carnival spirit balcony room tour

Carnival Spirit Balcony Cabins

• 2 Promenade
• Click here for ALL
• Full Window
• Premium Balcony
• Junior Suite
• Vista Suite
• Ocean Suite
• Grand Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check

Listing of Carnival Spirit Balcony stateroom and cabins that we have ACTUAL pictures and/or videos of. Cruisedeckplans.com features links to actual stateroom and cabin pictures and videos.

The following is a listing of all the cabins we have pictures or videos for on this ship and also on the sister ships. The cabins on sister ships are usually similar but that is not always the case. Click on any cabin number link to view pictures and/or videos. Youtube column will say "YouTube" if there is a video for that cabin. You can filter the results using the search box. You can also sort by column headings.

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

• CruiseMapper

Carnival Spirit cabins and suites

Carnival spirit staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Carnival Spirit 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 Spirit 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, vista suite, junior suite, premium balcony cabin, balcony cabin, oceanview cabin, obstructed-view outside cabin with french door, interior cabin.

Inside cabins (deck 4, category 4B) numbers 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104 and 4233 are sized 225 ft2 (21 m2).

Inside cabins (deck 6, category 4C) numbers 6101 and 6102 are sized 235 ft2 (22 m2).

Small Interior Single Cabin

Carnival spirit cabins review.

The Carnival cruise ship Spirit has a total of 17 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) and no Spa cabins (with exclusive access to Spa Carnival facilities). The number of all cabin categories is 28.

Connecting rooms ("family cabins") are located on decks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The list of connecting cabins grades includes: 2 beds (VS, 4B, 4C, 4D, 7A), 2-3 beds (8A, 8D,8E, 8M), and 2-3-4 beds (8B, 8C, 8F, 8K, 8J). Handicap staterooms (17 total) are in categories GS-Grand Suie (1), Balcony (8), Oceanview (4) and Interior (4).

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

Carnival Spirit Suites (Grand, Vista, Ocean, Junior) have 2 twin beds (convertible to king), dressing area (walk-in closet, vanity table, chair), private bathroom (WC, shower, whirlpool bathtub, bidet, double sinks). Some GS-OS suites have a single/double sofa bed and/or upper bed for 3rd/4th person. Vista Suites are all with aft location and feature larger wrap-around balconies.

All balcony accommodations feature a private balcony with sliding glass doors (table, patio chairs, sun loungers, rail with clear glass panel). 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 4 grades – 8N, 8M, 8K, and 8J. These staterooms have 50% larger balconies, 3 closets, full bathroom (shower). Some 8N-8M rooms have a sofa bed for a 3rd person. Some 8K-8J rooms have sofa and/or bunk (upper) bed for 3rd/4th person.

Oceanview cabins have large Picture Window, 2 twin beds (convertible to queen), and some have a sofa and/or upper bed (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person.

Inside cabins with windows are category 4K – with obstructed views, and feature sliding glass doors (French Doors). Some rooms have a sofa and/or upper bed (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person. Some of the standard Interior staterooms have an upper/bunk bed for 3rd person.

All Carnival Spirit 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.

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 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 smart 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 Spirit 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).

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 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 passenger 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 Spirit, smoking allowed areas (cigarettes /incl electronic cigarettes) are Frankenstein’s Lab Nightclub (disco /not allowed on the dance floor), Casino (designated areas), Casino Bar. Smoking (incl of cigars and tobacco pipes) is allowed on designated outdoor areas on Deck 3 starboard (midship), Deck 10 starboard (forward) and Deck 11 starboard (forward/midship/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 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.

You can see all the furniture details on Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Spirit cabin plans in the above table.

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 Spirit 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.

• Cruise Ships
• Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit ®

• Dining & Activities
• Sails From:

Carnival Spirit is more than a ship, but an unforgettable vacation experience you’ll be reliving for a long time. Whether you’re after something that’s action-packed or just want to relax and unwind, this ship has what you’re looking for. (Our suggestion: choose both!) There’s heaps of fun to be had, and there’s definitely something in it for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family. We’re talking about a mini-golf course, two-deck fitness center, jogging track, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , pools, a spa and more. And playing it cool isn’t hard at WaterWorks ™ — after all, you’re among waterslides like Green Thunder — plus you can always cool down, or warm up, with a dip in our domed swimming pool. Keep the kids entertained with three age-appropriate youth programs that give them plenty of choice on activities and fun chances to make new friends. Our recommendation: sail hungry. After all, you’ll be enjoying meals in three-course style in the Empire Restaurant or just go ahead and build a meal with as many courses as you like at the casual-style, variety-packed Lido Restaurant. Speaking of casual, the trio of RedFrog ® Pub, Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina ™ each put their own delicious spins on flavor itself. To get a little fancy, sit down at Nouveau Steakhouse. To get a lot un-fancy — and we mean this in the most delicious way possible — check out late-night soft-serve (till midnight) or pizza (till 4 a.m.)! When the sun goes down, the fun’s over. Nope, just kidding! Carnival Spirit features bars and lounges, plus entertainment that’s great for when you’re feeling like live comedy, musical performances and more. Feel like helping out a little? All the vocal cords are encouraged to participate at the piano bar. Feeling lucky? The casino’s right over there. Carnival Spirit is no stranger to amazing vacations… and hopes you won’t be a stranger either!

• 88,500 Gross Tonnage
• 2,124 Guest Capacity
• 963 Length In Feet
• 930 Onboard Crew

INSIDE THIS SHIP

Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.

YOUR STATEROOM

Interior with window (obstructed view).

Every room includes:

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

Premium Balcony

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Spirit and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Premium Balcony (Obstructed View)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Spirit and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon the ship's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

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 aboard Carnival Spirit. 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.

Balcony (Obstructed View)

An Obstructed View Balcony stateroom on Carnival Spirit provides all the indoor amenities of a Carnival stateroom, as well as some of the outdoor ones as well, including your own personal outdoor space that’s great for stretching out and relaxing.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Spirit features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 Am
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Plus, every room includes:

Vista Suite

Don’t get us wrong — a Carnival Spirit Vista Suite stateroom is a lovely room with all the suite fixings. But the thing to see here is truly the view that your balcony affords you. A Vista Suite features a wraparound balcony that provides wide, stunning views when you’re outside, and a uniquely panoramic inside view thanks to a wall of windows that brings more of that outside inside.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Spirit suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Junior Suite

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Spirit, you can’t help but feel that you’re stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Spirit Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet… and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Onboard dining, where to for you.

This ship is always visiting great vacation spots. Where will your next vacation take you?

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

• Carnival Cruise Lines

Best balcony room location on spirit class ships

By jperry2011 , December 30, 2020 in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

What would you consider the best balcony room location on a spirit class ship considering vibration, noise, view, etc.?

I've been on deck 4 once and 5 twice midship with little to no vibration or noise. Deck 8 aft the last cruise awesome view but ridiculous vibration while the ship was moving... Already booked for deck 8 midship on the legend for November.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Butterbean1000

12 minutes ago, jperry2011 said: What would you consider the best balcony room location on a spirit class ship considering vibration, noise, view, etc.?   I've been on deck 4 once and 5 twice midship with little to no vibration or noise. Deck 8 aft the last cruise awesome view but ridiculous vibration while the ship was moving... Already booked for deck 8 midship on the legend for November.  

Not sure what deck 8 is, but we were on the Panorama deck on the Legend.  I do not recall any vibration.  The view from up there is wonderful 

ninjacat123

3 minutes ago, Butterbean1000 said: Not sure what deck 8 is, but we were on the Panorama deck on the Legend.  I do not recall any vibration.  The view from up there is wonderful   

I was just looking at Legend's deck plans and Panorama is on Deck 8.  If it was available, I would book 8234 or 8239 because they are 'bowling alley' balconies for the extended balcony rate.

The best balcony room is 4228. Port side, aft wrap. Huge stateroom. Below is a dining room and public deck. Stateroom above. Aft wrap staterooms on higher decks are smaller. If vibration is a consideration for you, Decks 6. 7. & 8 have two cabins each with bowling alley balconies. Slightly wider, and thirty feet long. Great views, room for two loungers and chairs and tables. Best affordable balcony staterooms in the fleet. Some ships have 8234 set aside as ambulatory accessible staterooms. 

1 hour ago, Butterbean1000 said: Not sure what deck 8 is, but we were on the Panorama deck on the Legend.  I do not recall any vibration.  The view from up there is wonderful   

Panorama is deck 8 lol when you went in the elevator what floor button did you push? 8

Depending on what you want to spend. I was on the Glory and had a Ocean Suite which i thought was great! Only cabins above and below you

Glory is a different layout.  The Spirit-class ships have a rather different design.

My only 3 balcony cabins on Carnival (>30 sailings) have been on Spirit-class ships.  First was a side "extended" balcony on Miracle, maybe 7231 (it's been a decade).  It was nice, but in retrospect, I would've traded a slightly-smaller balcony for the extended because it looked right down on the lifeboats.  I really enjoy watching the ship docking and leaving, so the view was blocked.  Just sitting, it was fine.

Next time was aft on Miracle, I think 4230.  Some vibration leaving port, but nice cabin.  Extremely hot on the balcony but at least aft cabins on that deck have an overhang.

Next time was aft on Pride, cabin 4232.  Thought it would be great, just like the cabin next door was on Miracle.  Not so.  Much more vibration.  The last night, maybe because we were moving slowly back in to Baltimore, the vibration was horrendous.  Literally was like someone grabbing me by the shoulder and shaking me awake over and over all night.  I was paranoid all the way home (about a 6 hr drive) that I'd fall asleep at the wheel.  Never again!

Anyway, I'd booked a French Door on Legend for Med/TA this past October before finding out they were no longer French Doors but floor-to-ceiling windows.  For the re-booking for next October, I just opted for an inside.  I really love nice, dark inside cabins for sleeping and as a solo, must keep the cost down.  If I ever book another balcony on a Spirit-class ship, I'll opt for regular (not extended) on Deck 7 Verandah.

4 hours ago, jperry2011 said: Panorama is deck 8 lol when you went in the elevator what floor button did you push? 8

Don't remember, it was 10 years ago.

7 hours ago, wolft927 said: Depending on what you want to spend. I was on the Glory and had a Ocean Suite which i thought was great! Only cabins above and below you

Eventually I'll get a suite just don't want to ruin the balcony or extended balcony we usually get... Won't be the same after a suite I'd imagine.

vwrestler171

My preferred room is aft, as high as I can get and still have a deck of cabins above me to keep sound down.

DH and I had a Premium Balcony cabin on the Legend on Deck 6 right behind the aft elevators and it was huge with a very large balcony. No noise from elevators, dining rooms and Lido Buffet are aft so very convenient with elevators right there. We have an aft Premium Balcony cabin booked on the Pride for Jan. 2022 - same location with larger cabin and balcony. Haven't had regular Balcony Cabin, so can't comment on good location of one of those. If you can afford the Premium Balcony, go for it.

On 12/30/2020 at 10:59 PM, vwrestler171 said: My preferred room is aft, as high as I can get and still have a deck of cabins above me to keep sound down.

Exactly what I pick as well.  

On Spirit Class ships we book balcony cabins right off the glass elevator on deck 6 or 7.  No noise, no vibration and convenient to most activities.

On 1/3/2021 at 11:18 AM, Djptcp said: DH and I had a Premium Balcony cabin on the Legend on Deck 6 right behind the aft elevators and it was huge with a very large balcony. No noise from elevators, dining rooms and Lido Buffet are aft so very convenient with elevators right there. We have an aft Premium Balcony cabin booked on the Pride for Jan. 2022 - same location with larger cabin and balcony. Haven't had regular Balcony Cabin, so can't comment on good location of one of those. If you can afford the Premium Balcony, go for it.

When are you going in Jan?  Hubbs and I just booked a premium balcony on the ride for Jan 30, 2022.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 5 hours ago

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:21 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:17 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:00 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Today's Deals
• Sign Up & Save!

• Top Cruise Destinations
• Alaska Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises
• Bermuda Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Europe Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• 1.800.764.7419

Never Miss a Cruise Deal

• Thank you for signing up! 
• Click here to learn more about our specials.

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.

• 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
• CHEERS! Beverage 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

Balcony Stateroom Information

• You are able to control the light fixture on your balcony until 2:00am. After 2:00am, the Bridge has the ability to override and turn off the lights on the balconies in certain circumstances/conditions such as fog, haze, moon phases and in adverse weather conditions or when he/she deems necessary in order to protect the safety of the navigation in the night.
• On Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras, only Excel Suites have light fixtures on the balconies. 

Safety Lock on Door out to Balcony On the following ships, the door leading out to the balcony has a lock at the door handle: Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Spirit. 

On all other ships in the fleet, the stateroom door leading out to the balcony has a safety lock that is located approximately 65 inches from the floor. 

