Hello, cruise fans!
In this article, I want to discuss the cabins to avoid on Carnival ships.
As on all cruise ships, on Carnival Cruise Line there are beautiful cabins that are worth the price you pay, while others can have various problems including noise, obstructed views, and less-than-ideal locations.
In particular, I will list the 10 cabins that in my opinion are the worst and you should avoid.
I hope this list helps you find the right cabin for your next dream cruise!
Cabins near music venues
It’s probably obvious but the cabins you should definitely avoid on Carnival are the ones near places where there’s music.
For example, you should look out for the theater. The shows never end too late but in some cases, the artists might have rehearsals afterward.
In addition, pay attention to all places where music is played especially till late at night, such as lounges, bars, or clubs.
Remember that the rule with music is that you have to avoid the decks above it. So since on Carnival the theater and most of the music venues are on Deck 5, you should avoid cabins on Deck 6.
One thing I recommend, though, is always to check the updated plan for your specific cruise ship. For example, on the Excel class ships these areas are on deck 7, and therefore you should avoid deck 8.
Cabins near the propellers
To move so many tons, cruise ships have engines with giant propellers.
Thanks to modern technology, the propellers are not noisy during navigation but can become very noisy during docking maneuvers at the port.
Especially when using the side thrusters, the cabin can start shaking and therefore you may wake up early in the morning.
I always try to avoid the cabins that are located above the propellers, i.e. those on the lower decks in the rear part of the ship and on the sides of the front part (because there are lateral propellers on the front too).
Cabins with obstructed view
Before booking, always check if the cabin you have chosen has an obstructed view.
Usually, these cabins have lifeboats or other metal parts of the ship in front of them.
In most cases, you will pay slightly less for them but in my opinion, they are still not worth the price.
If you go on a cruise and choose a cabin with a balcony you want to enjoy the sea and the view, you don’t want to have a lifeboat right in front of you! I avoid them like the plague!
Cabins too close or too far from elevators
I’ve already said this while talking about the cabins to avoid on Royal Caribbean: you have to pick a cabin at the right distance from the elevators, neither too near nor too far.
If you get a cabin too close to the elevators, you risk hearing people chattering while they wait.
On the contrary, if you get a cabin too far from them you will have to walk a lot whenever you want to move around the ship.
My advice is to choose a cabin close to the elevators but not right in front of them. Calculate at least another 5 or 6 rooms away from the elevator door and it will be perfect
Cabins under the pool
The pool is one of the noisiest areas of the ship.
Especially if it is summer and you leave the balcony door open you might hear people’s voices, children’s cackling, or music coming from the onboard activities.
In addition, noise can come from upstairs when heavy things are moved, such as the pool loungers or the carts with towels.
I therefore advise you to avoid all the cabins that are located under the pool area, if you want to be really safe choose a deck that is at least two floors below it.
Cabins that make seasickness worse
Did you know that on a cruise ship, there are certain areas where you feel the movement of the waves more?
If you suffer from seasickness try to avoid taking a cabin at the ends of the ship, extreme bow or extreme stern. Those areas have greater sway because they directly impact the waves.
In addition, avoid cabins on decks that are too high; the greater the distance from the sea, the greater the sway.
Cabins at the very front of the ship
Some cabins you should absolutely avoid are those located at the front of the ship.
Not the bow cabins in general, but more specifically the forward-facing balcony rooms.
The reason is quite simple, there will be an incredibly strong wind on your balcony when the ship is moving, so you will not be able to enjoy it to relax, have a sea-view breakfast, or sunbathe.
I have seen that there are several of these cabins, especially on new ships such as Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.
The good thing is that the balconies are larger than normal and they also put windshields on the front, but I would honestly still avoid them.
Connecting cabins
Connecting cabins are not always bad. In fact, they are very useful if you have a large family or you’re traveling with friends.
However, try to avoid them if you only need one cabin. In this case, the door between the cabins will be locked but the soundproofing is still not as good as a cabin wall.
I must admit that over the years the quality of the doors has improved and they have become well soundproofed, but if there are noisy people on the other side I assure you that you will still hear them.
