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How to Choose a Room: Ultimate Guide to Carnival Staterooms

Before you book your cruise, you will want to know which stateroom you should call your own. Getting familiar with the types of staterooms helps you choose the sleeping space that offers you the most comfort based on your personal preferences and personality. It could also depend on whether you’re cruising solo, plus-one, with the family or as a group.

So how do you select the best stateroom to ensure you’ll have a relaxing, comfortable cruise? We’ll help you put it all together with the following suggestions.

Know the Stateroom Styles

When you’re on a Carnival cruise, you have your choice of stateroom styles and locations designated as Interior, Ocean View, Balcony or Suite.

  • Interior staterooms: The most affordable cruise ship rooms ideal for sensitive sleepers who prefer quieter rooms away from activities, making it the perfect spot to curl up after a long day of fun
  • Ocean View staterooms: Designed for gazing out at vistas and ocean views. It’s the best place on board to be the first to spot ports of call
  • Balcony staterooms: Ideal for enjoying sea breezes and stunning views on a patio with private seating all day
  • Suite staterooms: The best rooms on a cruise ship for stretching out and putting up your feet in a space with all the comforts of home, and then some
  • Specialty staterooms: Thematic settings that revolve around family, couples and more and are available as interior, ocean view, balcony or suite staterooms

family in ocean view stateroom eating breakfast

If You’re Cruising Solo

When you’re solo, there’s no having to answer to anyone about where to go or what to do. You can cruise to Belize and explore the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins to fully release your enthusiasm for ancient history. Learn to cook like a chef onboard while meeting new friends. Another perk: having a stateroom all to yourself. Consider these ideas when booking a stateroom of your own.

  • Havana: Solo cruisers who also want to be social may like Havana staterooms with private access to the tropical Havana pool and bar area.
  • Cloud 9 Spa: If you’re cruising for more of a pampering experience for one, consider a specialty Cloud 9 Spa stateroom. You’ll be right next to the most relaxing place onboard, the Cloud 9 Spa.
  • Interior and Ocean View: Choose an interior stateroom for the most quiet or an ocean view stateroom for contemplative views to complement your meditative state of mind.
  • 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.

solo cruiser waking up in a balcony stateroom on board carnival cruise

If You’re Cruising as a Couple

Couples who cruise together stay together, especially when choosing the perfect style stateroom. The perfect getaway means you’ll sail to dreamy ports. What couple wouldn’t enjoy a cruise to Mexico for a VIP Wine Tasting or to Aruba for a Jeep Safari?

On board, dine in a romantic, floating Italian trattoria. Afterward, slip away to an enchanting stateroom reserved for just the two of you.

  • Cloud 9 Spa: Whisk away to the Cloud 9 Spa adjacent to specialty Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with relaxing decor. You’ll get priority spa reservations along with complimentary spa-inspired gifts to use throughout the cruise.
  • Balcony: Balcony staterooms are designed with couples in mind. You’ll be able to step onto your own little outdoor oasis at sunset for cocktails or sunrise for coffee in your robes.
  • Forward: If you’re seeking relaxation, consider a stateroom in the forward section of the ship. You’ll be close to the fitness center, spa and the show lounge for performances.

couple staring out onto the ocean from their balcony during their carnival cruise

If You’re Cruising With Family

Whether you’re cruising as a single parent or times two with kids in tow, you’ll effortlessly pack in more fun activities and bonding time than you ever thought possible on vacation. No matter what age your kids, there’s plenty of onboard entertainment that lets your family interact with favorite childhood characters and games.

Shore excursions with no minimum age limits let you customize experiences for the entire family to enjoy, such as cruising to Alaska and going on a Dog Sled Discovery and Mushing Camp adventure. After a day, and night of fun and kid-friendly dining, head back to a comfy stateroom that suits your family.

  • Family Harbor: Family Harbor specialty staterooms with whimsical nautical decor have exclusive access to the Family Harbor lounge featuring breakfast, snacks, board games, family movies, video games and more. Kids eat free at Family Harbor restaurants. Plus, kids and parents will love the experience because they have one free evening of Night Owls® babysitting service at Camp Ocean.
  • Family-Friendly: Designed with families in mind, these staterooms accommodate up to five people and thankfully come with an extra bathroom. Great for groups too, thanks to connecting doors.
  • Upper deck: Consider a stateroom on the upper deck of your ship. You’ll be closest to the entertainment, fun and outdoor deck areas.
  • Midship: You’ll be right near the pool or waterslide areas, a kid’s dream.

mother getting ready to go to the pool with her 2 daughters

If You’re Cruising With a Group

From an old college friend gathering to a ladies-only birthday bash or golfing buddy getaway, cruise ships are the perfect place for group vacations. Whether you have 10 or 20 people in your group, there’s something to do and see even if everyone differs in age, abilities and interests.

Cruise to Bermuda for an extended family reunion and reserve differing shore excursions ranging from the Famous Homes and Hideaway Cruise tour for architecture buffs to Segway Adventures for teens and a Glass Bottom Boat tour for little kids. Book staterooms extra early for groups, ask for connecting rooms and consider these stateroom styles.

If you have health or mobility challenges, Carnival proudly welcomes you on board. You’ll find plenty of accessible staterooms from which to choose, whether you are traveling with a wheelchair, scooter or another device. Consider staying in the midship section where you’ll find extra elevators.

friends handing out at the on board pool during their cruise vacation

Every stateroom has amenities (including your dedicated room steward) that rival land-locked five-star hotels. Expect soft, cozy linens, in-room safes, plenty of storage space, television, climate control and even bathrobes upon request.

Keep in mind that some staterooms and features are exclusive to specific ships, so be sure to check out the amenities on board the ship you choose. You’ll sleep well knowing you’ve chosen the right spot for snoozing while cruising.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.