If you are planning a cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, there are some staterooms you should avoid booking. 

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class. Until 2024, these ships were the largest in the world, holding the record for over one decade— until Icon of the Seas officially joined the fleet. 

While not the largest ship in the world anymore, Oasis of the Seas is not small. She measures 1,187 feet long and 225,282 gross registered tons. 

In 2019, she received a $165 million amplification to help modernize the ship. This added new dining and bar venues, as well as a revamped pool deck, updated youth programming, and new activities. 

While everyone's cabin preferences vary, we can assume that nobody wants to be woken up by screeching pool chairs in the early morning hours. Likewise, if you are someone who enjoys retiring early, you probably won't want to hear the thumping of the nightclub into the late hours of the night.  

With nearly 2,800 staterooms onboard that can accommodate roughly 7,000 guests, there are certainly a few that you will want to avoid on Oasis of the Seas. 

Cabins underneath Deck 4 venues

Deck 4 is home to Entertainment Place. This is where you will find tons of entertainment venues including Studio B, Casino Royale, and the lower level of the Royal Theater. 

If you book an ocean view or interior cabin on Deck 3, you will likely be kept awake by the excitement above, whether it is an ice show, thumping of the Blaze nightclub, or cheers of someone winning a late-night casino jackpot. 

Those who like to go to bed early will want to avoid Deck 3. You must prioritize your rest, especially on a ship as large as Oasis. You will not want to waste any time trying to catch up on your sleep in the morning because you were kept awake. 

Staterooms above the Royal Theater

Speaking of noise bleed, the Royal Theater hosts numerous different events throughout the cruise, whether it's an original production show or a game show featuring other guests. 

While the lower level of the Royal Theater is located on Deck 4, the upper level is on Deck 5, meaning that certain cabins on Deck 6 should be avoided. These include those located closest to the Vitality Fitness Center:

• 6130 - 6164
• 6530 - 6564

Cabins above the Royal Theater are ocean view balconies and interior rooms. 

Connecting staterooms

Unless you're traveling with family members staying in the adjoining room, booking a connecting cabin will not do you any good. 

Families, of course, will benefit from the extra living space and two bathrooms, and parents will not have to worry about children being located down the hall or on a different deck. 

Connecting staterooms have a door that adjoins them, so you do not have to leave one cabin to enter the other. The issue, however, is that the adjoining door isn't as insulated as a standard wall, meaning you could be subject to noise bleed, depending on how noisy your neighbors are. 

An example of connecting rooms on Oasis of the Seas' deck plan (above) are rooms 10270 and 10272, 10282 and 10284, 10294 and 10296, 10310 and 10312, 10299 and 10301, 10311 and 10313, 10670 and 10672, 10682 and 10684, 10692 and 10696, and 10710 and 10712. 

If you're a family looking to increase the amount of living space you have while cruising on Oasis, that's great! There is no need to worry about booking connecting cabins. If, however, you're going to be sharing that adjoining door with a stranger, it is best to avoid these cabins. 

Boardwalk view cabins if you're sensitive to light

When launched, Oasis of the Seas was the first cruise ship in the world to feature interior-facing balcony cabins. For a cheaper price, you can enjoy a private verandah that overlooks either Central Park or the Boardwalk. Of course, you'll have less privacy than you would if you splurged on an ocean view room. 

The Boardwalk is a livelier neighborhood than Central Park, with AquaTheater shows often going on late at night. Playmakers is located on the Boardwalk, too, so it's not uncommon for patrons to get noisy during a sports game. 

Those looking to book an interior-facing balcony but who also want some peace and quiet should consider Central Park instead. Plus, these cabins are located mid-ship, whereas Boardwalk balconies are located in the aft (or back), meaning you won't have to walk as far to reach the Main Dining Room or Royal Theater.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean's Boardwalk: Everything you need to know

Staterooms underneath the pool deck

With three pools, a kid splash zone, and two whirlpools located on Deck 15, there's no denying that the pool deck on Oasis of the Seas is expansive. On sea days, it's a hub of activity. 

While people will stagger in after breakfast, crew members use the early morning to arrange the deck chairs. This means that if you book a cabin underneath the pool deck, you will hear the crew dragging chairs around to get them ready for guests to use. 

Those staying in a balcony won't be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of their personal verandah during the day, either. Noise bleed from children running around and live bands playing will interrupt any hope of a relaxing nap! 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Cabins towards the front of the ship if you're prone to motion sickness

Cabins in the front of the ship are more likely to feel the motion of the waves than rooms in the middle of the vessel. Nobody wants to feel ill in their cabin, especially when they're trying to rest after a long day ashore! 

Of course, everyone has a different tolerance for motion. If you decide to book a stateroom in the middle of the vessel, there aren't any guarantees that you will avoid getting seasick. 

Cabins in the front (or bow) of the ship should be approached with caution if you're worried about getting motion sick, though. 

Read more: How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

Obstructed view staterooms

Even if you think that an obstructed view will not bother you, there's a chance that the bright yellow lifeboat or bulky piece of machinery will get in the way of any aesthetic ocean views that you're hoping for.  

Although they're cheaper than unobstructed cabins, it is not worth thinking you can deal with them just to save money. Ocean view rooms at the front of the ship, for instance, will be obstructed by the ship's bow. 

While you'll be able to watch Oasis pull into port, you will have to deal with the helipad in your view for the duration of your cruise. 

Additionally, Central Park balconies on Deck 14 have the chance of being obstructed by the bulky walkway that connects the port and starboard sides of the pool deck above. These cabins include 14207 - 14217, 14607 - 14617, 14229 - 14235, and 14629 - 14635. 

Finally, if you are staying in a Boardwalk balcony, you shouldn't expect to get a clear view of the ocean, as the Ultimate Abyss causes the majority of these cabins to have an obstructed view of the ship's aft. 

Guarantee staterooms 

If you have a specific location you want your stateroom to be (i.e., by Adventure Ocean or near the aft elevators for easier access to the Main Dining Room), you won't want to let Royal Caribbean assign your cabin to you. 

Guarantee staterooms are cheaper cabin options that Royal Caribbean offers in exchange for allowing them the right to choose your exact room closer to the sail date. This means you trade the option to select your stateroom for a cheaper fare.

While you might think that you won't care where your balcony cabin is located (you're onboard the ship regardless, right?), you might be displeased if you get one that's located at the back of the ship since you will have to walk further to the entertainment venues. 

Read more: 6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

Does it matter if you pick a cabin on a cruise ship towards the front or back of the ship?

Every ship has many choices of where to pick a cabin, and as you get closer to the sail date, it's likely the rooms mid-ship will sell out first.  Mid-ship cabins tend to be more popular because they're more centrally located and tend to be a better choice for someone who is worried about getting seasick.

Read more: How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

If given the choice, you might be wondering better off with a cabin more forward or more aft.

What part of ship is best for cruises?

It's a matter of opinion, but there are advantages to picking a cabin in certain parts of the ship.

Cruise ship cabins usually fall into one of three categories: forward, mid, and aft. 

All things being equal, conventional advice is to pick a cruise ship cabin mid-ship so you're equidistant from everything onboard so the distance to get around is minimal.

In addition, mid-ship cabins are ideal for new cruisers because it's the best location to be to minimize the sensation of movement that could make you feel seasick. In addition, having a low cabin helps so you don't feel as much sway.

You may also find a price difference if your cabin is forward, aft, or mid-ship.  Depending on the ship, sometimes the more desirable rooms mid-ship or aft can cost more.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Is the back of a cruise ship a good location?

The primary advantage of picking a cabin at the back of a cruise ship is the view you can get.

If you pick a cabin at the very back of the ship, you can enjoy a view of the ship's wake, and these tend to be quite popular with cruise fans.  Not only is it a pretty view, but the balcony can be bigger on the back.

Some special cabins at the very rear corners of a ship might even feature a balcony that wrap around the vessel in an L-shape, giving you views on two sides.

Enjoying a view from the ship's aft can be almost hypnotic because of how alluring the ocean looks when you have nothing in front of you blocking it.

Speaking of views, when your ship is leaving port, having an aft view gives you the best perspective.

Royal Caribbean has caught onto this this trend and announced pricing changes related to aft rooms. Aft facing balconies and Junior Suites are now going to be separated out as new categories.

However, if your room doesn't face backwards and is just a standard room towards the back, you may just end up with the same room as a mid-ship cabin, but with a longer walk.

Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than a room forward, but still isn’t the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

What are the benefits of being in the front of the cruise ship?

Rooms towards the front tend to be cheaper than other rooms largely because there's less demand for a cabin at the front.

Just like rooms towards the back, it's a longer walk towards the front and most of the signature activities and public areas are further away. 

Plus, the front of the ship gets the most movement of any area. The higher the deck, the more noticeable that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. That makes it less desirable if someone is worried about motion sickness.

The reason why you might feel more movement at the front is because the front of the ship faces the most wind and direct hits from rolling waves, translating to lots of motion and sea spray. 

Besides a cheaper price, rooms at the very front have a unique perspective.  On many Royal Caribbean ships, you'll find family oceanview cabins at the front that offer significantly more living space without the price of a suite.

Another nice benefit of a front room is it can feel more secluded because there's far less foot traffic.

I recently took my first cruise on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship, choosing to sail on Radiance on the Seas.

This sailing was a 5-night cruise from Tampa, Florida, stopping at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Radiance of the Seas, the first Radiance Class ship, was built in 2001 and revitalized in 2011. 

It is a smaller ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleets, with a capacity for 2,466 guests. 

Read more: 20 Radiance Class cruise ship tips and secrets

I opted to book a guarantee stateroom, choosing a cheaper price in exchange for letting Royal Caribbean assign us a less desirable cabin. Usually, they assign you the cabins that have not yet sold a few weeks before embarkation. 

The total price of the fare was $1510.74, with pre-paid gratuities included, totaling just $151 a night per person. 

About a week before my cruise, I saw that we had been assigned cabin number 4059. Located midship on the 4th deck, this was the lowest level cabin I’ve experienced before!

I appreciated the midship location, close to the elevators both in the middle of the ship and the forward end. 

It was also extremely close to our assigned table in the Main Dining Room—right there on deck 4. 

Room 4059 was a windowless inside cabin. Although Radiance of the Seas is the smallest ship I have sailed on so far, the size of the room did not disappoint. 

Despite it being a smaller inside cabin, I thought the stateroom was quite spacious, with a couch in the corner and room for two beds. 

When I walked into the room, I faced the two beds and couch on the right and the vanity and desk on the left. 

The closet was on the front left of the room, directly opposite the bathroom door. 

The bathroom was small, as I am now used to on Royal Caribbean ships. The lights were slow to flicker on, but there was nothing else to suggest that the cabin was outdated. 

Honestly, if I hadn’t already known the age of this ship, I would never have guessed that she’s as old as I am!

Read more: I sailed again on Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships, but think these ships need upgrades

One aspect that I did not like about the bathroom was that the shower curtain was a thin fabric instead of a plexiglass door. Water would spill under the curtain out onto the floor if I wasn’t careful. 

However, all other aspects of the bathroom were great: lots of mirrors, enough shelf space, and fresh towels daily. 

Opposite the bathroom, the closet held 6 wide shelves and countless hangers. This is one of the largest closets I've taken advantage of on my cruises. There was enough space for myself and my friend, who was traveling with me, to fill the shelves with our clothes, place our luggage on the floor of the closet, and hang jackets and dresses on the hangers. 

Further on in the room, I loved the full-length mirror opposite the vanity and the vanity aspect with lights under the mirror. 

The desk/vanity had a comfortable chair and many drawers, which were ample enough for my friend and I to store any other items there.

Tucked to the right of this desk was a small refrigerator. However, it didn’t have any cooling unit of its own, so it served more as a storage container rather than a cooler. I was able to store food there but found that it didn’t stay very cold. I put a vegan sorbet from the Main Dining Room inside this cooler, and it had melted by the next day. 

Above the desk was a small TV, which was not a smart TV but had a few free channels. 

The couch was large enough for two people to sit on, and I loved the small table next to it, where we served ourselves room-service breakfast in the mornings. 

The two beds came separated, each with a small nightstand and a lamp above it. I loved that the lamps had two settings: one dim and one much brighter.

The beds were comfortable and cozy, with fluffy pillows I couldn’t wait to rest in every night. 

There were no electricity ports on these nightstands that I could find, so we had to share the ones at the desk. Thankfully, I brought an extension cord to add several extra ports.

I also chose to bring magnetic hooks, as many people suggest, since they can stick to the steel cabin walls. 

I can't believe I didn't take advantage of this hack earlier! It was a great way to hang scarves and jewelry on the wall and keep them from getting tangled up. 

This cabin was my first one with a connecting door to the room next door. The room was connected with #4057. Since we weren’t traveling with a group, of course, we kept the connecting door locked. 

However, I did find that it was easy to hear our next-door neighbors, especially when it got quiet at night. I could hear them coughing late at night, and I’m sure they could hear my friend and I talking. 

The walls seemed thin all around, as I could also hear steps above me and people out in the hallway. 

We were also located quite near the elevators, lobby bar, and Guest Services, so we could hear the live music playing and people talking from that area. 

However, it wasn't so loud that we could not sleep. As a matter of fact, the windowless room stayed so dark that we slept very soundly most nights. 

Despite the midship location, I did find myself getting pretty seasick inside the room, maybe due to the lack of windows and no view of the horizon. Getting fresh air and taking Dramamine every day helped a lot. 

I took full advantage of room service breakfast on this trip and found that they would call us about 15 minutes before they came to deliver the breakfast. It was a great way to sleep in and enjoy a meal in the cabin. 

Despite the fact that this was a cheaper inside cabin, I found that it was large enough and nice enough that we wanted to spend time in this cabin. Saving money on booking to receive this cabin was definitely worth it! 

I've never experienced what it feels like to win the lottery, but this cruise hack made me feel pretty close.

For my latest cruise on Freedom of the Seas, I chose to book with a guarantee cabin, allowing Royal Caribbean to assign a room location instead of choosing my own.

By selecting this option, I gave up the option to pick a specific room, but it saved me a couple hundred dollars.

In retrospect, I think this was a really smart decision!

What is a guarantee cabin?

A guarantee state run offers a cheaper cabin option in exchange for you allowing Royal Caribbean to assign your stateroom closer to the sale date. 

If you choose to book a guarantee stateroom you won't have the room assignment until later on, but you will receive one when Royal Caribbean assigns it. 

This usually falls somewhere between 5-30 days before the cruise.

You don't get the opportunity to choose your cabin but the cruise line states that you should receive the stateroom category you booked or higher.

There's also a chance you could receive an upgrade like I did.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

The guarantee stateroom process is intended to fill in the gaps of unsold staterooms. So, rooms that are less likely to get booked are more likely to be assigned to a guarantee cruiser. 

Since cruises are usually booked up further in advance and sailing at full capacity, it was a rare opportunity for me to get such a big upgrade on my guarantee stateroom. 

This option saved me about $240, ending up with a total price of $2,021.68, or $336.95 per night per person.

My cabin assignment

Since guarantee rooms are usually assigned at some point between 5 to 30 days before the cruise, it takes some time before you know where your stay room will be located.

Most of the time, a stateroom is assigned a few weeks before the cruise.

Royal Caribbean does not notify you when you are assigned a stateroom, so you have to log into the cruise line's website or continue checking the app to verify.

I received my cabin assignment a couple weeks prior to the cruise and saw that we were located on Deck 8, midship, in room number 8388.

I was already grateful to see I received the prized midship location—which prevents seasickness and allows proximity to elevators, stairs, and other amenities in the middle of the ship.

This location also gave us enough proximity to the Windjammer and pool on deck 11 and the Royal Promenade on deck 5 that we barely had to use the elevators. 

We only had to take a few flights of stairs to reach our destination. 

In addition to the convenient location, I had been assigned a spacious, deluxe oceanview balcony room for the same low price!

After I got my assignment, I felt like I had won the stateroom lottery.

Stateroom #8388 impressions

When we first opened the cabin door, we were greeted with a spacious room—214 square feet in total. 

The stateroom’s space was most visible in its length, stretching from the cabin’s front door to the back door leading to the balcony.

The room features a long couch, a spacious queen bed, and a desk and vanity.

The floor between the couch and the deck/vanity was wide enough that we could leave our luggage right there. 

To the right of the stateroom door was the small bathroom. Where the stateroom had surprised me by its size, the bathroom definitively felt pinched, similar to the size of a bathroom in an interior cabin. 

And the shower was even smaller, with only enough space for one person to stand in. However, I was satisfied with the water pressure and hot temperatures.

