Cruise Lines Compared

Carnival vs Royal Caribbean Cabins

Updated February 13, 20258 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

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The short answer

Carnival cabins generally cost less and offer lively, family‑friendly layouts, while Royal Caribbean cabins are pricier but provide more upscale finishes, larger balconies and higher‑tech features; choose based on budget, desired space and on‑board amenities.

When you book a cruise, the cabin you choose shapes every day at sea, from how much you spend to how much you enjoy the ship’s amenities. Carnival and Royal Caribbean, the two biggest mainstream lines, both offer a range of staterooms, yet their price points, deck locations and on‑board perks differ enough that the right choice depends on your priorities. Carnival typically positions its interior and ocean‑view rooms at around $80‑$150 per night for a seven‑day Caribbean sailing, while Royal Caribbean’s comparable cabins sit nearer $120‑$200, reflecting more spacious designs and higher‑end finishes.

This article walks through the key cabin categories – interior, ocean‑view, balcony and suite – on both lines, highlighting typical price bands, where you’ll find them on the ship, and the practical trade‑offs such as noise, view, and access to exclusive areas. We’ll also examine how deck placement influences proximity to pools, dining venues and elevators, and why those details matter for families, couples and solo travellers. By the end you’ll have a clear picture of which line’s cabins align with your travel style and budget.

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Interior cabins: budget‑friendly basics

Carnival’s interior cabins are the most economical option, with typical fares of $80‑$130 per night on a seven‑day itinerary. Located on lower decks such as 3 to 5, they benefit from the ship’s central axis, meaning shorter walks to most public venues but also a higher likelihood of hearing engine noise or foot traffic. The cabins are compact, usually around 150‑170 square feet, and feature a simple layout with a queen‑size bed, a small sitting area and a bathroom with a walk‑in shower. For budget‑conscious travellers, the trade‑off is limited natural light and no view, but the lower price frees up funds for shore excursions or specialty dining.

Royal Caribbean’s interior cabins sit in a similar price bracket, typically $120‑$180 per night, but they are often slightly larger—about 180‑200 square feet—and include modern touches such as a larger flat‑screen TV and a virtual balcony screen that streams live views from the ship’s actual balcony decks. These cabins are usually found on decks 4 to 6, placing them closer to the ship’s main atrium and dining rooms. The added technology can make the lack of a window feel less restrictive, yet the higher price means you’re paying for a more refined interior rather than pure savings.

Carnival interior: $80‑$130 per night, 150‑170 sq ft, decks 3‑5
Royal interior: $120‑$180 per night, 180‑200 sq ft, decks 4‑6
Royal adds virtual balcony screens for a view‑like experience

Ocean‑view cabins: a glimpse of the sea

On Carnival, ocean‑view cabins typically cost $110‑$170 per night and are positioned on decks 6 to 8, offering porthole windows that let in natural light and a glimpse of the horizon. These rooms average 170‑190 square feet and include a small balcony‑style seating nook that can double as a workspace. The main advantage is the psychological boost of a view without the premium price of a full balcony, though the windows are small and can be obstructed by railings on lower decks, so the quality of the view varies by ship and cabin location.

Royal Caribbean’s ocean‑view cabins are priced around $150‑$220 per night and are generally placed on decks 7 to 9, where the portholes are larger and positioned higher, providing clearer vistas. The cabins are about 190‑210 square feet and often feature a larger glass panel that can be opened for fresh air on ships equipped with that option. The trade‑off is a modest price increase for a more substantial view and slightly more space, which can be worthwhile for couples or solo travellers who value a daily visual connection to the sea.

Carnival ocean‑view: $110‑$170, decks 6‑8, 170‑190 sq ft
Royal ocean‑view: $150‑$220, decks 7‑9, 190‑210 sq ft
Royal’s larger portholes often open for fresh air

Balcony cabins: private outdoor space

Balcony cabins on Carnival are a popular mid‑range choice, typically priced $150‑$250 per night for a seven‑day Caribbean cruise. They are found on decks 9 to 12, offering a private balcony of about 4‑6 ft², enough for a small table and two chairs. The cabins range from 190‑210 square feet and include a larger bathroom with a bathtub, which is a step up from the interior’s walk‑in showers. The main benefit is the ability to step outside without leaving the cabin, but the downside can be higher noise from nearby pool decks and a slight increase in cabin price relative to interior rooms.

Royal Caribbean’s balcony cabins command a higher price, usually $200‑$320 per night, reflecting larger balconies—often 6‑8 ft²—and more spacious interiors of 210‑240 square feet. They sit on decks 10 to 13, close to premium venues such as the Solarium and specialty restaurants. The extra space allows for a comfortable lounge chair and sometimes a small minibar. The trade‑off is the premium cost, yet for couples seeking a romantic setting or families wanting a private outdoor area for children, the added square footage and better balcony placement can justify the expense.

Carnival balcony: $150‑$250, decks 9‑12, 4‑6 ft² balcony
Royal balcony: $200‑$320, decks 10‑13, 6‑8 ft² balcony
Royal balconies are larger and closer to premium venues

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Suites: luxury and exclusive perks

Carnival’s suite offerings include the Junior Suite and the Grand Suite, with typical rates of $250‑$400 per night for a week‑long cruise. Junior Suites are located on decks 12 to 14 and provide roughly 300‑350 square feet, a separate sitting area, and a larger balcony of about 10 ft². Grand Suites, positioned on decks 15 to 16, can exceed 500 square feet, feature a private whirlpool tub, and grant priority boarding and a dedicated concierge. The trade‑off is the steep price jump, but the added space and exclusive services make them attractive for special occasions or travellers who value privacy and upscale amenities.

