Not everyone will agree on stateroom preference but generally, size matters! Or is it cost? Since every cruiser has different needs, most cruise-liners have a wide range of staterooms that range from affordable to total luxury! While there are other factors involved like location of the ship, 1-3rd classes and foot traffic, you may want to consider your stateroom carefully!

Inside Staterooms

At 185 square feet, Carnival’s inside staterooms are among the largest of any cruise line and ideal for budget-minded travelers. Inside cabins are located along interior hallways rather than the outer walls of the ship so they lack windows. Some cruisers might find not having windows troublesome, others find that a dark room will help some sleep fully in a darkened cabin.

Category 1A and categories 4A through 4H are designated to inside staterooms. Category 1A cabins may have one set of bunk beds or might be smaller than standard inside cabin. They may also be odd shaped but there are a few 1A staterooms which offer porthole windows. Category 4J also offers an obstructed view cabins. Porthole and Obstructed View cabins provide natural light, but the view is blocked by lifeboats or other shipboard equipment.

Location is everything! 4As tend to be located on the lowest passenger deck or in an area that has a lot of public foot traffic. Those who are late sleeps may find the noise might be an issue for them. Category 4H cabins are generally considered the most desirable inside cabins, located on higher decks and in better locations.

These staterooms are the least expensive cabins on the ship, and often represent an excellent value. Categories 4A through 4H are labeled and priced according to their location on the ship, and all offer twin beds that can convert to a single king. For those traveling with additional guests, some inside cabins do room one or two extra passengers in upper beds that fold out of the wall.

Ocean View Staterooms

Ocean-view staterooms are categories 6A through 6C. Like standard inside cabins, they offer twin beds that convert into a single king and some offer upper beds for third and fourth passengers. In the Aft area, a trundle bed may be provided for a 5th person. All offer picture windows, some of which may be partially obstructed.

From previous experiences Category 6Cs are the most desirable ocean-view cabins while Category 6A cabins are in the least desirable areas of the ship. I also find that the Aft area has a layout ideal to family travel. An Ocean View Staterooms is a nice balance between affordability and comfort depending on where your stateroom is located.

Balcony Cabins

For those who enjoy spending some time in their stateroom, you may want to consider a balcony cabin. My husband enjoys spending time in private outdoors, which makes having your own personal veranda ideal. Much larger than a interior or oceanview cabin, standard balcony cabins are 225 square feet which including the balcony. Categories 8A through 8F are traditional balconies while categories 8M and 8N, which are extended balconies, and 9B and 9C, considered premium balconies.

Just like with any stateroom, review the ship’s deck plan carefully before selecting a balcony cabin. The location of your balcony can amplify the noise level with ocean current especially in common areas like the lido deck.

Suites

The suite categories are JS, OS and GS. The largest staterooms available are suites which range from one-room junior suites to multi-room suites. Suite amenities include larger vanities and closets, whirlpool tubs and comfortable sitting areas. Not all suites are the same! Jr. Suites may not be ideal for a family of 4 or 5 and families may be better suited for a balcony or larger suite. Each suite is slightly different which makes calling your Carnival PVP necessary for your first time suite booking.

Personally, our family has booked an interior (Aft. Category 4D), Ocean View (Aft, Category 6), Balcony (Middle, Category 8B) and Balcony (Middle, Category 8E), and Spa Balcony (Category 8S Cloud 9 Spa). All range from affordable to mid-range pricing AND slept my family of 4!

My personal tip: Don’t price yourself out of a cruise! Choose what you can afford in order to book your next family vacation and the space will not be an issue. We spend very little time in our cabin that we book. Our state room based on budget and alternate 5 & 7 day cruises to make up the cost with every booking.