Why Some Cruisers Swear By Carnival’s Cove Balconies – And Others Avoid Them

If you’ve spent any time researching Carnival cruises, you’ve probably come across something called a Cove Balcony. They’ve been around for over a decade, but plenty of people still have no idea what they are—or why some cruisers swear by them.

So, what’s the deal? Are they better than a regular balcony, or is it just a marketing gimmick? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly is a Cove Balcony?

At first glance, a Cove Balcony looks like any other balcony stateroom. You’ve got your private outdoor space, a couple of chairs, and a view of the ocean. But there’s one major difference: location.

Cove Balconies are always found on the lower decks of the ship. On the Vista and Dream Class ships, that means Deck 2. On the XL Class ships—like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee—they’re on Deck 5, but because of how these ships are designed, that’s still one of the lowest passenger decks.

The second big difference is the design. Unlike standard balconies, which have glass railings, Cove Balconies are more enclosed, with a solid steel panel around the bottom half. That gives them a more private, tucked-away feel. You won’t have people walking past and glancing at your space, and there’s no chance of anyone above looking down at you.

Then there’s the big one: proximity to the water. Being lower on the ship means you’re right next to the ocean, and if you love the sound of waves, this is a game-changer.

Different Types of Cove Balconies

Most Cove Balconies are “standard balcony rooms”, but Carnival has a few specialty options that might be worth considering:

Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony

• Available on Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee).
• Comes with unlimited access to the thermal suite at the Cloud 9 Spa.
• Great for anyone looking for a more relaxing, wellness-focused cruise experience.

Family Harbor Cove Balcony

• Found on Vista-class ships (Carnival Vista, Horizon, Panorama).
• Part of the Family Harbor section, which offers kid-friendly perks.
• A great option for families who want extra space and a more private outdoor area.

Grand Suite with Cove-Like Balcony

• Offers more luxury while keeping the Cove Balcony feel.
• Found on older ships (Carnival Ecstasy, Elation, Paradise).
• Has a larger suite-style room but still features a more enclosed balcony design.

Recommended reading: Carnival Suite or a Balcony Stateroom?

Review of a Cove Balcony Cabin

Sometimes it’s better to hear what others have to say about a room. Here’s a video of one couple’s review on the Carnival Jubilee. They share their first-hand experience of staying in a Cove Balcony, discussing everything from privacy to the sound of the waves and whether they’d book one again…

Are Cove Balconies Better Than Regular Balconies on Carnival Cruise?

There’s a lot of debate about whether cove balconies are a better choice than regular balconies on a Carnival Cruise. In the end, it’s all about personal preference. Some people swear by the intimate atmosphere of a cove balcony. They enjoy the proximity to the sea and the sense of privacy.

However, others prefer the expansive and open feel of regular balconies. It’s a choice that requires some thought. Everyone’s preferences differ. There’s no one answer for everyone. The key is to consider what you value most in a vacation experience and decide which type of balcony best suits those needs.

If you’re still torn between a Cove Balcony and a regular balcony, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Cove Balcony	Standard Balcony
Location	Lower decks (Deck 2 on Vista/Dream Class, Deck 5 on XL Class)	Mid-to-upper decks
Privacy	More private—enclosed steel sides and lifeboats above	More open—glass railings, less enclosure
Shade	Naturally shaded by lifeboats	More sun exposure, can get hot
Size	Larger (45 sq ft)	Smaller (35 sq ft)
Proximity to Water	Very close to the ocean—hear waves more clearly	Higher up, less connection to the water
Views	Closer view of the ocean, better for wildlife spotting	Elevated view of the horizon
Exposure to Elements	Can get wet from sea spray in rough waters	Stays dry in most conditions
Storm Door Closure	May be closed off in severe weather	Always accessible
Noise Levels	Quieter—fewer cabins, away from loud decks	Can be noisier, depending on location
Ease of Access	Closer to gangway—easier for getting off at ports	More central to amenities like pools and buffets
Motion Sickness	Less motion—good for seasickness	More movement in rough seas
Best For	Cruisers who want privacy, shade, and a quiet retreat	Those who prefer sun, higher views, and easy access to ship activities

Final Verdict: Should You Book a Cove Balcony?

Cove Balconies aren’t for everyone, but if you love a private, shaded, quiet space that’s right by the water, they’re one of the best balcony options on Carnival.

You’ll probably love it if you:

• Want a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy the ocean.
• Like the idea of hearing the waves instead of the ship’s noise.
• Prefer a cooler, shaded balcony over one that gets direct sun.
• Appreciate more privacy than a regular balcony offers.
• Want easier access to the gangway at port stops.

You might want to skip it if you:

• Want a higher-up view of the ocean.
• Like having sun on your balcony throughout the day.
• Don’t want to deal with the occasional splash of sea spray.
• Are cruising during hurricane season, when balconies may be closed off in bad weather.

For many Carnival fans, once they’ve tried a Cove Balcony, they don’t want to cruise any other way. It’s a hidden gem, and if you love the sound of the ocean, it might just be your new favorite stateroom.

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