carnival cruise grand vista suite

• CruiseMapper

Carnival Vista cabins and suites

Carnival vista staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Carnival Vista cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Carnival Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Carnival Vista cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Grand Suite

Layout (floor plan), ocean suite, havana cabana suite.

Special amenities offered in Carnival Havana Cabana cabins include:

• convertible to King-size twin beds
• bathrobes, premium lines, duvets, rain shower head
• lounge furniture (sofabed, low table), patio furniture (2 chairs, 1 table)
• convenient deck location (close to Havana Bar, Havana Pool, Havana Lounge)
• daily (until 5 pm) exclusive access to Havana Pool and Lounge
• reserved Lanai Deck area (1 hammock, 2 sunloungers)
• Kids must be at least 12 years of age.
• Note: 9 m2 (100 ft2) is actually the size of cabin's patio section.

Cove Balcony Family Harbor Suite

Premium vista balcony cabin, havana balcony cabin.

Special amenities offered in all Carnival Havana Cabana cabins include:

• bathrobes, premium lines, duvets
• lounge furniture (sofabed, low table), patio furniture (2 chairs, 1 table, 1 hammock)
• daily (until 5 pm) exclusive access to Havana Lounge and Pool (reserved deckchairs)
• reserved Lanai Deck area (2 sunloungers)

Balcony Cabin

Cove balcony family harbor cabin, deluxe oceanview family cabin, oceanview cabin, porthole cabin, walkway view interior cabin, interior cabin, small interior single cabin, cloud 9 spa staterooms, carnival vista cabins review.

Carnival Vista cruise ship has a total of 42 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) and 104 "Cloud 9 Spa" cabins (28 Inside, 8 Oceanview, 62 Balcony, 6 Suite). The number of all cabin categories is 53.

Connecting rooms ("family cabins") are located on decks 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11. The list of connecting cabins grades includes: Balcony rooms (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8F, and 8G), Cove Balcony (7C, and FM-Family), Oceanview (6A, 6L, 6M, and FE-Family), Interior (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and FA-Family). Handicap staterooms (42 total) are in categories OS-Ocean Suite (1), Balcony (4), Oceanview (13) and Interior (24).

Follows the review of Carnival Vista staterooms as amenities, furniture, and complimentary services:

Carnival Vista Suites (Grand, Ocean, Havana Cabana, Family Harbor Cove, Cloud 9 Spa) have 2 twin beds (convertible to a King-size double bed, pillow menu), dressing area (walk-in closet, vanity table, chair), private bathroom (WC, shower, bathtub, bidet, double sinks, bathrobes), double sofabed, step-out terrace (with padded patio chairs and low tables). All balcony accommodations feature a private balcony with sliding glass doors (table, patio chairs, rail with clear glass panel).

All Carnival Cloud 9 Spa cabins have exclusive access to the Spa facilities on Panorama Deck 11. Their grades are Spa Suite (SS), Spa Balcony (8S, 8P, 8T), Spa Oceanview with obstructed views (6S, 6T) and the Spa Inside cabins (4S and 4T). Carnival Cloud 9 Spa rooms have the following complimentary amenities, services and perks (applicable for two guests per stateroom only): Thermal Suite and Spa Whirlpool (complimentary, unlimited access), 2 fitness classes (complimentary, Yoga or Pilates), 2 metabolism tests (complimentary), 1 Scrub Kit (complimentary, for the Thermal Suite), bathrobes, slippers, deluxe in-room bath amenities (by Elemis - shampoo, conditioner, sharp shower gel, vitamin-rich body lotion, 1 hand and 1 body soap disks), priority Spa reservations (must be made by 6 pm on embarkation day). Passengers booked in Cloud 9 Spa cabins also enjoy Spa treatment discounts while the ship is docked in ports of call - 20% off (1st), 30% off (2nd) and 40% off (3rd treatment).

Premium Vista Balcony cabins are located around the ship's aft corners and have same suite amenities (incl a wrap-around balcony). Extended Balcony cabins are in 2 grades - 8N and 8M (both with aft ship location). These staterooms have 50% larger balconies, 3 closets (in all grades balcony rooms), full bathroom (shower).

Oceanview cabins have a picture window and twin beds don't convert to king when both upper beds are in use. Some have a sofa and/or upper beds (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person. Spa Oceanview rooms are with obstructed views, and some are with upper bed (Pullman) for 4th person.

Inside cabins with windows have either Porthole Window (PT, on decks 1 and 2) or Picture Window (4J, on decks 6, 7, 9 and 10-Lido). Some Porthole cabins have a sofa bed for a 3rd person, some Picture Window rooms have a sofa and/or upper bed (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person. Small Inside cabins have bunk beds (upper/lower Pullman beds), living area (vanity, chair), bathroom (shower).

CCL Vista ship's family cabins Family Harbor) are in categories FS-Suites, FM-Cove Balcony, FJ-Deluxe Oceanview, FE-Oceanview, FA-Interior. These staterooms for families are designed with larger living areas and bigger capacity (up to 5 passengers) via double sofabeds and additional bunk beds. Family Harbor staterooms are all located near the Family Harbor Lounge - an exclusive entertainment complex for families with 24-hour dining options, concierge service, board- and video games, movies. Children in all Family Harbor categories enjoy complimentary specialty dining (if accompanied by a paying adult) and one per cruise complimentary babysitting (at Night Owls/for up to 3 hours). At Family Harbor are offered self-serve Breakfast (6:30-9:30 am on port days/ 7:30-10:30 am on sea days) that includes deli meats, cereals, pastries, fresh fruits and juices, yogurt, coffee, tea, water. Self-serve afternoon snacks (3-5 pm) include pastries, sandwiches, cookies. Self-serve evening snacks (9-11 pm) include cookies with milk. Family Harbor also has 24-hour machines for ice cream and frozen yogurt.

All categories Havana staterooms (cabins and suites) are advertised as "private island resort" accommodations. All are located near the Havana complex (swimming pool, bar, club lounge). Havana Cabana Suites have a rain shower and a deluxe hammock on the terrace. Havana Cabana staterooms can be booked by families with children ages 12 or older. Cabin amenities include a step-out terrace (patio with 2 deckchairs, 1 low table), reserved Lanai sundeck area (with 2 padded sunloungers/in front of the patio), exclusive access to the Havana complex (including reserved deckchairs). Havana Cabana cabin types include Interior, Balcony, Premium Vista Balcony, Premium Balcony, Aft-View Extended Balcony, Suite.

