Picking the Best Cabins on the Radiance of the Seas

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Radiance of the Sea's best and worst cabins.

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

Help us improve this guide! Have you stayed in a great cabin on the Radiance of the Seas that we missed? Let us know! Is there better advice that we can give--we would love to hear from you. Use the form at the bottom of the page to let us know your thoughts. Your input will help other travelers.

Radiance of the Seas Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary
Best Cabins on the Radiance of the Seas are staterooms and suites on Decks 8 and 9.
Cabins to be wary of on the Radiance of the Seas are accommodations on Decks 3, 7, and 10.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Radiance of the Seas

Deck 2

All of the cabins on the Radiance of the Seas Deck 2 have cabins above them that buffer noise from public venues. -And there are only 27 cabins on Deck 2, so it's a rather cozy little neighborhood! That said, keep in mind that the engine rooms are below this deck. Also, propeller vibrations might be felt in the more aft staterooms.

• All exterior ocean view cabins (2000- 2028) have small portholes rather than windows.
• Interior cabin 2023 is almost twice as spacious than standard and is wheelchair accessible on Deck 2 of the Radiance of the Seas.

Related: Radiance of the Seas Deck 2 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 3

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

Deck 3 on the Radiance of the Seas deserves some strategic thought before reserving a cabin if noise concerns you. While it is possible to find a more quiet cabin on this deck, it's important to keep in mind the fact that the theater and the main dining room are directly above.

• In staterooms in the most forward section of Deck 3 on the Radiance of the Seas, sea noise when the ocean waves are choppy could be problematic.
• Forward on Deck 3 of the Radiance of the Seas, Ocean View Staterooms 3000-3020 port side and 3500-3520 starboard are under the theater. Noise during performances and rehearsals could be of concern in these cabins. The 12 Interior Staterooms (3009-3019 and 3509-3519) are most directly beneath the theater, and noise issues in these cabins will be more pronounced. 
• Best exterior and interior cabins on Deck 3 of the Radiance of the Seas are 3036-3086 and 3536-3586 because these are under the cabins on Deck 4, and this have a buffer from public area noise.
• Interior cabins 3539 and 3541 are almost twice as large as standard and are wheelchair accessible.
• The Ocean View Staterooms in which noise from the main dining room could be of concern are  3114-3144, and 3614-3645. Interior cabins 3117-3143 and 3615-3645 are probably going to be affected the most by the dining room activity because of their proximity to that central area.
• We are not suggesting the cabins on this deck should be completely avoided, but some of the worst cabins aboard the Radiance of the Seas are on Deck 3. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on this deck, 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). 

Related: Radiance of  the Seas Deck 3 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 4

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that a main drag of the Radiance of the Seas runs above your cabin, including the Royal Promenade and shops. However, most of the cabins on this deck are well situated (not located under areas such as the theater or main dining room). For the most part, any noise generated from the shops mid ship on Deck 5 will be not be occurring after hours. 

• On Deck 4 of the Radiance of the Seas, exterior cabins Ocean View Staterooms 4000 and 4500 are closest to the theater area and could have noise factors during performances, as well as before and after when the audience traffic would be occurring.
• Ocean View Staterooms 4060 and 4560 and Interior Staterooms 4061 and 4561 are closest to the public areas on Deck 4 of the Radiance of the Seas which include the lobby bar. Reserving a cabin farther forward might be worth consideration.
• Ocean View Staterooms 4006 and 4008 and Interior Staterooms 4017 and 4517 are more spacious than their respective standards and are wheelchair accessible.
• Interior Staterooms 4555- 4561 are beneath the vicinity of Cafe Latte-tudes. Noise while the cafe is open could be an issue in any of these cabins.

Related: Radiance of the Seas Deck 4 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 7

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

Be aware that a main drag of public areas runs beneath all of Deck 7 of the Radiance of the Seas, which includes the theater, cinema, bars, the casino, and aft area clubs and lounges. While the theater and cinema may not generate much after hours noise, that is not the case for the rest of the venues underneath you on Deck 7. However, if noise is not an issue for you, Deck 7 does offer staterooms with balconies, some of which are quite spacious!

