Cruising on the open seas is a dream for many but the key to a great experience is picking the right room. If you’re interested in trying something different on your cruise, a Carnival Cove Balcony could make your trip special. These rooms offer a special view and a unique spot to enjoy the sea.
In this guide we will explore what is a Cove Balcony on Carnival Cruise and help you decide if it’s a good choice for your next cruise.
What is a Cove Balcony on Carnival Cruise?
Carnival Cove balcony is private as compared to standard balconies. It has solid steel panels on the sides and bottom half of the balcony. Carnival Cove balcony is bigger than regular ones and is close to the water, giving guests a peaceful view of the ocean.
These balconies are on the lower deck (decks 2 or 5), depending on the ship, closer to the water.
Carnival Cove Balcony Rooms on Different Class Ships
Cove Balcony Staterooms (7C)
Cove Balcony is available in the category 7C staterooms on many Carnival Class Ships like Excel Class, Vista Class, and Dream Class ships.
The room is the same as a regular balcony room, except for the balcony outside.
Category 7S Rooms on Excel Class Ships
The Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony rooms are found on Excel-class ships like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. These category 7S rooms are close to the spa. Guests can enjoy a calming atmosphere and special benefits like unlimited access to thermal suite amenities and other perks.
Spa 9 Cove, FM and FS Category on Vista Class
The Vista Class ships have Spa 9 cove balconies and cove balconies in the Family Harbor area. You can choose a Carnival cove balcony in the Family Harbor area (FM category) or in the Family Harbor suites (FS category).
GS Category on Fantasy Class
On Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, and Carnival Paradise, the Grand Suites in the GS category has cove-like areas with solid steel bottom balcony rails.
Carnival Cove Balcony vs Balcony
Carnival Cruise Line offers different types of balcony cabins, including the standard Balcony cabin and the Cove Balcony cabin.
Following points show the major difference between balcony and cove balcony cabins:
Privacy
A Cove Balcony Carnival provides a lot of privacy. Unlike regular balconies, it keeps you away from prying eyes. The enclosed design ensures complete seclusion. There are no balconies or walkways below for people to see you.
Lifeboats are typically above cove balconies, preventing anyone from looking down. Carnival Cove balconies are on the lower decks of the ship and provide a private outdoor space shielded by the hull.
Regular balconies are on the upper decks and have little privacy where your neighbors and fellow passengers can easily peek into your space, it can make you feel exposed to people looking from nearby cabins or other decks. This lack of privacy can take away from the peaceful relaxation you want while cruising.
Size
The Carnival Cove Balcony is larger than a regular balcony. Carnival Cruise cove balcony is 45 sq ft while a regular balcony is 35 sq ft. Cove Balcony is 28% bigger than a regular balcony, giving you more space to enjoy despite being partially closed.
Shade
The Carnival Cruise Cove Balcony has a special design with a partial cover and a lifeboat above it. This setup provides a nice shady spot to escape the hot sun, making it perfect for people who want to cool off.
Unlike regular balconies that can leave you exposed to the sun; the Carnival cove balcony lets you enjoy the outdoors without getting sunburned. This feature gives you more options to relax and enjoy the view without feeling too hot. If you like being in the sun all day, the cove balcony carnival may not be right for you. Although you can always go up to the Lido deck to soak up some sun.
Location
Carnival Cove balconies are on the lower decks of the ship and are closer to the water than regular balconies. You can find them on deck 2 or deck 5, depending on the ship. As these are the lowest balconies on the ship, it is good if you get seasick because you feel less movement on a cove balcony carnival compared to higher decks.
Regular balconies on ships are on higher decks and often found on decks above outdoor areas.
Access
Open decks are closed for safety during bad weather on a cruise. This affects balcony access, even for cove balconies which are lower and may be risky in rough seas. The steward closes a metal door over the glass balcony door to show how serious the situation is and to keep passengers safe.
It’s disappointing to lose balcony access, safety is the top priority during bad weather at sea. You can still see the ocean through your cabin window.
View
The Carnival Cove Balcony provides a view of water below, where you might spot marine life like dolphins and flying fish. Many have seen sea turtles from their cove balconies.
A regular balcony may not offer the best views depending on your location. Regular balconies on ships are located on higher decks and offer better views and access to facilities like pools and dining areas.
Prices
The main difference between cove balcony vs regular balcony lies in their prices. Carnival Cove balconies are cheaper than regular balconies, so budget-conscious tourists often choose them for a balcony experience. By picking a cove balcony carnival, you can save money compared to fancier rooms, if you’re okay with being on a lower deck.
Regular balconies cost more than cove balconies because they are higher up and offer better views. If you prefer luxury and prioritize convenience and expansive views over saving money, a regular balcony may be the better choice for you.
Getting On & Off the Ship
When it comes to choosing between a Carnival cove balcony and a regular balcony on a cruise ship, the location of your cabin can affect your experience. Picking a lower cabin location gives you easy access to getting on and off at ports of call but also positions you closer to the gangway, saving you valuable time during boarding and leaving the ship.
Which Carnival Ships have Cove Balconies?
Here is the list of Carnival Ships with Cove Balconies:
Carnival Jubilee Cove Balcony
The Carnival Jubilee has 124 Cove Balcony cabins. Each cabin is 205 sq ft and includes a private balcony of 44 sq ft. Each cabin can accommodate 2 guests.