The sink and counter, although small, did have enough shelf space for our 3-night cruise. Two cups under the mirror served to hold our toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

The mirror was wide, and the counter was thin but long enough that we could spread our items out. However, I think we would have struggled to fit all of our toiletries if we had been on a longer trip.

To the left of the stateroom door, we found a large closet with several shelves, a safe, and hangers for our larger clothes. There was enough floor space in the closet to store several pairs of shoes.

Directly behind that closet faced a floor-length mirror, and opposite that stood the desk and vanity space.

The desk was long enough to hold makeup, jewelry, and multiple bags during our cruise. We also found shelves behind the vanity mirror.

Facing the desk was the long couch, large enough that I could have laid down to nap on it. However, the bed was so comfortable that we never felt the need to.

The highlight of this room was its large, comfortable bed. Although I did find a few stains on the sheets, it was soft and restful for the length of our stay.

Two large paintings above the bed brightened the room, adding to an already relaxing atmosphere, thanks to the cabin’s natural light.

On either side of the bed were two nightstands, with lamps above them. 

Lastly, at the very end of the room was our balcony door. Although heavy, and hard to push open and closed, the door led to a beautiful view.

The balcony held a small, round table and two deck chairs that could be adjusted to recline. 

The view itself was unbeatable: ocean water during the day and clear, starry skies at night. I also loved that we could wake up on port days and see the island right outside our window.

We also found that the cabin was peaceful and quiet: even when we sat on the balcony, we barely heard noises from other cabins. 

I’m someone who loves sunlight and natural views, so having the balcony attachment made the room so much more enjoyable. After experiencing my first balcony room, I don’t know if I could go back! 

Overall

The room felt large and luxurious. I loved this stateroom, from the size of the cabin, the beautiful balcony, and its convenient location in the middle of deck 8. 

I found that I didn’t experience any seasickness in the middle of the ship, and we enjoyed spending time relaxing in our room and on the balcony. 

For me, booking a guarantee stateroom was worth it. For the money I saved, I got a lucky cabin location.

But this location wasn’t a requirement for my cruise, so in the future, I would book a guarantee and hope for the best again. 

Cruise ship cabins are notoriously small, so unless you splurge for a suite or balcony, personal space may be at a premium in your stateroom.

If you’d like to save your money but still enjoy your cabin experience, it’s time to get creative. Many cruisers have created innovative hacks for optimizing the tiny cabin space on a cruise ship. 

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

A quick search on social media apps such as TikTok will show you thousands of ideas for making your cruise cabin experience more enjoyable. 

Many cruisers try to make the most of their small cabin experience. Therefore, these clever cruise hacks tend to go viral and can help you enjoy your cruise.

One particular cabin hack, posted by user HappyGoLiving, has gained millions of views and thousands of likes on TikTok. 

This hack only requires magnetic hooks and a blackout curtain to turn any cruise cabin into a more private, secluded area.

HappyGoLiving shares that she recently went on a Holland America cruise. She traveled with a friend who prefers to get up early in the morning while on vacation, while HappyGoLiving likes to sleep in. 

To solve their differences, HappyGoLiving decided to use magnetic hooks and blackout curtains to build a secluded fort in the cruise cabin. 

Creating a dark space can be perfect for light sleepers or those sharing a cabin with cruisers who use a different sleep schedule. 

Here’s what you need to do this cruise hack and whether we think the strategy is too much trouble or worth it.

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Start by buying magnetic hooks and blackout curtains before your cruise 

While preparing and packing for your cruise, you will first want to purchase magnetic hooks to bring onboard.

Magnetic hooks will cling to the stateroom’s walls, typically made of steel.

If you’re a frequent cruiser, these magnetic hooks will be a helpful investment. 

Small magnetic hooks can optimize your cabin space by allowing you to hang items on your walls. 

Cruisers love to bring magnetic hooks because you can place them directly on the wall to hang up jackets, bags, hearts, and umbrellas. 

If you are a frequent cruiser and would like to organize your cabin space, it is a good idea to invest in magnetic hooks.

To make this cruise hack happen, HappyGoLiving purchased magnetic hooks with swivel carabiners, which allowed her to clip the magnets onto the loops of the blackout curtains. This ensured that she could hang them while the hooks clung to the metal walls. 

HappyGoLiving explained that she purchased blackout curtains to serve as temporary walls for the second part of the cruise hack. 

To complete this hack, you want to make sure you have curtains that are long enough to fall from the floor to the ceiling of the stateroom. Most cruise cabins have a height of 7’6”, so keep this in mind while choosing your curtain length.

If you already have blackout curtains at home, feel free to bring those along on your cruise and save money. If you don’t, try to purchase ones that are around 90” long, such as these blackout curtains from Amazon. 

Next, loop the magnetic hooks through the blackout curtains to hang from the cabin ceiling

In her viral TikTok, HappyGoLiving shows how she looped each magnet hook through the curtain holes. 

Since she purchased carabiner hooks, HappyGoLiving could clip each one into the blackout curtain loops. 

After clipping each curtain hole with a magnetic hook, she stuck each magnet to the cabin ceiling.

HappyGoLiving also wrote that the magnets were strong enough for her to hook every other hole in the curtain, so you may only need a few hooks to complete this.

As she hung the curtains, she worked on one side of the bed and made her way to the other, hanging each hook one by one. 

If you want to create a cocoon around your bed, you will want the curtains to loop around it for privacy.

After all of the hooks are on the ceiling, HappyGoLivingshows shows the end result of an enclosed private space around the cruise bed. 

She commented that she packed three curtains but would have been better off with five. Consider bringing at least four curtain panels to cover the entire space around your bed.

You’ll be able to sleep soundly in your cabin by hanging the curtains around your bed, thanks to the blackout quality. 

The curtains will block any light from your window or balcony and any disturbances from your travel partner if they go to bed later or wake up earlier than you. 

This also allows you to have your own space to get ready in the morning and change without using the bathroom. 

It is important to note that this cruise hack works best if you select to split your bed into two twin beds. 

You can request separate beds by filling out the Google Form Royal Caribbean will email out a few days before your cruise.

Read more: 15 Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin

Some TikTok users thought this hack wasn’t worth the trouble, but others said it was a genius idea

Many users in the comment section of the viral TikTok praised this clever cruise hack. 

One Tiktok user, Taylor, commented: “I worked on a ship for 7 months. WHY did I not think of this.” 

Another user, Stephy Lynn, thought this cruise hack was clever: “I love this for privacy for changing clothes without having to steal the washroom from everyone.”

Some even pointed out this could be an excellent hack for families traveling with babies or small children. Another parent shared that having a private space like this would work well for her upcoming cruise, as she plans to travel with her teenage son, who prefers his own space.

Some commenters even pointed out that this hack is a great idea for families traveling with babies, small children, or just a large group. 

TikTok user Mel commented, “This is genius for a sleeping baby/toddler on a cruise.” 

Another parent shared that having a private space like this works well for an upcoming cruise with her teenage son, who prefers his own space.

However, some users felt purchasing and packing the supplies would be too much of a hassle. 

One of the top comments on the Tiktok is from user Meredith Roberts, who states: “I typically just go with an eye mask.”

Some agreed with her comment, while others responded they could not sleep with eye masks. Users said they can't sleep with eye masks on: it feels uncomfortable, crushes their lashes, or doesn’t stay on while they are sleeping.

Some commenters responded that this hack takes up too much luggage space.

“Who has room in their suitcase for grommet curtains?” user7318110758522 wrote. 

This is a fair point since you would need to pack magnetic hooks and at least two long curtains—or five, according to the Tiktok creator.

Cruisers with limited luggage space may struggle to find room to pack the supplies needed for this hack. 

Creator HappyGoLiving clarified that she lives in Miami, so she is able to pack heavily for the short drive to the nearby cruise port.

One user also questioned why someone would want to make their small cabin feel smaller by spacing off areas with this hack.

Another commenter pointed out that this hack could confuse the cabin cleaning staff when they enter the room.

HappyGoLiving shared that she took down the hooks and folded up the curtains each morning, only implementing this hack when it was time for bed. 

Is this viral cruise hack worth it?

Ultimately, you might still wonder whether this hack is worth the money, space, and preparation necessary to pack the supplies for your upcoming cruise.

Several aspects should come into consideration as you’re deciding this.

Are you driving or flying to your cruise port?

If you’re driving to your port, like the creator of this TikTok hack, you may have more luggage space available. You won’t be limited to airline luggage restrictions, so you can pack a larger suitcase and fit in those magnetic hooks and blackout curtains.

