You’re excited about booking a luxury cruise on a Princess Cruise ship. Of course, you expect all the cabins to be top-notch in terms of comfort and amenities. But how can you pick the best one for your budget? Should you splurge on an aft-facing balcony cabin, or will the soot-covered railings be a dealbreaker? Or should you risk an obstructed view balcony to snag a better deal?
Now, you seem trapped in a stressful guessing game because the last thing you want is for a lousy cabin to ruin the cruise experience. Where are those spacious retreats with stunning views? You know—the ones away from the noisy buffet, nightclub, and theater.
That’s where my guide comes in. Using real cruiser feedback, I’ve discovered the worst and best cabins on Princess Cruises—so you can book with confidence and avoid costly regrets.
Cabins on Princess Cruise Ships Ranked from Worst to Best
Some cabins are bad, no matter the cruise line—think of them below the pool deck or theater. Others suffer from obstructed views, ship motion, or heavy foot traffic. Some cruisers avoid them at all costs, while others trade comfort for a cheaper deal, willing to put up with a few drawbacks.
Which will you choose? Read on to find out.
Noisy Cabins Beneath Public Areas (Avoid at All Costs)
Cabins located directly below the pool deck, buffet, or theater are notoriously loud, and most cruisers recommend avoiding them when possible. With cabins under pools, the noise issues are from chairs getting scraped across the deck or the crew cleaning. The buffet has constant foot traffic starting early in the morning.
One cruiser commented on how loud the music from the theater was, even during rehearsals. Several said that the rolling carts and scraping chairs from Horizon Court dining venue woke them up at 3.30 a.m. every morning. Others complained about hearing the crew scrubbing the Lido Deck at midnight.
Also, beware of cabins above and below the Princess Arena or Princess Theater. Depending on the ship, these could be cabins on Decks 5 or 6 and Decks 7 or 8 toward the front of the vessel.
If noise is a concern, choose a cabin sandwiched between two passenger decks and away from crew service areas.
Which are the best Princess Cruise ships for amenities, entertainment, and cabins? Check out my article on Princess ships ranked from best to worst.
Forward Cabins on High Decks (Rough Seas = Bad Sleep)
A forward-facing cabin may give you a captain’s view, but those on higher decks are prone to excessive motion, especially in rough seas. These cabins experience the strongest swaying and dipping, making them a poor choice for light sleepers or those prone to seasickness.
Many cruisers express surprise at how much the front of the boat moves while at sea. A previous guest shared that the views were spectacular, but the cruise felt like a five-day rollercoaster ride. Another said they felt every wave and were seasick within hours.
Of course, not everyone gets motion sickness, and many cruisers love the experience in forward cabins, especially on Caribbean cruises where the sea tends to be calmer.
Forward-Facing Balcony Cabins (Wind, Motion, and Limited Usability)
Cabins with forward-facing balconies offer unobstructed panoramic views, but they come with serious drawbacks. These cabins experience the most wind and motion, making the balcony often too windy to enjoy. In rough seas, doors may need to stay locked for safety. Some cruisers love the unique perspective, but many find the tradeoffs not worth it.
Although forward balconies can be used while at sea, one cruiser noted that it gets windy when sailing at 18 or 20 knots. They said the larger balcony seemed great, but it was so windy they couldn’t step outside most days. Some also complain about the door whistling from the wind. And, of course, high up at the front has a lot of motion.
Cabins Adjacent to the Laundry (Vibrations and Foot Traffic)
Cruisers love Princess Cruise ships because of the self-service laundry. However, living next to washing machines can be noisy. Some guests complain of noise, vibrations, and heavy foot traffic at all hours.
Each ship only has a few interior cabins adjacent to laundry rooms. For example, cabins P212 and P249 are ones to avoid on Caribbean Princess. On Sun Princess, staterooms 10324 and 10328 on Deck 10 are beside the self-service laundromat. But be sure to check out the deck plan of the ship you plan to sail.
