Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid are mostly the noisy, high-traffic, and high-motion staterooms that can quietly ruin your cruise if you do not catch them on the deck plan first. On a busy Voyager-class ship like Explorer, cabin location matters more than most people realize.
This is a lively, family-friendly Royal Caribbean ship with the classic Royal Promenade, a FlowRider surf simulator, and plenty of late-night action. That energy is great on sea days… but it also means some Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid sit under pools, above lounges, or beside service corridors where noise and vibration travel more than you would expect.
Explorer carries roughly 3,200 guests in about 1,600 cabins over 15 decks, with eight decks of staterooms spread from low and stable to high and windy. That gives you fantastic options if you choose carefully… and a few landmines if you do not.
In this guide I will walk deck by deck through the Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid, explain exactly why each zone can be a problem, then point you to smarter alternatives just a few doors away. By the end, you will know which cabin numbers to skip, which to grab quickly, and how to match the perfect spot to your cruising style.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Ship & Cabins – Explorer of the Seas
When you are trying to sort through all the Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid, it helps to zoom out and look at the ship as a whole first. Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager Class Royal Caribbean ship… a busy, family-friendly floating resort with a Royal Promenade, FlowRider surf simulator, and ice skating rink all packed into one ship. It carries roughly 3,200 guests in about 1,600 staterooms across 15 decks, so it feels big and energetic without being as overwhelming as the newest mega ships. That size and layout give you plenty of excellent cabin choices if you know where to look… and a few trouble zones if you don’t.
That size and layout are great for variety… but they also mean cabin location matters more than most people realize.
For a deeper comparison with the rest of the class, see these CruiseSnooze guides:
- Royal Caribbean Ships by Age
- Royal Caribbean Ship Classes Explained
- Royal Caribbean Ships by Size: Smallest to Largest
Quick Ship Snapshot
- Ship class: Voyager Class
- Vibe: Lively, family-friendly, lots of things happening at almost all hours
- Guest capacity: ~3,200 at double occupancy
- Staterooms: ~1,600 across eight main cabin decks
- Signature features:
- Four-deck-high Royal Promenade
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Full ice skating rink down low in the ship
- Classic Royal Caribbean pool decks, lounges, and theater
Cabin Types at a Glance
You will find the full Royal Caribbean lineup here:
- Interior cabins
- Promenade View Interior cabins
- Ocean View cabins (including Ultra Spacious and panoramic layouts)
- Balcony cabins
- Suites (Junior Suites up through Grand, Owner’s, and the Royal Suite)
Most of these are stacked in the middle third of the ship, which is exactly where you will find both:
- Some of the quietest, most comfortable cabins on Explorer
- And a few of the noisy, high-traffic zones you will want to avoid later in this guide
Interior Cabins
Interior cabins are your budget-friendly workhorses.
Standard Interior cabins:
- Best for: price, darkness, and sleep
- Typically compact but efficient
- Great if you plan to be out enjoying the ship all day
Promenade View Interior cabins:
- Overlook the Royal Promenade through a bowed window
- Give you “small city at sea” vibes with parades, music, and people-watching
- Cost a bit more than standard interiors, but less than most Ocean Views
- Slightly more ambient noise because of the action below
If you want the lowest price and best darkness, go standard interior.
If you want energy and view without balcony pricing, Promenade View interiors are a fun upgrade.
Ocean View Cabins
Ocean View cabins line the outside of the hull and add natural light and real sea views without jumping all the way to a balcony price.
You will see a few flavors:
- Standard Ocean View
- Window instead of a door and balcony
- Solid choice for first-time cruisers who want to actually see the ocean
- Larger / Ultra Spacious Ocean View
- More square footage and smarter layouts
- Ideal for families who want extra beds and floor space
- Panoramic Ocean View–style layouts (where available)
- Bigger windows, sometimes floor-to-ceiling glass
- Great for people who love scenery but do not care about outdoor space
These cabins are perfect if you want to wake up to daylight, watch the water, and still keep your cruise budget under control.
Balcony Cabins
For most guests, balcony cabins are the sweet spot on Explorer.
- About 180–190 sq. ft. inside plus a compact private balcony
- Sliding glass doors bring in tons of light
- Just enough space for:
- Morning coffee
- Sail away
- Late-night fresh air without the crowds
You will find:
- Standard balconies along the sides of the ship
- Some roomier or better-positioned balconies, including aft-facing options with wake views
These cabins hit a nice balance of price, comfort, and privacy, especially if you care about having your own outdoor space but don’t need a full suite.
Suites
Suites on Explorer dial everything up:
- More interior space
- Larger balconies
- More storage and seating
- Upgraded bathrooms and perks
Main suite types include:
- Junior Suites – best “first step up” from a balcony for couples or small families
- Grand Suites – true separate living area feel, bigger balcony, more perks
- Owner’s Suites – even larger, more luxurious layouts and bathrooms
- Royal Suite – the “wow” option if you want maximum space and amenities
Suites make the most sense if you:
- Are sailing with family and want real elbow room
- Are celebrating a special trip and will use the cabin a lot
- Just like the idea of your stateroom feeling more like a small apartment at sea
Why the Layout Matters for Cabin Choice
Two design features on Explorer quietly shape how good (or bad) a cabin can be:
- The Royal Promenade running through the middle of the ship
- The ice skating rink and lower-deck entertainment spaces
They are fantastic as venues… but they also create very specific noise and vibration patterns. When we start walking through specific Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid, you will see exactly how these spaces, plus the pool decks and theaters, impact:
- Early-morning chair scraping
- Late-night music and show noise
- Traffic outside your door at peak times
Get your cabin placement right, and all that energy stays outside your door. Get it wrong, and it quietly follows you back to your bed every night.
For a visual layout of Explorer of the Seas’ deck plans, including cabin positioning and public areas, check out Royal Caribbean’s official Explorer of the Seas deck plans page.
Cabins to Avoid on Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas has some fantastic staterooms… and a few Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid that can quietly work against you if you like to sleep in, nap mid day, or wind down early.
We will go zone by zone so it is easy to follow and easy to compare against the deck plans. First up is one of the biggest trouble spots on almost every Voyager class ship.
For a visual layout of Explorer of the Seas’ deck plans, including cabin positioning and public areas, check out Royal Caribbean’s official Explorer of the Seas deck plans page.
Below the Pool Deck and Windjammer Marketplace
Avoid: 1248–1305 and 1548–1605
(These cabins sit directly under the main pools, Solarium, and Windjammer on Deck 11 — the noisiest overhead zone on the ship.)
Why it is a problem:
When people talk about Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid, the block of staterooms tucked right under the main pools, Solarium, and Windjammer Marketplace is almost always the first one mentioned.
Pool setup starts early. Long before most guests are awake, crew are:
- Dragging loungers into position
- Rolling towel and supply carts across hard decking
- Spraying and squeegeeing the pool deck
- Moving barriers, tables, and equipment into place
Once the ship wakes up, the soundtrack changes but never really stops:
- Kids running and jumping around the pools
- Guests constantly dragging chairs to chase the sun
- Flip-flops and wet feet thudding across the deck above
- Afternoon games, contests, and poolside announcements
- Movies or music from the big screen and sound system
Under the Windjammer buffet, you swap splashing and music for a different kind of constant background noise:
- Dish and glass carts rolling back and forth
- Chairs scraping as people sit down and stand up
- Breakfast and lunch rushes with steady foot traffic
- Evening and late-night cleanup after the buffet closes
Even when each sound is small, they stack into a pattern that can feel almost continuous from early morning through late evening.
This zone is especially rough if you:
- Are a light sleeper or like to sleep past about 6:00–6:30 a.m.
- Plan on taking mid-day naps on sea days
- Prefer quiet evenings instead of late-night pool energy
Better alternatives:
- Drop one or two decks lower into the middle of the ship.
- Target cabins that are:
- Midship, not extreme forward or aft
- On decks where you have staterooms above and below, not public venues
You will still be just a quick walk up to the pools and buffet… but your cabin will feel calmer, your mornings will be quieter, and naps will actually be possible.
Bottom line:
These cabins aren’t “broken,” but they are relentless. Early setup, all-day deck traffic, and buffet activity create a noise and vibration cycle that rarely gives you a truly quiet block of time. If sleep quality matters, 1248–1305 and 1548–1605 are blocks I’d happily skip in favor of a midship cabin on a slightly lower, all-stateroom deck.e list and replace with a midship cabin on a slightly lower, all-stateroom deck.
Near the Theater, Ice Rink, and Late-Night Lounges
Avoid: 2240, 3600, 3602, 3604, 3606, 3608, 3610, 3612, 3614, 3616, 6575, 6577, 6579, 6581, 6583, 6587, 6589, 6591, 6593, 6595, 6597
(These sit right by the Palace Theater, under The Tavern bar, or directly above the R Bar on the Royal Promenade.)
Why it is a problem:
These are the cabins that live closest to Explorer’s loudest entertainment spaces, sitting right beside or directly above venues where shows, rehearsals, and late-night crowds run well into the evening.
- 2240 is tucked right next to the Palace Theater, so you can hear show music, rehearsals, and crowds coming and going.
- 3600–3616 sit directly under The Tavern bar, where live music, quizzes, and late-night crowds can run until the small hours.
- 6575–6597 are Promenade View Interior cabins directly above the R Bar on the Royal Promenade, where people gather, chat, and sing until after midnight.
From these cabins you are likely to hear:
- Evening production shows and rehearsals from the theater
- Bar music and the low bass “thump” from The Tavern overhead
- Late-night laughter, singing, and general buzz from the R Bar area
- Doors opening and closing plus crowd noise as people move between venues
The volume usually is not deafening… but the timing is rough. Most of this ramps up from early evening through 11:00 p.m. or later, exactly when light sleepers, families with kids, and early-to-bed cruisers want things quiet.
If you:
- Go to bed early
- Have kids who need quiet to sleep
- Are sensitive to bass or thumps through the floor / walls
…these cabins can feel busy and unsettled, even though they look perfectly normal on the deck plan.
Better alternatives:
- Pick cabins one or two decks away from these venues, and outside their footprint when you compare deck plans.
- Aim for midship cabins on Decks 7, 8, or 9, where you are sandwiched between other staterooms instead of bars and theaters.
- If you like being close to the action, book cabins a few doors down the corridor from the theater / lounge outlines rather than sitting directly beside or under them.
You will still be just a short walk from the shows, ice rink, and bars… without feeling every set change through your mattress.
Bottom line:
Cabins near the theater and late-night lounges are some of the easiest “accidental picks” when you’re just clicking around the deck plan. On paper they look convenient; in real life they quietly become some of the most interruptive spots on the ship at night.
If sleep matters more to you than being “right above the action,” slide your cabin a deck higher and a bit closer to midship. You still get all the entertainment… just not in your cabin walls.
Below the Main Dining Room and Along Busy Crew Corridors (Decks 2 & 3)
Avoid: Deck 2 aft cabins 2330–2358 and 2630–2658 (closest to engines and directly under the main dining room), cabin 2240 on Deck 2 (right beside the Palace Theater), cabins 3240 and 3540 on Deck 3 (right next to public bathrooms), and Deck 3 midship cabins 3600–3616 (directly under The Tavern bar and lounge).
Why it is a problem:
These lower-deck cabins combine three things that quietly chip away at sleep: engine and propeller vibration, dining room and galley noise, and 24-hour crew and guest traffic in service corridors and public spaces.
Aft on Deck 2 (2330–2358 and 2630–2658), you are as close as you’ll ever get to the machinery. When the ship is maneuvering, you can feel more rumble and shudder, plus extra noise from the main dining room right above during breakfast, dinner service, and late-night cleanup.
Cabin 2240 on Deck 2 sits right beside the Palace Theater. That means you can pick up show rehearsals, evening performances, and crowd noise bleeding through the wall on nights when you might rather be asleep.
On Deck 3, cabins 3240 and 3540 are tucked beside public restrooms. That brings a steady trickle of doors opening and closing, toilets flushing, and voices just outside your door, especially before and after meal times and shows.
Then there’s the 3600–3616 run on Deck 3, directly under The Tavern bar. Here you get music bass, bar chatter, and late-night foot traffic overhead that can run well past midnight on sea days. It is not rock-concert loud, but it is the kind of thump + murmur that keeps light sleepers half-awake.