However, if you’re flying, you may want to reconsider. You will have to keep to specific airline requirements and may have to pay extra for that larger checked bag and any overweight bags.

You should also decide how much you want to spend to make this hack happen. If you already own blackout curtains, you will only need to purchase the carabiner hooks, which will only cost $10-$20, depending on how many you buy.

However, if you need extra blackout curtains, you might spend $40-$50, depending on which type you choose and how many panels you need.

Is spending up to $80 for extra privacy in your cruise cabin? That’s up to you to determine. 

Another consideration is the type of cabin you choose for your cruise. If you’re a light sleeper and easily woken up by natural light, a windowless inside cabin is the best (and cheapest!) option for you and also negates the need for blackout curtains to block any natural light.

If you don’t opt for a windowless cabin, you could try an eye mask to block the light.

However, some people don’t like the feeling of an eye mask, and you won’t have a private area in your cabin if you skip this hack.

However, if you prefer to sleep in while others in your cabin get up early—or if you stay up late while they try, this cruise hack might still be worth a try.

Also, those traveling with small children might find this hack particularly useful. With the hooks and curtains, you can section off a portion of the cabin for babies and toddlers. 

Having a dark, private space for the children to sleep in helps everyone get some peace and quiet!

Whether or not it’s something you decide to try out, you have to admit that this is an innovative cruising hack for your cabin.
 

Royal Caribbean announced an update to its cruise ship cabin categories that reclassify certain cabins, create new categories, and separate out a few other room types.

Every cabin has a stateroom code, which correlates to the type of room it is, location, and price. 

With today's change, Royal Caribbean has consolidated and reduced the overall number of categories, along with new categories added.

These changes are going to roll out with 2025-2026 deployment. For the Icon of the Seas categories, these changes are already live for the 2025-2026 season since those bookings are already open.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Part of the reason to make this change is to simplify the choices for travel agents as well as add new room types meant to appeal to certain types of people that cruise.

The goals of the room recategorization are:

• More options & configurations for guests with large families
• Separated Triple and Quad occupancy interior & oceanview staterooms
• New high occupancy guarantee staterooms
• New Junior Suite & Balcony categories

Read more: Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean

• Suites
  • AquaTheater 1 Bedroom Suite (A4) - Oasis and Allure of the Seas only
  • Sky Junior Suite (JY) - Icon Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class
  • Sunset Juniot Suite (JT) - Icon Class, Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Vision Class
• Balcony
  • Spacious Sunset Balcony (SG) - Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class
  • Sunset Balcony (SB) - Freedom Class, Voyager Class
• Oceanview
  • Ocean view (5N) - Quantum Class, Radiance Class
• Interior
  • Interior (5V) - Freedom Class, Voyager Class)
  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Quantum Class)

Here's a deeper look at what's different and new as part of this effort.

AquaTheater 1 bedroom suite

On Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the seas, there are two cabins on each that the room size and the balcony size are significantly smaller than the other AquaTheater one bedroom cabins.

In an effort to ensure guests have the correct expectations of what their suite was going to look like, Royal Caribbean decided to separate out those cabins as a distinct category.

Those four cabins total will now become A4 category, which will be the AquaTheater suite one bedroom, and all other AquaTheater suite one bedrooms across the fleet will now be called Spacious AquaTheater one bedroom and will remain the A3category code.

Nothing else is changing with these suites. They'll still have the same benefits and amenities. It's simply the way that the cruise line is categorizing them.

Sky Junior Suites

Royal Caribbean is also adding Sky Junior suites, which are Junior Suites with Sky Class amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and access to Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge.

Sky Junior Suites were first introduced on Icon of the Seas and Royal Caribbean said they got a lot of demand for them, so they're extending them the rest of the Royal Suite Class ships.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

All Icon, Oasis and Quantum class ships will now have eight Sky junior suites, with the exception of Spectrum of the Seas, which will only have six.

On a Oasis class, all Junior suites on deck six will be Sky Junior suites and on Quantum Class, all Junior Suites on deck 13 will be Sky Junior Suites.

Sunset Junior Suite

One thing Royal Caribbean has heard from its guests is booking an aft balcony is a favorite type of room on older ships. The aft facing balconies and Junior Suites are now going to be separated out as new categories new categories, starting with the Sunset Junior Suite.

Read more: 5 Royal Caribbean cruise ship balcony cabins to book (and 2 to avoid)

With the Sunset Junior Suite, nothing's changing in these amenities or with the stateroom itself, but all of the aft facing Junior Suites on the back of the ships will now become Sunset Junior Suites.

There will be a total of 110 suites between 12 ships on Freedom, Voyager and Vision class ships.

Royal Caribbean says they are making the change so that guests can quickly and easily find these cabins.

Sunset Balcony and Spacious Sunset balcony

Another new aft facing category is the Sunset Balcony and Spacious Sunset Balcony.

These are the balconies that are on the aft of the ships, and there will be about 100 Sunset balconies (category SB) and then 100 spacious sunset balconies (category SG) and spacious being the stateroom.

Oceanview triples

Royal Caribbean has heard from travel agents is that sometimes it's difficult to find a cabin when you have a group of three guests and what availability there is for cabins that have triple occupancy.

In the past, they've separated out some triple occupancy balcony cabins and they want to do the same with inside and oceanview rooms.

First up is the Oceanview triple cabins, and these will be category 5N. 

It will apply 120 staterooms across all five Radiance Class ships, as well as Quantum of the Seas.

Next are interior triples, which will be category 5V on Explorer of the Seas, and all Radiance Class ships.

On Quantum of the Seas, it will be category 5U because Quantum has the interiors with virtual balcony rather than the standard interiors.

New Guarantee staterooms

Royal Caribbean is also adding new guarantee cabins, which is when Royal Caribbean picks the exact room assignment instead of the guest.

The advantage of a guarantee cabin is you will pay less for it than if you select the specific room. However, you give up the ability to choose your cabin location and end up at the luck of whichever location is selected.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

By offering new types of guarantees, it provide guests more options.

High occupancy guarantees

In addition to the existing guarantees, Royal Caribbean is adding in an additional guarantee for triple and quad occupancy bookings.

If you have a booking with 3 or 4 guests, you'll now be able to book a ZQ as compared to a ZI. If you have a double occupancy, you can still book the ZI.

Royal Caribbean says they are making this change to offer a lower price point.

This will be offered across all category classes:

• Balcony: XQ
• Neighborhood: NQ
• Oceanview: YQ
• Inside: ZQ

Infinite Balcony Guarantee

This is a room type exclusively for Icon of the Seas, and it will be category code XI.

Similar to other guarantees across the fleet, this change will just be extending to now infinite balconies.

If a guest doesn't have a preference on where their infinite balcony is located, they can book an infinite guarantee at a lower price point versus choosing a cabin.

Infinite balcony guarantees and quad guarantees are now are live on Icon season two for 2025-2026.

The most popular type of cruise ship cabin to book is a balcony, and there are a few types that really stand out as great choices (along with a couple that you might want to think twice about).

It's easy to see the appeal of a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean: You get more living space than an inside room, and a private verandah to enjoy the views and get fresh air anytime you want it.  Plus, the cost of a balcony cabin is probably not much more than interior cabins.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. balcony room on a cruise ship

No matter which Royal Caribbean ship you sail on, there's sub categories of balcony rooms to choose from that differ based on location, room size, and other factors. If you didn't know any better, you'd assume all balcony cabins are the same, but the reality is that's not the case.

Most balcony cabins are fairly interchangeable in the sense of how large they are, and where they are located.  The difference comes in a few special cases, which can make for a compelling choice.

If you know about these special balcony rooms, you might be able to get your family a room with bonus space or benefits.

Before you book any balcony room on a Royal Caribbean cruise, consider these balcony cabins as great (and not-so-great) choices.

Extra large Central Park balcony

I couldn't believe these extra large balcony cabins existed until someone pointed them out to me on a cruise.

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships only, you'll find the Central Park neighborhood (it's on Icon of the Seas too, but it remains to be seen if this trick works on that ship class yet). Each deck has balcony rooms that face into Central Park instead of facing the ocean.

There are two Central Park balcony cabins on each deck that have double the width of a normal balcony room. This is because these rooms are next to a storage area, and there's no cabin space available to create a different cabin. Yet, the balcony is still there.

