Balconies are popular cabin options for cruisers because you have private, front-row access to the passing scenery and deep blue ocean hues.
Not all balconies were designed equally, though. One unique option on Carnival ships is the cove balcony. This semi-enclosed stateroom has a balcony built into the ship's superstructure and is located on the lower decks, sometimes as low as Deck 2.
Because they're partially enclosed, they feel more private than traditional balconies that share thin walls with other guests. Plus, it's harder for guests in cabins above yours to glance into your space.
However, these special staterooms have their downsides. For example, during rare instances of severe weather, they may be closed for safety reasons. Moreover, seawater may spray onto the balcony when sailing through choppy water.
Debating on whether a cove balcony is right for your next Carnival cruise? Here are some pros and cons to take into consideration.
Read more: Guide to staying in a Carnival cruise balcony cabin
Certain ships have an extra category of cove balconies
Standard balconies don't come with any special perks. However, guests sailing aboard Vista and Excel Class ships can choose between a regular cove balcony and options like the Family Harbor or Cloud 9 Spa cove balconies.
Nautical Family Harbor cabins on Carnival Vista, Panorama, and Horizon include access to a private lounge with breakfast, snacks, and family-friendly activities. Plus, kids eat free at most specialty restaurants.
While Excel Class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee) have Family Harbor staterooms, they don't have Family Harbor cove balconies. Instead, these newer vessels have Cloud 9 Spa cove balcony cabins.
Found on Deck 5 with the other cove balconies, Cloud 9 Spa cove balcony staterooms have soothing décor and spa-related amenities. They are also steps from the spa, which is convenient as guests have unlimited access to the thermal suite.
Plus, passengers staying in Cloud 9 Spa cabins are also eligible for exclusive spa packages and discounts.
Sometimes, cove staterooms have larger balconies
Cove balconies on Vista Class ships are bigger than standard balconies. For example, a cove balcony on Carnival Horizon measures 230 square feet, with 185 square feet of interior space and a 45-square-foot balcony.
In comparison, traditional balcony cabins on Horizon have a 35-square-foot balcony. While not a massive difference, the extra space gives guests more room to stretch out and enjoy the view.
That said, there's no difference inside. Unless staying in a sub-category of cove balconies (i.e., Spa 9 or Family Harbor), the décor and square footage are the same.
You might score a better deal
Even if they are the same price, you typically have to pay extra to choose your specific balcony cabin, whereas booking a guaranteed rate means you'll be assigned one at random.
Many cruisers prefer to select their exact stateroom, so they don't end up in what they think is an undesirable location.
For a lower price, you can typically select your specific cove balcony, rather than risk being given a traditional balcony underneath the lido deck or near the nightclub. This is also advantageous for cruisers who get seasick because you can choose a midship cabin.
Read more: Best rooms on a cruise ship: Deck, location, & category
Close-up views of the sea
Cove balconies are either on Deck 2 or 5, depending on the ship. On Vista Class ships, they're on Deck 2, one deck below Guest Services and the atrium bar.
Cove balcony staterooms are on Deck 5 aboard Excel Class ships. Deck 6 is a hub of activity where you'll find everything from the Punchliner Comedy Club to the Piano Bar, JavaBlue Café, and more.
Since they're on lower decks than traditional balcony cabins, you get a close and immersive view of the ocean and the seafoam as you're cruising through the open waters.
While the view might not be as great on port days, being on a low deck makes it easier to get to the ship's gangways. Plus, after spending a long day ashore, you can quickly return to your stateroom instead of waiting on an elevator or climbing multiple flights of stairs.
The balcony may be closed during bad weather
Though rare, if things take a turn for the worse during your vacation, you might not be allowed to go outside.
In those cases, crew members will secure the cove balcony doors for safety. Though a bummer, you will still be able to look outside — if you can stomach it!
It’s more common for cove balconies to be closed for routine cleanings, which also applies to standard balcony staterooms.
They aren't available fleetwide
Carnival launched cove balconies on Carnival Dream in 2009. Since then, they've become a favorite among cruisers and have been featured on new builds within the fleet, as well as within Carnival Corporation:
- Carnival Dream
- Carnival Magic
- Carnival Breeze
- Carnival Vista
- Carnival Horizon
- Carnival Panorama
- Carnival Venezia* (joined Carnival's fleet in 2023)
- Carnival Firenze* (joined Carnival's fleet in 2024)
- Mardi Gras
- Carnival Celebration
- Carnival Jubilee
As such, if you are sailing on an older Carnival ship, such as Carnival Conquest, the cove balconies aren't an option.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
