Picking the Best Cabins on the Diamond Princess

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

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

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

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

Deck 5 -- Plaza Deck

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

Several of the inside and outside cabins on Deck 5 of the Diamond Princess are located beneath the forward stage area and the casino, so there will likely be noise issues for many of the staterooms 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 on Plaza Deck of the Diamond Princess, Ocean View Staterooms P200- P240 port side and P201- P241 starboard are under the lower level of the theater. Noise generated from this area could occur during performances and rehearsals, and from staff prep work and tidying up before and after shows. Interior cabins that will be most affected by the theater are P210- P242 and P215- P243.
• Port side, P204 and P206 are across the hall from the self service laundry. Noise and heat when this facility is busy could be issues in these cabins.
• Ocean View Staterooms P244, P246, P245, and P247 are under public bathrooms. Noise -such as hearing water rushing through pipes- could be problematic in any of these staterooms.
• Staterooms under the casino area are Ocean View Staterooms P300- P330 port side and  interior cabins P316- P328 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 Diamond Princess, 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).
• Starboard, Ocean View Staterooms P301- P335 are underneath staterooms on Fiesta Deck. These Deck 6 cabins above will help buffer noise from public areas.
• Some of the worst cabins on board the Diamond 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 quieter.

Deck 6 -- Fiesta Deck

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

• Forward, F301 is next to a public bathroom. Noise could be a concern in this cabin when that bathroom is busy.
• Ocean View Staterooms F315- F321 are under an area nearby the Wheelhouse Bar. Noise could be an issue in these staterooms as a result.
• Ocean View Staterooms F325- F327 are beneath the Calypso Cove, which is a shop. With cabins beneath, these staterooms on the Fiesta Deck of the Diamond Princess are likely to be more quiet than other choices on this deck.

Deck 8 -- Emerald Deck

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

Along this entire deck, be aware that the Promenade Deck of the Diamond 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. Princess Cruises 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, Ocean View Staterooms E100- E118 port side and E101- E121 have the upper level of the outside walking area of Promenade Deck right outside of the windows. For privacy, the curtains will need to be drawn.
• On the Diamond Princess Deck 8, there are several cabins above the upper level of the theater. These are exterior cabins E200- E220 port side and E1211- E223 starboard. There could be noise generated from performances and rehearsals, and the before and after show when staff are either preparing for a show or cleaning up after one. 
• Staterooms E300- E303, E310, E706, E707, E714, and E717 are wheelchair accessible.
• E616, E618, E619, and E621 are across the halls from the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be issues in these staterooms when this facility is busy.
• On the Emerald Deck of the Diamond Princess, port side Ocean View Staterooms E306- E320 are over the Wheelhouse Bar. Noise until late at night could be concerns in these staterooms. Once again, if you are a light sleeper, you may want to look for a cabin on another deck, bring along earplugs, or purchase a wave machine.
• Starboard, Ocean View Staterooms E401- E421 are over a bar area. Noise could be an issue in these staterooms late at night.
• On Deck 8 of the Diamond Princess, starboard Ocean View Staterooms E500- E516 and E501- E519 port side are over a lounge. Noise could be problematic late at night in any of these cabins as a result.
• There are several cabins with potentially obstructed views (E200- E708 port side and E201- E709 starboard). If that view of the ocean is important to you, we suggest this is clarified when you reserve a stateroom on Deck 8 of the Diamond Princess!
• Aft on Deck 8, E710- E732 port side and E711- E735 starboard are over Club Fusion. Noise from this venue could be an issue. Since several of these cabins include mini suites and suites, we do recommend a higher deck for luxury accommodations.
• Some of the worst cabins on board the Diamond 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 peaceful.

Deck 9 -- Dolphin Deck

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

On the Diamond 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 balconies, but we do caution you that these balconies are not covered, and you can be seen from decks above.