All Carnival Vista staterooms offer as standard/complimentary amenities a living area (vanity, seating), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand-movies, bookings-reservations, Room Service ordering), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, shower, single sink-vanity, bathrobes, bathroom amenity basket/replenished upon request), custom-made beds (Carnival Comfort Bed System), beach towels, mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, complimentary 24-hour room service. Bibles (Gideon version) are provided upon request.

USB chargers (combined with power outlets) are located in the cabin's sitting area - right above the vanity desk (underneath its lighted mirror) and not near the beds. The available power plugs are three - two 120 V (3-prong, US standard) and one 220 V (European standard). USB outlets are 5 V (1000 mA). There is one power outlet in the bathroom (used only for electric razors). Guests are allowed to bring their own power strips, extension cords (without surge protectors), AC adapters and multi-plug boxes (powerboards with multiple electrical sockets).

The Carnival’s Sail & Sign card (cashless onboard credit account) doubles as stateroom key. The S&S credit program allows charges on purchases and tips/gratuities directly to a personal account throughout the Carnival cruise. The card has a designated owner and must be utilized for all money transactions on the ship as cash is accepted as a form of payment only at the casino. These cards are provided to all passengers (incl minors) immediately upon boarding the ship. Balance updates are provided at Guest Services desk (at any time). They can also be checked via the interactive TV in each stateroom.

The ship's interactive TV system allows passengers to purchase movies on demand, to order room service and to check the Sail & Sign account's status. The on-demand movie list has approx 25 films available for ordering at USD 5 per movie. Adult-content films cost USD 10 per movie.

Depending on satellite reception (Carnival Vista location at sea), the complimentary in-cabin TV programming includes the following channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN (Domestic, International, Espanol), TCM (classic movies), cartoons (Boomerang, CN), TNT, TBS. There are 2 complimentary movie channels showing a film every 3 hours (both starting at 12 noon). One shows all-time favorites (PG -13 rated) and the other shows all-time family favorites (G / PG-rated). The following TV channels are Carnival-themed and also complimentary: Fun Finds TV, Cruise Director, Fun Aboard, Park West Art, Shore Tours, Ship Position, live cam views (webcams positioned forward and on lido deck), Audible Funtimes, Photo, Music. Sporting events (ESPN, ESPN 2) are shown only on big screens - at the ship's Sports Bar and Seaside Theatre (not in cabins/suites). All the TV's connection ports are intentionally disabled, which makes it impossible to connect it with personal devices (cameras, DVDs, USBs, iPods, gaming consoles, etc).

Bathroom amenities vary each time, so it's advisable you bring your own. Samples may include toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, body lotion, razor, antiacids. There is a wall-mounted dispenser in the shower stall (for liquid soap and shampoo). Electric power outlets are located in the desk/vanity area - one 110 V outlet (3-pronged, USA grounded) and one 220 V outlet (European standard). The bathroom's 2-pin plug can be used only for electric razors.

The new Carnival beds are Europe-manufactured exclusively for the company. The ensemble includes custom pillows (trademarked "New Generation Pillows", 100% cotton), duvet (100% hypoallergenic, ultra-fine, satin-striped), cover, deluxe sheets (high-quality cotton), pillowcases (ultra-fine, satin-striped), 8-inch / 20 cm spring mattresses (trademarked "Carnival Comfort"). Alternative (non-allergenic) bedding is also available. It includes 100% polyester blankets, sheets and pillowcases (60/40 cotton-polyester) and New Generation Pillows (100% cotton). Note: Trundle beds don't have Carnival Comfort mattresses.

Carnival-logoed Beach Towels are provided in each cruise accommodation for passengers to take ashore. Beach towels are also available for purchase (at $22). Bathrobes (2) are provided in all cruise suites and also in "Cloud 9 Spa" cabins/suites. Additional bathrobes are provided upon request. For all other cruise accommodations, bathrobes are provided (upon request) during the turndown service on the first evening. Bathrobes can be purchased at $49 (adult size) and $24 (children sizes /2-4 yo and 6-8 yo).

Life jackets are used in cases of emergency only (not at the ship pools). Lifejackets are located within passenger/crew cabins (in the closet). They are available in 3 sizes - adult, child, and infant.

Each of the cabins has a safe (located in the closet) with approx dimensions (inches/centimeters) - width (10/25), height (9/23) and depth (8/20). Cabin safes can be accessed by any magnetic strip card. It is advisable not to use a valid credit card (or driver's license), but an old expired card (or some rewards card) instead. Some safes are with a keypad (personal code). Safes can be opened also by the ship's security.

All cabin and suite mini-bars are stocked with premium liquors ($6-9,25), beer ($6,25), energy drinks ($5), soft soda/beverages ($2), bottled water ($3,75). In-cabin babysitting is not available (read more at Camp Ocean below). Cribs in cruise cabins are provided complimentary (upon request). In Main Dining Rooms are provided complimentary high chairs and booster seats.

Smoking in cabins/suites and on their balconies is prohibited. On Carnival Vista, smoking allowed areas (cigarettes /incl electronic cigarettes) are the Casino (designated areas) and Vista Bar (deck 4 lobby bar). Smoking (incl of cigars and tobacco pipes) is allowed on designated outdoor areas on Deck 11 starboard (aft).

Funville@Sea is free of charge Intranet service providing information on onboard activities and events schedule, bar and restaurant menus, deck maps, Fun Times (newspaper), FunAshore (tour guides), Carnival cruise news, itinerary-related weather reports, onboard social network (tracking/messaging other passengers). The complimentary service is available via the Infotainment system (in all cabins) and also at the FunHub stations around the ship.

Current Carnival cruise ship gratuities (per day per person) are USD 12,95 (for standard cabin passengers) and USD 13,95 for suite passengers. The list of perks for all suites includes: priority embarkation/debarkation/tendering (all ports), priority main dining room reservations, complimentary bottled water in cabins, a complimentary bag of laundry (one per cruise), enhanced turndown service.

Since 2017, Carnival Cruise Line offers a new program allowing ship passengers to customize their steward service by choosing to have the cabin serviced in the morning, at night or both (twice a day). All guests can choose from a list of additional cabin amenities, among which are bathrobes, extra pillows, blankets, closet hangers. All guests can also specify how often the bed linens to be changed during the cruise. Your personal preferences can be selected from a services menu card left in each of the ship's staterooms. By default, if you make no selections on the card, your room service steward will service the accommodation twice daily.

