Emerald Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ popular mid-size ships, built for travelers who want a calm cruise to feel with many dining spots, pools, shows, and quiet corners. The ship carries over 3000 guests and sails on routes like Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and transatlantic trips. It has 19 decks, with passenger cabins spread across several of them. While many rooms feel fine for most travelers, some cabin locations can lead to noise, motion, or layout problems that can spoil sleep and peace during the trip.
This guide focuses only on Emerald Princess cabins to avoid and explains why certain deck numbers and room locations cause trouble. We’re not guessing or repeating myths. These issues come from real layout problems like crew areas, public spaces, lifeboats, and heavy foot traffic zones. Knowing this before booking helps avoid stress and makes the cruise feel smoother from day one.
Why Cabin Location Matters on Emerald Princess
Cabin choice plays a big role in how your cruise feels. Even a well-designed ship like Emerald Princess has spots where noise, movement, or blocked views become daily annoyances. Some cabins sit under busy decks, others near service doors, and some face structural blocks that ruin outside views. These things don’t show clearly during booking, so many guests only find out after boarding.
Rooms near theaters, kitchens, pools, or walkways hear sound early in the morning and late at night. Lower deck cabins can feel more ship movement, while some mid-deck rooms face hallway traffic that never seems to stop. Once you know which decks and room numbers bring about these issues, booking becomes much simpler and safer.
Deck 15 Sun Deck Cabins to Avoid
Deck 15 sounds like a dream because you are so close to the pools and the buffet. In reality, it can be a loud place to stay. These rooms sit right under the open decks where crew members move heavy lounge chairs early in the morning.
- Noise from Above: Cabins like S101 through S107 are directly under the Sanctuary or the Spa. You might hear footsteps or equipment moving at odd hours.
- High Foot Traffic: Since this deck leads straight to the pools, people are constantly walking past your door. If you value privacy and a quiet hallway, this deck might frustrate you.
- Proximity to the Youth Center: Some rooms on this deck are near the areas where kids and teens hang out. If you aren't traveling with children, the extra energy in the halls might be a bit much for you.
Deck 14 Riviera Deck Cabins to Avoid
Riviera Deck is a favorite for many because it offers quick access to the Lido Deck food and fun. But that convenience comes with a trade-off.
- The Buffet Problem: A large section of Deck 14 sits right under the Horizon Court buffet. Cabins from R401 to R543 often deal with the sound of carts rolling and chairs scraping on the floor above. This happens late at night during cleaning and early in the morning during breakfast prep.
- Pool Deck Noise: Rooms further forward, like R201 to R300, are under the main pool areas. You will hear the muffled sound of music from the daytime parties and the cleanup crews at night.
- The Terrace Pool: If you pick an aft cabin like R748 or R751, you are near the Terrace Pool. While the view is great, these rooms can be noisy due to people gathered at the back of the ship and the vibrations from the engines.
Deck 12 Aloha Deck Cabins to Avoid
Aloha Deck is generally a safer bet because it is sandwiched between two decks of cabins. This usually means less noise from public spaces. However, there are still a few spots you should skip.
- Near the Elevators: Cabins like A402, A403, A438, and A439 sit right next to the central elevator lobby. You’ll hear the "ding" of the elevators and the chatter of people waiting for their ride at all hours of the night.
- The Laundry Room: Princess Cruises offers self-service laundry, which is handy, but you don't want to live next to it. Avoid rooms like A628 or A631 because the heat and the sound of the machines can seep through the walls. Plus, people tend to gather and chat while waiting for their clothes.
Deck 10 Caribe Deck Cabins to Avoid
Caribe Deck is famous on the Emerald Princess for having the largest balconies. These balconies are half-covered and half-open, giving you the best of both worlds. However, there are a few specific rooms to watch out for.
- The Theater Tremor: Forward cabins like C203, C204, C207, and C208 sit above the upper level of the Princess Theater. When the production shows are in full swing, you will feel the bass and hear the music. Even rehearsals during the day can be loud.
- Visibility from Above: Because the balconies on this deck are so large and stick out, people on the decks above can look right down at you. If you want total privacy while you are outside in your bathrobe, these rooms might not be for you.
Deck 9 Dolphin Deck Cabins to Avoid
Dolphin Deck is where you find the Mini Suites. These are great rooms, but they have one major flaw that bothers many travelers.
- Uncovered Balconies: Almost all balconies on the Dolphin Deck are completely uncovered. This means you have zero privacy from the people on the Caribe, Baja, and Aloha decks looking down. It also means you have no protection from rain or the hot sun.
- The Gallery Noise: Some midship cabins, like the D501 to the D525, are situated above the galley or dining areas on the deck below. You might hear the clatter of plates or the hum of industrial kitchen equipment during dinner service.
Deck 8 Emerald Deck Cabins to Avoid
Emerald Deck is one of the most complicated decks when it comes to choosing a cabin. This is where you find the obstructed view rooms.