Who this bothers most:
- Light sleepers who notice vibration or low background noise
- Anyone who goes to bed early or has kids who need quiet nights
- Guests prone to motion or noise-related headaches when the ship is maneuvering
Better alternatives:
- For lower-deck value without the noise, pick midship Ocean View cabins on Deck 2 or 3 that are away from the very aft cluster and not right beside public spaces.
- If your budget allows, moving up to Decks 7, 8, or 9 midship gets you away from machinery and venues entirely, since you’re sandwiched between other stateroom decks.
- Families or light sleepers should especially avoid cramming into these aft and midship “problem” cabins; a quieter location will do more for your cruise than a tiny price savings here.
Bottom line:
These Deck 2 and 3 cabins are not unlivable… but they mix engine vibration, dining room clatter, bathroom traffic, and bar noise in a way that makes truly restful sleep harder to come by. If you care about quiet nights, treat this whole group as “only if nothing else is left” and aim for a midship cabin on a higher, all-stateroom deck instead.
Cabins That Are a Long Walk From Anything (Deck 9 Aft)
Avoid: 9465, 9467, 9469, 9471, 9473, 9475, 9477, 9479
Why it is a problem:
These aft cabins on Deck 9 look cozy and tucked away on the deck plan… but in real life they are a hike. To reach them, you have to walk all the way to the back of the ship from the nearest elevator lobby and then double back down a long, narrow corridor. It feels even longer when you’re:
- Carrying bags or a sleepy kid
- Coming back from a long port day
- Making quick trips back to the room for forgotten items
The walk itself isn’t a big deal for some people. But if you have mobility issues, bad knees, young kids, or just hate feeling “far from everything,” these cabins can get old fast.
Extra considerations:
- Every meal, show, and pool trip means that same long walk.
- On turnaround and port days, you’ll be doing it with crowds and luggage.
- If you like to “pop back to the room” often, the distance becomes very noticeable.
Better alternatives:
If you like the aft feel but don’t want the “endless corridor” problem:
- Look for aft or near-aft cabins on lower decks where the hallway layout is more direct.
- Or choose a midship cabin on Decks 7, 8, or 9, where you’re closer to elevators and roughly centered between venues.
You still get a peaceful cabin vibe… just without the 500-foot shuffle every time you forget your sunglasses.
Bottom line:
These Deck 9 aft cabins work if you’re mobile, patient, and really want to be out of the way. For most cruisers though, they’re simply too far from everything to feel convenient. If easy access matters at all, it’s worth moving closer to the elevator lobbies and into the midship zone instead.
Promenade View Cabins Above the R Bar and Royal Promenade
Avoid: 6575, 6577, 6579, 6581, 6583, 6587, 6589, 6591, 6593, 6595, 6597
(These are Promenade View Interior cabins that sit directly above the R Bar and busiest stretch of the Royal Promenade on Deck 5.)
Why it is a problem:
These Promenade View cabins sit directly above the busiest stretch of the Royal Promenade, which makes them lively and fun by day… but surprisingly noisy once the late-night R Bar energy kicks in.
From these rooms you can often hear:
- Live music sets and background playlists from the R Bar area
- People gathering, talking, and laughing late into the night
- Parade nights and themed events with extra volume and crowd energy
- Announcements, games, and occasional microphone tests down on the Promenade
Because the Promenade is essentially an indoor street, sound echoes and rises straight up. The issue is the timing: most of the noise happens from early evening until around midnight or later, exactly when many guests are trying to sleep.
You also lose some privacy. Anyone standing on the Promenade below can see your window if the lights are on and curtains are open, and light from the Royal Promenade can glow into your cabin if you forget to close the curtains tightly.
These cabins can work if you:
- Love staying up late in the bars and only come back to crash
- Want to people-watch from your window and do not mind keeping curtains closed when you change or sleep
- Are very deep sleepers who are not bothered by music or voices drifting up from below
For light sleepers, families with young kids, or anyone who likes early nights, they are a rough fit.
Better alternatives:
- If you want an Interior cabin, pick a standard interior on Decks 7, 8, or 9 away from the Royal Promenade footprint. You still get a lower price, but your room will be much darker and quieter.
- If you like the Promenade View concept but want less noise, choose cabins farther forward or aft that are not directly over the R Bar / central gathering zone.
- For the same general price band on some sailings, a well-placed Ocean View on Deck 2 or 3 (away from crew corridors and the main dining room) can feel calmer and more relaxing than these “fun but loud” Promenade View rooms.
Bottom line:
Promenade View cabins above the R Bar look unique and Instagram-worthy, but they are some of the least restful cabins on Explorer of the Seas. If you care more about sleep than people-watching, book a quieter interior or ocean view and visit the Royal Promenade when you want the energy… not all night long.
Aft Balcony Cabins with Partially Obstructed Views
Avoid: All aft-facing balcony cabins and suites at the very back of Explorer of the Seas
(These are the staterooms that look straight out over the ship’s wake, on the stern of the ship across multiple decks.)
Why it is a problem:
On most ships, aft balconies are the holy grail… huge wake views, open rail, nothing but water behind you. Explorer of the Seas is different, and this is exactly why many cruisers consider certain aft balconies to be Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid. Because of the way her stern is built, the aft balconies are set forward from the true edge of the ship, with a structural overhang and steelwork between your balcony and the actual wake.
That creates two issues:
- Partially obstructed view out: When you look straight out, your eye catches steel and support structure before the horizon.
- Completely blocked view down: When you look down, you do not see the wake right under your feet… you see the extra deck area and metal framework instead.
You still get sky and sea, but it is not the classic “glass railing + wake thundering below you” that people picture when they think “aft balcony.”
If you booked specifically because you wanted:
- A clean, Instagram-ready wake shot
- Nothing but open ocean when you look down
- That dramatic “hanging over the wake” feeling
…these aft balconies can feel like a disappointment.
