You’re excited about booking a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship, but there’s a problem. Choosing the right cabin seems like an impossible puzzle. Do you save money with an inside stateroom or splurge on a balcony? Oceanview sounds nice, but is it worth the extra cost? And you heard about Promenade View and Virtual Balcony cabins—cheaper, sure, but is there a catch?
Pick the wrong cabin, and your dream cruise vacation could run aground before you’ve left port. Who wants lifeboats blocking their view, hearing thumping music from the nightclub, or catching nosy neighbors looking in from their cabin across the Promenade? Then you’ve got motion sickness to consider—book too high or too far forward, and every wave could feel like a rollercoaster ride.
That’s where my guide comes in. I’ve analyzed hundreds of cruiser reviews, scoured deck plans, and pulled insights from real experiences to rank Royal Caribbean’s best and worst cabins. I’ll break down which rooms to avoid and where you’ll get the most comfort for your money. Whether you’re after the quietest spot, the best views, or the best deal, you’ll know exactly what to book—and what to skip.
The Worst Cabins on Royal Caribbean—What Makes Them So Bad?
Not all staterooms on Royal Caribbean are plain sailing, but what makes a cabin “bad” depends on who you ask.
Light sleepers will hate cabins near nightclubs, but partygoers won’t mind. Are you prone to motion sickness? Then, you may be in for a bumpy ride in a high-deck front cabin, but others may love the thrill of the sea surge. Even obstructed-view cabins—deal breakers for some—are great for budget travelers.
Of course, some cabins get universal complaints—constant noise, lack of privacy, vibrations, or awkward layouts. Based on my experiences with Royal Caribbean ships and what real cruisers are saying, I’ll rank the worst offenders. Is the cabin a dealbreaker or just a minor inconvenience? You can choose your perfect cabin location.
Worst to Best Royal Caribbean Cabins Ranked
Every cruise ship has hidden gems and total duds when it comes to cabin categories and types. Some cabins look great in glossy cruise brochures—until you realize a lifeboat blocks your view and the walls vibrate every time the ship docks. Let’s start with the most undesirable cabins.
Cabins Near Entertainment and Pool Deck (Worst for Noise)
The worst cruise ship cabins are those near entertainment venues and the pool deck because they are the noisiest on Royal Caribbean vessels. Late-night music from Boleros Latin Club, karaoke bars, foot traffic, and early morning chair scraping from the pool deck or Windjammer Cafe can make sleeping a challenge. One cruiser on Oasis of the Seas said, “At 6 a.m., it sounded like a bowling alley above us.”
Another guest on Navigator of the Seas complained, “The bass from Boleros shook the walls.” The worst offenders include deck 14 on Oasis Class due to noise transfer from the pool. Midship cabins with rooms above and below are quieter. One cruiser advised always keeping at least one deck between your stateroom and the pool or Windjammer to avoid noise.
Forward Cabins on Higher Decks (Worst for Motion Sickness)
If you get seasick, forward cabins on higher decks are the worst cabin locations. These rooms feel every rise and fall of the ship, especially in rough seas—a problem on transatlantic cruises. A guest on Anthem of the Seas said, “It felt like an amusement park ride—except I couldn’t get off.” The higher the deck, the stronger the motion, making sleeping and walking more difficult.
One traveler on Odyssey of the Seas regretted their choice, saying, “The view was great, but I barely slept because of the rocking.” I’ve discovered that aft cabins feel more motion than midship but less than forward cabins. To avoid discomfort, midship cabins on lower decks are a safer bet.
Aft Cabins Near the Engine Room (Early Morning Docking Noise and Vibrations)
If you’re a light sleeper, avoid cabins located at the aft on lower decks, where vibrations from the ship’s propellers and engines are at their worst. These rooms shake the most when the ship is docking, maneuvering, or sailing at high speeds, which can make for a restless night.
I’ve discovered that these issues mainly concern aft-facing cabins on older Royal Caribbean ships, not the newer ones. However, one cruiser shared their experience of being woken up every morning at 5 a.m. as the cabin vibrated when the vessel docked. Yet another passenger said that the noise in cabins underneath restaurants was worse.
To minimize engine noise, seasoned cruisers suggest an aft-facing balcony on a higher deck. Some recommend deck 7 corner aft balconies on Voyager and Freedom-class ships, as they’re spacious yet priced like standard balconies.
Note: I’ve also read about some lower-deck front cabins that get noisy and vibrate every time the ship anchors in port.
Cabins Near Crew Service Areas (Worst for Foot Traffic and Door Slamming)
Cabins near crew service areas are some of the worst on Royal Caribbean ships. Cruise guests talk about doors slamming at all hours, heavy foot traffic, clanking plates, and rolling carts. So, it’s best to avoid cabins near service corridors, crew access doors, galleys, and storage areas, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
One cruiser on Vision of the Seas shared, “It sounded like pots and pans were always being cleaned, and it seemed like the crew didn’t know how to communicate without yelling!”
