So, you cannot wait to book a Celebrity cruise. You’ve heard that Celebrity cruise ships offer luxury onboard experiences, high-end facilities, and superb specialty restaurants. But you’ve got a big decision: which cabin to choose? You’ve heard about Celebrity’s Sunset verandas, Retreat Suites, or staterooms with spacious balconies. However, some reviewers complain about cramped cabins in noisy locations, Infinite Verandas, or obstructed view balconies.
Will you splurge on a Concierge Class cabin only to find it’s not worth the extra money? Or would it be better to save money on an obstructed-view balcony but risk missing out on fantastic ocean views? Let’s face it—no one wants to spend the entire cruise wishing they’d picked a better cabin.
I’ve put together this guide ranking Celebrity cruise cabins from worst to best. I’ve based the information on my own experience, examining deck plans and scouring hundreds of online reviews from real cruisers.
Whether you want the quietest location, the best views, or the most space for your budget, I’ll help you avoid costly mistakes so you can book the perfect stateroom for your cruise.
Choosing the Right Celebrity Cruises Cabin
Even on high-end cruise lines like Celebrity, not all cabins are created equal. Of course, there are the usual offenders when it comes to the “worst cabin locations on a cruise ship.” Think staterooms under pool decks, next to entertainment venues, or beside the galley. Seasoned cruisers typically advise avoiding these noisy rooms if possible.
When booking a Celebrity cruise, the ship’s class matters regarding cabins. Edge-class cruise ships are the latest in the fleet, but their oceanview staterooms feature Infinite Verandas—not popular with everyone because they lack the true balcony experience. Solstice-class ships have traditional balconies and are a solid mid-range choice. Then, Millennium-class ships are the oldest and have smaller cabins and a dated feel.
What Makes a Cabin the Worst Choice on Celebrity Cruise Ships
In my experience, what makes a cabin “bad” depends on a cruiser’s expectations and perceived value for money. On a budget cruise, a tiny, windowless room might be acceptable. But on Celebrity, where you pay for modern luxury, premium services, and a peaceful retreat, a cabin that’s noisy, obstructed, or overpriced feels like a significant letdown.
Some guests on Celebrity ships say that certain rooms sound great on paper but fail to deliver. That Concierge Class stateroom? Same size as a regular balcony, but with a fancier name. That Infinite Veranda? Not a real balcony at all. Meanwhile, cabins under the pool deck, near a nightclub, or by a crew area can turn a relaxing cruise into a week of unwanted wake-up calls.
Then there’s value. A bad cabin isn’t just about how bad it is—it’s how bad it is for the price. If you’re dropping serious cash on an AquaClass room, you expect peace and perks, not a room under the gym where morning workouts double as your alarm. A suite with a “premium view” might not feel so premium if it comes with a front-row seat to lifeboats and maintenance equipment.
The best advice? Decide what you expect from the cruise and book the best cabin in your price range. If you’re prepared to compromise, expect to live with the trade-offs. However, Celebrity operates high-end cruise ships, and I’ve found the cruise experiences to be generally excellent.
Celebrity Cruise Ship Cabins Ranked from Worst to Best
A little research goes a long way in avoiding the worst cabins on a Celebrity ship. Get this choice right, and your cabin becomes a private retreat. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend the week wondering what could have been.
Cabins Directly Under the Pool Deck
If peace and quiet are your priority, avoid cabins under the pool deck, theater, or late-night lounges. Many cruisers have reported early-morning noise from chairs scraping and fitness classes. Midship cabins on Deck 12 (directly under the pool deck) can also get particularly noisy on sea days.
Cruise passengers complain about the noise of loungers getting dragged across the deck and early-morning crew activity and cleaning. So, if you’re hoping to sleep in or relax on your balcony without background noise, it’s best to choose a midship balcony on a lower deck for a quieter experience.
