carnival cruise stateroom balcony

Mardi Gras Staterooms

MARDI GRAS ® OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF SUITES WITH OPTIONS FOR SUPERIOR COMFORT AND BRAND-NEW PERKS

LOFT 19™ ON MARDI GRAS ® INVITES YOU TO INDULGENT DAYS AT SEA

STYLE, SUBSTANCE AND SURPRISES COME TOGETHER IN YOUR MARDI GRAS ® STATEROOM

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it’s as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Mardi Gras are packed with innovative changes to both. It’s the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we’ve developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

INTERIOR STATEROOMS

The most affordable way to experience all the Carnival excitement, without cutting corners on comfort.

HAVANA INTERIOR

For a stateroom with extra sabor — for not a lot of dinero — check out a Havana Interior stateroom. You’ll find yours all flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style… taking its cues from a place and time that certainly weren’t lacking in style. And like we said, you’ll find all this for a great price! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

CLOUD 9 SPA INTERIOR

We’ve taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms on Mardi Gras. Your room is the perfect place to do less, actually: just relax and take some you-time, anytime. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

FAMILY HARBOR INTERIOR

To truly experience the cozy sanctuary that a harbor provides, check out a Family Harbor Interior stateroom. These rooms are not only an affordable way to keep the family close, but feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

PREMIUM INTERIOR

When picking a stateroom on a budget, you have to think about what matters to you. Priorities, right? So if you’re more about the comfort than you are the view, we’d recommend you go with a Premium Interior stateroom. This room actually has the same floorplan as some higher-priced rooms (just without the balcony) so you’re definitely getting a nice step up from a standard Interior room. Your room features a sitting area with a sofa, so hang out and lounge in comfort!

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Mardi Gras’ interiors don’t leave out the comfort! This room is great for curling up after a long day’s fun.

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS

These comfy rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

CLOUD 9 SPA OCEAN VIEW

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom… and this one fits the bill, pairing comfy accommodations with a great view. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

FAMILY HARBOR OCEAN VIEW

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only could a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

Catch a glimpse of what’s going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Mardi Gras, where you’ll get views you won’t find anywhere on land. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset at sea —your comfy stateroom is a great way to experience these two special times of day!

BALCONY STATEROOMS

Relax in your own personal outdoor oasis… designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.

Havana Extended Cabana

Folks love staterooms like this for the Old Havana flavor… but that’s only the beginning. Right outside your Havana Extended Cabana lies a large outdoor patio complete with your own loungy deck chairs. Back inside the room you’ll also enjoy loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget: all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

HAVANA CABANA

There are great amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the most exciting one is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio, complete with your own loungy deck chairs, all right outside your room. These rooms also feature Cuba-inspired décor, plus loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said… your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

CLOUD 9 SPA FORWARD-VIEW EXTENDED BALCONY

Folks love staterooms like this because they were designed for relaxing, right down to the custom linens. But this room has something nobody’s ever seen in a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom before — the balcony faces forward, so you’re getting a view of what’s up ahead of the ship, sort of like the captain’s view! Sit out on your balcony, which by the way is larger than the standard one, and watch destinations appear on the horizon as we approach them. And don’t forget to breathe in… hold it, hold it… and now out. (Note that rooms of this type have partially obstructed views… but don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA BALCONY

Whether you’re warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there’s no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take in the ocean breeze, then let it out — you’re already getting the hang of spa life! (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA COVE BALCONY

Nobody books a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom unless they love relaxation and want more. If this sounds like you, here’s a room with a little extra. It’s not just the custom décor… the secret here’s the balcony. A Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony stateroom sits closer to the waterline than most rooms, which means that your balcony puts you in a prime position to chill and check out those waves. There’s no way to get closer! (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

PREMIUM-VIEW EXTENDED BALCONY

Book a stateroom with a balcony — any balcony — and you’re going to enjoy your vacation with an extra dose of sea breeze. But book one of these and there’s even more in store: these balconies face forward or backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your vacation featuring what’s up ahead or behind the ship! (Note that forward-facing rooms have partially obstructed views.)

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more outdoor lounge-around room, more open-air kick-back space… and back inside the room itself, all the comfort you expect with a great view and plenty of sunlight.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

JUNIOR BALCONY

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. A Junior Balcony stateroom features the same size balcony as standard Balcony rooms, just with a little less interior space. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

COVE BALCONY

Love the sea? Mardi Gras Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.

