Which Caribbean Princess Cabins to AVOID

The Caribbean Princess is a popular cruise ship. It sails to many exciting destinations. Choosing the right cabin matters a great deal for your vacation. A bad cabin can spoil your trip. This guide will help you spot and avoid the least desirable cabins on the Caribbean Princess. These rooms often suffer from noise, bad views, or uncomfortable locations. We will explore each deck and cabin type to give you the facts you need. Your goal is to secure a quiet, well-located, and enjoyable room. This information will save you from major disappointment later.

Understanding the Caribbean Princess Ship’s Layout

Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises

The Caribbean Princess is a large ship. It has 15 passe nger decks. The layout is important when you pick a room. Noise travels easily on a ship. Cabins near public areas suffer the most. Public areas include theaters, dining rooms, and pools. Knowing what is above and below your cabin is key to peace.

The ship has four main cabin types. These are Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite. Each type has good and bad locations. The main decks with cabins are the Riviera Deck (Deck 12) down to the Plaza Deck (Deck 5). Some cabins are also on the Aloha (12), Baja (11), Caribe (10), Dolphin (9), Emerald (8), and Lido (14) Decks.

Caribbean Princess Cabins to Avoid Near Major Noise Sources : The Worst Offenders 

Noise is the number one complaint for cruise ship cabins. Loud sounds from public areas often keep passengers awake. You must check the deck plans carefully before booking.

The Plaza Deck (Deck 5) Problems

The Plaza Deck holds many cabins. It is directly below the ship’s main dining room. The biggest noise problems happen here.

Cabins below the International Dining Room

The central and forward sections of Deck 5 sit right under the International Dining Room. This is an active place. Crew members start setting up and cleaning very early in the morning, sometimes before 5:00 AM. They scrape chairs and drop cutlery. This noise echoes right into the cabins below. Passengers in cabins P300 through P340 and P600 through P640 often report this problem. Oceanview cabins in this area are very risky.

Cabins near the Atrium

The Atrium is the busy central hub of the ship. It has a coffee shop, a bar, and often hosts live music. Cabins on Deck 5 close to the Atrium can get noise from events. These events sometimes last late into the night. Look for cabins near the central stairwell and elevators on Deck 5. These are the loudest.

The Lido Deck (Deck 14) and Aloha Deck (Deck 12) Noise

These decks are known for pools and casual dining. This means noise from activity.

Cabins below the Lido Pool Deck

Lido Deck cabins are directly below the main pool area. Noise comes from sunbathers, deck chairs scraping, and the pool filtration systems. Early morning cleaning and setup also create noise. This affects cabins L200 through L350 and L600 through L700. It is a constant issue with the Lido Deck.

Cabins on Aloha Deck (Deck 12) Below Public Areas

The Aloha Deck is a cabin deck. It has cabin decks above it for the most part. However, some sections on Deck 12 sit below the aft pool and bar areas. These cabins get late-night noise from people congregating. Look for the last few cabins on the aft section of the Aloha Deck. They are more likely to have late-night sound issues.

Dolphin Deck (Deck 9) Under the Galley

The Dolphin Deck has many desirable balcony cabins. A small section, however, is directly under a galley, or kitchen. Kitchen noise, especially the sound of dishwashing and trolleys, can be very disruptive. Check the deck plans for the very forward section of the Dolphin Deck. Cabins D100 through D120 are sometimes affected by kitchen noise from above.

Cabins with Bad Views or Obstructions

You pay extra for an Oceanview or Balcony cabin. A blocked view ruins the experience. Obstructions can come with the ship's structure or lifeboats view that can spoil your cruise mood.

Lifeboat Obstructions

Most Princess ships have lifeboats that block the view from some cabins. These cabins are often cheaper for a reason.

Emerald Deck (Deck 8) Oceanview and Balcony Cabins

This deck has the most view problems. Lifeboats and tenders are right outside many balconies and Oceanview windows. The lifeboats sit on the deck below. They stick up and block the direct view of the sea. They look like a large white box right in front of your room.

