Choosing the right cabin on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas seems simple—until you realize a bad choice could ruin your cruise vacation. No one wants to endure sleepless nights, thumping music, obstructed views, or endless foot traffic outside their door. But it happens all the time. Cruisers book a room expecting smooth sailing, only to end up beside a nightclub, under a noisy pool deck, or in a cabin that rocks to and fro with every wave.
Here’s the thing—you don’t have to make the same mistakes. After reading countless comments on Cruise Critic Forums, Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and scouring deck plans, I’ve uncovered the top cabins passengers regret booking. I’ve also uncovered some hidden gems.
Before you lock in your stateroom, let’s break down the cabins on Icon of Seas from worst to best so you can book a cabin you love.
Noisiest Cabins on Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and it’s challenging to find cabins that can be ranked as “the worst.” However, some cabin locations are less than ideal. Every cruise ship has them—cabins located in noisy areas either under, above, or beside entertainment venues, buffets, or pool decks, and Icon of the Seas is no different.
Here are the cabins to avoid so your cruise experience doesn’t become a constant battle against thumping bass and hallway chatter.
Below Chill Island (Deck 14)
Booking a cabin close to Chill Island puts you close to the pools. However, cabins directly below the pool deck on Deck 14 can be a noisy experience.
The crew starts cleaning and rearranging deck chairs early, sometimes at 6 a.m. or earlier. The pool area stays lively well into the evening, and noise carries through ceilings and balcony windows. Cabins affected are 14164 – 14286 and 14564 – 14686.
One cruiser shared that they were woken up every morning to the sound of chairs scraping above them. During the day, the sound of kids running around and pool music was annoying. They commented, “I wouldn’t book this deck again unless I were a super early riser!”
For a quieter experience but close to pool activity, book a midship balcony cabin anywhere from Deck 9 to Deck 13.
Below The Hideaway and Windjammer (Deck 14 Aft)
Staying near The Hideaway and Windjammer buffet dining venue on Icon of the Seas might seem like a great idea—until you realize the noise never really stops. Cabins directly below on Deck 14 deal with constant foot traffic, late-night music, and early-morning chair scraping.
The worst spots? 14288–14350 and 14688–14748, right beneath the busiest areas of the ship.
The Hideaway’s party atmosphere keeps music and conversation going well into the night, while Windjammer’s breakfast rush starts early. One cruiser regretted their choice, saying the bass from the DJ made it impossible to sleep before midnight, and in the morning, footsteps and chairs scraping overhead became their wake-up call.
If you want the convenience of quick access to dining and nightlife but without the noise, book a midship balcony on Deck 10 or 11 for a much more peaceful stay.
Near the AquaDome (Decks 12 & 14)
The AquaDome on Icon of the Seas is one of the most unique cruise experiences Royal Caribbean offers, featuring stunning ocean views and thrilling acrobatic performances. But booking a forward cabin on Deck 12 or Deck 14 can mean hearing thumping music during shows and music during daily rehearsals. Thankfully, shows only run a handful of times, but it’s something to think about.
One cruiser shared that pre-show rehearsals started in the afternoon, and by night, the bass and crowd noise made relaxing on their balcony impossible. Another noted that even with the balcony door shut, the music carried into the room. However, some cruisers shared that the noise never bothered them.
For a quieter stay, choose a midship balcony on Deck 10 or 11, away from the sound but still close to the Dome’s attractions.
Near Entertainment Venues (Deck 4)
Cabins on lower decks are perfect for cruise passengers who suffer from motion sickness or budget-conscious travelers. But staying near the Music Hall on Deck 3 or Deck 4 can make you sick and tired of loud music. Late-night parties can mean sleepless nights if you’re a light sleeper.
One cruiser commented that their room vibrated with the bass from Music Hall, and even after the shows ended, the sound of people leaving and talking in the hallways kept them up. Another guest said they felt like they had a front-row seat to every performance—whether they wanted it or not.
If a lower deck stateroom is your choice, choose any cabin on Deck 3 or Deck 4 between 3278 and 3304 on the port side. None of the cabins on the starboard side are affected.
Near Heavy Foot Traffic Areas (Deck 4)
Staying in any cabin on Deck 4 puts you in the heart of the action with a serious trade-off—heavy foot traffic and hallway noise. It’s the main thoroughfare for the Royal Promenade, Casino Royale, and Main Dining Room. Cruisers report late-night crowds, doors slamming, and conversations that carry on well past midnight.
