Avoid These 14 Celebrity Cruises Cabins – Here’s Why

Celebrity Cruises is known for offering a premium cruising experience—sophisticated, stylish, and a step above mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or NCL. But with that extra touch of luxury comes a higher price tag, making it even more important to choose the right stateroom for your trip.

After all, nobody wants to splurge on a cruise only to end up with a noisy cabin, a terrible view, or an inconvenient location, right?

So, I’ve gone deep into deck plans, forums, and social media groups to uncover the Celebrity Cruises cabins that passengers often regret booking. While Celebrity’s ships don’t have any truly terrible rooms (gone are the days of cabins with giant poles in the middle—yes, that really happened!), some staterooms might not suit your style of cruising.

To make sure you don’t end up with a disappointing cabin, here are 15 Celebrity Cruises staterooms you’ll want to avoid—and why.

1. Concierge Class Staterooms

Concierge Class staterooms offer a few extra perks—but the big question is, are they really worth the added cost? These cabins are typically 20-25% more expensive than a standard Veranda stateroom, depending on the ship and sailing, but what exactly do you get for that extra spend?

The main selling point is the personalised Concierge service, which can help with booking excursions, making specialty dining reservations, and generally smoothing out your cruise experience. You’ll also get access to an exclusive seminar about your destinations (though let’s be honest, it’s also a sales pitch for excursions), a welcome lunch onboard, and even a shoeshine service—because, apparently, that’s a priority for some cruisers.

I once got a free upgrade to a Concierge Class stateroom, which was nice, but I wouldn’t have paid the extra. If you like the idea of having someone handle all your bookings and cruise admin for you, then Concierge Class might be worth it. But if you’re happy to book your own excursions and dining reservations, you might be better off saving the money and opting for a regular Veranda stateroom instead. Unless, of course, perfectly polished shoes are an absolute must for your cruise.

Recommended reading: I Went on This Celebrity Cruise Ship – The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected

2. Aqua Class Staterooms (If You’re Not Into the Spa)

Alongside the standard staterooms and suites on a Celebrity Cruises ship, there are also a couple of premium cabin categories—one of which is Aqua Class. Available on all main fleet ships (excluding expedition vessels), Aqua Class staterooms are essentially Veranda cabins with added perks designed for spa lovers.

These cabins come with premium bedding, upgraded bathroom amenities (including a massage showerhead), complimentary fitness classes, and unlimited access to the ship’s spa area—the SEA Thermal Suite on Edge-class ships and the Persian Garden on others. You’ll also get exclusive dining at Blu, a restaurant offering a health-focused menu, and the Spa Concierge service to book treatments for you.

It all sounds great—if you’re actually into spa experiences. But here’s the catch: Aqua Class cabins typically cost around 25% more than a standard Veranda stateroom. If you’re not planning to use the spa or attend fitness classes, that extra cost might not be worth it. The regular stateroom showers and bedding are already high quality, and Celebrity’s main dining options are fantastic, so you won’t be missing out if you skip Blu.

So, before booking Aqua Class, ask yourself—are you really getting value from those extra perks, or are you just paying for a fancy name?

3. Deluxe Porthole Balcony Staterooms

Not every balcony on a Celebrity Cruises ship is what you might expect. One of the more unusual options is the Deluxe Porthole Balcony stateroom, which isn’t as bad as it sounds—but it’s definitely different.

Rather than a traditional open balcony, these cabins have an enclosed design with a large circular opening, almost like a giant porthole. You still get a veranda, but with a slightly more restricted view. While there’s a clear railing, the space can feel a little more confined, and since the structure provides extra shade, you won’t get much direct sunlight in the middle of the day.

That might be ideal if you prefer sitting in the shade while reading or using a tablet without screen glare. But if your idea of a perfect cruise involves lounging in the sun on your balcony, you might want to consider other options.

4. Infinite Verandas on Edge Class Ships

Celebrity’s Edge Class ships introduced a new type of stateroom called the Infinite Veranda. Unlike traditional balcony cabins, these don’t have a separate outdoor space—instead, the veranda is incorporated into the room itself.

You can close off the balcony section with sliding doors to create a more defined space, or leave them open to make one large room. The outer window acts as your “balcony” and can be opened or closed as you like. It’s a clever design, giving you flexibility over how you use the space, but not everyone is a fan.

