Choosing the right cabin sets the stage for your entire cruise vacation. The Sky Princess, a beautiful ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, offers approx. 1830 luxury modern staterooms. Many rooms provide beautiful views, peaceful locations, and great comfort. However, like any large ship, the Sky Princess also has certain cabins that guests commonly recommend avoiding.
Knowing which Sky Princess cabins to avoid can help you secure the best experience for your cruise. This article will guide you through the staterooms and locations that might lead to a less ideal for staying at Sky Princess. You will see common problems like noise, obstructed views, and less convenient layouts.
The Challenge of Noise: Noisy Sky Princess Cabin Locations
Noise is one of the most frequent complaints on any cruise ship. It interrupts sleep and relaxation. On the Sky Princess, certain cabins are positioned above or below high-traffic or loud service areas. Guests should research their cabin location carefully to prevent noise issues. Avoiding noise is a key part of choosing the best Sky Princess cabin.
Cabins Directly Below the Lido Deck and Pools
The Lido Deck is one of the most active parts of the ship. This area includes the main pools, hot tubs, casual dining venues, and outdoor movie screen. Cabins located directly below the Lido Deck are a primary source of noise complaints. These are typically rooms on Deck 15, especially in the forward and midship sections.
Guests in these Sky Princess staterooms often hear sounds starting early in the morning and continuing late into the night. You might hear the scraping of deck chairs as the crew prepares the area. You could also hear foot traffic, loud conversations, and the bass from music played at the pool bar. The noise from the crew cleaning and hosing down the deck often starts before 6:00 AM. This early morning disturbance can be a major issue for light sleepers. You should avoid Deck 15 cabins from the outdoor public areas.
Rooms Near High-Traffic Public Areas
Other noise problems arise near public spaces that see a lot of activity. Cabins on Deck 8, the Fiesta Deck, are close to Piazza and the casino. The noise from the casino slot machines and the general chatter and entertainment in the Piazza can travel into nearby rooms. These areas are busy late into the evening.
Sky Princess staterooms to avoid also include those close to the main stairwells and elevator banks. People talking loudly while waiting for an elevator often disturb guests in adjacent cabins. Consider rooms set further back from the central ship structures.
Cabins Near Service Areas and Galleys
Noise is also a problem for staterooms near the ship’s service areas. These areas include the galleys, the crew stairwells, and the mooring stations at the bow and stern. The main dining rooms are on Decks 5 and 6. Cabins directly above or below these large kitchen areas can experience noise from food preparation, dishwashing, and general crew activity. This noise is often mechanical and runs throughout the day.
For instance, cabins on Deck 5 near the aft dining room might hear vibrations or the sounds of carts being rolled through the service passageways. Choosing a cabin midship and far away from the ship’s operational ends helps minimize these unwanted noises. Researching the deck plans is essential for finding the quietest Sky Princess cabin.
Understanding the View: Obstructed View Cabins on Sky Princess
Many travelers choose a balcony cabin for the beautiful ocean views. They want to see the passing water and the port arrivals. However, some Sky Princess balcony cabins have obstructed views. This means that an object blocks or partially blocks the view of the ocean.
Sometimes, the obstruction is minor. Other times, it completely ruins the travelling experience. Understanding the deck plans helps identify these Sky Princess cabins to avoid.
Lifeboat Obstructions on Lower Decks
The most common obstructions come from the ship's lifeboats and tenders. These are safety vessels permanently fixed to the side of the ship. They are necessary, but they block the view for many cabins on the lower decks. Cabins on Deck 8, the Fiesta Deck, are particularly affected. This deck has a long row of lifeboats suspended right outside the balconies.
An obstructed view means you look out and see the top of a lifeboat instead of a clear horizon. These cabins are often sold at a lower price. This discount may not be worth the disappointment of a blocked view. Guests looking for a pristine, open view of the ocean should avoid Sky Princess balcony cabins located along the lifeboat area on Deck 8.
Hull and Structure Blockages
Some lower deck rooms, especially on Deck 5 and 6, are very close to the ship's hull. These rooms have views that might be blocked by structural elements or are simply too close to the water line. The balcony railing might be solid steel instead of clear plexiglass. This solid railing requires you to stand up to see the ocean. This is often an issue for cabins classified as "partially obstructed."
Similarly, some cabins near the front of the ship are subject to steel windbreaks or the ship’s superstructure. These forward-facing cabins sometimes have small, odd-shaped balconies or steel walls that hinder the view. Sky Princess staterooms with forward views on the lower decks are often less desirable for view-focused guests.
Balconies with Privacy Issues
While not an obstruction of the view, a lack of privacy can also ruin the balcony experience. Some cabins, especially those that are just out of or are recessed, may have balconies that are easily seen by neighbors. The balconies that are at the transition points between different cabin types often have less privacy.
Choosing a standard, non-connecting balcony cabin in a uniform section of the deck offers the most privacy. Avoid Sky Princess cabins that are positioned where the deck plan changes shape.
Location: Movement and Motion Sickness Cabins on Sky Princess
A cruise ship moves, and sometimes that movement can be felt more acutely in certain parts of the vessel. Guests sensitive to motion sickness should be careful when selecting their cabin. The sensation of movement varies significantly depending on the cabin's position. This is a critical factor when searching for the best Sky Princess cabin.
The Unsettling Ends: Forward and Aft Cabins
The motion is always most noticeable at the extreme ends of the ship: the bow (front) and the stern (back). When the ship encounters waves, the pitching motion, the up-and-down movement, is exaggerated at these points. Guests in forward and aft cabins feel this movement the most.