Cruise Ship Room Service

In 2016, Carnival Cruise Lines rolled out fleetwide for-fee (chargeable) room service menu, which items can be ordered 24/7. The new menu still has free of charge items - hot and cold sandwiches, salads, desserts, beverages, Continental Breakfast selections. At extra cost (ranging between USD 1,50 and 6) are items that include shrimp, also sushi, pizza, quesadillas, cheesesteaks, chicken wings/tenders, fries. Bar drinks orders through room service are at regular bar menu prices (no extra fee added).

Complimentary room service menu

• Continental Breakfast (upon request)
• Sandwiches are served with potato salad, coleslaw, potato chips/pretzels, bread (white, whole wheat, rye, gluten-free). The list of sandwiches includes Tuna Salad, Roast Turkey, Ham & Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Reuben (corned beef, Swiss cheese).
• Salads - Garden, Caesar, Vegetable Platter (with dips)
• Desserts - cheesecake, cookies, chocolate cake
• Beverages - juices (tomato, orange, apple, grapefruit), tea (hot, iced), hot chocolate, milk, soft drinks (club soda, ginger ale, tonic water, coke, and sprite /also diet)
• Beers - domestic (Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Samuel Adams), imported (Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois), also available are beer buckets and wines by the bottle.

For-fee room service menu

The following items are available for ordering 24 hours but are at an additional charge.

• Chicken Wings ($5) - choice of Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo Sauce, Caribbean Jerk
• Chicken Tenders ($5) - choice of sauce (BBQ or Honey Mustard)
• Firecracker Shrimp ($6) - fried with chili ginger, served with fries
• Chicken Quesadilla ($5)
• Philly Cheesesteak ($5) - served with fries
• Pan Pizza ($5) - handmade and baked-to-order (Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, and Pineapple)
• French Fries ($1,50), Sweet Potato Fries ($2), Banana Split ($4).

Continental Breakfast room service menu

The following items are available for ordering free of charge.

• Cereals and Fruits - Banana, Melon, Frosted Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Fruit Loops, Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Bakery - toasts (white, wheat, gluten-free), danish pastries, muffins, croissants, bagels
• Yogurt - plain, strawberry, peach, raspberry
• Drinks - juices (orange, apple, tomato, grapefruit), hot tea, milk (also skim and chocolate), fresh coffee (regular and decaf)
• Half-and-half (milk-cream), butter, margarine, cream cheese, jelly (grape, diet, strawberry, guava), honey, orange marmalade.

Carnival Vista cabin and suite plans are property of Carnival Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

• Carnival Cruise Lines

Grand Suite vs Vista Suite

By jersey girl 205 , November 13, 2012 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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jersey girl 205

Other than the size of the balcony, what difference is there in a GS and VS?

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tracyvansmith

From what I have seen GS are one big room with sitting area and bed in the same room.

Where VS on the spirit class ships the sitting room and bedroom are seperate on floor 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqsbCYE1eD4,

6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwm7H-jkoBU,

7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7P5fiq4CBk,

I'd take a Vista Suite over a Grand Suite on the Spirit class every time.

But not Deck 5.

I'd take a Vista Suite over a Grand Suite on the Spirit class every time.   But not Deck 5.

^^^ What he said! :)

CrusinCyndi

What KenMo said ......have done them on the Pride and the Miracle...AWSOME

tiggerman101

I have has a Grand Suite on the Spirit and a Vista Suite on the Miracle and the Spirit. I would take the Vista Suite every time.

The Grand Suite is bigger in terms of square footage, but I love the layout of the Vista Suite so much better. I love the separate rooms and the huge deck, plus I just enjoy the view from the back so much better.

Spirit Grand Suite. It is mainly one big room with the sitting area on one side and the bed on the other. There is a dressing area with sink that can be closed off with a bathroom connected to it. The bathroom is nicer in the GS and includes a bidet. Unless you are a family of 10 and staying on for two weeks+, I doubt you will ever use all the closets and storage.

Vista Suite (4228) on the Miracle

Living room area

Dressing Room

This is my favorite cabin out of any that I have ever stayed in on any line. We had it for our 15 Day Hawaii trip and it was amazing (and two other cruises).

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Grand Suite

Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Carnival Cruise Line ship isn't nearly as complicated as picking a cabin on, say, a Royal Caribbean or a Celebrity Cruises ship.

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels.

That means that when you're trying to find the best Carnival cruise ship cabin for you, you'll have an easier time than you will when booking with some other lines.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

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

You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista-class series, for instance, offer fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest-class ships have around 50 suites. The oldest Fantasy-class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on offering an affordable product. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The line's two newest ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration , each have 180 suites — more than twice the number found on the vessels Carnival was unveiling a few years ago.

Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, they have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing Fantasy-class ships out of its fleet in recent years.

A Carnival Cruise Line cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Carnival vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

On newer Carnival ships, a significant portion of cabins are balcony cabins — the rooms everyone wants these days. But the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins on Carnival's newer ships isn't nearly as high as on the newer ships of some rival lines such as Royal Caribbean.

About 44% of the 2,004 cabins on Carnival's Carnival Panorama (launched in 2019) are balcony cabins, for instance. Compare that to the 65% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas (launched in 2018) that are balcony cabins.

As noted above, Carnival ships also have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships of some of its rival lines. By contrast, the line's newer ships have a higher percentage of inside cabins than you'll find on the newer ships of some rival lines.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Carnival Panorama, which is typical of the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 789 (39%) Oceanview cabins: 254 (13%) Balcony cabins: 891 (44%) Suites: 70 (3%)

On older Carnival ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are far fewer balcony cabins. Fewer than 10% of cabins on the line's two oldest vessels, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, are balcony cabins. The two ships date to 1998.

On both Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins make up the majority (nearly 90%) of accommodations, and suites account for fewer than 10% of rooms. Here is the breakdown for Carnival Paradise:

Inside cabins: 420 (40%) Oceanview cabins: 466 (44%) Balcony cabins: 98 (9%) Suites: 78 (7%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a balcony cabin on an older Carnival ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a balcony cabin is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

You'll also want to book early if you're aiming for a suite — particularly if you want one of the best suites on a Carnival ship. An old saw in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The "middle" sells last.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels mostly have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood. Cabin bathrooms are neutral.

One exception is the new Carnival Venezia , which has a darker (faux) wood finish to furniture in cabins that ties into the ship's Italy theme.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival ship

Inside cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Inside cabins are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Carnival ship, they almost always are the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

On many cruise ships, inside cabins are smaller than oceanview and balcony cabins. But on Carnival ships, that's not always the case. On Carnival Panorama, for instance, most inside cabins measure 185 square feet. That's the same size as the interior area of some oceanview and most balcony cabins on the ship (not including the extra square footage from the balcony).

