Posts in category: Cruise Tips

One of the biggest mistakes people make when booking a cruise happens when they choose their cabin. Inexperienced cruisers might assume that cabins are all relatively equal – but that’s rarely the case.

And I’m not talking about cabin categories – of course a suite is going to be better than an inside cabin. This is more about the individual cabins in a class that have some issue or quirk that means you might want to avoid them.

Celebrity Apex might be a beautiful, modern cruise ship but she’s exactly the same – there are cabins to avoid and if you don’t take these into account, you might feel like you’ve wasted your budget.

Celebrity Apex Cabin Types

Before we get into the cabins to avoid, it’s worth understanding the main cabin types you can actually book. And on Celebrity Apex, there are seven core categories.

There’s plenty of choice, as you can tell, and it’s choosing between these categories that’ll have the biggest impact on the cost for your cruise.

So if you’re on a budget, you might be tempted to go for the cheapest inside stateroom you can, but that might not be the right fit for you.

As with any cruise ship, there’s lots of things to consider. So to help, I’ve made a handy checklist that you can use whenever you’re booking a cruise.

This works for any cruise ship, and runs through everything you should be thinking about. You can get it here:

Inside Cabins

Apex’s Inside staterooms are your dark-and-cosy budget option – ideal if you prefer total blackout for sleeping or would rather spend your money on specialty dining than square footage.

Cabins measure between 181 square feet for the smallest up to 202 square feet for the bigger ones, although a handful are wheelchair-accessible at 231 square feet.

Some rooms connect to Sky Suites via a private vestibule, handy if you’re cruising with friends but want separate sleeping spaces. More on those later.

Inside Cabin Grades

DI cabins are the slightly bigger option, and they’re much more prevalent. Be aware that not all can sleep up to 4 guests, so you’ll need to check when booking.

Ocean View Cabins

If you can’t bear a windowless room, Ocean View is the next rung.

These are perfect if you want some natural light, but can’t quite stretch the budget to a Veranda room – or just don’t care about one when you know there are plenty of open deck spaces you can relax.

Ocean View Grades

Standard cabins are 200 square feet with large picture windows; forward Deluxe Ocean Views stretch to 238 square feet thanks to full-height glass.

Unique to the Edge class, Panoramic Ocean View mid-ship cabins swap the usual porthole for floor-to-ceiling glass, giving you widescreen sea views at 212 square feet.

The window doesn’t open, but you get more elbow-room than a standard Ocean View without paying veranda prices.

Veranda Cabins

If you like a proper balcony with separate outdoor space, your options are a little limited on Celebrity Apex and other Edge-class ships. That’s because there’s fewer than 100 of them in total onboard!

Instead, what you’ll get is an Infinite Veranda, instead. This means that the ‘balcony’ area is actually inside your cabin. Like this…

Veranda Grades

Each of these staterooms is a little unique so let me explain more about them…

Deluxe Porthole Staterooms

I think these stateroom names could be a little bit confusing. Normally when you see the word “Porthole” with a cruise cabin, it means an Oceanview room with a (usually small) round window.

But on Celebrity Apex, these are veranda staterooms – just instead of being a big open veranda, it’s a porthole-shaped one, with a round window.

It’s pretty big though, and you do get some nice shelter from the wind. However it’ll also restrict your view a little.

Sunset View Staterooms

The Sunset View Staterooms are all at the aft of the ship, overlooking the wake – and that’s often the view that people say they love the most.

It’s the only Veranda on the ship with a proper, traditional balcony – nothing sheltered, and not an infinite view one.

Because of that, these rooms are popular with those who prefer that experience – and with only six per deck on Decks 7 through 12, there aren’t too many available.

Edge Staterooms with Infinite View

Introduced with the Edge Class, these staterooms make up the bulk of the Veranda category on Celebrity Apex.

Essentially, these rooms bring the Veranda indoors. You still have an area designated as the Veranda space, but it’s just within the main bedroom area near the floor-to-ceiling window.

At the push of a button, the top half of the window slides down, creating an open air space where you can relax and soak up the views.

These staterooms split opinion, but most people like the rooms since you’re essentially getting a bigger stateroom when the window is closed, and then you can just open it up when you want that Veranda feel.

The Prime ones are no larger, they’re just in more desired areas of the ship.

Concierge Class

Concierge Class cabins are essentially an upgraded version of the Infinite Veranda staterooms.

They’re exactly the same size, and they share the same layout too – with the signature floor-to-ceiling window that opens at the push of a button, transforming part of your room into a sunlit veranda.