The cabin numbers are on decks 10, 11 and 12:

• 10629
• 11229
• 11629
• 12229
• 12629

Whenever I sail on an Oasis Class ship, I always check if these extra large Central Park balcony cabins are available because you get double the balcony space.

Aft balcony

I think the first trick I ever learned from people that cruised more than I have is to book an aft balcony on Vision Class or Radiance Class ships.

Read more: 5 things people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers if they could

There's two reasons to book an aft balcony on these ships.

First, you'll probably get more balcony space.  Because of the way the aft cabins are situated, they tend to be set further back into the hull, but have a balcony that extends out to make up the difference.

Second, people that cruise a lot love the views aft cabins provide because it's a different experience.

On other Royal Caribbean ships, aft balcony cabins could have more space, but there tends to be more in the way of the view. Freedom and Voyager Class ships have a lot of metal superstructure that partially block the view. 

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Connecting balconies

My favorite family cruise tip is to book connecting cabins instead of a single room.

Families tend to look at their cabin choice in the same way they'd pick a hotel room.  Because cruise ship cabins are smaller than your average hotel room, and you'll probably spend more time in your stateroom than in a land hotel, cramming into one room is a mistake.

This draws some people to book a suite to make up for the lack of living space, but suite prices can get very expensive.

Instead, look at two (or more) connecting balcony rooms.

On most ships, the balcony divider can be opened up between cabins adjacent to each other, which means you can end up with an extra large balcony space that rivals most suites.

Plus, you'll pay less than a suite and get separate bedrooms and bathrooms too!

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids

Sky Junior Suite

I wasn't going to include suites in this list, but the Sky Junior Suite is an interesting exception.

When Icon of the Seas launches, she will have a new kind of Junior Suite category that greatly builds upon the standard Junior Suite offering.

On all other ships, a Junior Suite is essentially a glorified extra large balcony room.

Sky Junior Suite benefits include Suite Neighborhood access, all-day dining at two suites-only restaurants, free wifi, and concierge service.

Hump balcony

When I went on my first Radiance Class ship, we booked a hump balcony room and it felt like we hit the jackpot.

If you look at the design of a ship, towards the middle is usually a part that bulges outward, and rooms in this area can sometimes have significantly more balcony space.

There are hump balcony rooms on Radiance Class, Voyager, Freedom, Oasis or Quantum.

You will need to look closely at the deck plan to see which balconies are larger.

Avoid: Obstructed view

It can be tempting to book an obstructed view cabin to save money, but based on how many negative reviews I read, I'd advise against it.

There are certain balcony rooms that have something blocking the view, which Royal Caribbean refers to as "obstructed view".  It could be a partial obstructed view or full obstructed.

You're at a higher chance to get an obstructed view when booking a guarantee cabin.  This is because Royal Caribbean picks from leftover cabins your room assignment and as you might imagine, there are not many guests who want to book a room with an obstruction in the way.

Sometimes the obstruction can be minor, like a lifeboat below your balcony which makes it difficult to look down to the sea below.  But other obstructions can truly block your view in the academic sense of the word.

To avoid disappointment, I don't recommend booking these cabins. In fact, I'd sooner book an inside room instead of an obstructed balcony room.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabins to avoid

Avoid: Virtual balcony

Despite the name, a virtual balcony isn't actually a balcony room.

The idea is simple: take an inside cabin and add a floor-to-ceiling television that has live views from the outside and augment it with a graphical representation of what a balcony would look like in the foreground.

It sounds nice on paper, but virtual balcony rooms don't compare to the real thing at all.

Think of a virtual balcony as an upgrade from an inside room, rather than a replacement for a balcony cabin.

If you want a balcony because you want the fresh air and extra living space, a virtual balcony will give you none of those.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

While a cruise ship vacation usually conjures up all sorts of fun activities, getting lots of sleep is an undeniable must-do as well.

Whether you want to catch up on sleep you missed, or just enjoy not having to set an alarm and seeing how late you can sleep-in, getting plenty of rest is important to a lot cruisers. After all, you want to recharge and feel relaxed during your time off.

Everyone has different sleep patterns, and you might find it a challenge to get quality sleep in a different bed than you're used to while your ship slowly moves through the ocean.

I've heard lots of advice on the topic, so I wanted to share some of the best strategies for getting the sleep you really want.

Ask for mattress topper

A very subjective topic is how firm is too firm for a mattress. It's a relative matter of opinion, but there are some that really want a plush bed.

I sleep just fine on Royal Caribbean's beds and look forward to how good they feel, there is an option for those that don't like any kind of a firm mattress.

You can ask for a mattress topper as soon as you meet your room attendant on the first day.

On some ships, you'll get an egg foam mattress topper, but newer ships may have a nice cooling mattress topper.  Your mileage may vary.

Keep in mind there are a limited supply, so ask early on your cruise to ensure you get one.

Bring white noise machine

Whether you're used to falling asleep at home to the sound of a fan, radiator, or television, a white noise machine might be a good investment.

There are many devices on the market to buy. Some just download an app for their smartphone that can play the music on loop (“bedtime fan” from App Store is one that a reader recommended).

The LectroFan white noise machine is one such device, and it could be what you need to sleep peacefully (and it can be powered by USB). (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you absolutely nothing extra to use while supporting this site).

Turn down the air conditioning

I find I sleep better in a colder cabin than a warmer cabin, so consider adjusting your air conditioning between day and night.

During the warmer summer months, it can get very hot out and that sunlight can radiate into your room, even if you have the balcony door closed.

I recommend turning the air conditioning down before you head out for dinner to ensure there's plenty of time for the cabin to cool down.

You could also pull the curtains closed to your balcony to block the sunlight.

Bring ear plugs

You never know what kind of noise issues you may have in a hotel room or cruise ship cabin.

Someone snoring, creaking sounds, or just random sounds in the night could wake you up and that can be very frustrating.

A good pair of ear plugs can be a game-changer for keeping you asleep longer.

The Flents Foam Ear Plugs come highly recommended by our readers because they fit well, muffle noise, and you can still hear your alarm go off in the morning. (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you absolutely nothing extra to use while supporting this site).

Book a cabin above or below other cabins

If sleeping well is important to you and you want to minimize the chances of noise bleed, pick a cabin that is one deck above and below other cabins.

Some cabins are underneath a public venue, and these cruise ship cabins should be avoided. Noise from patrons in the venue, or crew members moving furniture could ruin your evening slumber.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabins to avoid

Look at a deck map and ensure you're seeing other cabins one deck higher or lower than your room, and you should be good.

Book an inside room

If you really want the best sleep on a cruise, try booking an inside cabin.

Since inside cabins have no natural light sources, as soon as you turn off the lights, it will get pitch black in your room.

You won't know if it's 3am or 3pm in there, which makes it ideal for people that want to sleep well.  Plus, there's no heat coming in from your balcony!

As an added bonus, an inside cabin will cost much less than a balcony.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. balcony room on a cruise ship

Buy a USB fan

Along the lines of a noise machine, a USB powered fan could be all that you need.

A noise machine is great, but it can be pricey. Plus, if you're used to a fan, you may also be used to the air movement it generates on top of the noise.

This USB and battery operated fan is one such model you could easily bring along.

It's worth noting you could ask your stateroom attendant for a fan.  They have a limited supply, so if having a fan is mission critical for you, then I would be proactive and bring one yourself.

Ask for extra pillows or blankets

Maybe your sleep routine is to be rolled into the shape of a human burrito, or you just like to have more pillows than anyone else.

Your stateroom attendant should be able to provide these for you.

Try to keep your normal nighttime routine

Keeping a familiar routine is another good tip for making sleep better, especially if cruising with kids.

Try to keep your pre-sleep tasks going while on a cruise, such as taking a shower, having a glass of milk, or reading in bed.

It's tempting to try to "do it all" on a cruise and run from activity to activity, but giving your body clues it's time for bed with some familiar tasks could be the ticket to ensuring sleeping well on a cruise too.

When it comes to choosing a cabin for your cruise vacation, many cruisers value a suite stateroom.  

Although suites come at a higher price, they offer a much more luxurious experience, including a larger space, often with one or more separate bedrooms. These spaces are usually more private and include a secluded balcony space with scenic views. 

Suites also provide enhanced amenities, priority service (including on embarkation and disembarkation days), and complimentary extras.

Additionally, Crown and Anchor members gain more loyalty points for staying in a suite room: 2 points per night, or 3 points per night for solo travelers. 

