Cruise ship cabins are found on almost every deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but is it a bad idea to reserve on the lowest deck?
Royal Caribbean cruise ships of all sizes have cabins on the lowest deck passengers can access, which is usually deck 2. On Royal Caribbean's biggest ships (Oasis and Quantum Class), it would be deck 3.
Crew members have cabins in even lower decks, but the passenger decks begin at deck 2.
Here's what you should know about booking a cabin on deck 2 of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
About cabins on deck 2
When you book a cabin, Royal Caribbean allows you to select the exact cabin you want. This includes rooms on deck 2 on most ships.
While there is a deck 1, there's no cabins down there. So the lowest deck you can stay on is deck 2, except for Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships on deck 3.
There are two types of staterooms on the lowest passenger deck: inside and oceanview cabins.
Inside cabins have no windows or views outside of your room.
Read more: Why you should book a cruise ship inside room
Oceanview cabins have either a porthole or large window that looks out to the ocean. The window doesn't open or move, but it does provide natural light and a peek outside.
Even at deck 2, oceanview cabins are above the water line.
Read more: Inside cabin vs. oceanview cabin: Are the differences worth an upgrade?
One variation you may find of cabins on these decks are larger oceanview rooms, which Royal Caribbean calls "spacious oceanview rooms".
Another type of cabin are cabins designed for solo cruisers, such as the Studio Ocean View on Deck 3 on Harmony of the Seas.
Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship
You won't find any balcony cabins or suites on the lowest passenger deck.
Is deck 2 on a cruise ship bad?
Should you avoid a cabin on deck 2 or 3 of a cruise ship? Or are these hidden gems?
By far the best reason to book a stateroom on the lowest deck is it will probably save you money.
Inside and oceanview rooms are typically the cheapest cabins, and since most guests would pick a cabin on a higher deck, prices tend to be less on the lowest deck.
Another advantage of staying on a low deck is the lack of movement you may perceive. The common piece of advice regarding avoiding seasickness is booking a cabin on a low deck, mid ship.
Since deck 2 (or 3) is the lowest decks you can book, those sensitive to motion sickness may find these low decks beneficial.
You may also feel like a genius by having a cabin on deck 2 when you return to the ship after a shore excursion.
There's always a wait for the elevator to get back upstairs, but those staying on the lowest decks can take a short walk back to their room. After a long day on land, it's nice to get back to your room (and in the shower) sooner than later!
If all of this sounds great, here are some reasons to avoid cabins on deck 2.
As mentioned, there's only inside and oceanview cabins on the lowest deck. If those types of rooms aren't your favorite, then this won't work for you.
By being on a low deck, you're also relying on an elevator more than people on a higher deck. Royal Caribbean ships that have 14, 16, or even 18 decks mean you're either taking long walks up and down the stairs, or waiting more for an elevator. Someone on a higher deck, could more easily "commute" between their room and popular public decks.
Sometimes noise can be an issue, since your cabin might be near crew areas where work is done throughout the day and night. Light sleepers may find this especially problematic.
One thing to look at is what is one deck above and below your cabin to ensure there aren't public venues nearby.
Should you book a cabin on the lowest deck of a cruise ship?
Ultimately, booking a room on the lowest deck of your ship isn't necessarily a problem, but you should be okay with the disadvantages.
The primary reason someone would want to book a cabin on deck 2 or 3 is because of the price. Since these tend to be the most inexpensive cabins you can book, it's hard to overlook the price.
Even with the additional reliance on elevators, the price savings you can get outweighs the potential commute times required to get around the ship. But if you're the type of person that spends a lot of time in their room, then a low deck location may not matter.
I really like the convenience cabins on a low deck have to the main dining room and casino.
While most guests may end up booking a cabin on a higher deck, the cost savings alone may make it a smart choice.