• Forward, cabins 7006-7038 and 7506-7538 are above the theater and there could be noises from performances as well as staff preparation and clean up before and after shows. Four interior cabins (7529-7535) will likely be most affected by this.
• Forward, 7004 and 7504 are Family Ocean View Staterooms which can accommodate up to six passengers. The staterooms most forward on Deck 7 are not likely to have noise issues from the theater below as these are not situated above that area. There are few family cabins on the Radiance of the Seas, and these sell out very quickly. We suggest you book one as early as possible. There will most likely be a minimum number of people required to reserve one of these staterooms.
• Family Ocean View Stateroom 7504 is nearby a crew area. Past guests have indicated noise issues in this cabin.
• Ocean View Staterooms 7002, 7000, 7500, and 7502 are between the Family Ocean View Staterooms most forward on Deck 7 of the Radiance of the Seas. These are also not directly above the theater and hence more quiet than other choices on this deck.
• On Deck 7 of the Radiance of the Seas, the Balcony Staterooms in the inset sections have metal roofs/overhangs that does affect the ocean views. These are 7052- 7090 and 7112- 7150 port side and 7552- 7590 and 7612- 7650 starboard.
• Balcony Staterooms 7112, 7114, 7612, 7614, 7110, and 7610 are larger than standard, have larger balconies, and are wheelchair accessible. 7110 and 7610 also have uniquely shaped balconies which are a bit more spacious.
• Good choices for a bit of peace and quiet on Deck 7 of the Radiance of the Seas are Balcony Staterooms 7108-7146. These balcony staterooms are above the alternative restaurants, which are smaller, more quiet than the bars and casinos, and less likely to be a concern after hours when most of us want to sleep.
• There could be noise issues in cabins 7040-7094 and 7540-7670 from the after hours nightlife in the various bars, clubs, and lounges, as well as the casino. Past guest reviews have indicated that such noises from venues below were a problem in cabin 7642.
• Past guests in Balcony Stateroom 7670 have indicated noise issues from the disco/pub area below. Also, the balcony view was partially obstructed.
• Balcony Stateroom 7170 has a partially obstructed balcony view.
• At up to 586 sq. ft., Royal Family Suite 7672, boasts the most room and the largest balcony on Deck 7 of the Radiance of the Seas. Its location aft on this deck also affords that precious (and least windy) view of the ocean! Like the family cabins, these suites are few and far between and are reserved very quickly. We advise that you book early and be prepared to meet a possible minimum guest requirement during this process.
• Aft, Ocean View Staterooms 7172, 7174, 7176, 7676, and 7674 have larger balconies, all the better to afford the best (and least breezy) ocean viewing.
• Once again, we are not suggesting the cabins on this deck should be completely avoided, but some of the worst cabins aboard the Radiance of the Seas are on Deck 7 because of the public areas above. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on this deck, 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).

Related: Radiance of the Seas Deck 7 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 8

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Several cabins are highly rated by our cruise experts!

Deck 8 is a wonderful place to reserve a cabin because it is among the more quiet decks. The cabins above and beneath provide a nice buffer from the noise generated from public areas on the Radiance of the Seas.

• Balcony Staterooms that have partially obstructed views on Deck 8 of the Radiance of the Seas are 8058, 8060, 8162, 8164, 8166, 8662, 8664, and 8666. If your balcony view is important to you, we suggest other exterior cabins on this deck.
• Forward on Deck 8, Family Ocean View Staterooms 8000, 8002, 8500, and 8502 do not have balconies, but do have 319 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to six passengers! There are few of these spacious family cabins on the Radiance of the Seas, and they sell out very quickly. If one of these are of interest to you, we suggest you book one as early as possible. There will most likely be a minimum number of people required to reserve one of these staterooms.
• Also forward, Ocean View Staterooms 8004, 8006, 8504, and 8506 do not have balconies but are a bit roomier than standard.
• For staterooms 8008 and 8508, the balconies are partially in the hull.
• All of the other exterior cabins on Deck 8 do feature balconies. Most of these cabins are either Deluxe Ocean View or Superior Ocean View Staterooms. On the Radiance of the Seas, Superior Ocean View Staterooms have 25 more sq. ft. than the Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms. There is no difference in balcony size.
• Exterior cabins 8086, 8088, 8102, 8104, 8604, and 8586 do boast more balcony space than standard.
• The balconies with cabins 8008 and 8508 are narrow and cramped.
• Aft, the Royal Family Suite 8668 is the most spacious accommodation to be had on Deck 8 of the Radiance of the Seas. This suite also boasts the most expansive balcony, and commands that highly sought after picturesque (and less breezy) ocean view. Like the family cabins, these suites are few and far between and are reserved very quickly. We advise that you book early and be prepared to meet a possible minimum guest requirement during this process.
• Also aft, Ocean View Staterooms 8168, 8170, 8172, 8672, and 8670 have more spacious than average balconies and share that magnificent view of the ocean!

