A Guide To Royal Caribbean Cruise Deck Plans

1. Use Cruise Deck Plans To Pick Your Stateroom

Reading cruise deck plans before you book your sailing can help you find the perfect stateroom for your voyage. Prefer to be near the elevator, gym or pool? Want to stay close to your friends and family or maintain a little distance? Let the cruise ship deck plans lead the way. With the addition of deck pictures, you can get a proper layout of exactly what to expect on board.

Deck plans and maps are the best way to figure out where you want to live on your voyage. Start by finding the staterooms in the category you want to book, be it an interior stateroom or an expansive suite, which will help you evaluate your options for locations. You'll be able to see square footage to get an idea of how much room you can expect to have in each type of stateroom on the ship.

Cruise ship deck plans also show the locations of adjoining staterooms, accessible staterooms and staterooms with obstructed views. They also show you how convenient a stateroom is to elevators and stairwells, so they really are your secret weapon for finding just the right stateroom in just the right place.

2. Know What You’re Looking At

When you're evaluating deck plans for stateroom selection, take a close look at the size and shape of the indoor space, as well as any balcony, since these can differ from stateroom to stateroom, especially if you're booking a specialty suite. Use our guided planning as the deck blueprints that will inform not just one trip but all your upcoming cruise vacations.

One more point to remember when you're selecting your stateroom: Areas that appear empty or grayed out on deck plans might not be empty — they're just not open to passengers. These spots could be anything from staff elevators to galleys with ice machines. If you're sensitive to noise, staterooms next to these spaces might not be your ideal spot.

Another space to look out for is the one that is right above your stateroom, since being beneath the pool deck, for example, can mean early morning noise as the crew sets up the deck chairs. When in doubt, match up your deck plan with some photos of your cruise ship so you can visualize the stateroom's location.

3. Review Cruise Deck Plans To Create An Itinerary

Once you've selected your stateroom, think about your cruise itinerary using your cruise ship's deck plans as your inspiration. Figure out what bars and restaurants you want to visit and what performances you want to see. Make a list of reservation options and requirements, and start browsing menus online. Also, let yourself stumble on pleasant surprises you didn't realize your ship had in store for you. (Rock climbing, surfing simulators and ice skating? Why not?)

Learn where to find breakfast and coffee in the morning and dinner in the evening. If you're someone who maintains a workout routine when you travel, figure out where the fitness center is. If you're traveling with children, look out for where the kids' clubs are located.

As you choose your shore excursions for days that are in port and plan out your sea days, you'll want to create an itinerary that includes plenty of time for the onboard fun you're most excited about, perhaps those spectacular water slides, too.

4. Download The App To Get Oriented Before You Leave Home

If you download the Royal Caribbean app before you board your ship, you can use the cruise ship deck plans featured to help you find your way around as soon as you've unpacked. Figure out which direction is the front of the ship (the forward) and which is the back (the aft). When facing forward, the left of the ship is called the port side, while the right is called the starboard side.

Deck plans focus on one level at a time, making it easy to figure out where you are as long as you know what the deck number is and which direction you're facing. With a good sense of the cabin plans and how they relate to the rest of the ship, you’ll be able to navigate comfortably.

5. Find Your Best Routes

The world's largest cruise ships are bigger and better than ever, and deck plans have never been so helpful for navigating these floating cities. Case in point: Icon of the Seas, which launched in early 2024, has 20 decks, seven swimming pools and six waterslides.

Once you know where your stateroom is, it won't take long for you to feel at home onboard. Each deck is a little bit different, so it helps to have the app in your pocket in case you're not near a sign.

If you get lost, whether that's going to breakfast on your first day, heading to the gangway or when seeing the doctor for some preventative motion sickness medication before a long drive in port, pull out your phone and look at the deck plan to confirm the level you're on.

More Deck Planning And Cruise Insights

For a quick snapshot of some vital deck planning considerations and cruise insights, go over the essentials below before making your final bookings:

● Important areas on the cruise ship: Besides your stateroom or private cabin, remember to familiarize yourself with the dining areas, pool and sun decks, entertainment venues, fitness and wellness areas, family rooms, kids’ zones and utility areas.

● Different staterooms: With Royal Caribbean, you can choose the best rooms on cruise ships to suit your unique travel needs. Select between Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite Staterooms — each offering a touch of something different depending on your accommodation preferences.

● How to use cruise deck plans: Deck plans are about helping you understand cabin location and the ship’s flow, planning for convenience, noting emergency protocols and getting a sneak peek at lesser-known ship venues.

● Cruise ships in the fleet: You’re spoilt for choice with Royal Caribbean. Study what’s available in the expansive fleet and find the perfect ship for you, your family or friends next time you cruise.

● Other deck plan resources: From things to do, bars and social spots to beverage and dining packages, you can tailor your trip down to the very last exciting detail.

Cruise And Secure Your Ideal Accommodation With Royal Caribbean

On cruise ships the size of small cities carrying thousands of passengers, deck plans are essential for figuring out how to get around and making the most of your voyage. While digital cruise deck plans are essential reading for everyone, that's especially true for first-time cruisers.

You deserve the cruise accommodations you’ve always dreamed of, so don’t skimp on any of the comforts or luxuries you desire during your holiday. With this deck planning guide in tow, you can get to know the landmarks near your ideal stateroom and figure out which venues you want to frequent. In no time, you'll start to find your way around the ship and feel at home once you set sail.

What’s next? Before you can come on board, kick back and enjoy your vacation, you’ll need to secure your bookings. Explore our cruises to find your next great destination.

Ready to explore some deck plans, from water parks to laser tag arenas and bumper cars?