Picking the Best Cabins on the Grand Princess

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Grand Princess's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Grand Princess? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Grand Princess? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Grand Princess?

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Grand Princess Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary
Best Cabins on board the Grand Princess are accommodations on Decks 9,10, and 11.
Cabins to be wary of on board the Grand Princess are accommodations on Decks 5, 6, 8, 12, and 14.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on board the Grand Princess

Deck 5 -- Plaza Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Many cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Inside and outside cabins on Deck 5 of the Grand Princess are located beneath the forward stage area and the casino, so there will likely be noise issues for just about any stateroom available on this deck. Being in a cabin beneath the casino is likely more of a concern, because this venue is open later in the evening and could be a disturbance for travelers who are light sleepers.

• Forward, exterior staterooms P202- P242 port side and P201- P241 starboard, and inside cabins P212- P244, P249- P265, and P215- P243 are under the lower level of the theater. Noise generated from this area could occur during performances, and staff prep work and tidying up before and after shows. 
• Port side, P246 and P 248, and starboard staterooms P245 and P247 are all beneath public bathrooms on Fiesta Deck of the Grand Princess. Noise, such as hearing water rush through pipes, could be issues in any of these cabins when these restrooms are busy.
• Port side, P208 is across the hall from the self service laundry. Noise and heat from this facility could be problems in this cabin.
• Interior Stateroom P212 shares a wall with the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be concerns as a result.
• On Deck 5 of the Grand Princess, staterooms under the casino area are exterior cabins P302- P336 port side, as well as interior cabins P318- P330 and P319- P331. Again, the inside cabins will be likely most affected because these are all directly under the casino. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Port side, P336 shares a wall with a staff service area. Noise from this area could be an issue in this cabin.
• Starboard, P337 shares a wall with Alfredo's Pizzeria. Noise from this venue could be an issue.
• The staterooms in the most quiet are on Plaza Deck are starboard Ocean View Staterooms P301- P335.
• Some of the worst cabins on board the Grand Princess are on the Plaza Deck. While we are not suggesting the cabins on this deck should be completely avoided, there are staterooms on other decks which will be more quiet.

Deck 6 -- Fiesta Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Many cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Each of the seven Window Suites on Deck 6 of the Grand Princess offer 341 sq. ft. of space and a starboard ocean view. If noise from the casino is not a concern, these suites may be of interest to you.

• Least recommended Window Suite on Fiesta Deck of the Grand Princess is F301. This suite shares a wall with a public bathroom and is also beneath a public restroom. Noise, such as hearing water rush through pipes, could be problematic in this cabin.
• F305- F315 are across the hall from the casino. Noise could be a concern in these suites late at night.

Deck 8 -- Emerald Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Several cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that the Promenade Deck of the Grand Princess is right beneath your cabin. Noise could drift up from the theater, and lounges and bars which include the main lounge. Some of these venues feature live music and have dance floors, so there is a likelihood of after hours noise concerns. Also, Princess does offer good bargains for staterooms with obstructed views, and the windows in these exterior cabins do provide ambient light. However, if you are looking for a clear view of the ocean, you may want to confirm your preference when reserving a cabin on this deck!

• Forward, E102- E120 port side and E101- E121 starboard are Ocean View Staterooms that have windows that face the upper level of Promenade Deck. If you are interested in these cabins, we suggest that you keep the drapes closed for privacy.
• On the Grand Princess Deck 8, there are several cabins above the upper level of the theater but none are located directly above the stage. These are exterior cabins E202- E222 port side and E201- E223 starboard. There could be noise generated from performances and during rehearsals, and before and after when staff are either preparing for a show or cleaning up after one. Noise from the theater is not likely to be much of an after hours concern.
• There are few interior staterooms located on Deck 8 of the Grand Princess, and we suggest that you look for an inside cabin on another, higher deck to avoid noise issues. 
• Starboard, Ocean View Staterooms E401- E421 are above Crooner's Lounge. Noise late into the evening could be a concern in any of these staterooms.
• Port side, Ocean View Staterooms E502- E520 and starboard Ocean View Staterooms E501- E521 are above the Explorer's Lounge. Noise late into the evening could be a problem in any of these cabins.
• Port side, Ocean View Staterooms E518- E616 are above the Wheelhouse Bar. Noise late into the evening could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• E618 and E619 are across the halls from the self service laundry facility. Noise and heat could be concerns in these staterooms when this facility is busy.
• E706- E730, E705- E731, E716, and E717 are above the Vista Lounge. Noise late into the evening could be a concern in any of these staterooms.
• There are several cabins with potentially obstructed views (E212- E326 and E416- E706 port side and E211- E327 and E417- E705 starboard). Again, if a view of the ocean is important to you we suggest this is clarified when you reserve a stateroom on Deck 8 of the Grand Princess!
• Aft, Balcony Staterooms E730 and E731 have a vent between them. This vent is a source of both noise and smells.
• Some of the worst cabins on board the Grand Princess are on the Emerald Deck. While we are not suggesting the cabins on this deck should be completely avoided, there are staterooms on other decks which will be more quiet.

