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Odyssey of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Odyssey of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most distinctive ships — officially part of the Quantum Ultra Class, yet her stateroom layout leans more toward the classic Quantum design than her sister ship Spectrum of the Seas.

That means booking the right cabin can be a little confusing – especially if you’re not familiar with the subtle differences across ship classes.

Aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas

In this guide, I’ll break down all the stateroom and suite options on Odyssey of the Seas, including the cabins seasoned cruisers recommend… and the ones they warn you to avoid.

How to Choose the Best Cruise Cabin

While I’ve written this guide specifically about Odyssey of the Seas, I also have a handy checklist you can keep with you that applies to any ship.

Just drop your email in this form and I’ll send it straight to you.

With just over 2,100 cabins in total, you really aren’t short of options on Odyssey of the Seas when making your booking.

That includes a mammoth 23 different types of stateroom or suite, one more than sister ship Spectrum of the Seas, although one fewer than earlier Quantum-class ships.

So, where do you start? Well, first, it’s good to run through what all those options are, since some might be ruled out for you automatically.

So, let’s take a look at all of the cabin options on Odyssey of the Seas:

Room Type Max. guests Decks Average Size (sq ft) Average Balcony Size (sq ft)
Interior Inside 4 3, 7-13 166 N/A
Interior Accessible Inside 4 8, 9, 11 274 N/A
Interior with Virtual Balcony Inside 4 9, 10 166 N/A
Interior with Virtual Balcony Accessible Inside 4 9, 10 256 N/A
Connecting Interior Inside 2 7-11, 13 166 N/A
Ocean View Outside View 4 3 182 N/A
Ocean View Accessible Outside View 4 3 182 N/A
Spacious Ocean View Outside View 4 8-11 214 N/A
Ocean View Balcony Balcony 4 6-13 182 55
Ocean View Balcony Accessible Balcony 4 7-9 272 80
Connecting Ocean View Balcony Balcony 2 8-13 182 50
Ocean View with Large Balcony Balcony 4 6-13 182 65
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony Balcony 4 6-7, 13 198 50
Studio Ocean View Balcony Balcony 1 6, 7 119 50
Junior Suite Suite 5 6-13 267 81
Junior Suite Accessible Suite 4 8, 9 354 81
Junior Suite with Large Balcony Suite 4 6, 10-12 198 161
Grand Suite – 1 Bedroom Suite 4 7-13 350 109
Grand Suite – 2 Bedroom Suite 8 8 543 259
Owner’s Suite Suite 4 9 541 259
Grand Loft Suite Suite 4 8-9 696 216
Owner’s Loft Suite Suite 4 8-9 975 501
Royal Loft Suite Suite 6 8-9 1,640 553

Odyssey of the Seas Room Sizes

One quick but important note – the room sizes listed in the table are averages. Some might be slightly smaller, but some might even be slightly bigger.

However, some I’ve had to take as an estimate from sister ships, because the official deck plans are actually wrong!

Specifically, the 2-bedroom Grand Suite is listed as smaller than the 1-bedroom Grand Suite, and the balcony sizes for the Loft Suites are all wrong, too.

I’ve used the equivalent sizes from other Quantum-class ships as a guide, but they might not be exact. However, I do know that my sizes are more accurate than the ones Royal Caribbean gives!

A lot of thought was put into the stateroom options on Odyssey of the Seas, and there are some spectacular choices available. Still, not every cabin is right for every cruise passenger. It’s not that there are bad cabins, just some that maybe you would like but someone else wouldn’t, and vice versa.

While it’s true that the Quantum Ultra-class ships aren’t the biggest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, they’re still pretty massive, and so it’s worth planning which parts of the ship you’ll spend the most time in, and using that info to work out a good stateroom – you don’t want to have to trek up loads of floors and across the length of the ship a couple of times a day if you don’t have to.

So, here are some of the cabin types and cabin locations to consider avoiding:

1. Obstructed View Rooms

It’s not unusual for cruise ships to have obstructed view rooms. They’ll be balcony or ocean-view rooms where your view is compromised, usually by lifeboats but sometimes by other ship structures.

Obstructed view from the balcony on Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas is no different. The obstruction isn’t awful – most of the obstructed rooms are above the lifeboats, so it’s only when you look over the railing that it’s obstructed – but definitely one to be careful of if you choose one of the balcony cabins or suites in this part of the ship.

There are a handful on higher decks with smaller obstructions as part of the ship’s design too, but if you want a completely clear view, then steer clear.

2. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Royal Theatre

3146, 3149, 3546, 3549

There are four rooms, in particular, worth steering clear of from a noise perspective on Odyssey of the Seas. They share a wall with the Royal Theatre, which is where nightly live performances will take place. While they don’t run super late, it’s best to steer clear if you want a good early night ahead of the next day’s adventures.

Deck plan of Deck 3 of Odyssey of the Seas showing the Royal Theatre

There are a few more places on a ship where you might suffer from some noise disruption. Common locations on a ship include above the loudest bars, or below the pool deck, and that advice would apply to Odyssey of the Seas, too.

3. Rooms a Very Long Walk from Elevators

Because of the size of Odyssey of the Seas, she has some slightly awkward elevator placement. She’s not big enough to fit three sets, so instead, there are elevators near the front of the ship and then in a mid-ship location, slightly towards the aft.

It means that any of the aft-facing rooms from Deck 8 upwards, and a handful of inside cabins on Deck 7, are quite a long walk from the elevator.

Deck plan of Odyssey of the Seas showing how far rooms are from the elevators

It’s not an issue for most people – especially if you want to get those steps in to burn off the buffet food each day – but if you’re carrying younger children back from the kids’ clubs (right at the front of Deck 11) when they’re tired and napping at the end of the day, you’ll definitely notice the distance!

4. Deck 11 Forward Rooms Without Kids

11118 to 11160, 11518 to 11560

The staterooms and suites right at the front of Deck 11 are adjacent to the Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs. There are Balcony Staterooms, Junior Suites and Inside Staterooms there, and regardless of which one you choose, you’re going to experience a higher level of traffic outside the room – and a lot more noise.

Odyssey of the Seas deck plan deck 11 showing position of Adventure Ocean kids club.

If you aren’t sailing with kids, then this is probably one of the worst places you can book, unless you plan on being out of your room nice and early and staying out until late.

Otherwise, the excited kiddos on their way to the kids’ club, or the many parents picking the kids up, could easily disturb you.

5. Expensive Suites

Odyssey of the Seas has several options for loft suites, ranging from the Sky Loft Suite up to the best suite on the ship, the Royal Loft Suite.

Royal Loft Suite on Odyssey of the Seas

These two-storey accommodation options are beautiful and very spacious… But they also don’t come cheap. And it’s definitely something to think very carefully about when deciding whether they’re worth the money.

It’s not just about whether you can afford the high prices (up to £20,000 per person, per week for the Royal Loft Suite). It’s whether you’d be better booking that, or choosing a Grand Suite for a week and then having the budget spare for another 1-2 cruises in a Grand Suite again.

You need to check out the Royal Caribbean Suite perks to see what’s included, as well as having the extra space, but for a lot of people, it’d make more sense to choose a cheaper option (including some of the smaller suites) and book several cruises instead.

6. Rooms That Can Cause Seasickness

The worst places on any ship for seasickness are right at the forward or aft parts of the ship, on the highest decks. That’s where you’ll feel the most motion.

Odyssey of the Seas with arrows pointing to the forward and aft locations on high decks that are worst for seasickness

With Odyssey of the Seas, height isn’t a huge issue – there are no decks above Deck 13 with accommodation options. However, I’d still steer clear of Deck 12 and Deck 13 rooms if you know you suffer badly from motion sickness.

The best rooms would instead be something mid-ship and lower down, preferably with a balcony so you can focus on the horizon and get some fresh air while lying in bed. In fact, the obstructed balcony staterooms could be ideal if seasickness is your concern.

Suggested read: Will You Get Seasick On A Cruise? How To Know

7. Connecting Cabins if You’re Not Booking Both

A common problem with cruise ship staterooms is when you book a connecting room without needing it. The shared doorway between connecting rooms is not great at isolating noise, so while it’ll stay locked if there are strangers on the other side, you might hear more from their room than you would in a regular stateroom. And equally, they might hear more from you.

Cruise cabin with interconnecting door

All kinds of noises can come from an adjacent stateroom. Loud snoring, arguments, other things… If you’d rather avoid the risk of hearing those, don’t book a connecting stateroom. Leave those for when you’re travelling with a group and want to book both together.

8. “Large Balconies” That Aren’t Much Larger

The Ocean View Balcony rooms on Odyssey of the Seas have a reasonable-sized balcony at 55 square feet, but you can pay extra if you want one that’s classed as having a large balcony.

However, you only get an extra 10 square feet. It’s not a lot considering you’ll be paying extra for the privilege.

Osyssey of the Seas exterior shot

On earlier Quantum-class ships, paying for a Large Balcony would get you an additional 25 square feet, so Odyssey of the Seas (and sister Spectrum of the Seas) don’t offer the same value for these rooms.

9. Deck 13 Rooms

I mean, it’s Deck 13 – why tempt fate?

I’m joking, of course, but it does seem odd that the Quantum-class ships are the only ones in the Royal Caribbean fleet that have a Deck 13. Most skip it, going from Deck 12 straight to Deck 14, and that is because of superstition.

It’s not like the Quantum Class set the tone for Royal ditching superstition – the newer Icon-class ships also avoid a Deck 13.

While most rooms are great, here are some of the standout rooms on Odyssey of the Seas:

1. Studio Rooms

The Quantum-class ships for Royal Caribbean introduced more options for studio rooms. On other ships, it can sometimes be rare to get a room designed for single passengers, and when you do, it’ll be an inside room, 99% of the time, with maybe a chance of a window, unless you’re willing to pay double the fare to book a regular room as a solo passenger.

However, the studio rooms on Odyssey of the Seas are all Balcony options, which is fantastic for single travellers who don’t want to miss out on waking up to a wonderful view.

Take a look at this video for a closer look at this room type…

Solo travel is becoming more and more popular, so it’s great for guests to have this option on the ship. The only drawback is that the ship doesn’t have Interior Studio cabins like the rest of the Quantum Class, which is less good if you are on a tight budget.

2. Corner Spacious Oceanview Staterooms

From Decks 8 to 11, the staterooms right at the front of the ship are Spacious Oceanview rooms. They can’t be balconies, because the wind would force the balcony door to remain shut most of the time, so instead they offer a bigger Oceanview room with a fantastic view.

If you can book one of the corner rooms, you’ll get even more space – they’re considerably bigger again! Just check the deck plans and you’ll see what I mean:

Corner Spacious Oceanview Staterooms on Odyssey of the Seas

You can take a look at the following video for a peek inside this ‘secret’ cabin type…

3. Virtual Balcony Staterooms

First introduced on Odyssey’s sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, the Virtual Balcony staterooms are a great alternative to a regular Interior stateroom.

Interior of a cruise ship stateroom with a large bed centered between nautical-themed curtains and a round porthole mirror. The room has a cozy ambiance with a view of the open sea through the window, offering a glimpse of the oceanic journey.

You still get a view, albeit on a digital screen. While it won’t help with the lack of natural light, it is good if you want to see what time of day it is (the virtual balcony is a livestream from outside the ship) and it’s better than just having four plain walls.

4. Deck 11 Rooms with Kids

See every reason I gave for not booking a Deck 11 Forward stateroom if you didn’t have kids? Reverse those if you do. It’s great being so close to the kids’ clubs, and having the pool deck and buffet restaurants only a couple of decks away, too. Super-convenient, especially when it comes to collection time and the younger kids are refusing to walk and have to be carried in your arms.

The Best Deck on Odyssey of the Seas

There’s no single best deck on Odyssey of the Seas, but it’s recommended to have staterooms above and below you if you want the least noise, so Decks 7 to 12 would be the better options.

Avoid rooms on Deck 11 near the front of the ship if you don’t have kids, but anything mid-ship towards the aft would be fine since that’s away from the kids’ clubs.

The Best Room on Odyssey of the Seas

The biggest room on Odyssey of the Seas is the Royal Loft Suite, and it is a stunning option, though it’s very expensive. The Interior Staterooms with Virtual Balcony are a great option if you’re on a budget and want to enjoy some form of view, even if it is digital.

Choosing Your Own Room vs Going for the ‘Guarantee’ Option

When booking your Odyssey of the Seas room, you’ll be able to pick a category and then have the option of paying extra to choose your specific cabin number, or opting for a cheaper ‘Guarantee’ room where the cruise line will pick your room for you.

Choose Royal Caribbean Room

It’s risky because you can only select whether you want Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, or a specific Suite type. You can’t pick a deck, so you could end up with one of the rooms I’ve told you to avoid.