Royal Caribbean’s suite hierarchy is broader, ranging from the Junior Suite at $300‑$450 per night to the Owner’s Suite at $800‑$1,200 per night. Junior Suites sit on decks 13 to 15 with 350‑400 square feet and a balcony of 12‑15 ft², while the Owner’s Suite, located on the top deck, occupies a full floor with 1,200‑1,500 square feet, multiple balconies, a private lounge, and a butler service. The trade‑off is a substantial financial commitment, yet the exclusive access to the ship’s private lounge, priority embarkation and personalized service can turn a cruise into a truly luxurious experience.

Carnival Junior Suite: $250‑$400, 300‑350 sq ft, decks 12‑14
Royal Junior Suite: $300‑$450, 350‑400 sq ft, decks 13‑15
Royal Owner’s Suite: $800‑$1,200, full‑deck, private butler

Family‑friendly cabin configurations

Both lines design certain cabins for families, but the approach differs. Carnival’s “Family Harbor” cabins are located on decks 8 to 10 and feature two adjoining rooms with a connecting door, each with its own bathroom, costing about $180‑$260 per night for a family of four. These cabins provide separate sleeping zones for parents and children while keeping everyone on the same deck, which simplifies access to the ship’s kids’ clubs and pool areas. The compromise is that the combined price can approach that of a single balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean, but the convenience for families often outweighs the cost.

Royal Caribbean offers “Family Suites” on decks 11 to 13, typically priced $250‑$350 per night. These suites include a master bedroom, a secondary sleeping area with bunk beds, and a larger living space that can accommodate up to six guests. The advantage is the added privacy of a separate master suite and the ability to keep younger children in a safe, enclosed area. However, the higher price reflects the larger footprint and the fact that these suites are often located near premium amenities, meaning families may need to walk a bit farther to the children’s pool.

Carnival Family Harbor: $180‑$260, decks 8‑10, two connecting rooms
Royal Family Suite: $250‑$350, decks 11‑13, master + bunk area
Both provide dedicated kids’ zones but differ in price and deck placement

Cabin selection trade‑offs: noise, accessibility and resale value

Noise levels vary noticeably across decks. On Carnival, cabins on lower decks (3‑5) are closer to engine rooms and galley traffic, resulting in occasional vibrations and louder corridors, whereas upper decks (10‑12) enjoy quieter surroundings but are nearer to pool decks where music can be louder. Accessibility is also a factor; mid‑deck cabins often have shorter elevator waits, while lower‑deck cabins may require more stairs. The trade‑off is balancing a lower price against potential disturbance and longer walks to amenities.

Royal Caribbean’s ships are designed with a “quiet zone” concept, placing interior and ocean‑view cabins on decks 4‑7 away from the main atrium, reducing foot traffic noise. Balcony and suite cabins on higher decks (10‑13) benefit from reduced engine vibration and better views but may experience more wind and motion on rough seas. Higher decks also command higher resale values on the secondary market, making them a smarter long‑term investment for frequent cruisers. The decision hinges on whether you prioritise immediate comfort, budget constraints or future resale potential.

Carnival lower decks: cheaper, more engine noise
Royal quiet zones: decks 4‑7, less foot traffic
Higher decks retain resale value on both lines

Key takeaways

Carnival interiors are cheapest but lack views; Royal interiors add tech for a higher price.
Balcony cabins on Royal offer larger private spaces and better deck placement than Carnival.
Family‑focused cabins differ in layout and cost; Carnival’s connecting rooms are budget‑friendly.
Higher decks reduce noise and improve resale value, but command premium prices on both lines.

Where to book this cruise

Book early to lock in the lowest cabin rates and secure preferred deck locations, especially for balcony and suite categories. Use the ship’s interior layout maps to verify proximity to pools, elevators and noisy areas before finalising. Compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price difference between Carnival and Royal Caribbean interior cabins?

Carnival interior cabins usually run $80‑$130 per night, while Royal Caribbean interiors are about $120‑$180, reflecting larger size and added technology such as virtual balcony screens.

Are balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean always larger than Carnival’s?

Yes, Royal Caribbean balcony cabins generally provide 6‑8 ft² of outdoor space compared with Carnival’s 4‑6 ft², and the interior square footage is also higher, often 210‑240 sq ft versus 190‑210 sq ft on Carnival.

Which line offers better family cabin configurations for a family of four?

Carnival’s Family Harbor cabins, two adjoining rooms on decks 8‑10, cost $180‑$260 and keep the family on the same deck, while Royal’s Family Suites on decks 11‑13 cost $250‑$350 and provide a master bedroom plus bunk area; Carnival is cheaper, Royal offers more privacy.

Do higher deck cabins retain value better for resale?

Both lines see higher resale values for cabins on upper decks because they are quieter, have better views and are less affected by engine noise, making them attractive on the secondary market.

How does cabin location affect noise levels on Carnival ships?

Cabins on lower decks (3‑5) are closer to engine rooms and galley traffic, leading to more vibration and corridor noise, whereas mid‑deck and upper‑deck cabins (8‑12) are farther from these sources and generally quieter, though upper decks may be nearer to pool music.