Personally, I think these rooms are really innovative—I loved the one we had on the Apex—but they do divide opinion. Some people enjoy the extra indoor space, while others prefer the simplicity of a traditional balcony. There are also a few quirks to keep in mind, like the window automatically closing when it rains and the air-con shutting off if both the balcony window and inner doors are open.

5. Obstructed View Staterooms

Every ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet has some staterooms with an obstructed view. These are typically located in the middle of Deck 6, but it’s always worth checking the deck plans for your specific ship, as not all cabins in that area will be affected. Look out for staterooms labelled “Veranda (Partial View).”

An obstructed view means there’s something blocking part of your sightline—usually a lifeboat, but it could also be a ship-cleaning station or even part of the “Magic Carpet” on Edge-class ships. While it won’t completely block your view, it does limit what you can see when you’re sitting on your veranda.

That said, these cabins might be perfect if you’re not too bothered about the view and just want access to fresh air and sunlight. They’re often priced lower than standard veranda staterooms, making them a good option if you want a balcony without paying a premium. But if you’re cruising somewhere scenic, like Alaska, where watching the landscape is a key part of the experience, it’s worth booking a cabin with a completely unobstructed view.

6. Staterooms Below the Pool Deck

Millennium Class – Deck 9
Solstice Class – Deck 10
Edge Class – Deck 11

If you value peace and quiet in your stateroom, you might want to avoid cabins directly below the pool deck. While Celebrity Cruises offers a more refined atmosphere than some mainstream cruise lines, the pool area is always a hub of activity—and that can mean early morning noise.

Many passengers wake up early to grab the best sun loungers, despite the rule against reserving them. On top of that, pool loungers are often stacked away overnight, and when they’re dragged across the wooden decking in the morning, the scraping sound can be unpleasant for anyone trying to sleep in.

If you’re an early riser who plans to be on the pool deck first thing, this might not be a problem—in fact, these cabins could be quite convenient. But if you prefer a quiet, undisturbed start to your day, it’s best to choose a stateroom on a lower deck with other cabins above it.

7. Deck 3 Staterooms on Edge Class Ships (Due to Noise)

If you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to avoid booking a stateroom on Deck 3 of an Edge-class ship. This deck sits directly below some of the busiest venues on the ship, which means you can hear some of the action from above.

Deck 4 is home to the theatre, nightclub, shops, casino, and several restaurants—so there’s a lot of foot traffic and late-night activity. While the soundproofing isn’t terrible, it’s not perfect either. You won’t hear every little noise, but if things get lively, there’s a good chance it will disturb you.

If you’re a night owl who plans to be out enjoying the bars and casino anyway, this might not be a big deal. But if your ideal cruise involves early nights and restful sleep so you can explore each port feeling refreshed, it’s best to look elsewhere. As a general rule, if you want to minimise noise, try to pick a stateroom with other cabins both above and below you rather than one directly under a busy public deck.

8. Premium Staterooms on Celebrity Xpedition

Celebrity Xpedition is one of the smallest ships in the Celebrity fleet, carrying just 48 passengers for an intimate expedition experience. While the atmosphere onboard is relaxed and personal, the ship itself is showing its age, especially when it comes to accommodations. There are modern touches, but overall, it could do with a refresh.

The suites are spacious and comfortable, but the Premium Staterooms aren’t quite as appealing. They have only a small picture window, meaning you won’t get the same expansive views as other ships, and the older wooden décor takes up more space, making the rooms feel a little dated.

If you’re happy with a no-frills experience and are more focused on the adventure than the accommodations, these staterooms might work for you. But if comfort is a priority, I’d recommend upgrading to a suite for a more enjoyable stay.

9. Rooms Worse for Seasickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, choosing the right stateroom location can make a big difference. The higher up and further forward or aft you are, the more movement you’ll feel—so if the sea gets rough, these areas can be particularly unpleasant.

To minimise the risk, aim for a cabin on a lower deck and as close to the middle of the ship as possible, where the movement is least noticeable. On Celebrity’s larger ships, the stabilisers help reduce motion, but on the smaller expedition vessels, there’s no escaping the fact that you’ll feel more of the ship’s movement simply due to its size.

If you’re worried about seasickness, try to book an ocean-view stateroom rather than an inside cabin. Being able to focus on the horizon can help steady your senses and reduce nausea, making for a much more comfortable cruise.

10. Small Inside Cabins

Celebrity is one of the better cruise lines when it comes to catering for solo travellers. Several ships have dedicated single staterooms, and the Edge Class even introduced the Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda. While Infinite Veranda rooms tend to divide opinion, it’s great that solo passengers have the option of a proper balcony cabin.

However, be careful when booking, as some of the standard solo inside staterooms on Celebrity ships can be much smaller—sometimes just over 100 square feet. That’s not exactly a shoebox, but it’s definitely compact, and if you’re prone to feeling claustrophobic, these rooms might not be the best choice.

These cabins are designed for travellers who want to keep costs down and don’t plan to spend much time in their room. If you’re just looking for a place to sleep and shower, they can be a budget-friendly option. But if you prefer a bit more space, make sure to check the exact cabin size before booking.

11. Connecting Rooms (If You Only Book One)

This is a useful tip for any cruise line, not just Celebrity Cruises. Some staterooms are designed as connecting rooms, meaning they have an internal door linking them to the cabin next door. If you book both, it’s a fantastic way for families or groups to enjoy extra space and easy access between rooms.

However, if you’re only booking one of the connecting rooms, it’s worth avoiding them if possible. The doors between the cabins aren’t as well insulated as regular walls, so you may hear more noise from your neighbours—and they might hear you too. That could be a little awkward if you’re a loud snorer or if your neighbours aren’t the quietest bunch.

12. Cramped 3-Person Staterooms

Many of Celebrity’s staterooms can accommodate multiple guests, and while the cruise line isn’t primarily aimed at families, there are some kid-friendly activities and cabins designed for parents travelling with children.

However, some of the three-person staterooms can feel quite cramped, especially when the single sofa bed is converted. If you’re travelling as a group of three adults, I’d strongly recommend avoiding these rooms—you’ll likely feel like you’re constantly in each other’s way.

For three adults, a Veranda Stateroom or a Suite is a much better option. Inside and Ocean View staterooms work best for couples with a child who don’t mind the cosy setup, but for a more comfortable experience, it’s worth upgrading if your budget allows.

13. Rooms Adjacent to Speciality Restaurants

This isn’t a major issue, which is why it’s lower on the list, but it’s still something to consider—especially if you’re booking a stateroom on an Edge-class ship.

On Deck 3, a couple of speciality restaurants are located at the aft, and since they’re extremely popular, they tend to be fully booked every night. Unlike other ships where restaurants are conveniently close to elevators, on Edge-class ships, the nearest lifts are mid-ship. This means guests dining at these restaurants will have to walk past certain staterooms to get there.

It’s not the worst disturbance, but if you’re hoping for a quiet evening in your cabin, you may find the steady stream of people walking past a bit annoying. Given some of the other potential downsides of Deck 3, this is just one more reason to consider booking a stateroom elsewhere on the ship.

14. Inside Rooms Running Lengthways Along a Corridor

Most staterooms on a cruise ship are positioned so that the entrance is on a short wall, with the longer walls running perpendicular to the length of the ship. However, some inside staterooms on Celebrity ships are laid out differently, running lengthways along a corridor.

This means that instead of people just passing your door, they’re walking alongside a long section of your cabin—often right next to your bed. During the day, this might not be a big deal, but at night, if a few guests have had a drink (or several), the noise could be more noticeable. Even in the morning, inconsiderate passengers chatting as they walk past might be enough to disturb your sleep.

The noise won’t last long, but if you’re a light sleeper, it’s something to keep in mind. If you want the best chance of an undisturbed night, it may be worth choosing a different stateroom layout.

Wrapping It Up

There aren’t any outright terrible staterooms on a Celebrity cruise ship, but some are definitely better suited to certain travellers than others. The right choice depends on who you’re sailing with, your budget, and whether you’re an early riser or someone who enjoys late nights.

Hopefully, this guide has made it easier to spot potential drawbacks so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your stateroom or suite. That said, you might have noticed I didn’t include any suites on this list. That’s because, honestly, Celebrity’s suites are excellent—even on the older ships. I couldn’t find any real complaints about them, though, of course, they come with a hefty price tag, so the main reason to avoid them is if they’re out of budget.

No matter what cabin you choose, it’s always worth checking the deck plans before booking. Take a look at what’s above and below your stateroom, how close it is to the elevators, and whether it’s near any potential noise sources. A little research goes a long way in ensuring you have the best cruise experience possible.

More Celebrity Articles to Read…