Royal Class Deck and Balcony Questions

[Cruisen Elf]

What do consider the "best" decks on the Royal Class ships and why?  Are the Caribe deck balconies bigger on these ships like some others?  If yes, are they now considered "Premium"  or "Deluxe" balconies and priced accordingly?  Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

[TinaLee]

Caribe deck balconies are not larger on the Royal class ships. Some of the deluxe balconies do have a larger balcony, but not all. Some are deemed deluxe based on location, not balcony size. We love the forward facing HUGE balconies on Lido and Marina. They are officially an "obstructed deluxe balcony" (DW) but honestly the balconies are wonderful. We had one for the Baltic and have booked the same cabin for Alaska this year. There are also some larger ones on Emerald deck forward - look in the E118 area. (BF and some DW). 

Edited July 7, 2021 by TinaLee
Added photo of DW on Regal Princess

[skynight]

17 minutes ago, Cruisen Elf said:

What do consider the "best" decks on the Royal Class ships and why?  Are the Caribe deck balconies bigger on these ships like some others?  If yes, are they now considered "Premium"  or "Deluxe" balconies and priced accordingly?  Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

Royal class ships do not have set back decks like grand class ships. Their sides are basically straight up and down. So no, caribe deck balconies are not larger than other decks. Those cabins classified as premium are the ones Princess considers to be in better locations or may have some other advantage. If you examine the deck plans you can locate "premium" cabins. Deluxe balcony cabins (D categories) are slightly larger than standard balcony cabins (B categories). Deluxe balcony cabins have a two seat sofa. Standard balcony cabins do not have a sofa, only a desk chair. Most port & starboard cabins from the lowest category balcony cabin to mini suites have small balconies that are 9ft. x 4ft. Some cabins have larger balconies and angled balconies. There are also some obstructed view balcony cabins on deck 8. You can locate all of these on the deck plans. The Royal and Regal have almost identical deck plans. Other royal class ships have some changes. You have to look at each one separately. We consider any deck with cabins above and below to be a nice selection. On the Royal, Regal & Majestic mini suites on the upper decks under the sky walk would not be my first choice. 

Edited July 7, 2021 by skynight

[JF - retired RRT]

If you want to see pix of the obstructed view balconies, go here: https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/cruiseline.php?line=Princess

[Cruisen Elf]

Thanks everyone, for all the information, pictures, and links!  It's great to imagine being back at sea again soon!