Related: Why inside cabins aren't as bad as you think

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas , by contrast, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Carnival Panorama.

Note that, in a quirk of the cabin categorization system at Carnival, there are a few inside cabins on some Carnival ships that do, indeed, have a view to the outside world. These cabins either have an obstructed view (often due to lifeboats) or a porthole, such that the view isn't all that great. For that reason, the line classifies them as inside cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

With an oceanview cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Carnival's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outwards now are built with balconies. But older Carnival ships are loaded with oceanview cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships can sometimes be bigger than inside cabins and even bigger than balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). On Carnival Panorama, some oceanview cabins measure 185 square feet — the same as inside cabins. But there also are bigger "standard" oceanview cabins that measure 220 square feet and "deluxe" oceanview cabins that measure 230 square feet.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Carnival is building its newest ships with far more of them than in the past. As noted above, about 44% of the cabins Carnival Panorama are balcony cabins. But that percentage jumped to 56% on the newer Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It will be the same on Carnival Jubilee, a sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration coming out in December 2023.

The typical Carnival balcony cabin has a contemporary look, with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. It typically features twin beds that can be converted into a king bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed. Some rooms have pull-down bunks to create more sleeping spaces. Balcony cabins typically measure around 185 square feet, not including the veranda area, which often measures 35 square feet.

Note that on some Carnival ships, specific categories of balcony cabins have larger balconies than most. These are wonderful for sitting out and watching the waves. Often these rooms are at the back of the ships overlooking the wake.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

For instance, Carnival Panorama has "Family Harbor" and "Havana" balcony cabins with 60-square-foot balconies overlooking the wake. That's 71% more balcony space than the typical balcony cabin on the ship.

Carnival Panorama also has "Havana Cabana" balcony cabins with even bigger, 100-square-foot balconies.

Suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

As noted above, Carnival ships generally don't offer a lot of suites. For the most part, the suites they have are relatively modest in size and amenities compared to the suites at some of the line's rivals.

The biggest suites on Carnival Panorama, the ship's eight Grand Suites, have 345 square feet of interior space, plus an 85-square-foot balcony. Contrast that to the biggest suites on Royal Caribbean ships, which can measure more than 1,500 square feet.

Suites on Carnival ships also haven't traditionally come with butlers and access to private concierge lounges like the suites on many other vessels.

Related: This amazing new cruise ship suite measures more than 4,000 square feet

Still, some of that has begun to change with the debut of Carnival's new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Carnival went big with the suites on the groundbreaking, 5,282-passenger vessels — the biggest Carnival ships ever.

Unveiled in 2021 and 2022, respectively, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each feature two sprawling Presidential Suites that measure 1,120 square feet — bigger than any other accommodations in the line's fleet.

Located at the top of each ship on Deck 17, the complexes have separate living and sleeping areas and the most expansive balconies in the Carnival fleet — all unusual-for-Carnival features. Measuring more than 600 square feet, the balconies also offer a lounging area with a large sunbed and a private outdoor hot tub and shower.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise ship

The Presidential Suites are among 180 suites you will find on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the most ever for a Carnival ship.

The two ships have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium "Excel" category of suites with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ships called Loft 19.

In addition to the two Presidential Suites, the Excel suites include a dozen 861-square-foot Excel Aft Suites that overlook the back of each ship and boast separate living rooms and bedrooms and large wraparound balconies with hot tubs.

Slightly smaller are a dozen 710-square-foot Excel Corner Suites offering separate sleeping and lounging areas and wraparound balconies. A step down are six smaller Excel Suites that measure 614 square feet.

Every one of the suites in those categories is bigger than any suite found on Carnival Panorama.

Passengers staying in all four categories of Excel suites on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have access to a dedicated concierge phone line and guaranteed dining times at the extra-charge specialty restaurants found on the ships (except for Japanese eatery Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table). Other upgraded amenities for Excel suite passengers include complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda packages, room service and laundry service, sparkling wine upon arrival and upgraded bathroom toiletries.

The new Loft 19 enclave found on both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration offers full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas available for rent.

Related: A guide to Carnival's VIFP loyalty program

Bottom Line

Fun-focused Carnival offers a solid mix of cabins on its vessels for a range of price points. If you're looking for an inexpensive vacation option, the inside cabins on Carnival ships are more spacious than the inside cabins you'll find on the ships of some rival lines. Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships also can be larger than normal for the category. Balcony cabins on Carnival ships hold their own in size against most competitors. Just don't expect a huge number of suites when sailing with Carnival.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Itineraries

Booking procedures.

• Carnival Vacation Protection (CVP)
• Deposit and Final Payment Guidelines | Forms of Payment
• Cancellation and Change Guidelines | Refunds
• Infants / Minors / Pregnancy
• Passenger Vessel Service Act - Jones Act
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista
• Stateroom Features and Amenities
• Ship Class Guide
• Fun Ship Features

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Fun Ship Features Quick Reference
• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• Beverage Options
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Bottomless Bubbles Soda Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries
• View All Deck Plans

Suite Amenities and Perks

Guests traveling in the following suite accommodations will be entitled to additional perks.

Captain's Suites (CS) | Grand Vista Suites (GV) |Grand Suites (GS and ES) | Vista Suites (VS) | Ocean Suites (OS) Junior Suites (JS and OB) | Havana Cabana Suites (HS) | Cloud 9 Spa Suites (SS)  | Family Harbor Suites (FS)

► For guests traveling in suite accommodations on the the following ships, click on the appropriate ship for suite perks and amenities: Carnival Celebration | Carnival Jubilee | Mardi Gras   

Confirmed Dining Preference in our Main Dining Room Guests traveling in suite accommodations will be guaranteed their dining option choice.

• If their preferred dining is closed, their request will be entered into the system as a waitlist.
• Overnight, the system will retrieve information and automatically clear the waitlist.
• The waitlist clearing process stops 4 days prior to the sail date. Within this 4 day period, any upgrades/changes to suites or new bookings in suites will not result in the waitlist clearing. In these cases, guests will be guaranteed their dining choice once onboard. The Maitre d’ will send a confirmation to their suite confirming their requested dining time.

Priority Check-In and Boarding Carnival’s Priority Check-In is an exclusive service designed to afford our guests traveling in suite accommodations with special check-in privileges. Cruise documents are stamped, 'Priority' and state, ' If you have priority check-in (listed on your documents), please proceed to the Priority lounge'. We provide Priority Check-In at all embarkation ports. 

