It seems that most people expect to gain weight when they cruise. Around 68% of people who responded to the question on Facebook said they normally gained weight.
Around 12.5% said that they actually lost weight when they cruised. This was either because they were so active when walking around the ship or the ports they visited, or because they used the onboard gyms and tried to be reasonable with their dining and drinking.
The rest of the people who responded said that they would usually stay around the same weight, balancing out activity with eating and drinking on the ship.
Still, that’s the majority of people who will gain weight. And not an insignificant amount either, with an average of around 6 lb (2.7 kg) put on during a typical cruise.
Some people even said that they worked hard before their cruise to lose weight so that, by the end, it all balanced out:
I also think that some people might be in denial…
Not everyone gains weight on a cruise…
There were still plenty of people who said that they didn’t gain weight on a cruise, and either stayed roughly the same or even lost weight.
A lot of people explained how they try to keep similar routines to what they do at home, or they just didn’t go overboard (pun not intended) when they cruised. But for some, it’s just a metabolism thing. Lucky people!
If you’ve never cruised before, then based on the vast majority of responses you should probably expect to gain some weight, and maybe as much as 6 to 7 lb.
The main reasons people gain weight on a cruise
If you want to try and cruise without putting on any extra timber, then some responses highlighted the main reasons people put on weight:
1. Free ice cream
A lot of cruise lines will offer free ice cream by the pool deck, and there’s no limit on how many cones you enjoy. It can be very tempting to just grab another one every hour or so, especially when you’re cruising in a hot destination.
However, while each cone might feel small, they soon add up in terms of calories, sugars and fats. So they can be a key reason why people put on weight.
2. All those amazing desserts
The food on cruises is amazing, and it’s not just the starters/appetisers and the main courses/entrees. Desserts are often spectacular, and the waiters are always happy to get you more than one…
If you don’t tend to eat many sweet things at home, you’ll soon find that the dessert menu will expand that waistline for you.
3. Just all that food and alcohol!
Ultimately, the reason people tend to gain weight on a cruise is because food and drink is freely available, especially if you’ve booked a drinks package.
It’s often booze that’s the problem. People don’t think as much about the calories they’re drinking compared to those they’re eating.
A couple of beers, wines or cocktails can go down so easily, and yet you’re consuming a lot more energy than you need, meaning you’re going to gain weight.
4. Water retention
The other consideration with drinks on a ship is water retention. If you’re drinking more than you normally would (whether alcohol or soft drinks such as coffees), then you’re more likely to retain water, especially in hotter weather.
The good news about this type of weight gain is that it usually corrects itself within a week or two of getting home, with minimal effort.
Top tips to stay in shape on a cruise
Here are some tips from the cruise guests who managed to either maintain their weight or even lose some while on a ship.
1. Use the stairs
One of the top tips from so many people – and something I try to do as well – is to take the stairs when you’re moving between floors on a cruise ship.
It’s not always possible. You might have mobility issues, or you’re right at the bottom of the ship and just don’t want to be flustered when heading for the top deck.
But if you’re able to, and you’re only moving between a few floors, then the stairs can be your ticket to keeping the weight under control as you sail.
As a family, we usually pick a number for how many floors we will do without using the list and then stick to that. So if we decide that four floors or fewer is walkable, then we’ll only use the lift for five or more.
2. Eat when you’re hungry
Food is pretty much available 24/7 on most cruise ships, typically in vast quantities and without anything extra to pay. It’s generally very good quality too, which means it can be tempting to go back for more again, and again, and again…
Remember that you have plenty of days on your cruise to try everything, so don’t overindulge too early. Try to limit your eating to when you’re actually hungry. Make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your belly, as the saying goes.
Eat what you like, but don’t go so far that you end up feeling bloated and uncomfortable when you should be relaxing.
3. Don’t overdo the booze
Alcohol can be the sneaky issue for anyone who doesn’t want to put on weight during a cruise. It won’t necessarily make you feel full in the same way food will, but the calories will add up.
Cocktails can be particularly bad as they usually have a lot of sugary fruit juice and some even have milk, cream or chocolate sauce in them.
If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ve got a serious advantage. Try to stick to water or sugar-free drinks if you can, and limit the mocktails, coffees and sugar-rich drinks.
But if you like alcoholic drinks, and you’re conscious of weight gain, try to stick to spirits with zero-sugar mixers.
4. Get your exercise in
Cruise ships offer plenty of ways to stay fit and healthy during your cruise if you want to. There’s almost always a gym that’s free for guests to use. There may be exercise classes too, although these may come with an additional charge.
Personally, I just enjoy using the running/walking track around the ship. You get to enjoy amazing views and the fresh sea air as you complete your laps, making it a much more enjoyable experience.
Of course, on port-heavy itineraries you might do a lot of walking ashore too, so bear that in mind. The more sea days, and the more time spent relaxing by the pool, the more you might want to force yourself to get up and walk, jog or swim onboard.
Do what makes you happy!
Assuming you have no health issues, it doesn’t matter if you gain or lose weight on a cruise. There’s a lot of great food and drink to enjoy, so if you want to, then go for it.
The important thing is that you enjoy yourself, and that you’re happy by the end of it. If that means moderation so that you stay in shape, that’s fine. If it means completely letting go and not caring what the scales say, then that’s fine too!
Your cruise holiday is yours to enjoy as you see fit and as long as you’re respectful of other people, and how they choose to cruise, then that’s all that matters.
Don’t be like this, whatever you do:
Oh, and one more key bit of advice from me and other cruisers: pack some stretchy or bigger clothes to wear on the second half of your cruise, especially if it’s a longer one!
Planning a family cruise can be tough, and one of the main problems that families face is being overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many cruise lines for families to choose from, each with its own unique offerings.
I’ve worked in the cruise industry for over eight years and have taken my children on lots of different cruises in that time. So I’d love to use my experience to help you find the best cruise line for your family.
There’s no single answer on the best cruise line for kids, though. Some cruise ships, which are fantastic for teenagers, would be a nightmare for parents of toddlers. Some family cruise lines have lots of activities for parents and kids to do together, whereas others have fantastic kids’ clubs that your children won’t want to leave.
When considering the best cruise lines for families, you should look at all the options and decide which aligns best with what you and your kids will enjoy. So, here’s 10 of the best kid friendly cruises options, including something for all ages.
The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Kids
To help you in your decision, here are some things that you need to know about each of the best cruise lines for families with kids of various ages…
1. Disney Cruise Line
Best for: A really special experience
What Are the Ships Like?
The five Disney cruise ships are luxurious and fun. On board, you’ll find excellent entertainment packed with Disney magic and bump into characters such as Donald Duck as they stroll the decks.
Here I am with Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Wish. It’s one of my favourite cruise ships ever! You can read my Disney Wish review here.
Activities On-Board
Disney cruises have a great focus on entertainment. You’ll enjoy themed deck parties, character meet and greets, award-winning live shows and 3D Disney movies. There’s loads to do, making them one of the best cruise for kids options.
The swimming pools on Disney ships are really fun, including some shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head and older kids will love the water slides.
Age Group Most Suited To
Disney Cruises offer a magical experience for kids of any age. Under threes can be cared for in the nursery, but this is quite expensive.
The free-of-charge kids’ clubs for three to 12-year-olds are out of this world. You’ll struggle to prise your kids away. Tweens and teens also have their own fun hangouts.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes. Disney Dream has a good choice of itineraries sailing from Southampton.
Passengers
Disney Cruises are pretty much exclusively for families and are popular with children of all ages, but there are plenty of adult-only areas too.
Price
Disney is one of the more expensive cruise lines with few reductions for children. Take a look at my article to find out how much a Disney cruise costs.
2. Royal Caribbean
Best for: Active families with older kids
What Are the Ships Like?
Royal Caribbean International has 27 ships with more being built all the time. The newest Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest in the world, accommodating as many as 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.
On board, you’ll find the most exciting features at sea, outstanding food and a fun atmosphere. Here we are in the North Star observation pod which extends 300 feet above Anthem of the Seas.
Activities On-Board
These vary by ship, but may include things like rock climbing, mini golf, surfing machines, sports courts, water slides, zip line, ice skating, skydiving simulator, parades, escape room game, trampolines, trapeze school and laser tag.
Age Group Most Suited To
Many of Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities have age and height restrictions which you can see here.
This means that if your children are younger than eight, they may be disappointed that they’re not allowed to take part in everything. Plus, you’ll essentially be paying for things you don’t use.
That said, on our most recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, my five-year-old loved the iFly skydiving simulator, the North Star observation pod and the bumper cars, while his seven-year-old sister was a huge fan of the rock climbing wall.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes. Between May and October, you can sail from Southampton on Anthem of the Seas. In 2025, that will change as Independence of the Seas returns to Southampton.
Passengers
You’ll find a mix of couples and families of all ages. On sailings from the UK you can expect a lot of British travellers, whereas, on Caribbean sailings, the passengers will be mostly American.
Price
Royal Caribbean cruises are mid-range in terms of price. You can add on a drinks package to make your cruise all-inclusive, but these can be pricy. Look out for special offers where you might get drinks included in your cruise fare.
3. Carnival
Best for: US families on a budget
What Are the Ships Like?
With Carnival Cruises, the emphasis is on fun. The ships are brightly coloured with a real American feel.
Activities On-Board
Carnival’s newest ships have amazing facilities such as the SkyRide (which is a bit like riding a bike around a track in the sky).
Carnival Mardi Gras, which launched in 2021, features the first-ever rollercoaster at sea. There are waterslides aplenty and you’ll also find Dr Seuss characters on board.
Age Group Most Suited To
Carnival cruise ships are best suited for children aged eight and over.
The waterslides and activities have height restrictions of between 42 and 48 inches. Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line bans children in swimming nappies from the spray parks as well as the pools, so these ships aren’t great for toddlers.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Only occasionally do Carnival ships sail from the UK. Their
ships are predominantly based in the Caribbean, although you can sail from
European ports too.
Passengers
Carnival ships are very popular with American families. On
short cruises, you may find a lot of groups, particularly during college spring
break, which you should avoid as it would be like taking your children on an
18-30 holiday!
Price
Carnival cruises are fairly cheap, although this could be outweighed by the fact that you have to pay for flights in most cases.
4. MSC Cruises
Best for: Families with babies and toddlers
What Are the Ships Like?
MSC Cruises ships are very glitzy and glamorous, with Swarovski crystal staircases and lots of marble. The newer ships have water slides and splash areas.
Partnerships with LEGO and Chicco ensure that children have lots of fun on board and my two loved their time in the kids club.
Activities On-Board
Some of the facilities such as the 4D cinema, bowling,
racing car simulator and the arcade are chargeable, so you’ll need to budget
for that if your children will want to do these things. There’s lots of fun to
be had in the kids’ club such as whole days devoted to LEGO building.
Age Group Most Suited To
MSC Cruises is great for babies. On many ships, you’ll find a dedicated baby area where parents can bring their babies at certain times.
The dining room offers a special baby menu for children aged 6-12 months and pushchairs are available to hire free of charge. All other age groups will have a great time too, although it’s worth noting that their friends in the kids’ club will probably speak a variety of languages.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes, but only on selected ships. MSC Cruises is unusual in that passengers embark and disembark at various points during the cruise, rather than all starting their cruise at the same port. This means that the choice of itineraries from the UK is somewhat limited.
Passengers
MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line and is popular with passengers from all over Europe. Because of this, all the announcements and signage are in six different languages and the entertainment often doesn’t include much speaking – think acrobats rather than comedians.
You won’t find many Brits on board, but when you do, you’ll probably remember them and say hello when you bump into them again.
Price
MSC Cruises can be really cheap. We paid £399pp for a 7-night cruise and the children were almost free as they were very young. The MSC drinks packages are also the most reasonable that you’ll find at sea.
5. P&O Cruises
Best for: British families with younger kids
What Are the Ships Like?
P&O Cruises offer both family and adults-only ships. They vary in size from medium to large and offer a modern, friendly, British atmosphere.
Activities On-Board
You won’t find loads of activities on-board P&O Cruises ships, but there will be several swimming pools and Jacuzzis and some ships have a splash area for the little ones. Most kids’ activities will take place in the kids’ club.
Age Group Most Suited To
P&O Cruises accept two-year-old children in the kids’ club, whereas on most other cruise lines the minimum age is three. This is one great reason for anyone cruising with a toddler to choose P&O Cruises.