Cabins Near Nightclubs and Theaters (Various Ships)
On Solstice and Edge-Class ships, guests staying beneath the Rooftop Garden, Sunset Bar, or Eden Lounge have noted that music and events can run late into the night. One cruiser shared that their balcony experience was frustrating and that they had to raise their voices just to have a conversation over the movie soundtrack.
Other guests on Celebrity Infinity (Millenium-class) say that in some cabins near theaters, they could hear “thumping bass” well past midnight. Some guests, however, reported that noise from entertainment venues wasn’t an issue on their balconies.
These cabins can be manageable for deep sleepers, but if you’re noise-sensitive, a midship balcony on a lower deck is a safer bet.
Deck 3 Staterooms on Edge-Class Ships (Noisy and High Foot Traffic)
Depending on the stateroom location, Deck 3 on Edge and Millennium-class ships are worth avoiding. Due to its proximity to public areas like the Martini Bar and Grand Plaza, it gets heavy foot traffic. Also, it’s below Deck 4, which has shops, a theater (at the front of the ship), a nightclub, and a casino.
Many cruisers on Celebrity Solstice have reported hearing music, crowd chatter, and noise from events in the Grand Foyer on Deck 3. However, the events typically don’t go too late into the night.
A few guests staying in a Deck 3 cabin on Celebrity Apex noted that they could hear events happening in the Grand Plaza well past midnight. Interestingly, other cruisers commented that they’ve never had an issue with noise on Deck 3.
If you’re a light sleeper or prefer a peaceful cabin, Deck 3 may be a risky choice. If you can, choose a midship cabin on a higher deck with staterooms above and below. This should ensure a quieter and more relaxing experience.
Infinite Veranda Cabins (Celebrity Edge-Class Ships)
Most oceanview cabins on Celebrity Cruise Edge-class ships have an Infinite Veranda—a love-it-or-hate-it upgrade in the cruise community. Unlike a traditional balcony, this design incorporates the veranda into the stateroom, using a floor-to-ceiling window that opens halfway. The biggest reason to avoid these staterooms? They lack the open-air feel of an actual balcony.
On the plus side, some cruisers love the extra interior space and floor-to-ceiling windows. Also, there is more privacy because of the cabin walls between the veranda’s space.
However, it seems they’re not a hit with most cruisers. Some Celebrity guests say that the veranda feels more like a sunroom than a proper balcony, and the space can get stuffy in hot, humid weather. Additionally, the air conditioning switches off when the window is open, creating an even more humid atmosphere in the cabin.
If you’re considering booking a Celebrity cruise on an Edge-class ship, choose a suite or Sunset Veranda for an authentic “step-outside balcony experience.” Also, balcony cabins and suites on Solstice-class ships have traditional balconies.
Obstructed View Balconies (Solstice and Millennium-Class)
Booking a balcony with an obstructed view can mean snagging a great cruise deal. But the view? It’s a hit or a miss. Many cabins on Deck 6 of Solstice-Class ships and certain midship balconies on Millennium-Class ships have obstructed views due to lifeboats, maintenance equipment, or ship structures.
Obstructions vary—from minor lifeboat interference to nearly blocked ocean views. Some guests reported that they had saved money by booking an obstructed view balcony and still had an open view out to sea. Others say how they felt boxed in, with some cabins having almost no ocean visibility at all.
It’s also good to note that some Infinite Veranda cabins on Edge-class Celebrity ships have obstructed views.
If relaxing on your balcony with a spectacular ocean view is a priority, avoid staterooms on Deck 6 on Solstice-Class ships. Also, review deck plans carefully on Millennium-class ships, as some cabin balconies on Deck 7 and 8 have obstructed views.
Forward-Facing Cabins (All Classes)
Many cruisers love forward-facing cabins for their panoramic ocean views. However, they can be terrible cabins on cruise ships because of two issues–wind and motion. The worst ship motion is always at the ship’s front and can feel like a rollercoaster ride in rough seas and strong winds. Also, balconies may be closed in bad weather.
