At their best, cruise vacations are an unforgettable experience that blends adventure with luxury and relaxation. With that said, the planning stage can be somewhat stressful, especially if you are new to cruise ships.
When to book, which cruise line to go with, and which type of cabin you should choose are all common questions that can leave you feeling stressed and confused.
Cruise Hive will simplify things by breaking down which cabins and suites should be avoided on one of the world’s most famous cruise ships – Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
Not only will we explain how you can avoid the least desirable cabins on the ship, but we will also highlight common room issues, areas on the ship you should avoid, and a few essential tips you can use to get the most out of your experience on Wonder of the Seas.
So, let’s dive into the intricacies of cabin selection on this famous Oasis-class ship!
In This Article:
- Which Cabins to Avoid on Wonder of the Seas ?
- Different Cabins and Suites Available on Wonder of the Seas
- Common Cruise Ship Room Issues
- Types of Cabins to Avoid
- Areas to Avoid Due to Noise
- Cabin Areas to Avoid for Seasickness
- Cabins with Good and Bad Views
- Prices of Cabins and Suites
- Cabin Distances to Amenities
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Cabins to Avoid on Wonder of the Seas?
With nearly 3,000 different cabins and suites, you have plenty of options on the Wonder of the Seas. While we will cover why in greater detail at a later point, it is a good idea to avoid the ship’s internal-facing balcony cabins, multi-floor suites, like the Ultimate Family Suite, cabins on upper decks near the forward and aft, and accommodations located below the main pool and Royal Theater.
For different reasons, these rooms and suites could have a negative impact on your cruise experience, so you are probably better off avoiding them altogether.
Different Cabins and Suites Available on Wonder of the Seas
There are 2,867 cabins on Wonder of the Seas, with 174 of those being suites. To cater to guests with different preferences and budgets, the ship’s designers divided these into 32 different cabin categories.
Here’s a breakdown of the related stats for the huge Oasis-class cruise ship:
- Gross Tonnage: 235,600
- Passenger Capacity: 5,735 (Double Occupancy)
- Passenger Capacity: 7,084 (Maximum Capacity)
- Crew Capacity: 2,204
- Total Staterooms: 2,867
- Passenger Decks: 16
- Guest Elevators: 24
Essentially, these 32 different types of cabins and suites can be divided into five basic categories: Interior Staterooms, Ocean View Staterooms, Balcony Staterooms, Suites, and Royal Class Suites.
For the most part, the names of the different categories speak for themselves:
Interior Staterooms
Cabins that face towards the ship’s interior. For the most part, they are fairly small, accommodate four guests or less, and they are usually more budget-friendly.
On Wonder of the Seas, there are 523 interior-facing cabins. With the exception of the Category 1R Spacious Interior Staterooms, which are 260 square feet and sleep up to 6 guests, the vast majority of interior staterooms are 172 square feet. These are designed to sleep up to 4 guests per cabin, but they can be a little bit cramped with this many people.
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They are all equipped with two twin beds, which can be put together to create a king-sized bed. There’s a basic in-cabin bathroom, as well as a sitting area with a TV.
Ocean View Staterooms
Facing outwards, these oceanview cabins offer scenic views through windows and portholes. You pay a bit more for the view and natural light than you would with an interior-facing cabin; plus, they can be quieter, as Interior Staterooms face the noisy interior of the ship.
Ocean view staterooms are subdivided into four categories – Category 1N Ocean View Staterooms, Category 2N, Category 4N, and Category 1K Ultra Spacious Ocean View Staterooms.
With the exception of the Category 1K rooms, which are 271 square feet and designed to accommodate up to 6 guests, the others are virtually the same and have a footprint of 179 square feet.
The only real difference between these three types of oceanview staterooms is which deck they are located on, with the three types evenly spread out between Decks 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
Like the interior staterooms, they feature two twin beds that can be converted into one king bed.