Under-fives can be dropped off at the night nursery where they’ll be cared for, free of charge, between 6 pm and 2 am. And P&O Cruises is one of the only cruise lines to allow babies and toddlers wearing swimming nappies to use the swimming pools.
Whilst this cruise line is good for children of any age, those older than seven or eight may have more fun on a ship with more facilities.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes! P&O Cruises offers a wide choice of cruises sailing from Southampton all year round. From two-night taster cruises to 14-night sailings around the Mediterranean, there’s something for everyone.
Passengers
Being a British cruise line, you’ll find that the vast majority of passengers on-board are British. The type of passengers on board will be different, with shorter cruises attracting a younger crowd than longer voyages.
Price
P&O Cruises is one of the cheapest family-friendly cruise lines. From time to time they offer reduced kids’ prices, with children able to sail from as little as £1, which makes for fantastic value for money.
The drinks on-board are cheaper than many other cruise lines, being similar to local pub prices. And, importantly, you don’t have to pay any gratuities (tips) as you do on most other cruise lines, which saves you around £10 per person, per day.
6. A-ROSA River Cruises
Best for: River cruises with the kids
What Are the Ships Like?
A-ROSA is a river cruise line, so the ships are a lot smaller than ocean cruise ships. One of the newest ships, A-ROSA SENA, was the first river cruise ship built with families in mind, so this is definitely the best ship to choose out of the fleet.
The ships don’t have a lot of space for running around, but this does at least mean it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids – they can’t get lost.
Activities On-Board
Don’t expect anywhere near the facilities that you would get on an ocean cruise ship. However, there are kids clubs at least, which offer various programs for kids aged 4 to 15 with experienced entertainers.
A-ROSA SENA also has a sun deck with a separate kids’ pool so you don’t need to worry about them splashing anyone and 28-square-foot family cabins that sleep up to five people.
Age Group Most Suited To
Because there’s not a huge amount to do onboard, A-ROSA river cruises are better suited to older children who don’t mind a bit of quiet time where they can entertain themselves. Family-friendly shore excursions are probably more targeted at older kids too.
On the sun deck of the A-ROSA Donna
Can You Sail From the UK?
You can’t sail from the UK with A-ROSA, as their family cruises take place on the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers, so you’ll need flights.
Passengers
There’s normally quite a mix of nationalities on an A-ROSA river cruise, including guests from around Europe and also from the US. River cruise guests generally prefer a quieter sailing so don’t expect a boisterous crowd – the kids can have fun but they won’t be able to run amok.
Price
A-ROSA river cruises cost a lot less than some other premium river cruise lines, and kids up to 15 sail for free when travelling with a paying adult. The fares are all-inclusive too, so they’re actually quite good value.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Best for: Cruising with total flexibility
What Are the Ships Like?
NCL ships are colourful and packed with fun. The cruising experience is all about enjoying the flexibility to cruise your own way, with a huge choice of dining options and places to relax and have fun, and no real set dining times.
The older ships aren’t quite as fun, but waterparks and slides feature heavily and there’s definitely a kid-friendly vibe across the whole fleet.
Norwegian Encore
Activities On-Board
There is a serious amount of things you can do on an NCL ship, including aqua parks with multiple exciting water slides (some of which are aimed at younger guests), immersive VR experiences, bowling, and even go-karting on some of the newest ships.
Age Group Most Suited To
NCL is good for kids of all ages. The best activities onboard are probably aimed more at kids aged 7+ but the splash parks are suitable for younger kids, while there are dedicated groups in the Splash Academy kids clubs for 3- to 5-year-olds with tailored activities for that age group.
Can You Sail From the UK?
There are some NCL ships that sail from Southampton, including some of the newest and biggest ships in the fleet. Cruises are available from the UK from April to October.
Passengers
NCL cruises generally include a mix of families and couples, but there’s definitely a younger vibe to the cruise line – don’t expect as many older couples to be sailing.
Price
Normally there are significant discounts on kids travelling with their parents. As for the cruise line in general, prices are mid-range, and there are often package deals to add things like drinks or WiFi for a reduced cost.
One thing to be aware of though is that a lot of the activities do cost extra. Yes, the virtual reality arcades are fun, but they are very expensive so if you have older kids you’ll need to budget for that.
8. Costa Cruises
Best for: Italian-style cruising on a budget
What Are the Ships Like?
Costa’s ships are not the most exciting or feature-packed, and they feel like they’re a bit of a budget cruise line at times. They don’t look cheap, but they aren’t offering some of the glitz and wow-factor moments that other cruise lines do. Expect a lot of great pizza and ice cream, though.
Activities On-Board
Costa isn’t known for being super-innovative so don’t expect fancy features like roller-coasters or go-kart tracks. But they do have some good facilities for kids, including splash parks and dedicated teen rooms that are age-appropriate. Affiliations with Peppa Pig are great for younger kids, including themed water areas and activities in the younger kids’ clubs.
Age Group Most Suited To
Costa is better suited to families with younger children under 6, as much of the theming and activities are targeted at these age groups. Older children might get a bit bored with the lack of variety when they want to hang out with their friends, although if your teens enjoy relaxing by the pool then they might enjoy the atmosphere.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Costa doesn’t offer any sailings from the UK – instead you’ll need to fly to Europe, where there are many different departure ports to choose from.
Passengers
Costa passengers tend to include a mix of ages and nationalities, which is reflected in the kid’s clubs too – your children will be able to mix and mingle with others from various countries, which can be exciting for them.
Price
Costa cruises tend to be towards the lower end, and kids sail free on many sailings too, making them a good option if you’re on a budget.
9. Princess Cruises
Best for: Bringing the grandparents
What Are the Ships Like?
Princess Cruises ships are medium to large in size and offer understated luxury with excellent food and service. Princess Cruises are very popular with multi-generational families who want to cruise with kids, parents and grandparents all together.
With my mum on Enchanted Princess
Activities On-Board
Aside from the usual swimming pools and hot tubs, you won’t find many family activities outside of the kids’ clubs. However, the offering here is very good for those aged three to 17 and has a particular focus on education, thanks to partnerships with Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel.
Age Group Most Suited To
Princess Cruises is a good cruise line for children of all ages. Under-threes are allowed in the kids’ club when accompanied by an adult and free baby food is available (either in a jar or pureed fresh).
Older children may have more fun on a cruise line with more for them to do on board.
The nationality of passengers varies depending on the
itinerary, with lots of Brits sailing from Southampton and lots of Americans
sailing from other ports, including European ports. The passengers can be
slightly older than some of the other family-friendly cruise lines.
Price
Princess Cruises are around mid-range in terms of price. Cruises under seven nights are rare, so you won’t find many cheap taster cruises.
10. Celebrity Cruises
Best for: Chilled-out teens
What Are the Ships Like?
Celebrity cruises offer a 5-star cruising experience on board modern and luxurious ships. The newest ships Celebrity ships have some uber-cool features such as real grass lawns, a ‘flying carpet’ that moves up and down the side of the ship and a silent disco.
Activities On-Board
You won’t find masses of kids’ facilities on-board Celebrity Cruises ships. However, there are Xbox stations where children can play solo or take part in tournaments.
Kids can also take part in iTake, a programme that involves storyboarding a movie, heading out to capture the shots on a GoPro camera and editing them in the iLounge.
Age Group Most Suited To
Celebrity Cruises are most suited to children aged 12 and over. The teen hangout is really cool and the glamorous onboard atmosphere is better suited to teenagers than children.
Can You Sail From the UK?
Yes, but only on-board certain ships and only between April and October.
Passengers
Similar to Princess cruises, the type of passengers you’ll
find on Celebrity Cruises varies depending on the itinerary. This cruise line
is popular with affluent couples.
Price
Being a 5-star cruise line, the price of a Celebrity Cruise is usually towards the higher end of the scale, although great deals can often be spotted.
What Are the Best Cruises for Families?
Do a couple of cruise lines from this list take your fancy in particular? You’ll find that the ships that each cruise line owns can be quite different, so be sure to take a look at this post next: The best cruise ships for kids
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.
Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, has 2,805 staterooms and suites. And within those, there are 28 different categories of room. So how can you pick the one that’s best for you?
In this guide, I’m going to give you a rundown of all 28 cabin categories. I’ll tell you which are the best, as well as specific cabins to avoid. I’ll be using real customer reviews, taking an in-depth look at the deck plans and much more.
After reading this guide, you’ll be able to decide which stateroom or suite will best meet your needs aboard Icon of the Seas. So let’s go!
Icon of the Seas cabins – an overview
At the most basic level, there are four broad categories of stateroom/suite on Icon of the Seas. All of those 28 categories of cabin I mentioned fit into one of those four categories.
Room
Sleeps
Size (inc balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
157 to 187 sq ft
Ocean View
2 to 4
160 to 258 sq ft
Balcony
2 to 6
196 to 285 sq ft
Suite
2 to 8
322 to 1,772 sq ft
Interior Staterooms
Here’s a quick list of all the interior stateroom options:
Interior
Interior Plus
Spacious Interior
Surfside Family View Interior
Central Park View Interior
Traditionally, an interior stateroom is one that has no windows, and therefore no natural light. This makes them the least desirable option for many guests, but also the cheapest.
That’s broadly true on Icon of the Seas too, but not entirely. Two of the interior stateroom options have a window that faces the inside spaces in the ship, namely Central Park or Surfside.
They might be a good option if you want some natural light, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them – more on that later.
Interior Plus only has additional storage space, so it’s not really a bigger stateroom. If you want a larger interior room, choose the Spacious Interior option.
Ocean View Staterooms
There are only two types of ocean view stateroom on Icon of the Seas:
Ocean View
Panoramic Ocean View
As the name suggests, a Panoramic Ocean View is a larger stateroom with a much better view. They’re all situated on Deck 14, and you do get quite an impressive sight when you look out of the window.
Otherwise, the standard Ocean View rooms are a good alternative to an Interior, especially if you want to see the sea but you don’t want to pay for a Balcony room. You can get them from Decks 3 to 11. I’d recommend the lowest decks if you suffer from seasickness.
Balcony Staterooms
There are an impressive number of stateroom options available if you want a Balcony room:
Ocean View Balcony
Ocean View Large Balcony
Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Central Park View Balcony
Infinite Central Park View Balcony
Surfside Family View Balcony
You can see from the list that there’s a mix of balcony and infinite balcony options. The regular balconies are those you’d expect from a cruise ship, with a sliding or hinged door that opens into an outside balcony area.
Infinite balconies are different, in that there isn’t really a separate balcony. Instead you get a section of the stateroom to treat as a balcony, and an infinity window that lets you slide down the entire upper half of the window.
Some guests have complained in reviews about this, saying they didn’t realise what they were paying for:
Many of the balcony staterooms don’t face the ocean, but instead face either the Central Park or Surfside internal neighbourhood.
This means someone will have a balcony stateroom directly opposite you as well! But they are cheaper than balcony rooms with an ocean view.
Finally, a quick but important note on Guarantee staterooms. Each category of stateroom (Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) has a Guarantee option. This is cheaper, but you’ll be assigned a room by the cruise line instead of choosing your own. It’s a risky move, but one that some people prefer due to the lower cost.
Within the Balcony category, if you want to make sure your room is in a neighbourhood or has an ocean view, you can actually select a Balcony Guarantee OR a Neighbourhood Balcony Guarantee.
Suites
Finally, there are the suites on Icon of the Seas. There are loads of these! They range from the entry-level Junior Suites all the way up to the very best multi-storey suites, such as the Ultimate Family Townhouse and the Royal Loft Suite.
Suites are the most expensive accommodation, but come with a host of extra perks, depending on which suite you choose. They’re also the most spacious options. So if you like to spend a lot of time relaxing in your own private space, they’re worth considering.
With so many suite options, it’s best to read my dedicated guide to Icon of the Seas suites if you want to know more about them.
The Cabins To Avoid On Icon Of The Seas
Here are the cabins that you might want to avoid, although it’ll depend on your personal preferences.
1. Surfside Staterooms if you don’t have kids
Surfside is a fantastic new addition to Icon of the Seas. This is a neighbourhood specifically targeted to younger families, primarily with kids aged between 0 and 6. They have attractions suitable for them, spaces for parents to unwind, and accommodation that’s family-friendly.
However, young kids can be noisy! Not all of them, but you shouldn’t expect peace and quiet in an area of the ship designed for fun, especially if you have balconies near the pools where the sound’s going to carry.
