You’ve decided to book a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line, but now comes the tricky part—picking the right cabin. An interior stateroom will save you money, but will it feel cramped? A balcony cabin sounds tempting, but is it worth the splurge on a short five-day cruise? Or maybe an oceanview cabin is a good compromise, but are you just paying extra for a window?
Seasoned cruisers know—cabin choice can make or break a vacation. Pick the wrong one, and you might deal with constant noise from galleys, an obstructed view ruining your sunrise coffee, or nightclub beats thumping as you try to sleep. And if you’re prone to motion sickness, the wrong cabin location could turn your relaxing getaway into a five-day rollercoaster ride.
I’ve put together this guide to Carnival’s best and worst cabins after digging through cruise forums, studying deck plans, and analyzing countless cruiser reviews. I’ll break down the hits and misses—where to book for peace and comfort and which cabins could leave you sleepless or seasick. Whether you want quiet, great views, or the best value, this list will help you steer clear of regret and find a cabin that fits your cruise style.
What Makes a Cabin the Worst Choice on Carnival?
What makes a cabin the worst choice on Carnival? It depends. Some love budget-friendly interiors, while others need a peaceful retreat. Forward- and aft-facing cabins offer stunning views, but ocean swells can make the cruise feel like a theme park ride. Most of the time, choosing the right cabin comes down to personal preference.
That said, certain staterooms on Carnival ships receive frequent criticism—and those are the ones to avoid. Excessive noise, cramped quarters, awkward layouts, and obstructed views can turn a dream cruise into a floating nightmare.
Knowing what to expect when booking a Carnival cruise can help you avoid regrets and book a cabin that suits your needs.
The Best and Worst Cabins on Carnival Cruise Ships
In my experience, Carnival ships offer a great selection of comfortable staterooms. However, I’ve found them, in general, to be a bit dated compared to other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity ships. But which ones should you avoid, and where are the hidden gems onboard? Read on to find out.
Noisiest Cabins to Avoid: Lido Deck, Theaters, or Elevators
As on most cruise ships, cabins close to high-traffic, high-energy areas are the noisiest. Put poor sound insulation into the mix, and you might not get the amount of sleep you want. Of course, cabins close to nightclubs and theaters on Carnival ships put you close to the action but also the noise.
Passengers in cabins below the Lido deck often complain about hearing scraping deck chairs, crew cleaning, and early morning fitness classes. A cruiser on Carnival Breeze shared that the sounds of chairs being dragged back and forth woke him up every morning. Some of the worst culprits seem to be Deck 9 on Vista-class ships and Deck 10 on Dream-class ships.
Staterooms near theaters on Carnival ships often experience loud nighttime performances. A cruiser on Carnival Horizon complained, “The music from the theater shook our walls every night. Even with earplugs, we could hear it.” The worst locations for this are typically Decks 2 and 3, directly below or near the main theater. But check deck plans for the ship you plan to sail on.
Another common complaint on Carnival ships—and other cruise lines—is about foot traffic noise from elevators. Cruisers talk about door slams, late-night noise, and people chatting loudly outside their doors. The worst decks for this issue tend to be those with high guest movement, such as Deck 6 or 7 on larger ships like Carnival Panorama or Mardi Gras.
For a quieter stay, mid-ship cabins with staterooms above and below provide more insulation from noise. Avoid booking near high-traffic areas unless you’re comfortable with extra activity just outside your door.
Cabins Under the Galley (Worst for Late-Night Noise)
If you’re looking for a peaceful night’s rest on a Carnival ship, avoid booking a cabin above or below the galley. I’ve read about guests complaining about clanging pots, rolling carts, and constant clatter. Cruisers talk about it being like “living under a kitchen restaurant 24/7.” One passenger shared that they barely slept for the entire six-night cruise.
Deck 2 cabins on ships like Carnival Vista, Panorama, and Mardi Gras are among the worst for noise. But again, check the deck plan, as other ships may differ. If you’re a light sleeper, the best location onboard is midship, with staterooms above and below.
Forward Cabins (Worst for Motion Sickness)
Forward cabins on all cruise ships feel the most movement, so it’s a bad cruise cabin location if you’re prone to seasickness. The issue comes from the ship’s bow rising and falling with the waves, and in rough seas, even experienced cruisers notice the motion. One guest on Carnival Magic said, “It felt like we were riding a rollercoaster at night.”
Motion is most noticeable on longer sailings or rougher routes, like transatlantic and repositioning cruises. From what I’ve read, forward cabins on Deck 9 and above on Vista and Dream Class ships are often the worst.
