Luxury Cruising Editorial

A lot of people think that a balcony stateroom is a must-have on a Carnival ship.

Although I usually go for an inside myself, I can see where they’re coming from. It is really nice to be able to enjoy an ocean view and fresh sea air from the comfort of your own private space, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

But there are a lot of Carnival ships, and a lot of different balcony cabins on those ships. So which are the best rooms and which are the worst? Is it even worth getting a balcony at all, or should you save your money? 

Let’s find out in this guide to all balcony rooms on Carnival cruise ships.

What is a Balcony on Carnival?

A Balcony room on a Carnival ship is one that has its own private balcony area, accessible through a sliding door. They’re usually slightly larger than an Ocean View cabin, and have the extra balcony floorspace too.

Most Balcony rooms on Carnival ships can sleep up to four guests. You can sometimes add a cot or trundle bed to sleep a fifth guest. Space will definitely be limited though!

How Much More is a Balcony Room on a Carnival Cruise?

A Balcony stateroom with Carnival generally costs somewhere between $50 and $300 more than an Ocean View room. But it depends on the class of balcony and the length of cruise. A typical seven-night Caribbean cruise costs $909 per person for a Balcony, compared to $799 for an Ocean View room with a window.

There are a few different factors in the cost of a room. For example, cruises where the weather is better are likely to have more expensive Balcony accommodation. After all, people will be more willing to pay to enjoy their own outdoor space.

Suggested read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

The 18 Different Types of Balcony Rooms

When it comes to choosing a stateroom, it’s far from straightforward. Across all of the Carnival ships, there are 18 different types of Balcony rooms to choose from. Although not every ship will have every category, there are still many different accommodation types to consider.

Now, let’s take a look at some of these Balcony rooms in more detail…

Obstructed View Balcony Rooms

What is an Obstructed View on a Carnival Balcony?

An obstructed view is where part of your view is blocked by the lifeboats on the ship. With Carnival, there aren’t many obstructed balcony staterooms – most obstructed views are in rooms with a window.

Only Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle have obstructed view Balcony rooms. These are category 7A for the standard Obstructed Balconies, and 9A for the Premium Obstructed Balconies.

On Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit, you can choose between a Premium or standard Balcony room if you’re happy with an obstructed view. On Carnival Legend, only some of the Premium Balcony rooms have an obstructed view.

The benefit of choosing an obstructed view room is that it’s cheaper. If you’re someone who isn’t too fussed for a full view but likes the idea of sitting outside, they could be perfect.

Junior Balcony Rooms

What is a Junior Balcony?

A Junior Balcony room (category codes 7X and 7Y) is similar to a standard Balcony room, except that it’s a little smaller. The balcony is the same size (44 square feet/four square metres), but the stateroom interior is smaller (172 square feet/16 square metres, compared to 205 square feet/19 square metres). 

If you want to save a little without sacrificing the outdoor space, then a Junior Balcony is a good option. They have a maximum occupancy of two guests, so aren’t suited to families with the reduced space. They’re only available on Excel Class ships, which at present is only the Mardi Gras.

Cove Balcony Rooms

What’s the Difference Between a Balcony and Cove Balcony?

A Cove Balcony stateroom (category 7C) is more enclosed than a standard Balcony. They have a smaller opening, with a completely solid bottom half-rail and solid sides and roof. They are more like a large open window than an open-air balcony.

Cove Balcony rooms are available on Excel Class, Vista Class and Deam Class ships.

Read more: What Is A Cove Balcony On A Carnival Cruise?

Extended Balcony Rooms

What is an Extended Balcony?

An Extended Balcony stateroom (8J, 8K, 8L, 8M and 8N) on a Carnival ship is the same as a standard Balcony room, but the actual balcony space is larger. How much larger varies – some offer just two square feet more, while others have over 40 square feet (nearly four square metres) more space outside.

There are three types of Extended Balcony rooms:

• Regular Extended Balcony (8J or 8K)
• Aft-View Extended Balcony (8M or 8N)
• Forward-View Extended Balcony (8L)

Which is Better: Forward-View or Aft-View?

Most people prefer an aft-view room, because the views over the wake of the ship are more enjoyable. Forward-view rooms encounter a lot of wind. You might be limited in the times that you can use the balcony when the ship is sailing, although some have a windshield so that you can at least open the door.

Personally, I’d take an aft view over a forward view every time.

Premium Balcony Rooms

What’s the Difference Between a Balcony and a Premium Balcony?