What makes Concierge Class special is the extra service and perks you get, rather than a better room.

Think of it as a halfway step between the standard cabins and the AquaClass wellness-focused ones – more attentive service and a few thoughtful extras, but without the spa access or Blu restaurant.

Some of the Concierge Class benefits include:

• A dedicated Concierge team to assist with dining, shore excursions, or special occasions
• Early embarkation and disembarkation
• A welcome bottle of sparkling wine waiting in your room
• Daily canapés delivered on request
• Priority access to booking dining, shore excursions, and spa treatments
• A thicker mattress and enhanced bedding compared to standard cabins
• Use of umbrellas and binoculars during the cruise

You’ll also have a Concierge-exclusive embarkation day lunch in the Main Dining Room, which is a nice touch to start your cruise off a little more relaxed and less crowded.

Suggested read: Celebrity Cruises Concierge Class Benefits – Worth It Or Not?

AquaClass

AquaClass is designed for cruisers who want a wellness-focused experience – but without going all the way up to a suite.

Like Concierge Class, the rooms themselves are the same size and layout as an Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, but they come with a more premium feel and a bunch of spa-related extras.

If you enjoy spending time in the spa, want healthier dining options, or just like a more peaceful, retreat-style vibe to your cruise, then AquaClass could be a great fit. The perks aren’t just about convenience – they’re focused on relaxation and wellbeing.

AquaClass guests get:

• Unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite – a tranquil space with heated loungers, steam rooms, and various sensory experiences
• Exclusive dining in Blu – a dedicated restaurant with a lighter, more health-conscious menu
• Upgraded in-room amenities, including a yoga mat, plush robes and slippers, and a daily supply of wellness-focused bottled water and teas
• Aromatherapy diffuser in the room (with scent options you can request)
• Priority check-in and boarding, plus a personal Spa Concierge to help with bookings

The beds and bedding are slightly enhanced compared to standard cabins, and you also get a little more peace and quiet – AquaClass staterooms are located in quieter areas of the ship, close to the spa and away from the louder public spaces.

All AquaClass rooms are designed for two guests only – so if you’re a family or travelling with a third person, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Overall, AquaClass is a good choice if you’re the kind of person who loves a spa day and would rather dine in a quieter restaurant than fight for space in the buffet.

But if you’re not too fussed about wellness perks or you prefer heartier food and busier areas, then the extra cost may not be worth it.

Suggested read: Celebrity Cruises Aqua Class Benefits – Worth It Or Not?

The Retreat – Suite Class

If you want the most luxurious experience on Celebrity Apex – the kind where you’re treated like royalty from the moment you arrive at the terminal – then The Retreat is where you’ll want to be.

This isn’t just a suite category; it’s an exclusive resort-within-a-resort that gives you access to private spaces, premium perks, and the highest level of service on the ship.

The Retreat is made up of all the suite categories on board, from the entry-level Sky Suites right up to the massive Iconic Suites.

While the size and layout vary widely (from 462 to over 2,500 square feet), every suite includes access to The Retreat’s special venues and services.

Here’s what you get as a Retreat guest:

• Access to The Retreat Sundeck – a private outdoor lounge with pool, hot tub, cabanas, and a bar, exclusively for suite guests
• Luminae at The Retreat – an exclusive restaurant serving elevated cuisine, open for all meals and only available to suite guests
• The Retreat Lounge – a private indoor space with a personal concierge, complimentary drinks, gourmet snacks, and plenty of quiet seating
• A dedicated Retreat Butler – available to help with unpacking, reservations, room service (from any restaurant), and anything else you might need
• Premium drinks, premium WiFi, tips, and onboard credit – all included in the fare

The suites themselves come with all the expected luxuries: king-size Cashmere™ mattresses, large bathrooms (many with soaking tubs or spa-style showers), expansive verandas, and plenty of extra living space – especially in the top-tier categories like the Edge Villas and Iconic Suites.

Even if you never leave your suite, you’ll still feel like you’ve had a special cruise. But if you do want to explore the ship, you’ll be doing it with the best possible support, and access to some of the most exclusive venues on board.

Just be aware – you’re paying premium prices here. So while the experience is easily among the best at sea, it’s really only worth it if you’ll take advantage of what The Retreat offers -especially the sun deck and dining options.

Otherwise, a regular Infinite Veranda or AquaClass cabin might suit your style (and budget) a bit better.

