Cruise Tips

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

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

Ruby Princess cabins at a glance

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

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

Ruby Princess cabins to avoid

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

Riviera deck cabins under the Lido deck

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

Obstructed-view oceanview cabins

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

Cabins near lifts, stairwells and service areas

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

Cabins above or below loud public rooms

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

Far forward and far aft if you get seasick

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

Best cabins on Ruby Princess

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

Caribe deck balconies (deck 10)

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

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

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

Aft-facing balconies

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

Interior and oceanview cabins on lower decks

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

Mini-suites and suites

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

Avoid this, book that instead

How to check a Ruby Princess cabin before you book

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

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

The guarantee cabin gamble

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

Which Ruby Princess cabins suit which travellers?

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

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

Quick checklist before you book

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

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

FAQs

Which cabins should I avoid on Ruby Princess?

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

What is the best deck to stay on Ruby Princess?

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

Are Caribe deck balconies on Ruby Princess bigger?

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

What does an obstructed balcony or oceanview mean on Princess?

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

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

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

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

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

Sun Princess cabins at a glance

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

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

Sun Princess cabins to avoid

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

1. Deck 9 cabins on the route to The Eatery

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

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

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

3. Cabins directly beneath the pool deck

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

4. Forward cabins under The Dome

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

5. Balconies that can be overlooked

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

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

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

7. Far-forward cabins if you get seasick

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

Best cabins on Sun Princess

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

Cove Balconies on Deck 6

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

Midship Deluxe Balconies on the middle accommodation decks

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

Cabana and Cabana Deck Mini-Suites

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

Sanctuary Collection mini-suites and balconies

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

Signature Collection suites and aft views

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

Avoid this, book that instead

How to check a Sun Princess cabin before you book

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

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

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

Which Sun Princess cabins suit which traveller?

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

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

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

FAQs

Which deck should I avoid on Sun Princess?

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

Which cabin on Sun Princess is considered the best?

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

Are Cove balconies on Sun Princess worth it?

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

Is a guarantee cabin a good idea on Sun Princess?

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