Posts in category: Carnival

If you’re able to book a suite on any cruise ship, then you’re bound to have an amazing time. Even more so when it’s a fantastic ship like Carnival Jubilee – the suites are absolutely stunning for a family ship.

But which one do you choose? It’s not like there are just one or two options – you’ve got nine different suites to select from. And when you’re paying suite prices, you need to get it right.

Whether you want the very best suite on the ship, or a balance between quality, space and affordability, I’ll explain all the options for you in this guide – and whether or not they are worth paying extra for.

The 9 different suites on Carnival Jubilee (best to worst)

There are nine different suite types to choose from on Carnival Jubilee; here’s an overview of each to help you decide which to choose…

1. Excel Presidential Suites

Sleeps: Five guests. There are two twin beds that convert to a king-size, a double sofa bed and one upper bed.

Size: 1120 square feet. The interior is 476 square feet and the balcony is 646 square feet.

Category: SV

Suite Numbers: 17209, 17210

Why choose: Carnival Jubilee’s Excel Presidential Suites are the largest suites you’ll find on any Carnival cruise ship. These luxurious suites feature huge balconies with an outdoor hot tub and shower, a day bed, loungers, an outdoor dining table and enough space for your to invite all of your friends over for a party.

When you stay in a Presidential Suite, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to the Havana Pool and the Spa’s Thermal Suite.

Presidential Suite costs

A stay in the Presidential Suite on Carnival Jubilee costs from $3,675 per person for a seven-night Caribbean cruise. However, on popular itineraries, you can expect to pay $10,000 per person or more.

If you want to stay in a Presidential Suite you’ll need to be quick. As there are only two of these on the ship, they usually sell out really fast.

2. Excel Aft Suites

Sleeps: Two to five guests. In the bedroom, there are two twin beds that convert to a king-size. In the living room, some suites have a single sofa bed, some have a double sofa bed and some also have an extra Pullman bed that comes down from the ceiling.

Size: 861 square feet. The interior is 463 square feet and the balcony is 398 square feet.

Category: LS

Suite Numbers: 9503, 9506, 10502, 10503, 11509, 11514, 12510, 12515, 14506, 14525, 15486, 15503

Why choose: If you don’t manage to get a Presidential Suite on Carnival Jubilee, then the Excel Aft Suite is the next best choice. In fact, some may even prefer it as it has views over the wake of the ship, whereas Presidential Suites are forward-facing.

When it comes to space, the interior area of the Excel Aft Suite is almost identical to the Presidential Suite and you’d barely notice the difference in size. The wraparound balcony is pretty large too, with almost all of the same facilities, except for the outdoor shower.

3. Excel Corner Suites

Sleeps: Two to four guests. Depending on which Excel Corner Suite you choose, there will be space to accommodate two, three or four guests. Some suites come with a single sofa bed, some have a double sofa bed and some have a single sofa bed with an upper Pullman bed.

Size: 710 square feet. The interior is 398 square feet and the balcony is 312 square feet.

Category: KS

Suite Numbers: 9210, 9211, 10209, 10210, 11211, 11212, 12211, 12212, 14210, 14211, 15209, 15210

Why choose: Located on the forward corners of Carnival Jubilee, the Excel Corner Suites offer huge wraparound balconies at a more affordable price. You won’t get a Jacuzzi on your balcony, but there is a lounge chair, patio chairs and a dining table for two.

You might want to avoid the Excel Corner Suites on deck 15, these have a split balcony due to the presence of a structural support.

4. Excel Suites

Sleeps: Two to five guests. There are various bed configurations with a combination of sofa beds and upper Pullman beds. The Suites on Deck 9 are fully-accessible and feature king beds that do not convert to twins.

Size: 615 square feet. The interior is 410 square feet and the balcony is 205 square feet.

Category: DS

Suite Numbers: 9357, 9361, 11359, 11363, 12363, 12367

Why choose: Excel Suites on Carnival Jubilee are twice the size of Extended Balcony Staterooms with space for a four-seater dining table and two loungers on the balcony.

If you want the Excel Suite perks (more on those later in this guide), then this is the cheapest type of suite that will get them. It’s also the only Excel Suite that has a wheelchair-accessible option for disabled guests.

5. Havana Cabana Corner Suites

Sleeps: Two guests. There are two twin beds that convert to a king-size bed.

Size: 511 square feet. The interior is 350 square feet and the patio cabana is 161 square feet.

Category: HU

Suite Numbers: 8209, 8210

Why choose: Havana Cabana Corner Suites feature a large patio cabana. There’s a walkway between the cabana and the edge of the ship and the view is obstructed by a steel railing. However, the hammock makes the cabana a nice place to relax and you’ll also get exclusive access to the Havana Pool area.

These suites aren’t good options for families as they only sleep two people and children under 12 years old are not allowed.

6. Havana Cabana Suites

Sleeps: Two or three guests. There are two twin beds that convert to a king-size bed. One suite also has a single sofa bed.

Size: 426 square feet. The interior is 308 square feet and the patio cabana is 118 square feet.

Category: HS

Suite Numbers: 8250, 8251, 8256, 8257

Why choose: Located on Deck 8, Havana Cabana Suites have a large cabana area with a lounger and comfy chairs. There’s a walkway between the patio and the edge of the ship though, so you won’t get the best views of the ocean. But, you do get access to the exclusive Havana Pool and Bar.

If you want a Havana Suite with three guests, this is your option as one of the suites has a sofa bed with a privacy divider between it and the bedroom area. However, kids under 12 are not allowed.

7. Cloud 9 Spa Suites

Sleeps: Two guests, with two twin beds that convert to a king-size bed.

Size: 341 square feet. The interior is 287 square feet and the balcony is 54 square feet.

Category: SS

Suite Numbers: 17229, 17233, 17258, 17267, 17284, 17293

Why choose: Cloud 9 Spa Suites are located on Deck 17 of Carnival Jubilee, close to the spa area and come with exclusive spa perks. These suites are the same size as Ocean Suites, but with relaxing decor and upgraded ELEMIS in-suite toiletries.

8. Ocean Suites

Sleeps: Two to five guests. Various bed configurations are available in addition to the twin beds that convert to a king-size. Some suites have a single sofa bed and an upper bed, some have a double sofa bed and some have a double sofa bed and one upper bed.

Size: 341 square feet. The interior is 287 square feet and the balcony is 54 square feet.

Two of the suites are fully-accessible, these are larger at 410 square feet with a 205-square-foot balcony to accommodate wheelchair users.

Category: OS, OT

Suite Numbers: 9284, 9286, 9288, 9289, 9290, 9291, 9292, 9293, 9294, 9295, 9296, 9297, 9298, 9299, 9300, 9301, 9302, 9303, 9304, 9305, 9306, 9307, 9308, 9309, 9310, 9311, 9315, 9317, 9405, 9407, 9409, 9410, 9411, 9412, 9414, 9415, 9416, 9417, 9418, 9419, 9420, 9421, 9422, 9423, 9424, 9425, 9426, 9427, 9428, 9429, 9430, 9431, 9432, 9433, 9434, 9435, 9436, 9437, 9438, 9439, 9440, 9441, 9442, 9443, 9444, 9445, 9446, 9447, 9448, 9449, 9450, 9451, 9452, 9453, 9454, 9455, 9456, 9457, 9458, 9459, 9460, 9461, 9462, 9463, 9464, 9465, 9466, 9467, 9468, 9469, 9470, 9471, 9472, 9473, 9474, 10276, 10287, 10302, 10315, 10363, 10367, 10421, 10420, 11282, 11283, 11308, 11309, 11429, 11432, 12278, 12291, 12304, 12315, 12428, 12433, 14277, 14280, 14303, 14306, 14428, 14427, 15266, 15279, 15292, 15301, 15408, 15427, 16250, 16253, 16276, 16279

Why choose: Ocean Suites are the most popular suite type on Carnival Jubilee and also the most affordable. Staying in an Ocean Suite is the best way to get Carnival’s suite perks without the hefty price tag of some of the larger suites.

Each suite has a privacy curtain to divide the bedroom from the living area where the extra beds are found. There are three closets for lots of storage space and two TVs.

On Carnival Jubilee, some Ocean Suites have larger balconies than others. If you want a big balcony, then avoid the Ocean Suites on Deck 9 and choose one of the higher decks where the balconies are larger.

9. Family Harbor Ocean View Suites

Sleeps: Five guests. There are two twin beds that convert to a king-size along with a double sofa bed and one upper bed.

Size: 312 square feet. These suites do not have a balcony.

Category: FP

Suite Numbers: 4330, 4332, 4370, 4376, 4388, 4394  

Why choose: For families who want space to relax but do not want the worry of a balcony with young kids, Family Harbor Ocean View Suites are ideal. Instead of a balcony, there’s a large picture window with a window seat to look out and admire the view.

Each Family Harbor Ocean View Suite on Carnival Jubilee sleeps five people with a privacy curtain between the bedroom and sitting area. There are two bathrooms – one with a shower, toilet and sink and one with a small bathtub and sink.

Suite perks

While suites offer extra space compared to staterooms, it’s not all about the square footage. Carnival Cruise Line’s suites come with a whole host of extra benefits and amenities that will make you feel like the VIP that you are.

The perks differ depending on which suite you choose, so I suggest that you now take a look at my Guide to Carnival Suite Perks before you finalise any decisions about the best accommodation for your cruise on Carnival Jubilee.

How to book your Carnival cruise for less…

Whichever suite 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!

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

The Carnival Celebration is a fantastic cruise ship for the Carnival fleet. It’s packed with many of the most popular features from prior ships, along with exciting new ones too.

If you’re thinking about booking a cruise on Carnival Celebration, one of the most important things to consider is which stateroom to choose. There are quite a lot of different options available, and some rooms are much better than others!

I’ve been onboard Carnival Celebration, studied the deck plans and read feedback from others online. In this guide, I’ll take you through the many different stateroom choices, explaining which ones to consider booking and those you should avoid.

The size of the rooms on Carnival Celebration

There are, if you count all of the different variations, 28 different stateroom categories on Carnival Celebration. I wasn’t kidding when I said there were quite a few options!

But ultimately, you can boil them down into Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite – the classic options of almost every cruise ship.

Here’s a quick overview of the Carnival Celebration room sizes when you just consider those four options. (I’ll go into more detail on all the variations later in this guide.)

Not sure which is the best room for you? It can be tricky, but I’ll explain all the different types of staterooms in this guide, to help find the perfect fit for you and for budget.

I also recommend grabbing a copy of my free checklist, which will show you any cabins you might want to avoid!

Inside Staterooms

The interior staterooms on Carnival Celebration are the smallest on the ship, but they’re also the cheapest. They’re comfortable and modern (as you would expect from one of the newest ships in the Carnival fleet), but don’t give you a lot of space to unwind.

These rooms are the best choice if you don’t plan on spending much time in your stateroom. If you just treat it as a place to sleep, shower and change, an interior room could be the best choice.

But there are multiple interior rooms to choose from. Some are even square interior rooms rather than the traditional long shape. If you want twin beds, they may even be arranged at right angles to each other and offer more open floor space.

Here’s a table that shows the different Interior staterooms on Carnival Celebration, along with the category codes and the sizes.

Now, let me tell you a little about each Carnival Celebration Interior room…

Premium Interior Staterooms

Premium Interior Staterooms are simply larger versions of the standard Interior staterooms. As you can tell from the Carnival Celebration room layout picture, you get around 30% extra floor space. So if you don’t want to feel too cramped, you can pay a little extra to enjoy a more room.

Family Harbor Interior Staterooms

Guests who book a Family Harbor Interior get a bright and fun room that’s perfect for kids. More importantly, you can also access the Family Harbor Lounge close to your room, which offers breakfast and a snack buffet in the afternoon.

Cloud 9 Spa Interior Staterooms

The Cloud 9 Spa Interior Staterooms are close to the Cloud 9 Spa. Guests have unlimited access to the Thermal Suite during their cruise (otherwise guests need to book day passes). The rooms also include some spa-related amenities. 

Havana Interior Staterooms

The Havana is an outdoor area of the ship that includes a bar, comfortable seating and a pool. Only guests in a Havana stateroom or suite are permitted here during the day until 7pm. Otherwise, a Havana Interior Stateroom is the same as a regular stateroom, except for its Cuban-themed decor.