Deck 9 -- Dolphin Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

On the Grand Princess, Dolphin Deck staterooms have the advantage of cabin decks above and beneath, so there's a buffer zone from the noise generated from public areas. These accommodations are likely more quiet than those on the lower decks! All of the exterior cabins on Dolphin Deck have large balconies, but we do caution you that these balconies are not covered. You can be seen on a Dolphin Deck balcony from decks above.

• Forward, Family Balcony Suites D105 and D106 boast up to 335 sq. ft. of interior space and have 92 sq. ft. balconies. However, given their forward location on Deck 9 of the Grand Princess, be prepared for a rather windy view (unless there's a tailwind). Family cabins are in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so, it is best to book early to get a family cabin.
• There are several mini-suites with balconies from which to choose on Deck 9 of the Grand Princess (D110- D732 port side and D109- D733 starboard). These have 277 sq. ft. of interior space and 46 sq. ft. balconies.
• Mini suites D708 and D707 are across the halls from the self service laundry on Deck 9 of the Grand Princess. Noise and heat could be concerns in these suites as a result.
• Interior Staterooms D714 and D715 share walls with the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be issues in these cabins. 
• Mini suites D732 and D733 were originally designated to be accessible cabins. As such, both retain larger than standard balconies and bathrooms. The beds may not convert to queen sized beds, however.
• Aft, Vista Suites D736 and D737 have on average 383 sq. ft. living space and over-sized balconies. They are the largest suites on Deck 9 of the Grand Princess, and have that beautiful (and less breezy) aft view of the ocean.
• Balcony Staterooms D734 and D735 are right next to the Vista Suites on Deck 9, and will have that same highly sought after view of the ocean. However, a vent located between them is a source of both noise and odor that could affect the balconies of these staterooms.

Deck 10 -- Caribe Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Caribe Deck on the Grand Princess is clearly one of the best decks for a stateroom or suite. Its location between two cabin decks provides a sound buffer from public areas, which is always desirable, and the balcony staterooms and suites here are partly covered and allow for more privacy!

• Moving forward to aft, in our opinion, the best located staterooms on Caribe Deck of the Grand Princess are as follows. Port side, we suggest C104- C250, C324- C414, C510- C530, C614- C626, and C714- C748. Starboard, we recommend C103- C251, C325- C415, C509- C531, C615- C627, and C715- C749.
• There are 98 interior staterooms on Deck 10. If you are looking for an inside cabin, this deck will be more quiet than some of the others to be found on the Grand Princess.
• Cabins that are wheelchair accessible on the Caribe Deck of the Grand Princess are C248, C252, C301, C302, C303, and C304.
• Balcony Staterooms C312 and C311 are across the halls from the self service laundry, which could be a source of noise and heat when it's busy.
• On the Grand Princess Deck 10, there are 12 luxurious Penthouse Suites on Deck 10 (C402- C424 port side and C401- C425 starboard). Each has over 536 sq. ft. of living space and an over-sized balcony.
• Interior Staterooms C536, C537, C612, and C611 share walls with a crew area. Noise could be problematic in these staterooms.
• Balcony Staterooms C602- C608 port side and C601- C607 starboard are across the halls from a crew area. Noise might be a concern in any of these cabins.
• Interior Staterooms C712 and C711 share walls with the bank of elevators. Noise could be an issue when the lifts are busy.
• Balcony Staterooms C742 and C743 have larger than standard balconies.
• Aft, Premium Suites C750, C748, C749, and C751 are spacious (473 sq. ft.), have large balconies, and afford great views of the ocean. Please note that C750 and C751 have steel beams on the balconies that partially obstruct the view.
• Also aft, two outside balcony staterooms, C752 and C753, located beside the Premium Suites have wonderful (and less breezy) ocean views on Deck 10 of the Grand Princess. These are covered balconies.

Deck 11 -- Baja Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Baja Deck is another one of our favorite decks on the Grand Princess! Once again, a stateroom or suite on this deck has that advantage of cabins below and above, making this a more quiet location for accommodations.

• Port side and starboard, all exterior staterooms have balconies on Deck 11 of the Grand Princess.
• The best situated balcony staterooms and suites on Baja Deck, in our opinion, are as follows. Port side, we really like B296- B250, B318- B418, B510- B530, B614- B626, and B716- B748. Starboard, we suggest B205- B251, B319- B419, B509- B531, B615- B627, and B717- B749.
• Cabins that are wheelchair accessible on this deck of the Grand Princess are B302, B304, B301, B303, B252, and B248.
• Interior Staterooms B714 and B715 share walls with the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be problems in these cabins when the laundry is busy.
• Balcony Staterooms B710 and B709 are across the halls from the self serve laundry, which could be a source of heat and noise when it's busy.
• The balconies of B744 and B745 are in the hull and angled.
• Aft, the two Owner's Suites, B750 and B751 are the most spacious of accommodations on Deck 11 of the Grand Princess. Each has up to 591 total square footage and has a beautiful balcony view of the ocean. It should be noted that the balconies do have steel structures, but these should not impede the view.
• Two Penthouse Suites (B748 and B749) are between the Owner's Suites. Both have wonderful views of the ocean.

Deck 12 -- Aloha Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Many cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Except for most of the staterooms located forward on this deck, the majority of cabins on the Aloha Deck of the Grand Princess are under the Lido Deck pools, bar, and casual eateries. Thus, many of the staterooms and suites on this deck are not recommended for light sleepers.

• Forward, Balcony Staterooms A202 and A201, and Interior Staterooms A204 and A203 are beside a crew area. Noise could be an issue in these staterooms.
• The best situated staterooms, in our opinion, on Aloha Deck of the Grand Princess are Balcony Staterooms A206- A310 and A205- A309, and Interior Staterooms A208- A248 and A207- A253. These staterooms have cabins above and beneath them that buffer noise from public venues.
• On the Aloha Deck of the Grand Princess, wheelchair accessible staterooms are A304, A302, A301, A303, A252, and A248.
• Balcony Staterooms A312 and A311 are across the halls from the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be issues in these staterooms as a result.
• Interior Staterooms A316 and A317 share walls with the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be problems in these staterooms.
• A314- A742 port side and A315- A743 starboard, and all inside staterooms including and aft of A316 and A317 are beneath the pools and the Horizon Court on Lido Deck. Noise early in the morning and late at night could be issues in any of these staterooms.
• Aft on Aloha Deck of the Grand Princess, outside staterooms A748, A746, A747, and A749 are nearby the Terrace Pool. While these cabins do not have balconies, they have decks around them and a great view of the ocean! These staterooms have porthole windows.

Deck 14 -- Lido Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Many cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Lido Deck is among the high-rent districts of the Grand Princess, because this is where the two most luxurious suites are located. The best cabins on board the Grand Princess are generally on the Lido Deck. Given that this is where the high-dollar cabins are, this is also where the Grand Princess's best cabin stewards are usually assigned.

• Balcony Staterooms L201- L227 port side, and Interior Staterooms L204- 216 and L203- L217 are beneath the fitness and aerobics centers on Sun Deck. Noise while these facilities are open could be a concern.
• Past guests  cabin L219 have report noise concerns. This stateroom is under the free weight lifting area, and the sound of weights banging can be heard as early as 7:00 AM.
• Inside cabins L248 and L252 are more spacious than the others on the Lido Deck of the Grand Princess.
• Of the 30 outside Balcony Staterooms on Deck 14 of the Grand Princess, L256 and L259 are next to the Grand Suites. Both have oddly shaped balconies that are a little more spacious, and both are next door to great staff service.
• The two Grand Suites, L301 and L302, feature the most spacious accommodations you can find on the Grand Princess. Each has 638 sq. ft. of interior space and a 92 sq. ft. balcony.
• Of the six Outside Deluxe Staterooms, L303 and L304 are next to the Grand Suites on deck 14 of the Grand Princess. None of the Outside Deluxe Staterooms have balconies.
• Ocean View Staterooms L304- L308 port side and L303- L307 starboard have floor to ceiling windows and are larger than standard.