Balcony Staterooms
These more luxurious cabins feature a private outdoor balcony so guests can enjoy ocean views and a more serene experience. Naturally, this comes at a cost, so you should expect to pay more for a room with a balcony than one without.
On Wonder of the Seas, Balcony Staterooms are available in different sizes and configurations, so couples, groups, and families can book them.
Balcony Staterooms range in size from 374 square feet for the Category 1A Ultra Spacious Ocean View Large Balcony Staterooms to 182 square feet for the more basic Category 1C, 2C, CB, and 1D Ocean View Staterooms with Balconies.
Despite their relatively large square footage, these are designed to sleep a maximum of 4 guests, with most being far more comfortable for 2 guests. Naturally, the main highlight of these staterooms is the outdoor private balcony.
Suites
Suites are a more luxurious type of accommodation than a basic cabin and are located within the new Suite Neighborhood, first introduced on Wonder of the Seas.
Like in a hotel, they feature spacious living areas and bedrooms that are separated from that space. Most suites also feature a balcony. While they are more expensive, the extra private space can be worthwhile for those who value privacy and a more luxurious travel experience.
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Like most Royal Caribbean ships, the Suites are mostly divided into Grand Suites and Junior Suites, with both types designed to sleep a maximum of 4 guests. Grand Suites feature a 371 square foot floor plan, as well as a 105 square foot balcony. They also feature luxury upgrades, like a full-sized bathtub, dining area, and dual bathroom sinks.
On the other hand, the Junior Suites are 287 square feet and feature a smaller 80 square foot balcony. Most also feature a bathtub, but it is much smaller than you get in a grand suite.
Royal Class Suites
Unique to Royal Caribbean ships, Royal Class Suites redefine luxury. These are the largest accommodations on the ship. Some feature loft spaces, multiple floors, and in-room amenities, like slides and table games, and they give guests access to a wide variety of exclusive upgrades and perks.
Subdivided into different styles, like the Two Bedroom AquaTheater Suite, Crown Loft Suite, and Ultimate Family Suite, these suites look more like luxurious penthouses than what you would expect to see on a cruise ship.
At 1,134 square feet, plus a 212 square foot balcony, the Ultimate Family Suite steals the show. You get some truly unique in-suite amenities, like a slide, air hockey table, table tennis table, and just about any video games kids could think to play.
Common Cruise Ship Room Issues
Now that you know more about the different types of cabins available on Wonder of the Seas, it is worth taking a few moments to quickly cover some of the common issues people have with their rooms, not just on this ship but on cruise ships more generally.
Not only will this provide some context for the less desirable rooms on Wonder of the Seas, but it could also help you if you book a trip on a different cruise ship.
Size Constraints
Some lower-cost cabins, like most interior-facing staterooms, can feel a bit cramped, especially for families and groups planning to share a room. Simply booking a larger room can help you avoid this issue, but it is worth remembering that larger staterooms and suites will be more expensive.
At just 172 square feet, most of the interior staterooms onboard Wonder of the Seas can be quite cramped, especially for those planning to share the room with more than two guests. We would recommend splitting into smaller groups, or possibly paying extra to upgrade to one of the 1R Spacious Interior Staterooms.
Noise Issues
Cabins and suites near high-traffic public areas of the ship can be fairly noisy, especially for light sleepers. Typically, cabins near major entertainment venues, restaurants, pools, elevators, or even the ship’s engine room have a higher risk of being noisy. To minimize noise and disturbances, stay away from cabins near these areas and those located on the ship’s higher decks.
While noise in high-traffic areas of a cruise ship will almost always be an issue, we find that interior and balcony staterooms near the AquaTheater are particularly noisy.
The live shows can be incredibly loud from inside these cabins, as the sound-proofing is not quite adequate for just how loud these shows and the crowds that watch them can be.
Read Also: How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise
If you are opting for a suite, we highly recommend skipping the Category A1 Spacious AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony. Sure, these 823-square-foot suites are really nice, but you don’t want noise keeping you up when you’re trying to relax in your suite or enjoy sleeping in the king-sized bed you paid a premium for.