At time of booking, you will need to instruct guests that they must ask for ‘Priority Check-In’ upon arrival at the cruise terminal. Embarkation staff will ensure that guests are expedited through the check-in procedure as quickly as is possible, while providing quality service.

Priority Water Shuttle Boarding / Priority Debark at Ports of Call with Arrivals Later than 9:30am Guests can take advantage of priority water shuttle service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so they can explore ashore as quickly as they want to. For ports where we do not use a water shuttle, to make debarkation as smooth as possible, we also offer priority debark at ports of call with arrivals later than 9:30am. 

A letter will be placed in the guest's suite with instructions where to meet and the window of time this service is available. This service is not for those booked on a Carnival shore excursion as these guests are given separate instructions when and where to meet.   

Priority Debarkation Guests will receive a debarkation letter offering a choice of how they would prefer to disembark the ship. They will be given the option of Self Assist ( where offered ) or Priority Debarkation; for Priority Debarkation, guests will receive special luggage tags which will entitle them to leave the ship after the Self Assist guests but before the remainder of the guests.  

Suite Amenities In addition, guests in suite accommodations will receive:

• Priority luggage
• First Access to stateroom
• A high level of service provided by our most highly-rated stateroom attendants
• Two complimentary in-suite large bottles of water 
• One complimentary bag of laundry (wash and fold)
• Elemis in-stateroom bath products (shampoo and body wash)

The following perks are not for those guests traveling in suite accommodations unless they are VIFP Diamond or Platinum guests or have purchased Faster to the Fun.

• Priority line at Guest Services desk
• Dedicated onboard Guest Services phone number

Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista - Exclusive Access to the Havana Pool Area   Guests in Grand Suites  may take advantage of our exclusive Havana experience, which features a beautiful lanai, pool and hot tub spa. To utilize this perk, guests must be 12 years of age or older. Suite guests will receive wristbands, delivered to their stateroom to wear when taking advantage of the exclusive daytime and nighttime access to the outdoor Havana area.  

Carnival Firenze and Carnival Venezia - Exclusive Access to Terrazza Exclusive Outdoor Terraced Deck, Lounge & Bar   Guests in Ocean Suites may take advantage of our exclusive Terrazza experience, which features an elegant outdoor terraced deck with two hot tub spas, a bar and tranquil lounging space. To utilize this perk, guests must be 12 years of age or older. In addition, guests will be entitled to: 

• Exclusive access to Terrazza Lounge in the morning with complimentary continental breakfast
• An exclusive sail-away event at the outdoor terraced deck with live music 

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Answers others found helpful.

• Mardi Gras (MD) Suite Accommodations
• Carnival Celebration (CB) Suite Accommodations
• Priority Check-In
• Carnival Vista (VS) Suite Accommodations

Carnival Paradise Cabins

Finding your cabin is a breeze on Paradise because stateroom hallways are conveniently color-coded (pink, orange, blue), making it easy to navigate. Room sizes are average by industry standards, but even Inside cabins on Carnival Paradise can accommodate up to four passengers, making them a tight but affordable option for groups traveling on a budget.

Storage Space and Comfy Beds are Highlights of Carnival Paradise Rooms

Cabin options are limited, and staterooms are simple. You won't find designated "spa cabins" or multi-bedroom staterooms but if you do need something a little more elaborate, there are three main suite categories on Carnival Paradise: Grand Vista Suites, Grand Suites and Junior Suites, all featuring balconies. (The 455-square-foot Grand Suite is particularly popular on Paradise.) The remaining 950-plus cabins are interior, ocean view and balcony. There are 24 accessible cabins, which are available in each cabin category.

The standard room on Carnival Paradise has two outlets: one 120 volt and one 220 volt (European), plus a shaver outlet in the bathroom. We brought a small extension cord from home -- the kind that has three total outlets on it. If you bring an extension cord, make it small (no large power strips), and make sure it does not have a surge protector and is in excellent condition or it will be confiscated. Bringing a European converter is another way to add a second outlet for charging electronics.

Interior:  Interior cabins on Carnival Paradise have 185 square feet of space with small, flat-screen televisions that are awkwardly placed in the corners. Besides a small chair and beige-colored vanity dresser with a mirror and well-worn drawers, interior cabins are light on furnishings. Some can accommodate three or four passengers (great for families), but the pulldown beds overhang the standard beds, making it feel a little cramped. A fairly large armoire/closet has an ample number of hangers and shelves, as well as a safe for valuables and a mini-fridge.

A red, decorative trim around the walls and over the beds makes a handy shelf for small belongings like medicines, water bottles and other frequently used items. Designated wall slots for "Sail and Sign" cards (the keycard you use to get into your cabin, as well as for all onboard purchases) and the daily fun briefing (as well as other brochures that pile up) were a nice touch as well, as was the artwork of a classic cruise liner. Beds, which have reading lights on either side, were extremely comfortable and made for a good night's rest. Beds can be set up as two twins or one queen.

Bathrooms include a medicine cabinet, towel racks and a decent amount of space on the sink for storing items. A tiny trash can is built into the wall under the sink. Showers are surprisingly roomy and comfortable, with strong water pressure, handheld showerheads, curtains, small tiled floors and built-in shampoo and body wash dispensers (no conditioner). However, there are no shelves for bath products in the shower, and no clotheslines for wet bathing suits or other clothes.

Ocean View: Carnival Paradise Ocean View cabins are identical to interior cabins with the exception of the window with curtains. They can sleep up to four guests and have compact bathrooms with showers. Porthole staterooms feature smaller round windows and are located on Riviera, Main, Upper and Empress decks forward. Located on Carnival Paradise’s Deck 14 (Grand), Scenic Ocean View units can sleep up to 2 guests and have floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic vistas.

Balcony: Somewhat bigger than and interior cabin, the standard Carnival Paradise Balcony stateroom sleeps up to 4 guests (2 of them in upper pullman beds), and features balconies with patio furniture. These units were added during the 2018 refurbishment.

Carnival Paradise features 12 Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms– six on Deck 6 (Upper) and the rest on Deck 7 (Empress). These units are identical to standard Balcony cabins but feature a larger balcony overlooking the ship’s wake.