Cabins at the very front of the ship, especially on higher decks, can experience noticeable up and down movement. This movement is felt even in moderate seas. The ship's engines and propellers are at the stern. Guests in aft cabins might feel more vibration, especially during docking or when the ship is sailing at high speed. The forward and aft Sky Princess cabins to avoid are those on the highest decks if you are prone to motion sickness.
The Sweet Spot: Midship Cabins
The middle of the ship, or the midship section, is the most stable. The ship pivots around its central point. This means that movement is minimized for cabins located here. Guests prone to seasickness should prioritize a midship location.
Furthermore, lower decks feel less movement than higher decks. The best Sky Princess cabin for stability is typically midship on a lower deck, such as Deck 9 or 10.
Layout and Function: Less Convenient Cabins on Sky Princess
Sometimes a cabin's problems are not about noise or view, but about the room's layout or its proximity to a specific functional space. A poorly laid-out room can make a daily routine awkward. Certain connecting cabins also present potential issues.
Connecting Cabins and Noise Transfer
Many cruise lines offer connecting cabins. These rooms have a door in the dividing wall that can be opened to connect the two rooms. This is great for families and groups. However, the connecting door is thinner than the standard wall. This means noise transfers easily between the rooms.
If you are not traveling with the people next door, a connecting cabin can be noisy. You will hear your neighbors’ conversations, their television, and general activity more clearly. The Sky Princess cabins to avoid for light sleepers traveling solo or as a couple include any cabin marked as "connecting." Check the deck plans for the small, half-circle symbol indicating the connecting door.
Cabins with Unique or Awkward Layouts
A small number of cabins on Sky Princess have unique, non-standard shapes. This happens to accommodate the ship’s structure, like near the bow or where the hallway curves. These rooms might feel smaller, even if they have the same square footage. They might have unusual furniture placement or a bathroom that is tucked into an awkward corner.
For example, some rooms on the lower forward decks might have a non-rectangular shape. This irregular shape can make the room feel cramped or less comfortable. Sticking to the standard rectangular cabins in the straight sections of the hallway usually ensures a comfortable, typical layout.
Oversized Balcony Cabins and Privacy Trade-offs
The Sky Princess features a few cabins with unusually large or deep balconies. These are often corner suites or premium balcony rooms. While a large balcony sounds fantastic, these spaces sometimes sacrifice privacy.
Corner balconies often wrap around the ship. This exposure means that passengers in other areas of the ship can see onto your balcony. The added space is a great feature, but the loss of privacy should be considered.
Dealing with Temperature: Weather-Affected Cabins on Sky Princess
The angle and direction a cabin faces can affect the temperature and sun exposure in the room. This can be a minor annoyance or a significant comfort issue, depending on the itinerary.
Aft-Facing Cabins and Direct Sun
Aft-facing cabins are very popular. They offer sweeping views of the ship's wake. This is a beautiful sight. However, these cabins can get extremely hot. When the ship sails south or when the sun is directly overhead, the large glass doors and windows face the sun all day. This creates a greenhouse effect.
The cabin air conditioning unit must work very hard to keep the room cool. Guests in these Sky Princess aft-facing cabins often report high internal temperatures. They must keep the blackout curtains drawn during the day. This defeats the purpose of the great view. Travelers cruising in the Caribbean or other warm areas should consider this heat factor.
Forward-Facing Cabins and Wind
Cabins at the very front of the ship, especially the small set of suites on the highest decks, can experience high winds and spray. While the views are often spectacular, sitting on these balconies can be uncomfortable or even impossible during high-speed sailing or rough weather. The wind can be loud and make the balcony unusable.
The Secret of Deck 17: Cabins Near the Sanctuary and Sun Deck
The highest passenger deck, Deck 17, contains the Sun Deck, The Sanctuary, and the jogging track. Cabins on this deck, particularly near the forward end, may experience noise from the track. Guests jogging early in the morning can be heard in the rooms below.
The Sanctuary is a quiet, adult-only retreat area. It is generally peaceful. Still, crew members prepare this area early for guests. This morning preparation can involve moving furniture or cleaning. Rooms directly below The Sanctuary should be avoided by travelers who want to sleep late. The low-key activities on the Sun Deck and jogging track often start early, disrupting the peace in these Sky Princess staterooms.
Final Recommendations for the Best Sky Princess Cabin Experience
The Sky Princess is an excellent cruise ship. Finding the right cabin is the key to maximizing your enjoyment. The most common problems involve noise and obstructed views. By avoiding a few specific areas, you can ensure a much more comfortable vacation.
To secure the best Sky Princess cabin, you should aim for a midship location on Decks 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, or 15. These decks offer a good balance of stability and distance from public areas. Always avoid cabins directly below the Lido Deck on Deck 16 and above the noisy areas on Deck 8. If a full, clear ocean view is essential, avoid the obstructed view cabins on Deck 8 near the lifeboats.
Take the time to study the deck plans. Look for rooms near the service elevators, public restrooms, or stairwells. These areas are prone to noise. Choosing a room between two floors of other cabins, for example, a cabin on Deck 11 which has cabins above it on Deck 12 and below it on Deck 10, often gives the quietest experience.
A successful cruise journey starts with a well-chosen stateroom. By knowing which Sky Princess cabins to avoid, you set yourself up for a truly relaxing and unforgettable journey on the sea. Make your choice wisely and enjoy the comfort and elegance of this grand Princess ship.