Benefits of choosing your cabin number:




  • Choose your preferred location on the ship



  • Book two cabins next to each other

Still, if you’re laid back and don’t intend to spend much time in your cabin anyway, the savings might be worth it to you.

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Find More Information About Odyssey of the Seas Cabins

To put this guide together, I spent a lot of time reading Odyssey of the Seas reviews and browsing some social media groups and forums. I recommend you check them out, too. You might find specific information on a stateroom you have your eye on.

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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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Fred. Olsen Bolette Cabins to Avoid

I’ve cruised on Bolette in an Oceanview cabin and had a brilliant time – but not all cabins are created equal. With a ship like Bolette, where charm and comfort come as standard, it’s still important to choose a room that suits your own travel style. Pick the wrong one, and it could affect your entire experience.

Fred Olsen Bolette

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every accommodation option on Fred. Olsen’s Bolette, from cosy insides to elegant suites. Plus, I’ll highlight the cabins that seasoned cruisers say to avoid — so you can book with confidence and get the most out of your time at sea.

How to Choose the Best Cruise Cabin

While this guide is tailored towards Bolette, there are some tips which apply to any cruise ship and any cruise line.

I’ve made a handy checklist so that you always have those tips to hand, and you can get a copy sent straight to your inbox. Just let me know your email address…

Despite there being just 690 cabins (including suites) to choose from on Bolette, you still have some big decisions to make. That’s because there are still 18 different cabin and suite options available – plenty of choice!

Here’s a look at all of the different cabin and suite options on Bolette, summarised to help you make your mind up on which is best for you.

Cabin Type Category Max. Guests Decks Average Size (sq. ft.)
Single Interior Inside N 1 1 182
Interior Inside H, I 2-4 1-3 182
Single Superior Interior Inside M 1 2, 7 182
Superior Interior Inside G 2 2, 3, 6 182
Ocean View (Porthole) Ocean View F 2 1, 2 214
Ocean View Adapted (Porthole) Ocean View FD 2 1 214
Single Ocean View (Picture Window) Ocean View K 1 1-3 214
Ocean View (Picture Window) Ocean View D, E 2 1, 2 214
Superior Ocean View Ocean View B, C 2 3, 6 190-214
Superior Ocean View Adapted Ocean View BD 2 3, 6 214
Superior Ocean View Fully Restricted Ocean View CO 2 3 214
Terrace Cabin Balcony TC 2 3 218
Single Balcony Suite Suite JB 1 6 244
Balcony Junior Suite Suite BJ 2 6 244
Balcony Suite Suite BS 2 6 292-337
Premier Suite Suite PS 2 7 568-644
Premier Adapted Suite Suite PSD 2 7 568-644
Olsen Suite Suite OW 2 7 1,181

Bolette Room Sizes

Most of the rooms on Bolette are a standard size, but there are a few that fall within a range. The best thing you can do is check out the Bolette deck plans on the Fred. Olsen website, where you can then browse to see which of the rooms is the biggest. They’re accurate and to scale, so if a room looks bigger on the deck plans, that means it is.

Here are some of the Bolette cabins you might want to avoid – though they aren’t ‘bad’ cabins, just some that you may or may not prefer.

1. Terrace Cabins

Bolette doesn’t have any regular balcony cabins. Instead, it can either offer a suite with a private balcony or a Terrace Cabin.

Terrace Cabins are all situated on Deck 3, which is the Promenade Deck. Each cabin has sliding doors that open out directly onto the promenade, so instead of a private balcony, think of it as a giant balcony that wraps around the whole ship that you share with all the other guests!

Terrace cabin on Bolette

You do get two sun loungers, which are exclusively for your use, situated right outside your cabin. And it’s important to note that the glass is one-way, so people can’t wander around the promenade and stare into each room.

Still, if you don’t want to risk someone hovering right outside your cabin or walking past, you might prefer to upgrade to a suite with a balcony, so you have your own space.

After all, if you really do want to sit out on this deck, there are also some loungers that are free for anyone to use. But the loungers at the aft are much more comfy and have nicer wake views.

2. Porthole Cabins

Many of the Ocean View cabins on Deck 1 and Deck 2 have portholes instead of a larger picture window. You aren’t limited to just one porthole; you do get two, but the experience isn’t the same.

Porthole cabins on Bolette shown by an arrow.

Porthole cabins aren’t really any good if you want to enjoy the view. Firstly, they’re pretty tiny. And secondly, you need to bend over and peer through, and with them being lower on the ship, the views aren’t great anyway.

Portholes viewed from inside on Bolette

If you don’t care about the view and only want some natural light, then these cabins are a good choice (and they’re cheaper than Picture Window Ocean View cabins). Otherwise, consider booking another cabin type if you want to be able to enjoy that sea view from your cosy cabin.

3. Cabins Under the Pool Deck

Premier Suites 7007 to 7017

Whenever I write guides on cabins to avoid, one of the most common complaints I find is about noisy cabins, typically above the theatre, or near the engines. But to be honest, the noise complaints on social media and forums for Bolette are almost non-existent.

That’ll be helped by the typical audience, who generally aren’t late-night party animals, and the fact that the lowest cabins aren’t super-close to the engine deck.

One potential noise issue is with the pool deck, which is directly above some of the Premier Suites on Deck 7. It’s not the actual pool that can be noisy, but the decking area when people wake up early and go to move/reserve a lounger for the day, scraping it across the wood.

Bolette pool deck

If you’re someone who tends to be awake early anyway, then it’s not much of a problem at all. The sound is muffled, after all, and it only lasts a few seconds at a time at most.

However, if you’re a lighter sleeper and those cruise lie-ins are important to you, consider booking one of the suites further back on that deck.

4. Higher Cabins if You Suffer From Seasickness

Bolette isn’t a huge ship, but she is a little older, and without some of the latest innovations in stabilising technology, that does mean you can often feel the movement of the boat on the water, especially when you’re towards the front of the aft (rear) of the ship and on a higher deck.

Arrow pointing to high aft cabins on Bolette.

The way Bolette’s accommodation is designed, the better cabin classes are further up, because they offer better views. I saw a great phrase when researching this guide – “The more you pay, the more you sway”, because the better a room you book, the higher up you are.

You can avoid this if you book a mid-ship cabin, since the motion is felt less there, but if you suffer from seasickness really badly, then I’d recommend a lower deck.

Fresh air and a view of the horizon are helpful, so this might actually be when a Terrace Cabin is worth choosing.

5. Connecting Cabins if Not Needed

Like many cruise ships, Bolette has connecting cabins. These are side-by-side cabins with an extra door between them, which normally stays locked on a cruise. However, if you book both adjacent cabins, you can ask for the door to be unlocked and essentially create one larger cabin for your travelling party.

This is the only other time where noise could be an issue, though, because connecting doors on cruise ships are always worse than a metal wall for soundproofing. So, if you book one of the connecting rooms, you might hear the other guests in the adjoining room through the door.

Loud, rowdy passengers are rare on a Fred. Olsen cruise, so it shouldn’t be too much of a concern for you, but again, light sleepers (especially if loud snoring drives you mad) might want to make sure they don’t get one of these rooms.

6. Part-Accessible Cabins if Using a Wheelchair

1806, 1807, 1955, 1964, 2500, 2700, 2702, 3393, 3394, 3428, 3433

On the official cabin listings for Bolette, rooms are either standard or they are designated as ‘Adapted’, meaning they offer extra features to accommodate guests with disabilities or accessibility requirements.

However, what you’ll only find out if you check the deck plans is that there are two kinds of adapted cabins – fully adapted and part-adapted.

Fully adapted cabins are designed for guests with wheelchairs or who need extra room to manoeuvre, whereas part-accessible cabins don’t offer additional space but have an adapted bathroom with a fold-down shower seat and grab bars.

Make sure, if you use a wheelchair or scooter, you book the right type of room. I’ve listed the part-adapted cabins above, but you can also see them on the deck plans with the code PA.

part adapted cabins and accessible cabins on Bolette deck plan.

Here’s a look at some of the best cabin options on Bolette:

1. Olsen Suites

The Olsen Suites are the best accommodation options on the ship. There are two, each offering almost 1,200 square feet of space – that’s around six times the amount of space you get in the smallest rooms on the ship.

Fred Olsen Suite

They are still only one-bedroom accommodation options, but that extra space gives you a much bigger bathroom with an oversized bath, a separate shower, a spacious private balcony with loungers, and separate dining, dressing and sitting areas too.

You also get the Suite Dreams package, which comes with all the suites on the ship, which gets you:

  • Priority check-in
  • A welcome bottle of sparkling wine
  • A fruit basket topped up throughout the cruise
  • Free pressing for formal wear
  • An afternoon canape service
  • Use of binoculars, an atlas, a bathrobe and slippers in your suite, along with more luxurious towels
  • Discounted laundry

So, while this is the most expensive option on Bolette, it’s worth considering if you want your cruise to feel even more special. If you deal with the orange flowery carpet and the orange velvet sofa, that is.

2. Single Cabins

Solo cruising is growing in popularity across the cruise industry, but it’s always been a popular option with Fred. Olsen. And so, Bolette caters to this with a range of single options, including interior and ocean view.

What’s great about these rooms is that they’re the exact same size as cabins for two people. In fact, in many cases, Fred. Olsen will just give you a cabin for two people.

Solo cabin

When I cruised solo, I was given two twin beds. I would have preferred a double, but not enough to warrant asking my cabin steward to change it.

What’s really unique to Fred. Olsen is the option to book a solo suite – normally, on a cruise, you’d be paying full price for two people if you wanted to enjoy a suite on your own.

If you’re looking for a solo cruise option, then Bolette’s range of accommodation options is one of the most varied of all cruises.

3. Cabins With Bathtubs

When you look at the Bolette deck plan, you’ll see that some of the cabins have triangle symbols on them. This means that they have bathtubs. The others have walk-in showers.

Fred Olsen Bolette deck plan showing which cabins have bath tubs

It doesn’t cost any extra to have a bathtub rather than a shower. And if you do go for the bathtub option, you’ll have a shower over it, so you get the best of both.

If you enjoy a long soak at the end of the day, be sure to choose a room with a triangle symbol. Alternatively, if you struggle to step up and into a bath and prefer a shower, then you can make sure you get one of those.

The Best Deck on Bolette

The best deck on Bolette is Deck 7, which is where you’ll find the Olsen Suites, the Premier Suites, and a handful of Single Interior and Ocean View rooms. Normally, you want to cruise with cabins above and below to minimise noise, but on Bolette, noise is rarely an issue.

Being on Deck 7 not only means getting some of the best accommodation options, but it also means you’re close to the pool and sports decks, yet not too far from the restaurants either.

The Best Room on Bolette

The best rooms on Bolette are the Olsen Suites, but there are several good options, including the Premier Suites and the range of Single Cabin options. The least popular rooms are the Terrace Cabins, which open straight onto the Promenade Deck.

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Find More Information About Bolette Cabins

When researching this guide, I spent time on social media and cruise forums to help find the cabins that people wanted to avoid. To be honest, I had to look a little harder than normal – complaints are few and far between!

If you want to do your own research, read some Bolette reviews and see Bolette cabin pictures, consider checking these resources out for yourself:

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Don’t miss the latest Fred. Olsen offers…

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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.

Read more about me


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Spectrum-of-the-Seas-3.jpg

Spectrum of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

After the huge success of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, the cruise line pushed the boundaries even further with a new evolution – the Quantum Ultra Class, debuting with Spectrum of the Seas.

This ship introduced brand-new accommodation options, including one of the most impressive suites in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet – a concept borrowed from the game-changing Symphony of the Seas.

Spectrum of the Seas

But with so many cabins and suites to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which options deliver the best value, and which ones should you steer clear of?

In this guide, I’ll break it all down to help you choose the perfect stateroom for your Spectrum of the Seas cruise.

How to Choose the Best Cruise Cabin

While I’ve written this guide specifically about Spectrum of the Seas, I also have a handy checklist you can keep with you that applies to any ship.

Just drop your email in this form and I’ll send it straight to you.

The Different Rooms on Spectrum of the Seas

There are well over 2,000 staterooms and suites on Spectrum of the Seas, including a wide range of Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Suite options. So, how do you pick from so much choice?

You can probably narrow it down a little based on your budget, and some of the categories are specialist too, such as being suited for people with accessibility needs.

Let’s start by taking a look at all of the cabin options on Spectrum of the Seas:

Room Type Max. guests Decks Average Size (sq ft) Average Balcony Size (sq ft)
Interior Inside 4 3, 7-13 166 N/A
Interior Accessible Inside 4 8-11 256 N/A
Interior with Virtual Balcony Inside 4 9, 10 166 N/A
Connecting Interior Inside 2 7-11 166 N/A
Studio Interior Inside 1 6-13 101 N/A
Ocean View Outside View 4 3, 8, 9 182 N/A
Ocean View Accessible Outside View 4 3 270 N/A
Spacious Ocean View Outside View 4 8-11 214 N/A
Ocean View Balcony Balcony 4 6-13 198 55
Ocean View Balcony Accessible Balcony 4 7-9 298 55
Connecting Ocean View Balcony Balcony 2 7, 9-11 198 55
Ocean View with Large Balcony Balcony 4 7-13 177 65
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony Balcony 4 6-13 198 55
Studio Ocean View Balcony Balcony 1 6, 7 119 55
Sky Balcony Suite Suite 4 13, 16 198 55
Junior Suite Suite 5 6-13 276 81
Junior Suite Accessible Suite 4 8 354 81
Sky Junior Suite Suite 2 15, 16 267 81
Grand Suite – 1 Bedroom Suite 4 13 388 109
Owner’s Suite Suite 4 16 541 259
Grand Loft Suite Suite 4 15-16 775 216
Ultimate Family Suite Suite 10 15-16 2,766 212

Spectrum of the Seas Room Sizes

One quick but important note – the room sizes listed in the table are averages. Some might be slightly smaller, but some might even be slightly bigger.

The best thing you can do is check the Spectrum of the Seas deck plans when you’re booking a room. They’re accurately drawn to scale, so you can see which rooms look to be slightly bigger or smaller, or have a slightly extended balcony.

Often, they’ll be the same price as a regular-sized room in the same category, so you can nab a bargain.

A lot of thought was put into the stateroom options on Spectrum of the Seas, and there are some spectacular choices available. Still, not every cabin is right for every cruise passenger. It’s not that there are bad cabins, just some that maybe you would like but someone else wouldn’t, and vice versa.

While it’s true that the Quantum Ultra-class ships aren’t the biggest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, they’re still pretty massive, so it’s worth planning which parts of the ship you’ll spend the most time in, and using that info to work out a good stateroom – you don’t want to have to trek up loads of floors and across the length of the ship a couple of times a day if you don’t have to.

So, here are some of the cabin types and cabin locations to consider avoiding:

1. Obstructed View Rooms

6160 to 6232, 6560 to 6632, 7110 to 7116, 7510 to 7512, 7514, 7516, 8112, 8114, 8116, 8512, 8514, 8516, 9114, 9514, 10116, 10516, 11118, 11518.

On deck 6, you’ll find that most of the balcony rooms are behind lifeboats. Many people hate these obstructed views, although some like the fact that they’re a little cheaper than regular balconies.

I’d suggest taking a look at this video from Emma Cruises before you book one of these, to make sure that you know what to expect…

Unusually, Spectrum of the Seas also has ‘obstructed’ balconies towards the front of decks 7 to 11 as well. These are different, though, because the obstruction is a metal structure that makes the balcony look like this…

Obstructed balcony on deck 8 of Spectrum of the Seas

Other ships have these too. On Carnival cruises, they are known as Cove Balconies, while other cruise lines have different names like ‘sheltered balconies’.

Only Royal Caribbean calls this balcony type ‘obstructed’. The actual view isn’t really obstructed at all, and this could be a good cabin to have on a cold-weather cruise where it might be windy and rainy.

2. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Royal Theatre

3146, 3149, 3546, 3549

But there are four rooms on Spectrum of the Seas that share a wall with the Royal Theatre, which is where nightly live performances will take place. While they don’t run super late, it’s best to steer clear if you want a good early night ahead of the next day’s adventures. It could be noisy here.

Spectrum of the Seas Royal Theatre on the Deck plan.

There are a few more places on a ship where you might suffer from some noise disruption. Common locations on a ship include above the loudest bars, or below the pool deck, and that advice would apply to Spectrum of the Seas too.

3. Rooms a Very Long Walk from Elevators

Because of the size of Spectrum of the Seas, she has some slightly awkward elevator placement. She’s not big enough to fit three sets, so instead, there are elevators near the front of the ship and then in a mid-ship location, slightly towards the aft.

It means that any of the aft-facing rooms from Deck 8 upwards, and a handful of inside cabins on Deck 7, are quite a long walk from the elevator.

Deck plan showing deck 8 on Spectrum of the Seas

It’s not an issue for most people – especially if you want to get those steps in to burn off the buffet food each day – but if you’re carrying younger children back from the kids’ clubs (right at the front of Deck 11) when they’re tired and napping at the end of the day, you’ll definitely notice the distance!

4. Deck 11 Forward Rooms Without Kids

11118 to 11160, 11518 to 11560

The staterooms and suites right at the front of Deck 11 are adjacent to the Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs. There are Balcony Staterooms, Junior Suites and Inside Staterooms there, and regardless of which one you choose, you’re going to experience a higher level of traffic outside the room – and a lot more noise.

Adventure Ocean on the Spectrum of the Seas Deck plan

If you aren’t sailing with kids, then this is probably one of the worst places you can book, unless you plan on being out of your room nice and early and staying out until late.

Otherwise, the excited kiddos on their way to the kids’ club, or the many parents picking the kids up, could easily disturb you.

5. Expensive Suites

Spectrum of the Seas has several expensive suite options. While they are fantastic, it’s definitely something to think very carefully about when deciding whether they’re worth the money.

Ultimate Family Suite on Spectrum of the Seas

It’s not just about whether you can afford the high prices (up to £20,000 per person, per week for the Ultimate Family Suite). It’s whether you’d be better booking that, or choosing a Grand Suite for a week and then having the budget spare for another 1-2 cruises in a Grand Suite again.

You need to check out the Royal Caribbean Suite perks to see what’s included, as well as having the extra space, but for a lot of people, it’d make more sense to choose a cheaper option (including some of the smaller suites) and book several cruises instead.

6. Rooms That Can Cause Seasickness

The worst places on any ship for seasickness are right at the forward or aft parts of the ship, on the highest decks. That’s where you’ll feel the most motion.

aft of spectrum of the seas

With Spectrum of the Seas, height isn’t a huge issue – there are no decks above Deck 13 with accommodation options. However, I’d still steer clear of Deck 12 and Deck 13 rooms if you know you suffer badly from motion sickness.

The best rooms would instead be something mid-ship and lower down, preferably with a balcony so you can focus on the horizon and get some fresh air while lying in bed. In fact, the obstructed balcony staterooms could be ideal if seasickness is your concern.

7. Connecting Cabins if You’re Not Booking Both

A common problem with cruise ship staterooms is when you book a connecting room without needing it. The shared doorway between connecting rooms is not great at isolating noise, so while it’ll stay locked if there are strangers on the other side, you might hear more from their room than you would in a regular stateroom. And equally, they might hear more from you.

Cabin showing an interconnecting door.

All kinds of noises can come from an adjacent stateroom. Loud snoring, arguments, other things… If you’d rather avoid the risk of hearing those, don’t book a connecting stateroom. Leave those for when you’re travelling with a group and want to book both together.

8. “Large Balconies” That Aren’t Much Larger

The Ocean View Balcony rooms on Spectrum of the Seas have a reasonable-sized balcony at 55 square feet, but you can pay extra if you want one that’s classed as having a large balcony.

However, you only get an extra 10 square feet. It’s not a lot considering you’ll be paying extra for the privilege.

On earlier Quantum-class ships, paying for a Large Balcony would get you an additional 25 square feet, so Spectrum of the Seas (and sister Odyssey of the Seas) don’t offer the same value for these rooms.

9. Deck 13 Rooms

I mean, it’s Deck 13 – why tempt fate?

I’m joking, of course, but it does seem odd that the Quantum-class ships are the only ones in the Royal Caribbean fleet that have a Deck 13. Most skip it, going from Deck 12 straight to Deck 14, and that is because of superstition.

It’s not like the Quantum Class set the tone for Royal ditching superstition – the newer Icon-class ships also avoid a Deck 13.

While most rooms are great, here are some of the standout rooms on Spectrum of the Seas:

1. Studio Rooms

The Quantum-class ships for Royal Caribbean introduced more options for studio rooms. On other ships, it can sometimes be rare to get a room designed for single passengers, and when you do, it’ll be an inside room, 99% of the time, with maybe a chance of a window, unless you’re willing to pay double the fare to book a regular room as a solo passenger.

While many of the studio rooms on Spectrum of the Seas are Interior, there are also Balcony options, which are fantastic for single travellers who don’t want to miss out on waking up to a wonderful view.

Studio balcony room

Solo travel is becoming more and more popular, so it’s great for guests to have this option on the ship.

2. The Ultimate Family Suite

Yes, I know I said that expensive suites might be one to avoid. But if you do have the money, you won’t find a better family suite with any other cruise line, and only the Icon Class ships’ Ultimate Family Townhouse can compare within the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Spectrum of the Seas’ Ultimate Family Suite is two storeys of fun-packed accommodation. It’s much bigger than the equivalent suite on the Oasis-class ships that have it too – over twice as big as the version on Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

It even has a bathroom that extends over the side of the ship!

Spectrum of the Seas' Ultimate Family Suite master bathroom

While the balcony is smaller, it’s still ample, and you get some nifty extra features like a staircase piano that plays notes as you ascend or descend.

A massive cost? Absolutely. One only for the richest guests? Of course. But a suite that kids will adore? 100%.

3. Corner Spacious Oceanview Staterooms

From Decks 8 to 11, the staterooms right at the front of the ship are Spacious Oceanview rooms. They can’t be balconies, because the wind would force the balcony door to remain shut most of the time, so instead they offer a bigger Oceanview room with a fantastic view.

If you can book one of the corner rooms, you’ll get even more space – they’re considerably bigger again! Just check the deck plans and you’ll see what I mean:

Corner spacious oceanview suites deckplan

4. Virtual Balcony Staterooms

First introduced on Spectrum’s sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, the Virtual Balcony staterooms are a great alternative to a regular Interior stateroom. You still get a view, albeit on a digital screen. While it won’t help with the lack of natural light, it is good if you want to see what time of day it is (the virtual balcony is a livestream from outside the ship) and it’s better than just having four plain walls.

What’s a shame is that Spectrum of the Seas is the only Quantum-class or Quantum Ultra-class ship that does not have accessible versions of these rooms. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter and want a Virtual Balcony room, you’ll need to try the other ships in the fleet.

5. Deck 11 Rooms with Kids

See every reason I gave for not booking a Deck 11 Forward stateroom if you didn’t have kids? Reverse those if you do. It’s great being so close to the kids’ clubs, and having the pool deck and buffet restaurants only a couple of decks away, too. Super-convenient, especially when it comes to collection time and the younger kids are refusing to walk and have to be carried in your arms.

The Best Deck on Spectrum of the Seas

There’s no single best deck on Spectrum of the Seas, but it’s recommended to have staterooms above and below you if you want the least noise, so Decks 7 to 12 would be the better options. Avoid rooms on Deck 11 near the front of the ship if you don’t have kids, but anything mid-ship towards the aft would be fine since that’s away from the kids’ clubs.

The Best Room on Spectrum of the Seas

The biggest room on Spectrum of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Suite, and it is a stunning option, though it’s very expensive. The Interior Staterooms with Virtual Balcony are a great option if you’re on a budget and want to enjoy some form of view, even if it is digital.

Choosing Your Own Room vs Going for the ‘Guarantee’ Option

When booking your Spectrum of the Seas room, you’ll be able to pick a category and then have the option of paying extra to choose your specific cabin number, or opting for a cheaper ‘Guarantee’ room where the cruise line will pick your room for you.

Choose Royal Caribbean Room

It’s risky because you can only select whether you want Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, or a specific Suite type. You can’t pick a deck, so you could end up with one of the rooms I’ve told you to avoid.

Benefits of choosing your cabin number:




  • Choose your preferred location on the ship



  • Book two cabins next to each other

Still, if you’re laid back and don’t intend to spend much time in your cabin anyway, the savings might be worth it to you.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…

Find More Information About Spectrum of the Seas Cabins

To put this guide together, I spent a lot of time reading Spectrum of the Seas reviews and browsing some social media groups and forums. I recommend you check them out, too. You might find specific information on a stateroom you have your eye on.

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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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Which Cruise Line is Better?

If you’re after a cruise experience that’s a little more polished and relaxed, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are two standout choices. Both offer a more refined, grown-up style of cruising, without losing the fun.

A comparison of two cruise ships with 'VS' between them, highlighting the contrast: on the left, a Princess Cruises ship sails near a coast, and on the right, the 'Celebrity BEYOND' ship cruises on the open sea.

Owned by the industry’s two biggest players – Carnival Group and Royal Caribbean Group, respectively – these cruise lines often go head-to-head. They attract similar travellers, visit many of the same destinations, and offer comparable onboard experiences.

But the differences matter. And if you’re deciding between the two, this guide will help you choose the cruise line that’s the best fit for you.

The size of the fleet is one of the many similarities shared between Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Princess has 16 ships currently sailing for the cruise line, with Star Princess scheduled to debut in October 2025, taking it to 17. Celebrity has 15 ships currently sailing for the cruise line, with Celebrity Xcel due to debut in November 2025, taking it to 16.

Princess Cruises Ships

The aft view of the 'Sky Princess' cruise ship from Princess Cruises, docked at port during golden hour, with its name and home port 'Hamilton' displayed, ready to embark on another voyage.

There are four classes of ships in the Princess Cruises fleet:

  • Sphere Class – The newest ships, accommodating 4,300 guests
  • Royal Class – Six large ships accommodating 3,560 to 3,660 guests
  • Grand Class – Eight mid-sized ships accommodating 2,600 to 3,140 guests
  • Coral Class – The oldest two ships, each catering for 2,000 to 2,220 guests

The oldest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet is Grand Princess, which was launched in 1998. The newest is Sun Princess, which started sailing in February 2024.

Read more: Princess Cruises Ships by Age

Celebrity Cruises Ships

The Celebrity Apex cruise ship from Celebrity Cruises moored at a quayside during dusk, its sleek design and illuminated windows standing out against the fading light, while the calm waters reflect its presence.

Celebrity has four classes of ships:

  • Edge Class – four ships that accommodate 2,900 to 3,200 guests
  • Solstice Class – five ships that accommodate 2,800 to 3,000 guests
  • Millennium Class – four ships that accommodate 2,200 guests
  • Expedition Ships – not an official class but a separate type of ship; these travel to much smaller ports, including Antarctica. There used to be three ships accommodating 16, 48 and 100 guests; however, only Celebrity Flora remains after Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration were sold to Lindblad Expeditions in early 2025.

The oldest ship in the fleet is the Celebrity Millennium, which, appropriately, launched in 2000. The newest ship is Celebrity Ascent, the most recent Edge-class ship.

Read more: Celebrity Ships By Age, Size and Class

How They Compare

There isn’t much to choose between the main Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises fleets. Princess does have some larger ships with the new Sphere Class, but they aren’t the mega-ships you’ll find with some other cruise lines.

The main difference is Celebrity’s Expedition ship – if you want a sophisticated cruise blended with a real sense of adventure, on a very small ship that has a very communal feel, then Celebrity would be the choice to make.

Read more: The Best Expedition Cruise Lines

In terms of the available itineraries, both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have plenty of choices available. With these cruise lines, you aren’t just limited to the most popular cruising regions – you can explore the entire globe in style.

Here’s a look at the itineraries that are offered in each part of the world:

Princess Cruises Celebrity Cruises
Alaska 23 63
Australia & New Zealand 96 28
Bermuda 0 4
Canada & New England 19 4
Caribbean & Bahamas 54 31
East Asia 20 35
Europe 147 136
Galapagos 0 42
Hawaii 8 9
Mexico & Latin America 7 0
Middle East & South Asia 0 2
Pacific Northwest 0 3
Panama Canal 22 8
Repositioning 0 4
South America 19 9
South Pacific 37 3
Transatlantic 37 20
Transpacific 0 10
World 46 0

Princess Cruises Destinations

A Princess cruise ship gracefully navigates through a fjord, with majestic green mountains rising on either side, showcasing the natural beauty and serene experience of a cruise in the Norwegian fjords.

Princess Cruises has a lot of exciting destination options for cruise guests, with a particularly strong focus on Australia and New Zealand – several ships spend a season Down Under, giving guests more variety when exploring this amazing region.

In total, the cruise line offers 30 different embarkation ports, with Sydney being one of the bigger ports, though there are many cruises from Fort Lauderdale and other North American ports too. UK cruisers get a lot of choice of ships, all sailing from Southampton.

Princess also offers some exciting cruisetour options in Alaska. These are special itineraries that incorporate a cruise and a stay in a Princess Wilderness Lodge, along with a beautifully scenic rail journey.

Some Princess cruises in the Bahamas include ports of call to Princess Cays, which is the cruise line’s private resort on Eleuthera. 

Celebrity Cruises Destinations

The Celebrity Summit cruise ship docked at a port, captured from an aerial perspective, showcasing the elegant vessel with its distinctive 'X' funnel next to the marina with clear blue waters extending into the horizon.

Celebrity Cruises offers similar itineraries to Princess, but where you could argue Princess focuses on Australia, Celebrity does a similar job with Alaska – there’s a wealth of cruises to explore this amazing region and its stunning scenery.

With Celebrity, you get even more choice of embarkation ports – 33 in total. 11 of those are across North America and the Caribbean, while there are 9 embarkation ports in Europe, including Southampton again for cruises from the UK.

Celebrity’s destinations also include unique itineraries around South America and the Galapagos Islands on the Expedition ships, with smaller ports that only these ships can access.

How They Compare

Destination likely won’t be a deal breaker if you’re deciding between Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises – they have very similar offerings. If you want to cruise to Australia or New Zealand, you might find more flexibility in the Princess options, but you can say the same about Alaska and Celebrity Cruises.

The only major difference is those Expedition ships and the unique itineraries that they offer.

From an accommodation perspective, once again, both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have very similar options.

You can, of course, choose between Interior, Ocean View and Balcony staterooms across the fleets, with Interior being the cheapest option and Balcony being more expensive. And on every ship across both fleets, you’ll be able to opt for a luxurious suite, offering additional perks and more space.

One area where the cruise lines do differ is in their options for single passengers. Across many of the ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, you’ll find a range of solo cabins available. With Princess Cruises, it’s only the most recent Sun Princess ship which has any solo stateroom options, and they are very limited.

Princess Cruises Staterooms and Suites

Here are some of the different types of staterooms or suites you can find on some Princess ships:

Sky Suites

The luxurious Sky Suite balcony on a Princess cruise ship at dusk, featuring a cozy outdoor lounging area, elegant dining setup, and an inviting interior seen through glass doors, all basked in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Available on select Royal-class ships along with the Sphere Class, Sky Suites are truly outstanding accommodation options. The top suite on the ships, where it’s available, the suite itself is beautifully decorated and offers a wealth of space to relax.

But it’s the balcony that’s the real star – one of the most expansive at sea, with great views around the ship and out to the oceans. It even has an outdoor TV, so you can sit back on your decking furniture and relax in complete bliss.

Suggested read: Sun Princess Signature Sky Suite (Floor Plan)

Reserve Collection

Elegant Cabana Mini-Suite on Sun Princess with a neutral color palette, featuring a comfortable bed, a cozy sitting area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, and access to a private balcony with ocean views.

The Reserve Collection is new for the Sphere Class with Princess Cruises, and it’s a collection of some of the best Mini Suites and Cabana staterooms on the ship, in prime locations.

But it’s not just about the quality of the room, you also get a private restaurant for Reserve Collection guests to use – normally on cruise ships, this kind of feature is exclusive to full suite guests or those who’ve reached the top levels of a cruise line’s loyalty programme.

Signature Collection

The sophisticated Signature Owner’s Suite on Sun Princess, featuring a plush bed, an open wardrobe, a well-lit vanity area, and a modern design that exudes luxury and comfort for guests.

The very best suites on the Sphere Class ships, the Signature Collection offers complete luxury, including the Signature Sky Suites, which have incredible views.

As well as the breathtaking suites, guests also get access to a private sun deck, restaurant, and lounge, away from the bustle of the rest of the ship and with some wonderful menus and drink options.

Celebrity Cruises Staterooms and Suites

These are some of the more unique options you can book on a Celebrity cruise:

Concierge Class

A veranda stateroom on a Celebrity cruise ship elegantly appointed with a comfortable bed accented by an orange throw, a cozy seating area, and a balcony with a view of the ocean, offering guests a private and tranquil retreat.

Concierge Class staterooms are offered across the Celebrity Cruises fleet (except for on the Expedition ships) and they include a wider range of amenities for guests to enjoy.

As well as better room furnishings, you can also get the help of the concierge team on the ship to arrange speciality dining reservations, theatre reservations or anything else you need help with.

AquaClass

AquaClass Sky Suite on a Celebrity cruise ship, featuring a serene and stylish decor with a plush bed, accented with red and beige, a comfortable sofa, and a framed picture of an elegant vintage dress, enhancing the luxurious cabin experience.

AquaClass is another option for staterooms and suites on the Celebrity fleet, which are themed around the spas onboard. This means that, as well as a higher class of cabin, you get additional features themed around health and wellbeing, and priority access to book spa treatments. You also get free access to some of the facilities throughout your cruise.

The Retreat

The Royal Suite on a Celebrity cruise ship, with a modern and inviting design featuring a comfortable bed with a white and teal color scheme, elegant wall lamps, a decorative lattice headboard, and an art piece that adds a touch of sophistication to the room.

The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises is the equivalent of Princess Cruises’ Signature Collection – the very best suites, all kept in one area of the ship.

With Celebrity, you also get access to an exclusive lounge, sun deck and Retreat Restaurant offering an enhanced menu. If you want to have an even calmer and more luxurious area of the ship to enjoy (on a ship which is already pretty special) then booking a suite in The Retreat will guarantee a wonderful experience.

Suggested read: Celebrity Cruises Cabins To Avoid

How They Compare

Both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises offer different stateroom and suite collections with enhanced facilities, or you can just opt to pay for a regular stateroom and still enjoy a comfortable, contemporary room.

There’s very little to separate them here – perhaps if the spa is your priority on a cruise, then you’ll love the Celebrity AquaClass; otherwise, the options are very similar across both cruise lines.

For a lot of people, food is one of the main considerations when picking a cruise line. So, how do these two cruise lines compare?

Princess Cruises Food

Guests enjoying a delightful dining experience at Alfredo's Pizzeria on Royal Princess, with a waiter serving a fresh, hot pizza. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, as the diners engage in cheerful conversation, with wine glasses and a variety of pizzas on the table, accentuating the restaurant's cozy and inviting ambiance.

Princess offers delicious dining options that are, where possible, inspired by the region where the ships are sailing. Each venue onboard every ship is distinctive and uses authentic ingredients and recipes, blending fine dining with a love of good, wholesome food.

There are several casual options on a Princess cruise, including the popular pizza, which many people say is the best at sea.

Some of the venues have now changed to having a small cover charge, depending on the cruise fare you pay, but there are enough complimentary options that you won’t get bored of the same food.

Celebrity Cruises Food

A family enjoys a meal together in a chic and modern dining area aboard a Celebrity cruise ship. The table is interactive with a vibrant, colorful pattern, and the young boy looks delighted with his dish, as the attentive server presents plates to the guests, creating a warm and memorable dining experience.

Celebrity has a similar approach to food across its fleet. Dining is considered an event, and so the food and service are designed to make every evening (and indeed, every breakfast and lunch) feel special.

There are some casual venues again, but the speciality dining restaurants are where the cruise line shines, with global cuisine prepared to Michelin standards.

Celebrity’s newest ships also have four Main Dining Rooms rather than one – essentially, these are complimentary restaurants where you can enjoy different themes as you cruise.

How They Compare

If you’re a foodie, then you’ll have a tough time choosing between Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity offers a marginally more premium experience onboard, which is reflected in some of the top-tier restaurants, but Princess Cruises’ speciality restaurants are still a step above what many mainstream cruise lines have to offer.

Princess and Celebrity are two cruise lines that primarily stick to the traditional style of cruising when it comes to daytime activities. You aren’t going to find roller coasters or epic water slides on these ships, but you will find plenty to keep you entertained when you want to do more than just relax by the pool.

Celebrity ships are a little more innovative and contemporary, but they aren’t anything like the ships you’ll find with Royal Caribbean or NCL, for example.

Princess Cruises Activities

Guests cozily wrapped in plaid blankets on deck chairs enjoy 'Movies Under the Stars' on a Princess cruise ship. The evening atmosphere is enlivened by a large outdoor screen, with the ship's pool and open decks illuminated under the night sky.

On a Princess ship, you can expect to find a host of daily activities, including dancing lessons, art auctions and culinary classes – perfect for picking up some new skills to make your favourite menu dishes at home.

There’s also a casino on each ship, and you can enjoy Movies under the Stars if you want to kick back with a movie on the deck.

And while not really an activity, there’s one other facility that you’ll find on Princess ships but not on Celebrity – self-service laundry machines. This is much cheaper than using the laundry service onboard, even though it does mean taking more time out of your cruise. Handy for longer itineraries, though.

Celebrity Cruises Activities

Inside the bustling casino on a Celebrity Cruise ship, the space is equipped with vibrant slot machines and gaming tables. The luxurious setting with red and cream decor invites guests for a night of entertainment and chance.

