21 Carnival Cruise Cabins To Avoid 2024

Choosing the perfect cabin can make or break your onboard experience whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler. From cozy interior cabins to luxurious suites with private balconies, there is no shortage of choices when it comes to finding the ideal accommodation.  

If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the busy onboard atmosphere or want to be close to the excitement, being aware of which Carnival Cruise Cabins To Avoid can help prevent any unwanted surprises on your journey. 

There may not be such a thing as a bad room on a Carnival cruise ship, there are certainly some cabins that stand out as exceptional and have their own unique charm and amenities, but which ones should you avoid?

Carnival Cruise Cabins To Avoid

Taking that into consideration, here are some Carnival Cruise Cabins To Avoid before making reservations for your upcoming cruise.  

Rooms Above the Nightclub, Theatre or Atrium 

When booking a Carnival cruise, it’s essential to consider the location of your cabin carefully. Rooms situated directly above a nightclub, theatre, or atrium can be both exciting and challenging.

While being close to the action might offer a lively atmosphere and easy access to entertainment venues, it can also lead to potential noise disturbances and disruptions during quiet hours. 

If you’re light sleeper or value peaceful surroundings for relaxation, it’s advisable to opt for accommodation away from these high-traffic areas. 

On most Carnival cruise ships, the theatre is on Deck 5 and the nightclub is also on the same deck. So, it’s best to avoid Deck 6. 

On the new Carnival Excel Class ships, these venues are on Deck 7, so it’s important to avoid Deck 8 on those ships. Additionally, many cruises feature DJs playing music in the atrium on Deck 5, but on Excel Class ships, this extends up to Deck 8, so avoid Deck 9 mid-ship if you want to sleep early. 

Stateroom Close to the Elevators 

When booking a Carnival cruise, one of the factors to consider is the location of your stateroom in relation to the elevators. While it may seem convenient to have a room close to the elevators for easy access, there are some drawbacks to consider.

The constant noise and traffic near these busy areas can be disruptive, especially during peak times when passengers are getting on or off the ship. 

Staterooms close to the elevators might also have more vibration and mechanical noise, which could take away from your overall relaxation and comfort during the cruise.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat within their cabins, choosing a room away from the elevator banks may be worth considering. When thinking about cruise ship cabins to avoid, these factors are important to keep in mind for a more enjoyable experience.

Rooms Directly Below the Pool Deck 

Rooms right under the pool deck might not be the best choice if you like quiet and peaceful morning sleep. While the Lido Deck is fun during the day, at night and early morning it can get busy with cleaning and setting up chairs.

There are also lively deck parties that happen on the Lido deck, which can disturb people trying to rest.  This issue happens on all Carnival cruise ships. If you like to sleep in or enjoy a quiet time in your room, check the ship’s layout and pick a cabin that’s not below the pool area. 

Forward-Facing Balcony Rooms 

When it comes to cruising, the allure of a forward-facing balcony room may seem tempting at first glance. The reality is far from tranquil as one might expect.  

These rooms offer breathtaking views, they come with a downside that many travelers overlook: high winds can quickly turn this serene setting into an uncomfortable and noisy environment.

As the ship sails through open waters, gusts of wind can create a constant roar, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the outdoors from your balcony.  

Some cruise lines do not let you use front balconies while the ship is moving, but Carnival has a solution. They use heavy doors and a windshield to protect the balcony, so you can use it while the ship is moving. However, many people may still not want to use it. 

Forward-facing balcony cabins are on Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, and Carnival Celebration. 

Junior Balcony Cabins 

When it comes to Carnival cruise cabins, the Junior Balcony Cabin might not be everyone’s first choice. These rooms are indeed the smallest of the Balcony cabins, with a limited amount of space inside.

While the actual balcony size remains the same as a standard Balcony cabin, it is important to note that the room itself may feel cramped for those who prefer more spacious accommodations. 

For those who don’t spend much time in their room, this may not be an issue. However, if you prefer not to feel boxed in, you might want to consider opting for a standard Balcony or larger.  

Junior Balcony staterooms are exclusively available on Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, and Carnival Celebration. 