Spacious Carnival Paradise Suites Come With Great Perks

Junior Suites:  Carnival Paradise Junior Suites have 247 total square feet of space with a 27-square-foot balcony; they can all be found on decks 11 and 14. Bathrooms are the same as interior ocean-view and balcony cabins but the vanity/desk area is larger and made with dark-finished wood. There's also a hideaway mini-refrigerator and mini-bar with wineglasses, and four electric outlets (one European). Beds have a glass mirror and leather headboard, and a lamp on the nightstand instead of small reading lights.

Furnishings in the sitting area include a leather sofa bed and a coffee table, with no wall separating it from the sleeping area. There's also a large window and heavy wooden balcony doors (in lieu of sliding-glass doors). The balcony has two deck chairs and a small table.

There are only eight Carnival Paradise Obstructed View Junior Suites, all located on Deck 11.

Grand Suites: Ranging from 400 to 445 square feet of space (including a 70- to 115-square-foot balcony), these staterooms have more elaborate bathrooms with soaking tubs/shower combos and a large marble counter with plenty of space for beauty products. Like the Junior Suites, these rooms feature dark wood furnishings and a large mirrored vanity area with a mini-refrigerator, as well as seven electrical outlets. A living area consists of two leather couches fitted together into the corner (to make one long couch), a massive painting, two leather chairs and a glass coffee table. This area is separated from the sleeping area by a partial wall. Stylish reading lamps and a mirrored wall are fitted over the bed. Balconies directly overlook the ocean, and have three chairs and a small table.

There are four Extended Balcony Grand Suites on Carnival Paradise, all located on Deck 6 (Upper) midship.

Grand Vista Suite: Located on Deck 14 forward, Carnival Paradise’s Grand Vista Suites are similar in size to Grand Suites, but feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views. These cabins can sleep up to 5 guests and have furnished balconies. To many, these are the best cabins on Carnival Paradise.

Carnival Paradise suite parks include upgraded mattresses, robes, priority Main Dining Room time assignment, priority boarding and debarkation, and two free bottles of water.

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Find a carnival paradise cruise from $259.

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Carnival Luminosa Grand Vista Suite

• Click here for ALL
• Premium Balcony
• Junior Suite
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Grand Vista Suite

• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check

Carnival Luminosa Grand Vista Suite 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 Luminosa's different stateroom cabin categories on the NEW cabins page.

Sub Categories

   Grand Vista Suite

• Two twin beds convert to a king
• In select suites, the sofa is a single sofa bed for a 3rd guest
• Sitting area with a desk and chair, sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table
• Walk-in dressing area with ample closet space
• Full Bathroom with double sinks, toilet and combination whirlpool tub with shower
• Vanity and ottoman seat
• Flat-screen television
• 110 AC power outlet
• Individual climate control
• Non-stocked mini bar unit
• Carnival Comfort Bed Collection
• Balcony: Wrap-Around Balcony / 2 patio chairs and table

Floor plans may not represent actual stateroom. Click to zoom.

Deck locations

Deck 4  

Deck 5  

Deck 6  

Deck 7  

Deck 8  

Important Info

Carnival luminosa grand vista suite pictures.

Carnival Luminosa Grand Vista Suite 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 Grand Vista Suite cabins with pics/videos?

Other categories on carnival luminosa.

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 Luminosa on this page.

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

Wrap up a full day of Carnival fun… and you're gonna need a good night's sleep. Our staterooms are here to help.

ROOM TYPES FOR ALL TYPES

When it comes to staterooms, one size only fits some. That's why we've got enough variety to satisfy any type of fun seeker.

Interior Staterooms

The most affordable way to experience all the Carnival excitement, without cutting corners on comfort. Here’s the perfect spot to curl up after a long day’s fun.

Available On : All ships

Available Features

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.

Balcony Staterooms

Any time you’re in your room, you’re steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis… designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.

Get all the comforts of home and then some, with absolutely none of the hassles. Get comfy… stretch out, put your feet up. Or just spend time on your balcony — you’ve got one of our most spacious rooms.

Exclusive Amenities:

• VIP check-in, plus priority embarkation and debarkation
• Priority dinner reservations and main dining room time assignment
• One complimentary load of laundry service
• Two complimentary large bottles of water

Exclusive Amenities

• Priority check-in, embarkation & debarkation
• Priority dinner reservations & main dining room time assignment
• Pillow-top mattresses

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

The term “family room” brings to mind that comfy place where kids and parents can do the all-important work of having fun simply being together. That’s precisely why there’s Family Harbor. You’ll notice that Family Harbor staterooms sport a classically American nautical décor... but benefits don’t stop at your door. Family Harbor staterooms are located near the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot featuring breakfast in the morning, snacks throughout the day, plus activities like board games, family movies, video games and more. As you explore the rest of the ship, the Family Harbor benefits come along, with your kids eating free in most onboard specialty restaurants... plus one free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy some much-deserved alone time.

Available On : Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Horizon ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Mardi Gras ® , Carnival Panorama ® and Carnival Vista ®

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms do things a little different than ordinary staterooms. For starters, we dare you to cross the threshold without feeling a little more relaxed. Once you're inside, you'll find pleasing decor and in-room amenities like ELEMIS bath products and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers to enhance your stay.

What’s more, your excellent stateroom choice gets you priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, unlimited access to the thermal suites, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days... and more. (And on ships with a Hydrotherapy Pool, you’re welcome to use it as much as you want!)

And the best part? We've got a full range of rooms with that Cloud 9 mojo, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites, ensuring you'll never have to sacrifice comfort for value.

Available On : Carnival Breeze ® , Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Dream ® , Carnival Horizon ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Carnival Luminosa ® ,Carnival Magic ® , Mardi Gras. ® , Carnival Panorama ® , Carnival Radiance ® , Carnival Splendor ® , Carnival Sunrise ® , Carnival Sunshine ® and Carnival Vista ®

Havana Staterooms & Suites

At Carnival we love to cruise as much as anyone, but when you book a Havana stateroom, it's like you're no longer on a ship... you're at an exclusive island resort. But unlike most spots on land, you're never far from the ocean... or from the Havana Bar & Pool. (You'll enjoy exclusive access to the pool area!) Inside, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space featuring a lounge-ready hammock chair. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Staterooms

Have you ever thought “maybe I could live like an Italian”? Well there’s a place you can kind of try out the lifestyle, at least for one vacation: Terrazza Staterooms aboard a Carnival cruise! You’ll find these aboard any of our Fun Italian Style ships, and the resort layout gives you everything you need for comfort and style in one place. For starters, all the staterooms feature a fresh style inside… and some add premium open-air benefits like a patio lounging area or balcony. And on a select few, the balcony is — how shall we put it? — grandissimo! But guess what’s included with every Terrazza stateroom? Exclusive access to a private deck featuring amenities like all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more. (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Available On : Carnival Firenze ™ and Carnival Venezia ™

ALL THE PERKS, IN EVERY ROOM

With all this comfort and all these standard features, you've gotta try real hard to get homesick on a Carnival cruise.

