For the most part, cruise ships are so doggone BIG and have such high tech stabilizers, you hardly notice they are moving. Weather can be unpredictable, so here's a tip for folks worried about ship movement: the higher the cabin, and the further away from the center, the more movement you will feel. Cabins at the bow (front) have the most movement, aft (rear) next and midship the least movement. If you are worried about seasickness (although the VAST majority of people never experience it on a cruise) book a midship cabin on the lowest floor.
All cabins are not created equal. You have 4 basic choices, Inside Cabins, Oceanview Cabins, Balcony Cabins and Suites. Just to complicate things there are choices within those choices!
Inside cabins
These cabins are just what they sound like - cabins in the interior portion of the ship that, generally, have no windows. On the plus side, inside cabins are the cheapest onboard. The negative side is obvious, with only a few exceptions there are no windows. Within the inside category, here are your choices:
Upper/lower - Bunk beds. These are the smallest and sparsest of all cabins onboard.
Interior with Picture Window - You are looking out at a walkway, not always the best of views because it could mean you are staring at a lifeboat the entire cruise! But it's cheaper with some view nevertheless.
Porthole - A favorite of many cruisers. A cabin at the very front of the ship with either 2 portholes (you know those small round windows) or a picture window that you can actually sit in. If you get one of these cabins, the window is a great place to sit and read a book or have a cup of coffee while you watch the ocean roll by. They are classified as an interior cabin, with the lower interior cost, but you get a view.
Oceanview Cabins
Pretty much what the name implies - a cabin with a view of the ocean. You can either book an oceanview with an obstructed view (think lifeboat again) or a regular. Go for the regular.
Balcony Cabins
Get ready, this is the cabin category with the most choices! Here goes:
Cove Balcony - These are the newest types of balcony cabins. They are much closer to the waterline than other balconies. On the positive side, since they are closer to the waterline, so you get a whole different perspective and maybe even a splash of water as the ship sails along. On the negative side, because they are so close to the waterline, if the ship encounters rough weather, the crew might just close your balcony!
Aft Extended Balcony - Larger and located at the back of the ship. Your view is of the wake and many experienced cruisers love these cabins (like the Bride and Groom.)
Large Balcony - You got it. Larger.
Premium Vista Balcony - Aft balconies that wrap around the corners in the aft. They are also larger.
Suites - Junior, Grand and Ocean. They are wonderful, but you pay for wonderful.
Which floor?
So you've figured out which category of cabin you want. Now it's time to pick your floor. Take a peek at the deck plans found on the Carnival website. If you are a light sleeper, being directly above or below the casino and the kitchen can be noisy. Think clinking dishes at 5 am, and ding-ding-ding when the casino is open! If you are an early to bed person, directly above or below the large theater is probably not a good idea either, since there are several shows a night.
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