Porthole Cabins 

When it comes to selecting a cabin for your Carnival Cruise, the allure of a room with an ocean view is undeniable. However, not all rooms with a window and an ocean view are classified as proper Ocean View rooms.  

The Porthole cabin offers only two small, round portholes for natural light and a glimpse of the outside world. But it can be a disappointing choice for those seeking an immersive experience at sea. This view is severely limited by the thickness of the porthole glass. 

If you really need natural light in the room and have a tight budget, these rooms could be an excellent choice but otherwise, I will not recommend booking them. Porthole cabins are available on all Carnival Class ships except for the Excel Class and the Spirit Class ships. 

Havana Rooms 

When it comes to booking a cruise with Carnival, the option of themed rooms with extra perks adds another layer of excitement to the vacation experience. The Havana rooms offer a unique and vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of a Cuban getaway.  

From exclusive daytime access to the Havana Pool area to delicious Latin-inspired cuisine at specialty dining venues, these rooms truly give guests a taste of something special.  

 The Havana Cabana rooms’ lure lies in their spaciousness and upgraded decor and their exclusive patio area. While the Havana Balconies and Interiors may lack an individual patio area, they compensate with their luxurious interior design. 

This exclusive area is restricted to guests over 12 years old and offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the ship. 

Havana balconies present a unique challenge. Unlike traditional balconies that extend right up to the ship’s edge, Havana balconies have pedestrian walkways alongside them. This setup can compromise privacy and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere many guests’ desires. 

If you’re not someone who is bothered about sunbathing by a nice pool, then shelling out extra cash for a Havana room might seem like an unnecessary expense. Sure, these cabins offer exclusive access to their own private pool and lounge areas. 

Havana staterooms are available on Vista Class and Excel Class ships. 

Interior Upper/Lower cabins 

When it comes to Carnival Cruise cabins, the Interior Upper Lower cabins stand out as the smallest in the fleet. These cozy spaces are designed to accommodate solo travelers or those looking for a budget-friendly option leaving more money to spend on other parts of the cruise. 

It is important to note that these cabins do not come with two twin beds as standard. Instead, guests can expect a single twin bed along with a sofa or pullman bed for additional sleeping arrangements.

These cabins are available on most Carnival ships, except for the Excel Class and the Spirit Class ships. 

Cabins above the Casino 

If you’re considering a cruise and hoping to avoid the noise and smoke that come with being near a casino, it is best to avoid Carnival cabins located close to these bustling areas. For non-smokers or those sensitive to cigarette smoke, this enchanting atmosphere may quickly lose its charm. 

Some cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises have implemented no-smoking policies in their casinos, others still permit it, creating an environment that may not be ideal for everyone. 

Few cruise lines that still allow smoking in their onboard casinos have ventilation systems. These systems are not always completely successful in preventing the spread of smoke throughout the ship. This can be a cause for concern for non-smoking passengers, especially those staying in cabins near the casino area. 

Cove Balcony 

When it comes to cruise ship accommodations, the allure of a balcony cabin is hard to beat. However, not all balconies are created equal. Cove Balcony cabins set themselves apart with their unique design, offering a more enclosed space compared to standard balconies.  

They have solid walls, a roof, and a steel rail, making them more enclosed, creating a cozy and private atmosphere that’s perfect for those seeking a retreat from the bustling activities on deck.  

Some appreciate the sheltered and private nature of Cove Balconies. While others do not like it because the view is not as nice, and you will not get as much sun as you want. 

Cove Balcony cabins are found on Excel Class, Vista Class, and Dream Class ships. 

Rooms that might make Seasickness Worse 

It is essential to consider the location of your cabin if you suffer from seasickness. Choosing a cabin on a higher deck towards the front or aft of the ship can worsen the feelings of motion sickness due to increased movement and swaying. These areas are closer to the ship’s pivot point, where the rolling and pitching motions are most pronounced.  

For those prone to seasickness, it is best to choose the midship cabins on lower decks. These locations experience less movement and provide a more stable environment, potentially alleviating any discomfort associated with rough seas. 

