Royal Princess Cabins to Avoid - Best & Worst Stateroom Locations

Choosing the right stateroom makes the difference between a good cruise and a great one. The Royal Princess is a fantastic ship. She introduced a new era of design for Princess Cruises. This Royal Class offers travelers many great cabin options. You can find everything from small interior rooms to luxury suites.

Selecting a room requires careful research. Many past guests share their experiences on forums and specialized websites. Their collective wisdom points to several specific locations and cabin types you should skip. These are the rooms most likely to cause you trouble. Understanding these issues will help you book the perfect accommodation. You want to avoid noise, poor views, and inconvenient locations. This comprehensive guide helps you identify the royal princess cabins to avoid. It lists problematic rooms by location and provides essential cabin details.

The keys to selecting a good cabin are quiet neighbors, a quiet deck above, and a favorable location on the ship. Princess cruise Royal Princess cabins to avoid are often situated near crew areas or directly underneath high-traffic public spaces.

The Noise Nuisance: Cabins Underneath Public Areas

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Noise is the most frequent complaint from guests. Loud sounds disrupt sleep and ruin relaxation. Certain staterooms on Royal Princess sit directly beneath spaces that operate early or late. These are prime examples of Royal Princess rooms to avoid.

Marina Deck Under the Buffet

The Marina Deck, also known as M-Deck or Deck 15, is one of the most frequently cited decks for noise problems. This is because the Lido Deck, Deck 16, sits directly above. Deck 16 houses the Horizon Court and the Horizon Bistro, the ship’s large casual dining venues.

The noise often begins long before dawn. Guests report hearing heavy trolley movement starting as early as 3:30 AM. Cleaning crews prepare the buffet for breakfast. They drag chairs, move carts, and drop metal items. This can sound like a major disturbance directly above your head. Light sleepers will find this noise unacceptable.

Guests seeking peace should avoid cabins in the forward and mid-aft sections of the Marina Deck. These cabins are directly beneath the primary dining and preparation areas of the Horizon Court and Bistro.

The most aft-most cabins on Marina Deck might be quieter. One traveler mentioned that the M627 was quiet. This cabin sits slightly further aft, away from the main kitchen and dishwashing stations. Always check the deck plan. Draw a vertical line from the center of the Horizon Court down to the Marina Deck. Any cabin beneath this zone is a Royal Princess cruise ship cabin to avoid if quiet mornings are important.

The Theater Tremor: Forward Cabins Under the Stage

Another critical area to bypass is located on the Caribe Deck, or C-Deck (Deck 10). A few forward inside cabins here are positioned directly over the Princess Theater stage. These rooms are exposed to extreme volumes.

The noise comes not just during performances. It also happens during rehearsals and technical setups. The stage crew often plays loud music late into the night. Some guests experienced music as loud as if they were sitting inside the venue. This noise can continue past midnight.

Specific inside cabins on Caribe Deck that guests should strictly avoid include:

• C203
• C204
• C207
• C208
• C211
• C212

These rooms are problematic due to a void space between the cabin floor and the theater ceiling. This void space acts like an echo chamber. It funnels sound from the stage below. Guests reported they had to move cabins because the noise made their room unusable. The management staff relocated one passenger after a late-night complaint.

These six cabins are definitely cabins to avoid on Royal Princess. They represent a significant risk for anyone prioritizing a restful cruise.

The Obstructed View Problem: Emerald Deck Balconies

Many travelers prefer a balcony cabin for the sea view. Royal Princess offers many balcony options. A specific set of balcony cabins, all located on Emerald Deck (E-Deck, Deck 8), is marketed as obstructed view. These rooms are priced lower than standard balconies. They fall under the Grade BW (Balcony Obstructed) and Grade DW (Deluxe Balcony Obstructed) categories.

The obstruction is caused by the lifeboats and tender boats that line this deck. These boats sit outside the railing. They block a significant portion of the view of the ocean. The view straight out to sea is limited, but the view looking up or down might still be available.