• Cove Balcony Staterooms (7C) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Forward-View Extended Balcony Staterooms (8L) - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Carnival Excel Corner Suites (KS) - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Cove Balcony Staterooms (7C) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Family Harbor Cove Balcony Staterooms (FM) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Family Harbor Aft-View Extended Balcony Staterooms (FO) - the rail has steel horizontal bars
• Family Harbor Suites with Large Cove Balcony (FS) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Cloud 9 Spa Suites (SS): 14205 and 14206 - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Standard Balcony Staterooms and Suites - the rail has a glass panel 
• Standard Balcony Staterooms and Suites - the rail has a glass panel
• Carnival Liberty: Captain's Suites (CS): 9199 and 9200 - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise: Cloud 9 Spa Balcony (8P): 1001 and 1002 - the rail has a solid steel panel
• Grand Suites with Large Balcony (ES, GV) - the rail has a glass panel
• Grand Suites with Large Balcony (GS) - the balcony has a cove-like enclosure and the  bottom half of the balcony rail has a solid steel panel
• Junior Suites with Standard Balcony (JT) - the rail has a glass panel
• Junior Suites with Standard Balcony (JS, OB) - the rail has steel horizontal bars
• Standard Balcony Staterooms (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8M) - the rail has a glass panel

Was this answer helpful?

Answers others found helpful.

• Decorating Your Stateroom Door and Stateroom
• Upgrading Your Stateroom
• Stateroom Safe
• Drug Free Zones
• Minor Guest Policy

PLAN A CRUISE

• Search Cruises
• Travel Agent Finder
• Weddings & Occasions

• Carnival Mastercard
• Away We Go Blog

Group Travel

• Group Shore Excursions

Already Booked

• Manage My Cruises
• Shore Excursions
• In-Room Gifts & Shopping
• Spa & Salon Services
• Internet Plans
• Beverage Packages

• Airport Transportation

Customer Service

• Have Fun. Be Safe.
• Early Saver Price Protection Form
• Lowest Price Guarantee Claim Form
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Legal Notices for EU & UK Guests
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

About Carnival

• Passenger Bill Of Rights

• Legal Notices  
• Privacy & Cookies  
• Site Map  

• © Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved.

I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.

• Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships.
• I stayed in both of their balcony staterooms — a $130-per-person-per-day difference.
• Icon's pricier cabin looked more modern but lacked the functionality and comfort of Wonder's.

Do you know what $900 could buy you? More than three years of Netflix's premium plan, a new Gucci purse, or 2,059 spicy chicken McNuggets.

Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships , the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one.

Staterooms with balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category. After all, if you're going on a vacation at sea, wouldn't you want to be able to feel its breeze from your room?

But not all cabins with private outdoor spaces are created equal, even on two new mega-ships owned by the same cruise line.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and its larger successor, Icon of the Seas, in January.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin for both complimentary sailings, the longest of which was three nights on Icon.

Both ships are operating seven-night cruises around the Caribbean in 2024.

About 66% of Wonder's cabins fall under the 'balcony' category. On Icon, they make up half of the staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas' balcony cabins start shy of $1,110 per person in 2024.

Even with nearly identical itineraries, the ones on Icon are, at their cheapest, a little more than $2,000 per person this year — or double that for the a New Year's cruise.

Wonder and Icon are the most boisterous, flamboyant, and overwhelming vessels I've ever boarded.

The pool decks were intensely colorful, the crowds were inescapable, and the long lists of activities and dining options were paralyzing.

So imagine my surprise when I unlocked my doors to find surprisingly bland rooms.

The neutral tans, blues, and whites did not scream "we belong on the world's biggest and most colorful cruise ships."

The vessels have an almost two-year age difference, as evidenced by some of their decor (mainly Icon's recessed mood lights and the more chic, darker wood tones).

But besides the light fixtures, rugs, and — frankly negligible — wall art and pillows, both cabins were fairly underwhelming compared to everything outside their front doors .

Aesthetics aside, let’s talk functionality.

Both had furnished 50-square-foot balconies.

Regarding the interior space, my 204-square-foot cabin on Icon of the Seas was 22 square feet larger than mine on Wonder.

In retrospect, I would've thought Icon's was smaller. More on that in a bit.

Both king-sized beds faced a television and some wall storage.

And both were flanked by light fixtures with built-in USB outlets, as is expected on most modern cruise ships.

The cruise line says the ships' balcony cabins use two twin mattresses that have been "converted" to make a king bed. It's a common practice I've never had an issue with — until Icon.

On Wonder, the plush pillows enveloped me the moment I laid down. I slept great. No complaints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ship.

I (my back pain) could feel the hard ridge where the two mattresses met, making for a pretty miserable and uncomfortable sleep.

So much for starfishing — I kept to one side of the bed to avoid rolling over the bony bump.

For the most part, the living “rooms” were the same.

Both had the same furniture I see on almost every mass-market ship: a couch that could convert into a bed and a desk that extended into a dresser.

But storage, a high priority for cruisers, was organized differently.

Two thin wardrobes with drawers, hangars, and shelves surrounded either side of my bed on Wonder .

Icon, on the other hand, had one large wardrobe next to the living room.