The activities you’ll enjoy on a Celebrity cruise are quite similar to Princess. You’ll find a casino, art auctions, cooking lessons and again, the chance to watch a movie on the pool deck.

There are a handful of more unique activities that you can try on a Celebrity ship, such as:

How They Compare

If you’re looking for a cruise ship that is absolutely packed with things to do during the day, then perhaps neither Celebrity Cruises nor Princess Cruises are the right cruise line for you. That’s not to say the ships are dull – just that they are both more about showcasing the destinations you’re sailing to, and relaxing in your downtime.

If you’re a keen golf player or you’ve taken up the craze of pickleball, then Celebrity might just win you over, but Princess’ activities are varied and engaging too.

Live entertainment rarely makes or breaks a cruise decision, but it’s still handy to compare the options available. So, let’s take a look at what you’ll enjoy if you book a cruise with these two lines.

Princess Cruises Entertainment

Interior view of the Princess Theatre on a Princess cruise ship, showcasing a sea of purple seats facing a large stage with a red curtain and a screen displaying 'Princess Theatre'. The ceiling is dotted with lights, enhancing the venue's vibrant atmosphere.

Princess Cruises offers the expected range of variety entertainment, including comedians, live musicians, and impressive theatre shows, which are described as ‘Broadway-quality’. That’s not just an empty statement, though – the original productions have been created for Princess Cruises by famed composers and directors who’ve worked on big Broadway shows in the past.

Celebrity Cruises Entertainment

The modern interior of a theater on a Celebrity cruise ship, featuring plush purple seating, a spacious circular stage, and ambient lighting. The design is complemented by a large, abstract forest mural, creating an immersive entertainment environment.

Celebrity Cruises takes a similar approach – rather than bringing the classic Broadway shows onto the ships, it has its own range of original shows that are just as good as the ones you know and love from theatres on land. Celebrity’s use of technology helps to enhance the productions even more, giving them a real wow-factor.

How They Compare

Choose Celebrity Cruises if you care deeply about the type of entertainment on the ship and you love an infusion of epic music with cutting-edge technology. The shows really are something special onboard, and you’ll be left wondering just how they achieved some of the effects.

If you end up choosing Princess because of other factors, you won’t feel let down by the entertainment either – it’s bombastic, thrilling and great fun, with very talented artists onboard.

Neither Princess Cruises nor Celebrity Cruises are aimed primarily at families – there are plenty of other cruise lines where younger guests are catered for with epic onboard features. 

But neither is a bad choice for a family either.

Princess Cruises Kids’ Facilities

Children are engaged in video games at Camp Discovery on a Princess cruise ship, comfortably seated on colorful couches in a bright room with a large screen TV and modern, playful décor.

On every Princess ship, the Camp Discovery kids’ clubs offer a range of activities suited to different age groups. Through partnerships with Discovery and Animal Planet, kids will take part in various educational experiences that are still focused on fun, while encouraging new friendships throughout the length of the cruise, too.

The clubs also host kids-only dining events, allowing the grown-ups to enjoy a more sophisticated dinner together while the kids party with pizza and ice cream.

Read more: 7 Reasons Princess Cruises Are Great For Families

Celebrity Cruises Kids’ Facilities

Camp at Sea on a Celebrity cruise ship, showcasing a playful and colorful indoor kids' area with geometric furniture, a whimsical slide and climbing structure, and interactive games for children to enjoy.

While Celebrity Cruises doesn’t have the official partnerships that Princess has for its kids’ clubs, the theming is still the same – educational fun, with a whole host of different games, crafts and more to keep kids stimulated and engaged while they make new friends.

Slumber parties, video game tournaments and more make sure that nothing ever gets too serious.

How They Compare

Kids and teens will have a great time in their respective kids’ clubs on both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. The experience is broadly the same on both cruise lines – younger kids will love all the games and crafts, while teens will enjoy a more relaxed lounge area where they can hang out, play video and board games, and generally relax in a cool, modern space.

The type of person who typically chooses these cruise lines helps to reveal a little more about the kind of experience onboard.

Princess Cruises Demographics

Princess is considered more of an upmarket traditional style of cruising, and so tends to have a slightly older demographic onboard. There’ll be some families, sure, but a lot of guests will be in their 50s and 60s, with many in their 70s too.

A group of guests enjoying a sociable moment with wine glasses in hand on Princess Cruises, with a couple engaging in a cheerful conversation, embodying the warm, convivial atmosphere of the cruise experience.

Celebrity Cruises Demographics

On a Celebrity cruise, the typical guest is younger, often in their 40s and 50s. Most will be couples, but there will be solo travellers and some families too, though they’ll be in the minority. The reason the guests are younger is that Celebrity is just a bit more of a hip, contemporary cruise line.

Two guests in matching red shirts are taking a selfie onboard a Celebrity Cruises ship, with the distinctive blue and white ship funnel in the background, capturing a joyful moment of their vacation.

Both are stylish and offer a premium style, but with Celebrity, everything just feels a little more modern, and so better attracts a slightly younger crowd.

While both cruise lines vary their pricing depending on the ship and itinerary, here’s how they approximately compare.

Princess Cruises Prices

Princess cruise fares can be quite good value, and a 7-night cruise in the Caribbean can start from as low as £70/$90 per person, per night, even on some of the bigger, more modern ships in the fleet.

Princess does offer different types of fare, where you can upgrade to include drinks, tips, dining and more. While these can add a large sum to your per-day rate, they might offer good value compared to buying each element of the package individually – so you need to determine how much you’d make use of all the inclusions.

Read more: Princess Premier Vs Princess Plus

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Celebrity Cruises Prices

Celebrity Cruises tends to have slightly higher prices than Princess to reflect the slightly more premium feel to the ships. However, they are still very reasonable, with a 7-night cruise in the Caribbean on the new Celebrity Xcel starting from as low as £85/$115 per person, per night.

Celebrity also offers optional fare upgrades if you want a more inclusive package, though you can stick with the cruise-only fare if you prefer.

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The Verdict

There are few competitor cruise lines that offer such similar experiences as Princess and Celebrity. Both offer a more premium style of cruising compared to other mainstream lines, although Celebrity ships are a little more contemporary and state-of-the-art, while Princess still keeps that slightly more traditional feel.

If you’re a younger cruise passenger, you might find that Celebrity appeals to you more, but Princess isn’t just for an older crowd either. 

There’s no clear ‘best’ cruise line, even if Celebrity is considered slightly more luxurious – both offer great food, excellent service and some wonderful itineraries. But based on this guide, hopefully, you now have a feeling for which one feels right for you.

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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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Emma Kok Sings Earth Day By Michael Jackson At Andre Rieu Concert 2025 Maastricht

We were delighted to see Emma Kok perform “Earth Song” by Michael with Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra at the Maastricht Vrijthof town square concert in July 2025.

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Voyager of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Launched in 1999, Voyager of the Seas was a game-changer for Royal Caribbean – the first of the iconic Voyager Class ships and still a fan favourite decades later.

Voyager of the Seas has carried millions of cruisers and, thanks to a massive $97 million Amplification in 2019, she now boasts many of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting features.

Voyager of the Seas

Part of that transformation included 72 brand-new staterooms, adding even more variety to the ship’s already impressive accommodation lineup.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the cabin options – and reveal the best (and worst) rooms to help you choose the perfect spot for your cruise.

How To Choose The Best Cabin

I’ve created a free checklist of what to look out for when choosing a cruise cabin. If you’d like a copy, just leave your email address and it will be with you right away.

Voyager of the Seas Room Categories

Voyager of the Seas is a Voyager-class cruise ship with 15 different cabin types to choose from.

The accommodation can be broken down into four main categories: Inside, Outside, Balcony and Suite. Although there are subtypes within each.

Let’s take a closer look…

Voyager of the Seas Inside Cabins

If you want a Voyager of the Seas interior room, you have three options:

  • Interior Stateroom – Sleeps up to 2 or 4
  • Promenade View Interior Stateroom – Sleeps up to 2
  • Interior with Virtual Balcony – Sleeps up to 2
Interior with virtual balcony on voyager of the seas

Voyager of the Seas Outside Cabins

There are four types of Ocean View Voyager of the Seas staterooms:

  • Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to 2 or 4
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to 2 or 4
  • Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to 4
  • Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to 6
Spacious Panoramic Ocean View stateroom on Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas Balcony Cabins

You have two choices for a Voyager of the Seas balcony room:

  • Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – Sleeps up to 2 or 4
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – Sleeps up to 2 or 4
Balcony room on Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas Suites

  • Ocean View Panoramic Suite (no balcony) – Sleeps up to 6
  • Junior Suite – Sleeps up to 4
  • Grand Suite (1 bedroom) – Sleeps up to 4
  • Grand Suite (2 bedrooms) – Sleeps up to 8
  • Owner’s Suite – Sleeps up to 4
  • Royal Suite – Sleeps up to 4
Voyager of the Seasowner's suite

Royal Caribbean’s suites come with not only more space, but also a huge list of extra benefits. You can see those here: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks.

For a lot of people, an inside stateroom will be plenty, especially if your priority is just enjoying the destinations you’re sailing to, and you don’t feel like you need much room.

However, if you have the budget for it, there are some staterooms and suites which are much, much bigger.

Voyager of the Seas Room Sizes

The cabin sizes on Voyager of the Seas vary a lot. The largest suites are almost twelve times the size of the smallest staterooms!

There’s also some variation with cabins of the same type. Certain Interior and Ocean View cabins are 60% bigger than others. However, before you get excited about the possibility of booking a huge cabin, many of these are wheelchair-accessible cabins and so they’re only available for the people who need them.

If you do want a large cabin, there are some very big outside staterooms and suites to choose from. The Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom, for example, is absolutely huge with over 300 square feet of space, yet it doesn’t cost that much in comparison to the other stateroom types.

Here are the sizes of Voyager of the Seas rooms, from smallest to largest:

  • Interior Stateroom – 160 to 256 sq ft
  • Interior with Virtual Balcony – 160 to 256 sq ft
  • Ocean View Stateroom – 161 to 276 sq ft
  • Promenade View Interior Stateroom – 167 sq feet
  • Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – 198 sq ft
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – 203 sq ft
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – 211 sq ft
  • Junior Suite – 277 sq ft
  • Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom – 283 sq ft
  • Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – 328 sq ft
  • Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) – 381 sq ft
  • Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony) – 406 sq ft
  • Owner’s Suite 506 sq ft
  • Grand Suite (2 Bedroom) – 547 sq ft
  • Royal Suite – 1260 sq ft

Voyager of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

One of the main reasons why people choose their own cabin number on a cruise is to avoid ending up in one of the worst rooms on the ship.

If you choose a cabin that’s in a noisy location, a long walk from anything or has an obstructed view from the balcony, it can put a real downer on your trip.

Here are the cabins to avoid on Voyager of the Seas…

1. Noisy Cabins on Voyager of the Seas

2330 to 2358, 2630 to 2658: Cabins at the aft end of Deck 2 are the closest to the ship’s engines and so you may experience some engine noise and propeller vibrations in these cabins. They are also beneath the main dining room.

2240: This cabin is right next to the Palace Theatre, so you may expect some noise during performances and rehearsals.

Tip: If you only want one cabin, avoid the cabins with interconnecting doors. Cabin doors are never as soundproof as walls, so you may be able to hear your neighbours.

3540 and 3240: These cabins are located right next to public bathrooms.

3600 to 3616: These cabins are beneath The Tavern bar and so there may be noise until the small hours.

6575, 6577, 6579, 6581, 6583, 6587, 6589, 6591, 6593, 6595 and 6597: These Promenade View Interior Staterooms are located directly above the R Bar. Aside from the fact that people on the promenade on Deck 6 and your neighbours can see right in, these cabins have also been reported as being noisy until after midnight as people gather, chat and sing outside the bar.

1248 to 1305 and 1548 to 1605: These staterooms and suites are located directly beneath the pool areas. This could mean that you can hear some noise from deck chairs being dragged across the floor in the morning. Early risers should have no problems here, though.

pool deck

2. Cabins That Are a Long Walk from Anything

9465, 9467, 9469, 9471, 9473, 9475, 9477, 9479: These cabins are a really long way from the elevators. All cabins right at the back of the ship are far from the elevators, but this problem is made so much worse on Deck 9, because you have to walk right to the end of the ship and then go back on yourself to reach your cabin!

On the deck plan below, you would have to follow the red line to take you from the nearest elevator to your cabin. This distance is about 500 feet, which is a really long way if you struggle with walking or are carrying a child.

Navigator of the Seas cabins that are far from elevator

3. Cabins with Obstructed Views

Aft cabin and suites: Aft balconies are the ones right at the back of the ship that look out to where the ship has been. On most cruise ships, aft balconies offer the best views of all. This is not so on Voyager of the Seas!