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Stateroom climate control
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• Bathrobes upon request
• In-room safe for valuables

YEP, WE THOUGHT OF THAT TOO

Beyond the basics, you’ll find rooms that take your vacation to the next level — we’re talking stuff that matters most to groups, families, folks with special needs and more!

Adding friends equals multiplying the fun. That’s why many Carnival staterooms can be configured in different ways — some sleep up to five!

Keep the group together. Some cabins have connecting rooms with a common door between them.

When it comes to bathrooms, an extra might be a good idea. Deluxe Ocean View staterooms sleep up to five and come with an extra half-bath.

Specially modified rooms are available for guests with special needs .

TOP-TO-BOTTOM, FRONT-TO-BACK FUN

Wherever on the ship you make your home base, good times aren't far.

• Lower decks
• Upper decks

For arts and entertainment, health and relaxation, stay up front. The fitness center and spa are nearby, not to mention great performances in the show lounge.

Best Carnival cruise ships: Here’s which ship you should sail, based on your travel style

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Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising. As one of the largest cruise brands in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, and destination — can shape the way you make your choice.

So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? Here are my picks for the top options in several categories.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Mardi Gras: Best Carnival cruise ship for families

The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras . Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest vessels, but it’s also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers. Beyond the dedicated kids facilities, the ship has a massive arcade and many top-deck diversions. One of these is the Ultimate Playground — a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea . (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra.)

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families  

Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line’s Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order off special menus in the complimentary main dining rooms and join in their waiters’ rollicking dance performances just when they start to get antsy sitting still.

The ship also does a nice job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Many of Mardi Gras’ standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting cabins.

Its Family Harbor staterooms provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Breakfast is offered there each morning, and snacks and drinks — including free soda — are provided throughout the day. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people.

Mardi Gras’ new sister ship, Carnival Celebration, is also a fantastic option in this category, offering a nearly identical experience (with just a few changes in the names and themes of specific venues).

Carnival Horizon: Best ship for luxury lovers

Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands’ high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service.

With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon — the second vessel in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class. It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings.

If you’re into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

If exclusive stateroom enclaves are what you seek, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. With a suite booking, you’ll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation.

If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms are nearly five times that size.

The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the line’s newest: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which house Presidential Suites. Those accommodations offer 1,120 square feet of space with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships — part of the line’s Excel Class — are so large and attract so many families that I’ve ruled them out as the most luxurious.

Carnival Conquest: Best ship for budget travelers

If you’re on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise , the less expensive it will be.

Plus, it sails from Miami, one of the world’s largest cruise hubs. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, passengers enjoy spending time around the pool and grabbing free burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.

It’s also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights.

At the time of publication, prices started from $47 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Carnival Sunrise: Best Carnival cruise ship for singles

Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one.

Because all staterooms are designed for double occupancy, it’s generally a rule that a person traveling alone must pay both fares. This means they would pay twice as much per person as two people sharing a room.

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

In order to make the single supplement as affordable as possible, solo Carnival cruisers will want to balance finding an inexpensive vessel with choosing one that sails short itineraries. They’ll also probably want one that’s a bit livelier (read: not the oldest in the fleet).

A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Although it originally debuted in 1999, it feels fresh and nearly new. It offers the line’s signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.

Combine that with short, affordable voyages from Miami, and you can sail to the Bahamas or Caribbean for four or five nights from as little as $104 per night if you’re solo. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees

Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice.

In particular, Carnival Pride’s voyages consist of nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on a regular cadence. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. (Take note if you’re thinking of bringing your grandkids.)

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. That actually works in its favor if you’re a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design — in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus.

In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sun deck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages.

Bottom line

So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preferences. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Tips for Booking a Hotel with Expedia

Booking the right hotel is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting the most out of your vacation. If you're looking to plan an unforgettable trip, you'll need to find the right place to stay. Learn how Expedia can help you book the right hotel for your needs whether you're taking the family on a vacation, traveling with someone special, or just taking some time away for yourself.

How to book a hotel on Expedia?

When you book through Expedia, the entire process is simple. You'll find a wide range of accommodation options and destinations to choose from, as well as a variety of search filters to help you find exactly what you're looking for. That means you can search exclusively for hotels with a pool , pet-friendly policies , or family-friendly amenities . Las Vegas hotels and New York hotels are especially popular, but you'll also find options for other destinations like  Myrtle Beach .

What are the most important things when choosing a hotel?

Finding the right hotel means opting for stays that cater to your unique needs. Quite a few factors go into what a hotel is like to experience, and you'll need to consider them all.

• Amenities: think about what kind of amenities you need to have. You'll find options for pools or fitness centers in hotels all across the country and beyond.
• Location: the location can also play a major role in your experience, especially if you want to be close to certain attractions like downtown or the beach.
• Price & Reviews: you'll want to find a balance between affordability and positive reviews to get as much as you can within the budget you've set.

How far in advance should I book a hotel?

You can sometimes book a hotel as late as the day before check-in, but most of the time, you'll want to book well in advance. You can see what's available up to 40 days in advance, and even monitor the price trends if you're not ready to book right away. Prices tend to go down the closer it gets to the date, especially around the 21-day mark. 21 days from your check-in, prices are generally somewhat normal, with prices often falling, then briefly rising, then falling again. Last-minute bookings can be especially cheap since hotels are desperate to book their last few rooms.

While it varies by destination, you should generally book a hotel room between 1 and 3 months before you travel. Seasonality plays a major part in rates and availability, too. For example,  California or Florida are often fully booked during the busy summer months, so it's wise to reserve at least 6 months ahead when traveling at that time of year. You should also reserve well in advance if you're heading to major events. For instance,  Madison Square Garden Hotels  should be reserved early when there are sporting fixtures or concerts taking place. The same applies for local holidays. Hotels in New Orleans , for example, get booked out early for ‘Mardi Gras' festivities, while  hotels in Mexico  can be hard to come by for 'Day of the Dead' celebrations.

How can I find the cheapest hotels?