To exemplify why cruisers love suite rooms so much, we posted to our Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook page, asking readers for an example of their best suite rooms.

We asked readers to share their best photos that explain why they loved their suite rooms, and we received hundreds of entries. 

After carefully sorting through them, here are the best 17 suite room photos our readers took on their Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Cruise ship suites gained a lot of popularity for their size. Suites include multiple rooms, such as a living room and a bedroom.

Jenn Borawski Ullram’s submission shows a Star Loft on Oasis of the Seas, a 722 square-foot cabin that can sleep up to four people. The suite’s balcony alone boasts 410 square feet.

This luxurious suite is offered on both Oasis and Quantum class ships and includes exclusive perks such as:

• Exclusive Access to Royal Genie Service
• All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• All Day Access to Gold and Silver Dining
• Complimentary Specialty Restaurants
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package Complimentary Refreshment Package 
• Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• Complimentary Gratuities
• Complimentary VOOM Internet
• Expedited Boarding and Departure
• Best Seats in the House in Entertainment Venues
• Priority Entrance to Many Onboard Activities
• Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening)
• Access to Suite Sun Deck or the Spectrum of the Seas’ Balcony
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Complimentary Minibar stocked with Beverages and Water
• Complimentary Laundry and Pressing Services
• Luxury Mattress and Pillows
• Frette Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Maker

Combining such a beautiful suite, multiple rooms, and high-quality perks, it makes sense that Royal Caribbean cruise fans would love this Star loft suite. 

William Smalley’s submission, taken from a balcony suite, exemplifies the gorgeous views and luxury amenities available in this type of stateroom.

For those who enjoy spending time in their staterooms while on a cruise, a suite stateroom is the perfect splurge. 

Suites offer more privacy than typical cabins, allowing you to enjoy your time alone or with loved ones in peace.

Suites may also come with larger entertainment centers and a library of movies and music, allowing you to unwind in the privacy of your cabin.

Especially for special occasions, consider splurging on a suite to make the most of your cabin experience. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Sarah Skelton’s photo shows a beautiful balcony view outside her suite. 

Suites often include a balcony attachment, but they differ from balcony cabins on several points.

Balcony staterooms are still only one room, just with an included balcony and scenic view.

Much like typical cabins, they only have a small room, a living room area, and a bathroom. There is no guarantee that a balcony cabin will be any larger than an inside cabin.

Suites, on the other hand, are guaranteed to be more spacious, with multiple rooms and space for more guests.

Balcony staterooms also come at a lower price, often more cost-friendly than staterooms. However, they offer fewer amenities and no private/priority service. 

They also earn you a lower amount of Crown and Anchor points each night: only 1 per night, compared to a suite’s 2. 

Additionally, the balconies themselves are usually smaller in balcony staterooms. Suites are bigger in every sense. 

If you’re still deciding between a balcony stateroom and a suite, it’s also important to note that there are more balconies available on Royal Caribbean ships. It’s best to decide ahead of time, as suites will sell out quickly. 

Suites will also require a deposit that is 10% of the total fare.

Lauren Ashley captioned this photo saying, “The view and morning sun were always beautiful!”

This suite photo shows the view of a balcony and living room area, all from the comfort of a higher bedroom section.

Guests staying in a suite can benefit from the multiple areas included, especially for those who want to spend more time in their stateroom.

Suites offer much more space to nap, watch TV in the living room, have comfortable meals through room service, and enjoy the peaceful balcony view. 

Especially for families and people with children, having a suite sectioned off means everyone has a space to be. Children can sleep below, in the living area, or amuse themselves on the balcony. 

Parents can have more room to themselves, as well.

Read more: I cruised in a suite for the first time. Here are 5 things I learned from the experience–and 3 I'd do differently next time

Jaye Whitaker shared a photo of this multiple-level suite. 

The multiple levels or bedrooms in a suite provide a convenient setting for families or friend groups traveling together.

The multiple rooms allow for families or groups to have separate sleeping and living spaces, providing privacy and minimizing disruptions—especially for those with small children.

Suites on cruise ships are also more spacious than standard cabins, offering more room to move around. 

This extra space can be especially valuable for families or groups, allowing them to relax comfortably and not feel cramped during their cruise.

Staying in a suite can also provide a degree of privacy that may not be available in standard cabins. This can be particularly important for families or groups wanting to spend quality time together without disturbance.

Gail Hudson wrote that her photo was taken in a Grand Suite on Radiance of the Seas. 

This Grand Suite is a 358-square-foot one-bedroom stateroom that sleeps up to 4 people. The attached balcony is another 106 square feet. 

Grand Suites are available on various Royal Caribbean ships, including on older and newer vessels. Newer ships typically have more Grand Suites available.

For all guests in Grand Suites, perks include: 

• Royal Caribbean bathrobes (for onboard use only)
• Luxury bathroom amenities 
• Lavazza espresso machine 
• Pillowtop mattress
• Priority boarding and departure 
• Concierge service
• Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails every evening)
• Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings
• Bridge, galley, and backstage tours
• VIP pool deck seating (not available on Vision or Radiance Class)
• Priority tendering 
• Welcome Evian water & fruit 
• Ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining (during operating hours)
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Private breakfast and lunch seating (location varies by ship and sailing)
• Departure breakfast 
• Reserved seating for shows 
• Complimentary pressing on first formal night
• Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Grand Suite guests enjoy the above perks along with some unique additional benefits, such as Coastal Kitchen dining exclusively for suite guests, complimentary Internet access, and more private dining experiences.

The cost of a Grand Suite varies based on factors like the ship, time of year, and itinerary length, but newer ships tend to have higher prices.

Taken from the newer Symphony of the Seas ship, Laurence P. Gottlieb’s photo shows a two-bedroom suite. 

Multiple-bedroom suite staterooms are an excellent solution for travelers seeking more spacious accommodations for families or large groups.

These suites provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring everyone in the room is comfortable and in proximity to one another.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a multiple-bedroom suite but aren’t sure you need a balcony, the Ocean View Suite is a great two-bedroom option.

If you prefer a balcony over an oceanview, the Owner’s Suite and Grand Suite are two-bedroom staterooms with a balcony included. 

Read more: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas — see what my room on this cruise ship looked like

Ruben Reynoso’s example shows more of the incredible views and a comfortable room with a suite.

But don’t forget to also take advantage of all the perks that come with a suite stateroom.

Most importantly, you’ll want to get acquainted with the suite concierge on your cruise. The suite concierge is like a specialized Guest Services for suite guests and plays a crucial role in enhancing your cruise experience. 

Most ships have one suite concierge (with exceptions for Oasis Class ships, which have two). About a week before your cruise, the Suite Concierge will reach out via email to prepare you and provide guidance. 

They can assist with services such as making specialty restaurant reservations, resolving billing issues, booking shore excursions, and ensuring priority disembarkation.

Karen Berg Justin shared that this photo comes from an Owner’s Suite on Adventure of the Seas, a Voyager class ship launched in 2001. 

The age of this ship is no reason to fear sailing since Adventure of the Seas was revitalized in both 2016 and 2018. Both projects cost about $61 million and added new cabins, activities, and restaurant venues. 

Adventure of the Seas currently has 15 decks and holds 1,557 staterooms. 

She boasts access to thrills like the FlowRider, The Perfect Storm, mini golf, a rock climbing wall, and Studio B.

Adventure also has classic complimentary dining options like the main dining room, the Windjammer, Island Grill, and Café Promenade. 

Her specialty dining options include Ben & Jerry’s, Chef’s Table, Chops Grille, Izumi, Giovanni’s Table, and Johnny Rockets.

Despite not having all the features of other Voyager Class ships, Adventure of the Seas has many available, offering a great cruise experience.

Read more: 10 things I loved and hated about Adventure of the Seas

Lars Johan Storækre commented that this photo comes from a suite on Wonder of the Seas.

The current largest cruise ship in the world boasts 18 decks and 2,867 staterooms. Of those staterooms, 174 are various types of suites.

Wonder of the Seas was recently launched in March of 2022 and offers a multitude of dining, bar, lounge, and entertainment options. 

As a newer cruise ship, her staterooms will, of course, feel more luxurious than on older ships.

If you’re planning to sail on Wonder, splurging on a suite stateroom will be an even more magnificent experience. 

Wonder’s available suites include an Accessible Loft Suite, a wheelchair-accessible room with an elevator between the multiple levels. 

The Crown Loft suite features two levels: a Royal King bed upstairs and a sofa bed downstairs.

