carnival cruise family rooms

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Carnival Family Harbor Rooms

Have you ever started your day on a cruise by having to gather your kids and make the trek up to Lido deck for breakfast? What a hassle! Do you wish there were a way to leisurely make your way just across or down the hall to a special lounge and eat breakfast there? Well, there is! Carnival Cruise Line’s Family Harbor rooms solve this issue and offer SO much more as well!

Carnival Ships

Carnival has 4 ships that feature Family Harbor rooms; the Vista, Horizon, and Panorama are all sister ships, and then the Mardi Gras has a smaller Family Harbor area with fewer rooms. The Mardi Gras does not have the Suite that is about to be featured. 

There are Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite options. My family booked the Suite and let me tell you it was an amazing experience! And it is priced comparable to the other basic suites on the ship, but with so many more amenities! All Suites on Carnival come with VIP check-in and priority tendering for shore excursions as well as a few other little perks. But these special Family Harbor rooms also come with access to the amazing lounge.

Please note that my experience was in 2019, so the experience may be a little different right now.  

The Lounge features a buffet continental breakfast which was SUCH a major perk for my family. All the Family Harbor rooms are in one area of the ship so it’s an easy walk right down the hall to get to the lounge. It was so much easier than going up to the Lido deck for breakfast!

The Lounge also features two lounge spaces with large TVs to hang out or play board games. And it also had a few video game stations in another area. Then of course the tables to sit and enjoy your breakfast or snack or just hang out. 

It was never crowded, as these lounges are only for Family Harbor rooms and those rooms are very limited.

The Lounge also had a snack buffet in the afternoon. And of course my kid’s favorite thing was the ice cream machines. That’s right, coffee and ice cream available from morning to night while the lounge was open. All of this food and drink is included in the cost of your cruise!

The Lounge does close in the evening, it is not open 24/7.

Now for the rooms! The rooms feature a fun nautical theme. The Suite was rather large and very comfortable for my family of 4 with older kids. There are two bathrooms (one does not have a toilet) and a very large closet. Here are some pictures!

Here, you can see the L-shaped couch made into a bed. There is also the option of a pull-down bed from the ceiling. So, these Suites sleep up to 5 people.

Another fun perk with a Suite on Carnival is the robes for you to use. The Family Harbor robes were a nice fleece and very cozy.

Contact your Embrace the Journey Travel agent today for more information on these amazing Carnival Cruise Line rooms!

Ready to start planning your trip to Carnival Cruise? Please fill out this form to get started!

Thanks to Embrace the Journey Travel’s Operations Coordinator, Joy Wolski, for writing this blog post for us.

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Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Carnival Cruise Line ship isn't nearly as complicated as picking a cabin on, say, a Royal Caribbean or a Celebrity Cruises ship.

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels.

That means that when you're trying to find the best Carnival cruise ship cabin for you, you'll have an easier time than you will when booking with some other lines.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista-class series, for instance, offer fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest-class ships have around 50 suites. The oldest Fantasy-class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on offering an affordable product. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The line's two newest ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration , each have 180 suites — more than twice the number found on the vessels Carnival was unveiling a few years ago.

Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, they have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing Fantasy-class ships out of its fleet in recent years.

A Carnival Cruise Line cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Carnival vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

On newer Carnival ships, a significant portion of cabins are balcony cabins — the rooms everyone wants these days. But the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins on Carnival's newer ships isn't nearly as high as on the newer ships of some rival lines such as Royal Caribbean.

About 44% of the 2,004 cabins on Carnival's Carnival Panorama (launched in 2019) are balcony cabins, for instance. Compare that to the 65% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas (launched in 2018) that are balcony cabins.

As noted above, Carnival ships also have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships of some of its rival lines. By contrast, the line's newer ships have a higher percentage of inside cabins than you'll find on the newer ships of some rival lines.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Carnival Panorama, which is typical of the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 789 (39%) Oceanview cabins: 254 (13%) Balcony cabins: 891 (44%) Suites: 70 (3%)

On older Carnival ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are far fewer balcony cabins. Fewer than 10% of cabins on the line's two oldest vessels, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, are balcony cabins. The two ships date to 1998.

On both Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins make up the majority (nearly 90%) of accommodations, and suites account for fewer than 10% of rooms. Here is the breakdown for Carnival Paradise:

Inside cabins: 420 (40%) Oceanview cabins: 466 (44%) Balcony cabins: 98 (9%) Suites: 78 (7%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a balcony cabin on an older Carnival ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a balcony cabin is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

You'll also want to book early if you're aiming for a suite — particularly if you want one of the best suites on a Carnival ship. An old saw in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The "middle" sells last.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels mostly have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood. Cabin bathrooms are neutral.

One exception is the new Carnival Venezia , which has a darker (faux) wood finish to furniture in cabins that ties into the ship's Italy theme.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival ship

Inside cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Inside cabins are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Carnival ship, they almost always are the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

On many cruise ships, inside cabins are smaller than oceanview and balcony cabins. But on Carnival ships, that's not always the case. On Carnival Panorama, for instance, most inside cabins measure 185 square feet. That's the same size as the interior area of some oceanview and most balcony cabins on the ship (not including the extra square footage from the balcony).

