Carnival Vista continues to suffer delays due to ongoing engine problems, with a third itinerary within a month now impacted.
The ship has been undergoing repairs for several weeks now but is still cruising at the same time. At the peak of the issues earlier in August, this resulted in an entire itinerary being changed.
The problems have still not been rectified ahead of the latest 8-night cruise to the Caribbean, although the impact on guests is less severe.
The ship will, for now, continue to call at the planned ports including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
However, the arrival times and length of time in each port will be impacted.
“We have been working hard to address an issue that was impacting the ship’s cruising speed. We were hopeful that the issue was resolved but we’re not quite there…
“We are working on a new plan to make some additional repairs. We will be able to keep the remaining ports of call on our itinerary but will make some modest adjustments to our time in port to allow us to return to Port Canaveral in good time.”
Carnival Vista captain Francesco Florentino, in a letter to guests
The ship was originally due to visit San Juan from 10.30 am until 6.30 pm. That will now be reduced with a new arrival time of 1.30 pm, although the departure has been pushed back by one hour to 7.30 pm.
The visit to St. Maarten has been shortened by an hour, with a delayed arrival time of 10 am, and no announced change to the departure time.
And while the ship is scheduled to arrive in St. Thomas on time, she will depart an hour early, to make sure she’s able to reach the homeport at Port Canaveral on time.
The cruise line is awarding guests a $50 onboard credit per stateroom as an apology, and is automatically adjusting any shore excursions booked through the cruise line.
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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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Cruising is often seen as a luxurious and relaxing way to travel, but unfortunately, not all passengers uphold the same standards of etiquette.
Most of the people I’ve encountered on a cruise have been absolutely lovely, but there are always a few who try to spoil it for the rest of us – either because they’re entitled, or just plain ignorant.
And I know it’s not just me who feels this way – so I asked my Facebook followers for stories of the worst manners they’d experienced on a cruise holiday.
This is what they came up with…
1. Unruly Children in the Dining Room
Cruises are a lot more family-friendly than they used to be, and most people are fine with that, so long as the children are well-behaved.
People have told stories of children throwing food and cutlery around dining rooms, and even climbing on tables! It’s not so much the kids, but the parents that allow the behaviour, or don’t do enough to discourage it.
If you’re taking your kids on a cruise, absolutely let them have fun. But letting that fun doesn’t spoil the cruise for everyone else is not okay.
2. Disrespecting Staff
The crew on cruise ships work really hard to make sure you have the best holiday possible, and while it’s possible for them to have an off day, I’m sure that 99.9% of the time, the staff on the ships are friendly and enthusiastic.
Despite that, there are plenty of stories of passengers showing bad manners by basically disrespecting crew, either in the way that they speak to them or the expectations they put on them.
What’s really worrying is the past guests who’ve said they’ve seen passengers be especially rude to people of colour onboard. Racism has no place in the modern world, and it’s so disrespectful especially where these people work.
I do hope that if you ever witness someone being rude to a member of the crew, especially if it’s racist in any way, you’ll report it to Guest Services so that the security staff onboard can have a word.
A cruise passenger spoke about how they didn’t enjoy seeing another passenger styling their hair at the dining table.
To be fair, it could pose hygiene concerns but also, some people view dinner as an event and really you should be ready to eat when you enter the dining room, not getting ready halfway through.
Do you think this one is bad manners?
4. Inappropriate Buffet Etiquette
Cruise lines put a lot of effort into ensuring that the buffet restaurants in particular are hygienic. You don’t want to get a sickness bug on a cruise ship as it’ll spread like wildfire, and the buffet is a breeding ground for cross-contamination if you aren’t careful.
That’s why you get members of the crew whose job is to stand outside the buffet telling people (or singing to them) to wash their hands.
Despite that, people still show bad manners through a basic disregard for rules. This includes returning used plates to the buffet instead of stacking them on your table, and even worse, someone reported seeing someone pick up food, lick it, decide they didn’t want it and put it back on the buffet!
Of course, the passenger telling the story alerted the crew who removed it and cleaned up, but seriously…
5. Elevator Misbehaviour
So many of the stories of bad manners on a cruise ship are related to the elevators. It’s such a basic part of life on a cruise ship – using an elevator to move between floors – but it causes problems for so many people!
Sometimes it’s kids, who are pressing all the buttons for fun and making other passengers wait for the elevator to visit every floor. Even if there isn’t anyone else in the elevator at the time, it slows things down for others waiting.
Then there are the people who force their way onto an elevator before others have had the chance to get off. It happens so frequently – just wait and make sure nobody is exiting!
6. Floral Theft
Cruise ships are often decorated, sometimes with fresh flowers but often with plastic ones too, just to add to the general ambience and make the ship seem more pleasant.
Some cruise passengers reported people stealing these flowers, either just as a souvenir or to use as an accessory in their hair.
That’s not what they’re there for – they are for everyone’s enjoyment, and it’s awful manners to assume that the ship exists purely for your own personal benefit.
7. Fighting and Drunkenness
We’re almost moving away from ‘bad manners’ with this one into more serious territory, but some people mentioned it and so I’ll include it here. People have often seen others having physical fights on a cruise or becoming so drunk that they’re acting inappropriately.
One passenger told of others who were pulling up the kilts of men on the ship, laughing at them for wearing ‘skirts’, because they were drunk. Imagine pulling down the top of a woman in the same way! Crazy.
Often it’s not just physical but verbal fighting too, having huge arguments over anything from sunbeds to places in the queues. Just relax, and if someone is misbehaving, speak to the crew rather than trying to resolve it yourself.
Cruises are great for disabled passengers, since they’re relatively easy (in most cases) to navigate in wheelchairs or on motorised scooters.
But then there are those who just don’t care about helping disabled passengers out and who will often ignore them.
Really, you should give people with disabilities priority for elevators if you can, since it’s harder for them to find space if other elevators are busy. And just make sure to give people plenty of space, especially when they need to turn a scooter around.
Having said that, I’ve seen other Facebook posts in the past with people complaining about those using a scooter who have no regard for other passengers, running over their toes. So it does go both ways – be kind to anyone with mobility issues, but if you’re using a scooter, be aware of others onboard too.
9. Lack of Personal Hygiene
I was not surprised to see that people complained about lack of personal hygiene on cruises when it comes to hand-washing. I know that some people try to avoid washing before eating at the buffet because they’re lazy, and I’ve seen people not even know how to sneeze right (into your elbow – it isn’t hard, my kids know!)
One passenger even talked about the basic hygiene of people – specifically women – not flushing the public toilets. It’s not hard to follow simple standards, somebody else shouldn’t have to deal with that for you.
10. Inappropriate Dress Codes
Formal dress codes are becoming less important on cruises – you don’t have to worry too much about packing suits and dresses if you don’t want to.
But there are also basic dress codes that you need to adhere to, including not wearing wet bathing suits (or indeed any bathing suit) in a restaurant, or showing up in thong bikinis and nothing else.
Be considerate. You’re fine to wear bikinis and bathing suits by the pool, but put some clothes on when you go to eat.
It’s important to show simple good manners by using the lines in the buffets or for other services around the ship properly.
Don’t cut in line, it’s rude and it’s not like you ever need to wait too long anyway. Plenty of people have mentioned seeing others try to sneak ahead and even get aggressive when challenged on it.
12. Misuse of Drinks Packages
A drinks package can be a great way to save money on the beverages you buy, but you need to use it appropriately.
Don’t be greedy and don’t cheat the system. This means, don’t try to hoard drinks to enjoy later on, and don’t use your package to get drinks for someone else.
If you’re caught abusing the system, then you might have your package cancelled without a refund. And it’s not fair on others if you’re trying to cheat things.
13. Public Flossing
I’m not talking about the dance here, just to be clear. This is about dental flossing.
Look, I know that when you’re enjoying your dinner on a cruise, but you get a chunk of food stuck in your teeth, it might be a little frustrating.
Still, if you absolutely have to floss, excuse yourself to the bathroom or something. People have talked about seeing others floss at the table or even when in line for the buffet, and that’s gross – have some respect for others.
Final Word
These are some of the recurring issues with bad manners that people have seen on cruises, and I’m sure there are more – feel free to add your own story in the comments.
Basic manners should be easy, but there are some specific cruise ship etiquette rules you might want to brush up on before you sail.
They are basic and they do cover some of these manner faux pas, but there are some other tips too that you should make sure you know for your next cruise.
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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.
Princess Cruises has adjusted the prices of daily gratuities onboard cruises, raising all prices by $1.
As is common with small gratuity price increases, the cruise line has not made any official announcement about the change.
