Carnival Celebration, which only debuted in November 2022, is the cruise line's newest ship. We chartered one of Carnival Celebrations' inaugural sailings from North America, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean on a 7 day itinerary.
Carnival Cruise Line's brand new cruise ship was stylish, chic and trendy. As someone who has sailed Mardi Gras a few times, I was blown away by how modern the Mardi Gras celebration was.
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For years, Carnival bucked the industry-wide trend of building huge mega-cruise ships that can hold more than 10,000 people on board. With the creation of the Excel Class, Carnival Cruise Line finally jumped on the industry bandwagon, building new ships that can accommodate 40% more passengers than anything the cruise line had built before.
As the line's largest cruise ship, Carnival Celebration (and her sister ship, Carnival Mardi Gras) truly represents a new era for Carnival Cruise Line.
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The latest cruise ships offer more cabin choices than ever before. From inside cabins to single units to luxurious suites, there is a cabin onboard to suit a wide range of travel needs and budgets.
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The newest cruise ships are built with more balconies than any other cabin category, and Carnival Celebration is no exception. As much as I love a balcony, it's not always in my budget to pay the extra cost.
Instead, I almost always book an inside cabin guarantee because it's the cheapest option and I'd rather save my money for specialty restaurants or excursions.
For our Carnival Celebration sailing, my sister and I were guaranteed to stay in an inside cabin. It's inherently more expensive to sail on a brand new cruise ship in the inaugural season, so we were happy to book an inside cabin for its affordability.
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As luck would have it, we sailed just like my colleague and his family! In all my years of cruising, I've never met anyone on board a cruise ship that I know, so that was a fun coincidence.
Having another person on board our carnival party gave us the opportunity to see how their balcony stateroom compares to our inside stateroom.
Although we stayed in a reasonably priced inside cabin, my colleague stayed in a balcony cabin with his wife and children.
Our inside cabin on the Carnival Celebration on Deck 4 was considered a standard inside cabin with 160 square feet of space. Had we booked a premium inside cabin, the cabin would have had an additional 40 square meters, which would have allowed space for a small couch.
As I was sailing with my sister we opted to split the king bed into two separate single beds. Splitting the king-size bed into two singles usually makes an inside cabin feel more open - and we found that to be the case in our cabin. However, the unused bunk beds above us made the space feel a bit more cramped than we expected.
Our inside cabin had no other place to sit in the cabin than on the beds or vanity stool. The bunk beds also cut into the seating area above the single beds which didn't leave much room to sit. We mentioned several times that a seating area other than our beds would have enhanced the experience.
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We were surprised to see that our cabin could accommodate up to 4 people; At full capacity the cabin would have been very cramped unless the additional 2 guests were small children. Even then it would be tight.
On the other hand, my colleague's extended balcony stateroom offered more space for his family of four - including a very spacious private balcony.
Both cabins technically accommodated 4 people, although the extended balcony cabin felt much more spacious for a family.
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The layouts between our Inside Stateroom and the Extended Balcony Stateroom were completely different; However, the decor, color scheme and carpet were identical. My colleague's cabin had additional space that allowed the addition of framed artwork above the sofa, appropriately depicting swimming dolphins.
Of course, the natural light coming from the balcony makes a big difference in the ambiance of the cabin. While our room was pitch black the entire time, which is perfect for napping and sleeping, not having natural light can be an issue for some.
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My colleague's extended balcony stateroom on deck 10 seemed very spacious and functional. The cabin features a sizeable balcony with 46 square feet of outdoor space. These extended balconies are approximately 50% larger than a standard balcony, although there is no additional furniture on the extended balcony.
The extra space in my colleague's extended balcony stateroom allowed for a sofa bed in addition to an overhead bunk bed.
While our bunk beds went unused my colleague was traveling with his two children aged 12 and 8; Hence, the extra beds were necessary to let everyone in their family sleep comfortably during the cruise.
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The sofa in the Extended Balcony Stateroom converts to a sleeper sofa each night (not to be confused with a pull-out couch). Essentially, each night the cabin attendant removed the back cushions and the sofa was converted into a double bed. During the day, the sofa bed served as a couch for the cabin.
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Also, every night the bunk bed came down from the ceiling to be used as a fourth bed. Compared to our inside cabin, the bunk bed in the extended balcony cabin was not visible during the day and did not take up any space until it was used.