Related: Why inside cabins aren't as bad as you think

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas , by contrast, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Carnival Panorama.

Note that, in a quirk of the cabin categorization system at Carnival, there are a few inside cabins on some Carnival ships that do, indeed, have a view to the outside world. These cabins either have an obstructed view (often due to lifeboats) or a porthole, such that the view isn't all that great. For that reason, the line classifies them as inside cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

With an oceanview cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Carnival's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outwards now are built with balconies. But older Carnival ships are loaded with oceanview cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships can sometimes be bigger than inside cabins and even bigger than balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). On Carnival Panorama, some oceanview cabins measure 185 square feet — the same as inside cabins. But there also are bigger "standard" oceanview cabins that measure 220 square feet and "deluxe" oceanview cabins that measure 230 square feet.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Carnival is building its newest ships with far more of them than in the past. As noted above, about 44% of the cabins Carnival Panorama are balcony cabins. But that percentage jumped to 56% on the newer Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It will be the same on Carnival Jubilee, a sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration coming out in December 2023.

The typical Carnival balcony cabin has a contemporary look, with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. It typically features twin beds that can be converted into a king bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed. Some rooms have pull-down bunks to create more sleeping spaces. Balcony cabins typically measure around 185 square feet, not including the veranda area, which often measures 35 square feet.

Note that on some Carnival ships, specific categories of balcony cabins have larger balconies than most. These are wonderful for sitting out and watching the waves. Often these rooms are at the back of the ships overlooking the wake.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

For instance, Carnival Panorama has "Family Harbor" and "Havana" balcony cabins with 60-square-foot balconies overlooking the wake. That's 71% more balcony space than the typical balcony cabin on the ship.

Carnival Panorama also has "Havana Cabana" balcony cabins with even bigger, 100-square-foot balconies.

Suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

As noted above, Carnival ships generally don't offer a lot of suites. For the most part, the suites they have are relatively modest in size and amenities compared to the suites at some of the line's rivals.

The biggest suites on Carnival Panorama, the ship's eight Grand Suites, have 345 square feet of interior space, plus an 85-square-foot balcony. Contrast that to the biggest suites on Royal Caribbean ships, which can measure more than 1,500 square feet.

Suites on Carnival ships also haven't traditionally come with butlers and access to private concierge lounges like the suites on many other vessels.

Related: This amazing new cruise ship suite measures more than 4,000 square feet

Still, some of that has begun to change with the debut of Carnival's new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Carnival went big with the suites on the groundbreaking, 5,282-passenger vessels — the biggest Carnival ships ever.

Unveiled in 2021 and 2022, respectively, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each feature two sprawling Presidential Suites that measure 1,120 square feet — bigger than any other accommodations in the line's fleet.

Located at the top of each ship on Deck 17, the complexes have separate living and sleeping areas and the most expansive balconies in the Carnival fleet — all unusual-for-Carnival features. Measuring more than 600 square feet, the balconies also offer a lounging area with a large sunbed and a private outdoor hot tub and shower.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise ship

The Presidential Suites are among 180 suites you will find on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the most ever for a Carnival ship.

The two ships have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium "Excel" category of suites with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ships called Loft 19.

In addition to the two Presidential Suites, the Excel suites include a dozen 861-square-foot Excel Aft Suites that overlook the back of each ship and boast separate living rooms and bedrooms and large wraparound balconies with hot tubs.

Slightly smaller are a dozen 710-square-foot Excel Corner Suites offering separate sleeping and lounging areas and wraparound balconies. A step down are six smaller Excel Suites that measure 614 square feet.

Every one of the suites in those categories is bigger than any suite found on Carnival Panorama.

Passengers staying in all four categories of Excel suites on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have access to a dedicated concierge phone line and guaranteed dining times at the extra-charge specialty restaurants found on the ships (except for Japanese eatery Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table). Other upgraded amenities for Excel suite passengers include complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda packages, room service and laundry service, sparkling wine upon arrival and upgraded bathroom toiletries.

The new Loft 19 enclave found on both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration offers full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas available for rent.

Related: A guide to Carnival's VIFP loyalty program

Bottom Line

Fun-focused Carnival offers a solid mix of cabins on its vessels for a range of price points. If you're looking for an inexpensive vacation option, the inside cabins on Carnival ships are more spacious than the inside cabins you'll find on the ships of some rival lines. Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships also can be larger than normal for the category. Balcony cabins on Carnival ships hold their own in size against most competitors. Just don't expect a huge number of suites when sailing with Carnival.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Booking Procedures

• Carnival Vacation Protection (CVP)
• Deposit and Final Payment Guidelines | Forms of Payment
• Cancellation and Change Guidelines | Refunds
• Infants / Minors / Pregnancy
• Passenger Vessel Service Act - Jones Act
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
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• Carnival Spirit
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• Ship Class Guide
• Fun Ship Features