The flip side (why some people still love them):
Even though the view is partially blocked, these cabins actually get great reviews from a lot of cruisers because:
- The balconies are noticeably larger than most side balconies
- You still get a nice wide view of the wake and horizon, just framed by structure
- The location feels tucked away and private, with less foot traffic outside your door
- Wind can be a bit lower than on some side balconies, which is nice on breezy sea days
If you care more about space and privacy than a perfect wake photo, they can be a solid pick.
Who should treat them as “cabins to avoid”:
- First-time cruisers who have their heart set on a classic aft-wake balcony
- Content creators who want clean, unobstructed wake shots from their cabin
- Anyone paying a significant premium specifically for an aft view
In those cases, the structural steel between you and the water feels like a real compromise.
Better alternatives:
- For a more traditional balcony experience, book a midship or slightly aft balcony on Decks 7, 8, or 9 on the port or starboard side. You’ll get:
- Clear sightlines straight out and down
- Less structural metal in your field of view
- Easier access to elevators and central ship areas
- If you still like the idea of being near the stern, look for side-facing aft-quarter balconies (near the back but not directly on the stern). These often blend:
- Better views
- Less obstruction
- A similar quiet “end of the hallway” feel
Bottom line:
On Explorer of the Seas, aft balconies are not “bad”… they’re just different. The balconies are big and the location is quiet, but the view is partially boxed in by steel and overhangs. If you are paying extra purely for that classic open wake view, these aft cabins are worth skipping in favor of a clean-view side balcony. If you value extra space and privacy more than a postcard-perfect wake, they can still be a sneaky good choice.
Cabins Right Next to Public Bathrooms
Avoid: 3240, 3540
These two cabins sit directly beside public restrooms on Deck 3, which is one of those small details that doesn’t look like a big deal on the deck plan… but absolutely shows up in real life once you’re on board.
From 3240 and 3540 you can get a steady mix of:
- Toilets flushing and plumbing noise through the wall
- Doors opening and closing over and over
- Hand dryers, sinks, and water running
- Short hallway conversations as people wait or gather outside
None of this is as loud as a theater or a bar… but it happens at random times all day and night. Before dinner, after shows, first thing in the morning… anytime people are out and about, that bathroom is in use.
These cabins can be especially annoying if you:
- Are a light sleeper who wakes easily
- Have kids who nap or go to bed early
- Prefer your cabin to feel like a quiet, private retreat
You end up feeling like you’re camped on a hallway shortcut instead of tucked away in your own space.
Better alternatives:
- Slide just a few doors away on the same deck so you still keep roughly the same location, but no longer share a wall with the restroom.
- Or, for a bigger upgrade in peace and quiet, move up to Deck 7, 8, or 9 midship, where you’re surrounded above and below by other cabins instead of public spaces.
Bottom line:
It’s “only” two cabins… but they’re two that are very easy to avoid once you know about them. If you see 3240 or 3540 pop up as an option, skip them and choose something a handful of doors or one deck away. You’ll never miss the bathroom wall… and your sleep will thank you.
Promenade View Cabins Over the R Bar
Avoid: 6575, 6577, 6579, 6581, 6583, 6587, 6589, 6591, 6593, 6595, 6597
These Promenade View Interior cabins sit directly above the R Bar and the busiest part of the Royal Promenade. They look fun on the deck plan (great people-watching, big bowed window)… but in real life they’re some of the least restful spots on the ship.
Here’s what you’re dealing with:
- Late-night noise: The R Bar and surrounding promenade area stay active well past midnight. You can hear voices, singing, laughter, and the general “buzz” of people hanging out below. It’s not rock-concert loud, but it’s consistent background noise right when you’re trying to sleep.
- Parades & events: When Royal runs promenade parties, parades, or game-show style events, the sound rises straight up into these cabins. You’ll feel like you’re “in” the event even if you never left your room.
- Privacy tradeoff: The same big bowed window that lets you look out also lets people on the Promenade look in if your lights are on and curtains are open. If you’re not careful with the drapes, you can feel like you’re living in a fishbowl.
- Light pollution: The Promenade stays bright until late. Even with decent curtains, a bit of glow can sneak in around the edges, which is annoying if you like a truly dark room.
These cabins can work if you:
- Love the idea of people-watching from your window
- Stay up later than the crowds below
- Don’t mind some noise as “background energy”
But for light sleepers, early-to-bed families, or anyone who wants a calm, dark cave to crash in, they’re easy Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid.
Better alternatives:
- If you still want a Promenade View, look at cabins farther away from the R Bar cluster (more toward the ends of the Promenade instead of dead center).
- If you mainly care about sleep, swap to a standard interior on Deck 7, 8, or 9 midship… those give you the quiet “inside cabin cocoon” without the late-night bar soundtrack.
- If you want light without noise, consider an Ocean View or Balcony on a stateroom-only deck instead of a window straight into the party zone.
Bottom line: these central Promenade View cabins are great for action and atmosphere, not so great for deep sleep and privacy. If you care more about rest than people-watching, pick a different Promenade View… or skip this cabin type entirely.
Connecting Cabins With Thin Walls
Avoid: Any cabins on Explorer of the Seas that show the connecting stateroom symbol on the deck plan, unless you are intentionally booking both rooms together as a family or group.
Why it is a problem:
Connecting cabins are fantastic when you control both sides of the door. When you don’t, that thin internal door is one of the sneakiest ways noise slips into your room. Instead of a solid wall, you have a hollow, double-door setup that was designed to open… and it never blocks sound as well as a normal bulkhead.
In real life that means you may hear:
- Normal conversations from next door (not just shouting)
- TV volume, music, or phone calls drifting through the door frame
- Kids laughing, crying, or arguing at bedtime
- Early morning alarms, hairdryers, and drawers closing
Individually none of these are “party cabin” problems… but over a 7-night cruise they add up, especially if your neighbors keep a different schedule than you.
Because Explorer is a busy, family-friendly Voyager-class ship, a lot of these connecting layouts are used by parents and kids. That’s perfect when it is your family… less perfect when it is someone else’s toddler waking up at 6:00 a.m.
A few extra things to keep in mind:
- Light can sneak around the connecting door frame if the neighbors leave their lights on late.
- On rougher nights at sea, connecting doors can rattle slightly if the latch is not tight, adding one more little sound in the background.
- You cannot control who gets the other half of the pair on a sold-out sailing, so you may end up next to a late-night crew or a very early-rising family.
Better alternatives:
If you want a quieter stay and you are only booking one cabin, treat random connecting rooms as “last resort” picks.
Instead, look for:
- Non-connecting cabins in the same category just a few doors away
- Mid-corridor cabins on Decks 7, 8, or 9 where you’re surrounded by other standard staterooms, not doors and service spaces
- For families, book both halves of a connecting pair on purpose so the noise is just your own crew and you gain a second bathroom
You can spot these visually on the Royal Caribbean deck plans using the small connecting stateroom icon from the legend (the little arrow symbol). If you see that icon between two cabins and you are only booking one… scroll a bit further down the hall.
Bottom line:
Connecting cabins are amazing when you book them intentionally… and some of the easiest Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid when you don’t. If you care about quiet, privacy, or romance, skip the random connecting-door cabins and grab a standard room bordered by solid walls instead.
Guarantee (GTY) Cabins When Location Really Matters
Avoid: Booking GTY (Guarantee) cabins on Explorer of the Seas if you care about exact location, noise level, motion, or view.
When you book a GTY cabin, you pick the category (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite)… but Royal Caribbean picks the exact cabin number for you later. On a layout-sensitive ship like Explorer, that often means you get placed in the “leftover” spots that other people actively didn’t choose:
- Under the pool / Windjammer
- Above or beside bars, lounges, or Studio B
- Near busy crew corridors or service doors
- In cabins that are far from elevators
- In connecting rooms with a thin internal door
- Or in one of the more obstructed balcony positions
The price saving can look tempting, but you’re trading away control over deck, position, and neighbors… which is exactly what your “cabins to avoid” guide is helping people fix.
GTY can still be fine if you:
- Truly don’t care where you end up
- Sleep like a rock through noise and movement
- Are on a short cruise and won’t be in the cabin much
- Just want “any balcony” or “any inside” at the lowest possible price
But if you’re the kind of person reading a detailed breakdown of Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid, you probably do care where you sleep.
Better alternatives:
- Drop one category and pick your exact cabin number
- Example: a well-located Interior you choose yourself on Deck 7 or 8 is usually better than a random GTY Balcony under the pool.
- Use the deck plans to target those “cabin sandwich” zones (cabins above and below you, not venues).
- For families, book two specific cabins (or a known connecting pair) instead of a single GTY that might land you in a cramped quad in a noisy area.
Bottom line: GTY cabins are a gamble. On Explorer of the Seas you’re often gambling with the exact noise, motion, and layout issues you’re trying to avoid. If this trip is a big deal for you, spend a little more, pick the actual room number, and buy certainty instead of rolling the dice.
Quick Reference Chart: Explorer of the Seas Cabins to Avoid
| Category | Cabins to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Below the Pool Deck & Windjammer Marketplace | 1248–1305, 1548–1605 – directly under the main pools, Solarium, and Windjammer buffet on Deck 11. Early chair scraping, carts, and all-day deck noise. |
| Near Theater & Late-Night Lounges | 2240 – beside the Palace Theater (show and rehearsal noise). 3600–3616 – under The Tavern bar, with music and bar noise into the late evening. |
| Promenade View Over the R Bar | 6575, 6577, 6579, 6581, 6583, 6587, 6589, 6591, 6593, 6595, 6597 – Promenade View interiors above the R Bar and central Royal Promenade; loud, late-night crowd and event noise plus reduced privacy. |
| Below the Main Dining Room & Near Aft Machinery | 2330–2358, 2630–2658 – aft Deck 2 cabins closest to the engines and directly under the main dining room; more vibration plus traffic and cleanup noise above. |
| Next to Public Bathrooms | 3240, 3540 – share a wall with public restrooms on Deck 3; expect flushing, doors, hand dryers, and chatter at random hours. |
| Long Hallway Walk (Deck 9 Aft) | 9465, 9467, 9469, 9471, 9473, 9475, 9477, 9479 – very long walk and a double-back from the nearest elevators; fine if you like being tucked away, rough if you have mobility issues or small kids. |
| Aft Balconies with Obstructed Views | All aft-facing balcony cabins and suites on the stern – larger balconies but partially blocked views out and fully blocked views straight down due to extra structure between balcony and wake. |
| Connecting Cabins (When Only Booking One) | Any cabin marked with the “connecting stateroom” icon on the deck plan – thinner internal door leaks more sound than a solid wall; great when you book both, not ideal next to strangers. |
| GTY (Guarantee) Cabins When Location Matters | Any GTY assignment in Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, or Suite categories – Royal chooses your cabin, so you can land under pools, over bars, near crew spaces, or in leftover locations other guests avoided. |
Best Cabins on Explorer of the Seas
Choosing the best cabins on Explorer of the Seas is just as important as knowing which cabins to avoid, because this ship really rewards smart cabin selection. Explorer is a lively Voyager-class ship with the Royal Promenade, ice rink, FlowRider, and plenty of bars and lounges… which means the right stateroom can give you calm hallways, smoother motion, and surprisingly peaceful nights even on a busy sailing.
Unlike the newest mega ships, Explorer feels more compact and walkable. That also means the difference between an “eh, it’s fine” cabin and a “wow, this is perfect” cabin is often just a deck or two… or a few doors closer to midship. Pick well, and your room feels like a quiet retreat tucked just off the Promenade and pool deck. Pick poorly, and you are sleeping under chairs, over a bar, or beside a crew corridor we just talked about.
In this section, we’ll break down:
- Best cabins for families who want space, storage, and easy access to kids’ areas
- Best cabins for couples who care about quiet, romance, and views
- Best budget picks that still sleep beautifully without premium pricing
- Best suites for guests who actually feel the upgrade in every part of their trip
Each group will include specific cabin ranges, why they work so well on Explorer, and how they help you sidestep all the trouble zones you just read about.
Best Cabins for Families
Families on Explorer of the Seas need more than just enough beds. You want space to spread out, easy access to food and pools, and a quiet spot at night so everyone actually sleeps. The good news is that Explorer has some very family-friendly layouts once you know where to look, especially when you avoid the common Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid that tend to be noisy or high-traffic for families.
In general, the best family cabins on this ship have:
- Extra square footage or smarter layouts
- Real daylight and views (big windows or a balcony)
- Midship or near-midship location for smoother motion
- Staterooms above and below, not public venues
Here are the standout family picks.
Ultra Spacious & Panoramic Ocean View Cabins
These are the “secret weapons” for families who want suite-like space without a full suite price.
- Look for Ultra Spacious Ocean View and Spacious Panoramic Ocean View cabins on the higher cabin decks, especially forward and just off midship.
- They sleep up to 4–6 people with a mix of beds, sofa beds, and Pullmans, so kids get their own sleeping spots instead of everyone sharing one mattress.
- Huge windows flood the room with light and give you proper sea views, which is great on sea days or if younger kids nap in the room.
These are perfect for families who value space and light more than a balcony.
Standard & Spacious Balcony Cabins on Decks 7–9 Midship
If you want that classic “coffee on the balcony” experience with kids in tow, the safest family zone is:
- Decks 7, 8, and 9, midship, a few doors away from the elevators.
- Here you are sandwiched between other stateroom decks, so you are buffered from most venue noise.
- Motion is noticeably softer than far forward or far aft, which helps kids (and adults) who are motion-sensitive.
Standard and Spacious Balcony cabins in this zone work very well for 2 adults + 1–2 kids using the sofa bed or Pullmans.
Junior Suites in Quiet Midship Zones
When you can stretch the budget, a Junior Suite in a calm midship area gives families:
- More floor space for strollers, beach bags, and toys
- A bigger balcony where you can actually sit out together
- Better storage, so you are not living out of a pile of suitcases
- A real “grown-up” feel for parents once kids are asleep
They are ideal for 3–4 guests on longer itineraries where you will really use the extra room.
Two Cabins Instead of One Crowded Quad
One of the best tricks for families on Explorer:
- Book two connecting or adjacent cabins (for example, two interiors or an interior + ocean view) in a quiet zone on Decks 7–9 instead of one 4-person cabin on a lower, noisier deck.
You get:
- Two bathrooms
- Double the closet and drawer space
- A bit of separation between parents and kids
- Better sleep for everyone
Often the price difference is smaller than people expect, especially when interior fares are low.
Jim’s Take: Best Family Strategy on Explorer
If I were sailing Explorer of the Seas with kids, I would aim for:
- An Ultra Spacious or Panoramic Ocean View on a higher deck if I wanted lots of room without paying suite prices, or
- Two well-placed cabins (interior + ocean view or two interiors) midship on Decks 7–9 for maximum sleep quality and flexibility, or
- A Junior Suite in a quiet midship zone for a special trip where we will be on the ship a lot.
Once you combine one of these layouts with the “cabins to avoid” list you already built, Explorer becomes a really easy, family-friendly ship to live on for a week.
Best Cabins for Couples
Couples sailing on Explorer of the Seas usually want three things from their cabin: quiet, privacy, and a great view. Explorer is a busy, high-energy Voyager-class ship, so choosing the right location makes a huge difference in how peaceful your stateroom feels once you close the door.
The best couple-friendly cabins on this ship stay far away from the late-night Promenade noise, the pool-deck scraping, and the theater activity… while giving you those calm ocean mornings and romantic sunsets.
Here are the strongest picks.
Balcony Cabins on Decks 7, 8, or 9 (Midship to Slightly Aft)
This is hands-down the sweet spot for couples who want a quiet, relaxing balcony experience.
Why these work so well:
- You’re surrounded by other cabins above and below, which creates the quietest sound profile on the ship
- Motion is much smoother than far forward
- Midship gives you easy access to dining, lounges, and the Promenade without hearing them
- Slightly aft balconies get gorgeous wake-lighting sunsets without the full obstruction of the true aft cabins
These decks deliver the “romantic balcony retreat” people imagine when they book a cruise.
Spacious Ocean View or Panoramic Ocean View Cabins
If you don’t care about a balcony but want a bright, serene room:
- The Spacious Ocean View and Panoramic Ocean View cabins give you floor-to-ceiling or oversized windows.
- You get big open views, soft natural light, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for mornings and sea days.
- They’re whisper-quiet when placed midship or slightly forward on stateroom-only decks.
These often feel more intimate than a balcony and are fantastic on cooler itineraries.
Junior Suites in Midship Zones
For couples wanting an elevated experience without jumping to a full suite:
- Junior Suites offer larger balconies, better seating areas, and more luxurious bathrooms.
- The extra space instantly makes the room feel more “adult” and less cluttered.
- When you choose one on Deck 9 or 10 midship (but not under the pool), it becomes a private, spa-like hideaway.
Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or just treating yourselves.
Interior Cabins in Quiet Midship Corridors (Budget-Friendly)
If you’re saving for specialty dining, excursions, or spa days:
- A standard Interior on Deck 7 or 8 midship is one of the quietest sleeps on the ship.
- No windows means pitch-black mornings… perfect for couples who want to sleep in.
- These cost far less than balconies but still give you a peaceful, private retreat.
Paired with sea-view moments at the lounges and decks, this is an underrated couple strategy.
Jim’s Take: Best Couple Strategy on Explorer
If I were sailing Explorer of the Seas as a couple, my top picks would be:
- A midship balcony on Deck 7, 8, or 9 for the best balance of quiet + views
- A Panoramic Ocean View for a bright, modern feel without balcony noise
- A Junior Suite for that upgraded hotel-style comfort
- Or a midship interior if the plan is romantic dinners, late nights out, and sleeping in
Explorer has the energy of a big ship, but with the right cabin you can create a peaceful little world just for two.
Best Budget Cabins on Explorer of the Seas
If you are watching your cruise budget, the goal is not just “cheapest cabin on the page”… it is cheapest cabin that still sleeps quietly and feels comfortable for the whole trip. On a busy ship like Explorer of the Seas, location matters more than category name.
Here is how to play the budget game smart.
Midship Interior Cabins on Decks 7 and 8
For most budget cruisers, this is the sweet spot.
- Interiors on Deck 7 and Deck 8, midship between the forward and aft elevators, sit in a “cabin sandwich” zone with other staterooms above and below.
- You avoid the engine vibration of low Deck 2, the bar noise on Deck 3, and the pool noise up near Deck 10.