So if you don’t have young kids, it’s best to avoid booking the Surfside Family View Interior Staterooms, but especially the Surfside Family View Balcony Staterooms and Surfside Family Suites.
2. Rooms directly below Chill Island
14164 to 14286, 14565 to 14686
Common advice when booking any cruise cabin is to try to avoid any staterooms directly under the pool. The main pools on Icon to be concerned with are around Chill Island, which hosts several pools, whirlpools and loungers.
The area can be pretty noisy, both early in the morning and late at night. The crew will often be moving loungers around, which can scrape on the floor. Then at the end of the day they’ll stack the chairs, which can cause more noise disruption. And that’s without the sound of people enjoying Chill Island during the day!
The early mornings and late nights are more of a concern though, so best to avoid these rooms if you value a lie-in or an early night.
3. Rooms below The Hideaway
14288 to 14350, 14352 to 14362, 14688 to 14750, 14752 to 14762
I’ve already explained how the kids’ area and pool area can be quite loud. Surprisingly, the adults-only space can also be one of the worst offenders for noise!
Icon of the Seas doesn’t have a peaceful Solarium, like many other Royal Caribbean ships do. Instead it has The Hideaway, a space with an infinity pool, bar and some luxurious day beds to enjoy. But this definitely has more of a party atmosphere.
So if you book a stateroom directly below The Hideaway, don’t be surprised to hear loud music above you.
4. Rooms close to the AquaDome
12134 to 12162, 12530 to 12562, 14538 to 14562, 14138 to 14162
This is another new neighbourhood for Royal Caribbean. It’s close to the AquaDome with a modern space that offers entertainment throughout the day and evening, with some amazing productions to enjoy.
Those productions often use a lot of music, with a pretty thumping bass track. There are also rehearsals, but they tend to happen during the day when you’re more likely to be exploring the ship or ashore.
Still, if you’re likely to be tucked up in bed a little earlier, stay clear of this part of the ship when choosing your stateroom.
5. Surfside and Central Park Interior Staterooms
These two odd stateroom categories could be a great choice for a lot of people. Personally, I’m not too sure.
Although technically classed as an ‘Interior’ room, they do offer some natural light through a reasonably sized window. They’re also bigger than standard Interior or Spacious Interior Staterooms, so they have that going for them.
But I don’t know how often you’ll want to have your curtains open in these rooms. There is a serious amount of foot traffic walking right past your stateroom window, meaning any sense of privacy is essentially gone.
Interior-facing balcony staterooms also have some privacy issues, since you’re directly opposite someone else, although that’s not as bad. At worst, you’re exposed when enjoying your balcony, or to the room directly across from you.
But the interior rooms that are right at eye-level for anyone walking past in Surfside or Central Park? I’m not a fan.
6. Suites forward and high if you get seasick
Icon of the Seas utilises all kinds of amazing technology, including the very latest in stabilisers.
However, tech can’t do everything, and the ship is utterly massive. So it’s going to rock when it hits rough seas, and there’s no way of preventing that.
The general advice for anyone who suffers from seasickness is to stay in cabins on lower decks, in the middle of the ship. They should ideally have an ocean-facing balcony too, as it can help to have fresh air and a horizon to focus on.
Many of the top suites on Icon of the Seas are situated on Decks 16, 17 and 18, right at the front of the ship. That’s the worst area you could be in if you feel seasick. So if you get it pretty bad, I’d look elsewhere.
7. Rooms with sofa beds if your kids are bigger
Here’s something I didn’t expect to be an issue for a ship this modern, but it’s a comment I saw several times when researching!
Icon of the Seas has moved away from using pull-down Pullman beds for kids, and instead prioritises sofa beds where possible. On many ships that would be preferable, because there’s no risk of children falling out (or, more likely, adults bumping their heads on the bed).
But the sofa beds in many of the staterooms aren’t very big. If you’ve got an older child, or two smaller children who want to share, you might find that it’s a bit uncomfortable for them:
If you’re travelling with older kids, it’s best to look at staterooms or suites that are larger, and have better bed options than these sofa beds. You want to make sure they’re fully rested for all the activities!
The Best Rooms On Icon Of The Seas
The vast majority of cabin options on Icon of the Seas are pretty good. Even if you do get one that’s not ideal, you probably won’t be too upset considering how much time you’ll spend outside of your room.
I’ve picked out some of the new stateroom/suite categories as the best ones. Unsurprisingly, they’re all aimed at families, since the ship is very family-oriented.
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Of all the different balcony cabin options for families, this one’s probably the best, and that’s mainly down to the layout of the room.
As I’ve mentioned, many of the family rooms use smaller sofa beds. However, the Family Infinite Ocean View has a separate bedroom area, with cool bunk beds that each have their own TV. So as long as there’s no arguments about the volume, everyone can watch what they want!
The room also has a split bathroom, which is a huge perk that not many Royal Caribbean staterooms can offer. Having a shower while your children use their own toilet, instead of interrupting you, is a bigger win than it might sound!
These are the best and the most spacious balcony staterooms. You’ll pay a premium compared to other balcony options, but it’s still cheaper than choosing a suite. It’s absolutely worth the extra money if you’re travelling with kids, especially older kids who would struggle on a sofa bed.
Surfside Family Suite (with young children)
The Surfside Family Suite might be an odd choice for one of the ‘best’ rooms, since it is facing the often-noisy Surfside area and only has a sofa bed for children.
But for younger kids, I think it’s great. That sofa bed is in a half-bedroom of its own, which can be partitioned off and has its own huge TV.
If you’re travelling with younger children, you can let them enjoy their own entertainment while you unwind in the spacious main suite area. And again, you have the perks of a split bathroom.
The Surfside Family Suite is a Sky Class suite, which means it’s considered a mid-tier suite. There are many additional extras, including access to The Grove sun deck when the kids are in Adventure Ocean, access to the Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge, and priority dining reservations.
You also get VOOM internet included, which is perfect if your kids prefer to watch their favourite shows on a tablet or phone.
The Family Infinite Balcony is a better choice for older kids. But I’d say the suite perks for parents, and the proximity to Surfside, make this the best choice for young families who aren’t super-rich.
However, if you ARE super-rich…
Ultimate Family Townhouse
The Ultimate Family Townhouse really is the best of the best when it comes to family suite accommodations. The price tag is a serious caveat – expect to pay around £20,000 per person for a week. It really is a suite only for those with a huge amount of money to spend.
It has an amazing location on the aft corner of the ship. There is direct access to the Surfside neighbourhood from its own picket-fenced backyard area, which is super-cute.
It’s a three-storey suite and super-spacious, around 11 times the size of an Interior Stateroom. The perks include separate bedrooms for kids and parents, gaming tables, a karaoke machine, a slide from the upper levels, a piano staircase (that plays notes as you walk up or down it), and much more.
Plus, as a Star Class suite, you get complimentary gratuities, complimentary drinks packages, and your own Royal Genie (essentially a butler).
Sure, most people reading this will never book the Ultimate Family Townhouse. But it’s called ‘Ultimate’ for a reason, so I had to include it.
Icon of the Seas is still a relatively new cruise ship. So the recommendations in this guide are a little broad, and are based on real customer reviews and my investigation of the deck plans.
There might be odd staterooms or suites that have an unusual quirk or issue. These are likely to come to light as more people sail on the ship. If you’ve experienced anything like that, please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list!
Generally, the ship’s accommodations are comfortable and very modern. Most people will have an incredible cruise onboard, with their stateroom often just being used for sleep, showering and getting dressed.
If you want to book a particular cabin on Icon of the Seas, you can check to see if someone has reviewed it already. Here are some of the resources I used to write this guide:
The Grand Princess was the largest cruise ship in the world when she first launched in 1998, although she has of course been surpassed since. Yet the former Princess Cruises flagship remains a popular choice for many cruise passengers.
She is part of the Grand Class of ships for Princess, and also a part of the wider Grand Class of ships that was built for both Princess and P&O Cruises, which includes six other ships still in the Princess fleet.
If you’re considering booking a cruise on the Grand Princess, make sure you read this guide first. Here I’ll tell you about all the different cabin options on-board, and which ones you may wish to avoid, depending on your own preferences for your holiday.
Grand Princess Cabin Types
There are seven main types of accommodation on Grand Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
160 to 182 sq. ft.
Oceanview
2 to 4
163 to 171 sq. ft
Premium Oceanview
2
206 sq. ft
Balcony
2 to 4
232 to 274 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
274 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
323 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 6
319 to 730 sq. ft.
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Grand Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Grand Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Grand Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Grand Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Grand Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Grand Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Grand Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Grand Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
160
IB
4
160
IC
2
160 – 182
ID
2
160
IE
2
160
IF
4
160
Grand Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Grand Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
And if you want a little more floor space, you can choose a Premium Oceanview cabin – they’re around 20% bigger. Also be aware that the OE cabins only have a porthole – these don’t offer a great deal of light or an amazing view, but they are a little cheaper than some other cabins.
Grand Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
O3
Premium Oceanview
2
206
OC
Oceanview
2
163 – 171
OE
Oceanview (Porthole)
2
168
OF
Oceanview
2
163 – 171
OV
Oceanview (Obstructed)
4
168
OW
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
168
OY
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
168
OZ
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
168
Grand Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Grand Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
274
B4
Premium Balcony
4
274
BA
Balcony
4
232
BB
Balcony
4
232
BC
Balcony
4
232
BD
Balcony
3
232 – 274
BE
Balcony
2
232 – 274
BF
Balcony
2
232
Grand Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Grand Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as you would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Grand Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
Complimentary canapes are available on request
Grand Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
323
MB
Mini Suite
4
323
MD
Mini Suite
4
323
ME
Mini Suite
4
323
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Grand Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the suite perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Grand Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Grand Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Grand Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Grand Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S1
Grand Suite
4
730
S2
Owner’s Suite
4
692
S3
Penthouse Suite
4
468 – 473
S4
Penthouse Suite
4
536
S6
Vista Suite
4
484 – 527
S7
Window Suite
3
319 – 341
S8
Family Suite
6
595
Grand Vs. Owner’s Vs. Penthouse Vs. Vista Vs. Window
There are six different types of Suite on the Grand Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
But when comparing the other suites, the best is the Grand Suite. There are two Grand Suites, situated high on the ship on Deck 14 in a mid-ship location, giving them great access to the pools and other facilities on the higher decks. They’re the most spacious suites on the ship with a large, wide balcony.
The two Owner’s Suites are situated on Deck 11, occupying the aft corners. They’re also exceptionally spacious, and have fantastic views across the wake.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Window Suites are on Deck 6 and are situated mid-ship, right next to the casino. They’re the only suites to not have a balcony, but they are much more spacious that other ocean view rooms.
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Special Cabin Types
Grand Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus, the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Grand Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 8 to 10
Vista Suites – Decks 8 to 10
Penthouse Suites – Decks 10 and 11
Owner’s Suites – Deck 11
Technically there are also Oceanview rooms at the aft on Deck 12, but these are those that only have a porthole – you won’t really be able to take advantage of the view over the wake of the ship.
Grand Princess Family Suites
Towards the front of the ship on Deck 9, you’ll find two Family Suites. Each suite is actually listed as two separate rooms on the Grand Princess deck plans but they must be booked together.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus, you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So, if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
What makes this even more interesting is that Grand Princess, unlike many other ships in the fleet, doesn’t have any other connecting cabins. So if you want to share a room with family, then these suites are your only option.
Grand Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There is a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Grand Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 8, 10, 11, 12 and 14
Obstructed Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 to 12
Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
Mini Suites – Deck 9
Window Suite – Deck 6
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Grand Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Grand Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Grand Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Grand Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
A310 to 751
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106,
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Grand Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L201 to 308, A201 to 304 and 618 to 749, B201 to 304 and 618 to 751, C101 to 304 and 618 to 753
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Grand Princess as a couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Grand Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat
D714 and 715, B714 and 715, A316 and 317
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Grand Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going. So maybe consider avoiding these cabins if you can.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
P200 to 201, E100 to 103, C101 to 102, D102 to 105
There are three main staircases on the Grand Princess that go from Deck 5 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View Is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8)or OE (Deck 12)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
Technically the porthole rooms aren’t obstructed, but the view is so limited that I wanted to include it here.
7. Window Suites if You Want a Peaceful Room
F301 to 315
The Window Suites are situated on Deck 6 (Fiesta), adjacent to the casino. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing place to unwind in the evening, it might not be the best location.