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Fun Ship Features Quick Reference
• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
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• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
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• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• Beverage Options
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Bottomless Bubbles Soda Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
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• Forms of Payment
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• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
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• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
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• What to Pack
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• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
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• Carnival EasyPay
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• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
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• View All Deck Plans

Carnival Horizon (HZ) Family Harbor Staterooms and Lounge

Located within a dedicated family zone on Deck 2, the Family Harbor accommodations offer an array of staterooms and suites in a nautical flag motif that accommodate up to five family members. Parents and kids will have even more room to relax at the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge, a secluded space designed as the ultimate family hang out with large-screen televisions, games and complimentary breakfast and snacks. Guests in Family Harbor staterooms are entitled to:

• Access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge between the hours of 6:00am-9:00pm, using your Sail & Sign card to enter.
• If booking specialty dining pre-cruise, guest will have to pay for kids upfront since our online system does not currently recognize the type of stateroom booked; once on board, guest can get the charge adjusted/refunded.
• One free Night Owls evening at Camp Ocean for children 11 years of age and under.

Family Harbor Lounge Features The exclusive Family Harbor Lounge decorated in a nautical flag motif (in red, white, blue and yellow), is a secluded space designed as the ultimate family hang out. Entertainment

• Family activities hosted by the youth staff
• Large screen televisions
• Programmed family movies
• Video game consoles, games and movies available
• Two computer terminals located in the Family Harbor Lounge ( $ )  

Breakfast and Snacks

• Continental breakfast buffet on port days, 6:30am-9:30am and sea days, 7:30am-10:30am
• Afternoon snack selections daily, 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Evening cookies and milk daily, 7:00pm-9:00pm
• Swirls soft serve ice cream

Family Harbor Staterooms and Suites Located within a dedicated family zone on Deck 2 aft, the Family Harbor accommodations (96 in total) offer an array of suites, aft-view extended balconies, cove balconies, deluxe ocean view and interior staterooms, all decorated in a nautical flag motif (in red, white, blue and yellow). Bathrobes are provided for both adults and children in all Family Harbor suites and staterooms. Interior Staterooms (category FA)

• 2423, 2424, 2427, 2428, 2432, 2436, 2440, 2441, 2444, 2445, 2448, 2449, 2452, 2453, 2456, 2457, 2460, 2461, 2464, 2465, 2466, 2468, 2469, 2472, 2473, 2476, 2479, 2481, 2483, 2487, 2491, 2505, 2507, 2509
• 2476 and 2491: Staterooms are Fully Accessible.

Ocean View (category FE)

• 2462, 2470, 2477, 2478, 2485, 2493
• 2462, 2470, 2477, 2485:  Staterooms are Fully Accessible-Single Side Approach.
• 2478, 2493: Window has obstructed view - outside the stateroom is a small open steel deck which guests do not have access to.

Deluxe Ocean View (FJ)

• 2418, 2420, 2422, 2426, 2430, 2434, 2435, 2437, 2438, 2439, 2442, 2443, 2446, 2447, 2450, 2451, 2454, 2455, 2458, 2459, 2463, 2467, 2471, 2474, 2475, 2489
• 2458, 2475: Window has obstructed view - outside the window is a metal control unit.
• All staterooms feature two bathrooms: one full bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink and additional bathroom with a junior tub and sink.

Ocean View with Cove Balcony (category FM)

• 2406, 2412, 2419, 2429

Ocean View with Aft-View Extended Balcony (category FO)

• 2480, 2482, 2484, 2486, 2488, 2495, 2497, 2499, 2501, 2503

Family Suite with Cove Balcony (category FS)

• 2398, 2400, 2402, 2404, 2408, 2409, 2410, 2411, 2414, 2415, 2416, 2417, 2421, 2425, 2431, 2433
• All Family Suites feature two bathrooms: one full bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink and additional bathroom with a junior tub and sink. A room divider with a privacy curtain separates the twin/king from the double sofa bed and upper. 2398 and 2425 do not have an upper berth.

Interior                                          Ocean View                                  Cove Balcony

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Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Carnival Cruise

Last Updated on September 4, 2023

Unlike a hotel that may have hundreds of seemingly identical rooms, cruise ships have many different types of cabins. With various layouts, views, sizes, and locations, the options are almost endless. Each cruise line has different accommodations available, so today we’ll look at the various cabins, or what they call staterooms, available on a Carnival cruise and how to find the one that’s best for you. 

What makes it tricky is that the term “best” here is entirely subjective; there is no one type of room that is “perfect” for everyone . Instead, it’s more important to understand your options and what you want on your ideal cruise vacation. Some people spend most of the day in their rooms relaxing, watching TV, reading, and napping. Other people are just there to get some shuteye and couldn’t care less about the accommodations. Before picking your room, think about how YOU vacation and what’s important to YOU.

Type of Room

The first and more significant decision you’ll have to make is what type of cabin you want. Carnival Cruise Line has several basic types depending on the ship. If you’re new to cruising, it’s important to note that cabins on cruise ships are going to feel very “cozy” compared to hotels. While Carnival has some of the most spacious rooms at sea, they still can feel a little cramped; especially when putting 3 or 4 people in a room.

Inside Cabin

Inside cabins are the basic and most affordable room you’ll find on a ship. On average, about 1/3 of the cabins on a Carnival cruise ship are inside cabins. They line the interior of the ship and have no windows. On average, Carnival interior rooms are about 185 sq ft (roughly the equivalent of a 13′ x 14′ room). When combined with the lack of windows, they can feel a bit claustrophobic.

Interior rooms typically have 2 twin beds which can convert into a king bed. Most don’t have a dedicated sitting area, although they do have a desk and chair. Some cabins also have the 3rd or 4th beds available, which pull down from the ceiling. These rooms solve all the basic needs; they have a comfortable bed, access to a private bathroom, and good A/C.

While balcony cabins are what people may typically envision when picturing a cruise, interior staterooms offer a great starting point for new cruisers due to their low cost. According to a poll by Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald , 69% of cruisers started their first cruise with an inside cabin.  

Benefits of an interior cabin 

• Cheapest option of room
• Completely dark and can be quieter

Drawbacks of an interior cabin

• Smaller size than other rooms
• No sitting area / couch
• No windows make it hard to realize what time of day it is

Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview cabins have a window that looks outside and make up about 20% of the ship. Because these cabins are usually on the lower decks, the view is sometimes obstructed with lifeboats or other equipment (the room’s description will clearly state if this is the case). While the windows in these rooms let in a fair amount of sun, they don’t typically open, so don’t expect to have a nice ocean breeze in your room. These rooms are usually around 220 sq ft on Carnival, so almost 20% larger than interior rooms. 

Benefits of an oceanview cabin 

• Cheaper than a balcony room
• Get a view of the ocean, although it may be obstructed
• No worry about small children getting out and playing on the balcony
• Larger size than interior rooms usually (about 20%)

Drawbacks of an oceanview cabin

• Usually can’t open the windows so no sea breeze
• Usually on lower levels away from other activities on a ship

Balcony Cabin

Balcony cabins make up about 43% of the rooms on a Carnival ship. These rooms usually go from the 3rd deck up to the top deck of the ship. On average, they’re about the same size as an interior room, 185 sq ft, but when you add the 75 sq ft of the balcony, it makes it feel much more spacious. The rooms have large glass doors and windows so that the natural light can pour in. On the balcony itself, most ships have 2 straight-back chairs and a small table. 

A subset of these are the Cove Balcony rooms which offer the cheapest balcony alternative usually. These cabins are on deck 2, just above the waterline, so they provide a unique perspective. The balconies are typically bigger, and they’re more secluded with large metal panels on the outside. It’s not great if you want to sun on your balcony, but some cruisers covet their shade and privacy. 

Benefits of a balcony cabin 

• Same room size as interior rooms but the extra 75 sq ft for the balcony makes it feel larger
• Large windows and glass door makes you feel more connected to the ocean
• Have a place to “get away” for a quiet time if the ship seems crowded

Drawbacks of a balcony cabin

• Most expensive of the non-specialized cabins (40 – 60% more than interior cabins)
• Some parents don’t want their kids to be able to get on a balcony
• Can see the sun or hear the wind coming in sometimes if you’re a light sleeper

If you’re looking to be in the lap of luxury and elegance, Carnival has a range of suites available on their ships. They account for about 4% of the cabins on a ship and range from 260 sq ft up to 500 sq ft. Each suite can have different features depending on the ship; sometimes floor-to-ceiling windows, other times, a dedicated seating area and jacuzzi. Because there aren’t many of these types of rooms on a ship, they often sell out quickly. 

On top of the premium room, with pillow-top mattresses and bathrobes, guests who stay in suites also get some additional benefits. The biggest is priority check-in, embarkation, and debarkation. That means less time waiting on time and more time enjoying the cruise. Suite guests also get priority dinner reservations and main dining room time assignments. 

Benefits of suite cabin 

• Priority boarding and check-in is a nice benefit (worth about $100 per cruise)
• Much larger and more spacious rooms with upgraded amenities

Drawbacks of suite cabin

• Much more expensive than standard rooms
• Limited number of rooms means they book up fast
• While rooms are bigger, they don’t hold any more people than a standard room

Havana Cabins (specialty)

When Carnival introduced the Vista in 2015, they added a brand new section of rooms and a special exterior section called the Havana area. These premium rooms take advantage of the “Ship within a ship” philosophy, where certain guests have exclusive access to sections, basically their own private area. The Havana rooms are themed like an exclusive island resort, setting them apart from the rest of the ship. 

Guests staying in Havana sections have exclusive access to the Havana Pool area with prime placement on the back of the ship. The pool area has a beautiful infinity pool, two large hot tubs that overlook the ocean, upgraded loungers, and a dedicated outdoor bar. On sea days when the rest of the ship is jam-packed, you’ll be relaxing in style with plenty of room in the pool and loungers, and a nice refreshing drink only steps away. The rooms also conveniently connect to the interior Havana Bar, which is open to all guests. This bar becomes a favorite for many Havana guests for pre-dinner and late-night drinks. 