- Lifeboat Obstructions: Many rooms on this deck, such as E201 through E631, have a lifeboat right outside the window. Some obstructions are minor, but others block your view entirely. You might pay for a window and end up staring at a piece of orange plastic all week.
- Club Fusion Noise: This is a big one. The aft section of Deck 8 sits directly above Club Fusion on Deck 7. Cabins from E720 to E735 will likely hear the thumping music and the microphone chatter from the nightly events like karaoke or dance parties. These events often go until midnight or later.
- The Promenade Walkers: Since the promenade deck is right below you, you might hear the sound of people powerwalking or talking loudly as they pass by your window area.
Deck 7 Promenade Deck Cabins to Avoid
There are actually no passenger cabins on Deck 7 of the Emerald Princess. This deck is dedicated to public spaces like the theater, the lounges, the shops, and the promenade walk. However, knowing what is on Deck 7 is vital for avoiding bad rooms on Deck 8 (above it) and Deck 6 (below it).
Deck 6 Fiesta Deck Cabins to Avoid
Fiesta Deck is mostly a public space, including the lower level of the theater and the main dining rooms. There are only a handful of cabins here, and they are almost all forward.
- Casino Noise: If you are looking at rooms near the midship area on lower decks, stay away from anything near the casino. The smell of smoke can sometimes travel through the vents, and the sound of slot machines is constant.
- Theater Proximity: Cabins like F301 to F315 are very close to the theater entrance and the lounges. You will deal with crowds of people walking past your room every time a show starts or ends.
Deck 5 Plaza Deck Cabins to Avoid
Plaza Deck is the lowest deck with passenger cabins. It is a very stable deck, which is a plus, but it has some loud neighbors.
- Atrium Hubbub: Rooms near the Piazza, like P301 to P315, are right in the heart of the action. Piazza is the center of the ship, with live music, coffee shops, and constant movement. If you like to go to bed early, the noise from the musicians in the atrium will definitely reach your door.
- Medical Center and Galley: Be careful with rooms further aft on this deck. They often share walls with crew areas, the medical center, or the lower galleys. You might hear heavy doors slamming or carts moving throughout the night.
Deck 4 Gala Deck Cabins to Avoid
Gala Deck has very few guest cabins, and they are located at the very front.
- Anchor and Thruster Noise: Cabins on Deck 4, like P332 and P334, are notorious for noise and vibration. When the ship arrives in port and drops the anchor, it sounds like a freight train is running through your room. The bow thrusters, which help the ship dock, also create a massive amount of vibration that can shake the entire cabin.
- Crew Activity: This deck is heavily used by the crew for luggage handling and embarking. It is a high-utility area that is rarely quiet during the day.
General Cabin Choosing Tips
Beyond the specific deck numbers, there are a few general rules to follow if you want to stay comfortable on the Emerald Princess.
Avoid Connecting Doors
Unless you are traveling with family and actually need to go between rooms, avoid cabins with a connecting door. These doors are much thinner than standard walls. You will hear your neighbor’s television, their phone calls, and even their snoring. It’s much better to have a solid wall between you and a stranger.
Stay Away from White Spaces
When you look at a deck plan, you will see large "white spaces" that don't have cabin numbers. These aren't empty rooms. They are usually service areas, laundry chutes, or crew stairwells. Crew members use these areas 24 hours a day. Living next to a service elevator or a luggage storage area means you’ll hear banging and clanging at 3:00 AM.
Watch Out for the Smoking Areas
The Emerald Princess has designated smoking areas, often on the open decks or in the casino. If you are sensitive to smoke, make sure your balcony isn't directly above or next to one of these spots. The wind can carry that smell right into your room if you leave your balcony door open.
The Problem with Aft Cabins
Many people love aft-facing cabins because of the view of the wake. However, on an older ship like the Emerald Princess, the aft can have significant vibration issues. You might also experience "soot" on your balcony from the ship's funnel, depending on the wind. If you choose an aft room, just be prepared for a bit more movement and noise from the engines.
Best Cabins on Emerald Princess
To give you some contrast, there are some fantastic rooms that you should try to snag if they are available.
- Caribe Deck Midship: These are the gold standards. You get a huge balcony, a central location, and cabins both above and below you for maximum quiet.
- Forward Aloha Deck: These rooms are far away from the noisy pools and the buffet. As long as you aren't right next to the elevator, they are very peaceful.
- Aft Suites on Deck 9: If you have the budget, these suites offer incredible views and a lot of space. Just be mindful of the vibration if you are sensitive to it.
Making Your Decision
Booking a cruise is a big investment of your time and money. You don't want to spend that time wishing you had picked a different room. Take a few minutes to pull up the deck plans and really look at what is surrounding your potential cabin.
The Emerald Princess is a wonderful ship with a lot of characters. It offers a classic cruising experience that many people prefer over the massive "city at sea" style of newer ships. By avoiding the noisy spots under the buffet, the vibrating rooms near the engines, and the high-traffic areas near the elevators, you ensure that your vacation is as peaceful as you want it to be.