A stateroom featuring the most indoor space, a balcony and some of the best perks on the ship.

CARNIVAL EXCEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

If you’re looking for the largest stateroom and best view on the ship — one practically the same as what the captain sees — then your search stops here, Junior Captain. But there’s more to know: for one thing, the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite features a separate living room and bedroom, and these spaces are packing two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa. There’s a dining area, and of course a wet bar. You’ll find truly deluxe extras like the bathroom with large shower and two sinks, plus we put the toilet and an extra sink in a separate room for convenience and privacy. Did we forget the hot tub? Of course not — it’s outside on the wraparound balcony, which is so large that “balcony” might not even be the right word, since it features seating from lounge chairs to loveseats, rocking chair to daybed, for over a dozen of your closest friends, plus an al fresco dining table.

Carnival Excel Aft Suite

A Carnival Excel Aft Suite is one of the most spacious staterooms on the ship… and if we’re talking square-footage, let’s just say the wraparound balcony is made for entertaining. (Okay, let’s also say it has a private hot tub, dining area, daybed, plus plenty of loungy seating. Wow!) But back inside the room, which features a separate living room and bedroom, you’ll find some nice perks that make this room truly deluxe. For instance, how about an ample bathroom with large shower and double sink, plus a separate private room for the toilet and an extra sink? You’ve got it all. Or two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa? All of those — check!

CARNIVAL EXCEL CORNER SUITE

A Carnival Excel Corner Suite aboard Mardi Gras features tons of indoor space, plus a large wraparound balcony with lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table, for when you need a little more space. Back inside this impressive room you’ll find a king-size bed, deluxe bathroom, plus a living room featuring a wet bar.

CARNIVAL EXCEL SUITE

A Carnival Excel Suite aboard Mardi Gras is the kind of room that proves that vacation and comfort go hand-in-hand. In this large room you’ll find not only a bathroom with a spacious shower and a double sink, but a good amount of room for living and lounging. Plus there’s truly nice-to-haves like a dining area and two TVs — one in the sleeping area and one in the living space. Your room also features extra space for kicking back, ocean-breeze-style, on your balcony featuring lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table.

HAVANA CABANA CORNER SUITE

In a Havana Cabana Corner Suite you’ll find all the comforts of a normal suite… decked out in Cuba-inspired décor! Inside the room are separate living room and bedroom areas, with a TV in each, plus convenient extras like a sectional sofa and walk-in closet. Outside your amazing room lies a private lanai with your own swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

HAVANA CABANA SUITE

In this room you’ll find all the comfort of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired décor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a luxurious lounging area with your own deck chairs and swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

FAMILY HARBOR OCEAN VIEW SUITE

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of a great room with an amazing view: a Family Harbor Ocean View Suite stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. This room sleeps five, by the way, and features a separate bedroom and living room area, with a TV in each. These rooms aren’t just fun, but are practical — you get a walk-in closet, plus a convenient full bathroom and a separate washroom. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA SUITE

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in spa-style accommodations. This is more than a large room with a unique, soothing décor… but there’s also plenty of convenience here, like the vanity featuring an illuminated mirror. Oh, and those aren’t the only upgrades from other Cloud 9 Spa staterooms — this room has just the large balcony you’d expect. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

OCEAN SUITE

A Mardi Gras Ocean Suite offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors. Try an Ocean Suite to experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom!

Loft 19™ was designed to afford you a unique opportunity for relaxation and indulgence. This retreat-style space invites you to soak up the sun all day from the comfort of a lounge chair or infinity whirlpool. This pairs so perfectly with Carnival Excel suites that staying in one actually gets you Loft 19™ access! Drink service is always close at hand, plus you can even opt for a little private time — renting a cabana gets you more than just a place in the shade, but extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and concierge service. (Cabana rentals are open to everyone, though guests in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy priority reservations.)

STATEROOMS GOT YOU FEELING ALL COMFY?

A Look Inside Carnival’s Balcony Stateroom

Whether you’re sailing a three- or four- day getaway or a longer cruise, having a great stateroom is important. When my family of four sailed on the Carnival Freedom a few months ago, a Balcony Stateroom was our home for the week.

With two twin beds pushed together to make a king bed, a couch that converted to a single bed for Molly and a hidden bed for Maggie that was stored in the ceiling – the sleeping arrangements worked great for our family. The girls loved having bunk beds and I loved that our wonderful stateroom steward, Kate, took fantastic care of us each day.

Tips for Living in Carnival’s Balcony Stateroom

Unpack your suitcase – It’s the best way to stay organized and gives you more space too. Plus, your clothes won’t be all wrinkled from living in a suitcase the entire trip. There are two closets with plenty of hangers, one tall cabinet with shelving and three drawers at the adjacent desk.

Look under the bed – There’s tons of extra storage space under the bed. We stashed our suitcases there giving us more room in the closets.

Be mindful of electronics – During our sailing, our room had two electrical outlets. There are strict rules against power strips and similar items, so be aware when using curling irons, straighteners and charging electronics.

Splurge for a balcony  – We loved having the extra space to relax and the views were fantastic. Two chairs and a table – perfect spot.  Plus, with the kids in tow – once they were in bed each night, my husband and I could enjoy time together on the balcony. Order room service and enjoy the stars above!

Speaking of room service… every afternoon, we would take a family ‘time out’ and relax in the room. My girls loved having a sandwich from room service, watch a little television and just relax for a bit.

It was a nice retreat to take a break – and even nap. (Although, my girls didn’t do much of that on our trip!)

Overall, most Carnival Cruise Lines staterooms have the same interior look. Here’s a look at a Balcony stateroom on the Carnival Breeze that is identical to our stateroom on the Carnival Freedom .

 Have you been on a cruise with your family? 

** My family and I were invited guests of Carnival Cruise Lines on this media trip. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. **

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I’ve cruised with several companies, however I always find and get better deals with Carnival. You can get much better deals with Carnival than others. That said Carnival will always be my go-to for cruising!

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The best cruise ship balcony cabins for your vacation at sea

Balcony cabins are popular accommodations on cruise ships, affording the luxury of an outdoor space where you can take in the sea breezes, read a book, have breakfast or a drink and stare at the waves without distraction.

These spaces vary widely in size, so it pays to study your ship's deck plan before booking. Affordable balcony cabins might come with a veranda so small your knees rub against the railing as you sit in one of two deck chairs flanking a small cocktail table. The most expensive suites, on the other hand, can have balconies as large as half a tennis court, equipped with cushy loungers, a big table for outdoor dining and even a private hot tub or plunge pool.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

With all balcony cabins, you can just throw on your bathrobe to catch views of wildlife or of your ship pulling into port. Keep in mind when you step outside that your balcony might not be entirely private — your neighbors might be able to see you (as will the ship's security team via hidden cameras).

Here are our picks for the best balcony cabins at sea.

Cove balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line

On select Carnival Cruise Line ships, such as Carnival Vista and Carnival Magic, you'll find special Deck 2 Cove balcony cabins that are built into the steel hull of the ship, close to the waterline and near the ship's lifeboats.

These accommodations afford a unique view of the sea since you aren't on a typical balcony that hangs off the ship, but in a cutout in the ship's superstructure. You'll have more privacy than with typical balcony cabins, since no one can see you from above or the side — but that's not the main draw.

The thrill here is sitting in a deck chair and watching the waves and spray splashing up from only 20 to 25 feet below. Call it a free show. Just be aware that you can't use your balcony in rough seas when a watertight door seals off the space from the roiling water. Also, given the close-up view of rolling waves, these cabins are not appropriate for those who suffer from seasickness.

Cove cabins are limited in number and popular, so you'll need to snag one well in advance of your sailing.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Infinite Veranda cabins on Celebrity Cruises

On its Edge-class ships, Celebrity Cruises sought to redefine the concept of a "balcony." Instead of creating private outdoor spaces that hang off the ship, the cruise line cleverly designed a way to bring the outside space in.

At the push of a button, the top half of a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass in your cabin slides down like a car window to let in the fresh ocean air. If you want, you can close off the section of your room closest to the window by sliding shut a pair of folding doors. Once that is done, you have a cozy spot with two chairs and a cocktail table where you can admire the sea or enjoy your morning coffee — even if your cabinmate is still sleeping.

If the weather turns rainy or chilly, roll that window back up, and you can still enjoy the sitting area as an indoor portion of your cabin.

With no space wasted for a traditional balcony, the other benefit of this setup is expanded indoor space. These cabins are 23 percent larger than on the line's Solstice-class ships, including bigger bathrooms.

