Consider Taking The Grandparents
If you need to book two cabins but are a bit put off by the cost of paying full adult fare for the children, then consider taking two more adults with you. This way, you can have two adults and two children in one cabin and two adults and one child in another.
If you do this, you wont be tied to interconnecting cabins you can have cabins nearby or across the corridor, which hugely increases the availability of accommodation for your family.
If youre lucky enough to find an offer of kids sail for free, then bringing along their grandparents as well would cost you virtually nothing!
Aside from the cost savings, there are lots of reasons why cruises are a great option for multigenerational travel. Im sure youll all have a fantastic time together.
Have you sailed as a family of five, six, seven or eight? Which accommodation option did you choose? Let me know in the comments below
Drawbacks Of Quad Cabins
If you plan to spend a significant amount of time in your cabin, its likely you will find your cruise ship quad family cabin to be a bit cramped. It can also be inconvenient to have four people share one small bathroom. The great thing about being on a cruise ship, though, is that there is always another bathroom just down the hallway or up a few stairs. If you have older children, consider whether or not they may resent the lack of privacy these accommodations bring with them. If that is the case, you may find it preferable to get two adjoining double staterooms instead.
About Carnival Cruise Cabins
Carnival ships have five basic types of cruise ship cabins:
- Interior: These value-priced cabins are the smallest and most basic of any on board but include adequate facilities for budget-minded passengers.
- Ocean View: With a view of the sea either through a window or portholes, passengers in these cabins won’t miss a moment of the great scenery during their cruise.
- Balcony: A small private balcony offers a restful retreat with these cabins. A small table and chairs are usually provided on the balcony, and the interior cabin furnishings tend to be more luxurious.
- Suite: These cabins are larger than other categories and feature a separate sitting area and a private balcony.
- Penthouse Suite: The most luxurious cabins aboard Carnival’s ships, these suites are the largest cabins and have a walk-in closet and whirlpool bath that aren’t found in other cabin categories.
Depending on the size of the ship and the arrangement of the cabins, additional features may be available such as adjoining rooms, upper and lower bunks, and corner cabins with wraparound balconies. Some cabins also feature obstructed views though the impact on passenger enjoyment is minimal.
Recommended Reading: What Is An Alaskan Cruise
How Staterooms Are All Different
Unlike standard hotel rooms in land-based resorts, different types of cruise ship staterooms can vary significantly in size, easy access to different parts of the ship, type of view, sleeping arrangements, and amenities, not to mention cost differences.
While there are no bad staterooms on any Carnival cruise ship, just how well a specific stateroom meets your needs and expectations depends on how well you understand the different cabin types available.
Get your cruise cabin closet organizer from Amazon right here.
Researching cabins before you book and choosing the cabin that best meets your cruise vacation desires will help you be sure to have a relaxing, comfortable room to call your own on the cruise.
Things I Liked Better About Carnival Than Royal Caribbean Cruise
I recently cruised with Carnival Cruise Line for the first time in a decade. As someone who loves cruising with Royal Caribbean, it was fun to experience something that felt totally different than what I am used to.
Every cruise line adds their own special flair to cruising and each cruise ship has their own personality. While Royal Caribbeans mega-ships are packed with onboard thrills and stunning entertainment, Carnival Cruise Line focuses on having a party-like atmosphere on its ships.
Last month, I sailed on Carnival Ecstasy for a 4-night cruise to Mexico from Mobile, Alabama with my sister. Even though this was the oldest ship in Carnivals fleet, and one of the oldest cruise ships sailing for any major cruise line, we were both excited to see what Carnival had to offer.
Since it had been so long since my last Carnival cruise, I really didnt know what to expect. I didnt want to be disappointed, so I kept expectations understandably low.
My last Carnival cruise was during spring break back in college and it was pretty wild – and very cheap. The main reason we actually booked Carnival back in the day was because of how cheap it was compared to other cruise lines.
The minute we walked on board Carnival Ecstasy, we could tell the Carnival culture would be different than what we are used to on Royal Caribbean. The music was louder, the drinks were overflowing and the people were there to party – including a rowdy granny during the sail away!
Read Also: Best River Cruise In Usa
Other Royal Caribbean Cabins That Sleep 4 Or More
Many of Royal Caribbeans standard cabins and suites can sleep three or four guests, either with sofa beds or pull-down bunks above. A family of four will fit, but space might be tight when everyone is getting ready at the same time for dinner or an outing in port.
Royal Caribbean has plenty of connecting cabins if you have the budget to spend more for that extra living and bathroom space. Just be sure you price compare because it might be better value to book one suite, with the accompanying Royal Suite Class perks, than two standard cabins.