Family Harbor Rooms (If You aren’t a Family) 

When it comes to Carnival cabins, Family Harbor rooms stand out as a unique and delightful accommodation option. Family Harbor rooms on Carnival ships come in different types: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, or Suites and sport a charming nautical theme that sets them apart from other cabin choices. 

These cabins are specially designed for families with kids, they serve breakfast and snacks, and have games to play. The extra space and added perks like access to the Family Harbor Lounge can make your cruise even more comfortable and enjoyable.  

You may be wondering if Family Harbor Rooms are right for you if you are not traveling with a family. Since these rooms are located near the children’s play area, there may be more noise and activity compared to other areas of the ship.

This could be an issue for those seeking a quieter atmosphere during their cruise vacation. So, it is best to avoid these rooms despite their pleasant decor 

Family Harbor rooms are found on Excel Class and Vista Class ships. 

Ocean View Rooms

When it comes to choosing the perfect cabin for a Carnival cruise, the ocean view room presents a reasonable compromise between budget and enjoying a nice view. These cabins are a little more spacious than interior rooms but not as expensive as Balcony rooms, offers a bit more breathing space without breaking the bank. 

One downside is that Ocean view rooms are often located on lower decks, which means they are further away from the main activities and amenities on the ship. This could result in longer walks to reach restaurants, entertainment venues, and other onboard attractions. 

If you are considering booking an Ocean View room, check the deck plans to see where it is. Otherwise, you might have to walk long distances every time you want to go back to your room. 

Rooms Near the Anchor 

Booking a room on the lower decks near the front of a ship may seem like a great idea for easy access to various amenities. But you might be close to the anchor. The early morning can be interrupted by the loud clanking of metal as the anchor is dropped, jolting residents from their slumber. 

If you are sensitive to noise but still want a peaceful morning, it is advisable to consider a different area of the ship for your accommodation. 

Obstructed View Balconies 

Choosing the right cruise cabin can make or break your vacation experience, and with Carnival offering a variety of options, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Among them are the Balcony and Premium Balcony cabins that may boast obstructed views due to their positioning near lifeboats on the ship.  

If your priority is simply to enjoy fresh air and the view is not a top concern, these cabins could be a cost-effective option.  

These specific Carnival cabins near lifeboats could also be subject to increased noise levels and decreased natural light. 

The Obstructed View Balcony is available on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle, while the Obstructed View Premium Balcony can be booked on Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, and Carnival Legend. 

Guaranteed Staterooms 

Choosing a guaranteed stateroom means you agree to accept any available room within a specific category instead of selecting your own cabin. This might seem like a good way to save money, but it comes with risks that could affect your cruise experience. 

You might get a pleasant surprise, like a room upgrade. But you could also end up in a less-than-ideal location on the ship, such as near noisy elevators, below a busy deck, or at the front or back where there is more motion. 

Plus, you will not know your exact stateroom until closer to the sailing date, which could make trip planning more complicated. If you want to know exactly where you’ll stay and avoid the risk, there may be better options than a guaranteed stateroom. It’s like booking a flight with a restricted fare to avoid getting stuck in the middle seat. 

Picture-Window Obstructed View Rooms 

When booking a cruise, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a picture-window obstructed view room. Cruise cabins with a Picture Window with Obstructed View are considered Interior rooms by Carnival, even though they have an outdoor view.  

These cabins are often sold at a discount, but the inconvenience may not be worth the savings. The view is of the walkway on the Observation Deck, with the sea beyond it.

Keep in mind that this means someone could see you when you open your curtains. You will need to keep your curtains closed when you’re getting dressed, which might be uncomfortable. It might feel strange to have someone outside your room on a cruise ship.  

These rooms are on most Carnival ships, except for Excel Class and Fantasy Class ships. 

Connecting Rooms 

Connecting rooms may seem like a convenient option for larger groups or families traveling together. They may not be ideal for solo travelers or smaller groups. These rooms often have locked doors between them, but the soundproofing is minimal at best, which means privacy and quiet can become major issues. From snoring neighbors to excited chatter, the close proximity can shatter any hope for peace and quiet. 

