Picking the Best Cabins on the Independence of the Seas

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Independence of the Seas' best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Independence 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 Independence of the Seas? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Independence of the Seas?

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Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

The best cabins on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas are on Decks 7, 8, 9, and 11. 

Cabins to be wary of on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas are on Decks 3, 6, and 10.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

Deck 2

Most of the cabins on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Deck 2 have cabins above them that will buffer noise from public areas on higher decks. However, beneath Deck 2 are the engine and propeller systems, so noise and propeller vibration could be an issue in some cabins (especially those in the aft section).

• Starboard, Ocean View Stateroom 2240 is closest to the Alhambra Theatre. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be of concern in this cabin.
• 2242 on the Independence of the Seas receives great reviews from past guests for being a quiet, pleasant cabin. 
• Port side cabins 2544- 2594 and starboard cabins 2244- 2294 are across the hall from elevators, the conference room, Studio B, and the ice rink. There will be more traffic in those areas during daytime and early evening hours, and noise could be an issue in any of these cabins at this time. 
• Family Ocean View Staterooms (2568 & 2268) and Family Interior Staterooms (2313 & 2309) are quite spacious. Family accommodations are in 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. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Interior Staterooms 2623, 2629, and 2633 are larger than standard and are wheelchair accessible.
• Ocean View Staterooms 2640, 2644, 2648, 2340, 2344, and 2348 are nearly twice the standard size and are wheelchair accessible on Deck 2 of the Independence of the Seas.
• Aft on Deck 2 of the Independence of the Seas, Ocean View Staterooms 2650- 2678 port side and 2350- 2378 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2659- 2673 and 2357- 2369 are located beneath the main dining room. Noise could be a concern in any of these cabins when the dining room is open, and when staff are cleaning. Propeller vibration could also be an issue in these staterooms. We do not recommend these accommodations for light sleepers.

Related: Independence 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.

The Schooner Bar, the casino, Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, and Boleros are all above the Ocean View Staterooms and Interior Staterooms on Deck 3 of the Independence of the Seas. If you like being close to the action and late night noise doesn't phase you, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if you're a light sleeper, we do suggest seeking accommodations on another deck.

• Ocean View Staterooms 3540 port side and 3240 starboard are right next to public bathrooms. Noise when these facilities are busy could be a concern in these cabins.
• On the Independence of the Seas, Ocean View Staterooms 3546 port side and 3246 starboard are beneath public restrooms. Noise, such as hearing water rushing through pipes, could be an issue in either of these cabins.
• Port side, Ocean View Staterooms 3550- 3566 are under Izumi, which is a very popular restaurant on the Independence of the Seas. Noise while this venue is open, and when staff are cleaning, could be of concern in any of these cabins.
• Starboard, Ocean View Staterooms 3250- 3268 are beneath Schooner Bar and a staff service area. Noise could be a problem in any of these cabins as a result.
• Interior Staterooms 3541- 3557, 3543- 3555, 3245, 3251, 3241- 3253, and 3559- 3255 are under Izumi, the forward casino area, and Schooner Bar. Noise could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Port side, Ocean View Stateroom 3568 is beneath the casino area. Noise until late at night could be a problem in this stateroom.
• Ocean View Staterooms 3600- 3616 port side and 3300- 3318 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 3605- 3617 and 3305- 3317 are beneath Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Noise could be an issue in any of these accommodations until late into the evening.
• Ocean View Staterooms 3620- 3638 port side and 3320- 3338 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 3323- 3329 are under Boleros. Noise from this night club could be problematic until the wee hours.
• Ocean View Staterooms 3642- 3646 port side and 3342- 3348 starboard are beneath public restrooms. Noise -such as hearing water rush through pipes- could be of concern in any of these cabins.
• We are not suggesting this deck be avoided at all costs, but some of the worst cabins aboard the Royal Caribbean are on Deck 3 because of the after hours noise from the bars, casino, and lounge areas directly above. 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). 

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

Deck 6 -- Upper Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning:***
Some cabins on this deck may have potential problems.

A main drag of the Independence of the Seas runs beneath Deck 6. However, with the exception of the cabins in the forward section of Deck 6, it should be possible to find a cabin in which it will be fairly quiet.