Suggested read: Celebrity Cruises Retreat Package – Worth It?

Accessible Cabins on Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex has a good selection of accessible staterooms across a range of categories, including Inside, Ocean View, Infinite Veranda, and even some Suites. These cabins are thoughtfully designed with wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, ramped thresholds, and more open floor space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre comfortably.

Some even include automated doors that open with the wave of your keycard, which is a nice touch you don’t often see on other cruise lines. Veranda cabins also have accessible balcony access, so you don’t miss out on the sea views.

As you might expect, these rooms are limited in number and tend to book up quickly, so if you need one, it’s best to book early. And if you don’t require an accessible cabin, avoid reserving one – it helps ensure that those who genuinely need the extra space can get it.

Cabins You Should Avoid

There’s no real ‘bad’ cabins on a ship as nice as Celebrity Apex. But depending on the type of cruise you like to enjoy, some cabins aren’t going to be the best fit.

So these are the cabins you should consider avoiding, depending on what you want from a cruise.

1. Deck 3 Rooms If You’re Sensitive To Noise

One of the more recurring issues I’ve seen when researching the cabins to avoid on Celebrity Apex – and indeed any of the Edge-class ships – is the noise that can impact the cabins on Deck 3.

Deck 3 is the lowest deck on the ship to have staterooms. But then Decks 4 and 5 don’t have staterooms. In fact, Deck 4 is one of the busiest spaces on the ship.

It’s where you’ll find the theatre, the Club, shops, the casino, some speciality restaurants and more.

That’s a lot of features that can generate a lot of noise for the cabins below. Obviously it’s muffled, but if you’re sensitive to sound then you might struggle to tune it out.

Best to book elsewhere if you can.

2. Rooms Directly Above The Theatre

6101 to 6127

Another area of the ship where noise may be an issue is directly above the theatre.

While the soundproofing on Celebrity Apex is generally decent, live shows can be quite loud – especially during evening performances when the bass and music really kick in.

If you’re an early sleeper, or you just prefer a quiet wind-down in your room, you might find the rumble of the sound system seeping through the floor a bit disruptive.

The noise usually stops by around 11 pm, but if you like an early night or you’re travelling with young children, it’s probably worth choosing a cabin a little further back on the ship – or on a different deck altogether.

3. Infinite Veranda Staterooms (If You Want A Proper Balcony)

At first glance, the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda looks like a game-changer – and for many cruisers, it is.

These cabins are modern, stylish, and make clever use of space by integrating the balcony into the room itself.

But here’s the thing – it’s not a traditional balcony. There’s no sliding glass door to separate the inside from the outside.

Instead, there’s a pair of bi-fold doors you can close if you want to mimic the balcony feel, but they don’t insulate sound or temperature in quite the same way. That means you’re not getting a true outdoor space – it’s more of an indoor sunroom with a window that opens.

If you love sitting outside with the breeze in your hair, or you enjoy spending quiet evenings on a private balcony watching the sea, you might find the Infinite Veranda a bit underwhelming.

For that classic balcony experience, you’re better off booking a Sunset Veranda cabin instead – they have proper outdoor space with deeper balconies, and arguably the best views on the ship.

It’s also worth mentioning that while the Infinite Veranda windows generally work well, there have been occasional reports of them getting stuck, either open or closed, due to mechanical faults.

It’s not a common issue, but it can be frustrating if you’re relying on the breeze – or trying to keep it out.

4. Staterooms Directly Below The Pool Deck

12123 to 12182

Another spot to be cautious of when picking your cabin is anywhere directly underneath the pool deck, especially on Deck 12, just below the Resort Deck.

The problem here isn’t constant noise, but rather the kind that can catch you off guard – early morning scraping and dragging sounds, usually from sun loungers being rearranged or crew setting up for the day.

It’s not every hour of the day, but if you’re someone who likes a lie-in or you’re a light sleeper, it can be a bit jarring to wake up to the sound of metal furniture being shifted right above your head.

On sunny sea days, there can also be a bit of foot traffic noise – sandals slapping across the deck, kids running, the occasional dropped drink – all of which you’ll hear more clearly if your cabin is directly below.

If peace and quiet are high on your priority list, you’re usually better off choosing a cabin one or two decks lower, away from the overhead activity.

It’s not all of Deck 12 that has this issue, just this area:

5. The Worse Rooms For Seasickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, your cabin location can make a huge difference to how comfortable your cruise feels – especially on sea days when the ship is moving at full speed or if the weather turns.