Due to the design of the ship, the aft cabin balconies aren’t at the rear edge of the ship. There’s an extra area between the balcony and the end of the ship. This means that steel structures partially obstruct your view looking out and completely obstruct your view when you look down.

Whilst the view from the aft balconies seems to be less than ideal, these cabins actually get great reviews online. One advantage of the aft cabins on Voyager of the Seas is that the balconies are much larger than standard balconies on the port and starboard sides.

If you do want to go for an aft balcony, I’d recommend choosing a corner one for the biggest balcony space and the least obstructed view.

This video shows a junior suite located at the aft of Deck 6…

For more staterooms to avoid that aren’t specific to Voyager of the Seas, don’t miss this guide: 13 Royal Caribbean Cabins To Avoid.

Voyager of the Seas Deck Plan

When choosing the best stateroom for your cruise, the deck plan can give you lots of useful information such as:

  • Where your cabin is located
  • The size of your cabin and balcony in square feet
  • What types of extra beds are provided e.g. sofa beds or Pullman beds

Click here to see Voyager of the Seas Deck Plans

Picking Your Room

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise online, you’ll often see two prices, which look like this…

choose room

Royal Caribbean usually gives guests the choice to select their room for an extra fee. If you opt not to choose your own room, you’ll be assigned what’s known as a ‘Guarantee Cabin’.

A Guarantee Cabin

A guarantee cabin guarantees that you’ll receive a cabin in that category (e.g. interior stateroom) or higher (if you’re lucky enough to be upgraded).

The benefits of choosing your cabin number:

  • Choose your preferred location on the ship
  • Book two cabins next to each other
  • Avoid undesirable cabins

Booking Multiple Cabins

If you want interconnecting cabins which have a door between them, you will have to pay to pick your own room.

If you just want cabins next door to each other, you can opt to let Royal Caribbean choose your room and request that your cabins be nearby. However, there’s no guarantee that they will be.

Tip: For a family of four, it’s sometimes cheaper to get two interconnecting cabins than to get one cabin that sleeps four.

If you have adjacent balcony cabins, you can ask your stateroom attendant to open the balcony dividers to create one large balcony. You do not need interconnecting rooms to do this. If you’re friendly with your neighbours, the partition can be opened, as long as everybody agrees.

Best Deck on Voyager of the Seas

Many people ask which is the best deck on Voyager of the Seas. In fact, there isn’t one deck that’s the best, but there are three decks that are particularly good if you want a quiet room that’s not too far from the action.

Decks 7, 8 and 9

If you’re looking for a nice quiet room on Voyager of the Seas, you can’t go wrong with Deck 7, Deck 8 or Deck 9. All cabins on these decks only have other cabins above and below them. This creates a buffer from the noise of the public areas.

It also means that you can avoid taking the elevator, as from this midship location you can walk up to the open decks or down to the restaurants and bars.

Best Rooms on Voyager of the Seas

The best cabins on Voyager of the Seas are very much down to personal preference. For some people, the cheapest inside cabins are the best. Others prefer a spacious room with panoramic windows. Whereas for some cruisers, a balcony is an absolute must.

Here are some Voyager of the Seas rooms which you should look out for as they offer something special…

BEST INSIDE: Interior with Virtual Balcony

One of the main drawbacks of booking an Interior Stateroom is the fact that you can feel like you’re missing out on the experience of watching where you’re sailing. But the Interior with Virtual Balcony staterooms go some way to addressing that.

Sure, you’re not getting natural sunlight, but you are still getting an amazing view – and it helps you to at least tell how early/late it is in the day. You get the same view as you would from a Balcony Stateroom, just without the feeling of fresh air.

Take a look at this video to see what this stateroom type looks like…

The only drawback is if you want to cruise with the kids – the Virtual Balcony staterooms can only sleep two guests. If you’re travelling with more than two guests, a Promenade View Interior stateroom will be a better choice.

BEST OUTSIDE: Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom

The windows in the outside cabins vary in size. On some ships, you’ll have just a small porthole above the bed. On Voyager of the Seas, however, the windows in many of the cabins are very large indeed.

I particularly love the window in this Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom. There are various Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms on Voyager of the Seas – they come in different shapes and sizes, so be sure to study the deck plan carefully if you want to find one of the largest ones.

The video below is from Navigator of the Seas, but the layout is the same…

BEST BALCONY: Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

There are two types of balcony staterooms on Voyager of the Seas – standard and spacious. Whilst you may expect the spacious one to be better, and in some ways it is, I just don’t think that the extra space is worth the extra price.

In fact, with the spacious balcony cabin, you get only five square feet more space in your room and four square feet more space on your balcony. That’s not even enough room for an extra chair, so you probably won’t even notice that your room is any bigger.

Be sure to look at the price difference before you make the decision to upgrade to a spacious balcony.

BEST SUITE: Royal Suite

The Royal Suite is the top suite on most Royal Caribbean ships. On Voyager of the Seas, the Royal Suite sleeps up to four people and, at 1260 square feet, it is more than twice the size of any other suite on the ship.

Of course, a photo would never do this suite justice, but take a look at the video below to see what you can expect from the Royal Suite with its private hot tub on the balcony and baby grand piano.

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Voyager of the Seas Versus Other Voyager-Class Ships

Voyager of the Seas was the first Voyager-class ship for the fleet, and it wasn’t long until she was joined by sister ship Explorer of the Seas.

Yet of the two, only Voyager has been through the Amplification program, which added new staterooms and suites, particularly at the front of the ship on Deck 10.

The later ships in the Voyager Class were already slightly different, although the choice of stateroom and suite options is broadly the same. The advice in this guide could apply to those ships almost identically.

Find More Information About Voyager of the Seas Rooms

Facebook is a handy tool for finding out more information on Voyager of the Seas, or connecting with others who are cruising on the ship, or have done so before. I’d recommend these two groups:

It’s also worth looking for Facebook groups for your specific cruise – I found quite a few groups dedicated to different sailing dates. This is a good way to say hi to people you’ll be cruising with before you set sail, and you can read more Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas reviews to understand what people think of the ship and the specific staterooms.

Have you cruised on Voyager of the Seas? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below.

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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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11 Key Differences Between P&O Ships Iona & Britannia (2024)

Launched in 2020, Iona brought a fresh new feel to P&O Cruises – the first new ship since Britannia debuted in 2015. While they share the same proud heritage, these two ships offer very different experiences.

If you’re torn between the two, this guide will help you decide which one suits your cruise style best. From dining and entertainment to design and atmosphere, here are the key differences between Britannia and Iona, so you can book the best ship with confidence.

Iona cruise ship

1. Iona is a Bigger Ship than Britannia

Iona can accommodate 43% more passengers than Iona, with space for 5,200 guests, compared to Britannia’s guest capacity of 3,647.

The following table shows the size differences between Iona and Britannia:

Iona Britannia
Guest capacity 5,200 3,647
Crew capacity 1,800 1,350
Length 344 meters 330 meters
Tonnage 184,700 tons 143,000 tons
Guest decks 15 13

Iona is currently the eleventh biggest ship in the world, behind Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the five mammoth Oasis Class ships, MSC World Europa and World America, sister Arvia and Costa Cruises’ two newest additions, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana.

The P&O Iona’s capacity is so much bigger than on Britannia, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Because it’s a bigger ship, you have more to do, but it can mean bigger crowds, too.

2. Iona has No Set Dining Times

When cruising with P&O Cruises on all ships except Iona, guests have the choice of either Club dining or Freedom dining. Iona offers only Freedom dining, which means that there are no set dining times and you will sit at a different table each night.

  • Club Dining – Choose a set time of 6.30pm or 8.30pm. Sit at the same table with the same waiters throughout your cruise
  • Freedom Dining – Arrive at the restaurant at any time between 6pm and 9.30pm

Many cruisers prefer the set dining times of Club dining because they have the opportunity to get to know other cruisers over dinner each night and for conversations to progress past the initial stage. However, others enjoy the flexibility of Freedom dining and the chance to meet new people each night.

3. Iona is Better for Cold-Weather Cruises

With its glass-roofed SkyDome, Iona is the ideal ship for cooler weather. The ship also has a four-screen cinema complex offering movie screenings throughout the day.

In contrast, cruisers sailing on Britannia in cold weather may find that the indoor activities are somewhat limited in comparison.

Sky Dome on Iona

When you look at the itineraries that are on offer on each ship, you can see that Britannia offers more warm-weather itineraries than Iona.

Britannia Itineraries

Britannia cruises from Southampton in the summer, sailing to destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. In the winter, she heads transatlantic to offer Caribbean cruises departing from Barbados and St Lucia.

Iona Itineraries

Iona cruises from Southampton all year round, heading to destinations such as Norway, Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands.

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4. Britannia has More Formal Nights than Iona

Whilst Iona does have formal nights, where you can dress up in black tie attire, they are less frequent than on the other P&O Cruises ships. Britannia and the other ships in the fleet have twice as many formal nights as you’ll have when you cruise on Iona.

The table below shows how many formal nights you can expect during your cruise:

Formal nights Iona Britannia
2- to 4-night cruises n/a 1
5- to 7-night cruises 1 2
8- to 10-night cruises 1 3
11- to 14-night cruises 2 4
Formal night on Iona

5. Britannia has No Sea View Cabins

A cabin with a window can be a good, cheaper alternative to a balcony cabin, whilst giving a nice view of the outside that you can’t get with an inside cabin. Yet, rather unusually, outside cabins (also known as sea view) don’t exist on P&O Britannia.

Suggested read: Guide to cabins on Britannia

Suggested read: Guide to cabins on Iona

Iona’s sea view cabins are a great choice, because not only do they offer great value for money, they’re also larger than both standard inside and standard balcony cabins.

OceanView cabin on Iona

Another cabin type that you’ll find only on Iona is the conservatory mini suite. These are akin to a larger balcony room, with an extra conservatory-style space that’s ideal for admiring the views while staying out of the cold and wind.

Conservatory mini suite on Iona

6. Iona has More Dining Venues than Britannia

Iona has 14 restaurants and 19 bars and cafes. This is more than Britannia, which has 11 restaurants and 15 bars and cafes.

Both cruise ships offer plenty of dining options that are included in the price of your cruise, so there’s no need to spend any more money if you don’t want to. However, both ships have plenty of alternative restaurants which are available for an extra charge for a special treat.

The table below shows the dining options on Iona and Britannia:

Restaurant Type Iona Britannia
Beach House Relaxed Cover charge – from £7.50 Cover charge – from £7.50
Epicurean Fine Dining Cover charge – from £28 Cover charge – from £28
Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea Cover charge – from £17.50 Cover charge – from £17.50
Glass House Wine pairings A La Carte – mains from £8 A La Carte – mains from £8
Grab and Go Snacks Included Included
Horizon Buffet Included Included
Keel and Cow Gastro pub A La Carte – mains from £5.50 n/a
Limelight Club Live music Cover charge – from £25 Cover charge – from £25
Main Dining Rooms Formal dining Included Included
Market Cafe Coffee and cakes n/a Cakes from £2.95
Olive Grove Mediterranean Included n/a
Quays Street food Included n/a
Sindhu Indian A La Carte – mains from £9 Cover charge – from £20
Taste 260 Pizza and burgers Included n/a
Vistas Cafe Bar Coffee and cakes Cakes from £2.95 n/a

On Iona, you’ll find The Quays – a vibrant food hall offering street food from all over the world. Here, you can dine indoors, outside or take food away with you. Within The Quays, there are three restaurants:

  • Hook, Line and Vinegar – A posh fish and chip shop which serves scampi, crab and other fancy seafood delights
  • The Boardwalk Diner – Serving American BBQ hot dogs, burgers and Southern soul food
  • Fusion – Offering a variety of Asian-inspired street food

Read more: P&O Iona restaurants and bars

7. Britannia Has No Promenade Deck

If you love a promenade deck where you can walk all the way around the edge of the ship, then you may be disappointed by Britannia. This ship has no prom deck, although there is a walking track up on Deck 18.

In contrast, Iona has a spectacular wraparound promenade deck on Deck 8. As well as lots of space to walk full laps of the ship, Iona’s promenade deck features six infinity whirlpools, two large whirlpools with aft views, an al fresco dining area and the Sunset Bar.

Britannia cruise

8. Iona is More Environmentally Friendly than Britannia

Iona is one of the world’s first LNG-powered cruise ships. LNG is liquefied natural gas which is a much cleaner fuel than diesel, which powers cruise ships like Britannia.

LNG engines produce up to 30% less carbon dioxide than diesel equivalents. Using LNG also dramatically cuts nitrogen oxide emissions and almost eliminates sulphur oxide pollution.

