Balcony rooms and suites are popular cabin categories. The lure of ocean breezes and private outdoor space appeals to many when booking a cruise, and Carnival offers its guests many great options to choose from.
Making the choice even more difficult is a wide range of suites with even more interior and exterior space, as well as a variety of amenities and benefits that many cruise liners love.
So how do you choose between them? What is best for you and your family, and perhaps most importantly – your wallet?
We’ve taken a deep dive into Carnival’s balconies and suites to explore the differences and what you need to know when trying to choose between them.
What to consider
Many consider a balcony a must, but how much you need in terms of space and benefits largely depends on personal preference and budget.
With 22 ships in service and more on the way, Carnival has a large fleet with a wide range of balcony and suite options. Some are a little extra space; others are the size of luxury apartments.
Some things to think about when comparing cabins and balcony suites include price, cabin and balcony size, inclusive benefits, number of bathrooms, separate living space, theming and access to exclusive areas on board.
View of the balcony cabin
Carnival offers a variety of balcony cabin options among its eight ship classes, with newer ships in its Excel class offering fantastic new cabin designs for modern cruising.
Patios for these cabins include a private space along with two chairs and a table. Inside, guests can expect double beds that can be combined into a king bed. The cabins also have a separate sitting area with TV and desk/companion. There is a wardrobe with drawers/compartments as well as a safe for valuables. As with all cabins, rooms have a small mini fridge, climate control and bathrobes on request.
Passengers can also expect a private bathroom and shower, with basic toiletries such as shampoo and soap and a hairdryer. The newer balcony cabins on the Mardi Gras even have glass-enclosed showers, which are much wider than those found on other ships.
Balcony cabins vary in size and are not necessarily larger than an inland or ocean view cabin; however, they have added yard space. With the prevalence of this stateroom type, it’s easier to find the location you want, compared to less common categories like ocean view rooms.
Categories of balcony cabins
There are some changes to the balcony cabins on Carnival’s 22-ship fleet, which will increase even further in size with the introduction of Carnival Celebration and Luminosa next month. With over 15 balcony room categories, balcony cabins vary in size and price. Some of the more common options include:
- The standard balcony cabin is about 185 square meters of interior space, along with 40 square meters of patio space.
- A Junior balcony has the same balcony size as a standard room, but slightly less interior space.
- The Cove Balcony is closest to the waterline allowing guests to feel like they are truly sailing. However, they have a more enclosed yard area.
- The Extended Balcony, as the name suggests, has a larger balcony. An excellent option for those who love the tranquility of their own private outdoor space.
- The Premium View Extended Balcony has front or rear views. This gives passengers a unique view of what happens in front or behind the ship. It is worth noting that some front-facing rooms have partially obstructed views.
Looking at prices for a popular seven-day Caribbean itinerary in March 2023 on Mardi Gras, prices vary by several hundred dollars between balcony cabin categories. A Junior Balcony costs $2,316 for two guests, all inclusive of taxes, while an Extended Balcony with Private View costs $2,572.
suites
Carnival offers several options in terms of suites, which have additional benefits and amenities. Larger cabins, additional bedrooms, larger patios, and a host of other amenities, including:
- Priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation
- Priority dinner reservations and main dining room timings
- Two large bottles of water free of charge
- Mattresses with pillows
- Bath clothes
Ocean Suites, among the most common suite types, feature larger cabins for lounging. Upgraded bathrooms, with bathtubs and premium toiletries add to the luxurious feel. They vary in size, but can be an additional 50% increase in interior space, as well as a wider balcony and a larger closet.
Junior suites are a great entry level into this upgraded category with a little extra space, depending on the ship, along with benefits such as priority dining, boarding and disembarkation.
A step above a standard suite, the Grand Suite can be found on ships like the Carnival Vista and is even larger with a cabin size of around 350 square meters and an extended balcony. Cruisers are treated to a large private bathroom with a shower, jetted tub, double sinks, a walk-in/dresser closet and a sitting area with a sofa and coffee table..
Suites can cost thousands of dollars per person, depending on the cruise/itinerary, and can sell out quickly due to their limited availability on the ship.
Excel Carnival Suites
Showcased on new class ships such as Mardi Gras, Carnival is offering premium suites, with key line benefits including:
- Free access to Loft 19
- Dedicated concierge phone line
- Guaranteed main dining room seating
- Reservations guaranteed at most specialty dining locations when booked 24 hours in advance
- Sparkling wine and fruit bowl on arrival
- Endless Bubbles Soft Drink Pack
- Free room service
- Upgraded bathroom amenities
- Free movies on demand
- Free laundry service
Loft 19 is a private space with sunbeds and an infinity whirlpool. Suite guests enjoy complimentary access to Loft 19 and receive priority cabana reservations.
There are several different cabin offerings in the Excel category, including:
- Carnival Excel Suite with amenities such as a large cabin, an upgraded bathroom with a larger shower and double sinks, a dining area, two televisions and lounge chairs on the balcony, along with a table.
- Carnival Excel Corner Suite, another spacious suite, with a wraparound balcony and wet bar in the stateroom.
- A Carnival Excel Aft Suite is a fantastic option with an enclosed balcony, a private hot tub, dining area, daybed, plus daybeds, in addition to spacious interiors with separate bedrooms and living areas.
- The Carnival Excel Presidential Suite is the ultimate stateroom of the cruise, with a separate living room and bedroom, two televisions, a walk-in closet, a sectional sofa, a dining area and of course a wet bar. Guests won’t want to leave this suite with its hot tub, an incredible balcony that has everything from lounge chairs to love seats, rocking chairs, a day bed and alfresco dining tables.
Specialty cabins and suites
In addition to the featured balcony cabins and suites, some Carnival ships have private staterooms. These are distinguished by their outstanding themes and design and added benefits. A great feature of these themed rooms is that they have both balcony and suite options, catering to a wide range of budgets.
Rooms and suites in Havana
These cabins are Cuban-inspired in decor and colorfully decorated. All guests in these rooms must be 12 years of age or older and have exclusive access to the Havana Bar and Pool. Adding to the resort feel are the very large outdoor spaces and patios with hammocks. shower.
Additional benefits include:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Priority seating in the main dining room
- Priority disembarkation at all ports
- Two large bottles of water
- Mattress with pillow
- Bath clothes
These specialty rooms are available on Carnival Feast, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista.
Features include:
- Havana Cabana guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio, complete with lounge chairs.
- The Havana Cabana Corner Suite is more spacious with a separate living room and bedroom, with a TV in each, in addition to a sectional sofa and walk-in closet. Outside, guests can enjoy a private lanai with a rocking chair.
- The Havana Cabana Suite also has plenty of space and a luxurious relaxation area with lounge chairs and a rocking chair, along with a luxury rain shower.
Cloud 9 Spa rooms and suites
ABOUT a more Zen experience, Carnival offers its Cloud 9 Specialty cabins and suites. Rooms focus on a calm, relaxing environment with soothing decor and in-room amenities like Elemis toiletries and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers. Benefits include:
- Priority spa reservations
- Free fitness classes
- Unlimited access to thermal suites
- Exclusive discount on treatments during port days.
- Unlimited use of the hydrotherapy pool (for those ships that have them)
These rooms and suites are available on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Dream, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Magic, Mardi Gras., Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunshine .
Cloud 9 room options:
- Cloud 9 Spa Balcony with Cloud 9 benefits.
- Cloud 9 Spa Cove’s balcony, which is located closer to the waterline than most rooms, for a cooler atmosphere.
- Cloud 9 Spa Forward-View Extended Balcony, which has a large forward-facing balcony, offering the same view as the captain
- Cloud 9 Spa Suite with more room amenities, including two windows and a large balcony, living room with sofa and coffee table, walk-in closet and a larger bathroom with shower, whirlpool and double sinks.
Family Harbor Room and Suite
The nautically themed cabins are specially designed with families in mind, with a number of unique benefits. Located in the center of the Family Harbor Lounge, guests of these staterooms enjoy:
- breakfast in the morning,
- Snacks throughout the day
- Activities like board games, family movies, video games and more.
- Children eat free in most specialty restaurants on board
- A free evening with Night Owls babysitting service,
These cabins are available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista.
Cabin options include:
Family Harbor Balcony has all the benefits of a standard balcony cabin, with the added benefits of the Family Harbor area.
In addition, there are Cove Balcony and Extended Balcony options with rear views.
The Harbor View Ocean Family Suite accommodates up to five guests, with a separate bedroom and living room, with a TV in each. In addition, there is a walk-in closet, plus a convenient full bathroom and a separate bathroom.