The worst place to be is high up, far forward, or far aft – essentially, any area where the ship’s movement is most pronounced.

Suggested read: The Worst Spots On A Cruise Ship For Seasickness

On Celebrity Apex, that means you’ll want to avoid cabins right at the front or back of Decks 11 and 12 in particular.

In rougher seas, the forward end of the ship tends to pitch (move up and down), and the aft can experience a side-to-side swaying motion.

Combine that with the extra elevation of the higher decks, and you’ll feel the movement a lot more than you would lower down.

If you know you’re sensitive to motion, the best option is to choose a cabin that’s:

• On a lower deck (Deck 6 or 7 is ideal)
• Located midship, where the movement is most stable
• Preferably in an Ocean View or Veranda cabin, so you can see the horizon – which can really help settle your stomach

6. Small Inside Cabins

There are two types of Inside Cabin on Celebrity Apex – a standard Inside, and a Deluxe Inside.

The standard Insides are smaller, and only designed for two people. They aren’t tiny – there are definitely smaller cabins on other ships and cruise lines – but space is a little limited. If you like having a bit of floorspace then I would avoid these.

The regular Inside Staterooms only sleep two guests, but some of the Deluxe Insides have a maximum capacity of four – and I would say these are actually worse if you’re planning on travelling with four of you.

Four guests in a Deluxe Insides will definitely feel cramped and I would be looking for at least an Oceanview, if not a Veranda Stateroom.

7. Connecting Staterooms

Obviously, booking connecting staterooms is a good idea if you want both of the rooms. That’s the point.

Connecting staterooms, if you weren’t aware, are those that have an adjoining door. Book both together and you can have that door unlocked, essentially turning two smaller rooms into one.

The reason that these are cabins to avoid is the same on any cruise ship – an adjoining door is never as soundproof as a regular wall. And so if you’re only booking one of the connecting rooms, you’re not going to have the same privacy.

You’ll hear your neighbours. And they’ll hear you.

If you’re only booking one stateroom then I would definitely make sure to choose one that doesn’t have a connecting door, where possible.

‘Bad’ Rooms You Don’t Need To Worry About

If you’re someone who likes to browse the deck plans and check out your cabin options, you might spot a couple on Celebrity Apex that could give you cause for concern – but actually they aren’t too bad.

These two cabin types are both related to the Magic Carpet, and I would say these aren’t cabins you need to avoid…

1. Magic Carpet Sky Suites

The Magic Carpet Sky Suites are some of the smaller suite options on the ship, and they get their name from the fact that their balcony faces out to where the Magic Carpet platform lives on the ship.

The Magic Carpet platform serves several purposes, including being used as a tender platform and a bar/dining venue. It moves up and down the side of the ship, right past the Magic Carpet Sky Suites.

But it never moves with people onboard, and it doesn’t move up and down constantly throughout the day.

Apparently it does cause a little bit of noise when it moves, but it’s minor – and it doesn’t really block your view either.

So you don’t need to worry about a lack of privacy or a seriously restricted view with these suites. They’re actually a pretty good option – and it’s kind of cool to see the platform move from your room.

2. Obscured View Rooms Either Side of the Magic Carpet

The Infinite Veranda staterooms that sit either side of the Magic Carpet are classed as obstructed view. That’s because those Magic Carpet Sky Suites protrude from the ship a little, meaning you do have an obscured view on one side.

You might also have a support beam below you window but it’s not going to be a major obstruction again – and overall these rooms have a great view.

It’s personal preference and maybe you insist on a completely unspoiled view, but honestly these cabins aren’t that bad and so I wouldn’t worry if you book one of these. You’ll still have an amazing view.

I mention these rooms in this video of mine:

Final Word

There really aren’t any bad cabins on Celebrity Apex – it’s a modern, thoughtfully designed ship with some of the most innovative staterooms at sea. But depending on your preferences for peace and quiet, balcony style, or how well you handle motion, some cabins will definitely suit you better than others.

A lot of the insights here come from digging into cruise forums, Facebook groups, and Apex-specific reviews – and if you’re still unsure about a particular cabin, those are great places to ask questions.

Even considering her relatively young age, there’s nearly always someone who’s stayed in the exact room you’re looking at, and people are usually happy to share tips or even photos of their stay.

And don’t forget to check the Celebrity Apex deck plans before you book – it’s well worth taking a couple of minutes to see what’s above, below, and around your cabin. It could be the difference between a perfect night’s sleep and a frustrating one.

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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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