Expensive cabins (when not needed)
Sometimes people tell me that they spend a lot for expensive suites, and then save money on activities or excursions.
In my opinion, there is nothing more wrong. I think that a cruise is a vacation that should be experienced outside the cabin.
Therefore, spending a lot of money on a cabin where you will only go to sleep makes little sense.
I can understand if you are a large family and need space but I assure you that I have seen couples who have booked family suites.
Sure do it if you have money to spend, but if it means cutting your budget elsewhere definitely avoid an overpriced cabin. I can assure you that it is possible to have a beautiful cruise even in the cheapest cabins.
In this regard, have a look at my article on why sometimes the inside cabin is even the best choice!
Havana Rooms
Some Carnival ships have Havana category cabins (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Jubilee).
What are they and why do I recommend avoiding them? These cabins have a Cuban-inspired style and offer passengers certain additional features such as access to a private pool and unique things in the room like swing chairs on patios.
Let me say two things:
First, the inside and balcony rooms have just a different decor so, in my opinion, are not worth the price.
Second, the “Cabana rooms” have a special patio area which is like a bigger balcony. However, you can see from the picture below they don’t overlook the sea but there’s a part of the deck where people can walk by.
Privacy on a cruise is one of the most important things to me, so I wouldn’t choose them.
That doesn’t mean it has to be the same for you, always evaluate the cabins based on your preferences.
For example, if you like having a lot of space to sunbathe it could be a good cabin for you.
Specific list for each ship
Let’s now look at the specific cabin numbers and decks you should avoid for each ship.
I really wanted to make this specific distinction between each ship because, as you probably know, the internal design often changes, and it’s important to understand which ship we are referring to.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Sunshine
- Deck 2: almost all cabins except those at the very bow – These cabins are located under the restaurants and under the kitchens. They can potentially be very noisy.
- Deck 5: cabins 5301, 5302, 5303, and 5304 – These cabins are too close to the Ocean Plaza dance floor.
- Deck 6 and 7: cabins from 6101 to 6106, from 7101 to 7106 – These are Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View) cabins and have obstructed views.
- Deck 9: cabins from the middle ship all the way to the back – These cabins are just below the pool and the buffet area and can potentially be noisy.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Paradise
- Deck 5: cabins M258, M260, M262, M265, M267 and M269 – These cabins are at the rear of the ship and on a low deck. You may experience more noise and vibration from the propellers.
- Deck 7: avoid all the cabins – This deck is below some of the noisiest areas of the ship. Dining rooms, kitchens, bars, and the main lounge are on deck 8 so you should avoid the deck below it.
- Deck 11: cabins V21, V23, V25, V27, V30, V34, V38 and V42 – These junior suites have obstructed views with lifeboats right in front of them.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Elation
- Deck 7: avoid all the cabins – This deck is below some of the noisiest areas of the ship. Dining rooms, kitchens, bars, and the main lounge are on deck 8 so you should avoid the deck below it.
- Deck 9: all the cabins in the back are located under the buffet, it would be better to avoid them.
- Deck 11: the junior suite number V21, V23, V25, V27, V30, V34, V38, and V42 have an obstructed view from the balcony.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Sunrise
- Deck 2: almost all cabins except those at the front are located under the restaurants and kitchens. You may hear the sounds of carts or heavy objects being moved.
- Deck 3: cabins from 3101 to 3143 – Avoid them because are located under the theater.
- Deck 8: cabins from midship to the end – They are located under the swimming pools and some restaurants and therefore should be avoided.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Radiance
- Deck 3: cabins from 3101 to 3143 – Avoid them because are located under the theater.
- Deck 6: many of the cabins, except those in the back, are located above areas that may have music. I would this deck if possible.
- Deck 8: cabins from midship to the end – They are located under the swimming pools and some restaurants and therefore should be avoided.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Spirit
- Deck 5: bow cabins from 5101 to 5231 – They are located above the theater so you may hear music or vibrations during the shows.
- Deck 4 and 5: Many cabins on these two decks have their views obstructed by the lifeboats. Check carefully before booking, the cabins with obstructed views are those in the 4K, 7A and 9A categories.
