When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, choosing the right cabin can significantly impact your overall experience. While modern cruise ships are designed with passenger comfort in mind, there are still a few staterooms that might not meet everyone’s expectations. Here’s a guide to the cabin types you might want to think twice about before booking.
1. Promenade View Cabins
Promenade View Cabins offer unique bay windows overlooking the ship’s interior promenade. While innovative, these rooms come with two notable downsides:
- Lack of Privacy: Forget to close your blinds, and anyone walking on the promenade or staying in nearby cabins can easily see into your room.
- Potential Noise: Late-night events, such as themed parties on the promenade, can filter into your cabin. Light sleepers or families with young children might find this particularly disruptive.
2. Cabins Under the Pool Deck
Cabins located directly beneath the pool deck may seem like a convenient choice, but they come with noise issues:
- Chair Scraping Sounds: Staff frequently rearrange lounge chairs early in the morning and late at night, which can be bothersome.
- General Activity Noise: Pool areas often host events and gatherings, adding to the potential disturbances.
To avoid this, opt for a cabin sandwiched between two decks of staterooms for maximum peace.
3. Cabins Far From Elevators
While quiet, cabins located at the very front or back of the ship can mean long walks to reach elevators and key amenities. For those with mobility issues or who simply prefer convenience, this can become a daily inconvenience.
4. Connecting Cabins (Without Neighbors)
If you’re not booking both sides of a connecting cabin, you might want to avoid this option:
- Increased Noise: The connecting door is thinner than standard cabin walls, which can let sound travel easily between rooms.
- Lost Privacy: If you’re not using the adjoining room, it can feel less private.
5. Obstructed View Cabins
Obstructed view cabins, often marketed at a discount, come with partial or fully blocked windows due to lifeboats or other ship structures. While they’re budget-friendly, these cabins may disappoint guests expecting a panoramic ocean view.
If a view is essential to your cruise experience, ensure you know the extent of the obstruction before booking.
6. Cabins at the Front of the Ship
Staterooms located at the very front of the ship have a unique quirk:
- Docking Vibrations: Bow thrusters used during docking can cause noticeable vibrations. Light sleepers may find this disruptive, especially during early morning arrivals at ports.
For a smoother experience, consider cabins closer to the ship’s center.
7. Guarantee Cabins
Booking a “guarantee” cabin might save you money, but it comes with trade-offs:
- No Control Over Location: Royal Caribbean assigns your cabin, which could place you in less desirable areas like near noisy venues or with obstructed views.
While the savings can be tempting, weigh the risk of ending up with a less-than-ideal location.
Final Tips
When choosing your Royal Caribbean cabin, prioritize what matters most to you—whether it’s quiet surroundings, convenient access, or a stellar view. Understanding the potential drawbacks of certain cabins will help you avoid surprises and ensure a more enjoyable cruise experience. Happy sailing!
Check on YouTube