Sister cruise line Royal Caribbean has introduced these cabins on its newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas , and other ocean lines such as Atlas Ocean Voyages have begun to copy the idea , too. The concept first began popping up about a decade ago on river cruise ships, where it was pioneered by Avalon Waterways.

Super Studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean

Single cruisers have a tough choice. They can choose an inside or windowed cabin designed and priced for solo guests — but to enjoy balcony accommodations, they typically must pay a supplement (as much as 100% of the cruise fare) to reserve a veranda cabin designed for two people to share.

Related: These 8 cabins are great for travelers cruising alone

Royal Caribbean sought to level the playing field on its Quantum Class ships by creating Super Studio balcony cabins. On Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas, these solo cabins are designed and priced for one, with up to 199 square feet of interior space and a 55-foot balcony that's large enough for two chairs and a small table.

There are only a dozen of these cabins per ship, so you'll want to book as early as possible to snag one.

Rear-facing cabins on any cruise line

On any ship, rear-facing balcony cabins are coveted spaces. They deliver mesmerizing views as your ship pulls out of ports of call, and their balconies tend to be larger than those on the sides of the ship. Many people book them for a feeling of privacy and to enjoy peaceful moments gazing out at the ship's wake. Corner cabins are a particular bonus, delivering long, wraparound outdoor spaces.

On the newest ships of lines such as MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line , you'll find suites occupying the corners, but other ships have more affordable balcony cabins in this location. Be aware when booking rear-facing balconies that your space might not have much shade and that you will feel more movement than you would in a cabin in the middle of the ship. These beloved cabins are not necessarily the best for those who get seasick.

Related: What not to do on a cruise balcony

AquaTheater Suites on Royal Caribbean

On Royal Caribbean's enormous Oasis Class ships , these one- and two-bedroom suites overlook the back of the ship with the bonus of views of the AquaTheater. You can sit in your lounge chair and privately watch thrilling high-diving shows, complete with dancers, acrobats, dancing fountains and performers jumping off 30-foot platforms into the deepest pools at sea. There are no tickets needed and no jockeying for seats with your shipmates.

The largest suites sleep up to eight and wrap around the side of the ship with 772 square feet of outdoor space. You can hold a party at your outdoor bar or sit down to an alfresco, room-service dinner.

Sky Suites on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' latest ships — Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — break the record for largest cruise ship balconies of any cabin on any cruise ship, according to the line.

The fancy Sky Suites, centrally located on a top deck, have huge, wraparound terraces that overlook the sea and the ship's sports deck. The 1,012-square-foot balcony features lounging areas, a dry bar, an alfresco dining setup and even a TV alcove.

The suites come with many perks, the coolest of which is a private viewing of what's playing on your ship's giant Movies Under the Stars screen. You even get to request a movie showing of your choice.

Sea Terraces on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages likes to do things more playfully than other lines, and its balcony cabins are in keeping with that philosophy. Book a Sea Terrace on the line's Scarlet Lady , Resilient Lady or Valiant Lady and you'll get a balcony equipped with chairs and a small table plus a hammock swing attached to the ceiling. Embrace your inner kid and swing to your heart's content while you enjoy fresh air and sea views.

Other unique quirks of Virgin Voyages' Sea Terrace cabins are mood lighting and full-size beds that turn into sofas by day.

Related: First impressions of Scarlet Lady, the first-ever Virgin Voyages vessel

Excel Presidential Suites on Carnival Cruise Line

On Carnival's Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee , these big suites for big spenders afford the same forward-facing views as the captain, with plenty of room to entertain your nearest and dearest both indoors and outside.

The largest balconies in the Carnival fleet at 645 square feet, these come with double sunbeds and loungers, a dining table for meals outdoors and a private soaking pool plus an outdoor shower.

Book one of these suites and you also have unlimited access to Loft 19, a lounging area equipped with cushy loungers and cabanas that is reserved for suite guests.

Slightly more affordable are the ships' 12 Carnival Excel Corner Suites, with the "wow" of private, open-air hot tubs on wraparound balconies.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Carnival Spirit Balcony

• 2 Promenade
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• Full Window
• Premium Balcony
• Junior Suite
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• Ocean Suite
• Grand Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check

Carnival Spirit Balcony cabin location, stateroom cabin videos, stateroom cabin pictures, floor plans, diagrams, stateroom features and perks. Cruisedeckplans.com also provides links to actual stateroom cabin pictures and videos on this page. You can see details and floor plans for all of Carnival Spirit's different stateroom cabin categories on the NEW cabins page.

Stateroom Features

• Twin beds that convert to king
• Private bath with shower
• Sitting area with sofa and coffee table
• Hair dryer.

Sub Categories

   Aft-View Extended Balcony

   Extended Balcony

   Balcony

   Balcony (Obstructed Views)

Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature private spa access and priority spa reservations /

Deck Locations

4 Main  

5 Upper  

6 Empress  

7 Verandah  

8 Panorama  

Important Information

Cabin 7A is partially obstructed. Some balconies extended to 60 square feet or more.

Balcony Typical Floor Plans

Carnival Spirit Balcony pictures

Carnival Spirit Balcony stateroom videos

Scroll over cabin (stateroom) tiles below to click and watch videos. Cruisedeckplans.com shows up to 10 of the most recent videos added to our collection on this page. Be sure to click the link in the section below to see other cabins we have videos for. The date shown is the date video was published. Use this to see decor changes.

Looking for specific Balcony cabins with pics/videos?

Other categories on carnival spirit.

Click on a category below to go to that page. Stateroom cabin categories are simply the way that Carnival groups the different types of staterooms (cabins). You can see details and floor plans for all of the categories on Carnival Spirit on this page.

Carnival Spirit Balcony Virtual Tour

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Business Insider

I stayed in Carnival's cheapest, $90-a-day cabin on its new ship. It was ugly and windowless but shockingly spacious.

Posted: June 3, 2024 | Last updated: June 3, 2024

• I booked the cheapest interior cabin for my four-night cruise on Carnival's new Carnival Firenze .
• It was ugly, dated, and lacked decor, but shockingly spacious. 
• Interior staterooms in Carnival's newest ship start at $90 per person per day in 2024.

One of the best parts about cruising is feeling the open ocean's cool breeze rush around your skin.

So imagine how grumpy I was when I had to book a windowless interior cabin for my most recent sailing — on my first Carnival cruise , no less.

As a travel reporter, I go on several of these vacations at sea every year. I'm usually put up in balcony staterooms, the most popular cabin category .

Yes, I've been spoiled. And yes, that means I've always feared inside cabins.

Cruises can be overstimulating and overwhelming. Private balconies are the only place I've gotten peace, quiet, and fresh air on some ships.

So, unsurprisingly, I was dreading the interior cabin I had booked for my four-night Carnival Firenze cruise in mid-May.

No fresh air? No cool ocean breeze? The horror!

I expected a small, dark, moldy dungeon deprived of life, happiness, and light.

Turns out, I was being a bit too dramatic. Who would've guessed?

I'll admit was pleasantly surprised.

But before I get to the positives (spoiler alert: it's size), I have to address the negatives.

It might've been the ugliest cabin I've ever stayed in. And that's coming from someone who's sailed on a Margaritaville cruise .

To understand the stateroom, you must understand the ship's relatively short history.

Firenze joined Italy-based Costa Cruises' fleet in 2020. The company, owned by Carnival Corp , had planned to launch the ship in China but couldn't because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firenze's stint with Costa was then shortlived. In 2022, Carnival announced it would acquire Firenze and its sister ship, Venezia, to grow its US footprint amid "strong interest in people wanting to sail with us," a Carnival spokesperson told Business Insider.

The spokesperson said Firenze underwent a two-month refresh to 'install the Carnival Fun Italian Style Concept.'

That would explain the otherwise unnecessary photo of Florence, Italy behind my bed.

The print was both the only decor and the only reference to Italy in my dingy cabin. Unfortunately, it looked both tacky and misplaced.

It did, however, disguise the ominous "pull the cord for assistance" feature.

It's 2024. Why weren't there any bedside outlets?

The ship is less than four years old. The cabin looked quadruple its age, no thanks to the dated furniture that all came pushed against the wall.

The chaise's greyish pattern clashed with the yellow and red eyesore of a rug. And the small wood and faux-marble side table looked cheap and misplaced.

Gripes about aesthetics aside, everything in the joint living room and bedroom was perfectly functional.

On the bright side, the mattress was comfortable. And the large desk and closet could have provided enough storage for more than two travelers.

The room also had motion-sensing lights mounted by the floor, a necessary amenity for a space devoid of natural light.

Plus, the unappealing decor encouraged me to spend more time around the ship's common spaces.

But if you think the bedroom looks old, wait until you see the bathroom.