Obstructed View Balcony Staterooms (Not Worth the Price)
An obstructed view balcony gives you fresh air and outdoor space. But the tradeoff? Lifeboats, steel structures, or machinery blocking or partially blocking your view. Some cruise passengers don’t mind the obstruction for a lower cruise fare, while others take a gamble and are disappointed.
You take a risk booking a standard balcony with an obstructed view. One cruiser shared a picture where the obstruction was a steel support, and it never bothered them. Other passengers say they couldn’t see the ocean at all due to a lifeboat. They said that they wished they’d booked an oceanview cabin instead.
If budget allows, opt for a fully unobstructed balcony on a higher deck. If cost is a concern, a premium oceanview cabin can provide a clearer view at a lower price.
Aft Cabins on Older Ships (Shakes Like an Earthquake)
There’s nothing like a stunning view of the ship’s wake at sea. However, lower aft cabins on some older Princess cruise ships suffer from vibration and noise from the engines and propellers. The disruption is typically worse when docking or cruising at higher speeds. However, reviews are mixed—from gentle hum to sleeping on a massage chair.
A cruiser who traveled for the first time on Regal Princess shared that they’ve never felt such strong vibrations on a ship. Others said that the starboard side of the Caribbean Princess Emerald Deck vibrated a lot; however, the port side was OK. Regarding the vibrations, many cruisers expressed how they got used to the experience, and it was like white noise that helped them sleep.
Typically, cabins midship on an upper deck like Decks 9 to 12 usually provide the quietest, smoothest sailings.
If you’re wondering about which are the oldest ships in the Princess Fleet, check out my article on Princess Cruise ships ranked by age.
Aft-Facing Balconies on Royal-Class Ships (Soot on Balconies)
An issue on some Royal-Class Princess ships is a soot buildup on the aft balconies, especially on the higher decks. While it’s not always a problem, passengers talk about having to wipe black particles from railings and balcony furniture.
The most common complaints are on Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Sky Princess ships. The soot issue occasionally affects Grand-Class ships, like the Grand Princess. Some cruisers shared that they’d think twice before booking an aft balcony cabin on Royal Princess and consider a different class.
Of course, an alternative could be to book a different cabin type, like an aft mini-suite on a mid-level deck for a better cruise experience.
What are the best alternatives to Royal-Class Princess Cruise ships? Read my article on the best and worst Princess ships as ranked by cruisers.
Noisy Inside Cabins Near Crew Areas or the Atrium
When checking deck plans to find the perfect cabin, pay attention to blank spaces. These are typically crew service areas, cabin steward closets, or the ship’s atrium. Crew members move carts, equipment, and supplies at all hours, not to mention loud chatter.
Staterooms near the atrium get mixed reviews from cruisers. Some say that they loved proximity to elevators, entertainment areas, and onboard activities. In contrast, others complain how the constant foot traffic, music, and announcements kept them awake at night.
Connecting Cruise Ship Cabins (Great for Groups, Bad for Couples)
A cabin with a connecting door can be the best or worst cabin on a Princess cruise ship. For families or groups traveling together—ideal. Everyone has plenty of space to enjoy the cruise and some privacy. However, they’re not the best staterooms for couples or single travelers. The indoor space can become a noisy nightmare.
Cruisers who got assigned a connecting cabin or mistakenly booked one, say conversations, TV, snoring, and bedroom shenanigans spoiled the cruise experience. So, if you don’t know your neighbors, you’d better bring earplugs or a white noise machine to get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Sideway Inside Cabins with Bunk Beds (Cramped & Awkward)
Sideway interior cabins have noise issues due to the wall running parallel to the corridor. Also, cruise guests say that the sideways cabins with bunk beds feel cramped and have an awkward layout. They may be OK for two passengers, but some say that it is hard to move around with four people.
Cabins that run parallel to corridors are standard on Royal-Class ships. For example, you’ll find them on Sky Princess on Deck 13 and Decks 10 and 11 on Regal Princess. However, Grand Princess in the Grand-Class has none.
Sideway cabins may allow you to snag a great deal if you’re prepared for the tradeoff—more noise and sometimes a clunky layout. But want more space? Opt for a standard interior stateroom.
