Planning a cruise is exciting, but choosing the right ship and cabin can feel overwhelming! With so many options, how do you ensure you pick the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your vacation?
This guide is your inside look at the Princess Cruise Royal Princess deck plan, offering essential tips to navigate the ship’s layout and select the best cabins for your needs. We'll help you understand the different deck levels, identify potentially noisy areas, and highlight the prime locations for easy access to amenities, so you can avoid common booking regrets and maximize your enjoyment onboard.
One crucial tip: consider cabin location in relation to elevators and stairs, especially if you have mobility concerns or simply prefer quieter surroundings. Cabins directly adjacent to these high-traffic areas can experience significant noise throughout the day and night.
Royal Princess: A Deck-by-Deck Guide
The Royal Princess is a beautiful ship offering a wide array of staterooms and suites spread across numerous decks. Let's explore the deck plan to help you make an informed decision about where to stay.
Deck 4: Plaza Deck
This is the lowest passenger deck, primarily featuring interior staterooms. Being close to the water line can minimize motion sickness, but it's further from the main action and pool decks.
Deck 5: Fiesta Deck
Fiesta Deck houses the Medical Center, which might be a concern for those sensitive to activity. Forward you'll find passenger cabins, mostly interior and oceanview staterooms.
Deck 6: Promenade Deck
This is where the excitement begins! The Promenade Deck is home to many of the Royal Princess's key attractions, including guest services, various shops, the Princess Theater, and some dining venues. It's a vibrant hub, so expect more foot traffic. Some cabins are located on this deck, but noise could be a concern for some.
Deck 7: Emerald Deck
Emerald Deck is largely devoted to staterooms, primarily balcony cabins. It offers a good balance of quiet and accessibility. It's situated between the entertainment below and the pool deck above.
Deck 8: Dolphin Deck
Similar to Emerald Deck, Dolphin Deck mainly features balcony staterooms. This deck is centrally located, providing convenient access to different parts of the ship.
Deck 9: Caribe Deck
Caribe Deck is another stateroom deck offering balcony cabins. Some balconies on this deck are larger than others, particularly the aft-facing ones, so it's worth checking the deck plans carefully for specific cabin details.
Deck 10: Baja Deck
Again, you'll find predominantly balcony staterooms on Baja Deck. Its higher location provides potentially better views.
Deck 11: Aloha Deck
Aloha Deck offers a variety of staterooms, including mini-suites and balcony cabins. Being closer to the Lido Deck means easier access to the pool and casual dining.
Deck 12: Lido Deck
The Lido Deck is a hub of activity, featuring the main pool area, casual dining options like the Horizon Court buffet, and the Outrigger Bar. It's a popular spot during the day, so expect noise. Staterooms are located both forward and aft, and choosing the correct location could make a huge difference.
Deck 14: Riviera Deck
Riviera Deck is primarily comprised of staterooms, including some premium suites and mini-suites, as well as standard balcony cabins.
Deck 15: Sun Deck
The Sun Deck is home to more staterooms including inside, oceanview, and balcony options. It's also close to the sports court.
Deck 16: Sports Deck
This deck features the sports court, jogging track, and other recreational facilities. It's not a stateroom deck, but those in the Sun Deck directly below may hear noise at certain times of day.
Deck 17: Sky Deck
This is the highest passenger deck, featuring the Sanctuary, a tranquil adults-only retreat, as well as the Wedding Chapel and the driving range.
Choosing the Best Cabin Location
Selecting the perfect cabin involves more than just choosing the right category. Location matters! Here’s a breakdown to help you decide: Forward vs. Aft: Forward cabins tend to experience more motion, especially during rough seas. Aft cabins can offer stunning wake views but may also be subject to more vibration from the engines, especially on lower decks. Midship: Midship cabins generally offer the most stable ride, as they're closest to the ship's center of gravity. Above or Below Public Areas: Avoid cabins directly above or below major public areas like the theater, nightclubs, or the pool deck. These locations can be noisy, especially late at night or early in the morning. Check the Royal Princess deck plan to see what is above and below the cabin you are considering. Near Elevators or Stairs: While convenient, cabins near elevators and stairs can experience high foot traffic and noise. Guaranteed Cabins:If you opt for a "guaranteed" cabin (where the cruise line assigns your specific cabin), be aware you have less control over the location. You might end up in a less desirable spot.
Which decks are best on Princess Cruise Royal Princess?
This depends entirely on your preferences. For stability and convenient access to many amenities, decks 7-10 (Emerald, Dolphin, Caribe, and Baja) are good choices. For easy pool access, consider Aloha Deck (11) or Lido Deck (12), keeping in mind that these can be noisier.
Are there cabins to avoid on Princess Cruise Royal Princess?
Cabins on Deck 6 (Promenade) directly above the Princess Theater or near the casino might experience late-night noise. Also, cabins on Deck 12 (Lido) near the pool area could be noisy during the day. Always consult the deck plan and read reviews from previous passengers.
Cabin Types and Categories: What to Expect
The Royal Princess offers a range of cabin categories to suit different budgets and preferences: Inside Staterooms: The most affordable option, these cabins don't have windows but are comfortable and well-equipped. Oceanview Staterooms: These cabins feature a window offering natural light and sea views. Balcony Staterooms: The most popular choice, balcony cabins have a private balcony where you can relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. Mini-Suites: Larger than balcony cabins, mini-suites offer a separate seating area and often a larger balcony. Suites:The most luxurious option, suites offer significantly more space, including a separate living room, a larger balcony, and often additional amenities like priority embarkation and disembarkation.
Consider your budget, how much time you plan to spend in your cabin, and what amenities are important to you when selecting a cabin category. Don't forget to look at the deck layout to ensure it is located close to what's important to you: perhaps a quiet area, an elevator, or close access to dining.
What are the best cabins for families on the Royal Princess?
For families, connecting cabins are ideal, providing more space and privacy. Mini-Suites also offer more room than standard balcony cabins and can comfortably accommodate small families. Check the deck plan for cabins marked as connecting or family-friendly. Be sure to book well in advance, as these rooms are often in high demand.
How can I find Royal Princess deck plans?
The Princess Cruises website has interactive deck plans for the Royal Princess. You can also find deck plans on various cruise review sites. These resources will allow you to zoom in, explore different decks, and view cabin locations in detail.
Beyond the Cabin: Exploring the Royal Princess
While choosing the right cabin is crucial, remember that the Royal Princess offers a wealth of amenities and activities to enjoy. Familiarize yourself with the ship's layout to make the most of your cruise: Dining: From casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants, the Royal Princess offers a diverse culinary experience. Locate the restaurants you want to try on the deck plan and note their opening hours. Entertainment: The Princess Theater hosts Broadway-style shows, while various lounges and bars offer live music and other entertainment. Check the ship's daily schedule for show times and locations. Pools and Recreation: The ship features multiple pools, hot tubs, and a sports court. Plan your pool days accordingly, keeping in mind that the Lido Deck can get crowded during peak hours. Spa and Fitness: The Lotus Spa offers a range of treatments, while the fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Schedule your spa appointments in advance to avoid disappointment.
Knowing the location of these amenities will help you plan your days and navigate the ship with ease.
With a little planning and this inside look at the Royal Princess deck plan, you’re well on your way to choosing the perfect cruise vacation. Don't be afraid to consult with a cruise travel agent for personalized recommendations and to help you navigate the booking process. Take the time to review the deck plans, consider your priorities, and choose a cabin that suits your needs. Bon voyage!