Royal Caribbean Cabins to Avoid

When you’re excitedly planning your cruise trip and imagining yourself relaxing in luxurious rooms. It’s important to know about all Royal Caribbean cabins. There may not be such a thing as a bad room on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.  

The important thing is to find the one that fits your preferences. There are many options available, from simple interior cabins to fancy suites with ocean views. 

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of onboard activities or prefer to be near all the action, knowing which Royal Caribbean Cabins to Avoid can save you from potential disappointment during your voyage. 

Before you go on your next cruise, let’s look at some Royal Caribbean Cabins you should avoid having a smooth and enjoyable trip. 

Royal Caribbean Cabins to Avoid 

Taking that into consideration, here are some Royal Caribbean Cabins to Avoid before making reservations for your upcoming cruise. 

Promenade View Cabins

Royal Caribbean ships have a cool feature called the Royal Promenade. It’s a big open-air area in the middle of the ship. You can find Royal Promenade on Freedom Class, Voyager Class, and Oasis Class ships. You can find bars and restaurants there, and it’s a busy spot on the ship. 

The promenade has staterooms with windows facing it. These rooms are classified as interior rooms but still offer a view of the promenade. You can see all the activity and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s not the same as an ocean view, but it can be fun. 

These windows are not one-way, so if you are on the lower deck people can see into your room as much as you can see out. So, it’s important to keep the blinds closed for privacy.

Make sure to always close the curtains when changing or getting comfortable in your pajamas. This is why some people do not prefer Promenade view rooms. 

The Royal Promenade is lively until late at night. The promenade rooms have some soundproofing but not perfect. If you like to sleep early or want peace and quiet, you should avoid the Promenade view rooms. 

Noisy Cabins

Like I said earlier, Royal Caribbean ships always have something fun going on, including into the later hours. If you’re a night owl this is great, but if you’re someone who likes to sleep early to start the next day of adventures, then there are certain locations you should look to avoid.  

All Royal Caribbean ships have a theater, so don’t pick rooms right above it. Also, stay away from rooms above or below bars because they’re loud. You might want to book a room near all the action, thinking it’ll be fun to be close to nightlife and shows.

But choosing a cabin far from noisy places like bars and clubs could be good if you want peace and quiet at night. 

People who often go to Playmakers Sports Bar say it’s a bustling spot. They mention that happy customers sometimes start singing after it closes. If you don’t like the idea of people singing you to sleep, it might be wise to seek out a different spot. 

Every Royal Caribbean ship is unique and different, so I can’t suggest specific rooms to avoid for all ships. If you look at each ship deck plans, you’ll find bars and theaters location on different decks. This way, you can figure out which rooms are near them and choose a cabin away from those areas. 

Cabins Directly Below the Lido Deck   

Choosing a room right under the Lido Deck might not be as peaceful as you think. Although these rooms are close to the pool, making it easy to go for a swim, there’s a downside many people don’t think about early morning noise.

Instead of noise from late-night parties, you might wake up to the sounds of staff getting the deck ready for the day. They move sun loungers and prepare for water activities, and these noises can disturb your sleep.  

People also move the loungers to find the perfect spot by the pool. Unfortunately, the wooden floors make the scraping noise loud in the rooms below.  

If you wake up early, don’t worry. If you want to sleep in, choose a room with cabins above and below it. 

Cabins Far from the Elevators 

Sometimes it’s best to choose a cabin far from the elevators on a cruise ship. It can significantly enhance your overall cruise experience and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. It’s because the elevator itself is not loud, it is the chatter of people gathering near elevator at all hours that can disturb your peace at night.  

I think booking a room far from the elevators can quickly turn into a hassle, especially if you have young children in tow. Having a room near the elevators makes it easy to get back to your cabin after late-night fun. 

Trying to walk through dark hallways with tired kids is not a good way to end a fun evening on the ship. Choosing a cabin near the elevators means you can quickly go back to your room without any extra trouble. Your kids will be happy to have a short walk to bed after a day of adventures at sea. 