Distance from Amenities
While it may sound counterintuitive since we just discussed how noise generated near amenities can make a cabin undesirable, there is a balance you need to get right. Cabins located a considerable distance from dining venues, pools, and entertainment facilities can be an issue for those worried about travel time.
Elderly passengers and those with mobility issues may want to avoid this by booking cabins in central areas but not close enough to amenities that there is any risk of being below them or having the outside of the cabin be an overly high-traffic area. The same is true for families traveling with young kids.
We recommend finding the neighborhood that has the amenities that you are planning to visit the most. Although it can be a little bit louder than some of the lower decks, Deck 14 is a good option for those looking to be close to some of the ship’s most appealing amenities.
Deck 14 also has staterooms and suites for all budgets, so you should be able to find a room that works for you. If noise is a concern, avoid the staterooms towards the middle of the ship, as the waterpark can get pretty noisy in the mornings.
Types of Cabins to Avoid
While personal preferences and budget are always relevant when choosing the type of cabin you would like to travel in, there are certain types that most people should avoid booking if they can:
Adjoining Rooms
While adjoining cabins can certainly serve a purpose for large groups, most travelers don’t need them. If you are not traveling as a large group or family, and you do not need a room that connects with another, avoid adjoining cabins.
While these cabins are convenient in certain circ*mstances, the shared door compromises sound insulation and passenger privacy. You don’t want to be hearing your neighbor’s conversations when you’re just trying to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Ocean-Facing Cabins with Obstructed Views
While some passengers do not care about the views from their personal cabin, it can be an issue for those who value it but do not get what they feel they paid for. If you are hoping to enjoy an ocean view, make sure that you read the description of the room you are planning to book.
Even some oceanview and balcony staterooms have their views blocked by lifeboats or various structural elements of the ship. When booking, the view will be included in the room description. Avoid paying for an outward-facing cabin or suite with an obstructed view.
Internal Balcony Staterooms
While it may sound odd, Wonder of the Seas has interior cabins with balconies. You might get coaxed into paying more for an internal balcony cabin, but the view is not worth paying for!
These balconies face other staterooms and look down on open areas of the ship’s various neighborhoods, like the Boardwalk and Central Park. Not only does a Boardwalk view balcony offer an unimpressive view, but it will also be noisy. The noise includes down below on the boardwalk, but also shows and rehearsals in the nearby AquaTheater.
On top of that, having a balcony will mean that the entire back wall of your cabin will be a combination of windows and sliding glass doors, so your privacy will be compromised entirely whenever your curtains are open.
Don’t waste your time or money on these types of cabins. Instead, pay extra for an oceanview stateroom, or save money and choose a basic interior cabin rather than one with a balcony. Trust us, Central Park view balconies aren’t worth paying extra for when you could pay roughly the same for one with an ocean view.
Areas to Avoid Due to Noise
Even if you’re a deep sleeper, a cruise should still be a restful and relaxing experience. To ensure you can enjoy a more peaceful experience, you’ll want to avoid booking near the noisiest areas of the ship.
Avoid booking near or below a pool deck. Onboard Wonder of the Seas, the Main Pool is located on Deck 15 towards the ship’s middle. With a huge pool and several water slides, this area can get very loud, especially during the day. Avoid booking anywhere near it if you value your peace and quiet.
You’ll also want to avoid cabins near themain live performance venues. On Wonder of the Seas, these include the AquaTheater, Royal Theater, and Studio B. You also want to avoid booking near the ship’s nightclubs and bars.
Bionic Bar, Boleros, the English Pub, and Schooner Bar all cater to the ship’s nightlife, so cabins near them are best avoided if you’re worried about noise.
The back of the ship can also be fairly loud due to proximity to the vibrations and noise generated by the ship’s three main engines and the aft-facing Solarium, which can be pretty noisy in the mornings.