Carnival Celebration Cove Balcony
The Carnival Celebration Cove Balcony cabin has 205 sq ft of living space and a 44 sq ft balcony. These cabins can comfortably fit 2 guests. The Carnival Celebration has 124 of these cabins.
Carnival Mardi Gras Cove Balcony
The Carnival Mardi Gras has 124 Cove Balcony cabins with each capable of accommodating up to 4 guests. Each cabin is 205 sq ft inside and has a 44 sq ft balcony.
Carnival Venezia Cove Balcony
The Carnival Venezia has Cove Balcony cabins that are 185 sq ft inside with 45 sq ft balcony. These cabins can fit up to 4 guests. There are 120 Cove Balcony cabins on the Carnival Venezia.
Carnival Firenze Cove Balcony
The Carnival Firenze has 120 Cove Balcony cabins, each designed to accommodate up to 2 guests. Each cabin is 185 sq ft inside and has a private balcony of 45 sq ft.
Carnival Breeze Cove Balcony
The Carnival Breeze Cove Balcony cabin has 185 sq ft of living space and a 45 sq ft balcony. There are 110 Cove Balcony cabins with each cabin can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Carnival Magic Cove Balcony
The Carnival Magic offers 110 Cove Balcony cabins, each accommodating up to 4 guests. These cabins provide a comfortable living space of 185 sq ft with a private balcony measuring 45 sq ft.
Carnival Dream Cove Balcony
The Carnival Dream Cove Balcony cabin is185 sq ft with a 45 sq ft balcony. Carnival Dream has 110 Cove Balcony cabins with each capable of accommodating up to 4 guests.
Carnival Horizon Cove Balcony & Family Harbor Cove Suite
The Carnival Horizon offers two types of Cove accommodations. The Cove Balcony cabin accommodates up to 4 guests, with 86 cove balcony cabins available. It features a 185 sq ft cabin and a 45 sq ft balcony.
The Family Harbor Cove Suite is more spacious for up to 5 guests with 16 cabins available. This suite provides a 275 sq ft cabin and a larger 65 sq ft balcony, offering more room for families or groups.
Carnival Vista Cove Balcony & Family Harbor Cove Suite
Carnival Vista has two types of cove balcony accommodations. The Cove Balcony cabin sleeps up to 4 guests in 185 sq ft of interior space with a 45 sq ft balcony, and there are 86 such cabins available.
The Family Harbor Cove Suite is more spacious, sleeping up to 5. This suite provides a 275 sq ft cabin and a larger 65 sq ft balcony. There are 16 Family Harbor Cove Suites on the ship.
Carnival Panorama Cove Balcony & Family Harbor Cove Suite
The Carnival Panorama offers two types of Cove Balcony accommodation. The standard Cove Balcony cabin measures 185 sq ft with a 45 sq ft balcony and can sleep up to 4 guests, with 86 such cabins available.
For families or those seeking more space, the Family Harbor Cove Suite provides 275 sq ft of cabin area and a larger 65 sq ft balcony, accommodating up to 5 guests. There are 16 of these suites on the ship.
Pros & Cons of Cove Balconies
Pros
- Bigger & larger than Regular Balconies
- Cove balconies are cheaper
- Easy to embark and debark
- Easy to get back to cabin
- More shaded
- Greater Privacy
- Great View to Ocean
Cons
- Small opening and enclosed design of cove balconies.
- Chances to get wet
- Lack of Sun (more shaded)
- Away from Activities
- Closed during bad weather
- Larger than Regular balconies
Conclusion
When choosing between a Carnival Cove balcony and a regular balcony, think about where you want to be on the ship, what views you prefer, how private you want to be, and how much you want to spend. A cove balcony is good if you want to save money and be close to the water.
A regular balcony costs more but gives you better views. Your decision should be based on your budget and the Carnival Stateroom you like. Think about what you care about most during the cruise before you decide. Choose wisely to have a great trip at Carnival that matches your preferences.
FAQs – Carnival Cove Balcony
Are Cove Balconies Better Than Regular Balconies?
Many people prefer cove balconies over regular balconies, but it depends on personal taste. Carnival Cove balconies offer a cozy and private space with close views of the sea. They may not enjoy wet and windy weather. During rough weather, crew members may close the storm door, limiting your view to just the window. It’s best to avoid booking cove balconies during hurricane season.
Do Cove Balconies Open?
No, the walls of the cove balconies on Carnival Cruise Ships are made of metal from floor to ceiling. Both sides can open when they clean the balconies or seal the balcony doors.
How Big is a Cove Balcony on Carnival Jubilee?
Carnival Jubilee Cove Balcony 7C is 44 sq ft on Deck 5
Can Solo Travelers Book a Carnival Cove Balcony Room?
Yes, solo travelers can book a carnival cove balcony stateroom. Solo guests pay for two people, unless there is a special discount. The cove balcony rooms offer a cozy space for solo travelers to enjoy the ocean views and sea breeze. These rooms are great for those who want privacy and relaxation during their solo cruise.
What’s Included in the Carnival Cove Balcony Price?
The Carnival Cove Balcony room price includes the room with a private balcony, meals at dining rooms and buffets, pool and recreational facility access, live shows, kids’ programs, and most onboard activities. It doesn’t include Specialty dining venues, alcoholic beverages and sodas, shore excursions, spa services, tips, or internet (this cost extra).
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