• Forward on Deck 9 of the Diamond Princess, Family Balcony Suites D104 and D105 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 Diamond , 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 Diamond Princess (D108- D736 port side and D109- D737 starboard). These have 277 sq. ft. of interior space and 46 sq. ft. balconies. Of these, D736 and D737 are located farthest aft and have larger balconies.
• Mini suites D222 and D226 are across the halls from the self service laundry. Noise and heat could be concerns in these cabins when the laundry is busy.
• Interior staterooms D226 and D 229 share a wall with the self service laundry, so noise and heat could be problems in these cabins as well.
• Looking for a mini suite with a larger than standard balcony? D736 and D737 have balconies that fit that preference!
• Aft, Vista Suites D738 and D739 each have on average 329 sq. ft. living space and a 166 sq. ft. balcony. They are the largest suites on Deck 9 of the Diamond Princess, and have that beautiful (and less breezy) aft view of the ocean. 
• Balcony Staterooms (D740 and D741) are right next to the Vista Suites on Deck 9, and will have that same highly sought after view of the ocean.
• Please note that there is a steel beam that can be seen from the balcony for Vista Suites D738 and D739 and Balcony Staterooms D740 and D741. 

Deck 10 -- Caribe Deck

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

The Caribe Deck of the Diamond Princess is clearly one of the best decks for a stateroom or suite. There are 14 Penthouse Suites on Deck 10, and these are rivaled in luxury only by the Grand and Owners Suites. Since some of the high rent suites are on this deck, you will also be near where some of the best cabin stewards are assigned. The Caribe Deck's location between two cabin decks provides a sound buffer from public areas, which is always desirable.  Also, the balcony staterooms and suites on Caribe deck are covered for the the first 5 feet, which provides more privacy! Some of the best cabins on the Diamond Princess are on Caribe Deck!

• Forward, C100- C105 have balconies that are accessible when the Diamond Princess is in port.
• C104 and C107 are Category S5 Premium Suites with Balconies. Each offers a total of 673 sq. ft. including over sized balconies!
• There are many interior staterooms on Deck 10, and all of them have that benefit of decks below and above. Once again, if you are looking for an inside cabin, this deck will be more quiet than some of the others to be found on the Diamond Princess.
• Interior cabins C416, C419, and C707 are next to the elevators, which could present a noise issue. If you're looking for an interior cabin, there are many others better situated from which to choose.
• Interior Staterooms C535, C537, C610, and C611 share walls with a crew area. Noise from the crew area could be a problem in these cabins.
• Balcony Staterooms C600- C606 port side and C601- C607 starboard are across the hall from the crew area. As a result, noise could be a problems in any of these staterooms.
• Port side, C612 and C614 starboard, as well as Interior Staterooms C610 and C611 are close to the self service laundry on Caribe Deck of the Diamond Princess. Noise and heat could be a problem in these cabins when the laundry is busy.
• Port side and starboard, exterior cabins with balconies are C110- C742 and C115- C747, respectively. 
• Cabins C300- C303, and C706 are wheelchair accessible.
• Mid ship, there are twelve Penthouse Suites. Each offers a luxurious 555 total sq. ft. including a lovely balcony!
• For larger than standard stateroom balconies, we suggest C742 and C747.
• Aft are Penthouse SuitesC752 and C757. Each provides a total 525 sq. ft. and a spectacular aft balcony view.
• Vista Suites C750 and C755 are also located aft. Each provides 525 sq. ft. including the balcony.
• Also aft, two Balcony Staterooms, C748 and C753, located beside the Penthouse Suites have wonderful (and less breezy) ocean views from covered balconies on the Diamond Princess Deck 10.

Deck 11 -- Baja Deck

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

Once again, a stateroom or suite on this deck has that advantage of cabins below and above, making this a peaceful, desirable location for a reservation on the Diamond Princess. Baja Deck also has the most luxurious accommodations to be found on this ship, and will have the best stewards in the aft area where the Grand Suite and Owners Suite are located! Some of the best cabins on the Diamond Princess are on Baja Deck!