The change impacts all cruises from now, but will not apply to any guests that are already sailing.
And while it hasn’t been confirmed by the cruise line, it’s unlikely to impact guests who’ve already prepaid their gratuities for an upcoming cruise – usually, these are classed as “paid” and the difference is not added to guests’ accounts.
The new prices will see guests in staterooms (balcony, ocean view, and interior) paying $17 per person, per day.
Guests in Mini-Suites, Reserve Collection, Club Class or Cabana Staterooms will pay $18 per person, per day.
And guests in suites will pay $19 per person, per day.
This means that a family of four staying in an inside stateroom for a 7-night cruise will now pay $476 in total for gratuities – an increase of $28.
This only applies to guests who’ve booked a standard fare. Any guests who book a Princess Plus or Princess Premier fare will have their daily gratuities covered.
The price of Princess Premier recently increased by $10/£10 per person, per day, meaning the gratuity increase accounts for 10% of that price increase.
The price of Princess Plus hasn’t changed, making it even better now that the gratuities have increased in price.
While the daily gratuities will be added to all guests’ accounts, they aren’t mandatory, and guests are able to adjust or remove them if they wish.
It’s not recommended, as there are many crew members behind the scenes who rely on the gratuities, but passengers can speak to guest services onboard if they wish – but only prior to paying. Gratuities can’t be refunded.
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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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The main P&O Aurora cabins to avoid are those directly above or below busy public rooms (such as Carmen’s show lounge and the gym), aft sea view cabins on Decks 8 to 11 that look out over open deck rather than the sea, C Deck balcony cabins above the tender davits, and Deck 5 cabins near Reception. Before booking, also check the deck plan for fixed double beds, pull-down bunks, steel-fronted or overlooked balconies and interconnecting doors. The best cabins for most couples are midship balconies on the higher decks, the good-value mini suites on B Deck, or a larger inside cabin if budget matters most.
Aurora is a mid-sized ship that joined P&O Cruises in 2000 and is still sailing for the line in November 2026. It is marketed as an adults-only ship, although P&O has opened a small number of sailings to all ages, starting in December 2026. Her cabins were given new soft furnishings in a 2025 refit, but the layouts have not changed, so the old quirks still matter. This guide walks through what to watch for and where the better cabins are.
Aurora cabin types at a glance
Aurora has more than 900 cabins across five broad types: inside, sea view, balcony, mini suite and suite, plus a handful of single cabins. P&O’s deck plan groups them by deck like this:
Cabin type
Where you’ll find it
Approximate size
Worth knowing
Inside
Decks 5, 6, 8, 10 (B) and 12 (Lido)
137 to 181 sq ft
Shower only; larger inside cabins on B Deck
Sea view
Decks 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11
137 to 181 sq ft
Some D Deck cabins have views over deck rather than sea
Balcony (standard)
Decks 9 (C), 11 (A) and 12 (Lido)
Similar to sea view, plus balcony
Some balconies are steel-fronted, shaded or overlooked
Balcony (deluxe)
Decks 8 (D) and 10 (B)
Larger than standard
Usually a separate seating area and a bath
Single
Sea view on A and C Decks; balcony on D Deck
Compact
Designed for solo travellers; limited numbers
Mini suite
Deck 10 (B)
368 to 384 sq ft including balcony
Separate sleeping area and many suite perks
Suite and penthouse
Decks 9 and 10 (C and B)
449 to 753 sq ft including balcony
Butler service; includes the Piano and Library Suites
Sizes are approximate and vary within each grade. Always check the exact cabin number on P&O’s current deck plan, which you can download from the P&O Cruises website.
How to spot the best and worst cabins on Aurora
The quickest way to avoid a disappointing cabin is to look at three things on the deck plan: what is directly above you, what is directly below you, and what is beside you. Aurora’s public rooms are mostly concentrated on Decks 6, 7 and 8, with pools, the Lido area and sun decks on Decks 12 and 13. Cabins sandwiched between cabin decks are usually the quietest.
Then check the symbols. P&O’s Aurora deck plan uses icons to flag cabins with a fixed double bed, pull-down beds, sofa beds, interconnecting doors, a view over deck rather than sea, a steel-fronted balcony, a balcony that is overlooked or partially shaded, and cabins adapted for wheelchair users. Many of the cabins people regret booking carry one of these symbols, and they are easy to miss on a small screen.
Finally, think about how you cruise. A light sleeper should put quiet first; someone who gets seasick should stay low and midship; anyone who wants to sit outside for hours should prioritise balcony type over deck height.
P&O Aurora cabins to avoid
None of these cabins are bad for everyone, and some are priced lower for good reason. But these are the Aurora cabins to avoid if you don’t know what you are getting.
Noisy cabins near venues, the gym and tenders
Above Carmen’s and other Deck 7 venues. Deck 7, the Promenade Deck, holds the theatre, the casino, Champions bar and Carmen’s show lounge. D Deck cabins directly above late-night venues can pick up music and applause. Sea view cabin D211, for example, is often mentioned by passengers online because it sits above Carmen’s and looks out onto a public area.
Below the gym. Passengers on the Cruise Critic forum have reported thuds from weights in some B Deck cabins beneath the gym. If you are a light sleeper, check what sits above any B Deck cabin you are considering.
Above the tender davits. Some C Deck balcony cabins towards the aft sit above the larger lifeboats used as tenders. On tender port days, the davits can be heard early in the morning when the boats are lowered.
Deck 5 near Reception. Cruise Critic notes that the lowest cabins close to Reception can get more foot traffic and noise than cabins further along the corridor.
Near crew doors and service areas. Cabins beside crew entrances, laundries or public toilets can hear doors and trolleys. One example raised on the forums is D150, next to a crew entrance.
Under the Lido Deck. A Deck (Deck 11) cabins below the Lido Deck pool and buffet areas may hear sunloungers being moved and early-morning cleaning.
Sea view cabins with poor sea views
Some sea view cabins at the aft of Decks 8 to 11 look out onto an open deck rather than the sea. Deck chairs and passing passengers can block the view, and people walking past may be able to see in, so you may end up keeping the curtains closed. P&O’s deck plan lists some larger sea view cabins on D Deck as obstructed, and marks cabins whose view is over deck rather than sea. These can be good value if you only want natural light, but avoid them if a sea view is the point.
Cabins with fixed double beds
Most Aurora cabins have twin beds that can be pushed together to make a double, which is useful for friends travelling together. A smaller number have a fixed double bed, and some of those swap the sofa for a chair. If you need twin beds, look for the fixed-double symbol on the deck plan before you book.
Overlooked, shaded and steel-fronted balconies
Not all Aurora balconies are equal. Many are built into the superstructure, so they can feel quite enclosed. The deck plan also flags:
Overlooked balconies that can be seen from decks above or from neighbouring balconies, including some forward balconies overlooked by the bridge.
Partially shaded balconies, which may suit those who dislike strong sun but not sunbathers.
Steel-fronted balconies, where a solid panel instead of glass blocks much of the view when you are sitting down. Some passengers who have booked deluxe balconies on Aurora have commented that they could not see the sea from a seated position.
If you are paying extra for a balcony, a glass-fronted, unshaded, private one is worth the effort of checking.
Cabins with interconnecting doors
Interconnecting cabins are handy for groups, but if you are travelling alone or as a couple, the connecting door can let through more sound from next door than a solid wall. The deck plan marks these cabins, so pick a neighbouring cabin if you would rather not risk it.
Cabins with pull-down beds
Some cabins have pull-down berths in the ceiling for third and fourth guests. In twin cabins the upper beds are reached by ladder, and P&O notes that the lower beds cannot be made into a double while the pull-downs are in use. If you are not using them, they should not affect you, but some people find the fittings make the ceiling feel lower.
A private, unobstructed balcony is worth checking for before you book. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
Best cabins on Aurora
With the problem cabins ruled out, here are the best cabins on Aurora for different priorities.
Biggest cabins
The largest cabins are the suites on B and C Decks, with the penthouse suites spread over two levels joined by a spiral staircase. The Piano Suite, with its own baby grand piano, and the Library Suite are among the most distinctive cabins at sea. Suite guests get butler service and perks such as priority boarding and room service from the speciality restaurants.
Best inside cabins
Larger inside cabins on B Deck give you more room for less money, and some inside cabins have a small seating area. Cruise Critic picks out A297/8 as good-value interior cabins with a little extra living space. Choose an inside cabin in the middle of a cabin deck, away from lifts and stairwells, for the quietest option.
Best sea view cabins
Look for sea view cabins midship on Decks 5, 6 or 9 with a clear window and nothing marked as obstructed. Larger sea view cabins on C Deck are a good compromise. Most outside cabins have a bath or mini-bath with shower, while inside cabins have a shower only.
