Choosing the right room on the Sapphire Princess can make or break your mood on a trip. It’s a beautiful ship with a classic feel, but like any older vessel, it has its quirks. Some spots are super quiet and perfect for sleeping in, while others might have you waking up to the sound of moving deck chairs or thumping bass from a lounge. Picking a bad spot isn’t just about a small view; it’s about your peace of mind while at sea.
You want to enjoy the ocean breeze without the smell of exhaust or the sound of an anchor dropping at 6:00 AM. This guide looks at every corner of the ship to help you spot the trouble zones before you book. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to guess which door leads to a noisy service area. Let’s get into the specifics of the cabins you should probably skip and why a different deck might be a better call for your next vacation.
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins to Avoid on Sapphire Princess
The accessible rooms on Sapphire Princess offer much more floor space than the standard options. They’re designed for easy movement with wider doors and roll-in showers that make life a lot simpler. However, some of these rooms sit in high-traffic spots near elevators. While it’s great for getting around, it often means you’ll hear people chatting in the lobby or the "ding" of the lift all night long. It can get pretty loud during peak hours.
You also have to watch out for the accessible rooms on the lower decks toward the front. These spots often feel the most movement when the sea gets a bit choppy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, staying here might be a struggle. While the layout is helpful for mobility, the extra vibration from the bow thrusters can be a real headache. It’s a trade-off between having more room and dealing with a bit more ship noise.
| Category | Room Type | Max Guests | Decks | Average Size (sq. ft.) | Notes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE | Interior Accessible | 2 | 10, 11, 12 | 240 | Avoid A246 and A250 near the busy elevators |
| OB | Oceanview Accessible | 2 | 8 | 240 | E301 and E304 are right by heavy crew doors |
| BF | Balcony Accessible | 2 | 10, 11, 12 | 300 | B302 can be noisy due to hallway traffic |
Choosing an accessible cabin usually means you get a much bigger bathroom and a better layout. Just keep in mind that the Sapphire Princess has these scattered across several decks. If you want a quiet night, try to find one that isn’t right against the main stairwell. Even though the rooms are built for comfort, the thin walls in the high-traffic hallways can still let in a lot of unwanted sound from passing guests.
Interior Cabins to Avoid on Sapphire Princess
Inside rooms are the best way to save cash, but they come with a few risks on this ship. Since there’s no window, you won’t know if it’s day or night, which some people love for sleeping. But if you’re under the Lido deck, you might hear the "thump-thump" of staff moving loungers at sunrise. It’s a common complaint for those on the Aloha deck. You’re trading a window for a potential alarm clock you didn’t ask for.
Another thing to watch for is proximity to the laundry rooms. Sapphire Princess has self-service laundry that is super handy, but the cabins right next to them are a gamble. People coming and going with heavy bags and the hum of the machines can be a bit much. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid any interior room that shares a wall with these utility spaces. It’s much better to be surrounded by other cabins instead.
| Category | Room Type | Max Guests | Decks | Average Size (sq. ft.) | Notes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IA | Interior Stateroom | 2–4 | 10, 11, 12 | 160 | Under the buffet on Aloha deck for noise |
| IC | Interior Stateroom | 2–4 | 5, 8, 9 | 160 | Near laundry rooms on Deck 8 and 9 |
| IF | Interior Stateroom | 2–4 | 5 | 160 | Near the Piazza and main lobby foot traffic |
If you pick an interior room, try to find one on a deck that has only cabins above and below it. The Baja and Caribe decks are usually your best bets for a quiet experience. Staying away from the ends of the hallways also helps because people tend to congregate near the stairs. An inside room can be a cozy retreat if you pick the right spot, but a bad location will make the small space feel even more cramped.
Window Cabins to Avoid on Sapphire Princess
Oceanview rooms give you that much-needed natural light without the higher price of a balcony. On the Sapphire Princess, many of these are "obstructed," meaning a lifeboat is right outside your glass. This doesn't just block the view; it also means crew members might be working right outside your window during drills. If you value your privacy, you’ll want to keep the curtains closed more often than you’d probably like.
The lower deck Oceanview rooms, especially on the Plaza deck, are close to the waterline. While this is great for watching the waves, it’s also where you’ll hear the most noise from the ship’s engines and the anchor. If the ship is docking early, you’re going to hear the heavy machinery starting up. It’s a loud, grinding sound that can wake up even the deepest sleepers. Make sure you check what is directly below your room.
| Category | Room Type | Max Guests | Decks | Average Size (sq. ft.) | Notes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OF | Oceanview Obstructed | 2–4 | 8 | 160 | E400 to E600 have views blocked by lifeboats |
| OV | Oceanview Stateroom | 2–4 | 5 | 170 | P300 and P310 feel more engine vibration |
| OW | Oceanview Stateroom | 2 | 8 | 170 | Low deck forward rooms get anchor noise |
Most of the obstructed view rooms are on the Emerald deck. If you don't care about looking at the sea and just want the light, these are fine. But if you want to see the horizon, these will disappoint you. Always look at the deck plan to see exactly which lifeboat is in front of your window. Some obstructions are much worse than others, with some blocks covering nearly the whole pane of glass.
Balcony Cabins to Avoid on Sapphire Princess
Balcony rooms are the most popular choice, but they aren’t all equal on this ship. One thing most people don’t realize is that the balconies on some decks are tied. This means if you’re on a lower balcony, people above you can look right down onto your private space. It’s not very private if your neighbors can see what you’re reading or eating for breakfast. Caribe deck balconies are huge, but half of them are exposed to the decks above.
Another issue is the "white noise" from the ship's wake. While many love the sound of the water, rooms at the very back can get a bit of soot from the funnel if the wind is blowing the wrong way. You might find a fine layer of black dust on your chairs in the morning. Also, the very forward balconies can be so windy while the ship is moving that you can’t even stand out there. It’s better to stay in a midship for a more balanced experience.
| Category | Room Type | Max Guests | Decks | Average Size (sq. ft.) | Notes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | Balcony Stateroom | 2–4 | 12 | 235 | Small balconies under the gym and pool |
| BB | Balcony Stateroom | 2–4 | 11 | 235 | B100 to B110 are very windy on sea days |
| BD | Interior | 2–4 | 10 | 235 | Overlooked by decks above on Caribe deck |
If you want the best combination of sun and shade, look at the Caribe deck. Just be aware that the "look down" factor is real. If you prefer total privacy, the Baja or Aloha decks are better because the balconies are fully covered. However, those balconies are much smaller than the ones on Caribe. It’s a bit of a toss-up depending on whether you want more square footage or more seclusion while you’re outside.
Mini Suites to Avoid on Sapphire Princess
Mini suites offer a nice step up with a separate sitting area and a full bathtub. On the Sapphire Princess, the Dolphin deck is where you’ll find most of these. The big problem here is that these balconies have absolutely no overhead covering. If it rains, your balcony is soaked. If the sun is blazing, there’s no shade. Plus, everyone on the decks above can see everything you’re doing. It’s like living in a fishbowl.
Noise is also a factor for mini suites located on the Emerald deck. These sit right above the lounge and the theater. If there’s a late-night show or a party in the Wheelhouse Bar, you’re going to hear the music through the floor. It’s great if you’re out late anyway, but it’s a nightmare for families with kids who need an early bedtime. Always check what’s happening on the deck below before you commit to one of these.
| Category | Room Type | Max Guests | Decks | Average Size (sq. ft.) | Notes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD | Mini Suite | 2–4 | 9 | 323 | Entirely uncovered balconies on Dolphin deck |
| ME | Mini Suite | 2–4 | 8 | 323 | E728 can hear loud bass from lounges below |
| M1 | Club Class Mini Suite | 2–4 | 9 | 323 | Near main elevators and central stairs |
The Emerald deck mini suites are actually some of the most sought-after because they have covered balconies. Specifically, the ones at the very back (aft) are fantastic. But you have to be careful with the ones further forward that sit over the loud public spaces. If you can snag a covered one away from the noise, it’s one of the best values on the ship. Just stay away from the middle of the Dolphin deck if you want privacy.
Suites to Avoid on Sapphire Princess
Suites are the top-tier rooms, but even at this price, you can run into issues. The Grand Suite and Owner’s Suite are amazing, but they are located at the very back of the ship. This means you’ll feel every bit of vibration when the ship is docking or speeding up. Some guests have also reported a "sewer smell" in certain aft suites on older ships like this one. It’s usually a plumbing vent issue that pops up when the wind hits right.
Another thing to think about is the layout of the Family Suites. These are basically two rooms connected by a living area, which is great for groups. However, they are often located near the front of the ship. This means a lot more motion. If someone in your family gets seasick, the front of the ship on a high deck is the worst place to be. You’re paying a premium, so you want to make sure the location won't make you feel miserable.
| Category | Room Type | Max Guests | Decks | Average Size (sq. ft.) | Notes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 | Penthouse Suite | 2–4 | 10 | 500 | Aft vibration and possible soot on balcony |
| S6 | Vista Suite | 2–4 | 8 | 460 | Directly above the noisy Vista Lounge |
| S8 | Family Suite | 4–8 | 9 | 600 | Forward location gets heavy motion in storms |
When booking a suite, try to aim for the ones on the midship sections of the Baja or Caribe decks if they are available. These give you the most stable ride and are usually the quietest. The aft-facing suites have incredible views of the wake, which many people love. Just be prepared for a bit more shaking and the occasional smell of diesel or cooking from the vents nearby. At this price point, you should expect perfection, but on a ship at this age, location is everything.
Specific Areas to Avoid
The most common area to avoid is anything directly under the Lido deck (Deck 14). This includes the cabins on the Aloha deck (Deck 12). Since the buffet, pools, and gym are all on Deck 14, you’ll hear constant movement above you. People drag heavy chairs across the tile floors at all hours of the night and early morning. If you value a quiet morning sleep, staying on the Aloha deck can be a real gamble depending on your room’s position.
You should also be wary of cabins that are right next to the service doors or the laundromats. These service areas are where the crew works around the clock. You’ll hear heavy doors slamming and carts rolling by at 3:00 AM. The laundry rooms are especially bad because they become social hubs where people talk loudly while waiting for their clothes. It’s always smarter to pick a cabin that is sandwiched between other passenger cabins to keep things as quiet as possible.
Summary of Cabins to Avoid
In short, the main rooms to skip are those on the Aloha deck under the pools, the uncovered mini suites on the Dolphin deck, and the obstructed view rooms on the Emerald deck if you want a clear view of the ocean. You should also watch out for forward cabins on high decks if you get seasick easily. The Sapphire Princess is a great ship, but its design means some rooms just don't offer the same level of peace as others.
Always check the deck plan to see what is above, below, and next to your potential room. A "guarantee" cabin might save you money, but it often lands you in one of these less desirable spots that the ship is struggling to fill. If you can afford to pick your own room, go for a midship cabin on a deck like Baja or Caribe. These areas are far enough from the noise of the lounges and the scraping chairs of the pool deck.
| Category | Room Type | Common Issues | Why to Avoid | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IA | Interior | Scraping noises | Under the Lido deck buffet | Baja deck midship |
| MD | Mini Suite | No privacy | Uncovered Dolphin deck | Emerald deck aft |
| OF | Oceanview | Blocked view | Lifeboats on Emerald deck | Plaza deck midship |
| S6 | Vista Suite | Bass noise | Over the Vista Lounge | Penthouse midship |
| BA | Balcony | High winds | Too far forward on high decks | Caribe deck midship |
Tips for Choosing the Right Cabin
Finding the perfect spot takes a little bit of homework, but it pays off when you’re relaxing in peace. You don’t need to be a pro to figure out the best deck. It’s all about looking at the big picture of the ship’s layout. Here are a few quick tips to help you narrow down your choices and avoid the duds.
- Check the Sandwich Rule: Make sure there are cabins directly above and below yours. This is the easiest way to avoid noise from the theater, lounges, or the gym. It creates a buffer of quiet that’s much better than being under a restaurant.
- Watch the Elevator Proximity: Being near the stairs is handy for getting around, but it’s a magnet for noise. People talk loudly in the lobbies, and kids often run down the halls. Stay about five or six rooms away from the lifts for the best balance.
- Mind the Motion Sickness: If you get sick, stay low and stay in the middle. The center of the ship acts like a pivot point, so it moves the least. Avoid the very front or very back on high decks where the swaying is most noticeable.
- Review the Balcony Type: Not all balconies offer the same privacy. On Sapphire Princess, look for covered balconies if you want to be hidden. Avoid the Dolphin deck if you don't want your neighbors from above watching you while you're outside.
Final Words
Booking a cruise should be fun, not stressful. By avoiding the noisy or exposed spots on the Sapphire Princess, you ensure your time at sea is spent relaxing instead of complaining about the neighbors. Take a moment to look at the map, and you’ll find a great room.
Now that you know which cabins to skip, you can book with confidence. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where it’s quiet and steady. Once you’ve picked your room, you can focus on the fun parts, like the food and the excursions. Enjoy your time on the water!
