carnival cruise family harbor interior room

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.

Embrace the Journey Travel

memory making adventures with your whole family.

Carnival Family Harbor Rooms

Have you ever started your day on a cruise by having to gather your kids and make the trek up to Lido deck for breakfast? What a hassle! Do you wish there were a way to leisurely make your way just across or down the hall to a special lounge and eat breakfast there? Well, there is! Carnival Cruise Line’s Family Harbor rooms solve this issue and offer SO much more as well!

Carnival Ships

Carnival has 4 ships that feature Family Harbor rooms; the Vista, Horizon, and Panorama are all sister ships, and then the Mardi Gras has a smaller Family Harbor area with fewer rooms. The Mardi Gras does not have the Suite that is about to be featured. 

There are Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite options. My family booked the Suite and let me tell you it was an amazing experience! And it is priced comparable to the other basic suites on the ship, but with so many more amenities! All Suites on Carnival come with VIP check-in and priority tendering for shore excursions as well as a few other little perks. But these special Family Harbor rooms also come with access to the amazing lounge.

Please note that my experience was in 2019, so the experience may be a little different right now.  

The Lounge features a buffet continental breakfast which was SUCH a major perk for my family. All the Family Harbor rooms are in one area of the ship so it’s an easy walk right down the hall to get to the lounge. It was so much easier than going up to the Lido deck for breakfast!

The Lounge also features two lounge spaces with large TVs to hang out or play board games. And it also had a few video game stations in another area. Then of course the tables to sit and enjoy your breakfast or snack or just hang out. 

It was never crowded, as these lounges are only for Family Harbor rooms and those rooms are very limited.

The Lounge also had a snack buffet in the afternoon. And of course my kid’s favorite thing was the ice cream machines. That’s right, coffee and ice cream available from morning to night while the lounge was open. All of this food and drink is included in the cost of your cruise!

The Lounge does close in the evening, it is not open 24/7.

Now for the rooms! The rooms feature a fun nautical theme. The Suite was rather large and very comfortable for my family of 4 with older kids. There are two bathrooms (one does not have a toilet) and a very large closet. Here are some pictures!

Here, you can see the L-shaped couch made into a bed. There is also the option of a pull-down bed from the ceiling. So, these Suites sleep up to 5 people.

Another fun perk with a Suite on Carnival is the robes for you to use. The Family Harbor robes were a nice fleece and very cozy.

Contact your Embrace the Journey Travel agent today for more information on these amazing Carnival Cruise Line rooms!

Ready to start planning your trip to Carnival Cruise? Please fill out this form to get started!

Thanks to Embrace the Journey Travel’s Operations Coordinator, Joy Wolski, for writing this blog post for us.

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A Look Inside: Carnival Vista’s Family Harbor

During our sailing on the Carnival Vista , we had the opportunity to tour the new Family Harbor accommodations and lounge. From the bright colors, design and amenities, the Carnival Vista Family Harbor was designed specifically for those traveling with kids — and it shows in a big way!

As Carnival’s newest ship, these accommodations are exclusive to the Vista and I think it is safe to say they are going to be a huge hit with families. Here’s my look at the Carnival Vista Family Harbor area –

Show Me Inside!

Located on Deck 2 mid- and aft-ship, the Family Harbor staterooms and suites allow families to choose from interior, porthole, balcony and suite staterooms.

I had the opportunity to visit a balcony stateroom and fell in love with the nautical decor, created especially for these rooms.  Upon entering the room, you’ll notice the carpet, curtains and art are  different than typical rooms — the colors instantly brought a smile to my face.

While the room layouts are the same as typical staterooms on the ship, the suites do have an additional seating area that turns into a bed.  There’s even a curtain that you can swing closed for when little ones are napping or just need some quiet time. 

Each of the Family Harbor rooms are located within close proximity to the Family Harbor Lounge. (More on that in a minute.)

What’s Inside The Carnival Vista Family Harbor Lounge?

This common lounge area located just steps from the Family Harbor staterooms allows families to have more room to make memories. Grab breakfast in the lounge, instead of making your way to the Lido deck and enjoy snacks throughout the day – including ice cream!

There’s also plenty of Hasbro board games, movies, video game consoles and plenty of books to choose from for relaxing.

Open 24 hours a day, access to the lounge requires your Sign & Sail card – so no stowaways allowed!

What are the Benefits of a Family Harbor Stateroom?

In addition to the spacious Family Harbor Lounge, families staying in these particular staterooms also receive a free night of Night Owls babysitting service (after 1o p.m.) at Camp Ocean and children eat free at most of the specialty dining restaurants onboard the ship.

There’s also a dedicated concierge in the lounge, ready to help with any questions and planning throughout your trip.

I can’t wait for the Carnival Vista to arrive in New York this November — I really think this is a great space for families to have an enhanced cruise experience.