Under the Galley 

Booking a room under the galley on a Carnival cruise may not be everyone’s ideal choice due to the potential for noise disturbances. The kitchen staff works tirelessly day and night, ensuring that delicious meals are prepared for passengers and crew. There are noisy food trolleys, dishwashers, and heavy-duty floor-cleaning machines in operation. 

This means that if you are tucked away in a cabin below the galley, you may experience some unwanted racket from the bustling kitchen activities. Staying in a room near the kitchen could be just as loud as being underneath a nightclub. 

Near Crew Areas 

It is easy to forget that behind the scenes of all the excitement on a cruise ship, there is an entire community of crew members living below deck.  

The crew areas form a bustling city, with hundreds of cabins, dining areas, laundry facilities, repair shops, a medical center, training rooms, and recreation centers to cater to over 1,500 crew members. Additionally, there is a marshaling area and a main thoroughfare called I-95, named after the primary interstate in South Florida, where most cruise lines are based. 

Many passengers may not realize that some cabins are located near areas where crew members work and unwind. Unfortunately, these locations can be less than ideal for a relaxing vacation. 

Near Slamming Doors 

When selecting a cabin for your Carnival cruise, it’s crucial to study the deck maps to anticipate potential annoyances like slamming doors. Avoid certain areas of the ship like the spa or public restrooms, where slamming doors and loud hand dryers can disrupt your peace.  

As noise can ruin a cruise vacation, they are more prone to heavy foot traffic and noise, making it less desirable for those seeking serenity during their voyage. 

Carnival Pride Rooms to Avoid

Following are the Carnival Pride cabins to Avoid: 

• All Cabins on Deck 1 (directly below the main entertainment area on deck 2 – the Promenade deck) 
• Deck 4 – Cabins 4101 to 4129 (directly above the Warehouse Arcade area & the Ivory Piano Bar) 
• Deck 4 – Cabins 4130 to 4155 (Oceanview cabins, view is restricted by lifeboats) 
• Deck 4 – Cabins 4156 to 4207 (above the Atrium Bar and the Raphael Lounge) 
• Deck 5 – Cabins 5102 to 5131 (above the main Taj Mahal Theater) 
• Deck 5 – Cabins 5142 to 5191 and 5224 to 5245 (obstructed balcony views due to lifeboats) 
• All Cabins on Deck 8 (below Lido Deck)

Carnival Sunshine Rooms to Avoid

Here are few Carnival Sunshine Cabins that you should avoid: 

• Deck 2 has noisy cabins except for those at the front.  
• Deck 5 cabins 5301, 5302, 5303, and 5304 are near the bar & club.  
• Deck 6 and 7 cabins (6101 to 6106) and (7101 to 7106) have obstructed views. Deck 9 cabins from the middle to the back are under the pool. 
• Noise-related Concerns (Rooms Directly Below the Lido Deck, Near the Atrium, Elevator Entrances & Service Areas). 
• Vibration-related Concerns (Aft Cabins, Lower Deck Near Engines). 
• Accessibility & Convenience (Remote Corners, Far from Elevators).

Carnival Sunrise Rooms to Avoid

Here are the few Carnival Sunrise cabins to avoid:

• Deck 2 cabins are mostly under the restaurants, so avoid these cabins. You might hear carts and heavy objects noise.  
• Avoid cabins 3101 to 3143 on Deck 3 as they are under the theater.  
• Cabins from midship to the end on Deck 8 are under the swimming pools. 

Carnival Splendor Cabins to Avoid

Following are the Carnival Splendor rooms to Avoid: 

• Avoid Obstructed View Cabins. 
• Avoid Cabins below Pool deck. 
• Avoid Deck 2 cabins especially those under the galley.  
• Avoid booking Cabins near Elevators and Anchor. 
• Avoid choosing Cabins near crew quarters, whether above or below them. 
• Avoid cabins 6244 to 6271 on Deck 6 as they are above the theater. 
• Avoid cabins 9300 and onward on Deck 9 as they are below the lido marketplace. 