You can choose from a variety of rooms in the Havana section. The most unique is the “ocean view staterooms with patio cabana.” The description sounds like it would just have a window, but it’s closer to a balcony room in reality. The room has a large glass door that opens onto a private patio, complete with lounger furniture and a swing. It’s a peaceful place that is just yours. The downside is that these patios end in a walkway that goes around the Havana section of the ship, so you lose the privacy you may have in a traditional balcony room. The Havana section also has interior rooms, which are a great way to save some money since you basically have access to your own private outdoor area very close by anyway. 

On the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee, the Havana area has been downsized considerably. The dedicated Havana deck area has a much smaller patio area with only a small pool on the side of the ship (rather than the large infinity pool off the back like the Vista-class ships). 

Available On : Celebration , Horizon , Jubilee , Mardi Gras , Panorama , and Vista

Benefits of a Havana cabin 

• Exclusive access to the Havana deck
• No children under age 12 are allowed

Drawbacks of Havana cabin

• Higher cost than standard rooms counterparts (20 – 30% higher on average)
• Harder to find private balconies, the patio cabana rooms have people walking by
• Because there are relatively few rooms, they sell out quickly

Family Harbor Cabin (specialty)

Carnival Cruise Line has never been shy about being a family cruise line, but they fully embraced this concept on their most recent ships. They created a new “Family Harbor” to make cruising more comfortable for families with children 11 and younger. 

Imagine you’re on a cruise with a 3 and 5-year-old who wake up nice and early and are starving for breakfast. You have to get them, and yourself dressed, walk down the corridor quietly, take the elevator to the Lido Buffet, walk through the massive buffets, get on line to get some food, find a table and then sit down only to have your kid take 2 bites of a banana, and they’re done. These rooms try to help with that problem. If you’re in a Family Harbor room, you have access to a dedicated lounge located steps away with keycard access that has easy-to-access breakfast in the morning, snacks during the day, and even a soft-serve machine. One kid trying to take a nap during the afternoon? You can take the other to the Family Lounge and play some games or watch TV. It adds a whole level of convenience for parents who are trying to enjoy their vacation. 

There are various rooms to choose from in the Family Harbor section, which can sleep up to 5 depending on the cabin. Most are similar to the rooms you’d find on the rest of the ships, except Family Habor rooms have a nautical décor on red, blues, whites. The Family Habor section houses some unique rooms, though, that are perfect for families. The Deluxe Ocean View has two bathrooms, one with a junior tub, which is a rarity on many cruise ships. If you need some extra space and privacy, consider upgrading to a Family Suite that adds more living space and has a privacy curtain that separates the main beds from the living area with sofa beds. 

Besides the Family Habor Lounge, you also get some additional perks for booking these rooms. You get one free Night Owls Evening babysitting for children 11 and under. Those kids can also eat free off the kids’ menu in many of the specialty restaurants like Fahrenheit 555, JiJi Asian Kitchen, and Cucina de Capitano. 

Benefits of a Family Harbor cabin 

• Exclusive access to family harbor lounge for breakfast, snacks, and games
• Kids eat free in most onboard specialty restaurants
• One free evening of Night Owls babysitting service
• Some options with flexible rooms

Drawbacks of Family Harbor cabin

• Higher cost than standard rooms counterparts (5 – 15% on average)
• On a lower deck, so it could be more of a hassle to get to Lido Deck and Buffet

Cloud 9 Spa Cabin (specialty)

If you’re a fan of spa treatments and relaxation, Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa Cabins might be for you. The cabins are located near the spa and have a completely different look and feel with muted tones and a teal color palate. Inside the room, you’ll find upscale Elemis toiletries, spa-branded bathrobes, and slippers to enhance your stay.

It’s not just about looks and location though, Cloud 9 Spa Cabin guests get priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, unlimited access to the thermal suites spa, and exclusive discounts on treatments during port days. A clear benefit is unlimited access to the thermal suites, which have dry heat chambers, steam chambers, experience shows, and a whirlpool or Thalassotherapy pool depending on the ship. Other guests on the ship can access these facilities as well, but it’ll cost them $40 for a day pass or $139 for a 7-day pass. 

Available On : Celebration , Dream , Horizon , Jubilee , Magic , Mardi Gras , Panorama , Radiance , Splendor , Sunrise , Sunshine , and Vista

Benefits of a Cloud 9 Spa cabin 

• Premium products in the room
• Access to the spa, thermal suites
• Discount on spa treatments like massages and facials

Drawbacks of Cloud 9 Spa cabin

• Higher cost than standard rooms counterparts (10-15% on average)
• The spa can still become crowded with regular guests on sea days

Tips for Picking the Right Cabin

Connecting cabins.

For every category of rooms, there are connecting cabins available. These rooms have a door between them, so you can easily go between two cabins without going into the hallway. Since Carnival offers almost no cabins with multiple rooms, this is how families travel together by booking two adjoining rooms with connecting doors. 

If you’re not going to be using the connecting door, it’s best to avoid these cabins. The door between the rooms is a little less soundproof than the regular wall, so your room will likely be quieter if you don’t have an adjoining room. 