9. Iona has Way More Hot Tubs than Britannia

Speaking of whirlpools, if you’ve cruised on Britannia, you’ll know that there are only two hot tubs for public use, with another two in The Retreat, which is a part of the spa that you have to pay extra to enter.

Clearly, two Jacuzzis just isn’t enough for over 3,000 people, but luckily, Iona has a total of 18 whirlpool spas (6 infinity and 12 regular), which should be more than enough for everyone on board.

Britannia hot tub

10. Swimming Nappies Are Allowed on Britannia but Not Iona

Those cruising with babies or toddlers should know that on Iona, children in swimming nappies are not permitted to use the swimming pools. However, there is a small baby pool within the kids’ Splash Zone, which is okay to use.

On Britannia, kids in swimming nappies can use the Lido pool and there is also a splash area next to The Reef Adventure Zone.

Iona has four swimming pools:

  • Beachcomber pool pool: Outdoor pool on the Panorama Deck
  • Panorama pool: Outdoor pool on the Panorama Deck, aft
  • SkyDome pool: Indoor pool on the Lido Deck
  • Infinity pool: Outdoor pool on the Lido Dec, aft

Britannia has four swimming pools:

  • Riviera pool – Outdoor pool on the Lido Deck
  • Lido pool – Outdoor pool on the Lido Deck
  • Serenity pool – Outdoor pool on the Sun Deck (ADULTS ONLY)
  • Terrace pool – Outdoor pool on the Sun Deck

The swimming pools on Britannia are very deep – 165cm at the shallow end and 225cm at the deep end. This means that you will be unable to stand up in the pools, even in the shallow end, unless you are over 6 feet tall. The exception to this is the Terrace Pool, which is small and not so deep.

On Iona, the pools are 130cm deep at the shallow end and 140cm deep at the deep end, meaning that most people will be able to stand up. The water level is lowered further when the ship is at sea.

Suggested read: 10 essential tips for cruising with a baby or toddler on P&O Cruises

Britannia pool for babies and toddlers

11. Iona has Unique Entertainment

Iona offers a huge choice of entertainment that you won’t find on Britannia, including aerial performances, live DJs and a silent disco. Rather than being limited to the theatre and bars on Iona, you’ll also be entertained in the SkyDome and the Grand Atrium.

Whilst both ships have lots of entertainment options and you’ll never be bored, cruisers in their 20s and 30s will likely prefer the variety of entertainment on offer on Iona.

Final Word

If you were struggling to decide between booking a cruise on Britannia or Iona, I hope that this post has helped you to make your decision.

Both Britannia and Iona are incredible ships and which one is the best depends very much on your individual circumstances. I can’t speak highly enough of my cruise on Britannia. I’ve booked to sail on Iona several times and am looking forward to experiencing the ship for myself as soon as possible.

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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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How to Plan the Perfect Cruise to Iceland

Towering waterfalls, steaming volcanoes, and glaciers that take your breath away – Iceland is like nowhere else on Earth. And the best part? You don’t need to brave the icy roads or hop between hotels to see it all – cruising is one of the easiest and most unforgettable ways to explore this stunning country.

Iceland cruise

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cruising to Iceland – including the best cruise lines, departure ports, must-see sights, and tips to make the most of your adventure.

Cruising to Iceland

Travelling by cruise ship is a popular way to take a holiday to Iceland, particularly for anyone who prefers not to fly. In 2019, 84 different cruise ships visited Iceland on 190 visits, carrying a total of 188,630 passengers.

Iceland is a popular cruise destination for people of all nationalities. In 2019, people from 121 different nations enjoyed cruises to Iceland. Of those passengers, 25% were German, 20% were American and 19% were British. [Source]

What Makes Iceland a Perfect Cruise Destination

There are so many reasons to visit Iceland, as it offers so much to see and do. Here are the top five reasons why you simply must explore Iceland at least once in your lifetime…

  1. See the Midnight Sun in summer or the Northern Lights in Winter
  2. Bathe in Iceland’s hot springs and toasty geothermal pools
  3. See whales, dolphins and puffins in the wild
  4. Experience harmless earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
  5. Go snorkelling between tectonic plates

Cruise Lines That Sail to Iceland

You can cruise to Iceland with most of the mainstream cruise lines including:

  • AIDA
  • Azamara
  • Carnival
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • Cunard
  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
  • Hapag-Lloyd
  • MSC Cruises
  • P&O Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean

As well as the mainstream family-friendly cruise ships, Iceland is a popular port of call for ultra-luxury cruise lines like Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea and Viking and expedition cruise lines such as HX, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad.

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Akureyri cruise ship

Where to Start Your Iceland Cruise

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean between the UK, Greenland and Norway, you can reach Iceland on cruises departing from various countries. Many Iceland cruise itineraries will also include stops in Norway, Ireland and Scotland.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Iceland cruise itineraries for 2025…

Cruises to Iceland From the UK

Most Iceland cruises from the UK depart from Southampton, but you may also be able to find occasional regional departures from other UK ports such as Dover and Liverpool.

Cruises to Iceland From Southampton

There are several round-trip no-fly cruises from Southampton to Iceland each year. These last between 12 and 30 nights.

Round-trip cruises to Iceland from Southampton are currently on the following ships:

  • Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Silhouette & Celebrity Apex
  • Cunard – Queen Victoria & Queen Anne
  • Fred. Olsen – Balmoral
  • NCL – Norwegian Prima
  • P&O Cruises – Aurora & Arcadia (both adults only)
  • Princess Cruises – Caribbean Princess, Island Princess & Sky Princess

Cruises to Iceland from Dover

If you’re aged over 50, you can take a 12-night round-trip cruise from Dover to Iceland with the over-50s cruise line Saga. Family-friendly options will also be available with Carnival.

There are also a series of cruises with Holland America Line, for those who prefer a more upmarket experience, or Seabourn if you want a luxury Iceland cruise.

Cruises to Iceland from Liverpool

You can cruise to Iceland from Liverpool on board Fred Olsen’s ship, Bolette. There are several itineraries available this summer.

Another option would be to cruise from Liverpool on Ambassador Cruise Line’s new ship, Ambition.

Cruises to Iceland From London

You can cruise to Iceland from London Tilbury with Saga and also with Ambassador Cruise Line, depending on your age and budget. The ultra-luxury Silversea ship, Silver Wind, also has a cruise from the London Tower Bridge to Reykjavik.

Cruises to Iceland From Scotland

Departing from Leith, Edinburgh, you can cruise to Iceland on a selection of luxury cruises with Windstar Cruises and also with Oceania Cruises.

Cruises to Iceland from Newcastle

There are several cruises to Iceland from Newcastle that you can book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Cruises to Iceland from Hull

The cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages used to offer cruises from Hull to Iceland. However, since the company went out of business in 2020, there are no more cruises to Iceland from Hull scheduled at this moment.

Cruises to Iceland from the US

If you live in the United States, it’s possible to cruise to Iceland without flying. However, most cruises to Iceland from the US are one-way trips. It may actually be easier to fly to Europe and cruise from there.

Cruises to Iceland from Boston

There are several cruises to Iceland from Boston, Massachusetts. These are available with Holland America Line onboard their ships, Volendam, Zaandam, and Zuiderdam.

Cruises to Iceland from New York

It’s not possible to take a round-trip cruise from New York to Iceland. However, you can cruise one-way from New York to Iceland as a segment of a world cruise, as part of a transatlantic crossing to Southampton or on a one-way cruise from New York to Reykjavik.

There are several cruise lines to choose from, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Oceania Cruises, all cruising one-way from New York to Iceland in 2025.

Cruises to Iceland from Europe

People travel from all over Europe to cruise to Iceland. When choosing a cruise ship that departs for Iceland from mainland Europe, you should take care to ensure that your language will be spoken on board. Although the German cruise lines welcome English speakers, you may struggle to get by if you can’t at least read signs and menus in German.

Cruises to Iceland from Germany

You can cruise to Iceland from the German ports of Hamburg, Kiel and Bremerhaven. These cruises are all with the German cruise line AIDA, so you may need to brush up on your understanding of the German language for this option.

Cruises to Iceland from Holland

There are several cruises to Iceland from Amsterdam available. You can choose from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line and itineraries between 12 and 21 nights. If you don’t mind flying to Amsterdam to start your cruise, this could be a good option to consider.

Cruise ship in Reykjavik, Iceland

Cruise Ship Ports in Iceland

Iceland has 17 ports, but most of these aren’t big enough for cruise ships to dock. There are just three cruise ports in Iceland where medium and large cruise ships can dock. These are Akureyri, Reykjavik and Isafjord.

Some of the smaller ports in Iceland can be visited by small cruise ships, most of which offer an adults-only ultra-luxury or expedition cruising experience.

A list of the top Icelandic cruise ports and the number ships scheduled to call there in 2025:

  • Reykjavik – 279 cruises
  • Akureyri – 169 cruises
  • Isafjordur – 164 cruises
  • Seydisfjordur – 78 cruises
  • Heimaey – 78 cruises
  • Grundarfjordur – 63 cruises
  • Djupivogur – 55 cruises
  • Husavik – 35 cruises
  • Grimsey – 27 cruises
  • Patreksfjordur – 19 cruises
  • Siglufjorour – 19 cruises
  • Eskifjordur – 10 cruises

Things to See on an Iceland Cruise

Here are some of the top sightseeing attractions to visit in the main ports of call in Iceland…

Top 5 Things To Do in Akureyri on a Cruise

  1. Take an excursion to Lake Myvatn to visit the Nature Baths
  2. See the 12-metre tall Godafoss Waterfall
  3. Take a whale-watching cruise from Downtown Akureyri
  4. Take a horse riding tour of Akureyri
  5. Experience the festival of arts and culture in July and August
The Northern Lights over the Godafoss Waterfall

Top 5 Things To Do in Reykjavik on a Cruise

  1. Ride on the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus
  2. Take a coach tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle sights
  3. See the ‘Game of Thrones’ filming locations
  4. Bathe in Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon
  5. Visit the Thingvellir National Park for a close-up view of a glacier

See all Reykjavik shore excursions

The Blue Lagoon

Top 5 Things To Do in Isafjordur on a Cruise

  1. Take a boat tour to the island of Vigur to see puffins
  2. Take a thrilling 4X4 sightseeing tour of the Svalgovar Circle
  3. See the Duynjandi Waterfall and the stunning landscapes of the Westfjords
  4. Visit the Maritime Museum
  5. Take a whale-watching boat trip around Isafjardardjup Bay
Puffins in Iceland

What to Pack for an Iceland Cruise

Iceland enjoys a milder climate than its name might suggest, with the weather in Iceland averaging 14°C (57°F) in July, although it can be as warm as 25°C (77°F). Almost all Iceland cruises take place between May and September, so there’s really no need to pack snow boots and thermals for your cruise.

When you’re in Iceland, you’ll probably hear the joke ‘If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes’. Iceland’s weather changes many times each day due to the combination of warm air coming in on the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean and cold Arctic air from the north.

Packing light layers is the key to staying comfortable on your Iceland cruise. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Celebrity Cruises has a good packing list for Iceland.

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To Conclude

Iceland is a wonderfully scenic destination to visit on a cruise, so you’ll probably want to upgrade to a balcony cabin if you can afford to. Most cruises to Iceland include two, three or four ports of call in Iceland as well as some other destinations like Norway or the British Isles.

With so much to see and do in Iceland, it’s a good idea to plan your trip in detail before you go, booking guided excursions either with your cruise line or with a trusted company such as Viator.

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They Sold Everything To Live On Cruise Ships! Good Idea Or Not?

While most people save money by skipping lattes or cancelling subscriptions, one couple took cost-cutting to a whole new level: they sold nearly everything they owned and made cruise ships their permanent home.

Life By Any Means - Monica and Jorell living on a cruise ship

Monica and Jorell decided to leave behind their traditional lifestyle – jobs, house, and all – to become full-time cruisers.

Since setting sail in early 2023, they’ve completed 36 cruises, visited over 45 countries, and you won’t believe what they say about the cost of the lifestyle…

It Started With A Crisis

For Monica Brzoska, the decision to leave land wasn’t just driven by a desire to travel – it was sparked by a personal turning point.

In 2022, during her father’s serious health battle that required a liver transplant, a heartfelt conversation with her mother left a lasting impact. Her mum told her, “Don’t wait for retirement to follow your dreams. Do it now.”

That advice stuck. The couple already had a weeklong Caribbean cruise planned for March 2023, but what began as a getaway quickly evolved into a complete lifestyle transformation.

Monica recalled her mum suggesting, “Instead of coming back, why not keep booking consecutive cruises for as long as you can afford to?”