From the added space of the lounge, (hello ice cream!), the colorful decor and the ability to make more memories as a family, I hope to experience it with my family. For a family that has cruised together often, the Family Harbor area would be special for my girls — and our entire family.

Ready to Set Sail on the Carnival Vista? 

Carnival’s newest, largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Vista is set to operate a series of Mediterranean voyages through October before repositioning to New York for a series of departures in November 2016.

Carnival Vista  will launch year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean service from Miami in December 2016.

Be sure to check out the Carnival Cruise Line Facebook page and they’ve been posting some great pictures over on Twitter at @CarnivalCruise .

Would You Like to Stay in the Family Harbor Suites? 

** My husband and I sailed on the Carnival Vista Mediterranean sailing as guests of Carnival Cruise Line. Thoughts and opinions here are my own. ** 

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Just wondering if you thought this was for families with teenagers. While we love younger children, we no longer want to be around the hustle and bustle of younger children. We are thinking the convenience of having snacks and breakfast near by without having to go all the way up would be great. However, part of that convenience is also assuming it would be less crowded. If there are lots of young children running free, it might not be as enjoyable for our group.

Of course there are young children, that’s who it’s geared towards. If you want something for teens get a Havana suite.

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Booking Procedures

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Carnival Celebration (CB) Family Harbor Staterooms and Lounge

• Access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge between the hours of 6:00am-9:00pm, using your Sail & Sign card to enter. 
• If booking specialty dining pre-cruise, guest will have to pay for kids upfront since our online system does not currently recognize the type of stateroom booked; once on board, guest can get the charge adjusted/refunded.
• One free Night Owls evening at Camp Ocean for children 11 years of age and under.
• Continental breakfast buffet on port days, 6:30am-9:30am and sea days, 7:30am-10:30am
• Afternoon snack selections daily, 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Evening cookies and milk daily, 7:00pm-9:00pm
• 4358, 4362, 4364, 4372, 4374, 4382, 4384, 4390, 4392, 4396, 4400, 4404, 4408, 4412, 4416, 4424, 4428, 4432, 4438, 4446, 4450, 4456
• 4314, 4316, 4318, 4320, 4322, 4324, 4326, 4328, 4334, 4336, 4338, 4340, 4342, 4344, 4346, 4348, 4350, 4352, 4354, 4356, 4360, 4366, 4378, 4380, 4398, 4402, 4406, 4410, 4414, 4418, 4420, 4422, 4426, 4430, 4434, 4436, 4440, 4448, 4452, 4454, 4458 
• The following staterooms are Fully Accessible: 4366, 4378, 4380, 4398
• 4330, 4332, 4370, 4376, 4388, 4394

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Answers others found helpful.

• Carnival Horizon (HZ) Family Harbor Staterooms and Lounge
• Mardi Gras (MD) Family Harbor Staterooms and Lounge
• Carnival Vista (VS) Family Harbor Staterooms and Lounge
• Carnival Jubilee (JB) Family Harbor Lounge and Staterooms
• Carnival Panorama (PO) Family Harbor Staterooms and Lounge

Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

What To Expect In Carnival’s Interior Rooms 🚢🌊

If you’re planning a cruise with Carnival, you might be wondering what to expect from their interior rooms. After all, these rooms are typically the most affordable option, but they often come with a few trade-offs. However, as the saying goes, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’

While interior rooms may not have windows or natural light, they still offer plenty of amenities and features that can make your cruise experience unforgettable.

As someone who values freedom and flexibility, I was initially hesitant about booking an interior room. But after doing some research, I realized that there are many different types of interior rooms to choose from, each with their own unique perks and benefits.

From Cloud 9 Spa access to exclusive pool areas, there’s a lot to consider when booking an interior room. So, if you’re curious about what to expect from Carnival’s interior rooms, keep reading to learn more.

• Interior rooms on Carnival Cruise Line are the cheapest and smallest rooms on board and do not have any windows.
• These rooms can sleep 2 to 5 guests and size depends on the ship and category, between 155 and 185 square feet.
• There are different types of interior rooms with category codes, including Upper/Lower stateroom, Porthole rooms, Obstructed view rooms, and Premium Interior rooms.
• There are also specialized interior rooms, such as Cloud 9 Spa Interior Rooms, Family Harbor Interior Rooms, and Havana Interior Rooms, each offering unique perks and access to exclusive areas on the ship.

Location and View

I’ll be honest, the Interior Rooms on Carnival Cruise Line are situated on the inside of the ship away from the sides and do not have any windows, but that just means they’re perfect if you’re looking for a cozy and cost-effective space to catch up on some much-needed rest. While some may see the lack of windows as a downside, it can actually be a plus for those who love sleeping in complete darkness. Plus, the smaller size of the room can make it feel even more intimate and comfortable.

When it comes to room amenities, the Interior Rooms come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and plenty of storage space. However, if you’re looking for more natural light and a view of the ocean, there are alternative room options available, such as the Porthole and Obstructed View rooms.

It all comes down to personal preference and budget, but for those who prioritize rest and relaxation, the Interior Rooms are a great choice.

Size and Bed Configuration

The size of the beds and the room itself varies depending on the ship and category, ranging from 155 to 185 square feet. Interior rooms on Carnival Cruise Line typically feature either two twin beds or a King-size bed, which can be converted from the twin beds. The comfort level of the beds is subjective, but I found them to be comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep.

However, the Pullman beds, which are available in some Upper/Lower staterooms, may not be ideal for adults as they are smaller and less comfortable than the regular beds. Compared to other cabin types, Interior rooms are the cheapest and smallest on board. They are perfect for those who don’t plan to spend much time in their cabin and want to save money for other activities.

However, if you’re claustrophobic or prefer natural light, then Interior rooms with no windows may not be the best option for you. If you want more space and a view, you can opt for a Porthole or Window cabin, or even a Balcony cabin.

Overall, the size and bed configuration of Interior rooms provide a comfortable and budget-friendly option for those who prioritize activities over cabin amenities.

Types of Interior Rooms

When considering my options for a Carnival cruise, I researched the different types of cabins available and found that there are various categories of rooms classified as ‘Interior’ that offer unique perks and benefits. While they may be the cheapest and smallest rooms on board, they are perfect for those who prioritize budget and a good night’s sleep. However, the lack of natural light and view may not be ideal for everyone.

To help you decide which type of Interior room to choose, here is a table summarizing the different categories, their decor and amenities, as well as their pros and cons:

Overall, there is a type of Interior room for every type of traveler, whether you prioritize budget, relaxation, or family-friendly amenities. Consider the decor, amenities, and pros and cons of each category before making your decision.

Specialty Interior Rooms

Exploring the different categories of cabins on a Carnival cruise, I discovered that there are specialty options for Interior rooms that offer unique perks and benefits. These cabins are designed to cater to specific needs and preferences of guests, and offer a more personalized experience on the ship.

Here are some of the specialty Interior rooms available on Carnival cruises:

Cloud 9 Spa Interior Rooms – These rooms provide guests with spa-related perks such as priority bookings for Cloud 9 Spa and access to Thermal Suites. They also offer discounts, complimentary yoga or Pilates classes, and extra spa-branded bathrobes and slippers. These rooms are perfect for those who want to indulge in some relaxation and pampering during their cruise.

Family Harbor Interior Rooms – These rooms are family-friendly and provide access to the Family Harbor lounge. The lounge offers breakfast, daily snacks, board games, video games, and family movies. Kids eat free at most specialty restaurants with a Family Harbor cabin, and one free evening of Night Owls babysitting is provided at the kids club. These rooms are ideal for families who want to spend quality time together on the ship.

Havana Interior Rooms – These rooms provide access to the exclusive Havana Pool area, which is only for guests aged 12 and over. The pool area has swimming pools, hot tubs, and a relaxation area. The Havana Bar has lively Latin music and Cuban-inspired drinks. These rooms are perfect for guests who want to experience a more adult-oriented atmosphere on the ship.

Are there any interior rooms that are larger than the Premium Interior Rooms?

I’m not aware of any interior rooms larger than the premium option. From my experience, Carnival’s interior rooms vary in size and pricing. It’s important to compare room sizes and prices to find the best option for your budget and needs.

Is it possible to have more than 5 guests in an Interior Room?

Can you fit more than 5 guests in an interior room on a Carnival cruise? Unfortunately, no. Interior room privacy and entertainment options are limited and may not be suitable for larger groups. Consider upgrading to a larger room or booking multiple rooms for more space.

Do all Interior Rooms have the same amenities?

Not all interior rooms have the same amenities. Some have spa-related perks or access to exclusive lounges and pools. Room decor varies, but noise level can be an issue due to proximity to ship’s activities.

Are there any restrictions on who can book a Cloud 9 Spa Interior Room or a Havana Interior Room?

I found out that there are no restrictions on who can book Cloud 9 Spa or Havana interior rooms. The benefits include spa perks and access to exclusive areas. It’s important to consider location preferences when choosing a room.

Can guests in Interior Rooms use the same facilities as guests in Balcony or Suite cabins?

As a guest in an interior room, I have access to all the same facilities as those in balcony or suite cabins. However, interior room benefits like Cloud 9 Spa or Havana Pool access are exclusive to their designated rooms.

I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

• I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
• The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
• Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. 

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings. 

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board. 

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space 

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too. 

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda. 

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms. 

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.

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