Celebrity Silhouette Cabins to Avoid (and Why)

Take the stress out of choosing a cruise cabin with my tips on what cabins to avoid on Celebrity Silhouette and what to consider when booking.

Picking the right cabin can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when there are so many options. With thousands of staterooms on board, it can be hard to know where to start.

On my first cruise, I didn’t do much research and ended up with a cabin that wasn’t quite what I expected. Thankfully, it all worked out fine, but it did teach me a couple of important lessons.

I realised how helpful it is to spend a little time learning about the different cabin types and where they’re located before you book. It’s also worth checking the details carefully so you know exactly what you’re getting.

By the time I booked my second cruise, this time on Celebrity Silhouette, I felt much more prepared. In this post, I’ll share what I learned, including which cabins are best avoided and a few tips to help you find one that’s right for you.

A little bit about Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette entered service in 2011 and is one of five ships in Celebrity Cruises Solstice series. One of the features that makes this class stand out is the real half-acre of grass on the top deck — yes, real grass on a cruise ship!

On board, you’ll find a main dining room, several speciality restaurants, plenty of bars and lounges, four swimming pools, hot tubs and a spa.

In 2020, Celebrity Silhouette had a major multi-million-pound refurbishment. Every suite and cabin was refreshed, and public spaces such as the Lawn Grill Club and Sunset Bar were upgraded. A new gastro pub serving craft beers was also added. My cruise was in 2021, so I was able to experience the newly updated ship firsthand.

Other ships in the Celebrity Solstice class include Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Solstice.

Cabin guide

Celebrity Silhouette has 1,449 cabins and can carry around 3,300 passengers. There are 15 decks on board, with cabins on eight of them. A small number are on deck 3, with the rest spread across decks 6 to 12.

Cabin options range from spacious suites to cosy single cabins for solo travellers, with 30 accessible cabins also available. All cabins come with a queen-size bed (which can be converted into twins) and a private bathroom.

Single inside cabin
(103 sq ft)

A small but stylish choice for solo travellers, or anyone who just wants their own space. While it is great that cruise lines are offering more options for the solo cruiser, in my experience you may find that these cabins are more expensive than a standard cabin at solo occupancy.

Inside cabin
(183-200 sq ft)

Located in the middle of the ship, inside cabins are ideal if you plan to spend most of your time out exploring. They don’t have windows, but they’re comfortable and good value.

Ocean view cabin
(176 sq ft)

These cabins have a window so you can enjoy sea views without paying balcony prices. A great middle-ground option if you like some natural light.

Veranda cabin
(192 Sq ft + balcony 54 sq ft)

Veranda cabins come with a private balcony, perfect if you want sea views, fresh air and your own outdoor space.

Aqua Class cabin
(192 Sq ft + balcony 54 Sq ft)

AquaClass cabins are the same size as veranda cabins but come with added perks such as premium toiletries, complimentary fitness classes and access to the exclusive Blu restaurant. Guests also get unlimited entry to the Persian Garden, with saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas.

Concierge Class
(192 Sq ft + balcony 54 Sq ft)

These cabins also share the same size as standard veranda cabins but are in prime locations and come with a few extras, such as priority boarding, a dedicated concierge and an upgraded welcome experience.

Suites

For those wanting a touch of luxury, the suite options on Celebrity Silhouette include Penthouse, Royal, Celebrity and Sky Suites. Each offers extra space, upgraded amenities and access to The Retreat — an exclusive area with a private sundeck, lounge and restaurant. Suite guests also enjoy butler service and an expanded room service menu.

The range of cabin choices on Celebrity Silhouette means there’s something for every type of cruiser. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family or want to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, it’s worth comparing the perks and locations before you book.

Celebrity Silhouette cabins to avoid

Once you’ve got an idea of the cabin types, it’s worth knowing that not all locations are created equal.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to choosing a cabin, so what counts as one to avoid really depends on what matters most to you. That said, there are a few locations on Celebrity Silhouette that might be less than ideal, depending on how you like to cruise.

