Enchanted Princess Cabins to Avoid for a Better Cruise

Launched in 2021, Enchanted Princess from Princess Cruises truly lives up to her name, offering beautifully designed spaces and some of the most stylish accommodations in the Princess fleet. While many cabins are real highlights worth booking early, others have certain quirks that are important to know before reserving your stay.

The Enchanted Princess offers a luxurious cruise experience. It is a large, modern ship with many excellent staterooms. Selecting the perfect cabin can make your vacation wonderful. Picking the wrong cabin, however, can lead to noise, vibrations, or inconvenient locations. This guide will point out specific enchanted princess cabins to avoid the best possible cruise. Knowing the potential pitfalls before booking helps guests secure a quiet, comfortable stay.

Enchanted Princess Understanding the Ship Layout

Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises

The Enchanted Princess is a Royal-class ship. It has 19 decks, 15 of which hold passenger cabins. Cabins are spread from Deck 4 (Plaza Deck) up to Deck 17 (Rivedera Deck). The ship design places many public spaces directly above or below certain cabin decks. This positioning is the main reason some staterooms experience more noise than others.

The ship uses a standard numbering system. The first digit is the deck number. The next three digits are the cabin number. Odd numbers are on the port side (left). Even numbers are on the starboard side (right). Mid-ship cabins are generally closer to the middle of the ship’s length. Aft cabins are at the back. Forward cabins are at the front.

Noise Issues: Cabins Below Public Spaces

The most frequent complaints about enchanted princess cabins relate to noise. This often comes from areas like the main pools, the Lido Buffet, the fitness center, or the nightclubs. These spaces create noise late into the evening or start early in the morning.

Cabins Directly Under the Lido Deck (Deck 16)

Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises

The Lido Deck, Deck 16, is a major activity area. It contains the main pools, the Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, and the Horizon Court buffet. Staterooms on the deck directly below, Deck 15 (Marina Deck), often hear scraping chairs and foot traffic.

Specific Cabins to Avoid on Deck 15

• Mid-ship Cabins: M310 to M428 (port side) and M311 to M429 (starboard side). These sit right under the Horizon Court and the main pool areas. Noise from early morning set-up or late-night cleaning can be very noticeable here.
• Forward Cabins: M101 to M203 and M102 to M204. These cabins are underneath the Fitness Center. Guests report hearing the sounds of dropped weights and exercise equipment noise starting very early, sometimes before 7:00 AM.
• Aft Cabins: The noise issues are less severe at the very back of Deck 15. However, staterooms M701 to M732 are under the outside portion of the Horizon Court and hear related door slamming and cleaning sounds.

Cabins Below the Promenade Deck (Deck 7)

Deck 7 (Promenade Deck) on Princess Cruises ships houses major entertainment venues. It includes Princess Live! Café, bars, and lounges. Staterooms on Deck 6 (Baja Deck) are directly below these spots.

Specific Cabins to Avoid on Deck 6

• Forward Cabins: B101 to B205 and B102 to B206. These are directly under the Princess Theater. The theater holds loud rehearsals during the day and shows at night. Bass vibrations and music are the common issues reported.
• Mid-ship Cabins: B301 to B435 and B302 to B436. These sit under the casino and several bars. Expect late-night noise from music, talking, and slot machines. The noise often continues past midnight.
• Aft Cabins: B601 to B732. These staterooms are below the Crooner’s Lounge and the Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar. Both venues can generate noise, particularly during evening hours.

Cabins Above Nightclubs and Theaters

Noise also travels upward, especially bass and vibrations from loud music. The Vista Deck (Deck 5) has the main Princess Theater entrance and the Club 6 Disco.

Specific Cabins to Avoid on Deck 8 (Aloha Deck)

Forward Cabins: A101 to A201 and A102 to A202. While not directly above the stage, these are positioned over the highest ceiling part of the theater. Guests sometimes feel low-frequency vibrations during shows.

Vibration and Engine Noise Cabins

Engine and thruster vibrations are a common problem on any large ship. They are generally most noticeable at the lowest decks and toward the front or back of the ship.

Plaza Deck (Deck 4) Cabins

Deck 4 is the lowest passenger deck and is close to the ship’s machinery. While this deck is entirely cabins, guests in the forward and aft sections report significant vibration and machinery noise, especially when the ship is docking or sailing at high speed.

Specific Cabins to Avoid on Deck 4

• Aft Cabins: P701 to P732. These sit over the main engine room structure. They experience noticeable engine rumbles and vibration, which can make sleeping difficult.
• Forward Cabins: P101 to P204. These are near the bow thrusters. Noise and vibration occur when the ship is pulling into or leaving port. This can happen very early in the morning.

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Location Issues: Inconvenient and High-Traffic Cabins

Not all cabins to avoid are noisy. Some are simply placed in inconvenient spots that reduce the vacation feel. High-traffic areas, awkward views, or long walks to amenities can all be frustrating.