By the time they boarded that first ship from Miami, Monica and Jorell had resigned from their jobs, sold off most of their belongings, and committed to a life at sea – with a carefully planned budget in hand.

More Than Just Vacation

Cruising full-time isn’t just about exotic ports and sunset views. For Monica and Jorell, it’s also about freedom from everyday responsibilities.

“All my meals are cooked by chefs, and staff change my bedding,” Monica said. “I haven’t stepped into a kitchen or touched a washing machine in over a year.” That’s a pretty sweet exchange for giving up the daily grind.

Their days are filled with activities like trivia, live shows, crafts and spa time. Evenings often mean dressing up for dinner and enjoying their ritual date nights.

Monica and Jorell with Carnival Celebration
Credit: Instagram/@life_by_any_means

Jorell can usually be found chatting to new people or catching live performances on board.

It’s Surprisingly Affordable!

At first glance, cruising full-time might sound like a luxury only the ultra-wealthy can afford. But Monica and Jorell say it’s more affordable than many assume.

Back in Memphis, their monthly costs – rent, groceries, utilities, commuting – added up quickly.

By contrast, cruise living offered them lodging, meals, entertainment, and travel, often for less. Thanks to their status with Carnival from past cruises, they scored significant loyalty discounts.

Their strategy? Book the most economical cabins and take advantage of their pandemic-era savings.

The result: they managed to line up eight months of cruising for under $10,000. Some cruises were fully paid upfront; others required only small deposits.

To supplement their lifestyle, they kept ownership of their Memphis home and began renting it out – providing a steady stream of income while they sailed.

How They Stretch Their Budget

While their lifestyle may sound extravagant, Monica and Jorell insist it’s rooted in smart planning and frugal choices.

They often skip pricey excursions, opting instead to explore cities on foot or by public transport. Onboard raffles have even won them spa treatments, jewellery, and shore activities – just for participating.

Their loyalty status with Carnival Cruise Line has also paid dividends, offering perks like onboard credits and exclusive discounts that help them save even more.

To them, this is more than travel – it’s a sustainable, intentional way to live.

It’s Not Always Smooth Sailing

Life on a cruise ship isn’t without its downsides. Monica and Jorell are candid about the challenges.

Being away from family is the toughest part. They miss birthdays, holidays, and ordinary moments. Still, knowing they can catch a flight home in an emergency offers some comfort.

There are also occasional stretches of boredom or feelings of homesickness. But as Monica puts it, “We don’t know how long our money will last, but in the meantime, we’re making the most of every minute.”

A Life Filled With “Glimmers”

Before they set sail, Monica and Jorell would talk about catching “glimmers” – those fleeting moments when life feels truly magical.

Now, Monica says, their life is full of them.

With no daily chores or deadlines, they’ve found a deeper sense of peace.

Each day brings new places, new faces, and more opportunities to simply enjoy each other’s company. Their marriage has also grown stronger thanks to uninterrupted time together and shared adventures.

Is Life at Sea for You?

Monica and Jorell’s journey isn’t just about travel – it’s about rethinking what life can look like. They traded a conventional routine for a floating lifestyle filled with spontaneity, simplicity, and joy.

It’s not a path for everyone. But for those dreaming of more freedom, fewer possessions, and richer experiences, it just might be worth considering.

After all, you don’t need to be rich to live richly – you just need a plan, some flexibility, and a willingness to step outside the norm.

So, would you trade it all for life on the ocean?

Make sure you follow Monica and Jorell on their Instagram channel, life_by_any_means.

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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 You MUST Know Before Hitting Any Cruise Ship Casino

The amount of money that some people spend at the cruise ship casino is scary.

Each to their own, of course – and for some, the casino is the main reason they want to sail, and they often enjoy a ton of perks because of that.

Oceania Vista Casino

But if you’re inexperienced with the whole world of gambling onboard a ship, there are some things you need to know before you start. Otherwise, there’s a chance you could end up ruining your entire getaway…

1. The Odds Aren’t Always As Good As They Are On Land

Cruise ship casinos don’t always offer the same odds as land-based venues – so it’s important that you know your odds of winning might be reduced.

Games like blackjack may pay 6-to-5 instead of the standard 3-to-2, which gives the house a bigger edge.

Cruise casino

Slot machines also tend to have lower return-to-player (RTP) rates. Since cruise casinos operate under the laws of the ship’s flag state, they may not be subject to the strict regulations you’d find on land.

It’s worth doing a bit of research on typical payouts before you sit down to play.

2. The Rules Might Be Different To What You’re Used To

Each cruise line – and even each ship – may have different house rules for the same games.

cruise casino rules

Blackjack might have limited doubling options (important if your tactic is to double your bet when you lose), or poker tables may use auto-shufflers.

Minimum and maximum bets vary too, so it’s a good idea to scan the table signage or ask the dealer before joining in.

Familiarising yourself with the rules avoids confusion and can help you make smarter betting decisions once you’re playing.

Marella Casino

3. Many Cruisers Swear By Casino Loyalty Programmes

Most cruise lines offer casino loyalty schemes that reward you for time and money spent playing.

Royal Caribbean has Club Royale, Celebrity Cruises has the Blue Chip Club, NCL has the Casinos At Sea Rewards programme, Carnival has the Carnival Players Club… The list goes on!

The more you play, the more perks you earn – from free drinks and cabin upgrades to discounted or even complimentary cruises.

The most popular schemes for big spenders give you a combination of free cruises, free casino credit and free drinks pacckages.

Princess Cruises casino offers list

These benefits usually apply to your next cruise. However, on some ships, you can earn small perks that you can use right away on your current cruise.

P&O cruises loyalty scheme

I enjoyed playing the machines on Costa Smeralda because they had a bar that would fill up as you bet. Once it’s full, a free drink is added to your account. I got free drinks in the casino every night. Sometimes I would play for five minutes just to get the drink, then walk out and take it with me!

Also, the general cruise loyalty system might include a couple of (small) casino perks too – maybe a small free bet. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society members get a $2 FreePlay if they’re Gold status, up to $6 for Emerald and above.

4. Casinos Only Open When The Ship’s At Sea

Cruise casinos typically close when the ship is in port, due to local gambling laws. They usually open once the ship is in international waters – often around 12 nautical miles offshore.

SeaDream casino

This can mean odd opening hours, especially if your itinerary includes lots of port days.

Check the cruise line’s app or daily schedule to see when the casino is open. Planning around those hours means you won’t miss a chance to play.

5. If You Play On Land, Take Advantage of Status Matching

Already a member of a land-based casino loyalty scheme?

Some cruise lines offer status matching, giving you similar perks onboard based on your existing membership elsewhere.

Marella Indigo Casino

This could mean free drinks, VIP access, or even free cruises without having to start from scratch.

Just be sure to ask in advance – status matching usually requires you to contact customer service before your trip and provide proof of your current tier level. It’s not often advertised, either – but no harm in asking, right?

6. Look Out for Casino Promotions

Cruise ship casinos regularly offer limited-time promotions – things like free slot play, match-play vouchers, raffles, or prize draws.

The vibrant casino on Costa Smeralda with electronic roulette tables and a variety of slot machines, all set against a decorative blue carpet with golden patterns, creating an exciting gaming atmosphere.

Sometimes just being in the casino at a certain time can enter you into a lucky draw. These offers are often advertised through the app, flyers, or during announcements.

Taking advantage of these bonuses can stretch your playing budget and even boost your chances of winning something special.

7. Sometimes The Casino Is Smoky

Many cruise ship casinos still allow smoking, either throughout the venue or in designated areas.

Smoking on a cruise

If you’re sensitive to smoke, this might impact your enjoyment. Some ships offer smoke-free casino nights or non-smoking sections.

Policies vary not only by cruise line, but also by individual ship, so it’s worth checking before you sail.

For example, the newer Norwegian Cruise Line ships have designated the main casinos as smoke-free, but have smaller secondary casinos that have an enclosed, smaller section for smokers.

Whereas on the biggest Royal Caribbean ships, expect the main casino to have smoking and non-smoking sides, but with dedicated sections also for non-smokers.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ditches Jazz Clubs In Favour Of Smoke-Free Casinos

8. Set a Budget – And Stick To It

It’s easy to get carried away in a casino, especially when you’re using a cruise card instead of physical cash.

A hand holding several 50 Euro banknotes with blurred casino carpet in the background, indicating recent winnings from a casino on the Costa Smeralda cruise ship.

Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend overall – and perhaps even daily – and treat it like part of your entertainment budget.

Many experienced cruisers suggest separating your casino money from other spending. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

That way, you enjoy the thrill without the financial regrets.

9. Quit While You’re Ahead

If you’re lucky enough to hit a big win, don’t fall into the trap of feeding it all back into the machine.

Set a goal: if you double your money, maybe cash out half and play with the rest. Cruise casinos pay out manually, so you’ll need to visit the cashier.

cruise casino cashout ticket

Some players even stash their winnings in the cabin safe so they’re not tempted to gamble it all away later.

10. Don’t Forget To Cash Out At The End Of Your Cruise

If you forget to visit the cashier on the last night of your cruise, you’ll lose all your winnings! You can’t do it remotely and the casino will be closed on the morning of disembarkation.

A hand holding a blue and white P&O Cruises casino chip with a £1 denomination, typically used as currency for onboard casino games or as a collectible souvenir.

You might be lucky enough to be able to hold onto a winnings slip until another cruise, but that won’t always apply – and also, what if you weren’t sailing with that cruise line again?

Set an alarm reminder on your phone if you’re worried that you might forget!

11. Don’t Skip the Casino Orientation

On embarkation day or the first evening, cruise ships often hold a casual casino orientation session.

A cruise ship casino staff member is assisting a couple seated at a row of slot machines. The staff member, dressed in a formal blazer, is attentively explaining something to the guests, who are focused on the machines. The casino is brightly lit with colorful lights and displays from the various slot machines, creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere.

These are great for beginners – you’ll learn how the games work, meet the staff, and maybe even score a free play voucher or raffle ticket.

It’s a relaxed way to get your bearings before jumping into a table game or slot machine. Even experienced players might pick up useful tips about ship-specific rules or promotions.

12. Follow the (Unwritten) Etiquette

A little courtesy goes a long way in the casino.

Don’t touch other players’ chips or cards, and try not to distract the dealer or others during a hand.

Ladies playing at the Casino Royale

Tipping the dealer for good service or a win is customary and appreciated. Keep your phone use discreet, and remember to be patient – some fellow players may be learning.

In terms of playing slots, things get a little murky. If you need to visit the bathroom, you can leave a note on the machine if you don’t want anyone to play it, and ask someone to watch it for you.

Once, someone left credit in the machine and walked away (but left a note and asked someone to keep an eye). Someone walked up, ignored the warnings and started playing – and then got angry with the returning player before a brawl broke out!

I also heard a story of a woman who asked two other women to mind her machine while she went to the bathroom. She also left her purse on the chair, which contained $1,000 cash! When she returned, the two women, and her purse, were nowhere to be seen. And unfortunately the ship’s CCTV didn’t cover that area.

Respecting casino etiquette makes the experience better for everyone. Be nice.

13. Don’t Forget About Tax Rules

If you win big – especially over $1,200 USD – your winnings may be taxable depending on your nationality and where the ship is registered.

People playing Casino Royale games

For UK players, cruise ship wins aren’t taxed, but US citizens and residents will likely need to report them to the IRS.

You may be asked to complete forms for larger wins. Check with your cruise line or a tax advisor if you’re unsure – it’s better to be informed than surprised later.

14. Pick the Right Game For You

Despite their size, cruise ship casinos pack in a surprising variety of games: slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and more.

If you’re new to gambling, slots are simple and entertaining. If you’re more strategic, blackjack or poker might suit you better.

Royal Caribbean casino

Some ships even run tournaments with prizes like free cruises. Think about your skill level and comfort zone – choosing the right game not only improves your odds but also makes the experience far more enjoyable.

While some people love the social aspect of standing around a roulette table, others hate the interaction and feel more comfortable at an electronic roulette machine – I’m the second one!

15. Remember – It’s All About the Fun

Whether you’re spinning reels or sitting at the blackjack table, the casino should be about enjoyment, not stress.

Free drinks in Casino

Think of it like a night out – you’re paying for entertainment, and any winnings are a bonus.

Don’t chase losses or gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. Cruise casinos can be exciting and social – win or lose, if you’re having a good time, you’re already ahead.

casino cash

Final Word

It might look like a long list of things to bear in mind, but don’t let this guide put you off visiting the casino if you want to.

If you want to try the casino as a newbie, then absolutely give it a go – and don’t be afraid to ask the crew if you’re unsure of anything.

But generally, just make sure you understand the rules before you play, and that you’re respectful of others, and you should have a fun time. Don’t get carried away, though!

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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.

Read more about me


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