The doors leading into the casino are separate from the corridor and situated next to the lift, so you won’t have people walking past your room all the time. But it will still be a bit noisier than some other locations – the casino is a lively place.
If you really want the extra floorspace then they’re worth considering – and they’re great if you intend to spend a lot of time in the casino yourself – but of all the suites they’re definitely the least appealing, even if the cost reflects that.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
A746 to 748, B748 to 751
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The Best Cabins on Grand Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Grand Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Grand Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically the Interior rooms A744 and A745, the Balcony cabins A742 and 743, and the Oceanview cabins A746 to A749.
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on the Grand Princess cruise ship, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself, too. People love to write their own Grand Princess cabin reviews!
You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone in the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.
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Grand Princess Accommodation FAQs
When was Grand Princess last refurbished?
Grand Princess last underwent a refurbishment in March 2019, although she has been updated a few times since she first launched in 1998. The latest refurbishment updated the decor and furnishings, and added new top-deck dining venues and a revamp of the Princess Theater’s audio setup.
What is the oldest Princess Cruises ship?
Grand Princess is the oldest ship in the Princess fleet, first launching in 1998. When she entered service she was the largest cruise ship in the world. She’s undergone multiple refurbishments since then and remains an important ship in the fleet.
How many cabins are on Grand Princess?
Grand Princess has a total of 1,303 cabins, of which 366 are Inside and 937 have either a window or a balcony. There are 37 suites in total on the ship – more than on some other Grand Class ships due to the extra Window and Penthouse suites mid-ship.
What is the sister ship of Grand Princess?
Grand Princess used to have two sister ships – Golden Princess and Star Princess. Both ships have since transferred to P&O Cruises Australia, leaving Grand Princess as the last of the original Grand Class ships for the cruise line.
What is the difference between Balcony and Premium Balcony on Grand Princess?
Premium Balcony cabins are larger than Balcony cabins and are usually situated in better locations, including at the aft of the ship with views over the wake. There are no other benefits beyond the extra floor space and the better location.
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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.
Most cruise ships are part of a single class – a group of ships within a fleet that have the same or similar features, or are built to a certain theme. But the Grand Class is different, as it is a class of ship that was built for both Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises (both being owned by the same parent company), with several sub-classes within it.
One of those is the Crown Class, which consists of the Emerald Princess and two of her sister ships, Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. These three ships are almost identical, offering guests a wonderful cruise holiday with plenty of great features to enjoy.
And there are some wonderful accommodations you can choose from as well, including cabin types to suit any budget. But which ones are the best ones? And arguably more importantly, which are the ones you really want to avoid?
Let’s take a look – I’ve put this guide together based on real reviews, forum threads, and the Emerald Princess deck plans so it has every angle covered.
Emerald Princess Cabin Types
There are six main types of cabin on Emerald Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
162 to 234* sq. ft.
Oceanview
2 to 4
158 to 181 sq. ft
Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 271 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 298 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
323 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
460 to 777 sq. ft.
*Wheelchair-accesible interior rooms are significantly larger than standard ones, which range from 162 to 182 square feet.
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Emerald Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Emerald Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Emerald Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Emerald Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for on-board activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Emerald Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Emerald Princess it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Emerald Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Emerald Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
162
IB
4
162 – 182 (234 for wheelchair accessible)
IC
2
162 – 182
ID
2
162
IE
2
162
IF
4
162
Emerald Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Emerald Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
Emerald Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
OB
4
179
OC
2
179
OE
2
179
OF
2
179
OV – Obstructed
4
179
OW – Obstructed
2
179
OY – Obstructed
2
179
OZ – Obstructed
2
158 – 179
Emerald Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Emerald Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B1
Premium Balcony
4
271
B2
Premium Balcony
4
271
B4
Premium Balcony
4
231 – 298
BA
Balcony
4
231
BB
Balcony
4
231
BC
Balcony
4
231
BD
Balcony
3
231 – 271
BE
Balcony
2
231 – 271
BF
Balcony
2
231
Emerald Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Emerald Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite.
However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Emerald Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
Emerald Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
323
MB
Mini Suite
4
323
MD
Mini Suite
4
323
ME
Mini Suite
4
323
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Emerald Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Emerald Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Emerald Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Emerald Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Emerald Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
687 – 777
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
524 – 531
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
533
S5
Premium Suite
3
568
S6
Vista Suite
3
460 – 495
S8
Family Suite
6
606
Owner’s Vs Penthouse vs Premium vs Vista
There are five different types of Suite on the Emerald Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
But when comparing the other suites, the best is the Owner’s Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corners of the ship, giving you the biggest balcony area and what many believe to be the best view.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing – so bear that in mind.
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Special Cabin Types
Emerald Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Emerald Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space. They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.
This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
If you want to check out where they’re based, you can take a look at the deck plans – there’s a check box that will highlight all the connecting rooms.
On Emerald Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Interior Cabins
Two Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Two Mini Suites
Emerald Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special – the Family Suite. Technically each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Emerald Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Emerald Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 10, 12, 14 and 15
Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 11, 12 and 14
Premium Balcony Cabins – Deck 10
Mini Suites – Deck 9
Penthouse Suite – Deck 14
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Emerald Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Emerald Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Emerald Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Emerald Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
R311 to R525
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L106 and 107, R201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Emerald Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L101 to 311, R201 to 301 and 628 to 751, A201 to 301 and 628 to 751, B201 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
The itinerary will of course make a difference too, but with some of Emerald Princess’ cruises taking place around waters north of San Francisco, and others in Europe around the notorious Bay of Biscay, there is definitely the chance of some choppier waters so it’s worth bearing this in mind.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat
A628, C312, D720, P212
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Emerald Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for P212 as while this is next-door to the laundromat, it is perpendicular and so the machines aren’t all sharing a wall with the room – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
E101 to 104, D103 to 104, C101 to 102, B201 to 204, A201 to 204, R201 to 204
There are three main staircases on the Emerald Princess that go from Decks 7 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), L101 to 104 (Deck 14)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. And equally in the Oceanview cabins at the front of Deck 14, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall, and so you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
R748 to 751, A750 to 753, B748 to 757
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The Best Cabins on Emerald Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Emerald Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Emerald Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically, the Interior rooms R744 and R745, Balcony cabins R746 and R747 (which have slightly extended balconies too) and the Premium Balcony cabins R748 to R751.
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Emerald Princess, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too.
You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences, and they often post their own Emerald Princess cabins photos so you might see exactly what yours looks like!
And I’d also recommend one last look at the Emerald Princess deck plans before you confirm a booking – just make sure you’re happy with your cabin’s location before committing.
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Emerald Princess Accommodation FAQs
When was Emerald Princess last refurbished?
Emerald Princess was refurbished in 2019. While the main focus of the refurbishment was adding some new dining venues to the top deck, some of the décor and fixtures throughout the ship were updated too. All of the Crown-Class ships were refurbished around this time.
How many suites are there on Emerald Princess?
There are 28 Suites on-board Emerald Princess, as well as 178 Mini Suites. The other cabin types include 463 Interior rooms, 218 Oceanview rooms and 682 Balcony rooms, including Premium Balcony. The total number of cabins and suites combined Is 1,542.
Is Emerald Princess a big ship?
Emerald Princess is not one of the biggest ships you can book a cruise on, but with a maximum passenger capacity of 3,080 and 15 public decks, she is definitely a relatively large ship and offers a lot of space for guests to relax and explore.
What’s the difference between Balcony and Premium Balcony on Princess?
There are two main differences between Balcony and Premium Balcony cabins on Emerald Princess. Premium Balcony cabins are larger, and they also tend to be situated in prime locations including at the aft with a view overlooking the wake.
What class of ship is Emerald Princess?
Emerald Princess is a Crown-Class ship along with Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. The three ships are a sub-class of the Grand Class of ships which were built for Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises.
What is the best deck on the Emerald Princess?
The best deck on the Emerald Princess is subjective, but you should choose one with cabins above and below to minimise the noise levels. You can also check the Emerald Princess deck plans to see which cabins are close to your favourite facilities onboard.
Related Posts:
More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides
If you found this interesting, please share!
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Picture this: You’ve saved for months, packed your bags and boarded a fantastic cruise ship, ready to explore the wonders of Europe. But as you step off the gangway at your first port of call, your dreams of cobblestone streets and charming cafes are shattered by a harsher reality.
According to online reviews, European ports such as Le Havre, Naples, Santorini, Marseille and Civitavecchia will set you up for disappointment.
So in this guide, I’ll show you what to do if you find one of the ‘worst ports in Europe’ on your cruise itinerary…
(Yes, you can still have a good time)
What makes cruise ports bad…
Before we set sail on our journey through Europe’s least impressive ports, it’s crucial to understand the common issues that can turn a dream destination into a traveller’s nightmare.
One of the most significant hurdles is the distance between ports and the attractions you’ve come to see. Many European cities grew long before the advent of massive cruise ships, which means the ports are often situated far from city centres. This can lead to lengthy journeys, sometimes up to two hours each way, which significantly cuts into your exploration time.
Overcrowding is another persistent issue, especially during peak tourist seasons. Popular destinations can become overwhelmed with visitors, leading to long queues, packed streets and a less-than-authentic experience.
The seasonality of European travel also plays a role. Some ports transform from charming havens to tourist traps seemingly overnight.
With these challenges in mind, let’s explore some of the European cruise ports that frequently disappoint visitors.
1. Le Havre, France
Le Havre often appears on cruise itineraries as a gateway to Paris, but this port city can be a major letdown for travellers dreaming of the City of Light.
The primary issue is distance. Le Havre is located approximately 125 miles (200 kilometres) from Paris. This makes it an ambitious, if not impossible, day trip for most cruise passengers.
The journey from Le Havre to Paris can take up to three hours each way by train or bus, leaving you with precious little time to actually explore the French capital. By the time you arrive in Paris, you might have just enough time for a rushed selfie at the Eiffel Tower before racing back to your ship.
Le Havre itself, while historically significant, doesn’t offer the quintessential French experience many travellers seek. The city was heavily bombed during World War II, and rebuilt in a modernist style. Although interesting to architecture buffs, it lacks the charm of other French coastal towns.
For those determined to make the most of a stop in Le Havre, consider these alternatives:
Explore the nearby town of Honfleur, known for its picturesque old harbour and artistic heritage.
Visit the D-Day landing beaches and museums, which are much closer than Paris.
Take a shorter trip to Rouen, a beautiful medieval city with impressive Gothic architecture.
2. Naples, Italy
Naples is a city of contrasts. Unfortunately, many cruise visitors encounter more grime than grandeur.
The city boasts incredible history, mouthwatering cuisine and is close to world-renowned sites like Pompeii. But several factors contribute to its reputation as a disappointing cruise port.
One of the most common complaints about Naples is its lack of cleanliness. The city has faced ongoing issues with garbage collection, leading to unsightly piles of trash in some areas. This problem is often exacerbated by strikes, which can leave the city in an even more unkempt state.
Safety concerns also top the list of traveller grievances. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft and scams are common. Many visitors report feeling uncomfortable, due to aggressive street vendors and the general chaos of the city’s bustling streets.
The stark contrast between Naples and other Italian cities, such as Florence or Venice, can be jarring for first-time visitors. The city’s grittiness and frenetic energy are a far cry from the romantic Italian scenes that many envision.
However, Naples isn’t without its redeeming qualities. Here are some ideas to make the most of your visit:
Book a guided tour of Pompeii or Herculaneum, to explore the fascinating ruins of these ancient Roman cities.
Take a boat trip to the stunning island of Capri for breathtaking views and a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you decide to explore Naples, stick to the historic centre and main attractions, and remain vigilant with your belongings.
3. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is often hailed as one of the most beautiful Greek islands, with its iconic white-washed buildings and stunning caldera views. However, its popularity has become its downfall, especially for cruise visitors.
The main issue in Santorini is extreme overcrowding, particularly during the peak summer months. The island’s infrastructure struggles to cope with the influx of tourists, leading to long waits and frustrating experiences.
This is especially evident at the cable car station in Fira, where cruise passengers can queue for hours to ascend or descend the cliff. The alternative is a steep, winding path shared with donkeys, which is not for the faint of heart (or nose). The path can be slippery, smelly and potentially dangerous, especially in the heat of the day.
Oia is a postcard-perfect village famous for its sunset views. But once you get there, you’ll likely find yourself jostling for space among throngs of other tourists, all vying for that perfect Instagram shot.
To mitigate some of these issues:
Consider visiting Santorini in the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October) when crowds are smaller.
Book a private tour or transfer in advance to avoid the cable car queues.
Explore lesser-known villages on the island, such as Pyrgos or Megalochori, for a more authentic experience.
On a recent cruise to Santorini, I enjoyed a catamaran cruise excursion and saw the beauty of Santorini from the shore. It was so much more relaxing!
4. Marseille, France
Marseille, France’s second-largest city and biggest port, often divides opinion among cruise visitors. While some appreciate its gritty style and multicultural vibe, others find it disappointing compared to the more picturesque towns of the French Riviera.
One of the main criticisms of Marseille is its lack of typical French charm. The city’s industrial port area, which greets cruise ships, doesn’t make the best first impression. Some visitors also report feeling unsafe in certain neighbourhoods, although violent crime against tourists is rare.
Marseille’s reputation for being rough around the edges can be off-putting for travellers who expect a more polished Mediterranean experience. The city’s attempts at urban renewal are ongoing, but some areas still feel neglected and unwelcoming to tourists.
To make the most of your visit to Marseille:
Take a boat trip to the stunning Calanques National Park for breathtaking coastal scenery.
Visit the historic Le Panier district for a taste of old Marseille and its artistic side.
Explore the impressive Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM) for a dose of culture and great views.
5. Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi serves as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. However, the port town itself often leaves visitors feeling underwhelmed and overwhelmed at the same time.
The primary complaint about Kusadasi is the aggressive nature of local vendors. Many tourists report feeling harassed by persistent shopkeepers and tour operators, making it difficult to enjoy a stroll through the town. The pressure to buy can be intense, and the quality of merchandise in tourist shops is often subpar.
Another issue is the stark contrast between the modern, touristy Kusadasi and the historical richness of nearby Ephesus. Some visitors claim that the port town lacks authenticity and cultural depth. It just feels a bit, well, fake.
But, if fake is your thing, then you might just love it! On my recent cruise, I purchased three replica football kits for just 10 Euros. Bargain!
To make the most of your stop in Kusadasi:
Focus your visit on Ephesus. Book a guided tour in advance, to avoid hassle at the port and ensure a knowledgeable experience.
If you do shop in Kusadasi, stick to stores that display prices, otherwise, you should be prepared to negotiate firmly but politely.
Consider visiting the nearby town of Selçuk, for a more authentic Turkish experience and additional historical sites.
6. Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Civitavecchia is often marketed as the ‘Port of Rome’, but this can be misleading for cruise passengers. The reality is that Rome is located about 50 miles (80 kilometres) inland, making it a challenging destination for a day trip.
The journey from Civitavecchia to Rome typically takes 60 to 90 minutes each way, depending on traffic and mode of transportation. This means that out of your eight-to-ten-hour port stop, you could spend up to three hours just in transit.
Once in Rome, the sheer number of world-class attractions can be overwhelming for a short visit. Trying to cram the Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain into a few hours often results in a rushed, unsatisfying experience.
To make the most of a Civitavecchia port stop:
If you’re determined to see Rome, book a private tour with skip-the-line access to major attractions.
Consider exploring Civitavecchia itself, which has a charming old town and interesting sites like the Forte Michelangelo.
Take a shorter trip to nearby Tarquinia to see Etruscan tombs or visit the thermal baths at Terme dei Papi.
How to deal with disappointing cruise ports
Even with careful planning, you may find yourself in a port that doesn’t meet your expectations. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of these situations:
Research thoroughly: Before your cruise, read recent reviews and travel blogs about each port to set realistic expectations.
Consider excursions booked through the cruise line: Although often more expensive, these tours guarantee that you’ll make it back to the ship on time. They can provide a more structured experience in challenging ports.
Stay on board: If a port doesn’t appeal to you, use the day to enjoy the ship’s amenities when they’re less crowded.
Seek out hidden gems: Sometimes the best experiences are found off the beaten path. Ask locals for recommendations of lesser-known attractions.
Adjust your mindset: Try to approach each port with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Even less-than-ideal destinations can offer unique cultural insights.
Making the most of your European cruise
Despite the challenges posed by some ports, a European cruise can still be an incredible way to explore the continent. Here are some tips to enhance your overall experience:
Choose your itinerary wisely.
Balance popular destinations with lesser-known ports to avoid cruise fatigue.
Consider cruise lines that spend more time in port or offer overnight stays in key cities.
Travel during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for smaller crowds.
Don’t try to see everything, but focus on quality locations or what appeals to you.
Connect with fellow passengers to share tips and experiences.
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Final word
Embarking on a European cruise is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. Although some ports may disappoint, others are incredible and will undoubtedly blow you away.
By understanding the potential challenges and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your cruise through Europe is filled with more treasured memories than travel regrets.
Remember, the joy of travel often lies in the unexpected discoveries. Think of the stories you’ll tell for years to come – even if those stories include navigating the occasional disappointing port.
On most cruises, you cannot take your pets with you. If they are permitted, they usually have to stay in kennels. But the Villa Vie Odyssey, and her epic three-and-a-half-year itinerary, is no ordinary cruise.
Three years is a long time to be away from home, with many guests planning to stay onboard the Villa Vie Odyssey indefinitely. So it makes sense that some have special permission to sail with their beloved pets in tow.
Holly Hennessy is a Florida resident who has embarked on the cruise with her cat Captain. I spoke to her to learn more about cruising with a cat.
Holly has purchased a cabin on Villa Vie Odyssey, which gives her the option to use it well beyond the initial three and a half years of sailing. It’s expected that the useful life of the ship will be 15 years.
I love ships. I’ve done three word cruises and countless others. My winter home in Florida was a 53′ boat, and it was Captain’s winter home since he was a kitten (he’s 8 now).
After 17 years of owning my boat, I had just grown tired of the headaches and being disappointed by people who maintained her. And the costs of maintaining a private vessel were becoming crazy. So to be on the water when someone else takes care of all those things? Perfect!
A perpetual world cruise in your own cabin really is ideal, esepcially if you want to explore as many countries as possible in luxurious comfort.
Holly admits that Captain, the ‘Cruising Kitty’, had been cramping her travel style and limiting her options. But now Villa Vie Odyssey offers an exciting opportunity to travel the world together:
The few times I did go away and left him in the care of dear friends who knew him well, his normally very social self didn’t love it, and let everyone know. So I was resigned to the fact that my travel had to include him. Villa Vie is the perfect solution. I love ships, and I love Captain. I can have them both!
Captain’s time onboard (and ashore if possible)
Captain was lucky enough to get a peek at his cabin before the much-delayed cruise set sail, but otherwise he spent the time ashore with Holly while they waited for the ship to launch.
Now that the ship is sailing, Captain enjoys free rein within his cabin. There is also a special area outdoors where cat owners are allowed to enjoy their pets in public.
The company hopes for it to be a social spot so those who left their fur babies at home, and crave some love, can come and share. There has been a contingency of cat haters emerge, and some passengers are allergic. All cat owners will be very respectful and stay out of the way of these passengers.
With a balcony cabin, Captain does still get plenty of fresh air. Although when the balcony door is open, he’s kept in his playpen or on a leash to prevent him getting too adventurous!
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Captain won’t be spending much time ashore. There are lots of rules and regulations around bringing animals into other countries. But there is some hope that Captain may get to explore the world a little.
As a private yachtie, I have been a member of a Facebook group called Gatos Del Mar. These are private yachts all over the world cruising with feline crew and they share the hassles in various places. The cruise company will clear us as needed.
Holly made it clear that the cat owners didn’t want to ask for anything that forced the crew to go above and beyond. The fact that cats are allowed onboard at all is definitely seen as enough. However, if she could have anything, there was one feature she would like to make life a little easier for her and Captain:
My wish list would include litter to be for sale at the ship shop so I don’t need to waste precious port time finding litter and having to carry heavy bags of it back to the ship.
There is one other cat on the ship, and some others joining the cruise along the way. So maybe the cat owners can work together on sourcing the litter they need. The cruise line was also going to allow small dogs for the cruise, but that plan had to be cancelled once they purchased the ship, since it does not have the right facilities for dogs.
Getting to the departure port
Before the ship set sail, Holly and Captain had to get to Belfast from Florida. I asked how that went.
Captain has always been a great traveller. We would go between our Florida and Wisconsin homes multiple times of year, both flying and driving.
Holly has some travel tips for anyone who wants to take their cat with them on their next cruise:
Check with your airline multiple times. Policies regarding pets can change at the last minute, and aircraft can vary in terms of under-seat space for pet carriers.
Always check the paperwork needed for travel in advance, and arrange to visit the vet close to departure. It’s important to understand all requirements long before you set off.
Packing light
Packing for any cruise can create a few logistical challenges, never mind a three and a half year itinerary. Thankfully, there’s reliable laundry services onboard! But when you add a cat to the equation, there are a few extra things to think about.
With the UK not allowing pets in flight cabins, Holly flew to Dublin instead, and then took a specialist pet taxi to get to Belfast. She was able to use this wisely:
He was kind enough to let me have all the things a cat needs shipped to his home, so Captain had a litter box, litter, and a scratch pad waiting for him. I do that in the States when we’re flying somewhere he hasn’t been. Hotels are usually very good about holding packages.
Cats, in Holly’s words, are just more portable than dogs. So once you can arrange the associated paraphernalia, it’s relatively easy.
Food is a different matter though, especially with a fussy eater. Captain only eats two types of dry food along with some wet food, so Holly packed as much as she could (with a kind guest bringing back another bag from the US). The ship was originally scheduled to return to the US, but that changed, meaning a re-think was needed:
We are not going to the east coast of the US as originally planned, so I ordered multiple large bags of food to pick up in the Caribbean. Thank goodness for Walmart.com.
Other tips and advice for cruising with a cat
Holly admits that she doesn’t know the full list of challenges she’ll face when sailing with Captain. It’s a question that can be answered as the cruise unfolds.
There is a retired vet tech onboard who has offered to help in case of emergencies, and vets will be visiting the ship for vaccinations as needed too.
I am a tiny bit concerned about really rough seas, which are bound to happen. The last slip I had my cat in was quite bouncy, so he’s had a taste, but big swells will be a new thing for him. Vet says he can have tiny amounts of Dramamine if it comes to that.
Cruising with pets is still a very limited market. You can bring your pets across the Atlantic with Cunard on the Queen Mary 2, but they must remain in the kennels onboard.
Holly has tried to find alternative options too…
I once saw a golden retriever in a Viking commercial, but when I asked, they said no pets. Because I have cruised so much, I have top or near top status with most major cruise lines, and the answer was still no pets.
And when I asked Holly what she was most excited about with this cruise, her answer was touching:
Just the fact that I can live how I have always wanted to live and he can be with me.
The Villa Vie Odyssey has now finally set sail, but not every guest is staying onboard for the whole three-years-plus itinerary, and there are cabins available.
So, if you’d like to try a cruise with your cat, why not get in touch with Villa Vie and see if you can join Holly and Captain on their shared odyssey?
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.
You know that feeling at the end of a cruise where you’re sad that you have to get back to everyday life…
Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry about that feeling ever again? Can you live on a cruise ship permanently?
It’s actually not as far-fetched a thought as you might think. In this guide, I’ll take you through all the options for living on a cruise ship. You’ll learn how much it costs, and what you’d need to think about if you wanted to try it.
Can You Live Permanently on a Cruise Ship?
It is possible to live on a cruise ship and there are several cruise lines that allow you to purchase an apartment onboard. Alternatively, you could book a series of short cruises on a mainstream cruise line.
It’s better to choose a cruise ship designed for long-term living than one from a mainstream cruise line. Logistically, booking back-to-back cruises with a standard cruise line is often not possible and you may have to change rooms regularly or even switch ships.
Cruise Ships You Can Live On Permanently
Technically you could live on any cruise ship, but it might not be possible. Cruises don’t always sell out, but the most popular staterooms and cabins book up far in advance. You would have to constantly look at booking cruises to make sure you have somewhere to stay.
Let’s look at your options in a little more detail…
Traditional Cruises
You can book yourself onto a traditional cruise ship for the long term. You would need to book each itinerary, one after the other.
If you wanted the same cabin on every cruise, it’s wise to make sure that you’re first in line when bookings open. That’s the only way to make sure you can secure the same room for the long term. Otherwise, someone could book your room and essentially kick you out.
Cruises are available to book around 18 to 24 months in advance, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Moving cabins might not be the end of the world – but it would be a lot easier if you didn’t have to pack and unpack at the start of every new itinerary.