If you love the energy of a lively atmosphere and don’t mind some background noise, this location is ultra-convenient. But for a quieter stay, book a midship balcony on Deck 8 or higher, away from the busiest walkways and elevator banks.
High-Deck Forward Cabins (Cabins That Feel Every Wave)
High-deck forward cabins on Icon of the Seas offer incredible panoramic views but come with a compromise—they feel every wave. In rough seas, these rooms experience the most pitching and swaying, which is not ideal if you suffer from motion sickness. Many of the best suites are on Decks 16 to 18 at the front of the ship.
One cruiser shared that during choppy weather, their bed felt like it was tilting all night, making it hard to sleep. Another mentioned that even walking felt unsteady, especially when the ship picked up speed.
If you love unobstructed ocean views and don’t mind some movement, forward cabins offer a dramatic, open-sea experience. But for a smoother ride, book a midship cabin on Deck 8–10, where movement is far less noticeable.
Obstructed View Balcony Cabins
Obstructed-view cabins on cruise ships can snag you a great deal, but they may not deliver the views you expect. From my research, it seems that Royal Caribbean has ensured all oceanview balconies have unobstructed views. However, some internal balcony cabins have partially blocked views.
Some of the inside infinite cabins in Central Park and Surfside on Icon of the Seas have shutters partially blocking the view. The issue? Royal Caribbean doesn’t class this issue as an obstructed view and charges the full cruise fare, leaving some cruisers disappointed.
To avoid disappointment, always check deck plans and photos of the cabin. This way, you can determine if you will get the views you expect.
Surfside Neighborhood-View Cabins (Perfect for Families, Not for Others!)
Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines that caters to families without excluding couples and solo travelers. Surfside Neighborhood is a dedicated, family-friendly area, making it perfect if you’re traveling with kids. However, kids plus water plus excitement only mean one thing—noise!
Couples who booked interior Family View cabins expecting a peaceful cruise found that the constant noise from the neighborhood distracted from a tranquil experience. Another older guest mentioned that midday naps were impossible due to the continuous excitement from the kids’ play areas.
If you’re cruising with young kids, this location puts you in the heart of family-friendly activities. But for a quieter internal balcony, book a stateroom in another neighborhood.
Infinite Balcony Cabins (Game-Changer or Gimmick?)
Infinite balcony cabins are controversial among cruisers on Royal Caribbean ships. These cabin types include a floor-to-ceiling window, and the ‘infinity’ window slides down halfway. The issue with cruisers is that, while they offer extra interior space, they lack an authentic open-air balcony experience.
One guest noted that the infinite balcony felt more like an extended window, saying, “I missed being able to step outside and lean on a railing.” Many cruisers comment that it lets hot, humid air into the cabin, and the ‘balcony’ is difficult to enjoy if someone is sleeping.
Infinite balconies are often priced between standard balconies and oceanview staterooms, making them a middle-ground option. If you’re looking for a true balcony experience, it’s best to book a standard oceanview balcony.
Interior Cabins (Cozy or Claustrophobic? Know Before You Book!)
Interior cabins on Icon of the Seas are the most budget-friendly option, providing a comfortable, compact retreat with all the essentials. These staterooms are perfect for budget-conscious travelers or cruisers who don’t plan on spending much time in the cabin.
However, there are trade-offs. The cabins have no windows, meaning no natural light, which can make them feel dark and enclosed. Some love the blackout effect for sleeping, while others find it disorienting. Sideways interior cabins offer a more spacious layout but tend to be near high-traffic areas, bringing extra hallway noise.
Whether an interior cabin is the worst or best depends on your expectations. They can be over 50 percent cheaper than an oceanview cabin, but some passengers find them claustrophobic.
Family Rooms with Sofa Beds (Too Small for Comfort?)
Royal Caribbean ditched the bunk beds in some family rooms on Icon of the Seas in favor of sofa beds. While this sounds like a great idea, many families with older children say the sofa beds are too short and cramped for teenagers. Also, they are uncomfortable for two smaller children sharing.
If you’re traveling with younger kids, these rooms are a cost-effective choice. But for families with older children, consider booking two connecting rooms or a Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony, which provides bunk beds in a separate space for kids. As a bonus, each bunk bed has its own TV.
One cruiser shared that Family Infinite Ocean View rooms are definitely worth the extra money without splurging on a more expensive suite.
