In this article, we are going to discuss the Wonder of the Seas cabins to avoid when booking your dream vacation on what is currently the largest cruise ship available.
Just like picking a great hotel room, choosing the right cabin, on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas can make or break your vacation.
When it comes to the Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, you’re looking at a ship that is brimming with awe-inspiring onboard amenities such as its seven distinct neighborhoods, the hair-raising Ultimate Abyss slide, the incredible AquaTheater shows, and the tranquil greenery of Central Park.
Which is all great. But imagine if you had the World’s greatest theme park on your doorstep – would you really want to be living right next door to it? All that noise might be too much, right?
Well, that’s exactly why the importance of your cabin choice cannot be overstated. As current Wonder of the Seas Itineraries go, this is going to be your home base for a week. So while you want to be close to the vast array of attractions and experiences aboard the Wonder, you’ll also want to ensure they don’t impact on a peaceful night’s sleep!
Every cruiser’s dream is to strike that perfect balance between excitement and relaxation, and that’s why knowing which cabins to avoid is vital.
While a cruise on the high seas promises a bit of adventure and luxury, the wrong cabin location might bring unexpected challenges like noise or motion discomfort.
This article is your guide to navigating the huge range of staterooms on the Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas, offering insights into choosing the best option that satisfies your need for excitement and entertainment while also looking after your comfort and serenity.
You’ll get a rundown on the different types of cabins available, their locations, and the associated perks and quirks—so you can sidestep the pitfalls and sail straight into cruise vacation bliss.
Table of Contents
Key Things to Be Aware Of When Booking A Cabin on Wonder of the Seas
- Selecting the right cabin is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.
- Avoiding cabins in noisy or high traffic areas ensures a more tranquil stay aboard the Wonder.
- Avoiding Cabins in certain locations will minimize the effects of ship movement if you are prone to seasickness.
- If you want to cruise on a budget, just go with the flow and book that GTY Interior – in reality there are no BAD cabins, you’ll still enjoy your cruise.
Types of Cabins on Wonder of the Seas
Okay, let’s be blunt here. Choosing a cabin on Wonder of the Seas is not easy. There is SO much to choose from.
It’s not just the type of cabin, you also have to decide if you want to be aft, mid-ship, or forward. Then there are Central Park, Boardwalk or oceanview cabins. And do I want a high deck or a lower deck?
It can all get very confusing. But before we start studying those Wonder of the Seas deck plans. let’s first of all focus on the Cabin or Stateroom types and take it from there.
Interior Cabins
Interior cabins are the most cost-effective option, providing a cozy retreat without an ocean view. I’ll be honest, in 90% of our cruise bookings this is always my first choice. In fact, you can read our Wonder of the Seas Interior room review and decide for yourself.
if you’re someone like me, who doesn’t plan on spending much time in your room and prefers value over views, these cabins are perfect.
For a twist on the traditional interior cabin experience, Royal Caribbean offers rooms on Wonder of the Seas with “virtual” balconies, giving the illusion of a window with real-time ocean visuals, bringing in some “natural” light to your space.
Ocean View Cabins
Ocean view cabins step up the experience by giving you a window out to sea or the ship’s interior promenades and gardens. In the case of the Wonder of the Seas, that’s a view over Central Park or the Boardwalk and Aquatheatre areas.
There’s something special about natural sunlight and waking up to the sight of the sea or a lush Central Park view without stepping outside.
These cabins offer a better sense of space and a more immersive experience than interior cabins while still being relatively budget-friendly.
Balcony Cabins
For those who dream of enjoying their morning coffee with a view of the ocean or just want their own outdoor space to relax in, balcony cabins are ideal.
They not only offer a private area to soak up the sun but also add more living space to your stateroom. Variants like the Boardwalk or Central Park view balconies provide unique perspectives of the ship’s bustling neighborhoods.
Suite Cabins
Welcome to the high life! Suites offer the most luxurious and spacious accommodations on the ship.
Royal Loft Suites and Ultimate Family Suites come with more than ample room, deluxe amenities, and often perks like concierge service or exclusive access to certain ship areas.
While suite cabins come at a premium, they’re the perfect option if you’re seeking the ultimate indulgence in relaxation, space, and service.
Wonder of the Seas Cabins to Avoid When Booking Your Cruise
So we’ve talked about the cabin types. But what do we really need to consider when trying to avoid a cabin that might make our cruise experience less than perfect?
General Tips
When choosing your cabin, check the deck plans carefully to ensure you’re not adjacent to any high-traffic or potentially noisy areas.
I recommend using the site CruiseDeckPlans.com as part of your research. Don’t forget to consider the decks above and below your cabin. What is on those decks directly above or below your stateroom? Could there be a potential noise issue?
Is the room you are looking at a connecting room? If you aren’t cruising with friends and don’t need adjacent rooms then avoid rooms with connecting doors as they do allow a bit more noise to trickle in from the room next door.
Pour over reviews from passengers who’ve sailed before; their experiences can guide you away from problematic spots.
Remember to reflect on what you need from your cabin. If you’re prone to seasickness, a mid-ship cabin has less movement than fore or aft cabins will have.
If the selection process seems overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek out a seasoned travel agent or a cruise expert for advice.
Specific Cabins or Areas to Avoid
After a long day, you want peace to sleep, so steer clear of cabins on lower decks by the engines or anchor mechanisms, as these can be noisy and may increase motion sickness due to vibrations. Let’s get into the specifics:
- High-Noise Potential: Cabins located under or above venues such as the Windjammer Buffet, the Royal Theatre, other show lounges, fitness center, nightclub, or the casino might subject you to noise during their hours of operation. Deck 14 right below the main pool decks can be very noisy with people’s footsteps overhead. Those port-side aft interior balcony cabins on Deck 8 might look nice, but do you really want to be directly above Playmakers bar?
- High-Traffic Areas and Locations: Areas near crew spaces can have more foot traffic and less privacy. These are usually shown as greyed-out areas on the deck plan and they are usually storage rooms or maintenance rooms. Meanwhile, cabins close to multi-level atriums like the Central Promenade often endure noise pollution from nearby activities.
- Obstructed Views: Your view of the ocean could be hampered by lifeboats or ship structures if you end up with an obstructed or limited view cabin. Make sure you’re aware if your cabin has a restricted view.
- Consider Your Privacy: Internal Balcony rooms by their very nature face directly across from other balcony rooms. It’s not like a sea view – you can see into their rooms and they can see into yours!
- GTY Rooms : A GTY Category or “Guaranteed” room can save you money, but you don’t know the exact room you will end up in until shortly before the cruise. Make sure you are aware of your options when booking! For example, a GTY Balcony is not a guaranteed Sea-view balcony!
- Royal Up Can Be A Poisoned Chalice: You’ve picked out the perfect room and then you get offered the chance to Royal Up (i.e. bid for a better stateroom at a theoretically lower choice). Sounds good right? But what if they upgrade you to a “nicer” room that just happens to be right next door to the noisiest venue on the ship? Or you end up at the very aft of the ship and you are prone to sickness? You might want to think twice before putting that bid in.
Remember to balance preferences like a virtual balcony’s appeal against how it might affect your experience. If restful sleep is top of mind and you’re a light sleeper, scrutinize the location to sidestep cabins that could amplify noise from public areas. Failing that, you might want to invest in a good set of ear plugs!
How to Choose the Best Cabins on Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
Finding the right cabin on the Wonder of the Seas is like picking the perfect seat at a concert: the overall experience can be good from anywhere, but picking the right spot can make it amazing.
General Tips
When choosing a cabin, planning ahead is your best bet for snagging the perfect spot.
Book early, as the most sought-after cabins sell out quickly. Comparing cabin prices across different types can save you a bundle. Sometimes you’ll find that an oceanview is almost as affordable as an inside cabin during promotional periods.
If you’re looking to splurge, consider an upgrade to a suite or balcony cabin, which not only offers more square footage but also the luxury of stepping out into the ocean breeze from your room.