Many cruisers have mentioned that even on calm days, the wind on these balconies can be intense, making it uncomfortable to sit outside. One guest staying in a forward-facing cabin on Celebrity Silhouette described it as “like standing in a wind tunnel.”
Front-facing cabins can be problematic if you’re prone to seasickness. If you want the best views and want to enjoy outside space, consider a Sunset Veranda at the ship’s aft, where you can see the wake. Although not as smooth sailing as the middle of the ship, it’s better than the front.
Inside Cabins Running Lengthways Along a Corridor (Awkward Layouts)
Many interior cabins on Celebrity Edge-class and Solstice-class ships have awkward layouts that some cruisers don’t like. The issue is that the cabins run lengthways along a corridor with the entrance on the short wall. Guests say that the stateroom feels more like a hallway than a cabin.
Cruisers on many forums report that the longer wall is along the corridor, meaning guests walking by are directly alongside your bed rather than just passing your door. This reduces privacy and increases noise, as passing passengers might be louder than expected—especially after a few drinks.
Celebrity guests also comment that these cabins have less functional space, making them feel cramped despite costing the same as better-laid-out interiors. For what you’re paying on a Celebrity cruise ship, the layout doesn’t seem to deliver real value.
Cramped 3-Person Staterooms (Misleading Size)
On a premium cruise like Celebrity, you expect a bit of extra space—even in a budget-friendly cabin. But some three-person staterooms feel incredibly cramped, with the single sofa bed or Pullman lowering into an already tight space. It may be OK for a child, but not ideal for three adults.
Cruisers traveling in these rooms have said that once the third bed is in use, moving around becomes a challenge. One guest noted that it felt more like navigating a storage closet than a proper stateroom, and another said they constantly had to squeeze past furniture to get to the bathroom.
If you need enough living space for three guests, consider upgrading to a Veranda Stateroom or Concierge Class Suite. Otherwise, prepare for a cozy—but not necessarily comfortable—cruise vacation.
Connecting Cabins (All Ships)
The worst cabin on a Celebrity cruise ship could be a connecting cabin if you don’t need one. These rooms have a thin, locked door between them, which can make noise travel far more than in standard staterooms. Solo guests or couples who end up in one might feel like they’re sharing a cabin with strangers.
Of course, connecting cabins are great for families or groups booking both rooms. But unless you specifically need the extra space for a group, it’s best to avoid these rooms entirely. Cruisers frequently mention hearing noises from TVs, conversations, snoring, and even bedroom shenanigans.
The unfortunate thing is that this type of cabin can turn a premium cruise vacation into something much less peaceful. So, always book a standard balcony or oceanview stateroom with no connecting door if you don’t need it.
Premium Staterooms on Celebrity Xpedition (Not Worth the Price)
Celebrity Xpedition offers an intimate, expedition-style cruise, but its Premium Staterooms feel outdated for the price. Unlike the sleek modern designs of newer ships, these cabins feature old wood paneling, small picture windows, and a layout that feels cramped.
Many guests expect a luxury experience but find these rooms underwhelming compared to the suites. Some have noted that the limited space and aging decor don’t justify the cost, making a suite upgrade the better choice if you want to pay for a true premium expedition cruise experience.
Concierge Class Cabins (Not Always Worth the Upgrade)
Concierge Class cabins on Celebrity cruise ships come with extra perks, but is the higher price really justified? Many guests don’t think so. These staterooms are the same size as regular Veranda cabins. And yes, you get priority boarding and tendering, a personal concierge, and a welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room. But it seems like a steep markup for what you get.
Some cruisers have said they barely used the concierge service, and the exclusive welcome lunch and destination seminars felt more like sales pitches for excursions. Other passengers say they are happier booking their own excursions and use the money saved to splurge on specialty dining or spa treatments instead.