The Royal Loft Suite offers even more living space and Star Class benefits, such as a dedicated Royal Genie. This type is spacious, with 1,524 square feet of living space and 843 square feet of balcony space.

The two-bedroom AquaTheater Suite is located at the end of the ship. This suite provides sweeping ocean views and an expansive balcony, with 823 square feet of living space and 772 square feet of balcony space.

And lastly, the Ultimate Family Suite is the most expensive suite on the ship. It offers a kid-centric, family-friendly design with 1,134 square feet indoors and a 212-square-foot balcony.

“Love the Grand Suite on Symphony of the Seas. This photo says it all!” Ola Plaskon wrote alongside this submission.

As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of a Grand Suite is complimentary 24-hour room service and the ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining.

This means you’ll get every opportunity to have a meal in the suite, enjoying all the time possible in the expensive stateroom.

Especially for those with a balcony suite, the chance to enjoy breakfast looking out on the water is once-in-a-lifetime. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean room service guide & tips

Another Grand Suite photo! This one, submitted by Andrew Carter, was taken on Independence of the Seas.

Built in 2008 and later refurbished in 2013, Independence is a Freedom Class ship with 15 decks. She has 1,817 staterooms, 127 of which are suites. 

Grand Suites on Independence of the Seas have the usual Suite privileges but none of the additional privileges available on Oasis and Quantum Class ships. 

Independence also includes the singular, bizarre Ben and Jerry’s suite. This ice cream-themed suite is one of its kind, as well as being the only inside cabin suite on any Royal Caribbean ship. 

An ocean view isn’t the only gorgeous view a suite can offer. Beth Urban’s photo displays a beautiful perspective of the center of the ship.

Having a unique view is one of the best perks of cruising. 

For people who like people-watching, a suite facing the ship or the AquaTheater is perfection for witnessing all the activities and entertainment happening onboard.

On the other hand, if you prefer a view of the water or the back of the ship, the oceanview suite is plentiful, too. 

No matter which option, a suite with a balcony or pretty view is the perfect way to enjoy the cruise's sights without leaving your cabin. 

Andy Smith’s photo here is the view from an AquaTheater suite on Wonder of the Seas. 

This suite is part of the Star Class category, meaning it comes with top benefits and perks. 

It features a spacious living room, a master bedroom with ample closet space, a master bathroom with a shower and tub, and a second bedroom that can accommodate up to four people and a second bathroom. 

The living room has a large couch, a table with chairs, and a coffee maker. 

Of course, the highlight of the suite is its huge wrap-around balcony, which offers excellent views of the AquaTheater, the Boardwalk, and the ocean. The balcony is also complete with chairs and lounges for relaxation.

The suite also provides Royal Genie services, providing VIP access and privileges to guests in the cabin. 

Despite its high cost, the AquaTheater suite is a luxurious option for families looking to splurge on a cruise. 

Sherry Burden’s submission shows an included hot tub located on the suite’s balcony. 

Amenities such as the table and hot tub take suites to the next level, maximizing the luxury you can experience without leaving the cabin. 

Unlike shared hot tubs on the pool deck, these are exclusive and private to those staying in the suite.

This means you can enjoy a relaxing moment without the presence of strangers. You can enjoy a peaceful, intimate environment without worrying about crowded or noisy hot tubs.

Another advantage to this private amenity is flexibility in timing. While the public hot tubs may have operating hours and be crowded at certain times, a private hot tub is accessible whenever you desire.

Whether you prefer a morning soak with your coffee, an afternoon dip after lunch, or a romantic evening under the stars, the choice is yours.

You can tailor your suite experience to your preferences.

Joe Joe submitted to our Facebook page an example from the Oasis of the Seas’ Ultimate Panoramic Suite, a Star Class stateroom. 

Oasis of the Seas is a record-breaking ship, the first of the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class. Although launched in 2009, she underwent a Royal Amplification in 2019 when the Ultimate Panoramic Suite was added.

This suite offers 914 square feet of space with stunning panoramic views thanks to its wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. 

It also features a walk-in closet and an upgraded bathroom with panoramic views. 

The Ultimate Panoramic Suite accommodates up to four guests and is on deck 14 forward.

Since this suite is part of the Star Class suite in the Royal Suite Class, guests staying in the Ultimate Panoramic Suite can enjoy various benefits, including:

• Royal Genie
• Exclusive Complimentary Dining
• Complimentary Ultimate Beverage Package
• All-Day Access to Suites-Only Coastal Kitchen
• Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• Complimentary Coca-Cola Beverages and Water
• Nespresso Coffee Maker
• Access to Exclusive Activities such as the Bridge, Galley and Back Stage Tours
• Spa Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Complimentary In-Suite Movies
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities by L’Occitane
• Duxiana Mattress and Frette Linens

This Royal Loft Suite picture was submitted by Brett Carb, from a cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

The Royal Loft Suite has two levels and provides more space than the Crown Loft Suite. The Royal Loft Suite offers even more living space, with 1,524 square feet and 843 square feet of balcony space.

Additionally, guests staying in this suite gain access to Star Class benefits, such as a dedicated Royal Genie.

These benefits also include upgraded bottles of L'Occitane shampoo, conditioner, and lotions in bathrooms, Mr. Coffee/Tea service, and Royal Caribbean bathrobes for use during the voyage.

Harmony of the Seas, another Oasis Class ship, possesses 18 decks, 2,747 staterooms, and 7 neighborhoods. 

In addition to the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm, and Splashaway Bay, she boasts 6 complimentary dining venues and 9 specialty venues. 

Within the last year, I sailed on two of the most popular cruise lines in the world: Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. While Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative and resort-style mega ships, Carnival Cruise Line is best known for having affordable cruise fares to sail on the cruise line's FUN ships.  

(Left: Royal Caribbean balcony guarantee stateroom on Jewel of the Seas. Right: Standard inside cabin on Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Celebration). 

To appeal to a wide demographic, both cruise lines offer a variety of cruise ship cabins to choose from when booking a cruise vacation. Everything from budget-friendly inside cabins to spacious, luxurious suites are available on each cruise line.

Last fall, I sailed on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Celebration, during one of its inaugural sailings in the Caribbean. This modern cruise ship debuted some of the cruise line’s chicest, most stylish accommodations to date. During my week onboard, I sailed in the cruise line’s standard inside cabin with my sister.  

Similarly, I just returned from sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s older cruise ships, Jewel of the Seas. During this 12-night European cruise, we opted to upgrade to a balcony guarantee stateroom so we could enjoy the scenery while sailing around Iceland. This vacation was taken with my husband, who prefers to have a balcony if it’s within our budget. 

When comparing these two cabins, there is one stateroom category that I’d choose again in a heartbeat while the other one left a little to be desired. 

As an avid-cruiser for most of my life, I have stayed in all different types of cabins on a variety of cruise ships. Some of these cabins were fantastic, while others left me disappointed and frustrated. Everything from the cabin’s storage to the bathroom size and cabin’s location can play key roles in determining whether a stateroom is one that I would choose again. 

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Most of the time, you can find me sailing in an inside cabin because I prefer to spend my money on excursions, specialty dining, internet packages and more. Also, choosing a cheaper cabin option usually saves me thousands of dollars compared to other staterooms categories, which means I can cruise more frequently.

However, sometimes I do splurge on a higher-end stateroom. This is usually when I plan to cruise somewhere very scenic, like Iceland, Norway or Alaska. I find there to be great value in booking a balcony so I can marvel at the scenery without needing to leave my room.

One of the most obvious differences was the price between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line's accommodations.

My balcony guarantee cabin on Royal Caribbean was more expensive in comparison to the inside cabin on Carnival Celebration. 

To start, newer ships tend to be more expensive when the vessel first debuts because the ship is in high demand. With Carnival Celebration just entering its inaugural season, the price was likely inflated compared to a typical 7-night sailing onboard Carnival Celebration.  

(Standard inside cabin on Carnival Celebration)

My inside cabin on Carnival Celebration was $1,300 for the 7-night Caribbean sailing. This was the second sailing for the brand-new cruise ship, which should be noted. However, it was the absolute cheapest cabin available onboard. This adds up to be about $92.85 per person for each day of the Carnival cruise. 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

On the flip side, my balcony guarantee staterooms was right around $3,000 for the 12-night cruise to Iceland. Jewel of the Seas is one of the older vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet; however, Iceland is an expensive destination and the cruise was a longer itinerary, which can drive down the price sometimes. At a daily cost, this was $125 per person per day to sail with Royal Caribbean. 