Fully Obstructed Cabins

Some cabins on the Emerald Deck have a view that is almost completely blocked. They are generally near the middle of the ship. Examples include E300 to E320 and E600 to E620. You will see more lifeboats than water.

Partially Obstructed Cabins

Many other Emerald Deck cabins are listed as "partially obstructed." This means the lifeboats take up a lower part of your view. You can see the horizon, but looking down reveals a metal top. These are often better than fully blocked rooms, but still frustrating. Look closely at the deck plan notes for the letter 'O' which stands for obstructed.

Balconies with Steel Fronts

Some balcony cabins do not have clear glass railings. They have solid steel railings instead. You cannot see the ocean when you sit down. You must stand up to see the water.

Cabins on Dolphin Deck (Deck 9) and Caribe Deck (Deck 10)

These decks have some balconies with steel fronts. These are often more affordable balcony rooms. They are called "Aft facing" or sometimes listed simply as "Balcony." They are usually on the stern of the ship. Verify the railing type before booking. A steel front takes away the pleasure of relaxing on the balcony and watching the waves.

Forward and Aft Corner Cabins

The cabins at the very front (forward) or very back (aft) corners of the ship often have strange balcony layouts.

Forward-facing Balconies

These are on the very front of the ship. They offer a unique view. They also have solid windbreaks on the sides for safety. These windbreaks can make the balcony feel very closed in. They also get much more wind and sea spray. The Riviera Deck (Deck 12) forward cabins have this issue.

Aft Corner Balconies

These offer huge balconies. They also suffer from a severe wind tunnel effect when the ship moves fast. This makes the large space hard to use on sea days. The corner location also makes them a long walk from the elevators.

Cabins with Location Issues

Location is about more than just noise. It is about how far you must walk and how much you feel when the ship moves.

Far Forward and Far Aft Cabins

The cabins at the extreme ends of the ship are the worst for walking and motion.

Motion Sickness

The ship's bow and stern move the most in rough seas. Passengers prone to seasickness should avoid the extreme forward and aft cabins. Central cabins, near the middle of the ship, feel the movement the least. This is true for all decks. A cabin near the middle is a safer bet for a smooth ride.

The Long Walk

The Caribbean Princess is a long ship. Cabins at the very front or very back mean a very long walk every day. You must walk to the dining rooms, pools, and shows. This walk adds up over a week. If you have mobility issues, these locations are very bad choices. For example, a cabin at the far forward end of the Dolphin Deck is a five to ten minute walk to the main dining room at the ship's stern.

Cabins Near Elevators and Laundromats

Convenience can sometimes mean noise. Cabins located directly next to the central elevator banks and stairwells are very noisy.

Elevator Noise

Cabins next to the elevator lobby get noise from people talking and waiting. The sound of the elevator bell and the "ping" when the doors open travel easily. Passengers should look for cabins at least three doors away from the elevators.

Laundromat Noise

The Caribbean Princess has self-service laundromats on several cabin decks. These are small, but the sound of washing machines and dryers can bother nearby cabins. They also have heavy foot traffic from people doing laundry. Avoid cabins immediately next to a laundromat. Check the deck plans for the small, square icons that mark the laundromats.

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Specific Problem Decks and Cabins

Let us break down the worst sections by deck.

Riviera Deck (Deck 12)

This deck has a mostly nosiy cabins. It is right below the Lido Deck. Noise from the pools and decks above is a real threat.

Worst Riviera Cabins

Cabins near the middle of the ship on Deck 12 are directly under the Lido Deck chairs and loungers. Avoid the area under the main pool. This includes cabins R300 through R350 and R600 through R700. The noise can be scraping or a thudding sound.

Baja Deck (Deck 11), Caribe Deck (Deck 10), and Dolphin Deck (Deck 9)

These are the best decks for balconies. They generally have cabins both above and below. This creates a good noise buffer.

Aft Dolphin Deck Balconies

Dolphin Deck balconies are uncovered. This is a plus for sun lovers. It is a minus if you want privacy. People on the decks above can see down onto your balcony. Cabins D700 to D730 have this visibility issue.

Aft Caribe Deck Balconies

Caribe Deck balconies are larger. They are half covered and half uncovered. This is a good design. The only downside is the potential for smoking odors. If people smoke on their uncovered balcony below, the smoke drifts up.

Emerald Deck (Deck 8)

The Emerald Deck is the most problematic for balcony views. It is where all lifeboats hang.

All Balcony Cabins on Emerald Deck

Assume your view will be partially blocked. If you want a clear view of the water, book Deck 9 (Dolphin) or higher. Do not choose an Emerald Deck balcony unless the price difference is very big. The lower price reflects the bad view.

Plaza Deck (Deck 5)

This deck is the most important to avoid due to dining room noise.

Center and Forward Plaza Cabins

Avoid all cabins from P200 to P700. This entire section is below the International Dining Room and the Atrium. Interior cabins here suffer the same noise as Oceanview cabins.

Interior Cabins to Avoid

Interior cabins are often quieter because they are inside the ship. However, they are still vulnerable to noise from hallways and crew areas.

Interior Cabins Opposite Crew Areas

Some interior cabins face a crew service door or utility closet. These are usually unmarked on the deck plan. Crew noise, cart rattling, and doors slamming can happen late at night or early morning. Try to find an interior cabin that is surrounded only by other cabins.

Tips for Better Booking Caribbean Princess Cabins

You can reduce your risk with some smart booking habits. If you're sailing with Princess Cruises, follow these steps to help you secure a better cabin.

Study the Deck Plans Closely

Do not just look at your deck. Look at the deck immediately above and immediately below your chosen room.

• Look for Buffers: The best cabins have cabins above them and cabins below them. A layer of other cabins acts like a thick blanket against sound. This is the "cabins above, cabins below" rule.
• Identify Public Spaces: Public areas are often shown with colored shading or specific icons. A large, open space on the deck above means a potential restaurant, bar, or pool. Avoid these areas.

Book a Mid-Ship Cabin

A cabin in the middle of the ship is the best choice for several reasons.

• Less Motion: You will feel less ship movement. This is great if you get seasick.
• Equal Distance: You will have a shorter walk to almost everything on the ship. The middle area is the central hub.

Pay Attention to Price Differences

If one balcony cabin is much cheaper than all the others on the same deck, it is cheaper for a reason. The reason is usually a bad view or a bad location. Ask your travel agent or check the specific room number on cruise forums. Other passengers often post about specific problem cabins.

Look for Aft-Facing Suites and Balconies

The cabins at the very back of the ship, called Aft cabins, would be excellent. They offer a unique wake view. The noise level can be lower because they are away from the main public decks. The best Aft cabins are usually on the Baja Deck (Deck 11) or Caribe Deck (Deck 10). They are often bigger and special treats. They are worth the long walk.

Most Avoiding Caribbean Princess Cabins

To sum up the cabins to avoid on the Caribbean Princess, use this simple checklist.

• Avoid Deck 5 (Plaza): Noise from dining rooms above.
• Avoid Deck 8 (Emerald): Lifeboat views block the scenery from balconies.
• Avoid Cabins at the far Forward and far Aft: Too much movement and too long of a daily walk.
• Avoid Cabins directly under the Pools or Lido Deck: Noise from chair scraping and early morning cleaning. This affects Riviera Deck (Deck 12) cabins.
• Avoid Cabins next to Elevator Banks or Laundromats: Too much traffic and noise from people.

Cruises are a major investment. Spend a little time with the deck plans before you book your room. Booking a cabin in a quiet, central location will ensure you have the best possible vacation. A good cabin is the foundation of a great cruise.