To avoid these noisy cabins, check deck plans carefully and stay away from unmarked blank spaces. If you’re assigned a cabin adjacent to service areas, request a change before finalizing the booking or bring earplugs.
Obstructed View Cabins (Worst for Oceanviews)
Booking an oceanview or balcony cabin only to discover a lifeboat, metal beam, or structural overhang blocking your view is a common complaint. While Royal Caribbean labels these as “obstructed view balconies,” the level of obstruction varies widely. Some cabins have partial ocean views, while others might as well be labeled “wall view.”
One cruiser on Anthem of the Seas vented, “We thought we were getting a great deal on a balcony, but we opened the curtains and saw nothing but a lifeboat.” Another guest complained about how they had to lean out at a weird angle just to see the water.
Obstructed view balcony cabins may be cheaper, and you can get lucky, but opt for a regular balcony if you want an unobstructed ocean view.
Promenade View Cabins (Lack of Privacy and Noise Issues)
Royal Caribbean Voyager and Oasis-class ships have unique cabins in the cruise industry—interior rooms with windows or balconies. The cabins face the ship’s interior Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, or Central Park, meaning you get a lively view of the action below.
But there’s a problem with these staterooms some cruisers hate—lack of privacy. Neighbors across the Promenade can see directly into your cabin unless the curtains are closed. One cruiser shared, “We had to keep the curtains shut all the time, which made it feel like a regular interior cabin.” Another shared, “At first, I thought it would be cool, but the constant noise from the Playmakers Sports Bar made it impossible to relax.”
If you enjoy people-watching and don’t mind keeping the curtains closed, these rooms can be a cheaper alternative to oceanview cabins.
Connecting Cabins Without Needing the Connection (Thin Walls and Noise Transfer)
A cabin with a connecting door to the adjacent cabin can be the worst cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. Thin walls, poor soundproofing, and noise transfer through the door can make it a frustrating experience. You’ll hear intimate conversations, TV sounds, and snoring, not to mention other bedroom noises.
A cruiser on Reddit posted, “We could hear every word of the couple next door’s late-night argument. It felt like they were in the room with us, and it was a bit awkward seeing them the next morning.” Many cruisers talk about getting woken up by their neighbor’s alarm.
Avoid unintentional connecting cabins by checking the deck plan before booking to locate a non-connecting stateroom. Another top tip I found to minimize noise was to ensure there are cabins above and below.
Interior Cabins (Cheapest Option but No Natural Light)
Interior cabins are not the best staterooms on Royal Caribbean cruises, but they are budget-friendly. Expect trade-offs for the price—a lack of natural light and (usually) cramped quarters. Some cruisers love the pitch-dark sleeping environment, while others find it claustrophobic. A guest on Freedom of the Seas shared, “I thought I could handle it, but waking up in total darkness every day was disorienting.”
I read on one Reddit thread comments from cruisers on Mariner of the Seas about their tiny 140 sq. ft. interior cabins. There are no drawers, sofa, or even room for a telephone. One said that they had “seen bigger cabins on Navy ships.” Most agreed that it should be sold as a single-occupancy room.
Not all interior cabins are equal. Some of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, like Oasis-class and Quantum-class, offer Virtual Balcony staterooms—interior rooms with a floor-to-ceiling digital screen that displays a live ocean view. A cruiser on Anthem of the Seas shared, “It made the room feel so much bigger. I almost forgot I was in an inside cabin.”
Cabins with Tiny Portholes (Cramped Views and Less Light)
Be careful when booking an oceanview stateroom on Royal Caribbean because some cabins on lower decks have tiny portholes. In my opinion, they are more suitable for a submarine than a luxury cruise ship. The issue is that they offer minimal natural light and a restricted view of the ocean. Unlike the large picture windows found in some ocean-view cabins, these portholes don’t provide a relaxing experience or true ocean views.
One cruiser noted, “We paid for an oceanview on Independence of the Seas, but the porthole was so small it barely let in any light.” Another traveler mentioned that Royal Caribbean doesn’t always advertise which cabins have smaller portholes, making it a gamble when booking.
For some cruisers, it’s a compromise—cheaper than a balcony cabin but not as confined as an interior stateroom. However, Royal Caribbean should do a better job of warning guests about the size of the porthole when booking an “oceanview” room.
Corner Balconies (Larger Balconies with Unique Views)
If you’re looking for some of the best Royal Caribbean balcony cabins without breaking the bank, try to book a cabin with a corner balcony. These sought-after staterooms have extra space and panoramic views without the premium price tag of suites. While size is a significant perk, the larger-than-average balconies have privacy issues.
A fellow cruiser told me that they loved the corner aft balcony on deck 9 on Voyager of the Seas. However, he said that they were exposed to the people above, and they could look down on their neighbors below.
After some research, I discovered the best corner aft balconies on Royal Caribbean ships are on decks 6 and 7. These are private balconies, protected from prying eyes above.