A guaranteed balcony means that you select the category of stateroom you desire, but you do not get to choose your balcony’s location. Once the cruise departure approaches, you are typically assigned a cabin number at random. 

(Balcony on Royal Caribbean)

Had we booked an inside cabin on Jewel of the Seas (which we originally did before upgrading to the balcony), this would have cost $2,700. This adds up to be around $112.50 each day for an inside cabin onboard the same cruise. 

I’d also like to note that these prices do not include gratuities, which are automatically applied each day of your cruise unless you choose to prepay. 

Regardless, it was more expensive to sail with Royal Caribbean even if I had stayed in a comparable inside cabin. This is not surprising, as Carnival Cruise Line is the most affordable cruise line in the industry while Royal Caribbean is almost always more expensive. 

The ship’s age was a key factor in comparing these two staterooms, as Carnival Celebration was brand-new while Jewel of the Seas was worn and tired looking.

It is pretty hard not to be wowed by a brand-new cruise ship. Even as someone who typically sails with Royal Caribbean, staying in a new cabin onboard Carnival Celebration was quite impressive. I was surprised by how thoughtfully designed the inside cabin was, even though it was the cheapest category available onboard. 

First, Carnival Celebration, being the newest ship for the cruise line, featured very stylish and functional staterooms. The cabin was modern with light wood and blue accents. Of course, the carpet, furniture and beds had only been used by a few people before us. Everything felt spick-and-span, as it should!

(Inside Cabin on Carnival Celebration)

We appreciated the little details in our inside cabin with Carnival too, like having a USB plug at our bedside and numerous outlets to use on the vanity. 

On the other hand, our balcony cabin on Jewel of the Seas was nearly 20 years old with little updates made in the last decade. While the decor was certainly dated, there were other aspects of the balcony guarantee cabin that we did not particularly like either. 

(Worn table on Royal Caribbean)

The furniture was certainly worn down in our cabin, as was our balcony. Additionally, the carpet was far past its expiration date, with a few obvious stains throughout. Finally, our balcony itself had very dry wood that looked poorly maintained - I was almost worried about getting splinters!

(Balcony view on Royal Caribbean)

It was pretty clear that Royal Caribbean had not updated these staterooms on Jewel of the Seas in many years - and refurbishment was long overdue. But, we anticipated our cabin to look outdated because of the ship's age and we planned to spend most of our time exploring Iceland. 

Along with price, another obvious difference between Royal Caribbean’s balcony cabin and Carnival’s inside cabin was the size. 

It should come as no surprise that our balcony guarantee with Royal Caribbean was more spacious than the inside cabin with Carnival Cruise Line.

The balcony guarantee on Jewel of the Seas was 180 square feet. This is about 10 square feet bigger than an inside cabin on the same ship. Our balcony was an additional 27 square feet, which is a little larger than a standard balcony onboard due to the location of our cabin as well. Overall, it was pretty spacious and we comfortably moved into the cabin for our 12-night adventure!

Read more: 8 reasons to book a balcony cabin

When comparing to Carnival’s inside cabin, this cozy stateroom was only 162 square feet. The stateroom was noticeably smaller than Royal Caribbean's especially when we noticed there was no place to sit other than our beds. In comparison, our balcony cabin with Royal Caribbean featured a loveseat and a small coffee table. Having this extra place to sit, along with chairs on the balcony, made the cabin feel much more spacious. 

(Inside cabin on Carnival Celebration)

Finally, Carnival’s inside cabin had exposed bunk beds. Even though it was just me and my sister sailing together, this cabin could technically accommodate four people. The unused bunk beds made the space above our beds feel more cramped, as the beds could not be tucked into the ceiling like I’ve seen on other cruise ships. 

Royal Caribbean’s bathroom design was one our least favorite parts of the cabin, while Carnival Cruise Line’s spacious shower was a highlight. 

Let me first set the record straight that a cruise cabin bathroom absolutely does not make or break my overall experience! However, when comparing these two cabins, the bathroom discrepancies really emphasized areas of improvement for Royal Caribbean.

As we had expected, our bathroom on Royal Caribbean was equally as outdated as our stateroom. This meant that we had the dreaded capsule-style showers. My husband is 6’4 and I am 5’11, so these tiny showers are not well suited for taller-than-average cruisers.

(Left: Shower on Royal Caribbean. Right: Shower on Carnival Celebration)

Much to the contrary, our budget-friendly cabin on Carnival featured an unusually large shower for such a tiny cabin. I would guess that our shower in this inside cabin was double to triple the size of our shower with Royal Caribbean. 

(Shower on Carnival Celebration)

The bathroom overall felt more spacious and well-designed on Carnival compared to our balcony cabin with Royal Caribbean. Perhaps this is an industry shift towards more comfortable stateroom bathrooms, but the improved shower situation was a welcomed change for this unusually tall cruise writer. 

The deal breaker for us was the undesirable cabin location onboard Royal Caribbean, which is a huge disadvantage to booking a guaranteed stateroom.

Anytime you book a guaranteed cabin, you take a huge gamble. In all honesty, I started to sail in guarantee cabins more frequently in the early post-pandemic cruising and I think this gave a false perception. 

(Balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean)

Much to my delight, I never had much of an issue with a bad stateroom location when cruises first restarted after the pandemic; however, I have realized this is no longer the case. People are booking cruises far in advance - thanks to built-up cruise credits - and choosing the best cabin locations.

With ships filling up to capacity for most itineraries these days, guaranteed cabins are pretty much guaranteed to be terribly located onboard. Within the last year, I’ve had some pretty horrible cabin locations when booking guaranteed cabins. 

Back in March, I booked an inside cabin guarantee on Celebrity Silhouette and ended up right next to a Crew Service door. Each morning at 4am, I was woken up by the crew members starting their day and shuffling around the decks. I slept so terribly that I ended up getting sick and rundown by the last night because I was not able to get quality sleep each night. 

(Celebrity Silhouette inside cabin directly next to crew service door)

After this experience, I seriously contemplated whether I wanted to move forward with our upcoming balcony guarantee selection on Jewel of the Seas. However, it was an additional $1,000 to choose a balcony location on our sailing. Unfortunately, most of the cabins were in undesirable locations because the sailing date was approaching, so we opted to take the risk. 

(Room service on Royal Caribbean balcony)

As you can probably guess, we ended up with a horrible balcony location on our Royal Caribbean cruise. Our balcony was obstructed, although it was not categorized as such. This did not bother us, as we had only spent $300 to upgrade. But, we were located directly above one of the music lounges onboard, which greatly impacted our sleep. 

Each evening, our stateroom would thump and shake to the music playing from the live band and singers down below. We had to start planning our evenings around when the music would start and stop at the Safari Club. Some evenings, music played well past midnight and we couldn’t sleep with the loud bass that echoed throughout our cabin. 

(Watching the midnight sun in Iceland off our balcony on Royal Caribbean)

With our inside cabin on Carnival, the mid-ship location was perfect. We were surrounded by staterooms, so there was no source of unwanted noise. I slept perfectly in this pitch-black cabin. 

Gambling with a guarantee stateroom is not in my future cruise plans, especially during highly-anticipated vacations or long cruise itineraries.

When comparing these cabin experiences on Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, there is an obvious winner in my book. I’d pick the inside cabin on Carnival in a heartbeat, but another guaranteed stateroom with Royal Caribbean is not in my future. 

(Carnival Celebration inside cabin)

Being able to comfortably sleep is a top priority for me when I am on vacation. Getting rundown and aggravated (at the consequences of my own prior decisions, I know) is not how I want to spend vacation. If anything, I need to sleep more than normal because we typically spend our days in port exploring new places.

(Beds and nightstands in Carnival's inside cabin)

I am no longer comfortable risking a bad cabin location to save extra money on a cruise vacation, especially on a longer itinerary. My husband and I both agreed that we would spend the extra money to ensure we could choose our cabin location in the future. In fact, we upgraded our cabin for next summer already because we did not want another terrible guarantee location. 

Even though our cabin on Carnival Celebration was tiny, it had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We weren’t kept up late with loud music from the bars or lounges. Most importantly, I was able to get restful sleep each evening onboard thanks to our cabin’s prime mid-ship location. Rest and rejuvenation are crucial for a fantastic vacation - and guaranteed cabins simply cannot guarantee any of that. 

More on picking a cruise cabin

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?