you find one of the ‘worst ports in Europe’ on your cruise itinerary…

(Yes, you can still have a good time)

What makes cruise ports bad…

Before we set sail on our journey through Europe’s least impressive ports, it’s crucial to understand the common issues that can turn a dream destination into a traveller’s nightmare.

One of the most significant hurdles is the distance between ports and the attractions you’ve come to see. Many European cities grew long before the advent of massive cruise ships, which means the ports are often situated far from city centres. This can lead to lengthy journeys, sometimes up to two hours each way, which significantly cuts into your exploration time.

Overcrowding is another persistent issue, especially during peak tourist seasons. Popular destinations can become overwhelmed with visitors, leading to long queues, packed streets and a less-than-authentic experience.

The seasonality of European travel also plays a role. Some ports transform from charming havens to tourist traps seemingly overnight.

With these challenges in mind, let’s explore some of the European cruise ports that frequently disappoint visitors.

1. Le Havre, France

Le Havre

Le Havre often appears on cruise itineraries as a gateway to Paris, but this port city can be a major letdown for travellers dreaming of the City of Light.

The primary issue is distance. Le Havre is located approximately 125 miles (200 kilometres) from Paris. This makes it an ambitious, if not impossible, day trip for most cruise passengers.

The journey from Le Havre to Paris can take up to three hours each way by train or bus, leaving you with precious little time to actually explore the French capital. By the time you arrive in Paris, you might have just enough time for a rushed selfie at the Eiffel Tower before racing back to your ship.

Le Havre itself, while historically significant, doesn’t offer the quintessential French experience many travellers seek. The city was heavily bombed during World War II, and rebuilt in a modernist style. Although interesting to architecture buffs, it lacks the charm of other French coastal towns.

For those determined to make the most of a stop in Le Havre, consider these alternatives:

  • Explore the nearby town of Honfleur, known for its picturesque old harbour and artistic heritage.
  • Visit the D-Day landing beaches and museums, which are much closer than Paris.
  • Take a shorter trip to Rouen, a beautiful medieval city with impressive Gothic architecture.

2. Naples, Italy

Naples

Naples is a city of contrasts. Unfortunately, many cruise visitors encounter more grime than grandeur.

The city boasts incredible history, mouthwatering cuisine and is close to world-renowned sites like Pompeii. But several factors contribute to its reputation as a disappointing cruise port.

One of the most common complaints about Naples is its lack of cleanliness. The city has faced ongoing issues with garbage collection, leading to unsightly piles of trash in some areas. This problem is often exacerbated by strikes, which can leave the city in an even more unkempt state.

Safety concerns also top the list of traveller grievances. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft and scams are common. Many visitors report feeling uncomfortable, due to aggressive street vendors and the general chaos of the city’s bustling streets.

The stark contrast between Naples and other Italian cities, such as Florence or Venice, can be jarring for first-time visitors. The city’s grittiness and frenetic energy are a far cry from the romantic Italian scenes that many envision.

However, Naples isn’t without its redeeming qualities. Here are some ideas to make the most of your visit:

  • Book a guided tour of Pompeii or Herculaneum, to explore the fascinating ruins of these ancient Roman cities.
  • Take a boat trip to the stunning island of Capri for breathtaking views and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • If you decide to explore Naples, stick to the historic centre and main attractions, and remain vigilant with your belongings.

3. Santorini, Greece

Santorini

Santorini is often hailed as one of the most beautiful Greek islands, with its iconic white-washed buildings and stunning caldera views. However, its popularity has become its downfall, especially for cruise visitors.

The main issue in Santorini is extreme overcrowding, particularly during the peak summer months. The island’s infrastructure struggles to cope with the influx of tourists, leading to long waits and frustrating experiences.

This is especially evident at the cable car station in Fira, where cruise passengers can queue for hours to ascend or descend the cliff. The alternative is a steep, winding path shared with donkeys, which is not for the faint of heart (or nose). The path can be slippery, smelly and potentially dangerous, especially in the heat of the day.