Cabin Areas to Avoid for Seasickness
If seasickness is a concern for you or anyone you plan on sharing your room with, avoid cabins where motion is more noticeable.
For the most part, this means avoiding cabins located on the higher decks and those located towards the front and back of the ship. This is because motion is slightly more detectable when you are in these areas of the ship.
With that said, Wonder of the Seas is enormous, and she was equipped with highly advanced stabilization technology, so seasickness tends to be less of an issue than it is on some of the smaller cruise ships.
Cabins with Good and Bad Views
Interior staterooms and ocean staterooms with obstructed views are not where you want to book if you are looking to enjoy a direct view of the water. While the views are poor, they do tend to have lower prices.
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For those who value a great view at sea, any unobstructed oceanview cabin or suite will offer breathtaking views. If your budget allows it, consider booking on the balcony staterooms aft of the ship, as you can enjoy a sweeping, panoramic view of the ocean and the churning wake stretching behind the ship.
Prices of Cabins and Suites
Like any cruise vacation, cabin prices will vary depending on when you are booking and the itinerary. That said, you can expect to pay around $2,000 per person for a week in one of the smaller Interior Staterooms. These are the most budget-friendly options, so don’t expect much.
If you want more space and a better view, a balcony stateroom will cost closer to $3,000, but if you want to treat yourself, you can opt for a basic suite, which will run closer to $6,000 per person. While a junior suite can be cheaper, a large balcony suite easily exceeds $6,000.
For those looking to really splash out, the Royal Class Suites can get pretty outlandish, with the Ultimate Family Suite reaching nearly $20,000 per person per week!
Cabin Distances to Amenities
If you want to be located near amenities or don’t mind traveling to them, you will want to book in different sections of the ship.
Midship cabins and those on the higher decks in the central area of the ship are close to the major dining area, pools, and various entertainment facilities. On the other hand, if you want to avoid the crowds and the noise that comes with them, book at the forward or aft ends of the ship.
With this being said, one of the most amazing things about the Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the incredible number and variety of amenities. No matter where you book, you will always have some form of entertainment nearby. Look at Wonder of the Seas‘ official deck plans to map out proximity to the amenities that appeal to you the most.
Pros & Cons of Different Areas of the Ship
Upper Decks (Deck 9 and above)
- Pros: Close to amenities and great views from ocean-facing rooms.
- Cons: Can be noisy, especially those close to the main pool. Balcony staterooms are more expensive on upper decks. Seasickness can be an issue for upper-deck cabins near the front and back of the ship.
Lower Decks (Deck 5 and below)
- Pros: Reduced risk of motion sickness, lower prices, reduced noise compared to rooms near major amenities.
- Cons: Limited views, engine noise near the aft of the ship, and greater travel distance to amenities.
Midship Decks (Deck 6 to Deck 8)
- Pros: Noise levels aren’t too bad, and motion is less noticeable than on the upper decks.
- Cons: Longer waits for elevators, can be lots of noise and foot traffic if you are near the main public areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best floor to stay in the Wonder of the Seas?
The best floor depends on your preferences; however, most guests find that the midship decks (Deck 6 to Deck 8) in the ship’s center offer excellent access to amenities without the risk of excessive noise or seasickness.
What decks should be avoided on a cruise ship?
Decks directly below the noisiest areas on a cruise ship should be avoided. This includes those below pools and live entertainment venues.
What is the safest floor on a cruise ship?
While every deck on a modern cruise ship is safe, midship decks tend to have greater stability. Since they are high-traffic areas on the ship, they are also located close to lifeboats and major muster points.
Does Wonder of the Seas have goodWi-Fi in the cabins?
Yes! Every cabin aboard the ship has its own Wireless Access Point (WAP), so the signal in your cabin or suite will be quite strong. Remember that Wi-Fi is a paid upgrade but complimentary with some of the more expensive suites.