A Premium Balcony stateroom (9A, 9B and 9C) is a larger version of a standard Balcony stateroom. Both the inside of the room and the balcony are larger, unlike an Extended Balcony room where just the balcony is bigger.

They’re available on almost all Carnival cruise ships. The only ships that don’t have a Premium Balcony option are Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Pride, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise.

What is a Premium Vista Balcony?

A Premium Vista Balcony stateroom (category 9C) is situated at the aft of the ship, wrapping around the corner. The stateroom is still a standard size but the balcony is larger, with great views towards the aft of the ship as well as the side.

They’re available on all Dream Class, Conquest Class and Sunshine Class ships. They’re also on Carnival Vista, but not on the other ships in the Vista Class (Panorama and Horizon).

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Rooms

What Does a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Include?

A Cloud 9 Spa Balcony stateroom on a Carnival ship (category codes 7S, 8P, 8S, 8T or 8V) includes priority spa appointments, access to the Thermal Suite for the duration of the cruise, and discounts on spa treatments among other benefits.

The priority appointments only apply to reservations made on the first day. Once 6pm hits on embarkation day, other guests will be able to start making their own bookings.

Other complimentary benefits include a scrub kit to use in the Thermal Suites, access to Pathway to Yoga or Pathway to Pilates fitness classes (two per guest), and a free body composition analysis. Guests also get spa-branded bathrobes and slippers in their rooms to use for the cruise.

These benefits only apply to the first two adult guests in a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony room. So if you’re sharing with more guests, they won’t get the same offers.

Here’s a full list of the perks you get with a Cloud 9 Spa room:

• Easy access to the spa
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites – sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool
• Complimentary scrub kit to use in Thermal Suites
• Priority spa appointments for reservations made by 6pm on embarkation day
• Discounted spa treatments
• Complimentary Pathway to Yoga or Pathway to Pilates fitness classes
• Complimentary Body Composition Analysis
• Elemis shampoo, shower gel and soap in room
• Spa-branded bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise
• Relaxing decor in room

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony staterooms are available on these ships:

• Excel Class – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee
• Vista Class – Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista
• Dream Class – Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Dream
• Sunshine Class – Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine

Family Harbor Balcony Rooms

What is a Family Harbor Balcony?

Family Harbor rooms on a Carnival ship are aimed at families and include a number of benefits, including access to the Family Harbor Lounge. They have a nautical decor theme, and are available with Cove Balconies (code FM) or Extended Aft-View Balconies (FO).

Family Harbor Balcony staterooms are only available on Vista Class ships: Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama. But if you like the Family Harbor concept, some of the other ships have Family Harbor Interior rooms, Family Harbor Ocean View rooms or Family Harbor Suites.

Family Harbor rooms are great if you’re travelling with younger children, as you can take them for breakfast in the nearby Family Harbor lounge without facing the busy buffet. You can grab snacks in the afternoon, cookies and milk before bed, as well as soft-serve ice cream throughout the day.

With exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge, you’ll get:

• Breakfast in the morning and snacks throughout the day
• A range of board games, video games and movies to enjoy
• Family activities hosted by the youth staff
• Kids eat free in most speciality restaurants
• One free evening of Night Owls babysitting service

Havana Balcony Rooms

What is a Havana Balcony?

A Havana Balcony stateroom (categories HI, HL and HM) is a themed speciality room that offers exclusive access to the Havana Pool, along with direct access to the Havana bar. They’re slightly more luxurious than a standard Balcony room.

The Havana Pool area has an exclusive swimming pool, two large hot tubs, and a relaxation area with umbrellas, palm trees and comfy seating. As it’s only for Havana guests, it can provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the main pool.

The Havana Bar is open to all guests. With Latin music and Cuban-inspired coffees and cocktails, it’s a fun place to hang out.

Havana Balcony rooms are only on Carnival’s Vista Class ships: Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama.

There are three types of Havana Balcony staterooms:

• Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony – HI
• Havana Premium Balcony – HL
• Havana Premium Vista Balcony – HM

If you want a little more space, Havana Suites are also available. Those and Havana Interior rooms can also be enjoyed on Excel and Vista Class ships too.

Just so you’re aware, you can’t have young kids in a Havana room – they’re for guests aged 12 or older only.

Carnival’s Best and Worst Balcony Rooms

The best Balcony rooms on Carnival cruises are the themed staterooms: Cloud 9, Family Harbor and Havana.

If you love spa days, then Cloud 9 Balcony rooms are ideal as they come with unlimited access to the Thermal Suite and lots of perks. With soothing decor, they’re perfect for a relaxing break.