In comparison, our inside cabin's bunk beds fold away from the wall, meaning the two bunk beds always took up space even when not actively being used.
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Given how small an inside cabin already is, hanging the bunk beds from the ceiling (only when in use) would open up the space more and allow for comfortable seating on the beds.
Remarkably, the vanity between our inside stateroom and the extended balcony stateroom was almost identical.
Both cabins featured a vanity with a large mirror illuminated with a bright ring light around the outside, which is perfect for putting on makeup or getting ready in the morning without using the bathroom.
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In addition to the mirror, vanities in both the inside cabin and the extended balcony cabin featured under-counter drawers and exposed shelves for additional storage. The drawers in the extended balcony stateroom seemed larger than those in our inside stateroom.
The small ottoman could be used as even more storage if needed, although we mostly used it as a seat. The vanity was also where the obligatory cabin phone was located, which is much appreciated compared to older ships where the phones take up valuable bedside table space.
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We also noted the number of outlets and USB plugs available at the vanity, including 4 USB plugs and 3 additional 120 VT outlets. Older ships only have a limited number of sockets, which can be a problem in this day and age of electronics and appliances.
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Even between the two of us, we've almost used all plugs to charge all of our devices, including phones, laptops, watches, and more. Between the inside cabin and the extended balcony cabin, both vanities were equipped with identical power strips and USB plugs.
Both the inside cabin and the extended balcony cabin were equipped with a spacious and modern walk-in shower.
One of the biggest surprises of our inside cabin was the bathroom; We particularly liked the surprisingly spacious and practical shower.
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Cruise ship showers have for years been notoriously small with capsule-shaped shower tubes and sometimes clinging curtains. There used to be little room to bend down if you needed to shave your legs or if you dropped something.
Luckily, new cruise ships have given more space to the bathroom shower - and we're all excited about that!
While we were surprised to see a more spacious shower in our bathroom, we were even more surprised to see that the extended balcony stateroom had the exact same shower as ours. The only difference between our inside cabin and the extended balcony cabin was the door.
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Our shower door was made of a plastic-like material and maneuvered inward to save space; However, the extended balcony stateroom had a glass door and opened to the outside. However, the shower was thoughtfully designed and did not go unnoticed.
Comparing the extended balcony stateroom to our inside stateroom, both had the exact same bathroom.
We expected to see more differences between the inside cabin bathroom and the extended balcony cabin, but for the most part they were the same. Both bathrooms had shelves above and below the bathroom counter.
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Although small, the bathroom was well designed to utilize the space. We found there was plenty of storage space between the shelves and counter, along with space in the shower to store cosmetics as well.
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We appreciated Carnival's attention to detail in the bathroom, from the large shower to the tiled floor. Considering our last Carnival cruise had spongy, bumpy and blue floors, this was a huge improvement to see the modern design of the bathroom cabins.
The additional space in the extended balcony cabin is worthwhile for families traveling together.
For both of us, our inside cabin was more than enough to sleep comfortably each night; However, having 4 people in the standard inside cabin would have been very cramped. I would argue that even a family with children would find the space a little cramped.
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Budget travelers will find the inside cabins very functional; We felt that Carnival made the best use of the space. Much attention has been paid to detail to ensure the design optimizes the small cabin.
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For those with some money to spend, it's worth booking a balcony stateroom for more space and a private outdoor balcony. Those who prefer to spend their time on board on their balcony will surely appreciate the extended balcony cabin.
However, I find I don't spend much time in my cabin when cruising, especially on a brand new ship! When I'm not in a luxurious suite, I spend most of my time exploring the cruise ship or adventures in the ports of call. A comfortable place to sleep and shower is most important, and every cabin on board a cruise ship offers this.
FAQs
What is the difference between balcony stateroom and inside stateroom? ›
The main difference is that balcony cabins are typically larger — with most, but not all, of the extra square footage going to the veranda. The cabin's outer wall will be made of floor-to-ceiling windows with a door that leads to an additional seating area outside — usually two chairs with a small table between them.
Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise? ›Balcony cabins are great for giving you that much needed bit of personal space when you're both in the room. If he wants to nap but you're wide awake, a balcony offers you a place to hang out without worrying if you're making too much noise or using too bright lights.
What is the best floor to be on a Carnival cruise ship? ›Aft: Consider staying in the aft part of the ship where you'll be nearest to casual dining. Lower deck: The lower deck is the best deck on a cruise ship if you want to be one of the first off the ship, exploring all the fun at each port of call.
What is the best room to be in on a cruise ship? ›Suites: If you're looking for luxury on your cruise, suites offer the most space and best room locations, often with separate living and sleeping areas. They generally feature large balconies, and extra amenities and perks. In other words, a suite can be considered the best cabin on any cruise ship.
What deck is best on a cruise ship? ›The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
Is an inside cabin on a ship is more expensive than a balcony? ›Interior cabins are cheaper than balcony rooms
Of course, the biggest reason why many passengers choose to sail in an interior cabin is cost. Since everybody on the ship goes on the exact same cruise, does it make sense to pay several times more for a balcony room?
- Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship Balcony? No, you should not smoke on a cruise ship balcony. ...
- Throwing Things Overboard on a Cruise Ship is a Huge No-No. ...
- Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Might Not Be the Best Idea on Your Cruise.
Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
Where should you not stay on a cruise? ›- Cabins with obstructed views. ...
- Cabins with a connecting door. ...
- Those that are close to the lifts or stairs. ...
- Staterooms that are too far from the lifts or stairs. ...
- Cabins near the laundry room. ...
- Beware of cabins with little privacy. ...
- Staterooms directly below public and entertainment areas.
You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.
Is it better to be on a lower deck or higher deck on a cruise? ›
The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).
Is it better to be at the back of a cruise ship or the middle? ›The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
Where is the most stable place on a cruise ship? ›The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.
What is the difference between stateroom categories? ›What is this? The basic difference between each category code is the stateroom location and/or size of the room. The lower the number, the more desirable the cabin, in terms of size or location on the ship.
What part of the ship is less motion? ›What's the best stateroom location to avoid motion sickness on a cruise? To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section.
What is the number 1 cruise ship? ›The best location to book your cabin will be in the center of the cruise ship and on the lower deck. The lower you go down, the less rocking you will experience during your trip. If you suffer from any motion sickness, this area is ideal for you.
Is there a better side of a cruise ship? ›If you'd rather see the sunrise while sailing south or east, staying on the port side is your ideal choice as well. Choose the starboard side for the opposite situation: sunsets are visible on southbound and eastbound sailings while sunrises are visible on northbound and westbound cruises.
Which room on a cruise ship is least expensive? ›Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy
The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.
Inside cabins are windowless rooms with no access to natural light. They are usually located in the middle of each deck, rather than along the exterior; however, some cruises have a few interior rooms located next to balcony cabins on the forward and aft of the ship.
Which type of cruise ship cabin is typically the most expensive? ›
On cruise ships, the basic cabin categories are inside, outside (often called ocean view), balcony and suite — but there are subcategories, as well. Typically, inside cabins are smaller and cheaper; suites are larger and more expensive.
Can you leave your balcony door open at night on a cruise? ›Do not leave the balcony door open! Doing so not only messes with the ship's air conditioning system, but it can create the “mother of all air tunnels” should you open your hallway door.
What does an upside down pineapple on your cruise door mean? ›On a cruise ship, the secret symbol of an upside-down pineapple is regularly used as a code for swinging or “wife-swapping”. In most cases, an illustrated and upside-down pineapple is fixed to the cabin door of a guest interested in swinging and partner swapping.
Can you sleep with the balcony door open on a cruise ship? ›With a balcony stateroom, you have the ability enjoy these outdoor benefits while you sleep. While the cruise lines do recommend against it, keeping your balcony door partially open while you sleep is a benefit you can not get in an inside cabin.
Where is the noisiest part of a cruise ship? ›The areas around elevator banks and stairways on cruise ships can be noisy, just like they can be at land-based resorts and hotels. You'll get people milling around talking as they wait for an elevator car. On some ships, you'll also hear a distinctive chime every time an elevator arrives.
What months are not good to cruise? ›When is hurricane season for cruises? Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of hurricane season occurs between mid-August and early November.
What is the safest time of year to go on a cruise? ›November through April is the dry season, and these months are marked by unbelievably clear days when almost any plans you make are safe from the weather's interruption. For this reason, the dry season is one of the best times to go on a cruise to the idyllic Caribbean islands.
Are prepaid gratuities worth it on a cruise? ›For most, prepaying gratuities is a great way to keep track of your overall cruise budget. If they're paid for and out of the way, you won't accidentally spend your gratuity money while onboard or in port or receive a large(r) bill at the end of the sailing.