Some ships only have one set of elevators to reach your room, making it hard to move around the middle of the ship. This can be very inconvenient. For example, some ships have a Royal Promenade with staterooms on Deck 9 that require a long walk to reach your room. 

Before you confirm your reservation, carefully check the deck layouts and the route to the elevators. 

Cabins With Tiny Portholes 

Choosing the right cabin for your cruise is important for a comfortable and fun trip. If you don’t want to spend a lot on a Balcony room but feel too closed in an Interior room, an Oceanview room is a good choice. It may not have big views of a balcony, but it gives natural light and sea views that can make your trip better. 

Some Royal Caribbean ships have rooms with big windows, while others have portholes. The portholes may seem small, but they are quite large, usually a few feet wide. 

Some rooms have smaller portholes, which is unexpected. It is frustrating that Royal Caribbean does not say which rooms have these small portholes, even though they cost the same as rooms with larger ones. 

Luckily, these small portholes cabin is on Deck 2 of some ships that have these cabins. So, if you want to choose an Oceanview room with a porthole, just avoid Deck 2 and you’ll be fine. 

Cabins that might make Seasickness Worse 

One important factor in avoiding seasickness on a cruise is choosing the right room. Most people may not experience seasickness, certain rooms can worsen the symptoms for those who are prone to it.  

For example, cabins located at the front or back of the ship tend to feel more motion due to their proximity to the engine and rudder. Rooms on lower decks may also experience more rocking and rolling sensations during rough waters. 

Guests who get seasick should pick rooms in the middle of the ship. These rooms help reduce the feeling of movement, especially when the sea is rough. Choosing a room in the middle of a middle deck can give travelers a smoother sailing experience without sacrificing comfort. 

Obstructed View Cabins 

When you book a room on a Royal Caribbean ship, you might be tempted by the Outside or Balcony cabins. But not all rooms have the same view. Some cabins may have blocked views because of lifeboats or other structures, that’s why they are called obstructed view cabins. In Royal Caribbean Cruises it’s not just lifeboats that may block your view of the ocean. 

On ships like the Freedom-class and Voyager-class, some rooms at the back on lower floors have a view partly blocked by a metal structure around the deck. This blocked view means you can’t see clearly – you must look through gaps to see parts of the ship’s wake. 

It’s disappointing when the back of the ship doesn’t have a good view, as it’s supposed to be one of the best views on a cruise ship. It’s even more disappointing that these balconies aren’t labeled as having a blocked view. If you didn’t read this guide, you might have booked them thinking you’d get a better view than you actually will. 

If you are willing to tolerate a partially obstructed view due to a lifeboat, opting for an obstructed view stateroom can lead to cost savings. But avoid booking aft balconies on decks 6, 7, and 8 of Freedom- and Voyager-class ships because there is no benefit to staying in them. 

Connecting Cabins when not needed 

Connecting rooms can be a good option for large groups or families traveling together. But they may not work well for solo travelers or small groups. These rooms have locked doors between them, but the sound insulation is not great. This can lead to privacy and noise issues.

The proximity can make it hard to relax and have peace and quiet, with noise from snoring or conversations in the next room. 

To avoid issues, don’t book an interconnecting stateroom. You can easily identify them on the deck plans by looking for the rooms with double-headed arrows. 

Vibrating Cabins Due to the Propellers 

Deck 2 on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships offers a unique experience for those looking for budget-friendly accommodations. 

The cabins near the ship’s propellers might seem appealing at first glance, it’s crucial to consider the potential drawbacks that come with it. The rhythmic throb and vibrations generated by the propellers can be quite noticeable within these cabins, causing discomfort to some passengers. 

Some guests have mentioned experiencing this subtle but distinct hum and vibration during their stay. Upon arrival at the port, the ship may produce some noise from its propellers and anchor, typically during the early hours of the morning.  