If you’re cruising with kids, then Family Harbor Balcony rooms are the best for you. Kids will love the fun decor, and the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge is a great place to hang out with other families.

For couples, the Havana Balcony rooms are great as you’ll be able to hang out at the exclusive Havana pool, far away from the crowds.

The worst Balcony rooms on Carnival ships are the Obstructed View Balcony rooms on Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit. Nobody wants to be stuck behind a lifeboat! The Cove Balcony rooms aren’t loved by everyone either. They can be a little shaded, and the low deck position means you can’t always use them in rough seas.

Of course, you must take into consideration the price of these staterooms as well. The best Balcony rooms will cost you much more than the cheapest categories. Make sure that there’s enough left in the budget for a drinks package or whatever else you’ll need.

For a good balance of price and space, you can’t go wrong with a standard category 8 Balcony. When it comes to these, 8A is the cheapest, while 8G is the most expensive due to its desirable mid-ship location.

Pros and Cons of Balcony Rooms

Now you know what to expect from all of the different Balcony rooms on Carnival cruise ships. But before you go ahead and pick one, let’s just make sure that a Carnival Balcony room is in fact the best room for you.

After all, many people just default to a Balcony, without fully considering whether an Inside room, Ocean View room or a Suite might be better.

Here are the pros of choosing a Balcony room:

• You can enjoy a much better view of the sea than in an Ocean View room.
• You can sit outdoors and enjoy sunrise or sunset, depending on your cabin.
• Open the Balcony door and you can have a fresh sea breeze through the cabin.
• You have more floor space in total than an Inside or Ocean View room.

And the cons of a Balcony room:

• The Carnival Cruise Balcony room price – they’re more expensive, and you may not spend much time in your room.
• Some balconies are quite small, and don’t have enough room for all guests (if you’re in a three or four berth room).
• Some of the less-enclosed balconies aren’t too private, and may not be peaceful if you’re near a noisy guest.
• Balconies can be dangerous for young children or those with additional needs.

Should You Book A Balcony Room on a Carnival Cruise?

A Balcony cabin is not for everyone, no matter which cruise line you’re sailing with. One of the main arguments against choosing a Balcony room is that you may not spend that much time in your room. You’ll be exploring the ship and making the most of all the facilities.

That is definitely the case for a lot of people who choose to sail with Carnival. Carnival ships are some of the most feature-packed on the oceans, and there are loads of things to see and do. You might pay the extra for a Balcony, but never really get the chance to make the most of it.

On the other hand, they are a great place to unwind if you do have some spare time, and sitting with a book in your own little outdoor space is quite lovely. However, some of them are indeed quite ‘little’! So you might feel a bit cramped, especially if your partner or kids want to join you.

If you want to save money and think you might not make the most of a Balcony, consider an Ocean View stateroom. You’ll still get a sea view, but the money you’ve saved can go towards another excursion or a couple of speciality restaurant meals.

Read more: Carnival’s Ocean View rooms

If having a Balcony is an absolute must, then think about how much space you’ll want. A Suite could be a better choice, and you’ll get some extra perks too. Be careful though: not all Suites have balconies, and some have windows or a lanai patio area. Be sure to study the Carnival website to know exactly what you’re getting.

Read more: Carnival Suite Perks

My Recommendation

I’m not here to tell you that you should or shouldn’t book a Balcony room on a Carnival cruise. I think it depends on what you personally want from your cruise, and also your budget.

But if you do want a Balcony, then I can give you some recommendations. 

A Standard Balcony is a good choice if your budget isn’t the biggest, but I would maybe consider avoiding a Junior Balcony. They are a little cramped, and if you’re getting a Balcony room then you want the space to enjoy it properly.

If you don’t plan on being in your room that much, it’s not worth getting a Balcony at all. And if you have a toddler or small child, you might want to think twice.

Premium and Extended Balconies are good choices too, especially for important occasions like a honeymoon! But compare the prices with a Suite. It might not be a huge jump, and you’ll still get more room plus some extra perks included too.

I think the themed Balcony rooms – Family Harbor and Havana – are some of the best, especially Family Harbor if you’re sailing with kids. Having extra games for the little ones, and that free evening of babysitting, can really help the whole family enjoy a good time on their cruise.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

One of the best ways that you can save money on a cruise is by choosing an Inside or Interior room. They’re not the biggest, but if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room, then does that matter?

Carnival’s cruise ships have many things to see and do on board, so there’s a good chance you won’t use your room for much more than sleeping and getting ready. The cruise line also offers choices for Interior staterooms, and an interesting definition of what an ‘interior’ really means…

Read on to learn everything you need to know about Carnival’s Interior cabins.

What is an Interior Room on a Cruise?

Normally, an Interior stateroom is located on the inside of a cruise ship away from the sides, and has no windows. They’re typically the cheapest and smallest rooms, sleeping anywhere from two to five guests, depending on the cruise line.

The reason I say that they ‘normally’ are on the inside of the ship and don’t have windows is that Carnival does things a little differently. Most of their Interior rooms follow that rule, but they class some rooms that have an ocean view as being Interior, due to the limited view you actually get. More on that later!

How Big is an Interior Room on a Carnival Cruise?

The size of an Interior stateroom on a Carnival cruise ship depends on which ship you’re sailing on, and which category of Interior cabin you choose. You can expect a room that’s between 155 and 185 square feet (14.4 and 17.2 square metres).

The smaller Interior rooms don’t leave you a lot of floor space with a twin or double bed in there, but are some of the cheapest you can book on a modern cruise line.

How Many Beds Are In an Interior Room on Carnival?

Most Interior staterooms on Carnival cruise ships have two twin beds, which can be converted into a king-size bed on request. Some have one or two Pullman beds as well, to accommodate families – you can get a Carnival cruise interior room for four. Upper/Lower rooms have a single twin bed and either a Pullman or a sofa bed.

Suggested read: What is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship?

Carnival is very much a family cruise line, so there are a lot of choices for Interior rooms if you want to have the kids in the same room as you. Pullman beds aren’t the biggest and won’t be ideal for adults, though you may cope if you want to share a room with friends or teenage kids.

The Nine Different Types of Interior Rooms

When it comes to inside staterooms on Carnival cruise ships, each type has a category code. Although not every ship will have every category, there will still be lots of different accommodation types to consider.

Now, let’s take a look at some of these Interior rooms in more detai

Interior Upper/Lower Rooms

What is an Interior Upper/Lower Room?

An Interior Upper/Lower stateroom (category 1A) is one of the smallest rooms you can book at sea that isn’t a single cabin. It has a single twin bed, and either a Pullman bed or a sofa bed for the second guest. They sleep a maximum of two guests only.

Upper/Lower rooms are interesting. You can’t fit two people in the same bed, so they’re not ideal for couples unless you don’t mind sleeping separately. They’re good for travelling with a friend, as long as one of you doesn’t mind the smaller bed. If you’re a single parent with one child, this room type could be absolutely perfect.

Carnival Cruise Line doesn’t offer single rooms for solo travellers, but the Upper/Lower room is the nearest you’ll get. When the extra bed isn’t made up, it is essentially a single room.

Upper/Lower rooms are small, but again this is a Carnival ship, so you might not care if you’re spending all your time having fun. And the best thing about them is their low cost. You can get a really cheap cruise in one of these rooms – less than $350 per person for a week in the Caribbean.

Some Interior Upper/Lower rooms actually have small porthole windows. On most other cruise ships these would be classed as Ocean View, but Carnival classes any room with small portholes as Interior. So that’s a nice little bonus.

The room shown below is an Interior Upper/Lower, but it has windows and a sofa bed rather than a Pullman bed. The name is quite misleading, both in terms of the ‘Interior’ and the ‘Upper’!

What’s unusual about Interior Upper/Lower rooms is that while some have portholes and some don’t, they all have the same category code of 1A. If you want a room with portholes you can request one, but it’ll depend on availability and your ship.

Interior Upper/Lower rooms are available on all Carnival cruise ships except for the Excel Class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee) and the Spirit Class ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride).

Porthole Rooms

What is a Porthole Stateroom?

A Porthole stateroom (category code PT) on a Carnival cruise is still classed as an Interior room, despite having a (limited) view of the ocean. These rooms have twin round windows that are small, but do allow some natural light into the room.

The view you get is pretty limited, especially as the portholes are quite thick and you don’t get a good angle. But it’s something at least. You can at least peek out to see the ocean while you’re sailing and see if it’s sunny or raining.

Otherwise, the room is a fairly standard Interior layout. It has two twin beds that can be converted into a king, and some rooms have extra Pullmans or sofa beds for kids.

Porthole cabins are available on almost all Carnival ships. The exceptions are Spirit Class ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride), and the newer Excel Class.

Obstructed View Rooms

What is an Obstructed View on a Carnival Cruise?

An obstructed view room on a Carnival cruise is one that has something blocking the view from the window or balcony of the room. It may be the lifeboats or, in the case of Interior cabins with a window, the walkway around the edge of the ship.

It feels strange talking about an Interior cabin with an obstructed view, but they do exist on Carnival ships. Most ships in the fleet have an option for an Interior with a Picture Window (Obstructed View – category 4J), which is a half-size window that looks out onto the observation deck. 

So you’ll see the ship’s railing, and maybe some passers-by. Make sure those curtains are closed when you’re getting ready! These rooms are available on all ships except for Spirit Class ships and the Mardi Gras.

In fact, the Mardi Gras doesn’t have any Interior rooms with an obstructed view at all. The Spirit Class ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride) do, but these are called Interior with Window (obstructed view – category 4K). They have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you get a lot more natural light even with the obstruction.

People love Carnival’s 4K staterooms because the odd classification of Interior means that they’re pretty cheap, but with huge windows that let in lots of natural light, even though there is no view due to the lifeboat outside.

Premium Interior Rooms

What’s the Difference Between a Premium Interior and an Interior Room?

On Carnival cruises, a Premium Interior (code 4N or 4O) is essentially just a larger version of an Interior room. They’re about the same size as a Balcony cabin, but without the Balcony attached so give you extra floor space compared to a regular Interior. They’re only available on Mardi Gras.

If you aren’t too bothered about having a view, but would like a little more room to move, then a Premium Interior is a good middle ground. You’ll still save money compared to a Balcony, but you’ll feel less cramped.

Cloud 9 Spa Interior Rooms

What does Cloud 9 Spa Interior Room include?

Guests who book a stay in a Cloud 9 Spa Interior room (category 4S or 4T) enjoy a number of spa-related perks, including priority bookings for the Cloud 9 Spa and access to the Thermal Suites throughout the cruise.

These perks only apply to the first two guests in a Cloud 9 Spa room though. If you’ve booked a room with three adults, someone has to miss out. The Thermal Suites include dry heat chambers, steam chambers and a hydrotherapy pool, which you can use at any time during the cruise.

The priority bookings for the other Cloud 9 Spa services only apply on day one. You can book for any point during the cruise, but from 6pm on embarkation day those slots open up to all guests.

You do get discounts, complimentary yoga or Pilates classes, and some extra spa-branded bathrobes and slippers in your cabin, which are a nice touch. You can’t keep them, though!

Some Cloud 9 Spa Interior rooms do actually have a fairly large window. This overlooks a walkway rather than looking out over the ocean, but if you want some natural light, be sure to look out for these on the deckplans.

Here’s a full list of the perks you get with a Cloud 9 Spa room:

• Easy access to the spa
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites – Sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool
• Complimentary scrub kit to use in Thermal Suites
• Priority spa appointments for reservations made by 6pm on embarkation day
• Discounted spa treatments
• Complimentary Pathway to Yoga or Pathway to Pilates fitness classes
• Complimentary Body Composition Analysis
• Elemis shampoo, shower gel and soap in room
• Spa-branded bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise
• Relaxing decor in room

Cloud 9 Spa Interior rooms are available on Carnival’s Excel Class, Vista Class, Dream Class and Sunshine Class ships.

Family Harbor Interior Rooms

What is a Family Harbor Interior?

A Family Harbor Interior room (category code FA) is a fun stateroom for families that is decorated in classic American nautical style. It provides access to the Family Harbor lounge throughout your cruise, which includes a number of perks.

As well as breakfast and daily snacks in the lounge, you’ll also have access to board games, video games and family movies there too. As well as that, kids will eat free at most speciality restaurants on board.

You also get one free evening of Night Owls babysitting at the kids’ club, which is great for when parents want a little bit of quiet time.

Here’s the full list of Family Harbor perks:

• Family Harbor Lounge breakfast in the morning and snacks throughout the day
• A range of board games, video games and movies to enjoy
• Family activities hosted by the youth staff
• Kids eat free in most speciality restaurants
• One free evening of Night Owls babysitting service

Family Harbor Interior cabins can be booked on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama.

Havana Interior Rooms

What is a Havana Interior?

A Havana Interior stateroom (category code HA) is decorated in a more luxurious Old Havana style. These allow guests to access the exclusive Havana Pool area, where you can relax in peace. For that reason, only guests aged 12 and over can stay in a Havana cabin.

They’re not really any more spacious than a standard Interior. You’re just getting a more premium version of the same room, with access to that tranquil pool away from the noisier family pools.

The Havana Pool area has an exclusive swimming pool, two large hot tubs, and a relaxation area with umbrellas, palm trees and comfy seating. There’s also the Havana Bar – this is open to all guests, not just those in Havana rooms. It has lively Latin music and Cuban-inspired coffees and cocktails, making it a really fun place to hang out.

Havana Interior cabins are available on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama.

Pros and Cons of Interior Rooms

Now you know what to expect from all of the different inside rooms on Carnival cruise ships – including those that are labelled as Interior but actually have windows!

I love inside rooms and usually choose one myself. But, before you go ahead and pick one, let’s just make sure that an Interior room is the best room for you.

Here are the pros of booking an Interior cabin on a Carnival ship:

• You’ll save money, which you can use on on-board activities (or another cruise!).
• They’re great if you’re sensitive to light and want a lie-in.
• They can feel quite cosy.

The cons of an Interior cabin:

• You won’t get much floor space.
• If you do choose a Porthole or Window cabin, the view isn’t great anyway.
• You might miss natural light if you choose a true Interior cabin.

Should You Book An Interior Room on a Carnival Cruise?

There’s no right or wrong answer on which is the best room on a Carnival cruise, because it depends on the individual. You might feel claustrophobic in an Interior room, and if that’s the case then you definitely shouldn’t book one! It’s not worth making yourself uncomfortable just to save some money.

If you aren’t going to feel cramped, or plan on barely spending any awake time in your cabin at all, then an Interior Room could be a really good option. They can be pretty cheap, depending on the itinerary and ship, and because they’re a little cosier you might even sleep better.

However, don’t forget about the lack of natural light, which could be a dealbreaker. If you think that natural light is important in your bedroom, look out for Interior rooms with portholes or obstructed views, or consider paying a little more for an Ocean View stateroom.

Read more: Carnival Ocean View Staterooms Guide

If space is important to you, and you’ve got the budget to spare, then a Balcony could be a better option than a Carnival cruise interior room. They’re the best choice if you are prone to feeling cramped, because even a small balcony in the fresh air can feel very open and relaxing.

Read more: Carnival Balcony Staterooms Guide

My Recommendation

The number one reason that people choose to book an Interior cabin on a cruise is to save money. For that reason, I don’t think there’s such a thing as a ‘bad’ Interior cabin on a Carnival cruise. 

Some of them are definitely more cramped than others, especially the Upper/Lower ones. But the cost savings could make the difference to your overall cruise holiday.

I would say that a Porthole cabin isn’t worth paying any extra for, compared to a standard Interior. Yes, you get a tiny bit of natural light, but the thickness of the walls means that the amount is limited, as is the view.

If you’ve got the money, I suggest looking at the Family Harbor, Cloud 9 or Havana Interiors. The Family Harbor is one of the best Carnival cruise rooms. It’s a great budget choice when cruising with kids, and the extra activities help to keep them entertained during quieter moments.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

An Ocean View room on a Carnival cruise ship can be a great choice of accommodation. It offers natural light that you won’t get with an Inside cabin, while being significantly cheaper than a room with a balcony.

In this guide to Ocean View rooms on Carnival cruises, I’ll show you the different types of Ocean View rooms available on each ship, to help you decide which is the best for you.

What Are Ocean View Rooms on Carnival Cruises?

On Carnival cruise ships, Ocean View rooms have windows that allow you to look out to the ocean. They’re usually larger than Inside rooms, and sleep up to five guests.

Do Ocean View Windows Open?

In a Carnival cruise Ocean View room, the windows do not open. These cabins are often located close to the waterline, so the windows are permanently shut. You can look out of the window, but if you want to experience the fresh sea air, you’d need to upgrade to a Balcony room.

How Many Ocean View Rooms Are There on Carnival ships?

The number of Ocean View rooms on Carnival cruise ships varies from 103 to 391, depending on the ship. Carnival’s newest ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) have just 7% of their rooms as Ocean View. The oldest ships tend to have more Ocean View rooms, with Fantasy Class ships having up to 38% of rooms as Ocean View.

Carnival’s oldest ships were built in the 1990s, a time when cruise ships didn’t have as many balcony cabins as modern ships. Instead, the rooms are mostly Interior and Ocean Views.

How Big Are Ocean View Rooms on Carnival Cruise Ships?