How To Find Cruise Ship Cabins That Sleep 5
Cruise lines websites arent the best when it comes to searching for cruise cabins for five people. Often theyll just say call us to make your booking. And travel agents websites are often even worse.
The best resource Ive found online for listing the cabins that sleep five on each ship is this one from militarycruisedeals.com. It also gives you a rough idea of the price of each which is really handy. Other than that, your best bet is to call your travel agent and ask what is likely to be available around the dates you want to travel.
Also Check: Which Cruise Lines Have Single Occupancy Cabins
A Carnival Cruise Line Cabin Primer
As is typical for many cruise ships, Carnival vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites.
On newer Carnival ships, a significant portion of cabins are balcony cabins the category of cabin that everyone wants these days. But the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins on Carnivals newer ships isnt nearly as high as youll find on the newer ships of some rival lines such as Royal Caribbean. About 44% of the 2,004 cabins on Carnivals three-year-old Carnival Panorama are balcony cabins, for instance. Compare that to the 65% of cabins on Royal Caribbeans three-year-old Symphony of the Seas that are balcony cabins.
As noted above, Carnival ships also have fewer suites than youll find on the ships of some of its rival lines. By contrast, the lines newer ships have a higher percentage of inside cabins than youll find on the newer ships of some rival lines.
Heres a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Carnival Panorama, which is typical of the lines newer ships:
Inside cabins: 789 Balcony cabins: 891 Suites: 70
On older Carnival ships , there are far fewer balcony cabins. Only 10% of the 1,028 cabins on Carnivals oldest vessel, the 1991-built Carnival Ecstasy, are balcony cabins.
On Carnival Ecstasy, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins make up the majority of accommodations, and suites account for 5% of rooms:
Inside cabins: 408 Balcony cabins: 98 Suites: 54
Carnival Cruise Stateroom Types
With more than two dozen unique ships in the fleet, more vessels under construction, and upgrades always being implemented, the exact style, selection, and number of staterooms of any specific type varies between Carnival ships.
Furthermore, the availability of different staterooms will change based on sailing dates and when you book your cruise.
Interior cabins are found on all Carnival cruise ships, and while they lack any view of the ocean, they are more affordable for budget-conscious travelers. The lack of an exterior view makes these rooms darker, which is ideal for sensitive sleepers. This may not be as suitable for passengers with claustrophobia or similar conditions, however.
These cabins are typically located on lower decks, making them further from most cruise activities but also in potentially quieter areas of the ship. Some interior staterooms may also be found on upper decks, but their numbers are more limited.
Oceanview staterooms have broad windows that let in abundant natural light and provide stunning views of the ocean and ports of call.
Views can vary with window sizes, and some oceanview cabins do have obstructed views when railings or lifeboats block part of the view, but those obstructed view staterooms are generally slightly cheaper than open views. Oceanview staterooms can be found in nearly any area of the ship, from very far forward to aft-facing views.
A power strip for your cruise cabin will be helpful.
Also Read: Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
Don’t Miss: Where Is Viking Sky Cruise Ship Now
How Cruise Lines Charge You
What most people dont realize is that cruise lines do not charge you per room as most hotels or resorts do. They actually charge you per person, based on what kind of room you are getting.
For example, lets say a balcony room is $1,000 and an interior room is only $500.
If you put 2 people in a balcony room, it will cost you $2,000 total. But if you put the same 2 people in an interior room, it will cost you $1,000. You get the same food options and the same amenities onboard the cruise ship. Youre just paying for a nicer room.
So thats all fine and dandy if you are traveling with just 2 people.
But what if there are 4 people traveling in your group? Then the prices would look a little like this:
4 people in a balcony room would cost you $4,000, while 4 people in an interior room would cost you $2,000.
So basically its the exact same room, but you are actually paying more based on how many people you cram into them. And trust me, 4 people in a cruise ship cabin is NOT fun.
Most people assume you have to book a room to accommodate your family size. And thats what the cruise ships want you to think too
Inside Cabins On Royal Caribbean Ships
These are the cabins you stay in when youre on a tight budget. On any Royal Caribbean ship, they almost always are the least-expensive option when youre booking a cabin, and you often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.
What youll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world .
Youll also be in a very small room. Inside cabins on Symphony of the Seas measure just 149 square feet, quite a bit less than the typical ocean view cabin on the vessel . The typical balcony cabin on Symphony of the Seas is 182 square feet, not including a 50-square-foot balcony.
As I hinted at above, there is one way to get a glimpse of the outside world from an inside cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. In one of the great cruising innovations, Royal Caribbean has created some inside cabins which have a virtual balcony that offers a view of the outside.