• Forward, 6500 and 6200 are Family Ocean View Staterooms. Each offers 293 sq. ft. of space, and features two twin beds that convert to a "Royal King," a sofa bed that opens into a double bed, and two Pullman beds. Family designed accommodations tend to sell out very quickly, so we do recommend booking these at your earliest convenience. Also, Royal Caribbean may specify a minimum number of persons for family staterooms and suites.
• Forward on Deck 6 of the Independence of the Seas, staterooms 6520- 6544, 6521- 6535, 6121- 6135, 6221- 6237, and 6220- 6234 are closest to having any noise issues from the Star Lounge on Deck 5. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds). 
• Promenade Stateroom 6263 receives positive past guest comments about this cabin's spaciousness and views of the Promenade. It was noted that people can see in this cabin and "the net curtains are flimsy."
• 6385 has received great reviews for housekeeping!
• Directly aft are two Grand Suites (6716 and 6416). Each has two bedrooms, among other amenities, and has 587 sq. ft with a 270 sq. ft. balcony. Please note that the steel structure of the ship will prevent guests from ocean views when looking down on these balconies.
• Deluxe ocean view staterooms 6710, 6712, 6412, and 6410 are also directly aft. Please note that the steel structure of the ship will prevent guests from ocean views when looking down on these balconies.
• Mid ship on Deck 6 of the Independence of the Seas, 6620, 6624, 6320, and 6324 are larger than other deluxe ocean view staterooms and are wheelchair accessible.
• Staterooms including luxurious accommodations aft on Deck 6 (6684- 6414, 6685- 6707, 6481- 6499, 6385- 6407, and 6384-6412) are just above the main dining room on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Deck 10. There could be noise during dining hours and during the clean-up after each meal. For dinner, the last diners usually exit by 10:30 and there is likely to some noise from the clean-up (vacuum cleaners) as late as 11:30. 
• While we are not suggesting this deck should be entirely avoided, some of the worst cabins on the Independence of the Seas are on Deck 6.

Related: Independence of the Seas Deck 6 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 7

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

The Independence of the Seas' Deck 7 has desirable features. It's one of the more quiet locations because the decks beneath and above only have cabins on them, and this creates a buffer zone from the public areas. Another advantage here is the fact that exterior cabins port and starboard are predominantly balcony accommodations!

• Interior promenade cabins 7553-7631 port side and 7253-7331 starboard have a view of Promenade through bowed windows. Of these, 7607 and 7307 are family staterooms which have, at 327 square feet, over twice the space of standard Promenade Staterooms. As mentioned, family accommodations are in 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. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Forward, Family Ocean View Staterooms 7500 and 7200 are quite roomy. There might be a minimum guest requirement to reserve these cabins.
• Best situated balcony staterooms on Deck 7 of the Independence are 7514-7534, 7552- 7562, 7574- 7582, 7586- 7596, 7604- 7616, 7620- 7630, 7656- 7676, and 7686- 7698 port side. Starboard, balcony staterooms 7214- 7236, 7252- 7262, 7274- 7282, 7286- 7296, 7304- 7314, 7320- 7328, 7354, 7356, 7360- 7376, and 7384- 7398 are recommended.
• Aft on the Independence of the Seas Deck 7, we suggest the best balcony views to be had are from cabins 7708-7408. In the center of these, 7712, 7714, 7414, and 7412 are Junior Suites which afford more luxurious square footage and larger balconies! Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies.
   

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

Deck 8

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

The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas' Deck 8 is also more quiet, because there are cabins directly beneath and above. Here, you will find Royal Family Suites which are quite spacious, as well as roomy ocean view staterooms.

• Forward on Deck 8, ocean view family staterooms 8500 and 8200 are oddly shaped and extremely roomy. The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas may have a minimum number of occupants stipulation to reserve these cabins.
• Interior Promenade staterooms (8553-8631 port side and 8253-8331 starboard) have a view of the Promenade through bowed windows.
• Just about all of the exterior cabins port side and starboard on the Independence of the Seas Deck 8 have balconies, but 8410 and 8710 do have obstructed views.
• The best situated balcony cabins on Deck 8 of the Independence of the Seas are as follows. port side, we suggest 8516- 8534, 8552- 8562, 8574- 8582, 8586- 8596, 8604- 8616, 8620- 8630, 8656- 8676, and 8684- 8698. Starboard, we recommend 8216- 8224, 8228- 8234, 8252- 8262, 8274- 8282, 8286- 8296, 8304- 8316, 8320- 8330, 8354- 8362, 8366- 8376, and 8384- 8398.
• Aft, Royal Family Suites 8714 and 8414 are very spacious (587 sq. ft.) and have over-sized balconies affording spectacular ocean views! Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies.< Family accommodations are in 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. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Aft, deluxe ocean view staterooms 8712 and 8412 are smaller, but right next to Royal Family Suites. These also have excellent (and less windy) balcony ocean views. Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies.