Note: Some cruise lines might make you leave the ship and re-board between itineraries
World Cruises
The easiest way to enjoy living on a cruise ship for the long term would be to look for world cruises. These itineraries can last a long time. Some of the longest run for six months, but three months is more common.
However, don’t expect world cruises to run back-to-back. Typically a cruise ship that is offering a world cruise will go back to offering more regular sailings for the rest of the year, so you would need to keep booking new cruises every time.
These cruises are often expensive too, so the cost of booking world cruises as frequently as possible may not be something you can afford to do.
I was keen to see what a world cruise ship was like, and I managed to book myself a place on board just for the first two days. You can see what the ship was like in my video…
Ship-Hopping
Another option is to ship-hop every few weeks. This may work out cheaper, especially on some cruise lines that offer cheap nightly rates and one-way repositioning cruises.
You should bear in mind how much work would be involved in constantly booking your next cruise, plus the added stress of worrying about whether you’d miss your chance and end up without a cabin.
It can be done though. One person who’s doing just that is Fraser from the YouTube channel Fraser At Sea. Check out this video where he announced his plans to live on cruise ships in 2023:
I’ve taken cruises that cost as little as £40 ($50) per night with all meals included. So if you’re savvy, living on cruise ships can be pretty cheap.
Below you can see examples of some of the best cruise deals available right now…
Cruise Ships Designed For Permanent Living
Arguably the better way to live on a cruise ship is to choose one that’s designed for permanent living.
There aren’t too many of these in existence, but there are some ships that are planned with full-time living in mind, removing all of the worry about making sure you stay booked onto the ship.
Here are the ships that are designed for full-time living:
Ship name
Operated By
Year of Launch
The World
Residences at Sea
2002
Victoria Majestic
Victoria Cruise Line
2024
Somnio
Somnio Superyachts
2024
Villa Vie Residences
Villa Vie
2024
MS Utopia
Utopia Residences
2025
MV Narrative
Storyline Cruises
2025
Njord
Ocean Residences
2025
MS Dark Island
Clydebuilt Dark Island Residences
2026
It’s important to note that these are all planned launch dates. Already some have been pushed back – MS Utopia was originally scheduled for 2023. If you’re interested in living on a cruise ship, you probably need to be flexible on your start year, as plans can change.
1. The World
Me with The World cruise ship in Piraeus, Greece
The World is the largest private residential ship on the planet with 165 residences. It has 106 two- and three-bedroom apartments, 19 one- and two-bedroom studio apartments and 40 studios.
Instead of booking individual cruises, people purchase one of the residences on the ship and are then free to use it as and when they want. Some people live on the ship full-time while others come and go, using it as a vacation home or an alternative to owning a yacht.
The World tries to distance itself in some ways from comparisons to a traditional cruise ship, but there are a lot of similarities, including in the onboard experience.
Take a look at this video to see what you can expect from life on board…
The ship features guest speakers, musicians, and cultural performances to entertain guests, similar to those which would feature on traditional luxury world cruises.
Daytime activities are available too, with two swimming pools as well as a tennis court, and a gym offering exercise classes like yoga and cardio. This is good, considering there are six gourmet restaurants on the ship!
The residences also have their own kitchens, and there’s a grocery store on the ship, if you want to cook for yourself.
The World has a spa, just like you would find on a cruise ship. So really, the experience is very comparable to a typical cruise ship – the only difference is that you have your own kitchen area and that you’re able to stay on the ship long term.
Although, one more difference is the option to host guests. You own your residence and so you’re able to welcome guests onto the ship if you wish.
The ship isn’t particularly family-friendly – kids are welcome, but there isn’t much for them to do. Understandably, the ship is primarily aimed at a mature audience as it’s likely to be retirees who wish to live on a cruise ship.
But that doesn’t mean your family won’t want to visit every now and then, and they will be permitted onto the ship to say hello, although you may be charged if they use some of the facilities, including the restaurants.
2. MS Utopia
Utopia is a planned luxury residential ocean liner project costing $1.1 billion that was originally ordered all the way back in 2009 by Utopia Residences.
The ship has had the launch date regularly pushed back, with the latest launch date announced as 2025. Everything has since gone a little quiet, so there are no guarantees that this project will actually reach completion.
The ship’s yearly itinerary includes stops at some of the world’s most premier events, such as Wimbledon in London, Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Running of the Bulls in Spain, and Cannes Film Festival in France.
If it does go ahead as planned, Utopia will have 190 residences and will also feature a 175-room hotel, casino, 16,000-square-foot spa, nightclub, and many other amenities typical of large-scale commercial cruise ships.
3. Victoria Majestic
The former ms Veendam for Holland America Line, Victoria Majestic has now been turned into a residential ship and will soon set sail with Victoria Cruises.
Billed as the “world’s first affordable residential ship”, she doesn’t allow guests to purchase a room, but instead lease one on a long-term basis.
The longer you rent a cabin, the higher a discount you’ll get. For example, an Inside Cabin typically costs $8,000 per month (with a $10,000 refundable deposit), but if you book one of the longest leases for 37 months, you’ll get a 40% discount, meaning you’ll pay $4,800 per month. And that’s for two people – $2,400 per person, per month is a pretty great deal for living on a ship!
The ship will offer plenty of onboard facilities to keep guests entertained, and WiFi access means that you could work remotely from the ship if you’re able to.
The planned itinerary for the ship sees her sail from the US around the Caribbean and then down around South America, back up to the west coast of the US before crossing the Pacific to Asia, then onto Africa and a comprehensive tour of Europe for her first 212 days.
4. Somnio
Not a lot is known about Somnio – the superyacht is still cloaked in mystery, and details are only available to those invited to apply for a residence onboard. It’s that kind of exclusive.
But here’s what we do know…
There are just 39 residential apartments on this exquisite vessel, each of which is customisable to fit the needs of the buyer. Prices are believed to start from around $11 million, with maintenance fees payable on top of that to the tune of around $100,000 or more.
For the money, you get use of the aft deck – the main hub of the yacht where you can enjoy a large lap pool, two spa pools and various bars and seating areas. Watersports equipment is also available, along with boats if you want to go fishing or diving.
The ship will sail a leisurely itinerary, cruising the world slowly to allow guests more time to explore in port (and to be more environmentally friendly, burning less fuel at slower speeds).
5. Villa Vie Residences
Villa Vie Residences is another new live-on-board world cruise option that has an interesting offering. You can choose to own a cabin, or you can just craft your own world cruise by paying for a cabin like you normally would on a ship, for your chosen segment of the cruise.
And that cruise is epic – it’s a planned 3.5 year journey that will visit over 420 ports in 147 continents across all seven continents. And it’ll continue running this cruise in perpetuity, so once it completes the first navigation, it all begins again.
If you choose to own a cabin, prices start from just $99,999, although there is then a monthly fee you need to pay on top of that. However, you can welcome guests to your cabin and only pay the daily port fees and gratuities for them ($33 per day), and what’s cool is you can rent out your cabin when you aren’t on the ship – making your money back.
Otherwise, if you prefer the Voyagers Program, it works like any other cruise. Prices start at $89 per person, per night and there are a range of itinerary options from 35 days up to 120 days, with the option to combine any that you like.
The cruise is all-inclusive with beer and wine served at meals, complimentary healthcare, free high-speed WiFi, selected free excursions, and free laundry.
And even with the monthly fees, it’s one of the best-value options for living on a cruise ship full time.
MV Narrative is a contemporary superyacht offering a luxury residential community at sea. Belonging to Storylines, it’s a more affordable choice than some of the other ships you can live on, with the cheapest residences starting at $875,000.
It’s also much larger, with 547 residences available and 18 decks.
You also have the option of leasing a residence on the yacht, if you can’t afford to buy one outright. This means you can pay yearly fees at a much more reasonable five-figure sum, but the downside is that once your 12- or 24-year lease is finished, you don’t own the residence.
It’s a very beautiful yacht with lots of relaxing places to unwind. There are three swimming pools, along with a mammoth 20 restaurants to choose from. You can also borrow from the 10,000 books in the library, or enjoy a drink brewed in the ship’s own microbrewery.
Everything’s included with MV Narrative, including laundry services, high-speed WiFi, premium satellite TV and even regular wellness visits with the onboard doctors and nutritionists, so you can make sure you stay fit and healthy while enjoying your life at sea.
If you have children, it’s by far the best option. There’s a ‘worldschooling’ program with onboard teachers offering hands-on learning through field trips, tutoring, classes and clubs.
Njord by Ocean Residences is a planned superyacht due to launch in 2025, with a wide variety of luxury residences that you can buy.
Studios on the yacht range from two to six bedrooms, so you can really splash out on a luxury pad for entertaining guests if you want to. The biggest suites are 9,000 square feet – consider how an average interior room on a cruise ship is around 130 square feet, and you get the picture.
Everything about this yacht will be extremely luxurious, including hand-picked furnishings, high-end appliances from Gaggenau and integrated smart-home tech throughout.
The yacht has seven onboard restaurants, an extensive spa and fitness suite, its own concierge hospital and medical centre, a cinema, a games room, arts and craft studios, and even a kids club should you wish to bring the family. There are two pools including an aft infinity pool.
Suites on the Njord start from $8.5 million so this is definitely a yacht aimed at the super-rich.
8. MS Dark Island
Dark Island is another residential cruise ship which is planned to be built by 2026.
The ship offers adventurous itineraries, visiting destinations around the world, with lectures, forums, discussions and field trips by leading academics preceding the destinations and expeditions.
There are 101 ultra-luxurious suites to choose from, each with a balcony and a choice of one, two or three bedrooms.
The Dark Island is built to minimise its impact on the environment, with a focus on sustainability and green initiatives.
The Three-Year World Cruise
There was one more option – and this was designed as a middle option between traditional cruising and residential cruising. That’s the ultra-long-term world cruise option announced by Life At Sea Cruises.
However, just as the ship was due to launch on her three-year itinerary in November 2023, the company cancelled the cruise after revealing they had not been able to secure a suitable ship.Read about the cancellation here.
The company had originally announced a three-year itinerary on their ship MV Gemini, with all-inclusive fares starting at $29,999 per person, per year. At the time, this looked like one of the most affordable long-term options for anyone interested in living on a cruise ship.
But then there were challenges about whether the ship was seaworthy, and so a second ship was sought. But with a deal lined up, the cruise line didn’t pay for the AIDAaura when it came up for sale, and instead it was purchased by Celestyal Cruises.
The cruise was due to set sail on 1st November 2023 and visit 135 countries until late 2026, covering 130,000 miles.
Guests had already travelled to Istanbul for the departure, and are now facing a wait for refunds. The company has promised to repay guests but using monthly installments, which suggests the money may have been spent – hopefully everyone gets their money back.
How Much It Costs To Live on A Cruise Ship
The cost of buying an apartment on a residential cruise ship is between $1 million and $14 million. There are also annual fees of between $60,000 and $300,000 to pay. In theory, you could cruise on traditional cruise ships for around $35,000 per year, if you choose a basic cruise.
There’s no getting away from the fact that residential cruise ships are expensive. That’s because they’re more like luxury ships, and they’re very exclusive. Plus you’re buying an asset, which can be sold on at a later date.
It’s difficult to compare costs directly since ships include different levels of service within their fares, plus you don’t know how long you’re going to want to live on a cruise ship.
But for the sake of comparison, let’s look at the estimated costs of living aboard three residential cruise ships, three traditional cruise lines and the new three-year world cruise.
Table comparing the cost of living on cruise ships for 10 years
Type
Cruise line/ship
Purchase price
Cruise Fare / Fees (10 years)
Taxes (10 years)
Tips (10 years)
Drinks (10 years)
Estimated WiFi cost
Total cost for 10 years (for 2 people)
Asset value after 10 years
Cheap cruise
Carnival
n/a
$156,000
$127,750
$52,925
$219,000
$70,000
$1,251,340
$0
Mainstream cruise
Royal Caribbean
n/a
$360,000
$58,400
$56,300
$325,000
$66,000
$1,731,400
$0
Luxury cruise
Regent Seven Seas
n/a
$2,190,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$4,380,000
$0
Residential
MS The World
$3,000,000
$1,000,000*
Included
Included
Included
Included
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
Residential
Somnio
$11,000,000
$1,000,000*
Included
Included
Included
Included
$12,000,000
$11,000,000
Residential
Villa Vie
$99,999
$419,880
Included
Included
Included
Included
$519,879
$99,999
Residential (lease)
Victoria Majestic
$10,000 deposit
$576,000
Included
Included
Included
Included
$606,000
$30,000
Residential
MV Narrative
$1,000,000
$650,000
Included
Included
Included
Included
$1,650,000
$1,000,000
Notes about the data
It’s difficult to compare costs directly since ships include different levels of service within their fares, plus you don’t know how long you’re going to want to live on a cruise ship. You can’t really compare the price of owning a residential place on a ship to cruising for just one year. If you’re looking to buy a place on one of the residential ships, you’ll probably be looking to use it for the long term.