With up to 17 passenger decks and the length of almost 4 football fields, there are a ton of different locations you can pick for your cabin. Carnival will often price the rooms based on how “desirable” the location is. First, you’ll choose the front, middle, or back, and then the deck. The fee can range depending on how full the ship is and how high the demand is, but they can add an extra $0.50 to $9 per person/day. If you’re an able-bodied person who doesn’t mind walking, the actual deck and part of the ship don’t matter too much. These aren’t huge facilities like the hotels in Las Vegas that can take 20 minutes to walk across, even the furthest part of the ship isn’t too far. The stairs are easy to take up and down, and except for the Vista-class of ships ( read why ), elevators are easy to come by. Most of the action on a Carnival cruise ship takes place on their Lido Deck and their Promenade. That’s usually around deck 10 and 5, respectively, so no matter where you are, you’re going to have to be going up and down the ship at some point. 

Choosing a Room vs. Assigned by Carnival

If you’re not picky about your room, you can save money by letting Carnival assign your room. How much you’ll save depends on your ship and sailing, but it could be around 10%. They’ll wait until the date gets close and assign it to a room in that category. In the marketing copy, they say you’ll get a room in the category you book or higher, so they make it sound like you can pay for an Interior room, and you’ll get automatically upgraded to a balcony when the time comes. In reality, ships today are often entirely sold out, and the nicer rooms go to people who pay for them. It doesn’t hurt to save some money and let Carnival assign your room, but don’t think you’ll get this great upgrade if you do. I’ve done the assignment thing once before on a Royal Caribbean cruise; I booked an Ocean View Guaranteed Room and ended up getting a dinky porthole room, which I didn’t love, although it saved me $200 so it could have been worth it. 

How Do I Get an Upgrade on my Cabin?

To be blunt, you don’t. It’s not likely you’re going to be able to get a room upgrade. Land-based hotels typically operate at 40% to 60% occupancy, but cruise ships sail at nearly full capacity; they don’t often have extra rooms to upgrade you to even if they wanted to. Sometimes, as a sail date gets closer, they might contact you to see if you want to pay to upgrade your room; this way, the cheaper room is available to new bookers. Sometimes it’s a good deal, but sometimes it’s more than you ever paid upfront. Make sure you do the math before accepting any offer and if you have your heart set on a certain type of room, book it upfront.

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Related posts:

• Look Back on our Pre-shutdown Carnival Horizon Cruise
• First Pictures Onboard the Odyssey of the Seas

Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 20 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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A Look Inside: Carnival Vista’s Family Harbor

During our sailing on the Carnival Vista , we had the opportunity to tour the new Family Harbor accommodations and lounge. From the bright colors, design and amenities, the Carnival Vista Family Harbor was designed specifically for those traveling with kids — and it shows in a big way!

As Carnival’s newest ship, these accommodations are exclusive to the Vista and I think it is safe to say they are going to be a huge hit with families. Here’s my look at the Carnival Vista Family Harbor area –

Show Me Inside!

Located on Deck 2 mid- and aft-ship, the Family Harbor staterooms and suites allow families to choose from interior, porthole, balcony and suite staterooms.

I had the opportunity to visit a balcony stateroom and fell in love with the nautical decor, created especially for these rooms.  Upon entering the room, you’ll notice the carpet, curtains and art are  different than typical rooms — the colors instantly brought a smile to my face.

While the room layouts are the same as typical staterooms on the ship, the suites do have an additional seating area that turns into a bed.  There’s even a curtain that you can swing closed for when little ones are napping or just need some quiet time. 

Each of the Family Harbor rooms are located within close proximity to the Family Harbor Lounge. (More on that in a minute.)

What’s Inside The Carnival Vista Family Harbor Lounge?

This common lounge area located just steps from the Family Harbor staterooms allows families to have more room to make memories. Grab breakfast in the lounge, instead of making your way to the Lido deck and enjoy snacks throughout the day – including ice cream!

There’s also plenty of Hasbro board games, movies, video game consoles and plenty of books to choose from for relaxing.

Open 24 hours a day, access to the lounge requires your Sign & Sail card – so no stowaways allowed!

What are the Benefits of a Family Harbor Stateroom?

In addition to the spacious Family Harbor Lounge, families staying in these particular staterooms also receive a free night of Night Owls babysitting service (after 1o p.m.) at Camp Ocean and children eat free at most of the specialty dining restaurants onboard the ship.

There’s also a dedicated concierge in the lounge, ready to help with any questions and planning throughout your trip.

I can’t wait for the Carnival Vista to arrive in New York this November — I really think this is a great space for families to have an enhanced cruise experience.

From the added space of the lounge, (hello ice cream!), the colorful decor and the ability to make more memories as a family, I hope to experience it with my family. For a family that has cruised together often, the Family Harbor area would be special for my girls — and our entire family.

Ready to Set Sail on the Carnival Vista? 

Carnival’s newest, largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Vista is set to operate a series of Mediterranean voyages through October before repositioning to New York for a series of departures in November 2016.

Carnival Vista  will launch year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean service from Miami in December 2016.