Aft Cabins Near the Thrusters (Worst for Docking Noise and Vibration)
Aft cabins on lower decks are closer to the ship’s thrusters and may experience strong vibrations and loud noise during docking. Although not all guests are bothered about it, many say how the whole cabin seemed to rattle when docking or slowing down. One described how the vibrations woke them up at 6 a.m. every morning.
Despite the vibrations, many cruisers love aft-facing cabins for the spectacular views. But if you’re a light sleeper or get up late, avoid low-deck aft cabins. Instead, choose a balcony cabin on Deck 8 or 9 on most Carnival ships.
Connecting Staterooms (Noise Transfer from Neighbors)
Booking a stateroom with a connecting cabin door may or may not be a good choice, depending on who you’re traveling with. In my experience, noise from the neighboring cabin can be an issue. The doors aren’t as soundproof as a regular wall, allowing voices, TVs, and alarms from next door to be heard more easily.
Some cruisers regret booking these rooms. A guest on Carnival Horizon shared, “We could hear every conversation like they were in our room.” Of course, much depends on your neighbors. But if you’re a light sleeper, avoid connecting cabins unless you’re traveling with family.
Staterooms on Carnival ship deck plans are easy to spot—look for the small white triangle between rooms. There can be between 20 and 30 connecting cabins on each deck.
Interior Upper/Lower Cabins (Worst for Space & Comfort)
When booking an interior stateroom on a Carnival cruise, ensure the sleeping arrangements are what you require. I’ve read that Carnival advertises their smallest cabins on upper or lower decks as double occupancy, but there is only a single twin bed and a sofa bed.
Cruisers who sail with their partner describe them as the worst cabins for couples. The sleeping spaces are cramped, and there’s barely any room for luggage. Of course, it may not be an issue for solo travelers or if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
For more comfort and space, choose a standard interior room or an oceanview cabin. You get enough private space without a huge price jump.
Porthole Cabins
Oceanview cabins with portholes are hit-or-miss with cruisers. On the one hand, they offer natural light at a lower price than oceanview rooms with larger windows. But I’ve discovered that not all portholes are equal. Some are small and recessed, and it’s challenging to know what type of stateroom you have.
The issue with cruisers seems that cabins with the smallest portholes have limited views of the ocean. Some Carnival guests also shared that structural elements partially block visibility, making the room darker. However, some cruisers love them. One shared, “Porthole cabins are great as you get an ocean view for the price of an interior cabin.”
Carnival markets these cabins as having an “interior porthole”—the view isn’t good enough to be classed as a true oceanview stateroom. But it’s a suitable compromise if you’re looking for a budget-friendly stateroom. You’ll find porthole cabins on all Carnival ships apart from Spirit Class and Excel Class ones.
Obstructed View Balconies
Obstructed-view balconies on Carnival ships provide fresh air but have partially blocked views, usually due to lifeboats or ship structures. Some cruisers love them because they’re cheaper than standard balconies.
The ocean views from obstructed view balconies can be a hit or a miss. Some online images from Deck 5 on Carnival Legend show the lifeboat roof in line with the balcony railing, which still gives beautiful ocean views. However, one cruiser on Carnival Vista noted, “Our balcony had the whole lifeboat in front of it—felt like a waste of money.”
If you want a balcony but don’t need a full view, obstructed view cabins are a budget-friendly option. It’s also best to check out forums like Cruise Critic to get advice from fellow cruisers. Otherwise, a standard balcony or cove balcony is a better choice.
Read more: 10 Balcony Cabin Secrets You Must Know Before Booking Your Cruise
Havana Cabanas (Limited Privacy)
Havana Cabana cabin types on Carnival ships offer exclusive perks but lack private balconies. This issue some cruisers have is that the balcony space doesn’t go to the ship’s edge, meaning people walk past it all the time. One fellow shared that people kept looking into their patio like it was part of the public area.
On the plus side, Havana staterooms may be worth the extra for the perks—access to the Havana pool, bar, hammock chair on the “private” patio area, and no under-12s. You’ll find Havana staterooms and suites on Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Vista, Horizon, and Jubilee.
Cove Balconies (Ideal for Outdoor Shade)
In my experience, Carnival staterooms with cove balconies are hidden gems. Maybe not for everyone, but because they’re partially enclosed, you get extra privacy and shaded outdoor space—and cheaper than standard balcony staterooms.
Reviews of cove balconies are mixed. Some cruisers love the cozy feel, while others find them too enclosed. One guest on Carnival Vista noted, “It felt private, but I missed having a full ocean view, and I couldn’t sunbathe enough as I’d hoped.”