A Standard Ocean View cruise room on Carnival ships is between 176 sq ft and 243 square feet (16.3 and 22.6 square metres), depending on the ship. Most Standard Ocean View rooms are 220 square feet (20.4 square metres). The largest Ocean View rooms are Scenic Grand Ocean View Rooms, which are 320 square feet (29.7 square metres).

The table below shows the sizes of the various Ocean View rooms on each Carnival cruise ship.

The 8 Different Types of Ocean View Rooms

There are eight different types of Ocean View rooms on Carnival cruise ships, although each ship will only have between one and five different Ocean View room types available.

Here’s an overview of the different Ocean View rooms that you’ll find on Carnival cruise ships…

Standard Ocean View Rooms

Categories: 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D or 6E

You’ll find Ocean View rooms on every Carnival cruise ship. They’re a popular choice if you want a room with natural light, but don’t necessarily want to shell out for a Balcony cabin.

Size

Most regular Ocean View rooms on Carnival cruise ships are 220 square feet (20.4 square metres) in size. On the Fantasy Class and Spirit Class ships, they’re a little smaller at around 185 square feet (17.2 square metres). On Mardi Gras and other Excel Class ships, they’re larger at 243 square feet (22.6 square metres).

Windows

The windows in Carnival’s Ocean View rooms are generally pretty large at four feet wide by three feet high. On Conquest Class and Spirit Class ships they’re a little smaller, but still generous at three feet wide by three feet high.

Floorplans

On Carnival ships, Ocean View rooms come in a variety of different shapes and configurations, as you can see from these example floorplans:

Deluxe Ocean View Rooms

Categories: 6L, 6M, 6N

You’ll find Deluxe Ocean View rooms only on Dream Class and Vista Class ships, including the Venice sub-class of Vista. The main difference between Deluxe Ocean View and the standard Ocean View is that you get a separate washroom, in addition to a full bathroom.

Some Deluxe Ocean View rooms can sleep up to five guests, making them a good choice for families with up to three kids.

Size

Deluxe Ocean View rooms are slightly larger than standard Ocean View rooms, with an area of 230 square feet (21.4 square metres), rather than 200 square feet (18.6 square metres).

Windows

The windows in Deluxe Ocean View rooms are the same size as the standard Ocean View rooms.

Floorplans

This example floorplan shows the separate washroom with a bathtub:

Deluxe Ocean View rooms (category 6L, 6M, 6N) are on these Carnival ships:

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Vista

Scenic Ocean View Rooms

Category: 6J

Scenic Ocean View Rooms on Carnival cruise ships are a great choice for families. These rooms are flooded with natural light, and offer amazing views of where the ship is going through huge forward-facing windows.

Size

On most Carnival ships, Scenic Ocean View rooms are 230 square feet (21.4 square metres) in size, making them around 5% larger than the standard Ocean View rooms.

Windows

Scenic Ocean View rooms are a popular choice, because they have huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The windows are around four times as large as those in the standard Ocean View rooms. When Scenic Ocean View rooms face forwards, the windows will be sloping.

Floorplans

There are some different configurations when it comes to Scenic Ocean View rooms. As you can see from these floorplans, some have bigger windows than others.

Scenic Ocean View rooms (category 6J) can be found on these Carnival ships:

• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor

Scenic Grand Ocean View Rooms

Category: 6K

Grand Scenic Ocean View rooms are arguably the best sea view rooms on Carnival cruise ships. They offer the best views of the ocean through the biggest windows.

Size

On most ships, Scenic Grand Ocean View rooms are 320 square feet (29.7 square metres) in size, offering almost 40% more space compared to Scenic Ocean View rooms.

Windows

Just like Scenic Ocean View rooms, Grand Scenic rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. But because these rooms are larger, the windows are often bigger too.

Floorplans

Here’s the typical configuration of a Scenic Grand Ocean View room, although they may not all look exactly like this:

Scenic Grand Ocean View rooms (category 6K) can be found on these Carnival ships:

• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor

Family Harbor Ocean View Rooms

Categories: FE, FJ, FP

The newest Vista Class and Excel Class Carnival cruise ships that were built since 2016 feature Family Harbor staterooms. These have a special nautical décor, and are located near the Family Harbor Lounge. Here families can play board and video games, watch family movies, and eat breakfast and snacks.

Family Harbor Rooms come with the following perks:

• Access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge
• Kids dine for free in speciality restaurants
• One free Night Owls evening at Camp Ocean

Size and Windows

Family Harbour Ocean View rooms are the same size as their non-Family Harbor equivalents. You’ll get different décor, but no extra space. There’s also no difference in the size of the windows.

On Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, you can book a Family Harbor Ocean View Suite. These are very large at 312 square feet (29 square metres). They feature two bathrooms: one with a toilet, shower and double sinks, and one with a bathtub and sink.

When you book a suite, you also get some additional suite perks.

Floorplans

Family Harbor Ocean View rooms come in all different shapes and sizes, as you can see by these example floorplans:

The Family Harbor rooms are available on:

• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Mardi Gras
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Vista

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Rooms

Categories: 6S, 6T

Carnival cruise ships built since 2008 (Excel Class, Vista Class, Dream Class and Splendor Class) all feature Cloud 9 Spa staterooms located near the spas. These feature relaxing décor, extra amenities like bathrobes and upgraded toiletries, and some spa perks.

Cloud 9 Spa rooms come with the following perks:

• Priority spa appointments
• Thermal Suite Pass with access to sauna, steam room, showers, whirlpools and Thalassotherapy pool
• Scrub kit to use in the Thermal Suites
• Two yoga or pilates classes
• Body composition analysis
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Elemis shampoo, body wash and bar soap 
• Discounted spa treatments

The Cloud 9 Spa perks only apply to the first two adult guests in each room.

Size and Windows

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View rooms are the same as standard Ocean View rooms when it comes to room and window sizes.

Floorplans

Just as with standard Ocean View rooms, there are many different configurations of Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View rooms. Some of these rooms have a window that looks out onto a walkway rather than directly over the ocean.

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View rooms are available on:

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Magic
• Mardi Gras
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Vista

Pros and Cons of Ocean View Rooms

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Ocean View rooms on Carnival cruise ships.

• Price – Ocean View rooms are often considerably cheaper than Balcony rooms.
• View – It can be nice to have a view of the ocean and to know what the weather’s like.
• Size – Ocean View rooms are larger than Interior rooms.
• Safety – With an Ocean View room, you don’t need to worry about kids on the balcony.

• Fresh Air – The windows of Ocean View rooms don’t open, so there’s no sea breeze.
• Location – Ocean View rooms are usually on the lowest decks, away from the activities.

Carnival Ocean View Room Facilities

In your Ocean View Room, you can expect the following:

• Bed with soft, cosy bedding
• Heating / air conditioning
• Lots of closet and drawer space
• Television
• Safe
• Bathrobes (upon request)

Ocean View Room Vs Balcony

Cruisers often have to decide between an Ocean View room and a Balcony room. Although the natural light is certainly welcomed by most, think about how often you’ll actually sit on your balcony when justifying the cost of the upgrade.

Are you the type of person who likes to sit in your room a lot? Or would you prefer to be up on deck? Remember, you can’t use your drinks package when you’re in your room!

How Much More is a Balcony Room on a Carnival Cruise?

On Carnival cruises, a Balcony room typically costs between $50 per person and $300 per person more than an Ocean View room. On a seven-night Caribbean cruise, the average price of an Ocean View Room is around $799 per person, while a Balcony room is around $909 per person.

The prices can vary significantly depending on the itinerary, with Balcony rooms costing more when the weather is better. The best Ocean View rooms may sometimes cost more than the cheapest Balcony rooms, so be sure to compare all the options for the sailing that you’re interested in.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option than a balcony, be sure to check out Carnival’s cove balcony rooms, as one of those might be just right for you.

Interior Rooms with Windows on Carnival ships

Most other cruise lines would class small porthole windows and large windows with obstructed views as Outside or Ocean View rooms, but Carnival classes these as Interior.

So when you book your cruise, it’s worth looking up Interior rooms as well as Ocean View, even if you’re sure that you want a room with natural light.

On Spirit Class ships, you should certainly look out for 4K category staterooms. These have floor-to-ceiling windows, yet they’re classed as Standard Interior rooms because the view is obstructed by lifeboats. If you’re savvy, you can pick a room that’s between two lifeboats and enjoy a decent view of the ocean.

Here are some photos of Interior rooms you may want to look out for as a cheaper alternative to an Ocean View. Although these are classed as Interior, they do all have windows.

Read more: Carnival Cruises Interior Rooms

Final Thoughts

An Ocean View room on a Carnival cruise ship is a great choice. There are lots of different Ocean View rooms to choose from, as well as some Interior rooms with windows that you may also wish to consider.

Whichever room you choose, the price you pay will vary depending on which travel agent you book it with, even though what you get will be exactly the same!

It’s always a good idea to look at the deck plan for your chosen ship, to see where the room is located relevant to other things on the ship.

Here are some links to the deck plans:

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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