Check out my article on the ten balcony cabin secrets every cruiser must know.
Spacious Balcony Cabins on the “Hump” (Extra Space Without Extra Cost)
Cabin balconies on the “hump,” or curved section of the ship’s midsection, offer wider balconies without extra charge. You’ll find these spacious cabins and balconies on Radiance and Voyager class ships. The balconies also offer less obstructed views compared to typical side balconies.
A cruiser who stayed in a “hump” balcony cabin on Radiance of the Seas shared, “We had plenty of floor space without paying for a suite. It was a real hidden gem.” Some guests prefer the forward-facing hump balconies for their open views. One cruiser suggested cabins on the starboard side as they are on the opposite side from the elevator banks.
If you want extra balcony space without an additional cost, check deck plans for hump cabins, which are typically marked by angled or protruding sections on the ship’s layout.
Ultra Spacious Oceanview and Family Cabins
Some of the fastest-selling staterooms on Royal Caribbean ships are their spacious suites. These suite options are perfect for larger groups due to their spacious layouts that include queen-size beds, a dedicated bunk area, extra seating, more storage space, and ocean views. Note that there are only a few Ultra Spacious cabins on Royal Caribbean ships.
A parent told me that their family had plenty of space for the kids and great storage. He said it felt like a mini-suite and wasn’t cramped. However, these cabins are limited in availability, but they provide a comfortable alternative to booking multiple cabins. Just remember that they get snapped up fast.
Want to ensure the entire family can enjoy time onboard and in the room? Check out the Ultimate Family Suite—a two-deck-high suite complex.
Junior Suites (Extra Space and Perks)
Junior Suites are a step above standard balcony cabins, offering larger rooms, bigger balconies, and extra perks. While they don’t include full suite benefits, they come with priority boarding, a bathtub, and additional living space. Is the extra space worth it?
A fellow cruiser on Freedom of the Seas told me that he loved the Junior Suite for the bigger balcony and walk-in closet. However, another guest shared, “It’s a great upgrade, but you don’t get access to suite lounges or free specialty dining.”
Infinite Balconies (Newer Balcony Style with Flexible Space)
Infinite Balconies on Icon-class ships extend the cabin space, provide plenty of fresh air, and are hit or miss with cruisers. Instead of a traditional balcony, the cabin has a floor-to-ceiling window that opens halfway. But many guests miss the typical balcony cabin experience where you can sit outside enjoying the cool sea breezes.
Many cruisers aren’t impressed. An Icon of the Seas guest commented, “It was a sunroom with an ocean view that let humid heat in and cool air-conditioned air out. I wouldn’t do an infinite balcony again.” Others say that opening and closing the blinds and window is noisy—not great if someone is sleeping.
Star Class and Royal Suite Class Cabins Categories (Ultimate Luxury, but High Price Tag)
For the ultimate cruising experience, choose a luxurious Star Class or Royal Suite Class stateroom. Some spectacular suites span two levels, offering fantastic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Also, you get to enjoy exclusive perks like priority boarding, a personal concierge, luxury toiletries, complimentary specialty dining, and a beverage package.
One cruise passenger shared, “We were treated like VIPs and ate at specialty restaurants daily.” However, another guest admitted, “I’d love to book a Star Class suite, but for the astronomical price, I could book multiple cruises instead of one suite.”
Remember, there is a wide range of suite categories on Royal Caribbean ships.
Is It Worth the Price?
Avoiding the worst cabins on Royal Caribbean ships comes down to managing expectations. Of course, Sunset Suites offer stunning views, but at a premium price. One guest on Wonder of the Seas shared, “The view was spectacular, but not worth double the cost.”
Obstructed-view cabins are cheaper, but some block nearly everything. However, one fellow cruiser commented, “If perks matter, and price isn’t an issue, Royal Loft Suites are unbeatable, but a well-placed balcony often delivers great value for a fraction of the cost.
How To Avoid Getting the Worst Cabin On a Royal Caribbean Ship
Seasoned cruisers will tell you that choosing the wrong cabin can ruin your cruise experience. Here are tips experienced travelers have shared to avoid common pitfalls when booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean or any other cruise line:
- Study the deck plan carefully and pay attention to what’s above and below.
- Research the obstructed view cabins on cruise forums to uncover ones that have a reasonable view.
- Be careful with guaranteed cabins. If you’re assigned a room, it could be in the worst possible cabin location.
- Last-minute cabin upgrades may give you a better stateroom but in a worse location.
Balancing Cabin Choices
The best or worst cabins on a cruise ship depend on your priorities. Are you cruising on a tight budget and want to maximize the onboard experience? Consider an interior cabin, obstructed-view balcony, or inward-facing cabin. If walking long distances or motion sickness are issues, choose a cabin location in midship or lower deck. Wishing you smooth seas, perfect views, and a cabin that makes your cruise unforgettable—happy sailing!
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