- No windows means dark, cave-like sleep, which many people love after late nights on the Promenade.
If you do not need a view and you value sleep, a well placed midship interior here is one of the best-value cabins on the ship.
Quiet Ocean View Cabins Away From Aft Deck 2
If you want daylight without paying balcony money:
- Look for Ocean View cabins on Deck 2 or 3 that are midship or forward of the dining room, avoiding the noisy aft clusters like 2330–2358 and 2630–2658.
- You get a real window, natural light, and a visual connection to the sea, but still pay less than a balcony.
These work well for guests who plan to spend time reading, working, or relaxing in the room but do not care about sitting outside.
Entry-Level Balconies in Midship Zones
Sometimes the smartest budget move is a small stretch up to a standard balcony when the price gap is low.
- Standard Ocean View Balcony cabins on Deck 7 or 8, midship or slightly aft, avoid most of the noise problems and still keep your fare below suite levels.
- When sale pricing is good, the jump from an Ocean View to one of these balconies can be modest… but the quality-of-life upgrade is big if you love fresh air and private outdoor space.
If you see a balcony only a little more than your planned Ocean View, this is often worth grabbing.
Two Cheap Cabins Instead of One Crowded One
For budget-minded friends or families:
- Compare the price of two well placed interiors on Deck 7 or 8 vs one 4-berth cabin on a lower deck.
- You often end up close in price, but gain two bathrooms, more storage, and better sleep.
This is one of the easiest ways to keep costs down while avoiding the cramped feeling of four people in a small room.
Jim’s Take: Best Budget Strategy on Explorer
If I were booking Explorer of the Seas on a tighter budget, I would:
- Start with a midship interior on Deck 7 or 8 for the quietest, deepest sleep
- Step up to a midship Ocean View if I really wanted natural light
- Grab a standard balcony on Deck 7 or 8 only when the price difference was small
- For three or four people, seriously consider two interiors instead of one packed quad on a noisier deck
You do not need a fancy cabin to enjoy Explorer… you just need a calm, well located one that lets you rest between all the fun.
Best Suites on Explorer of the Seas
Suites on Explorer of the Seas take everything you get in a regular cabin and stretch it out… more space, bigger balconies, better storage, and a nicer overall feel. The trick is to pick the right suite in the right location, not just the fanciest name on the booking screen.
Remember: some suites live under the pool and Windjammer, which you already flagged as cabins to avoid. For the best suites, you want the layouts and perks without the overhead scraping and cart noise.
Junior Suites in Quiet Midship Zones
For many people, a Junior Suite is the perfect “step up”:
- Noticeably more interior space than a standard balcony
- Larger balcony that actually feels like an outdoor living area
- Better closet and drawer space, great for longer itineraries
- A bathroom that feels less cramped and more “hotel like”
The strongest picks are midship Junior Suites on the upper cabin decks that are not under the pool or directly over busy venues. Here you keep:
- Smoother motion
- Low hallway noise
- A quick walk to the Promenade, dining, and pool deck
You get a suite feel without paying top-tier suite prices.
Grand Suites for a Real Upgrade
If you want the suite experience to feel obviously different from a balcony, look at 1-bedroom Grand Suites in calm midship or slightly aft zones.
These give you:
- A separate living area and sleeping area
- A much larger balcony that can handle loungers and a table
- More surface space for laptops, room service, kids’ stuff, or cocktails
- Access to higher-level perks than standard cabins receive
Pick Grand Suites that sit over and under other cabins rather than venues, and you get a space that feels like a small apartment at sea.
Owner’s Suite & Royal Suite for Full Splurge Trips
The Owner’s Suite and Royal Suite are where Explorer goes all-in:
- Huge square footage and proper living / dining zones
- Very large balconies, often deep enough to feel like private terraces
- Premium bathrooms with more room to move and get ready
- Top-tier service and priority perks everywhere onboard
These are best when you know you will spend real time in the room… sea-day brunches on the balcony, sunset drinks, quiet movie nights, or working while others explore the ship.
For a milestone trip, the Royal Suite in particular turns Explorer into a floating luxury condo, and it’s one more reason some travelers choose these layouts only after checking for any Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid so they don’t splurge on a noisy or high-traffic location.
Two Junior Suites vs One Massive Suite
For some families or friend groups, it can make more sense to book two Junior Suites near each other instead of one huge suite:
- You get two bathrooms and more privacy
- Parents and kids, or two couples, can keep different sleep schedules
- Everyone still enjoys balcony space and a true “suite feel”
If the price of one high-end suite makes you pause, pricing out a pair of Junior Suites in a good midship zone is often a smart compromise.
Jim’s Take: Best Suite Strategy on Explorer
If I were booking suites on Explorer of the Seas, here is exactly how I’d think about it:
- For a big comfort boost without going wild, I’d choose a Junior Suite in a quiet midship area, away from the under-pool clusters you already listed as cabins to avoid.
- For a longer sailing where I want a true “home base,” I’d step up to a 1-bedroom Grand Suite in a calm midship or slightly aft position.
- For a once-in-a-lifetime trip where the room is part of the destination, I’d look at an Owner’s Suite or the Royal Suite, again cross-checking against your avoid list so the splurge stays peaceful.
The big idea with suites on Explorer is simple:
Buy space and perks, but never at the cost of sleep. When you pair the right suite type with the quiet zones you’ve already mapped out, the ship suddenly feels like your own private resort.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cabin on Explorer of the Seas
Picking the right stateroom on Explorer of the Seas is just as important as knowing the cabins to avoid. This is a lively Voyager class ship, so a few smart rules will keep you out of the worst noise zones and land you in a cabin that actually feels like a retreat.
Here is your quick decision guide before you click “book.”
1. Always ask: what is above and below me?
This is the fastest way to avoid problems.
- Aim for cabins that have other cabins above and other cabins below.
- Be cautious if you see pool, Windjammer, theater, bars, Promenade, or dining room directly over or under your room.
- If you spot blank spaces, crew areas, or venues in the deck plan right above or below… treat that as a little warning flag.
A simple rule: cabins surrounded by other cabins are almost always your safest picks.