Carnival Radiance Rooms to Avoid

Here are following Carnival Radiance Cabins to avoid:

• Lower Deck Aft Cabins (The Rumble Factor such as engine noise and slight vibration) 
• Cabins directly below lido deck (1028 to 1052, 1528 to 1552) 
• Cabins Near Service Areas or Crew Access Points (Unexpected Noises) 
• Obstructed View Cabins (lifeboats or other ship structures such as Balcony Cabins 7050 to 7090, 7550 to 7590, 7110 to 7150, 7610 to 7650) 
• Forward Cabins on Lower Decks (Feeling the Waves that cause seasickness 
• Cabins Near Nightclubs or Entertainment Venues (listen to Late-Night Beats due to poor soundproof system, Most of Deck 7 & A Loud Owner’s Suite 1054). 
• Connecting Cabins unless needed

Carnival Celebration Rooms to Avoid

Here are few Carnival Celebration Cabins that you should avoid:

• Havana Cabanas.  
• Rooms Above the Havana Pool. (9333, 9335, 9337, 9341)  
• Junior Balcony Staterooms.  
• Forward-View Balcony Staterooms. 
• Cove Balcony Staterooms.  
• Specialist Rooms that don’t suit you.  
• Connecting Rooms when You don’t need them. 
• Carnival Rooms to avoid that are directly Below the Pool Deck. (15322 to 15507) 
• Rooms Directly Above the Bars, Theatre and Atrium (8250 to 8305, 9294 to 9503) 

Carnival Valor Rooms to Avoid

Here are few Carnival Valor Cabins that you should avoid:

• Cabins above/below public areas and crew areas 
• Carnival Cabins to avoid that are located directly above or below noisy public areas (like the main dining room, theater, or nightclub) 
• Stay away from rooms near crew areas such as storage rooms or staff corridors 
• Choose cabins away from high traffic areas (that include elevators, stairwells) 
• Steer Clear of Cabins Near the Anchor 
• Cabins that may aggravate seasickness 
• Be cautious when selecting cabins at higher levels of the ship 
• Avoid cabins at the front or back of the ship 

Carnival Breeze Rooms to Avoid

Here are few Carnival Breeze Cabins that you should avoid:

• Avoid Deck 2 cabins from 2274 and onwards as they are situated underneath the Breeze theater and main galleys.
• Deck 3 cabins 3237 and 3242 are next to public areas. 
• Worst Carnival Breeze Rooms for Privacy (A balcony room on Deck 6) 
• Some deck 6 cabins on this deck are above the theater and bar.
• Cabins that may worsen the seasickness 
• Worst Carnival Breeze Rooms for Smell (avoid rooms near the aft or back of the ship due to the diesel smell)  
• Avoid Deck 9 Cabins from 9289 and onwards are under the lido deck. 

Carnival Panorama Rooms to Avoid 

Here are few Carnival Panorama Cabins that you should avoid:

• Consider Motion Sickness (Avoid cabins located at the front or back of the ship). 
• Beware of Obstructed Views (obstructed or porthole view balcony room). 
• Avoid cabins near noisy areas like elevators, clubs, or crew access points for a peaceful stay.  
• Deck 15 cabins starting from 15320 can be noisy due to the buffet above.  
• Deck 17 cabins starting from 17248 can also be noisy because the lido deck above. 

Carnival Glory Rooms to Avoid

Here are few Carnival Glory Cabins that you should avoid:

• Cabins that may worsen the seasickness 
• Avoiding Lower Deck Cabins for Noise Reduction (Engine Vibrations and Public Areas). 
• Avoid Deck 6 cabins as theater, bars, and nightclub are below it.  
• Avoid deck 8 cabins from 8296 onwards are under the pools and buffet. 
• Cabins on Decks 6, 7, and 10 with the code 4J facing the front of the ship have a blocked view. 

Carnival Spirit Cabins to Avoid

Here are the few Carnival Spirit rooms to avoid:

• Avoid deck 5 cabins from 5101 to 5231 as they are above the theater. 
• Some cabins on decks 4 and 5 have obstructed views due to lifeboats. Cabins in the 4K, 7A, and 9A categories have obstructed views. 
• Deck 8 cabins may be noisy as they are under the pool. 