To find the cheapest hotel rooms, you'll need to consider several factors that affect the price. The time of year you visit can play a major role in price, with the off-season tending to be cheaper overall. Hotels with lower star ratings are going to be more affordable as well. Additionally, you'll find cheaper options in less popular neighborhoods, which can be an easy way to save since a lot of cheap neighborhoods in popular destinations are located right next to the hot spots. Keep in mind, however, that these are general trends rather than strict rules. Hop over to the  cheap hotels  page for gathering budget accommodation ideas. There, you could score the best cheap hotels in the United States of America  and countless more popular spots across the globe. You'll also see alternative cheap lodging options, including  hostels , vacation home rentals and motels .

How can I find some of the best deals on hotels?

If you're looking for the best hotel deals, you'll want to implement several filters into your search. You can sort your results by price so that the cheapest options are automatically put at the top of the list. Then, adjust your filters to match your budget, and whether or not you want to only include fully refundable properties. If you become a member, you'll find even more hotel discounts.

You can also download and book through the  Expedia app  to unlock exclusive discounts on select  United States hotels  and destinations worldwide. You could land significant savings on  Los Angeles hotels , as well as generous discounts on  hotels in Chicago  and other top holiday spots. When booking in advance, you'll often score early-bird deals. That said, don't rule out last-minute offers, especially during low-season dates . Hotels in Key West  and other American seaside resorts often have amazing discounts outside of the school holidays.

Why should I book a hotel with Expedia?

When you book with Expedia, planning the ultimate vacation is easier than ever. Not only will you be able to find a hotel for your trip, but we can take care of your flight as well, with the potential for additional savings if you book your flight and your stay together. Plus, you'll find flexible cancellation policies on numerous hotels along with opportunities for booking on short notice. You can become a member of our One Key Loyalty Rewards program for free and enjoy even more discounts.

There are also  'book now, pay later' hotels . As well as amazing deals, you'll have 24/7 access to support through the  service  page, giving you peace of mind while travelling.

Are hotels fully refundable on Expedia?

Some hotels offer flexible cancellation policies when you book with Expedia. You'll be able to see on the results page which hotels in your search are fully refundable, as each that qualifies will be marked with "fully refundable" in green letters. Additionally, you can set the 'fully refundable' filter when searching to only show results that offer free cancellation hotels .

What types of accommodation can I find on Expedia?

You'll encounter a plethora of different lodging types on Expedia, such as charming boutique hotels in Cancun and more tropical destinations. Large family-friendly and adult-only  hotels in Hawaii  and other beach resorts are popular among those seeking a relaxing break in the sun. For even more comfort, consider  all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Rico and other summer holiday spots. This type of accommodation includes all meals and drinks, so you don't even have to lift a finger while on holiday.  Bed and breakfasts ,  apartments  and holiday ski hotels  are just some of the other lodging types you can choose from.

Is it possible to filter accommodations based on specific amenities?

Yes, you'll find an array of filters that let you laser in on the best places to stay based on the amenities you need. Whether you need business facilities in your  Manhattan Hotel or are seeking relaxing  spa hotels in Miami , Expedia's many search filters make it easy to find the best place to stay.

How can I explore different star-rated accommodations and accommodation brands?

If you like to stay in a specific hotel, type the brand name into the search bar to see all available options. Expedia works with most of the major chains, including Hilton, Hyatt Hotels and Marriott. Scroll down further, and below the search field, you'll see the filters for star ratings. Whether you're seeking  5-star hotels in Nashville  or  budget hotels in New York , Expedia makes booking a breeze.

Are there accommodations located near popular points of interest or in specific neighborhoods?

One of the great things about using Expedia's hotel booking site is that you can filter search results by area and popular locations. For example, when searching for  hotels in Orlando , you can select the “Walt Disney World® Resort” filter to view properties near the theme park. There's even a handy map so you can pinpoint the best place to stay in destinations worldwide.

Are luxury accommodations available on Expedia, and how can I book them?

If you're seeking a high-end experience, take your pick from the many  luxury hotels  available on Expedia. You can locate upscale lodging by ticking filters, like 5-star hotels, or ordering results by 'price high to low' and 'Guest rating + our choice'.

Do you cater to different types of travelers, such as business or leisure travelers?

Of course. When searching and booking a hotel room, you can filter by hotel and traveller type, including:

• Family-friendly
• All-Inclusive
• LGBTQ-welcoming
• Business-friendly

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

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Best destinations for All Inclusive Resorts

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Best hotels close to attractions

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• Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Orlando
• The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock, Fort Lauderdale
• Circus Circus Hotel, Casino & Theme Park, Las Vegas
• Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando
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Travel | Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas…

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Travel | israel is quiet on next steps against iran — and on which partners helped shoot down missiles, things to do, subscriber only, travel | carnival doles out more details on new bahamas destination.

MIAMI BEACH — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will be welcoming ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals, and Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove.

Named in deference to the native Lucayan language, “lokono” means “the people.” It was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” said Duffy said/ “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the excursion gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing mile-long beachfront expanse and massive freshwater inland lagoon the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

This image shows cabanas within Calypso Cove, an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

Calypso Lagoon falls just to the west, home to the sport court and freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. And adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling its largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class, including Port Canaveral-based Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration out of Miami.

The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day. For now, it has more than 500 itineraries planned among 18 ships available to book.

Other U.S. ports visiting the new site are Galveston, Texas; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, S.C. and New Orleans.

“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” said Duffy when the pier expansion was announced. “Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island.”

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The Caribbean’s Newest Luxury Boutique Hotel Just Opened in Grand Cayman 

Carnival Just Revealed More Details on Its New Grand Bahama Cruise Port

Carnival Cruise Line is in the process of developing a major new cruise destination on the island of Grand Bahama, and now the company has revealed more details on the project.

Carnival’s Celebration Key will be featuring a retail destination called Lokono Cove, named by Grand Bahamian Deidre Ramhming, who sent in the winning name in an island-wide contest.

Lokono Cove will put Bahamian culture in the spotlight, with local music, sweeping murals painted by Bahamian artists and local bites.

The name Lokono means “the people,” and comes from the Lucayans, the first inhabitants of The Bahamas.

Lokono Cove will also be a the departure point for guests who take shore excursions in Grand Bahama.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally-inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” Duffy said in a statement obtained by Caribbean Journal. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove. It’s a special honor that locals from Grand Bahama have contributed already in an impactful way, giving this portal its name.”

The Lokono Cove announcement was made during this week’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, which is bringing together the worldwide cruise industry for a week of talks and meetings.

Carnival first announced its plans for Celebration Key last year . It is planning to open the new cruise destination in the summer of 2025.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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