How can I get better sleep on a cruise? ›You'll get the best rest if your cabin is as close to your familiar, home sleeping conditions as possible. Bringing your own pillow or pillowcase along on the trip can help be sure your head rests easy every night, or you may want to bring along a favorite blanket if you're sensitive to different textures of bedding.
What is the best motion sickness medicine for a cruise? ›According to many of our guests, some of the best seasickness tablets for a cruise include Dramamine or Bonine. These medications can be taken before nausea arises to help lessen the severity. They may also be taken to ease the feeling of sickness as it occurs. Be aware that these may cause drowsiness in some guests.
Is it smoother in front or back of cruise ship? ›
The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.
Is the middle of the ship better on a cruise? ›Generally, mid-ship is most favorable on lower decks, especially if you are prone to motion sickness. There is more noticeable movement in the more forward areas of the vessel, or on higher decks. One of the most often overlooked issues in the selection of your cabin is whether it is on Port or Starboard side.
Is it rougher at the back of a cruise ship? ›The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
What is the safest section of a cruise ship? ›Lower Decks
This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions. A central cabin on one of the lower decks is the best place you can be when you're feeling nauseous.
The lower you are, and more towards the middle of the ship, you will not feel it as much. Cabins at the front and back of the ship tend to sway the most, so you want to avoid any rooms in these areas.
What are the 3 types of ship staterooms? ›Cruise ships typically offer three types of staterooms. These include oceanview rooms, inside rooms and suites. Although you can expect to find the basics such as a bed, bathroom, closet, phone and TV, each type of cabin brings a different experience worth considering. Here's what you can expect.
How many people does a stateroom sleep? ›Many regular cruise rooms, also called cabins or staterooms, can sleep up to four people. All rooms have two twin beds that can be pushed together to form a queen or king; additional sleeping spots might be a pullout sofa or upper bunks that fold down or pull down from the wall or ceiling.
What is the best deck to stay on a Carnival cruise? ›Aft: Consider staying in the aft part of the ship where you'll be nearest to casual dining. Lower deck: The lower deck is the best deck on a cruise ship if you want to be one of the first off the ship, exploring all the fun at each port of call.
Why do I feel dizzy after cruise? ›When you get on a boat, it can literally rock your sense of balance. The constant moving of the ship, combined with turbulence in the water, makes your inner ear work overtime to keep you on your feet. If you've ever spent some time at sea, you may have noticed that you felt a little wobbly once you were back on land.
What is inside stateroom? ›Also known as interior cabins or rooms, inside rooms line the interior hallways aboard cruises and are often the smallest cabins on the ship. Space and storage are generally minimal and natural light can be nonexistent.
What is the best balcony room on a cruise ship? ›
Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
How do you survive an inside cabin? ›- Bring a clock. Many cruise passengers suggest having a small travel clock (where the time lights up) to keep in your cabin. ...
- Bring a portable fan. ...
- Keep your cruise cabin smelling nice. ...
- Get more light. ...
- Hear the ocean. ...
- Make it “almost” a balcony. ...
- Non-surge Protected Power Bar.
Inside cabins are windowless rooms in the middle of each deck rather than along the exterior edge. Due to the lack of natural light, these rooms are often the cheapest on cruise ships. It is common for inside rooms to be the smallest onboard.
Do interior staterooms have windows? ›If you've never been on a cruise before, you might not even know there's such a thing as a cabin without a window. But there is, and they're actually quite common. Many ships operated by major lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have hundreds of windowless cabins.
Is it better to have a room in the front or back of a cruise ship? ›The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
What are the Carnival room categories? ›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.
- Decide on the type of view that you want to enjoy. ...
- Pick a stateroom that's close to midship and on a lower deck if you're highly susceptible to seasickness. ...
- Bear in mind that cabins located above or below the theater, bars and restaurants may hear some noise. ...
- Consider the location.
How many beds are in a cruise ship cabin? All cruise ship cabins sleep at least two people, unless they are designated as solo cabins and intended for a single traveler. However, many cruise ship staterooms can sleep additional guests -- up to five in regular cabins, though three and four are more common.
What is a balcony stateroom on Carnival? ›Balcony Features. The balconies feature two patio chairs and a small table. For safety concerns, clothing and towels should not be hung to dry on your balcony.
Can you sleep on the balcony of a cruise ship? ›Can You Sleep on a Cruise Ship Balcony? There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships can't sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Despite this many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies and you won't have any problem doing so if you want to.