Here are some things to think about when looking for a cabin, along with a few suggestions on which cabins to avoid on Celebrity Silhouette.

Cabins with an obstructed view

Some cabins are marked as having an obstructed view, which means part of your sea view is blocked, usually by a lifeboat or safety equipment. The level of obstruction can vary quite a bit, and in some cases, it’s hardly noticeable.

I had one of these cabins on my Celebrity Silhouette cruise and was pleasantly surprised. The top of a lifeboat sat just below my balcony, so while I couldn’t see directly down, my view out to sea was completely clear. To me, it didn’t feel obstructed at all.

On the other hand, some views can be almost completely blocked. So, if you like to spend time on your balcony, approach these cabins with caution.

Of course, not every cabin is the same. On some, the obstruction can block much more of the view. If you enjoy sitting out on your balcony and taking in the scenery, it’s worth checking the cabin photos before you book or avoiding these altogether.

Good to know: Obstructed view cabins can be great value for money and are often in convenient midship locations. If you mainly want a balcony for natural light and fresh air rather than a perfect sea view, they can be a smart choice.

Related post | What is like to stay in a Celebrity Silhouette balcony cabin

Cabins above or under entertainment venues

One of the best things about cruising is the entertainment. From bars and lounges to live shows and late-night music, there’s always something happening on board.

While that’s great when you’re out enjoying it, it’s not so ideal if your cabin is right above or below the action. If you like early nights or quiet afternoons, it’s worth avoiding cabins close to the main entertainment areas.

On Celebrity Silhouette, forward cabins on deck 6 sit above the theatre, while those midship and towards the aft are above restaurants and bars. Deck 3 cabins are located near the theatre and directly below the casino and some other lively venues on deck 4.

If you’re a light sleeper, these might not be the best spots. You could hear music, rehearsals or general noise late into the evening.

Good to know: If you’re someone who stays up late enjoying the ship’s nightlife, you might not notice any of this. For peace and quiet, though, choose a cabin that’s sandwiched between other cabins rather than above or below public areas.

Cabins under the pool deck

It might sound convenient to stay close to the pool, but cabins directly underneath can be noisy at times. Throughout the day, you may hear chairs and loungers being moved, music from deck parties or general noise from people enjoying the sunshine.

Early mornings can be the worst if you like a lie-in. The crew often start setting up the pool area around dawn, which can mean scraping chairs and footsteps overhead.

Cabins directly under the pool area and solarium start around 1539/1544 and go up to 1609/1611, so if you prefer peace and quiet, these are best avoided.

Good to know: These cabins are in a handy location for quick access to the pool and outdoor areas, so if you’re not easily disturbed, they can still be a convenient option.

Cabins under the buffet

The Oceanview Café (the ship’s buffet) is located on deck 14 and is open from early morning until late at night. While it’s handy being nearby if you fancy a quick bite, cabins directly underneath can sometimes pick up noise from above.

This could be anything from the sound of chairs being moved to footsteps or general activity, especially during breakfast or late-night clean-ups. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth thinking twice before choosing one of these.

Cabins under the buffet start around 2107/2108 and go up to 2159. This includes some Concierge Class and Suite cabins too, so it’s worth checking deck plans carefully before booking.

Good to know: The location is convenient for getting up to the pool and buffet quickly, and not everyone finds the noise a problem. If you’re not overly sensitive to background sounds, these cabins can still be a practical choice.

Cabins with connecting doors

Connecting cabins can be a great idea if you’re travelling with friends or family and want to move easily between rooms. However, if you don’t know the people next door, it can be a different story.

Even though the connecting door is locked, sound can sometimes travel through more easily than a solid wall. You might hear voices, TV noise or general movement.

I once stayed in a hotel room with a connecting door and could hear every word from next door – it actually made the sound seem louder. It got so bad I ended up calling reception at 1am to ask them to help. Ever since then, I’ve tried to avoid connecting rooms where possible.