The vibrating cabins due to the propellers can be a source of discomfort for many air travelers. For some individuals, this constant hum and gentle vibration serve as a calming backdrop amidst the chaos of air travel. 

Studio Staterooms  

When you travel alone on a cruise, you might have to pay an extra fee called a single supplement. This fee makes up for the money the cruise line loses when there’s only one person in a room instead of two. The supplement is usually the same as the regular fare, so solo travelers end up paying the same as couples.  

Another option is to book a single room, like Royal Caribbean’s Studios, which are smaller and have one twin bed. Studios can be expensive, but sometimes it’s cheaper to book a double room for just one person. This way, you can earn loyalty points for both fares and have more choices in where your room is located. 

Balcony Cabins Near the Bridge 

Certain individuals suggest staying away from balconies that are visible from the bridge. I don’t think it’s a big deal because I assume crew members have more important things to do than looking at guests’ balconies.  

On certain Royal Caribbean Class Ships like Quantum-class ships, passengers can go to a space above the bridge. 

Balcony Cabins in Winter 

When planning a winter cruise through Europe, the appeal of a balcony cabin may seem exciting at first. Seasoned cruisers know that during the colder months, balconies are often underutilized due to the chilly weather and limited outdoor time.  

This is why many cruise lines offer free balcony upgrades in the winter season – recognizing that guests are more likely to enjoy and make use of an indoor cabin with cozy amenities and entertainment options. 

Expensive Suites If You Won’t Make the Most of Them 

The Royal Suite Class on Royal Caribbean ships is expensive but offers luxurious and exclusive amenities. These suites have top-notch features, personalized service, and access to exclusive areas on the ship.

Travelers looking for a unique experience and willing to spend more of their vacation will find the Royal Suite Class meets all their needs. 

Potential guests should think about whether they will really use the expensive suites. If you won’t spend much time in your cabin or use the extra perks, it might be better to choose a less fancy room.

If you plan to leave early and come back late, it’s best to save money by switching to a simpler room that is still spacious but without extra perks you don’t need. 

Before booking an expensive suite, consider your travel style and preferences to make sure you’re getting value for your money and enjoying your cruise. 

Guarantee Cabins 

We suggest not completely avoiding guarantee cabins if you want an upgrade, but it’s smart to think about opting out to ensure a more comfortable stay. Guarantee cabins are not a specific type of cabin but a way to reserve one.  

You pick a potential upgrade by choosing the lowest category that fits your preferences, and the cruise line assigns your cabin closer to departure based on availability. The possibility of an upgrade is appealing, especially for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible with their accommodation.  

There is a risk of getting less desirable locations like near noisy areas or below entertainment venues. If you’re willing to take the chance, remember that there won’t be any way to complain if you end up with a cabin that doesn’t meet your expectations. 

Odyssey of the Seas Cabins to Avoid 

Following are the few Odyssey of the Seas Cabins to Avoid: 

• Obstructed View Rooms 
• Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Royal Theatre (3146, 3149, 3546, 3549) 
• Cabins away from Elevators 
• Deck 11 Forward Rooms Without Kids (11118 to 11160, 11518 to 11560) 
• Expensive Suites 
• Deck 12 and Deck 13 rooms if you know you suffer badly from motion sickness. 
• Deck 13 Rooms 

You can check the Odyssey of the Seas deck plans here.

Wonder of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Following are the few Wonder of the Seas Cabins you should Avoid:

• Internal Balcony Staterooms (oasis class along with some others in the fleet) 
• Expensive Suites 
• Decks 12 and 14 some rooms that might be bad for Seasickness 
• Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them 
• Deck 14 staterooms 14162 to 14240, and 14562 to 14640 below lido deck can be noisy 
• Deck 6 staterooms 6130 to 6160 and 6530 to 6560 above royale theatre 
• Deck 7 staterooms 7270 to 7334 directly above the Playmakers Bar 

You can check the Wonder of the Seas deck plans here.