Unfortunately, it had noticeably less shelving. And the metal bins let out ear-piercing screeches at every move — a lazy and annoying detail that the designers could've easily fixed with cheap felt pads.

So far, the differences have been small. But not for long.

I had two gripes with my Wonder bathroom: the lack of hair conditioner and the ill-positioned faucet that flooded the counter whenever I washed my hands.

I had the same issues on Icon. But that was the least of my concerns.

My bathroom on the older ship was well-sized for 1 person, but maybe too small for 2.

On Icon — the world's largest cruise ship — my bathroom was too compact for even one body.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters in January that 80% of Icon's 2,805 cabins were designed for families, a sharp increase from previous vessels like Wonder.

I'm not sure a family of four could coexist in Icon's balcony cabin — solely because of the bathroom size. There's no way two people could fit in there simultaneously. A fight over who gets priority access to the toilet could ruin a peaceful family vacation! (Which is to say, I'm glad I was traveling alone.)

With the bathroom door closed, I accidentally elbowed the walls more times than I could count.

The spare towels had to be stored on a shelf inside the shower. Because the counter was so small, I had to keep most of my toiletries and products on the shelves or in the drawer.

Surprisingly, that's where Icon excelled. Its bathroom had more storage options than its older counterpart, which didn't even have a drawer.

However, the older ship's shower had a clothesline perfect for drying swimwear. It's a small but crucial amenity, especially on a vessel with so many pools and waterslides.

Unfortunately, both were stocked with two-in-one body wash and shampoo — and no hair conditioner

Let’s go through our checklist.

My balcony cabin on Wonder looked less modern than its successor (the TV on Icon had Chromecast, after all).

But it was significantly more functional and comfortable. The bed was incomparably more pleasant, the closets had more defined storage components, and the bathroom was considerably larger, even if it lacked additional shelving and drawers.

The question is: Which one is more worth its price?

Icon's cheapest balcony cabins are currently $900 more than the most affordable ones on Wonder — an almost $130 per person and day difference.

Based on the quality of the staterooms alone, if you prioritize functionality, comfort, and affordability over modern decor, consider saving money and going with the two-year-old ship .

But let’s not forget that cruise fares include unlimited food, on board activities, and nighttime entertainment.

Both ships have a fairly similar list of amenities. But only the newer one has a waterpark , an adult-only infinity pool club, and a swim-up bar, to name a few unique amenities.

So yes, Icon's balcony cabins are more costly. But the staggering price difference — and tiny bathroom — could be worth it if you think the its surplus of additional amenities is worth paying for.

• Main content

Moscow Metro – Spirit of a City EP | Review

Article Published: April 3, 2014

That populist revival hasn’t really let up since – just look at White Lies, Airbourne Toxic Event, and too many other bands to name here – and, with the release of their debut EP, ‘Spirit of a City’, Limerick band Moscow Metro are the latest to join the cause. Here, they’ve offered up four tracks in that dark and brooding vein, which, although solid and polished in their own right, sound perhaps too close to the myriad of others that have gone before them to leave any real lasting mark.

What the four-piece has produced is an exploration of the kind of themes perfect for moody posturing (death, break-ups, social ennui), underpinned by an expansive and echo-laden soundscape. Drums pound and crash behind speedy, driving guitars and synths, building towards almost-anthemic hooks. Seán Corcoran’s vocals, meanwhile, take on rich, sober tones uncannily close to Matt Berninger of The National, which often counteract the insistence of the music behind them.

It’s a well-constructed, well-produced and confident record, but the problem is that there’s not enough distinction between the tracks to make any particular one stand out, and they sound so close to their influences that it actually gets distracting. Opener Spirit of a City ? It may as well be that Editors track being belted out on a dancefloor back in the day. Future Fades and Where It All Ends ? They could be old lost demo tapes from The National. If you toned the synth down, you could probably even throw the remaining track, Headlights , into that latter category as well.

Is it a bad thing to know what you like and be influenced by that? No. Is it a bad thing to know what you like so well that it becomes less of an influence and more of an identity? Probably. It’s a pity that Moscow Metro haven’t pushed outside the post-rock revivalist boundaries with this EP. There’s clearly a lot of talent and energy there; it would be good to see that used to make something other than the well-worn sound of ten years ago.

Other album reviews

Strange boy, holy / unholy, clara tracey, black forest, this was paradise, town's dead, grief eater, greater than or equal to the bonk, conchúr white, swirling violets, bobsleigh bob, how to measure a coastline.

Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

Moscow metro underground small-group tour.

• See more images

Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 3 Hrs
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
• Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
• If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day