These Royal Princess obstructed view cabins to avoid are not necessarily terrible. The choice depends on your priorities. You save money by booking an obstructed room. If a clear, unblocked panoramic view is essential, you must choose another deck. If you only want fresh air and sunlight, these rooms may work.

Savvy cruisers sometimes seek rooms located between two lifeboats. This position might offer a slightly better break in the obstruction. You still save money. Always check the deck plan closely. Look for the gaps between the lifeboat symbols when choosing an E-Deck balcony.

The Soot and Fumes Risk: Aft-Facing Balconies

Aft-facing balconies are highly desired by many cruisers. They offer a direct view of the ship's wake. They provide shelter from the wind. The Royal Princess has aft-facing balconies and suites, often providing larger outdoor spaces.

A major reported issue with the aft cabins on Royal Princess is the accumulation of soot. Soot is black, oily debris expelled from the ship's funnel. It sometimes drifts onto the aft balconies, particularly when the ship is maneuvering or conditions are windy.

Guests staying in aft suites, including the Owner’s Suites, reported their balconies were unusable for much of their cruise. The soot made the furniture dirty. It made walking outside difficult. Owners Suite D727 on Dolphin Deck (Deck 9) and its port-side twin were specifically named to have this soot problem early in the ship's service life.

This issue relates to the design and operation of the exhaust system on the Royal-class ships. While the issue may have improved over time, the risk remains. If you demand a spotlessly clean, fully usable outdoor space, then many aft cabins are Royal Princess balcony cabins to avoid. The risk of exhaust fumes and soot outweighs the benefit of the spectacular view for some travelers.

Internal Issues: Crew Noise, Connecting Doors, and Pullman Beds

Beyond location-based noise, other factors make specific staterooms undesirable. These issues relate to the cabin's internal structure or its proximity to non-guest areas.

Next to Crew Areas

Cabins located next to stairwells, laundry rooms, or crew locker areas often suffer from noise bleed-through. Crew members work long hours. They use these facilities frequently.

One specific cabin on Baja Deck (B-Deck, Deck 11) was noted for this:

B406

Cabin B406 is next to a crew hallway. Guests reported hearing loud conversations through the wall. They also heard the Public Address system regularly. While the noise was not constant, it was noticeable. Check the deck plans for large white spaces next to your cabin. These often indicate storage, mechanical shafts, or crew access. A cabin next to a utility room is generally a Royal Princess room to avoid selection.

Connecting Rooms

Royal Princess offers many connecting staterooms. These are excellent for families traveling together. They have a door joining the two adjacent rooms.

If you are not traveling with the people next door, you should avoid connecting rooms. The connecting door, even when locked, is not as soundproof as a solid wall. You can easily hear your neighbors’ conversations, crying children, or the television. You may also feel a draft from the door seal. For maximum privacy and quiet, select a room bordered on both sides by non-connecting passenger cabins.

Pullman Bed Intrusiveness

Many cabins on the Royal Princess accommodate three or four passengers. These rooms use sofa beds and Pullman beds. Pullman beds are extra berths that fold out for sleeping.

On Royal-class ships, many of the wall-mounted Pullman beds can be very intrusive. When stowed, they are attached to the wall. Guests reported hitting their heads on the beds while moving around the room. This happens when getting into or out of the main twin/queen bed. This is a particular complaint with the four-berth sideways inside cabins.

If you are traveling as a couple or a solo traveler, avoid booking a four-berth cabin. The extra beds take up space and create a hazard. Ask your travel agent or Princess Cruises representative if the cabin you select includes a wall-mounted Pullman berth. You want the type that folds down from the ceiling, if possible, or better yet, one without the extra beds at all.

The "White Noise" Inside Cabins

A few sideways inside cabins on Caribe Deck (Deck 10) are located near an air vent that produces a constant, low-level sound. Specific cabin numbers identified near this area include: C316, C317, C322, C323, C328, C329, C334, and C335.