Cove balconies if you want shade and a quieter balcony experience, but if you’re a sun worshipper, a standard or extended balcony on a higher deck may be the best option.
Family Harbor Rooms (Perfect if You Have Kids, not Great if You Don’t)
Carnival has a unique type of stateroom—Family Harbor staterooms and suites. Most cruisers with kids rave about the facilities. You get spacious rooms or suites, access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge, VIP check-in, bathrobes, cabin attendants, and cove balconies. Also, the suites are close to the kids’ zones.
As the cabin or suite type suggests, they’re for cruisers with kids, so it’s best avoided if you’re a couple or solo traveler. They can be noisy, high-traffic areas with kids running around. You’ll find Family Harbor Cabins on Carnival Horizon, Panorama, Celebration, Vista, and Mardi Gras.
Standard Balcony Cabins (Best for Balanced Comfort and Price)
Looking for a balance of price, comfort, and great views on your Carnival cruise? Standard balcony cabins are a top choice for many cruisers. While offering fresh air and great views, privacy can vary depending on the ship and deck location.
Most guests find them spacious enough for two—at a squeeze, four people—but some mention that balcony size varies by ship. One cruiser on Carnival Mardi Gras said, “The room was great, but the balcony felt a bit tight.” If you’re looking for more space, an extended balcony or an aft-facing balcony may be a better choice.
Extended Balcony Cabins (Best for Spacious Outdoor Space)
Looking for extra balcony space on your Carnival cruise? If so, opt for an Extended Balcony Cabin to enjoy 50% more space than a standard balcony. These cabins are great for couples and families, as well as for anyone wanting to stretch out without upgrading to a suite.
Most cruisers love the extra space, but some note that privacy can be an issue, as balconies may be more exposed. One guest on Carnival Breeze mentioned, “Loved the extra room, but people above could see right onto our balcony.” Also, they are above the lifeboats, so you cannot see directly down into the water.
Carnival Cruise Ship Suites (Best for Luxury and Perks)
Carnival offers a range of luxurious suites with extra perks and priority benefits. With all suites, you get priority check-in, dinner reservations, bathrobes, and bigger balconies.
Apart from Havana Cabana Suites and Family Harbor Suites, Carnival’s top-tier suite options include:
Cloud 9 Spa Suite: Comes with priority spa access, free thermal suite entry, ELEMIS toiletries, and, on some ships, the Hydrotherapy Pool.
Excel Suites: The most luxurious and largest suites, featuring massive balconies, exclusive access to Loft 19, and priority perks like guaranteed specialty dining reservations.
Read more: Best & Worst Carnival Cruise Ships Ranked By Reviews
Are Cabin Upgrades Worth the Cost?
Cabin upgrades on Carnival can be worth it or a waste—depending on your budget, expectations, and cruising style. Some upgrades offer genuine perks, like more space, better views, or exclusive access, while others may not be as noticeable once you’re onboard.
Many cruisers planning a short 3-night Caribbean cruise opt for an interior cabin because they won’t get enough use from the balcony. For longer cruises and more sea days, the extra cost of a cabin balcony can pay off. Some cruisers regretted paying for suites when they spent most of their time enjoying the ship.
What about “free” or discounted upgrade offers? I’d recommend checking the new cabin’s location. I’ve read countless complaints of cruisers getting discounted upgraded cabins only to find they are in noisier areas or have obstructed views.
Read more: Carnival Ships Ranked by Age: Newest to Oldest (With Reviews)
How to Choose the Best Carnival Cruise Cabin for You
The best Carnival cruise cabin comes down to your travel style, budget, and priorities. What works for one cruiser might not be the best fit for you. So, knowing what to look for can help you avoid nasty surprises and book a room that enhances your trip.
If you’re a light sleeper, avoid cabins near theaters, nightclubs, or under the Lido Deck to minimize noise. Prone to seasickness? Book midship on a lower deck for better stability. Want extra space? Extended balconies or suites offer more room to spread out, while budget travelers may find standard interior cabins perfectly fine for shorter cruises.
Checking deck plans before booking is crucial. Look for cabins with other staterooms above and below to reduce noise, and avoid rooms near crew service doors, elevators, or high-traffic areas. If you’re unsure, reading recent cruiser reviews can help you find the best options on your specific ship.
Read more: The Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid Booking
Booking the Perfect Cruise on Carnival
A well-chosen cabin can make your Carnival cruise more enjoyable, whether you’re after relaxation, want great views, or have easy access to ship amenities. With a bit of research and planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and book a stateroom that suits your needs. Here’s to smooth sailing and a fantastic cruise ahead!
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