Oia is a postcard-perfect village famous for its sunset views. But once you get there, you’ll likely find yourself jostling for space among throngs of other tourists, all vying for that perfect Instagram shot.

To mitigate some of these issues:

  • Consider visiting Santorini in the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October) when crowds are smaller.
  • Book a private tour or transfer in advance to avoid the cable car queues.
  • Explore lesser-known villages on the island, such as Pyrgos or Megalochori, for a more authentic experience.

On a recent cruise to Santorini, I enjoyed a catamaran cruise excursion and saw the beauty of Santorini from the shore. It was so much more relaxing!

4. Marseille, France

Marseille

Marseille, France’s second-largest city and biggest port, often divides opinion among cruise visitors. While some appreciate its gritty style and multicultural vibe, others find it disappointing compared to the more picturesque towns of the French Riviera.

One of the main criticisms of Marseille is its lack of typical French charm. The city’s industrial port area, which greets cruise ships, doesn’t make the best first impression. Some visitors also report feeling unsafe in certain neighbourhoods, although violent crime against tourists is rare.

Marseille’s reputation for being rough around the edges can be off-putting for travellers who expect a more polished Mediterranean experience. The city’s attempts at urban renewal are ongoing, but some areas still feel neglected and unwelcoming to tourists.

To make the most of your visit to Marseille:

  • Take a boat trip to the stunning Calanques National Park for breathtaking coastal scenery.
  • Visit the historic Le Panier district for a taste of old Marseille and its artistic side.
  • Explore the impressive Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM) for a dose of culture and great views.

5. Kusadasi, Turkey

Kusadasi

Kusadasi serves as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. However, the port town itself often leaves visitors feeling underwhelmed and overwhelmed at the same time.

The primary complaint about Kusadasi is the aggressive nature of local vendors. Many tourists report feeling harassed by persistent shopkeepers and tour operators, making it difficult to enjoy a stroll through the town. The pressure to buy can be intense, and the quality of merchandise in tourist shops is often subpar.

Another issue is the stark contrast between the modern, touristy Kusadasi and the historical richness of nearby Ephesus. Some visitors claim that the port town lacks authenticity and cultural depth. It just feels a bit, well, fake.

But, if fake is your thing, then you might just love it! On my recent cruise, I purchased three replica football kits for just 10 Euros. Bargain!

To make the most of your stop in Kusadasi:

  • Focus your visit on Ephesus. Book a guided tour in advance, to avoid hassle at the port and ensure a knowledgeable experience.
  • If you do shop in Kusadasi, stick to stores that display prices, otherwise, you should be prepared to negotiate firmly but politely.
  • Consider visiting the nearby town of Selçuk, for a more authentic Turkish experience and additional historical sites.

6. Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is often marketed as the ‘Port of Rome’, but this can be misleading for cruise passengers. The reality is that Rome is located about 50 miles (80 kilometres) inland, making it a challenging destination for a day trip.

The journey from Civitavecchia to Rome typically takes 60 to 90 minutes each way, depending on traffic and mode of transportation. This means that out of your eight-to-ten-hour port stop, you could spend up to three hours just in transit.

Once in Rome, the sheer number of world-class attractions can be overwhelming for a short visit. Trying to cram the Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain into a few hours often results in a rushed, unsatisfying experience.

To make the most of a Civitavecchia port stop:

  • If you’re determined to see Rome, book a private tour with skip-the-line access to major attractions.
  • Consider exploring Civitavecchia itself, which has a charming old town and interesting sites like the Forte Michelangelo.
  • Take a shorter trip to nearby Tarquinia to see Etruscan tombs or visit the thermal baths at Terme dei Papi.