Related: The upside of booking an inside cabin
The virtual balcony is a high-definition screen built into one end of the windowless room that projects a real-time view of the ocean outside. Its designed to make you think youre actually in a balcony cabin with a view, and it is quite realistic-looking.
Just dont try to walk through the faux balcony opening.
Read Also: Deals On Last Minute Cruises
Carnival Legend Staterooms Review Floor Plans Photos
Carnival Legend 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 byCarnival Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.
The Carnival Legend cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.
Carnival Legend Cabins Review
The Carnival cruise ship Legend has a total of 17 wheelchair-accessible cabins and no Spa cabins . The number of all cabin categories is 28.
Connecting rooms are located on decks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The list of connecting cabins grades includes: 2 beds , 2-3 beds , and 2-3-4 beds . Handicap staterooms are in categories GS-Grand Suie , Balcony , Oceanview and Interior .
Follows the review of Carnival Legend staterooms as amenities, furniture, and complimentary services:
Carnival Legend Suites have 2 twin beds , dressing area , private bathroom . 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. The list of perks for all suites includes: priority embarkation/debarkation/tendering , priority main dining room reservations, complimentary bottled water in cabins, a complimentary bag of laundry , enhanced turndown service.
All balcony accommodations feature a private balcony with sliding glass doors . Premium Vista Balcony cabins are located around the shipâs aft corners and have same suite amenities . Extended Balcony cabins are in 4 grades â 8N, 8M, 8K, and 8J. These staterooms have 50% larger balconies, 3 closets, full bathroom . Some 8N-8M rooms have a sofa bed for a 3rd person. Some 8K-8J rooms have sofa and/or bunk bed for 3rd/4th person.
You can see all the furniture details on Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Legend cabin plans in the above table.
Read Also: Who Owns Pearl Seas Cruises
Parent Switching Rooms With Kids
I am so regretting buying this cruise. My husband and I have 4 children: 2 adults and 2 minors: . I called Carnival to book 3 staterooms for us. Since it was a last minute cruise there were no adjoining staterooms but they got us 3 very close together, on the same hallway. But then the customer service person told me that I couldn’t put my kids together. Even though I was going to put the boys and the girls together so that each minor was with an adult. Can’t do it, they said. But no worries, just book each parent with a minor and then switch rooms when you get on board. This is what they told me. So I did. Now I realize this will be a nightmare. No one will have a key that opens their own room. And the beverage packages and cruise cash programs aren’t going to work. No one will have the correct ones. Help! Has anyone been able to get Customer Care to give you an extra card to a room that your children are in. I called Carnival and they told me I should ask on board and they MIGHT help. But no guarantees. Also, can someone tell me what Sign and Sail cards look like? Do they have names on them? Room #’s? Someone said that when you use them to purchase things, the picture of the cardholder comes up, is this true? Is there anyone who has done this successfully?
Oceanview Cabins On Cruise Ships
Oceanview cabins: as sizes are similar to Interior staterooms on cruise ships, but each of them has a Porthole or normal window . Their window sizes also vary by line and ship. On some ocean ships and some luxury river ships, such staterooms feature floor-ceiling windows. Oceanview rooms window sizes are usually 4×3 ft . As furniture, Oceanview cruise cabins have twin beds that convert to King-size, sofa, TV and phone, sitting area, safe, mini bar, private bath with shower, and also a washroom with sink and a junior tub, bathrobes and a hairdryer and of course a picture window. You should take a look at the cruise ship deck plans again as Cabins of 5A category have two porthole windows. Unlike deluxe, there is no washroom with sink and junior tub. Below are the layouts of Ovation of the Seas Oceanview cabins .
Read Also: Cruises Out Of Mobile Al 2021
Read Also: How To Get Free Cruises From Casino
Msc Seaside Grand Suite
The Grand Suite on the MSC Seaside is as advertised: grand, indeed! This two-bedroom family cabin has a king bed in the master bedroom and pair of twin beds that can convert to a queen, plus a single pullman bed, in the second bedroom. There are two bathrooms allowing your kids to have their own shower, while you enjoy the choice of a relaxing hot shower or a long warm soak in the tub. Theres plenty of space for your stuff as well as for your family in this oversized cruise ship cabin. The walk-in closet is impressive as is the family room with sofa and seating for five. But the real star is the balcony with stellar ocean views and enough seating for everyone to truly relax and get away from the crowds on the public decks.
Jeff Bogle lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his two teen daughters, two cats, one dog and six guinea pigs. He is an award-winning photographer and respected travel journalist with bylines on Readers Digest, Good Housekeeping, PBS, Esquire and more. Jeff spends too much time in England watching football and far too many hours plotting his familys future travel adventures. Find Jeff on his own site, Out With the Kids.