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

Deck 9

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

Cabins on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Deck 9 are also of interest because they have no public areas above or below them. Several Junior Suites are on this deck, all of which feature 317 sq. ft. with balconies that are over twice the size of average ocean view balcony staterooms.

• Forward on Deck 9, 9504, 9502, 9202, and 9204 are large staterooms with great ocean views. Staterooms 9500 and 9200 are in the center of these, have the same great ocean view, and are more spacious.(When reserving 9500 and 9200, there may be a minimum guest requirement by the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas.)
• Inside cabins 9553, 9557, 9561, and 9357 are more spacious than standard and are wheelchair accessible.
• The Junior Suites and balcony staterooms best situated on Deck 9 of the Independence of the Seas are as follows. port side, these are 9520-9532, 9552- 9558, 9576- 9580, 9586- 9594, 9604- 9616, 9620- 9626, 9656- 9676, and 9684- 9696. Starboard, we recommend 9220- 9230, 9252- 9262, 9276- 9280, 9286- 9294, 9304- 9316, 9320- 9326, 9356- 9374, and 9384- 9396.
• Aft, Royal Family Suites 9708 and 9408 afford the most spacious accommodations and have huge balconies! Ocean views from aft balconies are wonderful (and generally less breezy). Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies. Again, family accommodations are in 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. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Aft, Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms 9706 and 9406 are next to the Royal Family Suites. While these staterooms are smaller, you will still have that beautiful ocean view from your balcony. Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies.

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

Deck 10

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

While Deck 10 has some of the most luxurious accommodations on the Independence of the Seas, please keep in mind the fact that Deck 11 just above is home to some of the ship's busiest public venues, such as the pools, Splashaway Bay, the spa and fitness, and the Windjammer Cafe. If you want the close proximity to all of the fun on Deck 11, a Deck 10 suite or stateroom might be perfect for you. However, we do suggest that light sleepers locate accommodations on Deck 7, 8, 9, or 11.

• While you are in the luxury zone on Deck 10 of the Royal Caribbean Independence 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 exterior suites including Grand Suites and Junior Suites 1574-1616 port side and 1274-1316 starboard could have after hours noise from the pool areas just above, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning.
• Interior cabins which would be the most affected by the after hours cleaning in the Lido Deck area just above are 1575-1615 port side and 1275-1317 starboard. Budget minded cruisers can find less noisy interior accommodations elsewhere on Deck 10 of the Independence of the Seas.
• Aft of the Centrum elevators, in Interior Staterooms 1659-1677 port side and 1359-1377 starboard, there may be noise from the bar above on Deck 11.
• Inside cabins 1535, 1231, 1321, 1325, 1657, and 1357 are larger than standard and are wheelchair accessible. Of these, cabins 1657 and 1357 are the most spacious.
• Aft, Superior Staterooms 1700 and 1400 are oddly shaped, more spacious cabins with over-sized balconies and a lovely ocean view. Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies.
• Also aft on Deck 10, Junior Suites 1706 and 1406 are roomier than standard, and feature over-sized balconies. Please note that the steel structure of the ship is noticeable from these aft balconies.

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

Deck 11

Forward and starboard on Deck 11 of the Independence of the Seas, there are six cabins- an Ocean View Stateroom, two Interior Staterooms, and three Junior Suites.

• 1100 is a Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom. Please note that this stateroom shares a wall with the fitness area on Deck 11, so noise while the fitness center is busy could be an issue.
• 1101 and 1103 are Interior Staterooms on Deck 11 of the Independence of the Seas. Please note that these staterooms are next to the fitness center. Noise could be of concern in these cabins when this facility is busy.
• The best situated accommodations on Deck 11 are the Junior Suites (1102, 1104, and 1106). These have some buffer from the fitness area, and have cabins above and beneath that will make the suites a bit more quiet.

Related: Independence of the Seas Deck 11 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 12

Forward on Deck 12 of the Independence of the Seas, there are Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms and Suites, and four Interior Staterooms. These accommodations are well located for anyone desiring good proximity to Deck 11 activities, especially the spa and fitness facilities!

• Forward on Deck 12 of the Independence of the Seas, 1854 and 1804 are spacious Panoramic Suites that will have lovely ocean views!
• 1852, 1802, 1856- 1890 port side, and 1806- 1840 starboard are Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms that will have wonderful views of the ocean
• Interior Staterooms 1853, 1851, 1801, and 1803 are closer to the spa area on this deck, but noise in these cabins is not considered to be a concern.

Related: Independence of the Seas Deck 12 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)