Good to know: If you’re booking through a travel agent or directly with Celebrity Cruises, you can usually ask for a cabin that isn’t connecting. It’s a simple way to make sure you get a bit more peace and quiet.

Cabins near service doors or crew access points

Cruise ships run around the clock, and there’s always a lot happening behind the scenes to keep everything spotless and running smoothly. While the crew do an incredible job, cabins located near service doors, storage areas or crew access points can sometimes be a little noisier.

You might hear trolleys being moved, doors opening and closing, or crew chatting as they go about their work, especially early in the morning or late at night. It’s not constant, but if you’re a light sleeper, it could be noticeable.

I’ve had a cabin close to a service area before, and while it wasn’t a huge problem, I did notice the odd bit of noise at unsociable hours. It didn’t ruin the cruise, but it’s something I’d try to avoid next time if I could.

Good to know: Service areas aren’t always marked on deck plans, so they can be tricky to spot when booking. If you’re unsure, it’s worth asking your travel agent or the cruise line to double-check the cabin location for you.

Cabins near the anchor

On one of my recent cruises, I was woken up with quite a start around 5 or 6am when the anchor dropped as we arrived in Guernsey, a tender port. It honestly gave me a fright and I had no idea what the noise was at first. Once I’d come to my senses, it took a few minutes to realise what it was.

You won’t find the anchor marked on the deck plans, so it’s not always easy to tell if your cabin is nearby. But if you’re someone who likes a peaceful start to the day, it might be worth asking about when you book, especially if your itinerary includes tender ports where the anchor will be used.

Good to know: The anchor noise doesn’t affect many cabins, and it only lasts a short time, but if you’re a light sleeper or planning a lazy morning, it’s worth avoiding cabins right at the very front of the ship. Trust me, it is loud.

Tips for choosing a cruise cabin

Choosing the right cabin can make a big difference to how much you enjoy your cruise. Here are a few simple things to think about before you book.

Look for cabins surrounded by other cabins

If peace and quiet are important to you, pick a cabin that has other cabins both above and below. This usually means less noise from venues or public areas. Of course, you can never completely control who ends up next door, but it helps to reduce the risk of late-night noise.

Consider an inside cabin if you are on a budget

Inside cabins are usually the most affordable option on any ship. If you plan to spend most of your time out and about exploring, they can be a great way to save money.

There are four grades of inside cabin on Celebrity Silhouette, and all offer a comfortable stay. Each comes with a queen bed that can be set up as twins, along with a TV, fridge and safe.

I often book an inside cabin myself. They are much more spacious and comfortable than you might expect, and I prefer to save a bit of money to put towards my next cruise instead.

Inside cabins can be found on decks 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Avoid the front or back of the ship if you don’t like walking far

Celebrity Silhouette is 1,041 feet long, which is just over 317 metres, so it’s a fair distance from one end of the ship to the other. If you’d rather not walk too far each day, look for cabins midship and near a lift. On the other hand, if you like to get your steps in, cabins at the front or back could be a good choice.

Prone to seasickness?

If you’re not sure how you’ll cope with the ship’s movement, choose a cabin midship and on one of the lower decks. These areas feel the least motion when the sea gets a bit choppy.

The last word

There’s more to choosing a cruise cabin than you might think at first glance. What works for one person might not suit another, so it really does come down to your own preferences.

With a bit of research and a quick look at the deck plans, it’s easy to find a cabin that fits what you’re looking for. Whether that’s a quiet spot midship, somewhere close to the action, or a balcony where you can enjoy the sea views, there’s something for everyone on Celebrity Silhouette.

If you’re planning a cruise soon, I hope this guide helps you avoid any surprises and find the perfect cabin for you.

Have you stayed on Celebrity Silhouette? Let me know in the comments which cabin you chose and what you thought of it.

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