Promenade Deck Oceanview Cabins (Zero Privacy)
A Promenade Deck oceanview cabin offers a large window with a direct view outside, but there’s a significant catch—people can see in just as easily as you can see out. These cabins are located along public walkways, meaning you see passengers strolling right past your window, making privacy a constant issue.
Although the idea sounds great—spectacular views of the ocean, many cruisers feel forced to keep their curtains always closed, defeating the purpose of the window. One passenger shared that they felt uncomfortable with people walking past and looking into their cabin. “No way to enjoy the views with being on display 24/7,” is what another wrote.
Some better alternatives include a higher-deck oceanview stateroom or a balcony cabin on a mid-level deck.
Aft-Facing Balcony Cabins (Best Views & Premium Location)
Looking for some of the best views from the cruise ship? A mid-level aft-facing balcony cabin is perfect. As a bonus, you’re away from the busy mid-ship areas and can enjoy tranquility. They’re also less windy than forward-facing balconies—ideal if you plan on spending a lot of time outside.
However, there are a few caveats. First, sometimes soot can be a problem on Royal-Class ships, and vibrations can be more noticeable. Second, there’s more movement than a mid-ship cabin, but not as much as the front.
Mid-Ship Balcony Cabins (Smooth Sailing & Convenient Location)
Some of the best cabins on a Princess cruise ship are located midship. They are the best choices for stability, easy access to key areas, and a quiet onboard experience. Their location also means less movement in rough seas, making them ideal for those prone to motion sickness.
Midship locations also keep you close to elevators, dining areas, and entertainment venues without excessive foot traffic. Many decks in the middle of the ships also have premium deluxe balcony cabins and mini-suites. Several cruisers say that the location means getting to the main onboard attractions is easy.
Being the most popular cabin types, they tend to sell out fast for premium rates. Also, you may have long elevator waits in high-traffic areas.
Premium or Deluxe Oceanview Cabins (More Space, Lower Cost)
A step up from Princess cruise ship balcony cabins in terms of space is a Premium Oceanview cabin. On Sky Princess, opt for the Deluxe Oceanview cabin. Here, you get a more spacious stateroom—albeit without a balcony—with spectacular ocean views, and some have unusual slanting windows that provide plenty of natural light.
Family Suites (Best for Groups & Extra Space)
Princess Cruise Ship Family Suites offer premium balcony cabins with separate sleeping and living areas, making them ideal for families or groups. Suites can be up to 1,277 square feet with two separate bedrooms, a separate seating area, and a large balcony. Included are two flat-panel TVs, upgraded linens, and a full bathroom with deluxe amenities.
The biggest gripe among the cruiser community is the lack of availability. Few family suites are on each ship, and they are snapped up quickly. If a suite isn’t available, booking two connecting mini-suites can offer a similar experience. For groups wanting more privacy, an aft-facing mini-suite can provide extra space at a lower cost.
Mini-Suites Dolphin vs. Emerald Decks (Best for Quiet & Comfort)
Many cruisers rave about the mini-suite on Princess cruise ships’ Dolphin Decks. Compared to full suites, they are more affordable and offer a full-size sofa with a larger bathroom. They are also located in the middle of the ship. However, experienced Princess cruisers warn that the balconies are not shaded and have less privacy.
Cruisers generally recommend choosing a mini-suite on the Princess Emerald Deck because it has shaded balconies. Some passengers prefer the Emerald Deck on Alaska cruises because of the shelter from rain, and others like it on Caribbean cruises because of the shade from the sun. However, some passengers report noise from entertainment venues up to 11 p.m.
For a better mini-suite experience on Princess cruise ships, most seasoned cruisers recommend choosing a Reserved Collection Mini-Suite.
Reserve Collection Mini-Suites (Upgraded Dining & VIP Perks)
Reserve Collection Mini-Suites (formerly Club Class) are a firm favorite among cruisers. Enjoy spacious accommodations, priority perks, and exclusive dining venues. These cabins are in prime locations on the ship and include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a premium mattress, and upgraded amenities.