Midship Standard Balconies (The Safest Pick for Most Travelers)
Midship standard balcony cabins on any cruise ship are the best choice for stability and convenience. These cabins experience less movement in rough seas, making them ideal for first-time cruisers or anyone prone to motion sickness. The best locations on Icon of the Seas are on Decks 9, 10, 11, and 12, which are surrounded by other staterooms—meaning minimal noise from public areas.
Aft-Facing Cabins (Breathtaking Wake Views)
Aft-facing cabins on Royal Caribbean ships offer breathtaking wake views and larger balconies. Also, the balconies are more private and secluded than balcony cabins along the side of the cruise vessel. Many cruisers describe how they love enjoying a coffee in the morning sunshine with uninterrupted ocean views.
The best aft-facing cabin balconies are on Decks 8 to 12, far from high-traffic public areas like the Windjammer buffet. Many seasoned cruisers describe these cabins as “the most relaxing spot onboard, perfect for watching sunsets and quiet mornings at sea.” Others praise the extra balcony space that feels more like a private terrace.
It’s good to note that aft cabins have more motion than midship staterooms but less than front-facing rooms. What about lower aft decks? Some cruisers comment about vibrations and engine noise.
Connecting Cabins – The Best Option for Families & Groups
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas has the most unique connecting cabins on any cruise line—a single corridor door with a small foyer and two separate cabin doors. These cabins allow for space, flexibility, and privacy when traveling as a group or family. They also eliminate the connecting doors between cabins.
One family traveling with teens said the extra space and two bathrooms made mornings much more manageable. Another family loved the convenience of staying together while still having separate sleeping areas, calling it “the perfect setup for multi-generational travel.”
The Ultimate Splurge: Icon of the Seas Luxury Suites
Looking for VIP treatment and the ultimate cruise experience aboard the Icon of the Seas? Royal Caribbean has pulled out all the stops to offer the broadest range of suites on any cruise ship.
Depending on the suite tier, perks can include the following:
- Luxury toiletries
- Priority boarding
- Concierge service
- Priority reservations
- Backstage tours
- Priority tendering
- Private breakfast seating area
Here’s what you can expect when booking a suite:
Surfside Family Suites: Perfect for families located in the Surfside Neighborhood. It has a separate sleeping area for kids and extra space to chill out. Close to the waterparks.
Sky Junior Suite: A step up from a standard balcony with some suite perks. Rooms include a spacious balcony and upgraded bathroom—ideal for extra space and perks without a massive price jump.
Ultimate Family Townhouse: The most decadent suite for families. A three-level townhouse with a private slide, a movie room, and a patio with direct Surfside access. Sleeps up to eight guests.
Panoramic Suites: Located on Deck 17 at the ship’s front, the suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows for sweeping ocean views. Unlike balcony suites, these provide more interior space and a completely enclosed, climate-controlled panoramic experience—perfect if you prefer scenery without outdoor exposure.
Sunset Corner Suites: Located at the aft corners, these suites feature larger wraparound balconies with breathtaking wake views. They’re a perfect choice for enjoying seclusion, extra space, and some of the best sunset views onboard.
Owners Suite: A spacious, classic suite with a separate bedroom, living area, and an oversized balcony. It includes priority suite perks, access to The Grove sun deck, and exclusive dining options—an excellent choice if you’re looking for comfort and VIP treatment.
Icon Loft Suite: A two-level suite with a soaring ceiling, massive windows, and a loft-style design. Featuring a separate living area, an oversized balcony, and two bathrooms, it’s excellent if you crave modern luxury and plenty of space.
Royal Loft Suite: The most exclusive suite onboard, featuring a massive two-story layout, private hot tub, panoramic windows, and personalized concierge service. It comes with Star Class perks, including Royal Genie service, unlimited specialty dining, and VIP access to shows and attractions.
How to Choose The Best Cabin on Icon of the Seas
Choosing the best cabin comes down to cruise expectations. If you don’t plan on spending much time in your room, then an interior cabin or Deck 14 cabin in a noisy location can work for you. However, if you’re looking for tranquility or are prone to motion sickness, choose a midship cabin on Decks 9 to 12. Are you willing to splurge for a more luxurious cruise experience? Check out Royal Caribbean’s superb range of suites.
Sailing on Icon of the Seas
The key to booking the best cabin on Icon of the Seas is knowing what matters most to you—whether that’s peace and quiet, extra space, or unbeatable views. Avoid the common pitfalls, book a location that suits your travel style, and you’ll set yourself up for an incredible cruise.
Enjoy your sailing on Icon of the Seas! Wishing you smooth seas and unforgettable memories.
Related articles:
