Carnival Cruise Line 101: Choosing the Right Cabin
One of the biggest questions I get from first-time cruisers is, “How do I even choose which cabin to book?” Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! At Vacations by Jill, I make choosing the right cabin easy because the last thing you want is to spend your cruise wishing you’d picked differently. Let’s break down your options and make sure you find the best cabin for your cruise style and budget!
What’s in a Cabin?
Cruise rooms are called cabins, and on Carnival ships, they’re all thoughtfully designed to give you a great onboard experience. Even the smallest cabins are typically at least 185 square feet and come with two twin beds that can be converted into a king. Don’t worry—if you’d prefer the king bed setup, you can make that choice before sailing, and your room will be arranged just right for your arrival! If you’re traveling with three or more in a cabin, just know that the bed setup may vary to fit everyone comfortably.
Across all cabin types, you’ll enjoy essentials like a dedicated stateroom attendant, ample closet and drawer space, a TV, bathrobes, and an in-room safe.
The 4 Main Cabin Categories
Carnival has four main cabin categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. While some ships have special rooms within these categories, here’s the basic rundown:
Interior Cabins
These are the most budget-friendly and typically windowless, which some people love for their cozy, dark atmosphere. Carnival does offer a unique “Upper/Lower” interior option, but I usually steer clients away from these due to the wonky layouts. Plus, the beds in these rooms often don’t convert to a king.Ocean View Cabins
Ocean View cabins have a picture window that gives you a lovely view of the water without the price tag of a balcony. Certain ships also have Deluxe Ocean View cabins—ideal for families, as they include a full bathroom and an additional half-bath. These rooms are usually on the lower decks, giving you close proximity to the ocean waves.Balcony Cabins
If you’re dreaming of a private balcony with a view, this category is for you! Standard balcony rooms have two chairs and a table for relaxing with an ocean breeze. Cove Balconies, on the lower decks, sometimes get splashes from the ocean (fun if you love the idea of an adventurous feel and a lower price!). Other balcony options can include extra-large balconies for a bit more space.Suites
Suite cabins come with additional perks and plenty of room to spread out—many sleep up to five people! You’ll enjoy priority check-in, priority dinner reservations, pillow-top mattresses, complimentary water bottles, and upgraded amenities. If you want a true VIP experience, booking a suite might be the way to go.
Specialized Cabin Types
Carnival also offers a few specialized options:
Connecting Rooms: Perfect for larger groups or families, these rooms connect with a door between them.
Accessible Rooms: For guests with special needs, I can book modified rooms to accommodate accessibility requirements.
Choosing Your Cabin’s Position on the Ship
Once you’ve chosen a cabin type, the next step is selecting where on the ship you want to be. You can book cabins in three positions: Forward (front), Aft (back), and Midship (middle). Generally, midship and higher-deck cabins offer the smoothest ride since they’re more stable. Midship is particularly ideal for anyone sensitive to motion, though modern ships do a great job minimizing movement across the board.
Guarantee Cabins: A Gamble That Can Pay Off
Sometimes, Carnival offers what they call “guarantee cabins,” where you pick the cabin category and let them choose the specific cabin. This can save you money, but be prepared to end up anywhere on the ship. If you’re OK with that trade-off, it can be a fun and budget-friendly option!
No matter what you’re looking for in a cabin, I’m here to help you make the best choice for your cruise. Reach out to Vacations by Jill, and let’s get you on your way to an unforgettable voyage—one that’s perfect down to the last detail!