Intrigued by the affordable fare and the convenience of embarking in New Orleans, just a short drive away, I finally got to experience Carnival Cruise Line. More specifically, I was curious to see what the cheapest stateroom on Carnival Valor would offer.
Our stateroom and cruise fare originally cost $1,066 for two people staying in an inside cabin for a 4-night cruise. However, our particular sailing was shortened by a day due to a storm in the Gulf Coast, and we were refunded $189, bringing our voyage to a total cost of $877 for two people for three nights onboard.
Come along with me as I give you an inside look at our standard inside stateroom onboard Carnival Valor and what passengers can expect when booking one of the most affordable cruise ship cabins available.
More spacious than expected
Despite being the most budget-friendly option, the bedroom area of the inside stateroom pleasantly surprised me with its space. Carnival allows guests to select their preferred bed configuration during check-in, choosing between a single queen-sized bed or two separate twin beds—a convenient option for couples, families, or friends sharing a cabin.
Each bed was well-appointed with two pillows per person, soft sheets, and comfortable blankets. I was happy to see that, although this was an interior stateroom, Carnival didn’t cut corners when it came to basic comfort onboard.
Beside each bed, there are two small nightstands that provide storage, complete with a lamp and a USB charging port—perfect for charging phones overnight. A simple yet tasteful landscape painting decorated two of the walls, which added a small but appreciated touch of character to the room.
In terms of functionality, the room was designed smartly. A desk with an ottoman and a mirror sits under a wall-mounted television, with additional storage in the form of drawers and shelves.
I was impressed with the amount of storage that Carnival managed to squeeze into this compact space. Two closets provided enough room for our clothes and other belongings, which made it easy to stay organized throughout the cruise.
There were also two mirrors, allowing more than one person to get ready at once—an often overlooked detail that really added convenience to the stateroom.
Read: Review and in-depth look into Carnival's drink package
The bathroom had its hits and misses
Moving into the bathroom, my feelings were a bit mixed. On the positive side, I appreciated the counter space and shelving, which were excellent for storing toiletries, sunscreen, and other essentials. Carnival did a great job ensuring there was plenty of room to keep things organized in this small, yet functional area.
However, the bathroom had one major flaw: the dreaded fabric shower curtain. Anyone who’s experienced this knows the struggle. Despite my best efforts, water inevitably escaped and drenched the bathroom floor each time I showered.
This was somewhat frustrating after long days when all I wanted was a hot shower without the hassle of a soaked floor. That said, the bathroom was clean, and for a quick 3-night cruise, it was functional.
I was a bit surprised to see the shower curtain, as I have cruised on older ships than Carnival Valor from Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet that have shower doors rather than curtains. It is a small detail, but something that is noticeable.
Practical and thoughtful amenities
Despite being an inside stateroom, Carnival packed a lot of amenities into this space. The desk area wasn’t just for show—it came with an ottoman, a small trash can, a phone for contacting other areas of the ship, and additional drawers for storage. Above the desk was a flat-screen TV, which was convenient for catching up on ship activities or simply relaxing in the room.
One thoughtful feature I appreciated was the inclusion of beach towels on a small table in the room. Having pool towels ready to go made it easy to hit the deck for some sun or a quick swim without having to visit Guest Services or the poolside towel stand onboard.
Under the small table was a mini-fridge—a convenient touch if you bring soda or bottled water onboard. Tucked away in one of the closets, I also found a full-length mirror, which was perfect for making sure I was cruise-ready before heading to dinner or a show onboard.
Temperature control is key when trying to get a good night’s sleep on a cruise, and I was happy to find that each inside stateroom has its own thermostat. However, I did notice the room stayed fairly warm, even when set to the coolest option.
Whether this was due to the ship’s age or another issue, it was sometimes a bit uncomfortable as we were falling asleep, but it was not too big of an issue.
Read: See my thoughts on my very first Carnival cruise
A budget-friendly way to cruise
While basic, the inside staterooms on Carnival Valor are surprisingly comfortable. For budget-conscious cruisers, they’re a great way to experience all the ship has to offer—without breaking the bank.
Inside staterooms come with all the essentials, and when you consider that you’re still getting access to the ship's activities, events, entertainment, and complimentary dining, it’s clear that inside cabins are a great way to cruise on a budget with Carnival.
What’s included
In addition to the stateroom itself, Carnival’s affordable cruise fares include unlimited food at complimentary dining venues, as well as access to all entertainment and activities onboard. From lively shows to trivia contests, passengers in the most affordable staterooms get the same fun-filled cruise experience as those staying in more expensive cabins onboard.
This being my first Carnival cruise, I was eager to see how it would stack up against my experiences on other cruise lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line.
Read: Carnival Cruise Line Food Guide
I’m happy to report that Carnival offers a comparable experience, especially when it comes to value for money. You’re not skimping on fun, entertainment, or food just because you’ve opted for a budget stateroom.
Speaking of food, Carnival delivered more than I expected. From delicious tacos at BlueIguana Cantina to mouth-watering burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint and Asian cuisine from Mongolian Wok, the food was satisfying and in line with what I’ve enjoyed on other large-scale cruise ships from other lines. This was something that surprised me!
How does the cabin compare to other cruise lines?
After over 15 cruises, many of which were spent in inside staterooms, I’ve become pretty familiar with what to expect from the most affordable cruise accommodations onboard ships.
In my experience, Norwegian’s inside staterooms often feel a bit more modern, with thoughtful touches like better lighting, modern amenities, and slightly more spacious bathrooms. I particularly appreciated Norwegian’s glass shower doors, which completely eliminated the wet floor issues I experienced on Carnival Valor.
Norwegian’s rooms tend to feel less “worn” than those on Carnival, which could be due to the fact that their fleet includes some newer ships, as well as the fact that Norwegian tends to invest a lot of their refurbishments into updating their staterooms particularly.
When it comes to Disney Cruise Line, their staterooms are definitely a step up in terms of décor and amenities. Disney’s inside rooms feel more polished, and while they’re still basic, you notice the little touches—like split bathrooms in balcony rooms, which make it easier for multiple people to get ready at the same time, or tubs in every stateroom.
Disney also adds a sprinkle of magic with whimsical design elements, such as the magical porthole windows that feature character appearances. While I didn’t expect Carnival’s budget rooms to compete with Disney’s premium ambiance, Disney’s attention to detail definitely sets their inside cabins apart.
That said, when you factor in the cost, Carnival’s inside staterooms offer great value. Sure, you might sacrifice some of the bells and whistles you’d find on some other cruise lines, but Carnival delivers what you need for a comfortable stay at sea. Plus, considering the lower price point, it’s a perfectly reasonable trade-off for travelers looking to cruise on a budget.
Read: A look at cheapest staterooms onboard both the newest and oldest Carnival ships
Final thoughts
While Carnival Valor’s cheapest stateroom won’t blow you away with opulence, it does offer a solid, budget-friendly place to call home while enjoying the ship’s other amenities. For passengers seeking an affordable way to sail, especially on a quick weekend getaway, this inside stateroom is more than sufficient!
Carnival is often criticized by some, but my experience onboard proved to be enjoyable and rewarding, especially when you consider the price. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer looking to save a little, Carnival’s inside staterooms are a great way to cruise without compromise.
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