Be sure to check out the Carnival Cruise Line Facebook page and they’ve been posting some great pictures over on Twitter at @CarnivalCruise .

Would You Like to Stay in the Family Harbor Suites? 

** My husband and I sailed on the Carnival Vista Mediterranean sailing as guests of Carnival Cruise Line. Thoughts and opinions here are my own. ** 

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Just wondering if you thought this was for families with teenagers. While we love younger children, we no longer want to be around the hustle and bustle of younger children. We are thinking the convenience of having snacks and breakfast near by without having to go all the way up would be great. However, part of that convenience is also assuming it would be less crowded. If there are lots of young children running free, it might not be as enjoyable for our group.

Of course there are young children, that’s who it’s geared towards. If you want something for teens get a Havana suite.

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Balcony Stateroom Information

• You are able to control the light fixture on your balcony until 2:00am. After 2:00am, the Bridge has the ability to override and turn off the lights on the balconies in certain circumstances/conditions such as fog, haze, moon phases and in adverse weather conditions or when he/she deems necessary in order to protect the safety of the navigation in the night.
• On Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras, only Excel Suites have light fixtures on the balconies. 

Safety Lock on Door out to Balcony On the following ships, the door leading out to the balcony has a lock at the door handle: Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Spirit. 

On all other ships in the fleet, the stateroom door leading out to the balcony has a safety lock that is located approximately 65 inches from the floor. 

• Cove Balcony Staterooms (7C) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Forward-View Extended Balcony Staterooms (8L) - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Carnival Excel Corner Suites (KS) - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Cove Balcony Staterooms (7C) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Family Harbor Cove Balcony Staterooms (FM) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Family Harbor Aft-View Extended Balcony Staterooms (FO) - the rail has steel horizontal bars
• Family Harbor Suites with Large Cove Balcony (FS) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Cloud 9 Spa Suites (SS): 14205 and 14206 - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Standard Balcony Staterooms and Suites - the rail has a glass panel 
• Standard Balcony Staterooms and Suites - the rail has a glass panel
• Carnival Liberty: Captain's Suites (CS): 9199 and 9200 - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise: Cloud 9 Spa Balcony (8P): 1001 and 1002 - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Grand Suites with Large Balcony (ES, GV) - the rail has a glass panel
• Grand Suites with Large Balcony (GS) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the  bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Junior Suites with Standard Balcony (JT) - the rail has a glass panel
• Junior Suites with Standard Balcony (JS, OB) - the rail has steel horizontal bars
• Standard Balcony Staterooms (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8M) - the rail has a glass panel

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Mardi Gras Staterooms

MARDI GRAS ® OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF SUITES WITH OPTIONS FOR SUPERIOR COMFORT AND BRAND-NEW PERKS

LOFT 19™ ON MARDI GRAS ® INVITES YOU TO INDULGENT DAYS AT SEA

STYLE, SUBSTANCE AND SURPRISES COME TOGETHER IN YOUR MARDI GRAS ® STATEROOM

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it’s as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Mardi Gras are packed with innovative changes to both. It’s the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we’ve developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

INTERIOR STATEROOMS

The most affordable way to experience all the Carnival excitement, without cutting corners on comfort.

HAVANA INTERIOR

For a stateroom with extra sabor — for not a lot of dinero — check out a Havana Interior stateroom. You’ll find yours all flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style… taking its cues from a place and time that certainly weren’t lacking in style. And like we said, you’ll find all this for a great price! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

CLOUD 9 SPA INTERIOR

We’ve taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms on Mardi Gras. Your room is the perfect place to do less, actually: just relax and take some you-time, anytime. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

FAMILY HARBOR INTERIOR

To truly experience the cozy sanctuary that a harbor provides, check out a Family Harbor Interior stateroom. These rooms are not only an affordable way to keep the family close, but feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

PREMIUM INTERIOR

When picking a stateroom on a budget, you have to think about what matters to you. Priorities, right? So if you’re more about the comfort than you are the view, we’d recommend you go with a Premium Interior stateroom. This room actually has the same floorplan as some higher-priced rooms (just without the balcony) so you’re definitely getting a nice step up from a standard Interior room. Your room features a sitting area with a sofa, so hang out and lounge in comfort!

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Mardi Gras’ interiors don’t leave out the comfort! This room is great for curling up after a long day’s fun.

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS

These comfy rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

CLOUD 9 SPA OCEAN VIEW

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom… and this one fits the bill, pairing comfy accommodations with a great view. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

FAMILY HARBOR OCEAN VIEW

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only could a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

Catch a glimpse of what’s going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Mardi Gras, where you’ll get views you won’t find anywhere on land. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset at sea —your comfy stateroom is a great way to experience these two special times of day!

BALCONY STATEROOMS

Relax in your own personal outdoor oasis… designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.