With that in mind, I’ve used 10 years as a guideline, comparing the price of buying a room on a residential ship for 10 years, against the cost of booking traditional cruises for the same time period.
The costs for each option is based on the cheapest accommodation using reported figures.
For the Carnival price, I have used a typical 4-day cruise and included the cost of the Cheers drinks package and the premium WiFi packages.
For Regent Seven Seas I’ve based the price on a typical 10-day cruise. Drinks, WiFi, tips and taxes are included as standard.
Where I’ve placed an asterisk for annual costs – these aren’t published by Residences at Sea or Somnio Superyachts, so I’ve used the best estimate I can find.
How To Live On a Cruise Ship Cheaply
The cheapest way to live on a cruise ship would be to choose Life At Sea’s Three Year World cruise. They have the cheapest fares for long-term living, starting at $29,999 per person, per year and including everything you need.
You can even pay monthly if you prefer, with financing options starting at $5,227 per month – a figure that may be within reach for many digital nomads.
With Life at Seas, you get:
Free family & friend visits
Medical consultations during your cruise
Access to a Business Center onboard
Alcohol served with dinner
All port fees and taxes
High-speed internet
Laundry and housekeeping
All entertainment and enrichment seminars
If you would rather stick to a traditional cruise line, you can still keep prices low, but remember you’ll be booking cruises regularly, and you would need to avoid paying for many extras on the ship. You’ll also want to look at cruising with the cheapest cruise lines in the world, such as Carnival or MSC Cruises.
When you’re booking a Carnival cruise, the cheapest fare you can get will be one where you only pay for the cruise itself and the necessary extras – the port fees, taxes and gratuities.
And trust me, while it is possible to opt out of gratuities, you definitely don’t want to do that when you’re living on a cruise ship!
If you cruised in this way – choosing an inside cabin, eating only in the free restaurants and sticking to the free drinks you get on the ship (water, juices, basic tea and coffee at breakfast) then you could possibly cruise for around $35,000 per year.
This would mean you’d have no internet access and you would have to pay for any other drinks separately, but you would be able to enjoy the free accommodation, days at port, and the included daytime and evening entertainment on the ship, along with meals in the main dining restaurant, the buffet and any other included venues on the ship.
Life at Sea’s three-year cruise remains cheaper, and you get more included, but it depends on whether you like the idea of cruising with a more established mainstream cruise line or taking a punt on something new.
How To Live On A Cruise Ship For Free
The absolute cheapest way to live on a cruise ship is to work on one – although it probably isn’t what you had in mind when you thought about living on a cruise ship!
It’s the cheapest option because you’d actually be making money – and your room and food would be free. But you would be working six or seven days a week with only very rare days off, and often for long hours.
In some cases, senior officers, including the ship’s captain and cruise director, may be allowed to have their families staying on the ship with them. It isn’t really standard practice, and most officers live on the ships alone, but if you really wanted to live on a cruise ship for free, then try convincing your partner to take up a career as a ship’s senior officer and then see what the cruise line can do for you!
Comparing The Cost of Cruise Ship Living With Other Options
A cruise ship offers a number of perks over regular living, the main one being that you get to see the world. Living on a cruise ship means travelling all across the globe, experiencing new cultures and thrilling experiences.
But how does the cost compare to regular living?
Is it cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in a house?
It costs a similar amount to live on a cruise ship as it does in a house. In the UK, the average cost of living is £2,200 per month, equal to around $2,650, and in the US the average cost is $3,200. You can live on a cruise ship for around $2,500-$3,000 per month.
Surprising, right? The average cost of living stats for the UK and for the US include typical rent payments, the cost of food, transport and entertainment, so we’re looking at very comparable rates. The UK’s cost of living makes it being cheaper than the average cruise, while the US is slightly more expensive.
Again, these are average costs for the countries. If we just look at the most expensive places to live, then London becomes £3,200 a month, or $3,800, while New York is approximately $5,100. So living on a cruise ship could actually work out cheaper!
Is it cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in a nursing home?
It is usually cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in a nursing home. The UK average cost for living in a care home is £3,550 per month ($4,250), while the US average is much higher at $7,900 per month. It is possible to live on a cruise ship from $2,500 per month.
Of course, if you need to live in a care home, there’s a good chance you need a carer. If that carer’s responsibilities aren’t specialised – if a family member is capable of taking care of you – then you just need to pay for a second person to join you on a cruise.
But that can still work out to be cheaper than paying for a care home.
Accommodation option
Monthly cost for 1 person plus carer
Nursing Home in UK
$4,250
Nursing Home in US
$7,900
3-Year World Cruise (Life At Sea)
$5,000
Mainstream Cruise (Carnival)
$5,800
Luxury Cruise (Regent)
$36,500
So, if you don’t need any specialist medical care and have someone in mind who would like to travel the world with you, then paying for the two of you to live on a cruise ship could work out cheaper than living in a care home.
However, one thing that you’ll certainly need to factor in is travel insurance and medical costs. Travel insurance for such a trip could be very costly indeed, and it is mandatory.
Cruise ships do have doctors, but visits to the onboard medical centre can be very costly indeed, and for any serious medical issues, you would need to visit a hospital on land.
The People Who Live On Cruise Ships
What we’ve gathered from this guide is that financially, it is viable to live on a cruise ship, although you need to plan your cruise carefully.
But is it actually an option, or are we being fanciful?
I’ve looked into some real-life examples of people who have lived on cruise ships, and there are some notable examples that prove it is a lifestyle within reach.
1. Lee Wachtstetter
Lee Wachtstetter was an American author who began living on cruise ships back in 2005, choosing Holland America Line’s MS Prinsendam as her ship of choice. She moved in 2008 to Crystal Serenity, and I love the reason why – it’s because Holland America stopped providing dancing partners.
Wachtstetter remained on Crystal Serenity until 2018 when she apparently had to return to land due to ill health. She’s published a book about her experiences, called I May Be Homeless, But You Should See My Yacht.
2. Morton Jablin
Morton Jablin, affectionately nicknamed ‘Captain’, is another long-term cruise passenger. As of 2018, when Jablin was 94 years old, he had spent 13 years living on Seven Seas Navigator, enjoying a life of luxury.
3. Mario Salcedo
Perhaps the most famous case is of Mario Salcedo, nicknamed Super Mario. Mario has lived continuously on Royal Caribbean ships since 2000, with an average of 15 days a year spent on land to handle life admin. He did live on land for 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic too.
Salcedo isn’t a retiree – he works on the ship, managing investments for various high-worth individuals. And he isn’t tied to a single ship – at the end of his cruises he will return to his condo in Miami for a few hours, before embarking on his next voyage, often flying to a different port to meet the ship.
Things To Consider When Living On A Cruise Ship
Here are some of the things you’ll need to consider when you’re living on a cruise ship.
1. Tax
There are two main things to mention when considering tax on your cruise.
Firstly, every cruise you take has taxes that need to be paid. On residential cruise ships or long-term world cruises, these are incorporated into the cost, but if you choose to book traditional cruises back-to-back, the taxes and fees may be separate – so be careful when you’re budgeting.
The second tax consideration is if you decide to work while you cruise. Even if you cruise on a ship permanently, you’ll still need to have a home country of residence, and you’ll need to obey the tax laws for that country.
However, there are often exclusions if you spend less than a set number of days residing in the country, so it’s worth checking your local tax laws and speaking to your accountant for advice.
As an example, in the UK you usually only pay tax if you live in the country for more than half the year. So, by living on a cruise ship permanently, you may not have to pay tax at all.
In theory, you could get a work-from-home job and work on a cruise ship, and potentially save yourself tax money by not being permanently based in your home country! And if you’re a high earner, it could even be more cost-effective to work at sea since the cost of the cruise fare may be less than the tax you save.
Especially when you consider that your cruise fare includes your room and food – maybe this is something I need to think about?
Just be careful, though because you may also be paying other benefits at home that you could miss out on if living on a ship. For example, in the UK, if you don’t make National Insurance payments, you won’t get the full state pension later in life.
2. Insurance
Normal travel insurance isn’t going to cover you if you decide to live on a cruise ship. Travel insurance policies count on the fact that medical cover is a rarity when you travel for 2-3 weeks of the year.
You’ll need to look into long-term health insurance, so that you have cover should anything go wrong while you’re sailing, and this is likely to be significantly more expensive than regular travel insurance.
3. Health
Speaking of health, you’ll need to consider how you’re going to stay healthy while living on a cruise ship. Cruise ships generally have a doctor onboard but visits to see them are costly, and they don’t offer most dental treatments.
It would be better to have the option of returning to land on a semi-regular basis to see a doctor and dentist, where prices will be lower.
If you intend to eat in the cruise ship restaurants, remember that they are aimed at vacation guests, and so meals will be richer and higher in calories than a regular diet may be. You might need to be careful with your meal choices, and you’ll want to make sure you visit the gym regularly, or find other ways to stay active.
You probably shouldn’t eat this for breakfast every day!
4. Mail
A minor consideration, but if you sail on a cruise ship, receiving mail isn’t as easy as it would be at home. It is possible for someone to write to you at a cruise port via the port agency, but this requires you to reach an agreement for them to hold your mail.
It may be better to have a post box somewhere that you visit regularly – essentially, set up a home port where you can visit medical services and pick up any mail that you need.
FAQs About Living On A Cruise Ship
Is there a cruise ship you can live on?
There are several cruise ships designed for permanent living. The World is the only one sailing currently but more are coming soon – though you need to be flexible on dates, as launches are often postponed.
How much does it cost to live on a cruise ship for a month?
Living on a cruise ship costs between $2,800 and $6,000 per month for most mainstream cruise lines, including drinks packages and WiFi. Luxury cruise lines can cost more, up to $40,000 per month for a typical suite.
How much does it cost to retire and live on a cruise ship?
You can retire and live on a cruise ship from $2,500 per month, if you choose world cruise itineraries on the cheapest ship options. Choosing other long-term residential cruises, or back-to-back cruises that include drinks and internet access, can cost a lot more than this.
The Bottom Line
That’s a lot of information, but considering how we’re talking about as big a decision as living your life on a cruise ship, there’s always going to be a ton of information you need.
Is it realistic? Yes, it clearly is since others have done it, but it’s not something you can do without having some decent savings.
You’ll need at least $3,000 a month on most cruises, often more, and that’s per person – if you want to live solo then costs may be inflated as well, so bear that in mind.
The best option is to choose one of the specialist cruises aimed at residential guests – such as the MV Narrative from Storylines. These offer the comfort of a long-term solution, while being more affordable than the ultra-luxury MS The World.
It’s definitely a tempting way of living out your retirement, with the chance to be cooked for and pampered while being whisked around the world. Are you considering it?
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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.
Considering booking a cruise on Sapphire Princess? She’s a fantastic ship, part of the Gem Class for Princess that forms a part of the larger Grand Class overall, and she has plenty of great places to eat, relax and have fun.
She also has some fantastic accommodation choices too – though some rooms are definitely better than others. There aren’t any ‘bad’ cabins to pick from, but depending on the location and the cost, some may be better suited to you than others.
So to help explore, let’s take a look at the various types of accommodation you can book on Sapphire Princess, and identify which ones are the best and which ones you might prefer to avoid when you are planning your cruise.
I’ve spent time pouring over the Sapphire Princess deck plans to help identify the best and worst cabins, and looked at reviews and forum posts from past guests too.
Sapphire Princess Cabin Types
There are seven main types of rooms on Sapphire Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
168 to 182 sq. ft.
Oceanview
2 to 4
183 sq. ft
Premium Oceanview
2
200 sq. ft
Balcony
2 to 4
237 to 277 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
237 to 277 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
354 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
525 to 1,329 sq. ft.