Cabins Near Elevators and Laundry Rooms

Staterooms near elevator banks or service areas experience constant foot traffic and door noise. This can ruin the quiet of a balcony cabin.

Specific Cabins to Avoid for Traffic Noise

• Cabins closest to the mid-ship and forward elevator banks on any deck: These are the first and last cabins in a long hallway. For example, on Deck 9 (Caribe Deck), cabins C301, C302, C303, C304, C425, C427, C429, and C431 are all very close to the lift lobbies. The noise of people talking, waiting, and doors opening and closing is constant.
• Cabins near Self-Service Laundry Rooms: Each cabin deck has a small laundry room. The noise of washing machines, dryers, and guests talking can be loud. On the Enchanted Princess, these rooms are located toward the forward end of the cabin sections on Decks 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14. Check the deck plan for exact cabin neighbors.

Connecting Cabins

Many staterooms have a connecting door for families or groups. These doors are often thinner than regular walls. Sound insulation is poor through these doors.

• How to avoid them: Look for an asterisk or small diamond symbol on the deck plan next to the cabin number. If you are not traveling with the people next door, you risk hearing their conversations, television, and movements easily. 
• Example connecting pairs on Deck 10 (Dolphin Deck): D110 and D112, D202 and D204, D310 and D312. Always verify the status of the cabin next to the one you choose.

Obstructed View Balcony Cabins

Some balcony and outside view cabins have a structure blocking the view. This significantly reduces the pleasure of a private balcony.

Specific Obstructed View Cabins to Note

• Emerald Deck (Deck 8) Balconies: Many cabins on Deck 8, particularly those mid-ships (E301 to E429 and E302 to E430), have a partially obstructed view. The lifeboats are suspended outside the railing. This means you look out over the top of a lifeboat, not straight down at the water. When you see the horizon, the direct water view is gone.
• Aft Cabins on Lower Decks: On Deck 8, cabins E701, E702, E703, and E704 have a partially blocked view due to the structure of the ship's stern.

Cabins Near Galley and Service Areas

The ship’s main galley (kitchen) is located on a lower deck, but other service areas exist across the ship. These areas generate noise and sometimes odors.

Cabins Near Crew Access Doors

Many passenger hallways have unmarked doors that lead to crew stairwells or storage closets. Crew activity starts early and ends late. The slamming of these doors is a repeated complaint.

Cabins at the very end of passenger hallways often border a service area. Always check the deck plan for blank wall spaces near the end of the hall. These empty spaces often hide crew-only entrances.

The Aft-Facing Balcony Exception

Aft-facing balconies are highly desired for their large size and unique wake views. However, even these prime locations have minor downsides.

The Aft Exception to Consider

Upper Deck Aft Cabins (e.g., A730, B730, C730): These are magnificent cabins. Be aware they can pick up some soot from the smokestack depending on wind conditions. This is not a reason to avoid them. Guests must simply clean their balcony furniture more often. They also sometimes feel more engine vibration than mid-ship cabins on the same deck.

Summary Checklist of Enchanted Princess Cabins to Avoid

Use this quick summary before finalizing your booking. These are the general areas of the enchanted princess cabins to avoid for a quiet trip:

• Deck 15 (Marina Deck): Skip the mid-ship section (M300s, M400s) and the forward cabins (M100s, M200s). These are directly below the pools, buffet, and gym.
• Deck 6 (Baja Deck): Avoid forward cabins (B100s, B200s) directly under the Princess Theater. Also, avoid mid-ship cabins (B300s, B400s) located under the casino and bars.
• Deck 4 (Plaza Deck): Avoid the very forward (P100s) and very aft (P700s) staterooms due to the higher potential for engine and thruster noise.
• Deck 8 (Emerald Deck): Know that any mid-ship balcony on this deck (E300s, E400s) will have a lifeboat partially obstructing the view looking straight down.
• Any Cabin Near an Elevator or Laundry: Check the deck plans carefully. Constant foot traffic and door noise will be a factor.
• Connecting Staterooms: Unless you need the connection, avoid pairs marked with a symbol on the deck plan to minimize noise from neighbors.

Choosing the perfect cabin involves balancing location, price, and potential noise. The Enchanted Princess is a beautiful ship. By skipping the cabins mentioned above, you maximize your chance for a peaceful, comfortable, and truly enchanting cruise vacation.

In-Depth Analysis of Common Complaints

Understanding why certain enchanted princess cabins receive complaints helps in making a better choice. The reasons often fall into four main categories: structural noise, public space activity, service traffic, and view limitations.

Structural Noise: A Matter of Location

Structural noise refers to sounds transmitted through the ship’s hull and frame. This is mainly the engine, the propellers, and the stabilizers. Low decks and the ends of the ship feel this the most.

• Low Decks: Being closer to the water line means being closer to the machinery. This is why Deck 4 sees the most complaints for vibration during sailing. The structure acts like a sounding board.
• Propulsion: The aft cabins, especially on Deck 4, are right above the main propulsion units. The constant deep rumble is always present. When the ship maneuvers in port, the side thrusters create a very loud, temporary racket. This impacts all forward cabins on Deck 4 as well.