To really tailor your stay, think about what you want from your cruise—whether that’s peace and quiet or a room close to the action—and choose your cabin type accordingly.
Specific Cabins or Areas To Consider
When it comes to specific cabins, mid-ship locations are your best choice for their stability and easy access to the ship’s many features. Due to you being close to the ship’s center of gravity, there is much less “rock and roll”.
You are also right in the heart of the ship, so you get to every part of the ship fairly quickly. There is nothing worse than having an aft stateroom on Deck 7 only to discover you left something behind just as you arrive at the forward Solarium on Deck 14 or 15.
For a quieter retreat, opting for a cabin on a higher deck is wise, as they’re removed from the hustle and bustle of the common areas below.
A cabin with a large balcony could be your personal sanctuary, offering private outdoor space and a front-row seat to serene sea views or vibrant ports.
For something out of the ordinary, you can book a cabin overlooking the ship’s unique neighborhoods like the Boardwalk or Central Park, providing an immersive experience. But again, think about the noise. On the Boardwalk, the noise from the Aquatheatre “InTense” show is extremely loud – there is no chance of any sleep before 11 pm in that area of the ship!
Lastly, if you’re after the crème de la crème, a suite offers not only ample room but also top-notch amenities and services, along with exclusive access to certain ship areas and VIP events. Choose wisely, and you’ll have the perfect home base for your seafaring adventure.
Choosing the Perfect Cabin Before Setting Sail – You Know It Makes Sense!
As you can see, selecting the perfect cabin on the Wonder of the Seas is a crucial step in setting sail for an unforgettable cruise experience. Your choice can be the difference between a restful retreat and a less-than-ideal voyage.
Whatever you do, reserve your cabin early, as the Wonder of the Seas is a sought-after ship with high demand. The same can be said for any of the Oasis-class ships at the moment. Perhaps that demand might wain a little once the Icon of the Seas set sails in January.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this guide. Your thoughts and experiences are always welcome, so feel free to share your feedback.
Oh and don’t forget to read our full Wonder of the Seas Review as well as our Wonder of the Seas Restaurant Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting the right cabin on the Wonder of the Seas can majorly impact your cruise experience. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about choosing a peaceful and enjoyable cabin.
Which cabins on the Wonder of the Seas should I consider avoiding if I prefer a quiet atmosphere?
If tranquillity is high on your list, steer clear of cabins near the ship’s elevators, since these areas can get noisy, particularly late at night. Additionally, proximity to the Music Hall, Central Promenade and Boardwalk can also mean more sound filtering into your room.
Can you provide insights on the best room locations for a serene stay on the Wonder of the Seas?
For a calmer experience, look for cabins situated in less trafficked areas. Usually bow or stern cabins—specifically aft-facing balcony staterooms—offer a quieter ambiance due to their distance from high-traffic spots.
Are there any specific decks on the Wonder of the Seas known for being less desirable due to noise or other disturbances?
Apart from the cabins near elevators or entertainment venues, lower decks may experience noise from the engines or anchor, especially in cabins located at the very front or back of the ship. It might be wise to avoid the extremes of the ship if you’re sensitive to such disturbances.
What should I know when choosing a balcony room on the Wonder of the Seas to ensure a pleasant experience?
While stunning views can be found from balcony rooms, choosing one at the ship’s front might subject you to more motion. If you’re prone to seasickness, opting for a mid-ship balcony could be a more stable choice, as these areas typically experience less movement.
Could you highlight whether connecting rooms on the Wonder of the Seas have any drawbacks that guests should be aware of?
Connecting rooms offer great convenience for families or groups but consider the possibility of thinner walls which might allow sound to travel between the rooms. If you value privacy or a quiet environment, a non-connecting room might be more suitable for your stay.
From a seasoned cruiser’s perspective, are there any particular floors or sections on the Wonder of the Seas that tend to receive more complaints?
Generally, the higher decks are praised for their exclusive feel, such as the Suite Neighborhood spanning decks 16 through 18. However, being under popular public areas can sometimes lead to overhead noise. You might want to avoid rooms directly below such hotspots if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat.