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Sapphire Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Sapphire Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Sapphire Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Sapphire Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for on-board activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair accessible interior cabins on Sapphire Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Sapphire Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Sapphire Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Sapphire Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
168
IB
4
168 – 182
IC
2
168 – 182
ID
2
168
IE
2
168
IF
4
168
Sapphire Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Sapphire Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
And if you want a little more floor space, you can choose a Premium Oceanview cabin – they’re around 10% bigger.
Sapphire Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
O5
Premium Oceanview
2
200
OC
Oceanview
2
183
OF
Oceanview
2
183
OV
Oceanview (Obstructed)
4
183
OW
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
OY
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
OZ
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
Sapphire Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Sapphire Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
277
B4
Premium Balcony
4
237 – 277
BA
Balcony
4
237
BB
Balcony
4
237
BC
Balcony
4
237
BD
Balcony
3
237 – 277
BE
Balcony
2
237 – 277
BF
Balcony
2
237
Sapphire Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Sapphire Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Sapphire Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
Sapphire Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
354
MB
Mini Suite
4
354
MD
Mini Suite
4
354
ME
Mini Suite
4
354
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Sapphire Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Sapphire Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Sapphire Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Sapphire Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Sapphire Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S1
Grand Suite
4
1,329
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
692
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
525 – 572
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
555
S5
Premium Suite
3
705
S6
Vista Suite
3
525 – 548
S8
Family Suite
6
618
Grand Vs. Owner’s Vs. Penthouse Vs. Premium Vs. Vista
There are six different types of Suites on the Sapphire Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
But when comparing the other suites, the best is the Grand Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corner of the ship, giving you the biggest balcony area and what many believe to be the best view. It also has multiple seating areas and is great for hosting.
The Owner’s Suite is situated on the same deck as the Grand Suite, but in the opposite corner. It is still exceptionally spacious and is maybe a better choice if you aren’t likely to have people visiting your room.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing – so bear that in mind.
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Special Cabin Types
Sapphire Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Sapphire Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space. They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them. This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
On Sapphire Princess, there are a few choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Obstructed Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Sapphire Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special – the Family Suite. Technically each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Sapphire Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Sapphire Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 8, 10, 12 and 14
Obstructed Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 10-12
Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 and 12
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Sapphire Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Sapphire Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Sapphire Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Sapphire Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
A310 to 751
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L200 and 201, A104 and 201, B104 and 107, C104 and 107, D104 and 105,
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Sapphire Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L200 to 311, A104 to 301 and 628 to 751, B100 to 301 and 628 to 757, C100 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Sapphire Princess as a couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Sapphire Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundromat
D226 and D229, C610 and C611, B708 and B711
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Sapphire Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
P200 to 201, E100 to 103, C101 to 102, D102 to 105
There are three main staircases on the Sapphire Princess that go from Deck 5 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in. It’s best to check the deck plans and find a cabin surrounded by other cabins in all directions if you want the least noise.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View Is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), C100 to 103, 105 to 106 and 109 (Deck 10), B100 to 103, 105 (Deck 11)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. And equally in the Oceanview cabins at the front of Decks 10 and 11, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall, and so you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
A744, 746, 749 and 751, B750, 751 and 753
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The Best Cabins on Sapphire Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Sapphire Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Sapphire Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically the Interior rooms A740 and R745, the Balcony cabins A752 and 747, and the Premium Balcony cabins A746 and A751 (which have slightly extended balconies too).
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Sapphire Princess, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too – people love writing their Sapphire Princess cabin reviews in a lot of detail!
You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone in the group will normally be happy to tell you about their own experiences, and many people take their own photos of their Sapphire Princess rooms too, so you can see what your specific room will look like.
And I’d recommend you check out the Sapphire Princess deck plan for yourself too – it’s always worth checking just before you confirm your booking, to make sure it’s in a good location.
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Sapphire Princess Accommodation FAQs
When was the Sapphire Princess last refurbished?
Sapphire Princess was last refurbished in March 2018, when a couple of new dining venues were added to the ship along with upgrades to the beds in the rooms and other décor and furnishing improvements.
What class of ship is Sapphire Princess?
Sapphire Princess is considered part of two different classes. Alongside her sister ship Diamond Princess she makes up the Gem Class, which is part of a larger Grand Class which spans both Princess and P&O Cruises.
How many pools does Sapphire Princess have?
Sapphire Princess has four swimming pools, including the Calypso Reef and Pool, which has a retractable roof meaning you can enjoy it even when the weather isn’t ideal. There are also numerous hot tubs across the ship and in the spa.
How many passengers does Sapphire Princess hold?
Sapphire Princess has a maximum capacity of 2,670 passengers and 1,100 crew, for a total capacity of 3,770. There are over 1,300 cabins and suites for passengers, most of which have either an ocean view or a balcony.
How many decks does Sapphire Princess have?
There are 13 passenger decks on Sapphire Princess, and 3 decks that are accessible to crew members only. Passenger decks range from Deck 4 to Deck 17, with no Deck 13 due to superstition.
What is the best deck on Sapphire Princess?
There’s no simple answer on what the best deck is on Sapphire Princess – it depends on your preference. Try to book a deck that has cabins above and below for the least noise, or check the Sapphire Princess deck plan to find a room near the facilities you’ll use most.
Related Posts:
More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Caribbean Princess stands as the lone ship in Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Class, a sub-class of the Grand Class of ship built for both Princess and P&O. She first launched in 2004 and was a modification of the original Grand Princess design, with an extra deck to accommodate more passengers.
This also meant a shuffle around in the types of cabins that were offered – more were needed for the extra capacity, but different types of stateroom were added to this ship too, giving guests a wealth of choice for their cabin.
I’ve looked through the Princess Cruises Facebook groups and cruise forums to find the best and worst rooms on the ship, and spent a while poring over the Caribbean Princess deck plans too. None of the cabins are outright bad, but depending on your preferences some will be more suitable than others, mainly based on the location.
Let’s take a look at the best and worst cabins on Caribbean Princess.
Caribbean Princess Cabin Types
There are six main types of cabin on Caribbean Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
162 to 234 sq. ft.
Oceanview
2 to 4
158 to 181 sq. ft
Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 271 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
231 to 298 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
323 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
319 to 777 sq. ft.
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Caribbean Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Caribbean Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Caribbean Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Caribbean Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for on-board activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Caribbean Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults so long as you’re not too heavy.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Caribbean Princess it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Caribbean Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Caribbean Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
162
IB
4
162 – 182
IC
2
162 – 182
ID
2
162
IE
2
162
IF
4
162
Caribbean Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Caribbean Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
Caribbean Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
OC
2
179
OE (Porthole)
2
179
OF
2
179
OV – Obstructed
4
179
OW – Obstructed
2
179
OY – Obstructed
2
179
OZ – Obstructed
2
158 – 179
Caribbean Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Caribbean Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B1
Premium Balcony
4
271
B2
Premium Balcony
4
271
B4
Premium Balcony
4
240 – 298
BA
Balcony
4
231
BB
Balcony
4
231
BC
Balcony
4
231
BD
Balcony
3
231 – 271
BE
Balcony
2
231 – 271
BF
Balcony
2
231
Caribbean Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Caribbean Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Caribbean Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
Caribbean Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
323
MB
Mini Suite
4
323
MD
Mini Suite
4
323
ME
Mini Suite
4
323
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Caribbean Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Caribbean Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Caribbean Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Caribbean Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Caribbean Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S1
Grand Suite
3
1,277
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
687
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
524 – 531
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
533
S5
Premium Suite
3
568
S6
Vista Suite
3
460 – 495
S7
Window Suite
3
319 – 341
S8
Family Suite
6
606
Grand Vs. Owner’s Vs. Penthouse Vs. Premium Vs. Vista Vs. Window
There are sevendifferent types of Suite on the Caribbean Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
Caribbean Princess is the only ship in the Grand Class for Princess Cruises to have all types of suite – the others are either missing Grand Suites, Premium Suites or Window Suites. You get the most choice when you book on Caribbean Princess.
But when comparing the suites, the best is the Grand Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corner of the ship, giving you the biggest balcony area and what many believe to be the best view.
Also sharing a similar view is the Owner’s Suite, in the opposite aft corner on Deck 12. It’s almost half the size though, but still the second most spacious accommodation you can enjoy on the ship.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing – so bear that in mind.
Vista Suites are smaller suites that are also located on multiple decks at the aft of the ship, so while they don’t offer the most space, they do have a great view.
The cheapest suite you can choose is the S7 Window Suite. These are on a low deck, and as the name suggests they don’t have a balcony, but they have a window instead.
They offer a nice view, but really the reason you’d choose this suite is if you want the perks of being a suite customer but you don’t have the budget for a larger room further up the ship.
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Special Cabin Types
Caribbean Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Caribbean Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space. They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them. This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
On Caribbean Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Interior Cabins
Two Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Two Mini Suites
Caribbean Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special – the Family Suite. Technically each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Caribbean Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Caribbean Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15
Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 10, 11, 12 and 14
Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 and 11
Window Suite – Deck 6
Vista Suite – Deck 10
Penthouse Suite – Deck 10
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Caribbean Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Caribbean Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Caribbean Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Caribbean Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
R311 to R525
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship
L106 and 107, R201 and 202, A201 and 202, B201 and 202, C101 and 102, D105 and 106
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Caribbean Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L101 to 311, R201 to 301 and 628 to 751, A201 to 301 and 628 to 751, B201 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Caribbean Princess as a couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Caribbean Princess altogether but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundry
A628, C312, D720, P212
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Caribbean Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for P212 as while this is next door to the laundromat, it is perpendicular and so the machines aren’t all sharing a wall with the room – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
E101 to 104, D103 to 104, C101 to 102, B201 to 204, A201 to 204, R201 to 204
There are three main staircases on the Caribbean Princess that go from Decks 7 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a View is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), L101 to 104 (Deck 14)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. And equally, in the Oceanview cabins at the front of Deck 14, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall, and so you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it. You can see the cabins on the deck plans – just check the box for connecting rooms and they’ll be highlighted.
8. Aft Cabins if You Don’t Want to Risk Soot
R748 to 751, A750 to 753, B748 to 757
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’lll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
9. Window Suites if You Want a Peaceful Room
F301 to 315
The Window Suites are situated on Deck 6 (Fiesta), adjacent to the casino. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing place to unwind in the evening, it might not be the best location.
The doors leading into the casino are separate from the corridor and situated next to the lift, so you won’t have people walking past your room all the time. But it will still be a bit noisier than some other locations – the casino is a lively place.
If you really want the extra floorspace then they’re worth considering – and they’re great if you intend to spend a lot of time in the casino yourself – but of all the suites they’re definitely the least appealing, even if the cost reflects that.
The Best Cabins on Caribbean Princess
1. Family Suites
The two family suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Caribbean Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Caribbean Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms Adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically the Interior rooms R744 and R745, Balcony cabin R746 (which has a slightly extended balcony too) and the Oceanview cabins R747 to R750.
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
Of these rooms, I would maybe avoid the Oceanview ones – those porthole views aren’t great.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too. You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.
They often post their own Caribbean Princess cabin photos, so you might be able to check a specific photo of your room.
And I’d always recommend one last check of the Caribbean Princess deck plan before confirming a booking – it’s good to just make sure you’ve picked a good location.
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Caribbean Princess Accommodation FAQs
When was Caribbean Princess last refurbished?
Caribbean Princess was last refurbished in May of 2019, which completed the upgrade to the Grand Class ships in the fleet. She received some new dining venues, along with a re-imagined Reef Splash Zone and upgraded staterooms.
How many cabins does Caribbean Princess have?
Caribbean Princess has 1,569 cabins in total, with 1,111 of those having either a window or a balcony. The ship has a total passenger capacity of 3,080 and carries a crew of 1,200.
What class is Caribbean Princess?
Caribbean Princess is part of the Grand Class along with six other ships, although it also is classified as a Caribbean Class ship as a sub-class. It’s the only Caribbean Class ship sailing in the Princess fleet.
Is Caribbean Princess a MedallionClass ship?
Yes, Caribbean Princess is a MedallionClass ship. All Princess Cruises ships have received the MedallionClass upgrades, which allows guests to use their medallion as their room key, or to add purchases to their account, or track their travelling party around the ship.
What is the best deck on Caribbean Princess?
There’s no single answer – the best deck depends on your preferences. Decks 9 to 12 have only cabins above and below them, which tends to make for less noise. Higher decks will have a better view, but are also worse if you tend to get seasick. Check the Caribbean Princess deck plans to find cabins near your favourite facilities.
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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.
