Comparing Carnival Balcony Cabins: Standard vs. Cove vs. Extended

Carnival ships have different categories of balcony cabins, so what's different between each one?

Although they aren't the cheapest staterooms, balconies are arguably the most popular choice for a cruise ship cabin.

Compared to tiny interior staterooms, they have much more space and, most importantly, a private outdoor verandah. 

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Not all balconies were designed equally, though. Carnival, for example, has different categories, each with its own layout and unique perks. 

That said, there are similarities between all of them. All Carnival balcony rooms have a king-sized bed that can be converted into two twins. 

Additionally, all balcony cabins have a private ensuite bathroom with a shower, television, mini-fridge, stateroom attendant, and storage space. 

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Here’s a breakdown of the balcony types on Carnival ships and how they differ from one another. 

Standard balcony

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Standard balconies are the most basic of Carnival's balcony rooms. The exact size varies depending on the ship. 

For instance, a standard balcony cabin on Carnival Conquest measures 185 square feet with a 35-square-foot balcony. 

Comparatively, a balcony stateroom on Carnival Celebration comes in at 205 square feet with a 44-square-foot private verandah. 

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Moreover, because standard balconies are the most common type of balcony, their locations can vary. You will find them in the forward (front), midship (middle), and aft (back) of the ship. 

Extended balcony

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Extended balconies on Carnival cruise ships are similar to standard rooms. However, they feature a larger balcony with extra furniture. 

For example, the extended balcony cabins on Carnival Celebration measure anywhere from 62 to 120 square feet, depending on whether it's a standard, forward, or aft extended balcony. 

Similarly, the extended balcony staterooms on Carnival Conquest feature balconies that come in at 65 or 75 square feet. 

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Extended balconies are often considered a valuable upgrade compared to standard balconies.

The extra outdoor space is nice for stretching out, especially if you like taking in the ocean views or are on a scenic itinerary to somewhere like Alaska.

Cove balcony

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Cove balconies are found on newer Carnival ships, starting with Carnival Dream. These innovative staterooms are popular because guests have private, front-row access to the passing scenery. 

The semi-enclosed cove balconies have a balcony built into the ship's superstructure and are located on the lower decks, sometimes as low as Deck 2.

Because they are partially enclosed, cove balcony rooms typically feel more private than traditional balconies that share thin walls with other guests.

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Cruise.Blog freelancer Allie Hubers stayed in a cove balcony on Carnival Jubilee and ended up loving it more than she thought.

"I actually loved the cove enclosure around the balcony, as it made the space feel more private. I was worried it would feel obstructed, but that was not the case," she wrote. 

"We did not have any balconies above ours, only the lifeboats. Additionally, we never heard or saw our neighbors during the cruise while on the balcony."

Read more: I stayed in a cove balcony on Carnival's newest ship for $2,600

Premium balcony

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Unlike extended balcony rooms, premium balconies on Carnival ships have larger interior and exterior space. 

The added space makes premium balcony cabins a comfortable choice for families, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone planning to spend more time relaxing in the stateroom. 

There are a few sub-categories of premium balconies, including: 

• Obstructed-view premium balcony (obstructed view from balcony)
• Premium vista balcony (wrap-around balcony, but standard cabin size)
• Havana premium balcony (premium balcony with access to the 12+ Havana Pool)

Havana Cabana

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Speaking of the Havana premium balcony, Excel Class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee) also have special Havana cabana rooms.

These staterooms are unique because, while they still have private outdoor space, the cabins sit along a public walkway. As such, they do not have a direct, unobstructed ocean view. 

Still, all guests staying in a Havana cabana have access to the exclusive Havana Pool (note passengers must be 12 years or older to stay in a Havana stateroom). 

Family Harbor balcony

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Family Harbor rooms are designed for families and feature nautical-themed decor, convenient sleeping arrangements, and access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge.

Family Harbor balconies and cove balconies offer exclusive benefits (like one free evening of Night Owls babysitting and kids-eat-free in most specialty restaurants) and a private outdoor space to enjoy the passing scenery. 

These cabins are only available on Vista Class ships. 

Cloud 9 Spa balcony

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Cloud 9 Spa balconies are themed staterooms located conveniently near the Cloud 9 Spa (minus the cove balconies), where guests receive exclusive amenities and benefits during their cruise. 

Cloud 9 Spa balcony guests have access to the ship’s thermal spa for the entirety of their cruise vacation, along with priority access to spa appointments and discounts on spa treatments on port days.

You'll find these cabins on Excel, Vista, Dream, and Sunshine Class ships. 

Junior balcony

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Junior balcony rooms on Carnival's Excel Class ships are smaller than standard staterooms. They aren't suitable for a family, either; they can only accommodate two guests. 

That said, the biggest perk of a junior balcony cabin is that they are cheaper than standard balconies since they are not as big. 

For instance, junior balconies on Carnival Celebration measure 216 square feet, while standard balcony rooms measure 249 (including the interior and exterior space).