Best balcony cabins
Cruise Critic recommends higher balcony cabins on Decks 9 to 11, which are handy for the buffet and pool decks without being under them. Deluxe balconies on B and D Decks are usually roomier, with a separate seating area. Whatever deck you choose, avoid the overlooked and steel-fronted symbols if the view matters, and stick to midship if you are prone to seasickness.
Best suites
For most couples, the mini suites on B Deck are the sweet spot. They cost less than full suites, include a separate sleeping area and a whirlpool bath, and come with many of the same perks. If you want something special for a long cruise, the Piano and Library Suites are worth a look.
Single cabins
Aurora has dedicated single cabins: sea view singles on A and C Decks, and balcony singles on D Deck. Cruise Critic rates the D Deck solo balconies as more modern than most cabins on board. There are only a few, so book early on popular sailings.
Accessible cabins
Aurora has a small number of adapted cabins, around 16 according to Cruise Critic. P&O’s deck plan marks cabins suitable for a powered mobility device and notes that all adapted cabins have a shower only. Because there are so few, contact P&O’s special assistance team before you book to discuss your needs, and book as early as you can.
Best cabins for smokers
There is no such thing as a smoking cabin on Aurora. P&O does not allow smoking inside the ship, including in cabins or on cabin balconies, and smoking is limited to designated outdoor areas on the open decks. Rules on vaping can change, so check P&O’s current policy before you sail. If you smoke, choose a cabin with easy lift or stair access to the designated area shown on board.
Checking above, below and beside a cabin on the deck plan avoids most surprises. Photo: Nabil Naidu on Pexels
Aurora cabin checklist before you book
Most guides stop at a list of cabins. This quick checklist helps you test any Aurora cabin number in a couple of minutes using the current P&O deck plan.
Above: is there a bar, venue, gym, pool, buffet or sun deck directly overhead?
Below: is there a show lounge, nightclub, theatre or galley directly beneath?
Beside: are you next to lifts, a launderette, crew doors or a stairwell?
Symbols: look for fixed double, pull-down beds, interconnecting door, steel-fronted, overlooked, shaded or obstructed view.
Position: forward and aft cabins move more in rough seas; midship is calmer.
Bathroom: check whether the grade has a bath or shower only, if that matters to you.
Sailing type: if you want an adults-only cruise, confirm your sailing is not one of the small number open to all ages.
Is Aurora still adults-only, and is she staying with P&O?
Aurora became adults-only in 2019 and remains marketed that way. However, P&O has announced that a small number of Aurora sailings across 2026 and 2027 will welcome all ages, starting with short December 2026 sailings and a Christmas cruise. There are no kids’ clubs on these sailings. If a child-free holiday is the reason you are choosing Aurora, check the sailing details carefully, or compare other options in our guide to adults-only cruises from the UK.
As of November 2026, P&O has not announced any plan to sell or transfer Aurora. Her sister in the adults-only fleet is a different story: Carnival Corporation has announced that Arcadia will leave P&O for Holland America Line in 2029, with Cunard’s Queen Anne joining P&O under a new name. If you are weighing up the two ships, see our guide to P&O Arcadia cabins to avoid. If you prefer a newer, bigger ship with more modern cabins, our Arvia best and worst cabins guide covers P&O’s largest ship.
FAQs
Which cabins should you avoid on P&O Aurora?
Avoid cabins directly above or below busy venues such as Carmen’s, cabins beneath the gym, aft sea view cabins on Decks 8 to 11 that look over open deck, C Deck cabins above the tender davits and Deck 5 cabins near Reception, unless the lower price outweighs the drawbacks for you.
What are the best balcony cabins on Aurora?
Midship balcony cabins on Decks 9 to 11 are popular for being close to the pools and buffet without being underneath them. Deluxe balconies on B and D Decks are roomier. Avoid balconies marked as steel-fronted or overlooked if you want a clear, private view.
Is P&O Aurora still adults-only?
Aurora is still marketed as an adults-only ship, but P&O has opened a small number of sailings to all ages from December 2026. Check the sailing details before you book if you want a child-free cruise.
Can you smoke on your balcony on Aurora?
No. P&O does not allow smoking in cabins or on cabin balconies. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on the open decks.
Where can I find the P&O Aurora deck plan?
P&O Cruises publishes an up-to-date Aurora deck plan on its website. Use it to check what is above, below and beside your cabin, and look for the symbols that flag fixed double beds, interconnecting doors and obstructed views.
The main Azura cabins to avoid are those directly below the pool decks and buffet, above or below the theatre and late-night bars, sea view cabins with lifeboats outside the window, and cabins at the very front or back if you are prone to seasickness. The best-value picks for most people are mid-ship balcony cabins on the quieter middle decks, with cabins above and below them, or a Superior Deluxe Balcony if you want much more space.
Below we explain where each problem sits on the ship, what the different P&O Azura cabins actually offer, and how to check a specific cabin number before you pay the deposit.
Is Azura still sailing with P&O Cruises?
Yes. Azura entered service in 2010 and remains part of the P&O Cruises fleet as of October 2026. In October 2026 Carnival Corporation announced that Cunard’s Queen Anne will move to P&O in 2029 and Arcadia will leave for Holland America Line after her final P&O season (read our Carnival Corporation fleet shuffle news for the details). Azura was not part of that announcement, and P&O continues to sell her sailings for 2027 and 2028, including fly-cruises in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
Azura also had a three-week refit in March 2025. Standard cabins received new carpets, curtains, headboards, sofa beds and desk chairs; suites were redecorated with new lighting and USB charging points; and cabin corridors were recarpeted. So while the layout of the ship has not changed, the cabins feel fresher than older reviews may suggest.
P&O Azura cabins at a glance
Azura carries around 3,000 guests and P&O groups her accommodation into four types: inside, sea view, balcony and suites. Within those there are dozens of price grades, mostly based on deck and position. Approximate sizes from published deck plans are below.
Cabin type
Approx. cabin size
Balcony
Good to know
Inside
15 m² (164 sq ft)
None
Same floor area as most sea view and standard balcony cabins
Sea view
15 m²
None
Some grades have partly or fully obstructed views
Balcony
15 m²
About 4 m², larger on some aft cabins
The most common cabin on board
Superior Deluxe Balcony
About 26 m²
About 4 m²
Much more room inside; located on decks 8 and 9
Suite
About 31 m²
About 15 to 17 m²
Includes two family suites and two large aft penthouses
Single (solo) cabin
About 13 m²
None
18 single cabins on deck 6, inside and sea view
One thing many cabin guides skip: inside, sea view and standard balcony cabins on Azura are all roughly the same size inside. You are paying for light and outdoor space, not floor area, which makes the jump to a Superior Deluxe Balcony the biggest single upgrade in living space.
Azura cabins to avoid (and why)
No cabin on Azura is genuinely bad, but some locations come with trade-offs you should know about before booking.
1. Cabins under the pool decks and buffet
The upper cabin decks, Riviera (14) and Lido (15), sit closest to the open-deck pools, sun loungers and the buffet area. Sun loungers being set out early in the morning, deck parties and trolleys can be heard in cabins directly underneath. If you are a light sleeper, look for a cabin with another cabin deck above it.
2. Cabins near the theatre, bars and nightclub
The public rooms on decks 5 to 7 hold the theatre, atrium, bars and late-night venues. Cabins directly above or below these spaces can pick up music and bass late into the evening. Deck plans make it easy to see what sits next to a cabin vertically, so always check one deck up and one deck down.
3. Sea view cabins with obstructed views
On deck 8 (E deck) a number of sea view cabins look out over or through the lifeboats. P&O sells these in separate grades marked as partly obstructed or obstructed, and they are usually cheaper. You still get daylight, but your view of the sea may be very limited. They are fine if you mainly want natural light at a lower price; avoid them if watching the sea from your cabin matters to you.
4. Balconies that can be overlooked
Some lower balconies, particularly around deck 8 near the outer promenade and where the hull steps out, can be seen from public deck areas or from balconies above. If privacy on your balcony is important, choose a balcony higher up the ship and check the deck plan for public open-deck space nearby.
5. Cabins near lifts, launderettes and crew doors
Being close to a lift lobby is handy, but these areas get busy, with doors and conversations in the corridor at all hours. Cabins next to launderettes and service doors can also be noisier. A cabin a few doors along the corridor gives you the convenience without the footfall.
6. Very forward or very aft cabins if you get seasick
Motion is felt most at the bow and stern and on higher decks. Azura often sails the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic routes, so if you are prone to seasickness choose a cabin mid-ship on a lower or middle deck. Some guests also report vibration in aft cabins when the ship manoeuvres in port.
7. Three- and four-berth cabins if you want a double bed
In many cabins with pull-down upper berths for a third or fourth guest, the two lower beds cannot always be pushed together into a double. If you are a couple booking a cabin for two, check the bed configuration with P&O or your travel agent before confirming.
A standard balcony is the most popular cabin type on board. Photo: Bingqian Li on Pexels
Best Azura cabins to book
Best balcony cabins
For most couples, a mid-ship balcony on the middle cabin decks (around decks 10 to 12) is the sweet spot: well away from the pool deck and entertainment, with cabins above and below and less movement in rough seas. Aft-facing balconies at the back of the ship are prized for their wake views and are sometimes larger, but expect a little more motion and possible vibration.
Best for more space
Superior Deluxe Balcony cabins offer around 26 m² inside, almost double a standard cabin, which suits families or anyone on a longer cruise. Suites add a much bigger balcony and extra perks such as priority embarkation and a butler service, so compare the price difference carefully.
Best inside cabins
Inside cabins on a middle deck, away from lifts and with cabins above and below, give you the quietest night for the lowest fare. As there is no window, location matters even more than usual: an inside cabin under the buffet is a poor trade.
Best for solo travellers
Azura has 18 dedicated single cabins on deck 6, a mix of inside and sea view, priced for one guest so you avoid paying for an empty second berth. They are smaller than a standard cabin and sell out early on popular dates, so book as soon as itineraries open.
How to check any Azura cabin before you book
Find the cabin on the deck plan on the official P&O Azura page. The first letter of the cabin number tells you the deck (for example E for deck 8, D for deck 9, C for deck 10).
Look one deck up and one deck down. Ideally you want cabins on both sides, not a galley, buffet, pool deck or bar.
Check the corridor. Note lift lobbies, launderettes and stairs near the cabin door.
Read the grade description. Obstructed and partly obstructed sea view grades are labelled; if the price looks unusually low, this is often why.
Confirm the beds. Ask whether the beds can be made into a double, especially in three- and four-berth cabins.
Location on the ship matters as much as the cabin itself. Photo: Burak Akın on Pexels
Is Azura the right P&O ship for you?
Azura is a mid-sized, traditional-feeling ship that suits guests who want classic P&O cruising with plenty of dining choice, without the scale of the newest ships. If you are still comparing options, our guide to the best P&O Cruises ships ranked by reviews shows how Azura stacks up against the rest of the fleet, and if you are tempted by the newer, larger ships, see our best and worst cabins on Arvia.
Azura has a sister ship with a very similar layout, and our guide to P&O Ventura cabins to avoid covers its quirks too.
FAQs
What is the best deck on Azura?
For a quiet, stable cabin, the middle cabin decks (roughly decks 10 to 12) are a good choice, as they sit between other cabin decks and away from the pools and entertainment venues.
Which Azura cabins have obstructed views?
A number of sea view cabins on deck 8 (E deck) look out over the lifeboats. P&O sells them in partly obstructed and obstructed grades, usually at a lower price.
Does Azura have single cabins?
Yes. There are 18 single cabins on deck 6, a mix of inside and sea view, designed for one guest.
Are Azura balcony cabins bigger than inside cabins?
Not inside. Standard balcony, sea view and inside cabins are all about 15 m²; the balcony adds roughly 4 m² of outdoor space. Superior Deluxe Balconies and suites are significantly larger.
Do the same cabins to avoid apply on P&O Ventura?
Mostly. Ventura is Azura’s near-identical Grand-class sister, so the same rules apply: avoid cabins under the pool and buffet decks, rooms near the theatre and nightclub, obstructed sea view cabins by the lifeboats, and very forward cabins if you get seasick. Check Ventura’s own deck plan for venue names and exact cabin numbers.
Is Azura leaving the P&O fleet?
There is no announcement of Azura leaving. The 2029 fleet change involves Queen Anne joining P&O and Arcadia moving to Holland America Line; Azura was not included.
The main Sky Princess cabins to avoid are balcony and Deluxe Balcony rooms on Decks 8, 15 and 16, where structures below or above can block part of the view, plus cabins directly under the pool and buffet deck or above the theatre and Piazza, which can be noisier. For the quietest stay, pick a cabin on Decks 9 to 14, midship if you are prone to seasickness, and avoid squeezing four people into a standard balcony.
Sky Princess is a Royal-class ship that entered service in October 2019, carrying around 3,660 guests in 1,830 staterooms, and roughly four in five of those rooms have a private balcony. That makes it a ship where most cabins are good, so this guide focuses on the handful of locations and layouts worth double-checking before you pay a deposit, and on the best cabins on Sky Princess for different types of traveller.
Sky Princess at a glance
Before you look at a deck plan, it helps to know how the ship is laid out. Sky Princess was the fourth Royal-class ship built for Princess Cruises by Fincantieri, with sisters including Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess. Cabins are spread over nine decks, and most of the accommodation decks have nothing but cabins above and below them, which is the main reason this ship is considered relatively quiet.
Category
Number on board
Approximate size
Good to know
Inside
340
166 to 175 sq ft
No window; storage is tight
Oceanview
6
About 172 sq ft
Forward on Deck 17 with slanted windows
Balcony
753
214 to 222 sq ft incl. balcony
The most common cabin on the ship
Deluxe Balcony
311
About 233 sq ft
Slightly larger; aft versions are bigger still
Mini-Suite
374
About 323 sq ft
Curtained sitting area, bathtub, sleeps up to four
Suites
44
About 440 to 710 sq ft
Premium, Penthouse, Owner’s and Window Suites
Sky Suites
2
Roughly 950 to 1,000+ sq ft
Deck 18, huge balconies with 270-degree views
Figures come from the Princess Cruises fact sheet and published deck plans; sizes vary slightly by cabin, so always check the specific room you are offered. Sky Princess also has 38 accessible staterooms across several categories.
Sky Princess cabins to avoid (and why)
None of these are terrible cabins. They are simply the rooms where a particular guest might end up disappointed, so match the issue to your own priorities.
1. Deck 8 balconies if you want a clear sea view
On Royal-class ships the lifeboats and tenders hang along the side of the ship just below the lowest balcony deck. On many Deck 8 balconies you look down onto the top of them rather than straight out to sea. Princess usually sells the worst affected rooms as obstructed or partially obstructed, often at a lower fare, but it is worth checking the exact cabin number on a deck plan or obstructed-view photo site before you book.
2. Some balconies on Decks 15 and 16
Higher up, the ship’s hull steps in and out. A number of balcony and Deluxe Balcony cabins on Decks 15 and 16 sit beside or beneath overhanging structure, which can shade the balcony or cut into the view. If an open, sunny balcony matters to you, pick a cabin on Decks 9 to 14 instead.
3. Cabins directly under the pool and buffet deck
Deck 15 sits beneath the main pool area and casual dining. Guests in some of these cabins report hearing loungers being moved and set up early in the morning, plus footsteps and trolleys late into the evening. Light sleepers should look for a room with another cabin deck above it.
4. Deck 8 cabins above the theatre and Piazza
The Princess Theater and the Piazza atrium, where live music and events run into the evening, are on the decks below Deck 8. Noise is not a problem for everyone, but if you go to bed early it is one more reason to choose a cabin from Deck 9 upwards.
5. Cabins right next to laundrettes, lifts or crew doors
Each accommodation deck has self-service laundry rooms, lift lobbies and service doors. The laundry rooms generally close overnight and Princess lift lobbies are fairly quiet, but cabins immediately beside them still get more passing chatter and door noise than rooms halfway down a corridor. Use the deck plan to check what is next door, not just what is above and below.
6. Standard balconies booked for four people
Some standard balcony cabins can take a third and fourth guest using a sofa bed or pull-down upper bunks. With four people, roughly 175 sq ft of indoor space gets very crowded, and lowered bunks can make moving around at night awkward. Families of four are usually happier in a Mini-Suite, which has a separate sitting area, or in two connecting cabins.
7. Forward or high cabins if you get seasick
Motion is felt most at the front of the ship and on the highest decks. The forward Oceanview cabins and Window Suites on Deck 17 have striking views, but they are not the best choice for anyone who struggles with seasickness, especially on Atlantic or North Sea crossings. A low to middle deck, midship, is the most stable spot on any cruise ship.
8. Cabins at the very end of long corridors
At just over 1,080 feet long, Sky Princess is a big ship. A cabin at the far forward end can mean a long walk to the aft lifts and the main dining rooms. That is great exercise for some people and a real nuisance for anyone with limited mobility, so check how far your room is from the nearest lift bank.
9. Very aft cabins if you are sensitive to vibration
Aft-facing balconies are some of the most sought-after rooms on the ship, but on the lower aft decks some guests notice more vibration from the engines and thrusters, particularly when the ship is docking or leaving port. If you are a very light sleeper, a higher aft deck or a midship cabin is a safer bet.
An unobstructed balcony view is one of the main things to check when choosing a cabin. Photo: Mykhailo Petrenko on Pexels
The best cabins on Sky Princess
Turning the list above around, here is where to look for the best cabins on Sky Princess depending on how you like to cruise.
Best for a quiet night’s sleep: any balcony or Mini-Suite on Decks 9 to 14, with cabins above and below and away from lift lobbies.
Best views: aft-facing Premium Deluxe Balconies, which measure around 242 to 312 sq ft and look out over the wake, and the corner Penthouse Suites.
Best for families: Mini-Suites, which sleep up to four with a curtain dividing the sitting area, or connecting balcony cabins. Many cabins on the ship connect to the room next door.
Best value balcony: a standard balcony midship on Decks 9 to 14. Because there are more than 750 of them, they come up regularly in Princess sales.
Best for seasick travellers: a midship balcony on Deck 9 or 10, low enough to feel less motion while still having fresh air.
Ultimate splurge: one of the two Sky Suites on Deck 18, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and wraparound balconies that Princess describes as the largest at sea.
Reserve Collection, suites and Sky Suites
Princess has renamed its Club Class Mini-Suites as the Reserve Collection. These are Mini-Suites in well-placed locations that come with extra perks: priority seating in a reserved section of the main dining room without a booking, a daily chef’s special and extra menu choices, a bottle of wine on embarkation day, evening canapés in your room and priority specialty dining reservations. On Sky Princess, the former Club Class Mini-Suites are found on several of the upper cabin decks, so check which deck your Reserve Collection room is on using the same noise and view advice as above.
Full suites (Premium, Penthouse and Owner’s) add a larger living area, a bigger balcony and suite perks such as priority embarkation and lounge access. The forward Window Suites on Deck 17 swap a balcony for huge windows, which suits guests who prefer a light-filled room over outdoor space. The two Sky Suites sit above the bridge area on Deck 18 and are usually the first rooms to sell out on any sailing.
Accessible and connecting cabins on Sky Princess
Sky Princess has 38 accessible staterooms spread across inside, balcony, Mini-Suite and suite categories. They offer wider doorways, more turning space around the bed, roll-in showers and, in balcony categories, larger balconies with level access. They book up early, so if you need one, reserve as soon as your dates are fixed and tell Princess about any specific equipment you are bringing.
For groups, connecting rooms are widely available, particularly among balcony cabins. Two connecting balconies often cost about the same as a single suite but give you two bathrooms, which many families value more than extra floor space.
Checking the deck plan above and below a cabin takes minutes and avoids most surprises. Photo: Renata B. on Pexels
How to check a Sky Princess cabin before you book
Most comparison guides stop at “avoid these decks”. The more useful step is checking the actual cabin number you have been offered. This takes about five minutes:
Look up and down. Find your cabin on the official Princess deck plan and check what is directly above and below. Cabins, good. Pool deck, galley, theatre or nightclub, think twice.
Look sideways. Check whether the room is beside a lift lobby, laundry room or service door.
Check the view category. If the fare is listed as obstructed or the cabin is on Deck 8, 15 or 16, search for photos of that cabin number’s balcony.
Confirm the bed and sofa layout. Bed configurations and sofa beds can differ between cabins in the same category, so ask the booking agent if you are travelling as three or four.
Be careful with guarantee fares. A guarantee (cabin assigned later) is often cheaper, but you give up the right to choose and could end up in one of the locations above.
Price in the package. Princess Plus and Princess Premier bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and more. At the time of writing they cost from around $70 and $105 per person per day respectively when bought before sailing for departures from mid-October 2026, and prices change regularly, so compare the cabin upgrade against the package cost.
Sky Princess vs Enchanted Princess cabins
Because Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess are near-identical Royal-class sisters, the same principles apply on both ships: obstructed balconies low down on Deck 8, noise under the pool deck and the best quiet decks in the middle of the ship. If you are comparing sailings, our guide to Enchanted Princess cabins to avoid and the best rooms to book covers that ship deck by deck. Travellers weighing up other lines can also compare our Celebrity Cruises cabins to avoid guide.
Once you know which cabin type you want, timing your booking matters too. Our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 and when to book explains when lines such as Princess tend to release their best fares and upgrade offers.
For the newer Sphere-class ship, see our Sun Princess cruise ship guide, covering The Dome, cabins, dining and 2026-27 itineraries.
Considering a smaller ship for a Panama Canal cruise? See our guide to Coral Princess cabins to avoid and the best rooms to book.
FAQs
Which deck is best on Sky Princess?
Decks 9 to 14 are generally the best decks on Sky Princess. They are sandwiched between other cabin decks, so you avoid noise from the pool deck, theatre and Piazza, and most balconies there have clear sea views.
Which Sky Princess balconies are obstructed?
The main obstructed balconies are on Deck 8, where many look down onto lifeboats and tenders, plus a number of cabins on Decks 15 and 16 that sit beside or under overhanging structure. Princess normally labels the worst affected rooms as obstructed when you book.
What are the categories of Princess staterooms?
On Sky Princess the categories are Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Mini-Suite (including Reserve Collection Mini-Suites), Suites such as Penthouse and Owner’s Suites, and the two Sky Suites on Deck 18.
What is the best room on a cruise ship for seasickness?
On Sky Princess, as on most ships, the best room for seasickness is on a low to middle deck, midship, where motion is least noticeable. Avoid high forward cabins such as those on Deck 17 if you are prone to motion sickness.
Is a Mini-Suite on Sky Princess worth it?
A Mini-Suite is worth it if you want more space, a bathtub or are travelling as three or four. At around 323 sq ft it is noticeably larger than a standard balcony, and Reserve Collection Mini-Suites add dining and in-room perks.
Carnival cruise directors are the hosts who set the tone of a Carnival sailing: they run the welcome-aboard show, game shows and deck parties, make the daily announcements and lead the Fun Squad. There is no official ranking of the best Carnival cruise director, but a handful of names come up again and again with fans, from Brand Ambassador John Heald to fleet cruise directors Lee Mason and Chris “Donkey” Salazar and ship-based favorites such as Kyndall Fire. Below is who is who in late 2026, which much-loved names have moved on, and how to find out who your cruise director will be before you sail.
What does a Carnival cruise director do?
The cruise director is the main onboard host and the public face of the entertainment program. On a typical Carnival sailing they:
Host the welcome-aboard and farewell shows in the main theater
Run signature game shows and audience events, plus themed deck parties
Make the morning and port-day announcements
Lead the Fun Squad, the team that runs trivia, games and activities around the ship
Work with the entertainment, activities and guest services teams behind the scenes
Carnival’s own entertainment recruitment pages describe cruise director as a leadership position that calls for years of entertainment experience, management skills and strong public speaking. Most cruise directors work contracts of roughly four to six months followed by a break of a month or two, which is why the name on your ship can change from one season to the next.
Since 2022 Carnival has also had fleet cruise directors. Rather than being assigned to one ship, they move around the fleet for days or weeks at a time to train and support the ship-based cruise directors and Fun Squad teams. If you meet one on board, it is usually a bonus rather than a replacement for the regular cruise director.
Well-known Carnival cruise directors fans talk about (2026)
This is not a ranking. Everyone has a favorite, usually the person who hosted their own best cruise, so treat the names below as the cruise directors and entertainment leaders that Carnival fans most often mention, follow and look out for. Roles were checked against Carnival-related news and community schedule trackers in October 2026, but assignments change often.
John Heald: Carnival Brand Ambassador
John Heald is not a ship cruise director today, but he is probably the most recognized face of Carnival entertainment. A former cruise director, he is now Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador and runs a hugely popular social media page where he shares updates and answers guests’ questions. In July 2026 Carnival marked his 39 years with the company with an event on board Carnival Vista. Earlier in 2026 he said he would scale back his online presence to spend more time on the ships, so expect fewer daily posts and more onboard appearances.
Lee Mason: Fleet Cruise Director
Lee Mason spent close to a decade as a ship-based cruise director, including as the inaugural cruise director of Carnival Celebration, before being promoted to fleet cruise director in 2024. He now travels the fleet mentoring other cruise directors and hosts a “Get to Know” video series on YouTube that introduces Carnival’s cruise directors, which is a handy way to put a face to a name before your trip.
Chris “Donkey” Salazar: Fleet Cruise Director
Chris “Donkey” Salazar has held a fleet cruise director role since 2023 after years as a ship-based cruise director. Like Lee Mason, he now works across the fleet supporting and training cruise staff rather than hosting a single ship full time.
Kyndall Fire: Carnival Jubilee
Kyndall “Fire” Magyar was the first cruise director of Carnival Jubilee when it debuted from Galveston in December 2023, and Carnival named her Cruise Director of the Year for 2024. She has also been profiled by the Wall Street Journal. Community trackers list her on Jubilee until mid-November 2026 and back on the ship for most of 2027, with short breaks in between.
Other names worth knowing
Erin Weigand and Leon Smith joined the fleet cruise director team in 2024 and early 2025 respectively; Erin Weigand was the first woman in the role.
MarQ Anthony was the inaugural cruise director of Carnival Venezia and has since worked on Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. Trackers show him moving to Carnival Radiance from late November 2026.
Vanessa “from Brazil” Fredrich worked her way up to cruise director and was named Carnival’s Team Member of the Year for 2025. She is listed on Carnival Paradise into early 2027.
Louie Clare hosted Carnival Celebration and sailed Carnival Luminosa’s 2026 Alaska and Asia seasons; trackers have him on Mardi Gras in spring 2027.
Deon Williams is listed on Carnival Pride until late November 2026, then Mardi Gras from January 2027.
Mike D’Auria is listed on Carnival Breeze until January 2027.
Cruise directors host the big theater shows and game shows on every Carnival ship. Photo: Stephan Leuzinger on Pexels
Former Carnival cruise directors fans still remember
Many “top 10” lists online still include cruise directors who have since left Carnival or changed roles. Here is where some of the most-searched names stand, based on news reports:
Name
What happened
Jonathan “Cookie” Adams
Announced he was stepping down in November 2023 after joining Carnival in 2014; his last ship was Carnival Venezia.
Chris “The Flying Scotsman” Williams
Fleet cruise director who launched Mardi Gras in 2021; retired from Carnival in August 2024 after 13 years to spend more time with his family.
Matt Mitcham
Long-serving cruise director who had been named for Mardi Gras; announced his retirement after 14 years with Carnival before that ship debuted.
Jen Baxter
Left in 2022 after 20 years with Carnival (ships included Legend, Fascination and Miracle) to become a program director on Viking river ships.
Mike Pack
Carnival’s first fleet cruise director; moved to a new training and entertainment role at Princess Cruises in late 2025.
A few other names that appear on older lists, such as Butch Begovich and “Reverend Dr. E”, could not be matched to a current Carnival role in reliable 2026 sources, so do not count on seeing them on your sailing.
Carnival cruise director schedule: how to find out who your CD is
Carnival does not generally publish a fleet-wide cruise director schedule for guests, and assignments can change at short notice. These are the most practical ways to find out who is likely to be on your ship:
Join your sailing’s Facebook group or roll call. Guests booked on the same ship and date often share what they hear, and passengers on the sailing before yours will usually post who is on board.
Follow cruise directors on social media. Most Carnival cruise directors have public pages where they announce their next ship and contract dates.
Watch Lee Mason’s “Get to Know” videos to learn a little about the cruise directors you might meet.
Check the Carnival HUB app once on board. The daily schedule in the HUB app lists the shows and events, and the cruise director introduces themselves at the welcome-aboard show on embarkation day.
Treat any schedule as a guide, not a guarantee: cruise directors swap ships, take leave or get promoted, and a new name can appear days before departure. It is the same reason we suggest booking on the ship and itinerary you want rather than chasing a particular host. If you are still choosing a ship, our guide to the newest Carnival ships in order shows what each one offers.
Deck parties are one of the cruise director's signature events. Photo: K on Pexels
Meeting and tipping your Carnival cruise director
Cruise directors are among the most visible crew members on board, so meeting them is usually easy:
Go to the big events. Welcome-aboard and farewell shows, game shows and deck parties are where the cruise director is most often found, and many stay afterwards for photos.
Say hello around the ship. They are often near the atrium or main stage before evening events. Keep it short, as they are working long days.
Look out for meet-and-greets. Some sailings with large loyalty or fan groups include an informal get-together, which the HUB app or your Facebook group will mention.
Do you need to tip the cruise director? No. Carnival adds a daily gratuity to your onboard account, which rose to $17 per person per day for standard staterooms and $19 for suites from April 2, 2026, and this goes to crew on top of their base pay. Extra cash for the cruise director is not expected. If someone made your cruise, the most useful thank-you is to mention them by name in your post-cruise survey, because those comments are read by the line and feed into crew recognition. While you are budgeting for extras, see which drinks are always free on Carnival cruises.
How much do Carnival cruise directors make?
Carnival does not publish cruise director pay. Industry and community estimates put it at roughly $4,000 to $8,000 a month depending on experience, ship size and contract, plus cabin, meals and other onboard benefits. Most cruise directors are promoted from within, starting as Fun Squad members, hosts, performers or assistant cruise directors. If that career path appeals, our look at the best cruise lines to work for is a good starting point.
Planning your next Carnival sailing? Check our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 for when to book.
FAQs
Who is the best Carnival cruise director?
There is no official ranking. Names fans mention most in 2026 include Brand Ambassador John Heald, fleet cruise directors Lee Mason and Chris “Donkey” Salazar, and Kyndall Fire of Carnival Jubilee, Carnival’s 2024 Cruise Director of the Year.
How do I find out who the cruise director is on my Carnival cruise?
Check a fan-run Carnival cruise director schedule such as Saint Greg’s Travels or Gangwaze, ask in your sailing’s Facebook group, and follow cruise directors on social media. Once on board, the HUB app and welcome-aboard show confirm who is hosting.
Is John Heald still a cruise director?
No. John Heald is Carnival’s Brand Ambassador. He marked 39 years with Carnival in July 2026 and has said he is spending less time on social media and more time on board the ships.
How long do Carnival cruise directors stay on one ship?
Contracts typically last around four to six months, followed by a break of one to two months. Many return to the same ship, but assignments change often.
How much do Carnival cruise directors make?
Carnival does not publish salaries; estimates range from about $4,000 to $8,000 per month plus room and board, depending on experience and ship.
Ever wondered about a cruise ship captain’s quarters? The captain is a pretty key person on your cruise, so surely they must have some pretty swish accommodation to keep them happy, right?
Or are they like the rest of the crew – given the most basic features, so that guests are always the priority?
Well, I spoke to the deputy captain of Azura and asked him what his room was like. He said it was nice and had a window. But sadly no balcony.
I love it when cruise ship captains take the time to chat with guests!
So, what is the captain’s bedroom like on cruise ship? Let’s take a look….
The captain will have their own quarters
A cruise ship captain will always have their own quarters, unlike the general crew who will typically share a room. Typically all senior officers onboard a ship will be given more spacious, well-appointed accommodations to reflect the seniority of their role.
The Captain’s bedroom on Celebrity Edge
The captain’s quarters will vary by ship but typically there’ll be a separate bedroom and office space, so that the captain is able to switch off for a few hours of sleep without being in ‘work mode’.
However, they will be on call, so if there’s an urgent situation they’ll be summoned to the bridge to handle it. The cruise ship captain is one of the few roles where there are no relief workers – captains are responsible for the ship 24/7 during their working time, and there is no actual time off while they’re on the ship. They’ll either be working or on-call.
They don’t have a special name
There isn’t a special name for a cruise ship captain’s quarters – they can be called the captain’s quarters, the captain’s cabin, or the master stateroom or suite. It varies by ship, instead of being a standard name. Most people will colloquially refer to them as the captain’s quarters.
The reason most people will refer to them as “quarters” rather than a room is that they aren’t usually just one room. Most captains will have a full-blown suite with multiple rooms, but calling it a “suite” sounds too luxurious.
Entrance to the Captain’s Quarters on Harmony of the Seas
With other types of ship, there may be two cabins, instead of one larger room. They’d be called the in-port cabin and the at-sea cabin. The in-port cabin is the main accommodation and the at-sea cabin is a more basic option close to the bridge, where a captain might sleep during times when urgent action may be necessary.
But on cruise ships, the captain is always on call so they tend to just have one quarters.
Not much of a commute!
The captain’s quarters on a cruise ship will always be close to the bridge, often with a door giving direct access to the bridge from the cabin. This allows the captain to get onto the bridge immediately if there is an emergency or other situation which requires their instant attention.
As you can see here, the bridge will usually be visible from the captain’s window…
Being a cruise ship captain is not easy – you don’t really get downtime and even your own private quarters are directly linked to the space where you work. Plus your cabin will likely contain an office.
Captain’s office
You could argue the same applies to everyone on a cruise ship – you don’t really get separation between work and private time – but it’s worse for a captain since their private space is so close to where they work.
Why captain’s cabins tend to be at the starboard
Traditionally, the captain’s cabin would be situated on the starboard side of the ship because it was considered to be the superior side of the ship. However, as shipping laws developed, ships now pass on the starboard side and so the captain’s quarters being on that side allows the captain to monitor traffic.
With a modern cruise ship and all of the technology onboard, you’ll know of any ships approaching you for miles before they reach you. That being said, it’s always good for the captain to have the best visibility of oncoming ships, just for added safety.
Captain’s Office
Having their cabin on the starboard side of the bridge, therefore, means they get an unimpeded view of the ships that will pass.
The facilities are pretty good too!
Because the role of captain is so senior and respected, most cruise ships will make sure that their captains are very comfortable in their accommodations. Not only that, but they will provide space for entertaining, as there are some occasions where a captain may wish to invite guests, or it may be expected of them.
The size of cruise ship captains’ quarters will vary by each ship, and the dimensions aren’t made public. You won’t see them on deck plans either. But there have been a few insights into what a captain’s quarters look like.
Typically, the captain’s quarters will have a master bedroom with a spacious en-suite bathroom, and there will likely be a walk-in wardrobe. This is important because a cruise ship captain has to look their best – so they need space for their uniforms to be properly hung once laundered and pressed.
Captain’s Bathroom
There’ll be a living area, which will typically include some form of small kitchen. A cruise ship captain will avoid dining in the restaurants onboard the cruise ship most of the time, because they won’t have the time to meet with all the guests who will want to say hello and likely take selfies.
Having a small kitchen area allows a captain to prepare their own lighter meals when they aren’t getting food delivered from the galley, and helps a captain to keep themselves fueled with snacks during any busy times.
The Captain’s Kitchen on Harmony of the Seas
There’ll be a living area too, designed for the captain to relax. It may incorporate a dining table, because captains can sometimes host parties which could include dinner for elite guests. If that’s the case, expect there to be a guest bathroom too, so that guests aren’t walking through the main bedroom belonging to the captain.
From what we know of the captain’s quarters, it seems like private balconies are not too common. That’s probably because they’re not needed – cruise ship captains get enough time looking out to sea during their actual job, and any downtime is likely to be spent watching TV or catching up with family online.
Finally, a captain will have an office space, and it’ll either be within the quarters or it’ll serve as the gateway between the living quarters and the bridge. These offices are often tech-heavy, with various monitors showing important readouts about the ship and the surrounding waters.
There’ll be a fast PC too, which the captain will use to carry out some of their daily tasks, file reports and communicate with the necessary people at the cruise line’s headquarters and at each port of call. The best WiFi connections will be saved for the captain since their work is so important.
And there are other benefits too…
There are other perks that cruise ship captains enjoy as part of their accommodation.
The WiFi access they have is not limited to working hours, and they’ll be able to spend as much time online as they want to when they’re relaxing. This can be used to stream box sets on their large TV, or to chat with family.
But sometimes, chatting with family online isn’t enough – so one of the best perks captains enjoy is having their family onboard the ship. Individual cruise lines will set their own policies on this but they may allow families to be onboard for extended periods of time, or to make occasional visits.
And it’s not just humans – cruise ship captains may also be allowed to have a pet living with them! Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Cruises travels with her cat. This is her tour of the quarters on Celebrity Edge:
You only get a fleeting view of the cat in the video but you can see the litter box and the cat food in the fridge too, so it’s not a temporary visitor.
Don’t expect a tour!
You usually won’t be able to visit a cruise ship’s captain’s quarters to see them for yourselves. Cruise ship captains are very busy people and when they’re not working in their office, they’ll be relaxing in their room – they don’t want to be disturbed just to host a tour!
Some cruise ships do offer behind-the-scenes tours and they might show some of the crew accommodation, but only rooms that aren’t being used. Because the captain is always on the ship, that rules the captain’s quarters out. The tour may show off the bridge and there may be a view into the captain’s quarters from there, but discretion is usually maintained.
It used to be a lot more common for cruise ship captains to host the occasional party for the most elite guests but it’s an older tradition from the days of ocean liners. Some cruise ship captains may still choose to entertain within their room, but it wouldn’t be widely available.
Captain’s drinks or parties are still relatively common on cruise ships but they’ll be hosted in a different venue on the ship.
If you want to see inside a captain’s quarters, your best option is to keep tabs on social media and look out for quick video tours, like those I’ve included in this article. They’re rare though – captains are usually too busy to share things like this!
Captain Mikael Degerlund
Final word
There you have it – a little bit of insight into how a cruise ship captain lives while they’re on a cruise ship.
Usually, a cruise ship captain will be at sea for three months at a time, so it’s important they’re comfortable, but they also need to be close to all the action for when they’re needed at short notice.
The videos I’ve included in this guide are from one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, and one of the most modern with Celebrity Edge. Older ships may have smaller quarters but they’ll still be as big as some of the suites on-board the ship.
If you want to know more about cruise ship captains, check out this guide to Captain Kate McCue, the Celebrity Cruises captain who shared her quarters on Celebrity Edge in the video above.
And if you want to know how much the captain gets paid (because we’re all a bit nosy about that, aren’t we?) make sure you read my guide on Cruise Ship Captain Salary Stats.
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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.
The best Mardi Gras suites depend on what you want from the upgrade. For the ultimate splurge, the two Excel Presidential Suites on Deck 17 are the largest rooms in the Carnival fleet. For the best balance of space and value among the top-tier options, the Excel Corner Suites usually make the most sense. If you mainly want suite perks without Excel prices, the Ocean Suite is the sensible pick. Couples who like a quieter pool scene should look at the Havana Cabana suites, and families should consider the Family Harbor Ocean View Suite.
Mardi Gras at a Glance
Mardi Gras was the first of Carnival’s Excel-class ships and entered service in 2021. At around 180,000 gross tons and about 5,200 guests at double occupancy, it is one of the largest ships in the Carnival fleet. At the time of writing (October 2026) it sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, mostly on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Those sailings are scheduled to continue into 2027, when sister ship Carnival Festivale is due to join it at the same port.
The ship is laid out in themed zones such as Grand Central, the French Quarter, Summer Landing and La Piazza. Several of the suite categories are tied to specific areas: Havana, Cloud 9 Spa and Family Harbor.
Every Suite Type on Mardi Gras
Carnival splits its suites into two broad groups. The Excel suites are the premium tier, with 32 suites across four categories, all with their own extra perks. Every other suite gets Carnival’s standard suite benefits. Sizes below are approximate and come from published deck-plan data. Figures vary slightly by source and by individual room, so check the exact cabin before you book.
Suite
Approx. size (inside + balcony)
Where
Best for
Excel Presidential (2)
About 1,100 sq ft total, with a balcony of 600+ sq ft
Deck 17
Milestone trips, no-compromise splurges
Excel Aft (12)
About 350 sq ft inside plus a large wraparound balcony
Aft, decks 9-15
Wake views, outdoor hot tub
Excel Corner (12)
About 400 sq ft plus a balcony of about 300 sq ft
Aft corners, decks 9-15
Space and value within Excel
Excel Suite (6)
About 415 sq ft plus a balcony of about 200 sq ft
Decks 10-12
Excel perks at the lowest Excel price
Havana Cabana Corner Suite
About 350 sq ft plus a patio
Aft, Deck 8
Adults and older teens who want Havana pool access
Havana Cabana Suite
About 205 sq ft plus a patio of about 80 sq ft
Deck 8
Couples who want a relaxed, tropical vibe
Cloud 9 Spa Suite
About 290 sq ft plus a small balcony
Near the spa, high deck
Spa lovers
Ocean Suite
About 290 sq ft plus a small balcony
Decks 9-12 and 14-16
Suite perks on a budget
Family Harbor Ocean View Suite
About 310 sq ft, no balcony
Lower deck, by Family Harbor
Families with young kids
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
The Excel Suites: What You Get
Excel Presidential Suite
Only two exist, both on Deck 17, with separate living, dining and sleeping areas. The headline is the balcony of more than 600 square feet, with a large sunbed, a private outdoor hot tub and an outdoor shower. Presidential guests also get access to the Cloud 9 thermal suite and the Havana pool area, which other Excel guests don’t.
Excel Aft Suite
The Aft suites face the back of the ship and overlook the wake and the Summer Landing area. Each has a separate bedroom and living room, and a wraparound balcony with a hot tub, a daybed and a table for four. Most of what you pay for is the balcony.
Excel Corner Suite
The Corner suites sit on the port and starboard aft corners. They offer a wet bar, separate lounging and sleeping areas, and a wraparound balcony with space to dine and lounge. For many cruisers they hit the sweet spot. You get a lot of private outdoor space and full Excel perks, usually for less than an Aft suite, though prices vary by sailing.
Excel Suite
The six standard Excel suites on Decks 10 to 12 are the entry point to the Excel tier. They have defined sleeping, dining and lounging areas and a generous balcony with loungers and a table. There’s no hot tub, but the perks match the bigger Excel suites.
Excel Perks, Including Loft 19
Unlimited access to Loft 19, an adults-focused enclave on the top deck with a pool, loungers and cabanas you can rent
Priority booking for Loft 19 cabanas
A dedicated concierge phone line
Guaranteed dining times at extra-charge specialty restaurants (Bonsai Teppanyaki and Chef’s Table excluded)
The Bottomless Bubbles soda package, plus room service and laundry
Sparkling wine and a fruit basket on arrival, and upgraded bath amenities
All the standard suite perks listed below, including priority boarding and debarkation
Set your expectations: Carnival’s Excel program is not a “ship within a ship” like the suite areas on some rival lines. You don’t get a private restaurant or a butler, and concierge help comes by phone, not from a desk. Cabanas at Loft 19 also cost extra.
The Other Suites
Havana Cabana Suite and Havana Cabana Corner Suite
These sit in the Havana area on Deck 8, with patios that open onto a promenade. Havana guests get exclusive access to the Havana Bar and Pool, which is limited to guests aged 12 and over. The standard Havana Cabana Suite has a rain shower and a hammock outside. The two Corner versions are bigger, with more outdoor space. Patios on a promenade offer less privacy than a regular balcony.
Cloud 9 Spa Suite
These sit close to the Cloud 9 Spa and come with spa perks on top of the suite benefits. Those include unlimited thermal suite access, a couple of fitness classes and priority spa booking. If you would buy a thermal suite pass anyway, that can recover a good share of the price difference.
Ocean Suite
The Ocean Suite is the most common suite on board and the cheapest way to get suite status. It is noticeably larger than a standard balcony cabin, with a bigger bathroom and a sitting area. The balcony is modest. These suites don’t include Excel extras such as Loft 19.
Family Harbor Ocean View Suite
These have no balcony, but they give families what they actually need: more floor space, room for up to four, and a short walk to the Family Harbor Lounge. The lounge offers breakfast, snacks, games and a big screen for Family Harbor guests.
Standard Suite Perks (All Suites)
Priority check-in, embarkation, debarkation and tender boarding
Priority main dining room seating requests
Bottled water, plush bathrobes and enhanced turndown service
A complimentary laundry bag
Photo: Ethan Nguyen on Pexels
Mardi Gras Rooms Beyond the Suites
If a suite is more than you want to spend, Mardi Gras rooms come in the usual Carnival categories, with a few Excel-class extras. Knowing them helps you judge whether a suite upgrade is worth the jump:
Interior rooms: the cheapest way to sail. Some interiors in the Havana and Family Harbor areas carry the same area perks as the suites there.
Ocean view rooms: a window but no balcony, usually on lower decks.
Balcony rooms: the most common choice. Standard balconies are compact, so if you plan to spend time outside, an Ocean Suite’s extra space can be worth the difference.
Cove Balcony rooms: low-deck balconies close to the waterline, popular for sea views at a lower price than higher balconies.
Havana, Cloud 9 Spa and Family Harbor rooms: themed cabins that give access to the Havana pool (ages 12+), spa perks or the Family Harbor Lounge, without full suite status.
Before you book any Mardi Gras room, check the deck plan for noise risks such as the galley, the Summer Landing bars or the BOLT roller coaster on the top deck. Our guide to Carnival cabins to avoid covers what to watch for across the fleet.
Which Mardi Gras Suite Should You Choose?
Once-in-a-lifetime celebration: Excel Presidential, if you can get one.
Best all-round Excel value: Excel Corner Suite.
You want a private hot tub: Excel Aft (or Presidential).
You want Excel perks and don’t need a huge balcony: standard Excel Suite.
Couples on a sensible budget: Ocean Suite, or a Havana Cabana Suite if the adults-leaning pool appeals.
Spa regulars: Cloud 9 Spa Suite.
Families with little ones: Family Harbor Ocean View Suite.
One practical note: the aft suites sit above Summer Landing and close to the stern, so you may notice some vibration or deck noise. Check what sits above and below a specific room on the deck plan before you commit.
How to Book a Mardi Gras Suite for Less
Book early for Excel. There are only 32 Excel suites, so the best rooms go first and prices tend to rise as the date gets closer.
Watch for sales and price drops. Carnival often runs promotions with reduced deposits or onboard credit. If the fare drops before final payment, ask your travel agent or Carnival to re-price your booking.
Consider an upgrade bid or offer. Carnival sometimes invites booked guests to bid on or buy upgrades closer to sailing.
Use loyalty and casino offers. VIFP Club members and Players Club guests sometimes get discounted or complimentary cabin offers.
As a rough guide, Ocean Suites often cost a few hundred dollars more per person than a balcony on a seven-night cruise. Excel suites typically run into the several-thousands per person, and the Presidential Suites cost the most. Prices change constantly, so compare live fares on Carnival’s Mardi Gras page. For broader timing tips, see our guide to cruise deals in 2027.
Sister Ships: Celebration, Jubilee and Festivale
If Mardi Gras dates don’t work for you, the other Excel-class ships offer the same suite tiers, with some layout and theming differences. Carnival Celebration (late 2022) sails from Miami. Carnival Jubilee (late 2023) is based in Galveston and has recently added shorter itineraries, which we covered in Carnival Jubilee’s first short cruises. The fourth ship, Carnival Festivale, floated out at Meyer Werft in Germany in late September 2026. It is scheduled to begin sailing from Port Canaveral in spring 2027. Carnival has announced a further Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, for 2028. Deployment details may change, so check with Carnival.
Mardi Gras has around 180 suites across roughly a dozen categories. Only 32 of them are Excel suites: 2 Presidential, 12 Aft, 12 Corner and 6 standard Excel.
Do all suites get access to Loft 19?
No. Loft 19 is included only for Excel suite guests. Ocean, Havana, Cloud 9 and Family Harbor suites get standard suite perks but not Loft 19. Other guests may be able to rent a cabana there, subject to availability.
Where does Mardi Gras sail from?
At the time of writing, Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, mainly on seven-night Caribbean cruises.
Are Havana suites suitable for kids?
The Havana area is reserved for guests aged 12 and over, so Havana suites aren’t an option for families with younger children. Look at Family Harbor instead.
What is the Carnival Mardi Gras Presidential Suite like?
The Excel Presidential Suite is the largest room in the Carnival fleet, at about 1,100 square feet including a balcony of more than 600 square feet with a private hot tub, outdoor shower and large sunbed. There are only two, both on Deck 17, and guests get every Excel perk plus Cloud 9 thermal suite and Havana pool access. They are the most expensive rooms on the ship and sell out early, so book as far ahead as you can.
What kinds of rooms are on Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras has interior, ocean view, balcony and Cove Balcony rooms, themed Havana, Cloud 9 Spa and Family Harbor cabins, and suites ranging from the Ocean Suite to the two Excel Presidential Suites.
The Royal Caribbean Group has announced a change to the rules surrounding free cruises granted to casino players, with a deposit now required for all bookings for guests who’ve previously no-showed.
Guests on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises sailings are often invited to enjoy free cruises, if they spend enough money in the casino onboard during past cruises.
It makes sense for the cruise line, because they will often make more money from those guests when they return and play more in the casinos.
However, there have been some issues with guests no-showing their cruise, meaning that there are empty beds on the cruise ships that could otherwise have been filled.
As a result, those guests have been contacted and told that, in future, they must pay a $200 deposit to secure their free cruises.
It only applies to guests who’ve no-showed or who have cancelled within two days of a sailing date, but it will apply to all future bookings from 5th September 2024 onwards for those guests.
If the guests do board the ship, the $200 deposit will be converted into onboard credit for them to enjoy. If they cancel with at least seven days’ notice, it’ll be refunded. But, if the guests cancel at short notice or no-show the cruise, the deposit is forfeited.
While it may be controversial for those impacted guests, on the outside the move makes sense, as it’s not fair on the cruise lines to award free places to guests who then no-show a room that could otherwise have been sold.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
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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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