Sunset Veranda Cabins (Celebrity Edge & Solstice-Class)
Some of the best staterooms on Celebrity ships are the Sunset Veranda cabins. Positioned at the aft of the ship, these cabins offer expansive, unobstructed ocean views and stunning wake views. They are also one of the few cabin types on Edge-class ships where you can enjoy an outdoor space directly from your cabin.
Many cruisers say these rooms are worth the upgrade because they feature larger-than-average balconies with more privacy. One guest noted that their Sunset Veranda was the perfect place to unwind, away from the noise of midship balconies. Another raved about the extra space, saying the balcony felt like an extension of the room rather than an afterthought.
Want your perfect cruise to be a quiet, scenic retreat? Book a Sunset Veranda, as it’s one of the best balcony options on Celebrity Cruises. Remember—these cabins can be in high demand, so booking early is recommended.
Midship Balcony Cabins
Looking for the smoothest ride on a Celebrity cruise ship and the easiest access to amenities? A midship balcony cabin is the way to go. These rooms offer less movement compared to forward or aft-facing cabins, making them ideal if you’re prone to seasickness. Also, their central location means you are next to amenities. Just make sure that the cabin has staterooms above and below for the quietest cruise vacation. Simply put, a midship balcony is one of the safest choices on any Celebrity ship.
Prime AquaClass Cabins (Solstice & Edge-Class)
AquaClass cabins offer spa perks, priority dining at Blu (an exclusive private restaurant), and upgraded in-room amenities, making them a favorite for wellness-focused cruisers. Many guests say the unlimited access to the Persian Garden’s thermal suites justifies the cost, especially on Solstice-Class ships.
However, some feel the upgrade isn’t worth it, especially if you don’t use the spa. The reason? The stateroom is identical in size to a standard Veranda cabin. If you don’t plan on using the spa daily, a regular balcony cabin may offer better value, with more flexibility on location.
If you’re a spa fan, book the Aqua Sky Suite for a luxurious stay and access to exclusive spaces, services, and amenities.
The Retreat (For all Celebrity Suites)
The iconic suites on Celebrity cruise ships are some of the best in the industry because they give you access to the Retreat. This all-inclusive cruise experience offers suite passengers butler service, access to exclusive restaurants, the Retreat Lounge, Retreat Sundeck, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
If you want the best luxury cruise experience and are willing to pay for it, Celebrity’s suite options are some of the best in the industry.
Which Celebrity Cabins Are Worth Splurging on
If views matter, Sunset Veranda cabins offer stunning aft-facing panoramas and larger balconies. For luxury, Celebrity suites provide butler service, private dining, and exclusive sun decks. AquaClass is ideal for spa lovers, while midship balcony cabins offer stability and convenience. The best splurge depends on your priorities.
How to Book the Best Cabin on Celebrity Cruise Ships
Cruise experts will tell you that choosing the right cabin can make or break the onboard experience. Here are a few tips I’ve found especially helpful when cruising on Celebrity ships:
- Check deck plans: Avoid cabins beneath pool decks, near nightclubs, or by crew areas.
- Prioritize location: Midship cabins offer less motion and easier access to venues.
- Research obstructed views: The views from some balconies are blocked by lifeboats or railings. However, this can be a cruise hack to snag an excellent balcony cabin for a cheaper price.
- Consider perks vs. price: Concierge Class and AquaClass offer extras, but many cruisers say they are not worth the upgrade.
- Check cabin reviews: Look at guest photos and reviews online to see real experiences before booking.
- Book early: The best rooms on Celebrity, like Sunset Suites and Retreat Suites, sell out fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Book Smart, Cruise Better: Get the Best Celebrity Cabin for Your Trip
In my experience, Celebrity cruises offer some of the best experiences at sea. Therefore, it’s vital to match the cabin type and ship class with your expectations to ensure the best value. So, choose wisely, book early, and enjoy every moment at sea—happy cruising!
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