If you’re thinking that a cheap inside cabin may be the best choice for you, be sure to read my guide to Carnival Cruises Interior Rooms. Otherwise, read on to learn about the other room types on this ship…

Ocean View Staterooms

As the name suggests, Ocean View Staterooms offer a view of the sea as you sail. They aren’t open-air rooms, but you do at least get some natural light.

The Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Celebration are actually pretty spacious compared to some other cruise ships. They’re not extremely spacious but they are absolutely comfortable, offering over 80 square feet (7.4 square metres) of space on average against the typical interior stateroom.

They are, of course, more expensive than an Interior Stateroom but not quite as expensive as a Balcony. So they’re a good compromise if you want to enjoy the view while working to a budget.

Here’s a table that shows the different Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Celebration, along with the category codes and the sizes.

Family Harbor Ocean View Stateroom

The Family Harbor variation of the Ocean View Staterooms are decorated in fun nautical colours. They’re situated close to the Family Harbor Lounge, so breakfast, snacks and games are always just a short walk away.

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Stateroom

The Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Staterooms are ideal for anyone who wants to truly unwind with a view of the ocean. You get the spa-themed amenities in your stateroom, and the Thermal Suites are just a short walk away.

If you’d like to know more about Ocean View staterooms, including the pros and cons of this room type, check out my guide to Carnival Cruises Ocean View Rooms.

Balcony Staterooms

Choosing a Balcony Stateroom on Carnival Celebration is a great way to truly enjoy the passing scenery and ocean vistas.

Balcony Staterooms have their own private balcony (with one exception, which has a patio – more on that below). From this balcony, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and a beautiful view every day. 

There are many different Carnival Celebration Balcony Room options, as you can see from the table below:

Cove Balcony Staterooms

The Cove Balcony Staterooms that some Carnival ships offer are quite unique. Their balcony is much more enclosed. The sides and bottom half of the balcony rail are all solid steel, with a smaller opening to look out from.

They don’t really restrict your view unless you are sitting down, and they feel a lot more private and secluded. But some people prefer the more open style of a typical balcony, so it’s down to personal preference.

Read more: Carnival Cove Balcony Staterooms

Extended Balcony Staterooms

As the name suggests, Extended Balcony Staterooms are rooms that have a slightly extended balcony. They are available mid-ship, or with a Forward-View or an Aft-View. Forward-View rooms will be cheaper but you’ll feel the wind a lot more, while Aft-View rooms tend to be the most sought-after.

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Staterooms

Similar to the Interior and Ocean View Staterooms, a Cloud 9 Balcony lets you enjoy a more spa-like room. You’ll have easy access to the spa, including discounted treatments and free use of the Thermal Suites.

Havana Cabana Balcony Staterooms

The Havana Cabana Balcony Staterooms are similar to the Havana Interiors, except that you either get a Balcony overlooking the outdoor Havana area, or a Havana Cabana patio which opens out right onto the Havana. 

These tropical rooms are great if you want to spend a lot of time in the quieter Havana space. Be aware that other guests can use the Havana area after 7pm, so the space outside your patio might get busy.

Is a balcony the best room for you? This is the most popular of the Canrival Celebration cabins, but you’ll want to be sure. Read more about Carnival Cruises Balcony Rooms.

Suites

As with any ship, the suites are the most spacious and luxurious accommodation options on Carnival Celebration. Not only do you enjoy the extra room and larger balconies, but there are a number of suite perks.

Suites are, of course, the most expensive accommodation on the ship. So you need to think carefully before booking one. If you’re pushing your budget to the limit to get a suite, can you still do everything else you want to onboard?

But if you do have the budget for a suite, you’re sure to love the experience of staying in one.

Here’s a list of the suites on Carnival Celebration:

This article focuses just on the staterooms rather than these suites. But if you’re interested in a suite, I have a whole guide for you! You can read it here: Carnival Celebration Suites Guide

Carnival Celebration staterooms you may wish to avoid

Let’s be absolutely clear up front: there are no really bad staterooms on Carnival Celebration. It’s a relatively new ship and has been built to last, so rooms are comfortable and well-equipped at every level.

But some rooms are not quite as good as others, depending on your perspective. It might be down to location, cost or the features that aren’t right for you.

Here are some of the Carnival Celebration rooms to avoid, although some could be ideal for you too. It depends on your own tastes.

1. Havana Cabanas

Havana Cabana rooms are meant to be an upgrade, but they certainly have their downsides too. Personally, I’m not a fan.

The problem with these rooms is that, as they are all on Deck 8, there is a walkway between your balcony and the edge of the ship.

Yes, this area is only open to Havana guests, so it’s not going to be busy. But still, people can walk right past your balcony and look in. And I’m not a fan of that! If I have a balcony, I prefer to look right at the ocean and not view it through glass.

The forward-facing Havana Extended Cabana balconies are the worst. The barrier at the edge of the ship here is metal, not glass. So when you’re sitting on your (dare I say overpriced) balcony, you won’t be able to enjoy a sea view at all!

2. Rooms above the Havana Pool

9333, 9335, 9337, 9341

The Havana pool isn’t that big. It’s about the size of a large whirlpool, and people will be sitting in it rather than swimming. Just a few feet above the pool, almost hanging over it, are balconies.

If you’re unlucky enough to end up in one of these rooms, you’ll have no privacy at all on your balcony, and not much peace and quiet either. While you might enjoy looking down on people in their swimwear, many of us would undoubtedly feel a bit awkward sitting here.

3. Junior Balcony Staterooms

There’s nothing particularly wrong with Junior Balcony Staterooms. It’s just that they’re a little underwhelming, especially if it’s your first time booking a balcony stateroom on a cruise.

They can also feel quite cramped. A Balcony Stateroom is typically more than just an Inside Stateroom with an extra balcony, and while you get a small amount of extra room compared to an inside, it’s only 19 extra square feet which is barely noticeable.

The most disappointing thing about Carnival Celebration’s Junior Balconies is that the combined square footage of the room and the balcony is around 20 square feet less than the square footage of the cheaper Ocean View Stateroom!

If you’re desperate for a balcony, this will be your cheapest option, but it’s better to opt for a regular Balcony Stateroom if you can. Unless you’re a solo traveller, in which case this could be a good option.

4. Forward-View Balcony Staterooms

Many people are content with the view from the balcony in a mid-ship location. However, it’s definitely true that the more interesting views are often at the front facing the direction you’re sailing, or at the aft over the wake.

But then physics and weather come into play. On a Forward-View balcony, the high winds will hit you as the ship is sailing forward. It can be quite cold, and sometimes even uncomfortable and loud.

The good thing about Carnival is that, unlike some other cruise lines, they won’t ever block you from using a forward-facing balcony. They have protected doors instead, so it’s not an issue. But they don’t stop the balcony from being a little uncomfortable to use during direct winds.

5. Cove Balcony Staterooms

Cove Balconies are definitely a love/hate kind of room. Maybe hate is too strong a word, but some people definitely won’t enjoy the quite claustrophobic nature of the enclosed balcony.

It definitely feels more snug, which could be perfect for some. But if you want your balcony to feel fresh, open and sunny, then a regular one will be a much better choice than a Cove Balcony room.

6. Specialist rooms that don’t suit you

Carnival’s range of accommodations includes some great rooms. These include the Family Harbor rooms with access to the Family Harbor Lounge, the Cloud 9 Spa rooms that allow guests to use the Thermal Suites for free, and the Havana rooms with direct access to the Havana area of the ship.

Although these rooms are beautiful, refreshing and a bit more special than their standard counterparts, they are also more expensive. So you have to make sure it’s worth it.

If you aren’t travelling with kids, or you want to be heading to the pool deck rather than spending time in the lounge, it’s no use booking a Family Harbor room.

If you’re shy with the idea of spa treatments and might not take advantage of the discounts, or spend time in the Thermal Suites, why book a Cloud 9 Spa room?

Suggested read: Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Room Perks

And if the idea of sunbathing by the side of a quiet Havana pool sounds boring, and you’d rather explore the rest of the ship, then a Havana Cabana room is pointless.

Don’t waste your money because it sounds nice, or has slightly better decor. Check that you’ll make use of the extras.

7. Connecting rooms when you don’t need them

Connecting rooms are a fantastic idea for people who cruise as part of a group, either as a family or as friends. They let you open up the door between the cabins, which essentially turns two separate staterooms into one with two bedrooms.

Sometimes, you can also open the divider between the balconies too, and share a larger space again.

However, if you don’t book both sides of a connecting stateroom, you might find that it’s a little more noisy. The door between the staterooms is not as thick as the metal wall would normally be, so you might hear what your neighbours get up to next to you.

8. Rooms directly below the Pool Deck

15322 to 15507

Novice cruisers might assume that being on Deck 15 just below the pool deck is a treat. After all, you’re never more than one flight of stairs from sunning yourself alongside the Lido or going for a dip.

However, there are often problems when you stay directly below the pool deck, specifically with noise. That’s because people like to get there early to bag themselves a lounger. And when they do, they tend to noisily drag it across the wooden deck floor, which you will hear in your room below.

So if you like to sleep in, you probably should avoid these rooms.

9. Rooms directly above the bars, theater or atrium

8250 to 8305, 9294 to 9503

Staying in a stateroom directly below the pool is bad for anyone who wants to lie in. But choosing a stateroom directly above the bars, the Grand Spectrum Theater or the Atrium will cause you similar problems at night.

The noise can carry through the floor, and some of these venues will be entertaining guests until the wee hours. The atrium on Carnival Celebration, known as Celebration Central, has a DJ pumping loud music out of the huge speakers.

If you like to get an earlier night, ready for the next day of your cruising adventure, you should book a higher deck.

10. Rooms with shaded balconies

Deck 15 Mid/Aft and Aft

Rooms in this area are doubly bad. They are below the pool deck and the Lido Marketplace buffet, so you’ll hear chairs and loungers being dragged across your ceiling. Another problem with these balcony rooms is that the balconies won’t get any sun on them.

As you can see from the image above, Deck 16 overhangs Deck 15 by quite some way. If you like the shade, this will be ideal for you. But sun worshippers should know that this location isn’t ideal.

The best rooms on Carnival Celebration

The best staterooms on Carnival Celebration will very much depend on your own tastes, but here are the top choices that I would recommend that you check out.

1. The specialist rooms (if they do suit you!)

The Family Harbor, Cloud 9 Spa and Havana staterooms and suites are fantastic accommodations, if you are the kind of person who would make use of their added extras.

The Family Harbor Lounge, which Family Harbor guests can use, makes for a great breakfast option if you don’t want to trek the kids all the way to the Lido and fight the crowds there.

If you love the idea of spa treatments, book a Cloud 9 Spa room and that feeling will extend through the furnishings and amenities, plus you’ll get discounts.

And if you want a bit of peace and quiet away from the stereotypical loud and fun Carnival atmosphere, the daytime access to the Havana pool area from the Havana rooms is perfect.

9344-9386 (even), 9345-9375 (odd) 9475-9496, 10330-10375, 10474, 10475, 11342-11386 (even), 11343-11379(odd), 11483, 11286, 12338-12382 (even) 12349-12383 (odd), 12482, 12487, 14340-14384 (even), 14339-14399 (odd), 14482, 14501, 15320-15362 (even) 14335-15379 (odd), 15462, 15481

Carnival Celebration has many ‘bulges’, which means some balconies are bigger than others. The great thing about these balconies is that while some of them are classed as Ocean Suites, others don’t cost more than the regular-sized ones. So you get extra space for free!

Some only have a little extra balcony space, but some have more than double the usual. So it’s worth studying the deck plan carefully to see if there are any of these left for your cruise.

3. Square Interior Staterooms

Square Interior Staterooms are a little unusual but if you’re travelling as a pair, they do feel quite roomy compared to regular longer rooms. 

If you like to have space to stand up while you get ready, without feeling cramped against the bed, these are an unusual but popular choice.

Take a look at this video to see the pros and cons of a square interior stateroom on Carnival Celebration:

4. Aft-View Extended Balcony Staterooms

The views across the aft of a ship are always the most sought-after. You’re shielded from the wind, the wake is fascinating to watch, and you can just relax in a more peaceful environment.

The Aft-View Extended Balcony Staterooms are therefore the best balcony rooms on Carnival Celebration, especially since you get a larger balcony from which to enjoy the view.

5. Suites

Suites are always going to be the best option on a cruise ship, if you have the money for them. That extra space, plus the additional perks you get, will make your cruise feel more special.

Although not the most spacious, themed suites such as the Cloud 9 Spa and Havana are exceptionally beautiful. However, the Excel Presidential Suite – with its epic 646 square foot balcony – is without doubt the king.

If you’re not sure whether the upgrade to a suite is worth it or not, bear in mind that you do get some extra perks in a suite. And I’m not just taking about chocolates and sparkling wine. There are some really good extras that can make the cost of a suite worth it!

Be sure to take a look at my guide to Carnival Celebration suites to find out more.

The bottom line

So many choices! If you want to book a cruise on Carnival Celebration, it can definitely be a little overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to narrow things down, and avoid the rooms that might be less than ideal for you.

Always consider your budget for your cruise accommodation carefully. Overspending on your room could limit what you spend on dining, entertainment and more. It’s all about finding the right balance.

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

When you sail with Carnival, you’ll be given a Sail & Sign card. This is your room key, but it’s also the card that you’ll charge any onboard spends to, whether that’s drinks at the bar, or paying for something in the onboard stores.

However, you might notice other people have different colored cards from you. And as you cruise with Carnival, your card color might change as well. This isn’t random – let me explain what the different card colors represent.

The cruise cards represent your loyalty level

The different Carnival card colors represent what level of the VIFP program you have reached. This is the cruise line’s loyalty program and indicates how much time you’ve spent cruising with Carnival and the benefits that you’re entitled to receive.

There are multiple different Carnival color levels of the VIFP program, ranging from first-time cruisers to those who have been loyal to the cruise line for years. And while you don’t need the Sail & Sign card to show off your status – you’ll be able to claim the benefits without flashing the card – it’s a nice status symbol to show off.

VIFP explained

VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person – after all, Carnival is all about the fun when you’re on a cruise. Everybody who sails with Carnival is considered a VIFP, even if it’s your first time, although as you keep returning to the cruise line, you’ll move up the ranks.

As you do, you’ll unlock different perks. At lower levels, these aren’t particularly special, but it’s still nice to have your loyalty rewarded. As you move higher up the VIFP program, you’ll start to get some really worthwhile benefits for your holiday.

The different levels of VIFP

There are five levels of the VIFP club, and five different Carnival Sail and Sign card colors. When you first sail with Carnival you will join on the Blue tier, before progressing to the Red tier for your second. From there you will progress through Gold, Platinum, and eventually, Diamond, based on the number of nights you’ve cruised.

• Blue: First Cruise
• Red: 2-24 VIFP Points
• Gold: 25-74 VIFP Points
• Platinum: 75-199 VIFP Points
• Diamond: 200+ VIFP Points
• Milestone: 25th, 50th, 75th and 100th cruise

Blue card = Carnival newbie

Having a blue Sail and Sign card means that you’re on your first cruise with Carnival. Every Carnival guest is automatically registered in the VIFP program, and you only get a blue card once – after that, you move up to red.

Your blue Sail & Sign card will, therefore, become something of a memento for you – an item to celebrate your first time with the cruise line.

Blue VIFP benefits

Because every person who sails with Carnival is a Blue-level VIFP, the list of benefits is hardly exciting.

You’ll get:

• A members e-newsletter
• Access to members-only offers

It’s not really a list of perks to get excited about. The offers aren’t too special. But it’s the first step on your VIFP journey, and you’ve done nothing to earn them beyond booking a cruise.

Red card = relatively new to Carnival

Being a red card holder with Carnival Cruises means you’ve reached the second stage of the VIFP program. You get the red Sail & Sign card on your second cruise, and you’ll stay at this level until you have completed 24 nights on a Carnival cruise.

This is the first time that ‘VIFP points’ become important. You get one point for every night you spend on a Carnival ship, and you remain a Red level VIFP member until you’ve accumulated 25 points, at which point you’ll move up to the next level. 

It doesn’t happen immediately, but on your next cruise. So if you are on a Red level cruise and you pass 25 nights mid-way through, you’ll stay at the Red level until the end of that sailing.

Red VIFP benefits

As well as the members’ e-newsletter and the access to the members-only offer, being a Red-level VIFP member only qualifies you for one extra benefit:

• Complimentary 1.5-litre bottle of water

You can claim it at any bar or restaurant, or through room service. You get one bottle on every cruise.

That’s it, a bottle of water? Yep, I’m afraid so. It seems that the vast majority of people get pretty much nothing when it comes to VIFP perks.

Gold card = serial Carnival cruiser

Once you have cruised with Carnival for 25 nights or more, you’ll have accrued enough points to reach the Gold level of VIFP. This is the mid-level tier, and you’ll stay here until you’ve cruised for 75 nights, at which point you’ll move up.

A lot of people will reach Gold and never progress further – after all, it’s the equivalent of taking ten 7-night cruises, which for most people is quite a lot. I’ve certainly never had close to ten cruises with any particular cruise line.

But if you prefer longer cruises, or you start cruising with Carnival at a young age and shun other brands in favor of ships with whale tails, you may get past this level.

Gold VIFP benefits

As a Gold-level VIFP, you’ll enjoy the same perks as those on the Blue and Red levels, along with:

• An Appreciation Drink on cruises of 5 nights or more
• A Gold VIFP pin badge on every cruise

You can get the drink from any bar on the ship on the last evening of your cruise from 5pm onwards, while the pin badge can be claimed at the Photo Gallery, but don’t leave it too late – you can’t claim it in the last two days of your cruise.

Platinum level = loyal Carnival guest

If you cruise with Carnival for 75 nights or more, you will reach Platinum level in the VIFP program, and your Sail & Sign card will be platinum-colored. At this stage, you will unlock a long list of benefits, which improves when you pass 200 nights.

To put this into perspective, in order to reach Platinum you need to book 11 week-long cruises with Carnival, which is quite a lot for most people. But if you do that, then you are certainly revered as you unlock a long list of perks.

These include:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Complimentary drinks and parties
• Unique pins
• Free gifts on every cruise

And a lot more. Platinum is where the VIFP program starts to feel like a loyalty program that’s worth being involved in, as it should, considering the number of nights you need to sail with Carnival in order to qualify.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Platinum Perks

Diamond level = the Carnival super-fans

Diamond is the very top level of the VIFP program – in order to reach this level, you must cruise with Carnival for 200 nights or more – if you choose 7-night sailings exclusively, this means taking 29 cruises.

There are a number of perks exclusive to this top tier, including unlimited laundry during your cruises, priority reservations at specialty restaurants, and a one-time complimentary meal. You also get a one-time free cabin upgrade or you can have a third and fourth guest sail with you for free.

Plus, a nice addition is that for every person who reaches Diamond status, Carnival makes a $100 donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Signing up is easy

You’re signed up to the Carnival VIFP program automatically when you first sail with the cruise line. You’ll be assigned a number which you can see when you log onto the Carnival website. Points are tracked automatically too – there’s nothing you need to do.

You don’t even need to sail on your first cruise to join the program. As soon as you register an account on the Carnival website, you’re in!

The VIFP Club is free

The VIFP Club is completely free to join – you won’t be charged for being a member at any stage. It is just a loyalty program that rewards you for the number of nights you spend on a Carnival cruise ship.

So technically, it’s not free to move through the different stages, since you have to pay for your cruises (unless you have a very generous family member paying for you). But the actual club doesn’t have any costs associated with it.

Checking your VIFP status

You can check your Carnival VIFP status at any time just by logging into your account on the Carnival website. Once logged onto the website, click on ‘Your Name’ to see your profile, and then ‘My Cruises’ to see your VIFP level.

If you don’t have an account with Carnival, you can register at any time. If you’ve sailed with Carnival before, you’ll be able to add booking details to bump you onto the second tier immediately.

How to find your Carnival VIFP number

You can find your Carnival VIFP number on your online Carnival account. Log into the website, click on ‘Your Name’ and then ‘My Cruises’ and you’ll see your VIFP number and your current status. If you can’t find it, you can call Carnival and they can locate it from your booking history.

You may need to enter your VIFP number in future when booking a cruise if you want to claim the VIFP points, so it’s worth keeping it noted. Usually it’s automatic, especially if you book direct with Carnival.

To conclude 

Most cruise lines have a loyalty program, and Carnival likes to show theirs off with their Sail & Sign cards being different colors to match your status. It’s fun for passengers who feel proud to be loyal.

The lower levels – Blue, Red and to some extent Gold – don’t have perks that are super exciting. But once you reach Platinum, you’ll unlock some great extras to make every cruise even more special.

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

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.

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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.

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:

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