Public Space Activity: Above and Below

Activity noise is the most common and often the most frustrating type of sound. It comes from the venues and public decks above or below a cabin.

• The Lumps and Bumps: The scraping of deck chairs on the Lido Deck (Deck 16) is the number one complaint for guests on Deck 15. Crew members often stack and rearrange furniture very early, usually between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. This repetitive, sharp noise travels directly through the ceiling. The best practice is to book two decks below a public area, or one deck below a cabin deck.
• Entertainment Venue Bass: The Princess Theater and Club 6 Disco use powerful sound systems. Even if you cannot hear the specific music or dialogue, the low-frequency bass notes travel through the floor, even on upper decks. This bass vibration is hard to block and interferes with sleep. Forward cabins on Deck 6 feel the full effect.

Service Traffic: Unexpected Disturbances

These noises come from the crew working to keep the ship running smoothly. While essential, these activities must not happen right next to a guest cabin.

• Galley Preparation: While the main galley is low, smaller prep areas and pantries are near restaurants. Cabins near these service areas hear rolling carts, dish clanking, and the constant hum of commercial refrigeration.
• Housekeeping Hubs: Staterooms next to housekeeping closets hear vacuum cleaners, supply restocking, and crew conversations throughout the day. These closets are typically small, unmarked rooms along the main corridors.

View Limitations: The Balcony Compromise

The balcony is a key part of the cruise experience for many. A blocked view defeats the purpose of paying extra for that space.

• Lifeboat Blockage: On Deck 8, the lifeboats are positioned, so they block the immediate view down to the water. This is an industry-standard safety requirement. However, it takes away the feeling of openness. The view is fine when looking straight out at the horizon but sitting and watching the waves directly below is impossible.
• Ship Structure: Some balcony cabins are positioned where a support column or part of the ship's superstructure blocks a portion of the view. Always look at detailed deck plans or online videos for the exact angle of the stateroom you plan to book.

Best Practices for Choosing a Great Cabin

Avoiding the worst enchanted princess cabins is only half of the battle. Knowing how to select a quiet cabin is the other. Follow these rules of thumb to guarantee a peaceful stateroom.

 Sandwich Your Cabin

The golden rule for avoiding noise is to book a cabin with passenger staterooms above and below it. The best decks for this "cabin sandwich" are typically Deck 10 (Dolphin), Deck 11 (Caribe), Deck 12 (Baja), and Deck 14 (Riviera).

Example: A cabin on Deck 11 has other cabins on Deck 12 and Deck 10, meaning peace and quiet twenty-four hours a day.

Seek Mid-Ship Placement

While mid-ship cabins can be near elevators, they are also far from the bow thrusters and the main engines. This distance means significantly less vibration and structural noise. Mid-ship also offers the most stability for guests prone to seasickness.

Study the Deck Plans Closely

Treat the ship’s deck plans like a map for a quiet neighborhood. Look at what is on the deck directly above and below your choice. A laundry room with three doors down is manageable. The laundry room next door is not. A cabin under the gym is a major problem. A cabin under the art gallery is likely quiet.

Consider an Upper Deck

The higher you go, the further you are from the low-frequency rumble of the engines. The mid-to-high decks (Deck 11, Deck 12, Deck 14) are the quietest overall. They are also closer to the pools and the buffet, minimizing walking.

Book a Guarantee Cabin Strategically

A "guarantee" booking means you let the cruise line choose your specific cabin within a category (e.g., Balcony, Interior). This saves money, but you risk getting one of the less desirable enchanted princess cabins to avoid. If you must book a guarantee, choose a lower category on a mid-ship deck, where the odds of a quiet placement are higher. Never book a guarantee in a category mostly located on Deck 6 or Deck 15, as you will likely get a noisy spot.

Final Considerations for an Enchanting Voyage

The Enchanted Princess is a magnificent vessel. The vast majority of its staterooms are excellent. By carefully avoiding the areas known for structural, activity, or service noise, you ensure your cabin is a peaceful retreat.

Guests should always check the ship’s specific itinerary and anticipated sailing speeds. If your cruise involves many sea days with high-speed travel, minimizing engine vibration by booking a mid-ship upper deck cabin becomes even more important. If you are a light sleeper, you must prioritize the “cabin sandwich” rule above all others.

Do you have special needs, such as a mobility issue? Then a mid-ship cabin near the elevators is the best choice, even if it means sacrificing some peace. For guests who plan to stay up late, the noise from the casino or theater is less of a concern than it is for those who go to bed early.

Ultimately, the goal is an enjoyable cruise. Selecting the right stateroom is a major part of that success. Avoid the cabins listed in the summary, and you will greatly increase the chance of a flawless and relaxing trip on the Enchanted Princess. This careful planning ensures that your focus remains on the beautiful destinations and the luxurious amenities, not on the sounds coming from the deck above or the engine below.