How to deal with disappointing cruise ports

Even with careful planning, you may find yourself in a port that doesn’t meet your expectations. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of these situations:

  1. Research thoroughly: Before your cruise, read recent reviews and travel blogs about each port to set realistic expectations.
  2. Consider excursions booked through the cruise line: Although often more expensive, these tours guarantee that you’ll make it back to the ship on time. They can provide a more structured experience in challenging ports.
  3. Stay on board: If a port doesn’t appeal to you, use the day to enjoy the ship’s amenities when they’re less crowded.
  4. Seek out hidden gems: Sometimes the best experiences are found off the beaten path. Ask locals for recommendations of lesser-known attractions.
  5. Adjust your mindset: Try to approach each port with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Even less-than-ideal destinations can offer unique cultural insights.

Making the most of your European cruise

Despite the challenges posed by some ports, a European cruise can still be an incredible way to explore the continent. Here are some tips to enhance your overall experience:

  • Choose your itinerary wisely.
  • Balance popular destinations with lesser-known ports to avoid cruise fatigue.
  • Consider cruise lines that spend more time in port or offer overnight stays in key cities.
  • Travel during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for smaller crowds.
  • Don’t try to see everything, but focus on quality locations or what appeals to you.
  • Connect with fellow passengers to share tips and experiences.

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Final word

Embarking on a European cruise is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. Although some ports may disappoint, others are incredible and will undoubtedly blow you away.

By understanding the potential challenges and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your cruise through Europe is filled with more treasured memories than travel regrets.

Remember, the joy of travel often lies in the unexpected discoveries. Think of the stories you’ll tell for years to come – even if those stories include navigating the occasional disappointing port.



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Cruising With A Cat on the Villa Vie Odyssey

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On most cruises, you cannot take your pets with you. If they are permitted, they usually have to stay in kennels. But the Villa Vie Odyssey, and her epic three-and-a-half-year itinerary, is no ordinary cruise.

Cruising with a Cat Villa Vie Odyssey & Captain

Three years is a long time to be away from home, with many guests planning to stay onboard the Villa Vie Odyssey indefinitely. So it makes sense that some have special permission to sail with their beloved pets in tow.

Holly Hennessy is a Florida resident who has embarked on the cruise with her cat Captain. I spoke to her to learn more about cruising with a cat.

Make sure you follow their adventures on the Captain the Cruising Kitty Facebook page!

Ship life

Holly has purchased a cabin on Villa Vie Odyssey, which gives her the option to use it well beyond the initial three and a half years of sailing. It’s expected that the useful life of the ship will be 15 years.

I love ships. I’ve done three word cruises and countless others. My winter home in Florida was a 53′ boat, and it was Captain’s winter home since he was a kitten (he’s 8 now).

After 17 years of owning my boat, I had just grown tired of the headaches and being disappointed by people who maintained her. And the costs of maintaining a private vessel were becoming crazy. So to be on the water when someone else takes care of all those things? Perfect! 

A perpetual world cruise in your own cabin really is ideal, esepcially if you want to explore as many countries as possible in luxurious comfort.

Holly admits that Captain, the ‘Cruising Kitty’, had been cramping her travel style and limiting her options. But now Villa Vie Odyssey offers an exciting opportunity to travel the world together:

The few times I did go away and left him in the care of dear friends who knew him well, his normally very social self didn’t love it, and let everyone know. So I was resigned to the fact that my travel had to include him. Villa Vie is the perfect solution. I love ships, and I love Captain. I can have them both! 

Captain’s time onboard (and ashore if possible)

Captain was lucky enough to get a peek at his cabin before the much-delayed cruise set sail, but otherwise he spent the time ashore with Holly while they waited for the ship to launch.

Now that the ship is sailing, Captain enjoys free rein within his cabin. There is also a special area outdoors where cat owners are allowed to enjoy their pets in public.

The company hopes for it to be a social spot so those who left their fur babies at home, and crave some love, can come and share. There has been a contingency of cat haters emerge, and some passengers are allergic. All cat owners will be very respectful and stay out of the way of these passengers.

With a balcony cabin, Captain does still get plenty of fresh air. Although when the balcony door is open, he’s kept in his playpen or on a leash to prevent him getting too adventurous!

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Captain won’t be spending much time ashore. There are lots of rules and regulations around bringing animals into other countries. But there is some hope that Captain may get to explore the world a little.