Liberty of the Seas Rooms to Avoid

Following are the few Liberty of the Seas Cabins you should Avoid: 

• Cabins towards the aft of Deck 2, Most cabins on Deck 3, Deck 6 cabins above the Star Lounge, Cabins towards the aft of Deck 6, Most cabins on Deck 10: These are noisy cabins 
• Promenade View cabins on Deck 6 with less privacy 
• Aft-facing cabins on Decks 6, 7 & 8 with obstructed views 
• Certain cabins on Deck 2 with tiny portholes 
• All the cabins on Deck 12, 10 that cause seasickness 
• All cabins on Deck 3 with awkward location 

You can check the Liberty of the Seas deck plans here.

Allure of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Following are the few Allure of the Seas Cabins to Avoid:

• Internal Balcony Staterooms 
• Mega Expensive Suites 
• higher deck towards the bow (front) and aft (rear) of the ship to avoid seasickness 
• Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them 
• Cabins Beneath the Pools (Deck 14 staterooms 14162 to 14240, and 14562 to 14640) 
• Cabins Above the Royal Theatre (Deck 6 staterooms 6130 to 6160 and 6530 to 6560) 
• Rooms Above Playmakers (Deck 7 staterooms 7270 to 7334) 

You can check the Allure of the Seas deck plans here.

Radiance of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Following are the few Radiance of the Seas Cabins you should Avoid 

• Balcony Cabins 7050 to 7090, 7550 to 7590, 7110 to 7150, 7610 to 7650 have obstructed view. 
• Cabins: 1028 to 1052, 1528 to 1552 below the Pool Deck 
• Most of Deck 7 cabins Above the Theatre & Bars 
• A Loud Owner’s Suite 1054 

You can check the Radiance of the seas deck plans here.

Independence of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Following are the few Independence of the Seas Cabins you should Avoid 

• Towards the aft of Deck 2, Most cabins on Deck 3, Deck 6 cabins above the Star Lounge, Cabins towards the aft of Deck 6, Most cabins on Deck 10, Interior and Ocean View cabins on Deck 11: These are nosy cabins 
• All cabins on Decks 11 & 12, Aft cabins on Deck 10 are worst cabins for seasickness 
• Certain cabins on Deck 2 with tiny portholes 
• Cabins with Less Privacy such as Promenade View cabins on Deck 6.
• Aft-facing cabins on Decks 6, 7 & 8 with obstructed view 
• All cabins on Deck 3 with awkward location 

You can check the Independence of the Seas deck plans here.

Symphony of the seas Cabins to Avoid

Following are the few Symphony of the Seas Cabins you should Avoid: 

• Inside-facing balcony rooms face other cabins, so you might need to keep curtains closed for privacy. 
• Expensive suites, like the Ultimate Family Suite cost $20,000 per person per week. They’re nice but may not be worth it if you spend most of your time outside the room. 
• Some rooms on higher decks like Decks 12 and 14 might be bad for seasickness. 
• Connecting cabins have thinner walls, so avoid these if not booking both rooms. 
• Avoid rooms 14162 to 14240 and 14562 to 14640 (under pool), 6130 to 6160 and 6530 to 6560 (above theater), and 7270 to 7334 (above Playmakers bar).

Voyager of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Following are the few Voyagers of the Seas Cabins you should Avoid:  

• Noisy cabins include 2330 to 2358 and 2630 to 2658 (near engines), 2240 (by theater), 3540 and 3240 (next to bathrooms), 3600 to 3616 (under Tavern bar), and 6575 to 6597 odd numbers (above R Bar). 
• Cabins 1248 to 1305 and 1548 to 1605 are under pool areas and may hear chair noises in the morning. 
• Rooms 9465 to 9479 odd numbers are very far from elevators, about 500 feet away. 
• Aft cabins and suites have partly blocked views due to ship design. 
• Avoid cabins with connecting doors if you want just one room, as they’re less soundproof than walls. 

FAQs – Royal Caribbean Cabins to Avoid 2024