Queen Mary 2 Cabins to Avoid (and Which to Book Instead)

Travel

Jul 14

Here’s my guide to choosing your cabin on the Queen Mary 2.

Choosing your cabin’s location is one of the most important things you will do when booking a cruise.

This is because all cabins have different merits: some are more quiet in the evenings, some feel less stable in rough seas, and others have better views. It all depends on what your priorities are, and what you want your cruise experience to be like.

For example, some people might prefer to be based close to the elevators. Although these areas can be more noisy due to increased foot traffic, booking a cabin in this spot can also make it easier to get around the ship, which can be really helpful for families or people with mobility difficulties.

Others might have a tendency to feel seasick, and would prefer to trade the views from the top of the ship for the more stable, lower down cabins.

Personally, I recommend cabin 11014, which is the Britannia Balcony Stateroom that I sailed in during a recent two night Jurassic Coast sailing. It was quiet, with no noise from public areas or entertainment venues, and provided great views of the Dorset coast as we sailed past.

This blog post explains the different types of cabin that are available on the Queen Mary 2, as well as the pros and cons of their different locations.

Cabin Types on the Queen Mary 2

Britannia Staterooms:

These include inside, ocean view and balcony cabins, with guests dining in the Britannia Restaurant. Amenities include complimentary breakfast in bed, Penhaligon’s toiletries and a nightly turndown service.

Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms:

Guests have access to the Britannia Club Restaurant plus additional amenities such as complimentary room service and a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival.

Princess Grill Suites:

With larger staterooms and access to the Princess Grill Restaurant, Grill Suites Lounge and Grill Suites Terrace. Other amenities include flexible disembarkation and a bottle of Cunard Cellar Reserve Prosecco.

Queens Grill Suites:

Guests have access to the exclusive Queens Grill Restaurant, Grill Suites Lounge and Grill Suites Terrace, concierge, butler, daily canapés, fresh fruit and more.

Cabins to Avoid for Noise

If you’re sensitive to noise, there are certain precautions you can take when choosing your cabin location.

The first thing you should do is make sure that your cabin is located away from the ship’s entertainment and dining venues. This includes any of the cabins that are directly above or below the theatre, the Queens Room, or any of the lounges or bars where entertainment can be heard late into the night.

Watch out for cabins by the buffet or the pool deck, which can also be noisy during the day, as well as high traffic corridors near the elevators and stairwells.

Examples of specific cabins to avoid include cabin 13039, according to one reviewer on Cruise Critic. Writing in January 2026, they found that the cabin is next to a door that leads outside and is regularly used by the crew, resulting in loud noise and vibrations throughout the day.

Although the cabins locations listed here may experience more noise, they can also be handy for guests who want to be based close to the action, just minutes away from the entertainment and dining spots.

Cabins to Avoid if You're Prone to Seasickness

This is particularly relevant if you’re traveling on a transatlantic voyage or sailing during the winter, when you’re more likely to experience rough seas.

If you get seasick, then make sure you avoid any of the staterooms that are located on the higher decks and towards the front of the ship. Instead, look for cabins that are midship and located lower down in the vessel, such as decks 3 and 4.

As a general rule, lower level, midship based cabins tend to experience less sway when the ship is at sea, meaning that cruisers tend to find them to be more stable and feel less sick. There is a trade off for this though, as the lower decks on the Queen Mary 2 have sheltered balconies that partially obstruct the view, with solid steel hull walls on each side.

Cabins with Less Desirable Views

If you want a cabin with a great view, then this section is for you. These will generally be more expensive than the inside or ocean view cabins, but may be worth it if you’re sailing in warm weather or visiting a picturesque location.

Make sure you avoid the obstructed view balcony cabins, such as those on deck 8, where many are obscured by the lifeboats. Although they are cheaper in price, you will pay for it with a less desirable view from your cabin. It all depends on what matters for you - for others this will be a great saving!

Other cabins to avoid include the sheltered balcony cabins on decks 4 - 6, which are enclosed by metal walls. This is great during a transatlantic crossing, but perhaps less so during a sunny summer sailing.

The Queen Mary 2 also has a number of atrium view inside cabins, which you definitely won’t want to book if you’re hoping for a sea view. These unusual cabins actually offer a view of the ship’s grand atrium, which is a fun idea - but only if you’re expecting it! You’ll find these atrium view cabins on decks 5 and 6.

Cabins with Reduced Privacy

If privacy is one of your main priorities, then you’ll want to ensure you avoid any cabin that has connecting doors. While these are great for families who book both cabins and want to be able to move freely between them, it does mean that they can be more noisy.

The Queen Mary 2 has a number of unique atrium view cabins. As explained above, these are essentially inside cabins with little windows that overlook the atrium, and make a decent alternative to a typical inside cabin without any windows.

If you are hoping for complete privacy, however, there is the chance that others may be able to see in from the opposite atrium view staterooms, or the atrium itself.

Cabins to Avoid Based on Itinerary

This is another consideration that should impact your choice of stateroom.

For example, winter transatlantic crossings tend to be more rough. While feeling the motion of the Atlantic ocean can be a part of the experience for some, others might experience fear or seasickness. If you’re worried about either of these things then make sure you avoid any of the high up, forward cabins.

You may want to consider booking a sheltered balcony cabin. These are located lower down in the ship, and are much easier to use in poor weather than the standard, uncovered balconies.

Alternatively, you may wish to avoid these and book one of the standard balcony cabins if you’re travelling on a warm weather itinerary. I personally love sitting out on the balcony when I’m sailing in warm climates, and love having a private outside space to relax in.

Better Alternatives to Book Instead

Here are a my suggestions for cabins that you should book:

Midship cabins on lower decks, which experience less sway in rough weather. This is important if you tend to experience seasickness and are sailing a transatlantic itinerary during the winter.
If you are sensitive to noise, then opt for a cabin that has passenger decks both above and below. This guarantees that you won’t hear noise from the food and entertainment venues.
Budget travellers should look for inside or ocean view rooms, if they don’t mind forgoing a private balcony. These are ideal if you tend to spend most of your time elsewhere in the ship, and little time in your room itself. Obstructed view balconies and atrium view staterooms are also good budget choices.
For the best views, and for people who are not worried about seasickness, then choose a cabin that is higher up in the ship with a balcony.
If luxury is your thing, then consider booking a Princess Grill or Queens Grill Suite, which grants you access to exclusive restaurants and a suite only lounge and terrace, plus other amenities.

Final Tips Before Booking

My most important tip is to really take your time when booking any cruise. Don’t rush into a decision and think carefully about what your priorities are. It’s important that the room you choose matches your hopes and expectations for the trip, while also aligning with your budget.

Take a good look at the deck plan and check what’s directly above and below your cabin. You can also check Cruise Critic for reviews of specific cabin numbers, where you can see photos and reviews from real travellers. Note that this isn’t always available for every single cabin onboard.

Finally, if you’re feeling unsure, then I would recommend telephoning Cunard’s office. I have personally found that their advisors are really helpful and are keen to help you book the best cabin possible for your trip.