- Deck 8: all cabins on this deck may be noisy because they are located under the pools and under the buffet.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Pride
- Deck 4 and 5: there are many cabins on these two decks that have obstructed views by lifeboats. They are in the 4K, 7A and 9A categories so avoid them.
- Deck 5: the cabins in the front from 5101 to 5231 are located above the theater so may be noisy.
- Deck 8: this deck is located under the pool, the buffet and many public areas of the ship. It may be better to avoid it.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Legend
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Conquest
- Deck 2: if possible avoid all cabins on this deck. Upstairs are the restaurants and kitchens, so you may hear some noise.
- Deck 6: some of the cabins on deck 6 could be noisy, especially due to the music. Pay particular attention to those located above the theater and above the Henri Dance Club, which is the ship’s nightclub (on deck 5)
- Deck 8: the cabins from number 8296 onwards (going towards the back) are located under the pools and the buffet.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Glory
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Miracle
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Valor
- Deck 6: I advise you to avoid this deck if possible. Many cabins may be noisy because on the deck below there is the theater, several bars, and the nightclub.
- Deck 8: cabins from the 8296 onwards are located under the swimming pools and the buffet. You may hear noises, so if possible they should be avoided.
- Deck 6, 7, and 10: 4J cabins facing the front of the ship have an obstructed view.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Liberty
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Freedom
- Deck 2: unfortunately above this deck there are many ship activities that can create noise. Especially the kitchens and restaurants. If you want a perfectly quiet room, avoid this deck.
Moreover, cabins 2446 and 2449 have obstructed views. - Deck 6: some cabins on deck 6 can have problems with the music coming from the bottom floor. Especially if you are above the 70’s Night Club.
- Deck 9: avoid cabins from 9277 to 9294 because are right below Carnival Waterworks which is the waterpark of this ship.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Splendor
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Dream
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Magic
- Deck 2: The cabins on this deck can be noisy. Especially those found under the galley.
- Deck 6: cabins 6244 to 6271 are to be avoided because they are located right above the theater.
- Deck 9: cabins 9300 and up on this deck are located below the main pool and Lido Marketplace, it would be best to avoid them if you are sensitive to noise.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Breeze
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Vista
- Deck 2: cabins form 2274 onwards are located under the restaurant, the kitchens and some areas where there is music. Avoid them if possible.
- Deck 3: cabins 3237 and 3242 adjoin public areas so I would avoid them.
- Deck 6: some cabins on this deck are right above the theater and Piano Bar 88, as I told you at the beginning of the article, avoid the cabins that are located above areas where there is music.
- Deck 9: cabins from 9289 onwards are located under the lido and the pools. You may hear noises, especially the movement of cots or children shouting.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Horizon
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Panorama
Cabins to avoid on Mardi Gras
- Deck 8: some Havana accommodations can be noisy, especially those located directly above the theater.
- Deck 15: cabins from 15320 onwards can be noisy. Above is the Lido deck and the buffet.
- Deck 17: cabins from 17248 onwards can be noisy because there is a swimming pool above.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Luminosa
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Celebration
- Deck 5: all the cabins on this deck are located below noisy areas (restaurants, bars, theater). If you can avoid this deck, in particular cabins 5203, 5206, 5210, 5214, 5218, 5222 which are right next to the spa.
- Deck 8: pay attention because this deck has the Havana accommodations. Many of them are right above the theater.
- Deck 15: most of the cabins on this deck are under the lido. If you choose this deck, opt for the cabins at the front of the ship.
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Venezia
Cabins to avoid on Carnival Jubilee
- Deck 5: all the cabins on this deck are located below noisy areas (restaurants, bars, theater). If you can avoid this deck, in particular cabins 5203, 5206, 5210, 5214, 5218, 5222 which are right next to the spa.
- Deck 8: cabin 8292 is right next to Chibang, and cabin 8305 is right next to the Havana Bar. Avoid them and pay attention also to the other rooms on this deck. They can be above the theater.
- Deck 15: cabins ranging from number 15316 onwards can be noisy because they are located under the lido deck.