It was about as glamorous as a gas station restroom.

Most of my cruise cabin bathrooms have had modern, cool-toned decor, like the one pictured on the left. Carnival seems to have avoided the industry trend as much as possible.

The yellow and red tiles were giving vintage McDonald's.

Unbeknownst to me, the cruise line had put me in one of the ship's accessible, wheelchair-friendly accommodations. This meant the shower (as in, a curtain and a few drains on the floor) was one of the most spacious I've had at sea.

However, it only came with a two-in-one body wash and shampoo. Apparently, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival seem to have a BYOHC (bring your own hair conditioner) policy.

Some storage would've been nice, too.

An unnecessary number of stacked tissue boxes and toilet paper rolls occupied the only shelves in the bathroom.

There was no need for these excess paper products. My cabin attendant already cleaned and restocked my stateroom once a day, as is typical with Carnival.

I'm a girlie with an extensive skincare routine and a compulsive need to organize my products. With almost no storage in the bathroom, I needed these shelves.

With all these complaints, you may wonder why I said I was pleasantly surprised by my stateroom.

It's all because of one major feature: Its size. I never felt claustrophobic despite being stuck in a windowless 150-square-foot box.

The bathroom, one of the most spacious I've seen on a cruise ship, was so big that it could comfortably fit a family of four.

Back in the living room, I could've rolled out a yoga mat and worked out without moving anything around.

Heck, I could've comfortably starfished on the floor without hitting any furniture. I don't know if I can say the same for most of my previous cruise accommodations.

Would I have preferred a balcony or window? Yes.

Did it feel more like a hospital room than a floating hotel room? Yes.

However, for the spaciousness, the cost is hard to beat. As a solo traveler, I paid $735 for my cabin, including $64 in optional gratuities.

In 2024, the cheapest interior cabin for two guests on Carnival Firenze starts at about $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night itinerary as the one I went on.

That's $90 a night for a cabin, food, onboard amenities, and stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Plus, it's much cheaper than the newest ships of other cruise lines (I'm looking at you, Royal Caribbean ).

So, if you are desperate for a dirty and cheap getaway, and Carnival Firenze has been catching your eye, don't be afraid of the interior cabin.

Yes, it isn't lovely. But at least it's completely functional and large.

If I — spoiled — can do it, so can you.

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Breaking news, inside carnival’s cheapest $90-a-day, windowless cabin on its firenze ship.

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An Italian-themed Carnival Cruise ship offers the line’s discount-rated cheapest rooms — but you’ll have to sacrifice having a view.

The four-year-old Firenze, anchored in Long Beach, California has 44, tiny “interior” cabins with no windows nor balcony that can cost about $90 per night, according to reports.

A deal with Costco advertises trips on the four-year-old 4,000-plus capacity ship can go for even cheaper at $564, taxes included. Business Insider reported that it can cost $360 apiece, or about $90 a day.

Other than having some cost-efficiency, a vacation onboard the Firenze doesn’t exactly feel like you’ve seas-ed the day, according to one review.

“It might’ve been the ugliest cabin I’ve ever stayed in,” Business Insider’s Brittany Chang bluntly wrote of her cramped quarters over four nights to Ensenada, Mexico with a stop at Catalina Island in California.

It was about 150 feet in total space.

The ship doesn’t have any alternative solo cabins beyond the accessible, according to ThePointsGuy .

Aside from the cheap cost, the room was torn for looking “quadruple” its young age from dates furniture. The bathroom was also compared to a gas station’s.

“Did it feel more like a hospital room than a floating hotel room? Yes,” Business Insider reported.

However, some redeeming qualities were reported as well.

“It’s chaotic and a lot to take in, but somehow it works,” according to a review Ashley Kosciolek wrote for ThePointsGuy.

“Passengers can have their photos taken with a Vespa-style scooter and grab Italian-themed burgers and meatball sandwiches at new iterations of some of Carnival’s most popular eateries.”

Trivia, movies, and games were noted for creating a lively atmosphere — as were the spa, waterslides, ropes course, and gym.

Still, it was panned for feeling too crowded on a trip well below full capacity.

An American adaptation of Italian culture — the ship is named for Florence after all — is also present just about anywhere you go. Photos evoke a similar sensation to walking around The Venetian in Las Vegas.

“The Italian vibe carries through everything you do on board,” she added. “It will either make you smile or roll your eyes. Regardless, it’s a lot of fun.”

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