Related: Radiance of the Seas Deck 8 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 9

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Several cabins are highly rated by our cruise experts!

On the Radiance of the Seas, you will find a wonderful selection of staterooms which include some of the more spacious cabins and suites available on this ship. Once again, the cabins above and beneath you make this a more quiet deck!

• From the balconies of staterooms 9000- 9030 port side and 9500- 9530 starboard, the views include part of the balconies on Deck 7 when looking down at the ocean.
• From the balconies of staterooms in the indented sections of the Radiance of the Seas (9034- 9074 and 9096- 9254 port side and 9534- 9574 and 9596- 9654 starboard), the view looking down is obstructed by the roof that covers the lifeboats,
• Superior Ocean View Balcony Staterooms 9252, 9254, 9652, and 9654 have partially obstructed views. If your balcony view is important to you, there are other Superior Ocean View Balcony staterooms to be found on Deck 9 of the Radiance.
• Recent guests in 9050 have indicated their disappointment due to a rusty ladder affixed to the right side of this stateroom's balcony. 
• Mid ship on Deck 9 of the Radiance of the Seas, Ocean View Staterooms 9076, 9078, 9092, 9094, 9576, 9578, 9592, and 9594 have larger balconies than standard.
• Aft, 9656 is the Royal Family Suite, which has the most space and largest balcony on Deck 9 of the Radiance of the Seas. Like the family cabins, these suites are few and far between and are reserved very quickly. We advise that you book early and be prepared to meet a possible minimum guest requirement during this process.
• Also aft and situated nearby the two bedroom suite, Ocean View Staterooms 9256, 9258, 9260, 9660, and 9658 have over-sized balconies from which you can enjoy that great aft view of the ocean!
• Located toward the very back Deck 9 on the Radiance of the Seas, Balcony Staterooms 9254 and 9654 have unusually shaped, larger balconies than standard. These balconies are partially obstructed, however.

Related: Radiance of the Seas Deck 9 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 10

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Several cabins are highly rated by our cruise experts!

While Deck 10 on the Radiance of the Seas is where you will find luxury suites, it's important to keep in mind the fact that one of the busiest public decks is right above. The spa, the pools, and dining venues including the Windjammer Cafe are above Deck 10 accommodations.

• While you are in the luxury zone on Deck 10 of the Radiance of the Seas, bear in mind that you are also just beneath Deck 11 which is Lido Deck. Luxury minded travelers need to know that suites Grand Suites, and Junior Suites (1028-1052 port side and 1528-1552 starboard) as well as one exterior stateroom (1046) could have after hours noise from the pool areas just above, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning.
• There are only eight interior cabins (1003-1009 and 1503-1509), and all of these are located forward on Deck 10 of the Radiance of the Seas under the spa facilities.
• Junior Suites 1028 and 1528 are slightly larger than standard, have spacious balconies, and are wheelchair accessible.
• On Deck 10 of the Radiance of the Seas, Junior Suite 1560 is next to the Penthouse or Royal Suite, and has a uniquely shaped, larger balcony than standard. (This would likely be a great suite for access to excellent cabin stewards!)
• A great choice for a bit of luxury aft on Deck 10 is the Grand Suite on the Radiance of the Seas. These suites, with from 358 to 384 sq. ft. and 106 sq. ft. balconies, are among the most spacious accommodations on the Radiance of the Seas Deck 10. Of the Grand Suites, 1600 is our favorite because of its suite and balcony size, and due to the great view it will have of the ocean.
• Aft, Junior Suites 1100 and 1602 have over-sized balconies and that highly sought after (less breezy) ocean view.
• Also aft on Deck 10 of the Radiance of the Seas, Ocean View Staterooms 1102, 1104, and 1604 have larger balconies than standard and share that magnificent view of the ocean.

Related: Radiance of the Seas Deck 10 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)