Rooms to Avoid on Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas: Read This in 60 Seconds: Make Informed Choices for Your Cruise Stay

When planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, choosing the right stateroom can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall experience. While this ship offers a wide variety of cabins—interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites—not all are created equal. To avoid unpleasant surprises such as excessive noise, obstructed views, or less-than-ideal locations, it’s important to know which rooms are best avoided.

1. Cabins Near High-Traffic Areas

Rooms located close to elevators, stairwells, and lobbies tend to experience more foot traffic and noise. While their centrality can be convenient, late-night revelers or early morning excursions can disrupt your rest. Similarly, cabins near the theater, kids’ areas, or main dining rooms are often affected by high activity and ambient noise.

2. Below or Above Noisy Venues

Cabins situated directly under the pool deck or sports court, or just above nightclubs and busy lounges, frequently report noise from moving furniture, music, or late-night parties. On Navigator of the Seas, decks below the Windjammer Café or the Royal Promenade are known for this issue.

3. Forward and Aft Extremes

Staterooms at the very front (forward) or rear (aft) of the ship experience more motion—potentially problematic for those susceptible to seasickness. Also, engine and anchor noise can be disruptive toward the aft, particularly on lower decks.

4. Obstructed View Cabins

Some oceanview and balcony rooms have lifeboats or structural components blocking the ocean view. These often come with lower price tags, but if your goal is to enjoy the scenery, be sure to check review sites or deck plans before booking.

As an interior designer, my approach is always to optimize both form and function in every space—even when it comes to choosing your stateroom! For those invested in the quality of their environment, I highly recommend using a room planner before booking. Visualizing layouts in advance can help you identify potential space limitations, storage solutions, and even anticipate how noise or light might flow into the room.

Tips 1:

Look closely at deck plans and third-party cabin reviews before booking to confirm your room isn’t near noisy venues or has its view compromised. Also, think about what matters most to you—whether it’s a peaceful sleep, a sweeping ocean view, or proximity to ship activities. Matching your preferences to the ship’s layout will ensure your cabin becomes a restful retreat rather than a source of frustration.

FAQ

Q: Which rooms are considered the noisiest on Navigator of the Seas?

A: Cabins near elevators, under the pool deck, or above nightclubs are typically the noisiest due to foot traffic and onboard activities.

Q: Do all balcony cabins offer unobstructed views?

A: No, some balcony cabins have lifeboat or structural obstructions. Always consult deck plans or reviews before booking.

Q: Are inside cabins quieter than outside cabins?

A: Not always. Location is key—some inside cabins are near service areas or high-traffic corridors and can be noisy.

Q: How can I avoid seasickness with my cabin choice?

A: Choose a midship cabin on a lower deck for the least amount of motion, which helps prevent seasickness.

Q: Is it worth upgrading from an inside to an outside cabin?

A: For many, the extra natural light and views are worth the upgrade, but ensure the view isn’t obstructed before booking.