Havana Extended Cabana

Folks love staterooms like this for the Old Havana flavor… but that’s only the beginning. Right outside your Havana Extended Cabana lies a large outdoor patio complete with your own loungy deck chairs. Back inside the room you’ll also enjoy loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget: all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

HAVANA CABANA

There are great amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the most exciting one is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio, complete with your own loungy deck chairs, all right outside your room. These rooms also feature Cuba-inspired décor, plus loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said… your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

CLOUD 9 SPA FORWARD-VIEW EXTENDED BALCONY

Folks love staterooms like this because they were designed for relaxing, right down to the custom linens. But this room has something nobody’s ever seen in a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom before — the balcony faces forward, so you’re getting a view of what’s up ahead of the ship, sort of like the captain’s view! Sit out on your balcony, which by the way is larger than the standard one, and watch destinations appear on the horizon as we approach them. And don’t forget to breathe in… hold it, hold it… and now out. (Note that rooms of this type have partially obstructed views… but don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA BALCONY

Whether you’re warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there’s no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take in the ocean breeze, then let it out — you’re already getting the hang of spa life! (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA COVE BALCONY

Nobody books a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom unless they love relaxation and want more. If this sounds like you, here’s a room with a little extra. It’s not just the custom décor… the secret here’s the balcony. A Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony stateroom sits closer to the waterline than most rooms, which means that your balcony puts you in a prime position to chill and check out those waves. There’s no way to get closer! (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

PREMIUM-VIEW EXTENDED BALCONY

Book a stateroom with a balcony — any balcony — and you’re going to enjoy your vacation with an extra dose of sea breeze. But book one of these and there’s even more in store: these balconies face forward or backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your vacation featuring what’s up ahead or behind the ship! (Note that forward-facing rooms have partially obstructed views.)

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more outdoor lounge-around room, more open-air kick-back space… and back inside the room itself, all the comfort you expect with a great view and plenty of sunlight.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

JUNIOR BALCONY

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. A Junior Balcony stateroom features the same size balcony as standard Balcony rooms, just with a little less interior space. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

COVE BALCONY

Love the sea? Mardi Gras Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.

A stateroom featuring the most indoor space, a balcony and some of the best perks on the ship.

CARNIVAL EXCEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

If you’re looking for the largest stateroom and best view on the ship — one practically the same as what the captain sees — then your search stops here, Junior Captain. But there’s more to know: for one thing, the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite features a separate living room and bedroom, and these spaces are packing two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa. There’s a dining area, and of course a wet bar. You’ll find truly deluxe extras like the bathroom with large shower and two sinks, plus we put the toilet and an extra sink in a separate room for convenience and privacy. Did we forget the hot tub? Of course not — it’s outside on the wraparound balcony, which is so large that “balcony” might not even be the right word, since it features seating from lounge chairs to loveseats, rocking chair to daybed, for over a dozen of your closest friends, plus an al fresco dining table.

Carnival Excel Aft Suite

A Carnival Excel Aft Suite is one of the most spacious staterooms on the ship… and if we’re talking square-footage, let’s just say the wraparound balcony is made for entertaining. (Okay, let’s also say it has a private hot tub, dining area, daybed, plus plenty of loungy seating. Wow!) But back inside the room, which features a separate living room and bedroom, you’ll find some nice perks that make this room truly deluxe. For instance, how about an ample bathroom with large shower and double sink, plus a separate private room for the toilet and an extra sink? You’ve got it all. Or two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa? All of those — check!

CARNIVAL EXCEL CORNER SUITE

A Carnival Excel Corner Suite aboard Mardi Gras features tons of indoor space, plus a large wraparound balcony with lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table, for when you need a little more space. Back inside this impressive room you’ll find a king-size bed, deluxe bathroom, plus a living room featuring a wet bar.

CARNIVAL EXCEL SUITE

A Carnival Excel Suite aboard Mardi Gras is the kind of room that proves that vacation and comfort go hand-in-hand. In this large room you’ll find not only a bathroom with a spacious shower and a double sink, but a good amount of room for living and lounging. Plus there’s truly nice-to-haves like a dining area and two TVs — one in the sleeping area and one in the living space. Your room also features extra space for kicking back, ocean-breeze-style, on your balcony featuring lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table.

HAVANA CABANA CORNER SUITE

In a Havana Cabana Corner Suite you’ll find all the comforts of a normal suite… decked out in Cuba-inspired décor! Inside the room are separate living room and bedroom areas, with a TV in each, plus convenient extras like a sectional sofa and walk-in closet. Outside your amazing room lies a private lanai with your own swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

HAVANA CABANA SUITE

In this room you’ll find all the comfort of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired décor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a luxurious lounging area with your own deck chairs and swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

FAMILY HARBOR OCEAN VIEW SUITE

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of a great room with an amazing view: a Family Harbor Ocean View Suite stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. This room sleeps five, by the way, and features a separate bedroom and living room area, with a TV in each. These rooms aren’t just fun, but are practical — you get a walk-in closet, plus a convenient full bathroom and a separate washroom. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA SUITE

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in spa-style accommodations. This is more than a large room with a unique, soothing décor… but there’s also plenty of convenience here, like the vanity featuring an illuminated mirror. Oh, and those aren’t the only upgrades from other Cloud 9 Spa staterooms — this room has just the large balcony you’d expect. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

OCEAN SUITE

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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