Carnival Elation Rooms to Avoid

Here are few Carnival Elation Cabins that you should avoid:

• Carnival Cabins to Avoid for Peace (Near Elevators, Above Noisy Area, Below Pool Deck) 
• Avoiding Seasickness (Front Cabins, Lower Decks) 
• Avoid cabins on Deck 7 because it’s under noisy areas such restaurants and dining rooms. 
• Cabins at the back of Deck 9 are under the buffet, so avoid them.  
• Avoid Junior suite V21, V23, V25, V27, V30, V34, V38, and V42 on deck 11 because of blocked view balcony. 

Carnival Vista Cabins to Avoid

Following are the Carnival Vista rooms to Avoid: 

• Avoid deck 2 cabins from 2275 and onwards are below the restaurant and club.  
• Some cabins on Deck 6 are above the theater. They are bit noisy at night 
• Deck 9 cabins from 9289 onwards are under the lido deck. 

Carnival Liberty Cabins to Avoid

Following are the Carnival Liberty rooms to Avoid: 

• Seasickness Risks (Avoid cabins at the front or back of ships) 
• Avoid cabins located near high-traffic areas such as elevators and stairwells 
• Avoid deck 2 cabins because of noise from ship activities, kitchens, and restaurants can be heard on this deck. Cabins 2446 and 2449 have blocked views. 
• Some cabins on deck 6 may be noisy due to club & bar 
• Cabins from 9277 to 9294 on deck 9 should be avoided as they are below the waterpark. 

Carnival Miracle Rooms to Avoid

Following are the Carnival Miracle cabins to Avoid: 

• Avoid deck 6 cabins, they might be noisy because the theater, bars, and nightclub are below.
• On Deck 8, cabins from 8296 and onwards are under the swimming pools.
• Carnival Miracle Interior Cabins to Avoid with Limited Natural Light 

Carnival Dream Cabins to Avoid

Here are the few Carnival Dream rooms to Avoid: 

• Avoid cabins 6244 to 6271 on Deck 6 as they are above the theater. 
• For Deck 9, avoid cabins 9300 and higher if you don’t like noise, as they are below the main pool. 

Carnival Horizon Cabins to Avoid

Here are the few Carnival Horizon rooms to Avoid: 

• Deck 8 cabins near the theater can be noisy. 
• Deck 15 cabins from 15320 and onward can also be noisy as they are close to the buffet on the Lido deck.  
• On Deck 17, cabins from 17248 and onward are noisy due to the pool deck. 

Carnival Legend Cabins to Avoid

Here are the few Carnival Legend rooms to Avoid: 

• Avoid cabins on Deck 2 (Public and Crew Noise) 
• On Deck 6, some cabins could be noisy, especially those above the theater and the night Club on Deck 5.  
• Cabins from 8296 and onwards on Deck 8 are located under buffet. 

Carnival Freedom Cabins to Avoid

Here are the few Carnival Freedom rooms to avoid:

• Avoid deck 2 cabins because of noise from ship activities, kitchens, and restaurants can be heard on this deck. Cabins 2446 and 2449 have blocked views. 
• Some cabins on deck 6 may be noisy due to club & bar 
• Cabins from 9277 to 9294 on deck 9 should be avoided as they are below the waterpark. 

Links for Carnival Ship’s Deck Plan

• Carnival Horizon 
• Carnival Jubilee 
• Carnival Legend 
• Carnival Liberty 
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Elation 
• Mardi Gras 
• Carnival Miracle 
• Carnival Panorama 
• Carnival Paradise 
• Carnival Conquest 
• Carnival Dream 
• Carnival Freedom 
• Carnival Glory 
• Carnival Spirit 
• Carnival Splendor 
• Carnival Sunrise 
• Carnival Sunshine 
• Carnival Valor 
• Carnival Pride 
• Carnival Radiance 
• Carnival Breeze 
• Carnival Celebration 
• Carnival Venezia 
• Carnival Vista 

FAQs – Carnival Cruise Cabins To Avoid 2024