2. Go midship for the smoothest ride
If you get motion sick easily, this matters a lot.
- Midship on the middle cabin decks will feel the least motion.
- Forward and aft cabins move more and can pick up more vibration.
- Higher decks can feel a bit more motion than lower decks on choppy days.
Think: middle of the ship, middle of the decks, middle of the hallway for the calmest ride.
3. Treat lower deck “value” cabins carefully
Lower decks can be cheaper, but they hide more of the layout quirks.
- Aft Deck 2 can be closer to engine noise and vibration.
- Some lower cabins sit under dining rooms, bars, or public spaces.
- You may be nearer crew corridors that run 24 hours a day.
You can find good cabins down low, but you need to be more intentional. If you do not want to study the deck plans closely, it is usually safer to move up to a mid-level cabin deck.
4. Keep a healthy distance from elevator lobbies
Cabins right at the elevators look convenient… and then you try to sleep.
You can get:
- Constant elevator dings
- Groups chatting while they wait
- Kids running back and forth to push buttons
- Rolling luggage on embarkation, port mornings, and disembarkation day
Try to be 4 to 8 doors away from the elevator lobbies. You still get the convenience without the crowd noise right outside your door.
5. Be honest about how many people should share one room
On Explorer, some cabins technically sleep 4… but that does not mean they are comfortable for 4.
Ask yourself:
- Do we really want one bathroom for 3–4 people on port mornings
- Are we okay with floor space disappearing when the sofa and Pullmans are down
- Would two smaller cabins make everyone happier and sleep better
Often, two quiet interiors or an interior + ocean view on a good deck will feel better than one overstuffed quad in a noisy spot.
6. Read the fine print on “Spacious,” “Panoramic,” and aft balconies
- Spacious and Panoramic cabins can be excellent hidden gems for families and couples, especially when well placed midship.
- Aft balconies on Explorer have extra structure between you and the wake, so views are partially blocked looking out and fully blocked looking down… even though the balconies are larger.
Decide what matters more to you: pure view, bigger balcony, or price.
7. Understand what GTY really means
GTY looks like an easy way to save… but you are handing the cabin choice to Royal Caribbean.
With GTY:
- You pick the type (inside, ocean view, balcony, suite)
- Royal picks the exact cabin number later
- You can land under the pool, over a bar, next to crew spaces, or in connecting rooms you would never have chosen
If you are flexible and do not care, GTY is fine.
If you are picky about noise, motion, or view, it is almost always worth paying a little more to choose your actual cabin.
8. Match your deck to your personality
Different parts of the ship fit different styles:
- Love quiet and balance? Think Decks 7, 8, and 9 midship.
- Want fast access to Promenade and dining? Slightly lower, but still watch what is above and below.
- Want quick pool access? A deck or two below the pool is better than directly under it.
Ask: Do I care more about convenience, or quiet? Then pick your deck with that answer in mind.
9. Use deck plans like a cheat code
Before you lock anything in, always:
- Look up your exact cabin number on the deck plan
- Check what is above, below, and beside it
- Look for connecting door icons, venue footprints, and bathrooms nearby
It takes 2 minutes and can save you an entire week of “ugh, I wish we had booked a different room.”
Jim’s Take: How I’d Book Explorer of the Seas in 2026
If I were booking Explorer of the Seas for 2026, I would treat cabin choice as step one, not something I click through at the end. This ship has a ton of energy, but the layout is classic Voyager class… which means smart cabin placement makes a huge difference in how your cruise actually feels.
Here is exactly how I would play it, based on everything above.
If I wanted a solid, no drama first trip on Explorer
I would aim for:
- A standard balcony on Deck 7, 8, or 9 midship, away from the elevator lobbies
- Or a Spacious / Panoramic Ocean View in a quiet zone on one of those same decks
That keeps me:
- Far from the pool scraping and Windjammer carts above
- Clear of bar, theater, and Promenade noise below
- In the “cabin sandwich” zone where almost everyone around me is also just sleeping
You get the fun of Explorer’s Promenade, ice rink, and pools… then close the door and everything calms down.
If I were on a tighter budget
I would happily book:
- A midship interior on Deck 7 or 8, centered between the forward and aft elevators
No view, but:
- Dark and quiet for deep sleep
- Easy stairs to most public areas
- Zero worries about chairs scraping overhead or bass from a lounge below
If I really wanted daylight, I would step up to:
- A well placed Ocean View away from the noisy aft Deck 2 ranges and public bathrooms
If I were cruising with kids
I would avoid cramming everyone into one small quad and instead look at:
- An Ultra Spacious or Panoramic Ocean View for real floor space, or
- Two cabins (interior + ocean view or two interiors) on Deck 7–9 midship, ideally connecting or close together, or
- A Junior Suite in a quiet midship zone if we wanted a treat and planned to be in the room more
The goal with kids is simple… more space, more storage, and a cabin that actually stays calm at nap time and bedtime.
If this were a couples’ getaway
My first choices would be:
- A midship balcony on Deck 7, 8, or 9, a few doors away from the elevators
- A Spacious Panoramic Ocean View for a bright, open feel without balcony noise
- Or a Junior Suite in a quiet upper deck zone for extra comfort and a bigger balcony
I would skip Promenade View cabins over the R Bar and anything under the pool or over bars, even if they looked “fun” on the map. I want the fun nearby, not in my ceiling.
If I were splurging on a suite
I would:
- Start with a Junior Suite for a noticeable comfort upgrade at a more reasonable price
- Step up to a 1 bedroom Grand Suite in a calm midship or slightly aft position if it was a longer sailing
- Only look at Owner’s or Royal Suite if I planned to truly live in the room… slow mornings, room service lunches, sunset drinks on the balcony, the works
No matter what, I would cross check every suite location against the same trouble zones you already flagged… under the pool, over bars, near loud venues, or buried in service corridors.
My personal rule for Explorer
If I had to boil it down to one line:
I would always choose a “boring” midship cabin in a quiet zone over a flashy location in a bad spot.
Once you remove the Explorer of the Seas cabins to avoid and focus on those calm, midship, cabin-sandwich areas, the ship feels exactly how it should… fun and busy when you want it, then surprisingly peaceful the moment you tap your keycard and close the door.