As a private yachtie, I have been a member of a Facebook group called Gatos Del Mar. These are private yachts all over the world cruising with feline crew and they share the hassles in various places. The cruise company will clear us as needed.

Holly made it clear that the cat owners didn’t want to ask for anything that forced the crew to go above and beyond. The fact that cats are allowed onboard at all is definitely seen as enough. However, if she could have anything, there was one feature she would like to make life a little easier for her and Captain:

My wish list would include litter to be for sale at the ship shop so I don’t need to waste precious port time finding litter and having to carry heavy bags of it back to the ship.

There is one other cat on the ship, and some others joining the cruise along the way. So maybe the cat owners can work together on sourcing the litter they need. The cruise line was also going to allow small dogs for the cruise, but that plan had to be cancelled once they purchased the ship, since it does not have the right facilities for dogs.

Getting to the departure port

Before the ship set sail, Holly and Captain had to get to Belfast from Florida. I asked how that went.

Captain has always been a great traveller. We would go between our Florida and Wisconsin homes multiple times of year, both flying and driving.

Holly has some travel tips for anyone who wants to take their cat with them on their next cruise:

  1. Check with your airline multiple times. Policies regarding pets can change at the last minute, and aircraft can vary in terms of under-seat space for pet carriers.
  2. Always check the paperwork needed for travel in advance, and arrange to visit the vet close to departure. It’s important to understand all requirements long before you set off.

Packing light

Packing for any cruise can create a few logistical challenges, never mind a three and a half year itinerary. Thankfully, there’s reliable laundry services onboard! But when you add a cat to the equation, there are a few extra things to think about.

With the UK not allowing pets in flight cabins, Holly flew to Dublin instead, and then took a specialist pet taxi to get to Belfast. She was able to use this wisely:

He was kind enough to let me have all the things a cat needs shipped to his home, so Captain had a litter box, litter, and a scratch pad waiting for him. I do that in the States when we’re flying somewhere he hasn’t been. Hotels are usually very good about holding packages. 

Cats, in Holly’s words, are just more portable than dogs. So once you can arrange the associated paraphernalia, it’s relatively easy.

Food is a different matter though, especially with a fussy eater. Captain only eats two types of dry food along with some wet food, so Holly packed as much as she could (with a kind guest bringing back another bag from the US). The ship was originally scheduled to return to the US, but that changed, meaning a re-think was needed:

We are not going to the east coast of the US as originally planned, so I ordered multiple large bags of food to pick up in the Caribbean. Thank goodness for Walmart.com. 

Other tips and advice for cruising with a cat

Holly admits that she doesn’t know the full list of challenges she’ll face when sailing with Captain. It’s a question that can be answered as the cruise unfolds.

There is a retired vet tech onboard who has offered to help in case of emergencies, and vets will be visiting the ship for vaccinations as needed too.

I am a tiny bit concerned about really rough seas, which are bound to happen. The last slip I had my cat in was quite bouncy, so he’s had a taste, but big swells will be a new thing for him. Vet says he can have tiny amounts of Dramamine if it comes to that. 

Cruising with pets is still a very limited market. You can bring your pets across the Atlantic with Cunard on the Queen Mary 2, but they must remain in the kennels onboard.

Holly has tried to find alternative options too…

I once saw a golden retriever in a Viking commercial, but when I asked, they said no pets. Because I have cruised so much, I have top or near top status with most major cruise lines, and the answer was still no pets. 

And when I asked Holly what she was most excited about with this cruise, her answer was touching:

Just the fact that I can live how I have always wanted to live and he can be with me. 

The Villa Vie Odyssey has now finally set sail, but not every guest is staying onboard for the whole three-years-plus itinerary, and there are cabins available.

So, if you’d like to try a cruise with your cat, why not get in touch with Villa Vie and see if you can join Holly and Captain on their shared odyssey?

And if not, you can still see what they get up to by following the Captain the Cruising Kitty Facebook page.

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Cruise Mummy

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

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