This noise is a point of debate among guests. Some find the steady, low sound disturbing. They should avoid this area. Other passengers reported that the low hum acted like a "white noise." They found it calm. The sound helped dampen other noise from the ship or the hallway.

Consider your personal sensitivity to sound. If you need complete silence, then this cluster of inside cabins might be a Royal Princess room to avoid for you.

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Comprehensive Stateroom Data for Royal Princess

The Royal Princess features five primary accommodation types. These range from interior rooms to large suites. The ship design focuses on maximizing balcony accommodations. Note that Royal Princess does not feature standard Oceanview cabins.

The following tables detail the stateroom grades, capacity, and average size. They help travelers understand the classification system for all Royal Princess cruise ship cabins to avoid undesirable selections and desirable selections.

Interior or Inside Cabins on Royal Princess

Interior cabins are the smallest and cheapest. The I grade denotes the inside type. The second letter shows the location. IA is the best location. IF is the least desirable location.

Balcony and Deluxe Balcony Cabins on Royal Princess

The grades DW and BW are located on Emerald Deck (Deck 8). They represent the royal princess obstructed view cabins to avoid for those who need a clear ocean view.

Mini Suites and Club Class Mini Suites on Royal Princess

Mini Suites offer more space than standard balconies. They feature a separate sitting area and a larger bathroom. Club Class Mini Suites include extra perks. These rooms represent a good step up without the full price of a suite.

Mini Suites are generally well-regarded. However, they share the same deck locations as other cabins. They can still be problematic if they are near a noisy public venue. Always confirm the location of your Mini Suite on the deck plan. You want another cabin directly above you for sound insulation.

Suites on Royal Princess

Suites are the largest and most luxurious accommodations. They offer completely separate living and sleeping areas. Suite guests receive many exclusive perks, including access to the Lotus Spa Thermal Suite and Club Class Dining.

The Penthouse Suites at the aft of the ship offer spectacular wrap-around balconies. These are the ones where guests reported soot issues. Travelers interested in these rooms must research recent soot reports before booking. The views are unrivaled, but the balcony usability is a risk.

Final Review of Cabins to Avoid on Royal Princess

Finding the ideal cabin requires anticipating potential problems. The Princess cruise Royal Princess cabins to avoid fitting into clear patterns. Consulting this summary before finalizing your booking is highly recommended.

High Noise Locations

• Marina Deck (M-Deck / Deck 15): Rooms under the Horizon Court and Horizon Bistro (Lido Deck 16). Expect noise from early morning setup and cleaning.
• Caribe Deck Forward (C-Deck / Deck 10): Inside cabins located over the Princess Theater stage.
• Specific Cabins to Avoid: C203, C204, C207, C208, C211, C212. Sound from rehearsals often continues past midnight.

Location and View Issues

Emerald Deck (E-Deck / Deck 8) Balconies: These are the Royal Princess obstructed view cabins to avoid clear views. The view is significantly blocked by lifeboats.

• Specific Grades: BW and DW.

Aft-Facing Balconies/Suites (Especially Dolphin Deck): These rooms carry a risk of exhaust soot and grime accumulating on the balcony.

• Specific Example: D727. These are Royal Princess balcony cabins to avoid if you require spotless outdoor space.

Internal Annoyances

Connecting Cabins: Avoid rooms with a connecting door unless your group occupies both. The lack of sound insulation means poor privacy.

• Cabins Next to Crew/Utility Areas: Be careful of cabins near large white spaces on the deck plan. These often hide crew activity. Cabin B406 is near a crew hallway.
• Four-Berth Cabins: Avoid these if you only need beds for two. The wall-mounted Pullman berths are intrusive and create a trip hazard.

The Royal Princess cruise ship cabins to avoid are clustered near high-traffic areas. The three worst locations are near the Princess Theater, beneath the Horizon Court, and along the lifeboat deck. Look for a stateroom mid-ship. Choose a room that has a cabin directly above and below it. This simple strategy guarantees a much quieter, more relaxing experience. Use this information to confidently select a room that ensures your cruise is entirely enjoyable.