Think of them as between a luxurious stateroom and a full-sized suite. Many guests share how the exclusive reserve dining in the Main Dining Room feels like VIP treatment, especially with the unique menu options. Also, the evening canapes delivered to your room are a nice touch.
However, some cruisers note that some Reserve Collection suites are the same size as mini-suites. So, it’s more about the perks than extra space.
Suites with Large Balconies (Most Space & Exclusive Perks)
Princess Cruises ships may not have the most luxurious accommodation in the mainstream cruise industry, but they’ve got some amazing ones on their newest ships. The best are the Sky Suites on Discovery Princess, Sky Princess, and Enchanted Princess. These have the largest balconies that overlook the main pool.
With Princess cruise ship suites, here is a list of the perks you enjoy:
- Complimentary priority laundry
- Drinks package and free mini bar
- Free WiFi
- Suite-only breakfast in Sabatini’s
- Concierge
- Priority reservations and disembarkation
- Expanded room service menu
- Evening canapes delivered to your room
- Access to the Enclave Spa
- Deluxe telescopes for stargazing at night
- Complimentary in-room afternoon tea
- A reserved bungalow when stopping at Princess Cays (for suite guests only)
Sanctuary Collection Suites (Ultimate Luxury & Relaxation)
The Sanctuary Collection Suites offer the most exclusive accommodations on select Princess ships, including Sun and Star Princess. These suites provide prime locations near the adults-only Sanctuary retreat, ensuring a tranquil experience. Here, you can enjoy priority embarkation, an exclusive lounge, a private sun deck, and personalized service with a dedicated suite team.
The adults-only Sanctuary Suites, Mini-Suites, or Balcony Cabins also come with luxury furnishings, large balconies with luxury balcony furniture, and premium in-room dining.
Many cruisers rave about the tranquil atmosphere and high-end perks. One guest noted that direct access to The Sanctuary made the trip feel like a private resort at sea. Another shared, “The private restaurant and included perks, like unlimited specialty dining options and premium drinks, made it worth every cent.”
Note: Sanctuary Suites offer an even more exclusive experience than Reserve Collection Mini-Suites.
How to Pick the Best Cabins on a Princess Cruise Ship
Finding the perfect cabin isn’t just about the price—it’s about knowing what to expect. A little research can help you avoid disappointment and even score a better deal.
Here’s how to make an informed choice:
Read Recent Reviews and Forums: Cruise forums and review sites offer real cruiser experiences, helping you spot hidden downsides or surprising perks.
Check the Deck Plans: Don’t rely on descriptions alone—deck plans reveal what’s directly above, below, or next to your cabin to avoid noise issues.
Use a Travel Agent: Agents often have access to perks, discounts, or upgrades you won’t find online, especially for premium cabins.
Look for Sales and Upgrade Offers: Cruise lines run flash sales and last-minute upgrade deals, so booking at the right time can mean a better cabin for less.
Join Cruise-Specific Forums: Sites like Cruise Critic have roll calls and cabin discussions, where past passengers share insider tips on the best and worst rooms.
Taking the time to research, compare deals, and check real feedback can help you book the best cabin for your budget and needs.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Perfect Cabin for Your Princess Cruise
Picking the right cabin is about more than just price—it’s about comfort, convenience, and making the most of your time at sea. With careful research, checking reviews, and keeping an eye on deals, you can find the perfect stateroom for your needs. Wherever you sail on a Princess cruise ship, I hope you enjoy smooth seas, breathtaking views, and a fantastic cruise experience!
Related articles:
- Princess Cruise Ships Ranked: Best and Worst Revealed by Cruisers
- Princess Cruise Ships Ranked by Age: Newest to Oldest (With Reviews)
- Princess Vs. Celebrity Cruises: Which Is Best According to Real Cruisers
- Best & Worst Princess Cruise Ship Classes (Based on Reviews)
- Princess vs. Carnival: Which Cruise Line Is Better for You?