• Forward, Ocean View Staterooms B100- B105 actually have balconies that can be used when the Diamond Princess is at port.
• Forward, two Premium Suites, B104 and B107, are among the most spacious accommodations on Deck 11 of the Diamond. We do caution that the view from a balcony here is likely to be quite breezy (unless there's a tailwind). Each of these suites has a total of 706 sq. ft.
• In our opinion, moving forward to aft, the best situated balcony staterooms and suites are as follows- Port side, we suggest B106, B204- B248, B312- B416, B508- B528, and B710- B750. Starboard, we recommend B109- B251, B317- B419, B509- B531, and B715- B753.
• Cabins B300- B303 are wheelchair accessible.
• Interior cabins B422 and B425 are right by elevators and could have resulting noise concerns.
• Interior staterooms B708 and B711 share walls with the self service laundry on Baja Deck on the Diamond Princess. Noise and heat could be issues in these staterooms when the laundry is busy.
• Balcony staterooms B704 and B707 are across the halls from self service laundry facilities. Noise and heat from the laundry could affect these staterooms.
• Balcony staterooms B746 and B747 have hull balconies.
• Inside cabins B748 and B749 are located aft in what is clearly a luxury zone, because these staterooms are nearby the aft Grand Suite and the Owners Suite on Deck 11 of the Diamond Princess. Staff service here is likely to be excellent!
• One of the most luxurious suites available on the Diamond Princess is the Grand Suite (B750), with a total of 1329 sq. ft. It should be noted that a steel beam partially obstructs the balcony view from this suite, however.
• Aft, B753 is a Penthouse Suite that will offer a total of 572 sq. ft. and a lovely aft ocean view from the balcony.
• B751, also aft on Deck 11 of the Diamond Princess, is an Owner's Suite that offers 692 sq. ft. A metal support beam on the balcony partially obstructs the view, though.

Deck 12 -- Aloha Deck

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

Except for staterooms located forward most on this deck, the majority of cabins on the Aloha Deck of the Diamond Princess are under the Lido Deck pools, bar, and casual eateries. 

• Forward on Aloha Deck of the Diamond Princess, Premium Suite A104 offers a total of 704 sq. ft. Views from this balcony are going to be on the breezy side unless there's a tailwind.
• Cabins A300- A303, A246, A250, and A706 are wheelchair accessible.
• The best cabins to reserve on this deck are all in the forward section. Exterior cabins A104- A252 port side and A205- A251, and interior staterooms A202- A246 and A207- A253. 
• On Deck 12, exterior cabins A312- A742 port side and A311- A747 starboard, as well as all interior cabins located from the forward elevators to the rear of the Diamond Princess, are all generally under the Lido pool area and the casual eateries, where noise could be a concern at night. Staff clean these areas after hours, so you could hear the scraping of deck chairs as these are moved around in that process.
• Aft on Deck 12 of the Diamond Princess, outside balcony staterooms A744, A746, A751, and A749 are nearby the Terrace Pool. While these cabins do have slightly smaller covered balconies, each has a great view of the ocean!

Deck 14 -- Lido Deck

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

Lido Deck features cabins in the most forward area of this deck on the Diamond Princess. While there are spa facilities directly above this area, we do not think this will present much of a noise concern, especially late at night. These staterooms may be perfectly located for travelers especially like swimming, sunbathing, and proximity to casual dining on the Lido Deck!

• The staterooms on the Lido Deck of the Diamond Princess are situated away from most of the noise Lido can generate, but if you want to take extra precautions, look for a stateroom farther forward than cabins L310 and L311!
• Starboard, Balcony Staterooms L201- L227 are beneath the fitness center. As a result, noise could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• L226, an inside cabin, received very positive reviews  from a guest who was in this stateroom for two back to back cruises! This guest indicated that L226 was quiet and conveniently located.
• L200- L310 port side and L201- 311 starboard are all Balcony Staterooms.
• Cabins L246 and L250 are wheelchair accessible on the Lido Deck of the Diamond Princess.