Balcony staterooms and suites are popular cabin categories. The appeal of an ocean breeze and private outdoor space is a draw for many when booking a cruise, and Carnival provides its guests with lots of great options to choose from.

Making the choice even harder is a wide range of suites with even more indoor and outdoor space as well as a range of amenities and benefits that many cruises love.

So how do you pick between them? What is best for you and your family, and maybe most importantly - your wallet?

We have taken a deep dive into Carnival balconies and suites to explore the differences and what you need to know when trying to pick between them.  

Many consider a balcony a must-have, but how much more you need in terms of space and benefits depends largely upon personal preference and budget.

With 22 ships in service and more on the way, Carnival has a large fleet with a wide array of balcony and suite options. Some are a little extra space; others are the size of luxury apartments.

Some things to think about when comparing balcony cabins and suites include price, size of cabin and balcony, inclusive benefits, the number of bathrooms, separate living space, theming and access to exclusive areas onboard.

Carnival offers different balcony cabin options among its eight classes of ships, with newer ships in its Excel class providing fantastic new cabin designs for modern cruising.  

Patios for these cabins include a private space along with two chairs and a table. Inside, guests can expect twin beds that can be combined into a king bed. The cabins also feature a dedicated sitting area with a tv and desk/ vanity. There is a closet with drawers/ compartments as well as a safe for valuables. As with all cabins, rooms have a small mini fridge, climate control, and bathrobes upon request.

Passengers can also expect a private bathroom and shower, with basic toiletries such as shampoo and soap and a hair dryer. Newer balcony cabins on the Mardi Gras even have glass enclosed showers which are much roomier than those found on other ships.

Balcony cabins range in size and aren’t necessarily larger than an inside or ocean view cabin; however, they do have added patio space. With the prevalence of this cabin type, it is easier to find the location you want, in comparison to less common categories such as ocean view staterooms.

There are some variations in balcony cabins across Carnival’s 22 ship fleet, which will grow even further in size with the introduction of Carnival Celebration and Luminosa next month. With 15+ categories of balcony staterooms, balcony cabins vary in size and price. Some of the most common options include:  

Looking at the prices for a popular seven day eastern Caribbean itinerary in March 2023 on Mardi Gras, the prices vary by a couple of hundred dollars between balcony cabin categories. A Junior Balcony runs $2,316 for two guests, all in with taxes, while a Private-View Extended Balcony costs $2,572.

Carnival offers several options in terms of suites, which have additional perks and amenities. Larger cabins, extra bedrooms, bigger patios, as well as a host of other amenities, including:

Ocean Suites, among the most common type of suites, feature larger cabins to relax in. Upgraded bathrooms, with  bathtubs and premium toiletries add to the luxe feel. They vary in size but can be an additional 50% increase in indoor living as well as a more spacious balcony, and a larger closet.

Junior suites are a great entry level into this upgraded category with some added space, depending on the ship, along with perks such as priority dining, embarkation and disembarkation.

A step above a standard suite, the Grand Suite can be found on ships like the Carnival Vista and is even larger with a cabin size of around 350 square feet and an extended balcony. Cruisers are treated to a large private bath with a shower, whirlpool tub, double sinks, a walk-in closet/dressing area with vanity, and a sitting area with a sofa and coffee table.

Suites can run thousands of dollars per person, depending upon the sailing/ itinerary, and can sell out quickly due to their limited quantity on ships.

Showcased on the new class of ships such as Mardi Gras, Carnival is offering premium level of suites, with top of the line benefits including:

Loft 19 is a private retreat space with loungers and an infinity whirlpool. Suites guests enjoy complimentary access to Loft 19, and get priority cabana reservations.

There are a few different cabin offerings in the Excel category, including:

In addition to the balcony cabins and suites highlighted, some Carnival ships have specialty staterooms. These stand out with their incredible themes and design, and added perks. A great feature of these themed rooms is that they have both balcony and suite options, catering to a wide range of budgets.

These cabins are Cuban inspired in décor, and colorfully decorated.  All guests in these staterooms must be 12 and over and have exclusive access to the Havana Bar and Pool. Adding to the resort feel are extra-large outdoor spaces and patios with hammocks. shower.

These specialty staterooms are available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista.

For a more Zen experience, Carnival offers its Cloud 9 Specialty cabins and suites. The staterooms focus on a calm, relaxing environment with soothing décor and in-room amenities like Elemis toiletries and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers. Benefits include:

These staterooms and suites are available on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Dream, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Magic, Mardi Gras., Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Vista.

Nautically themed, the cabins are designed specifically for families in mind, with a number of unique benefits. Located centrally to the Family Harbor Lounge, guests of these staterooms enjoy:

These cabins are available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista.

Family Harbor Balcony has all of the benefits of a standard balcony cabin, with the added perks of the Family Harbor area.

In addition, there are Cove Balcony and Extended Aft- View Balcony options. 

Family Harbour Ocean View Suite accommodates up to five guests, with a separate bedroom and living room area, with a TV in each. In addition, there is a walk-in closet, plus a convenient full bathroom and a separate washroom. 

Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy