Sunday, March 31, 2024

Carnival Jubilee ship review: A complete cruise guide

carnival cruise ship balcony view

Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through. I hope that reading this post has helped you to understand what you are getting if you book a cove balcony on a Carnival cruise. It is worth noting that the actual cabins for cove balcony rooms and regular balcony rooms are the same, so there is no need to factor that into your decision. Another big difference is that the cove balcony is quite a bit bigger, it is 45 sq ft compared to 35 sq ft for a regular balcony.

What is considered a balcony cabin on Carnival?

Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area. Plus, the space is a bit of a throwback to the days when interior designer and architect Joe Farcus was responsible for Carnival's ship decor. The decor is midcentury modern style meets '80s quirk, featuring a pink and teal color scheme, fun light fixtures and a bar with colored mirror accents. Outside, the area continues with The Patio, which features a pool and hot tubs, and neighboring The Watering Hole, a bar that serves the space. The ship shares Carnival's "zone" concept with its two older sisters, meaning it has dedicated areas for dining, drinking, entertainment and outdoor fun, including Bolt, a top-deck roller coaster.

Family Harbor Balconies (FM, FO, FS)

Once you're inside, you'll find pleasing decor and in-room amenities like ELEMIS bath products and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers to enhance your stay. If you have health or mobility challenges, Carnival proudly welcomes you on board. You’ll find plenty of accessible staterooms from which to choose, whether you are traveling with a wheelchair, scooter or another device. Consider staying in the midship section where you’ll find extra elevators. Book staterooms extra early for groups, ask for connecting rooms and consider these stateroom styles.

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, and Jubilee features StarLink connectivity. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Carnival Jubilee has standard North American 110-volt outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had three standard outlets and four USB lightning ports by the vanity. There was also a USB port (non-lightning) on either side of the bed, just below the reading lamp. Carnival Jubilee has self-service pressing rooms on decks 4, 5, 9, 14 and 15 with ironing boards and irons that are free to use. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry-cleaning for a per-item fee. At the time of publication, prices started from $709 per person ($101 per person per night) for an inside cabin or $919 per person ($131 per person per night) for balcony accommodations.

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View (Walkway View)

Onboard Carnival Celebration, for instance, you'll find 130 standard ocean view rooms, as well as 41 Family Harbor and 4 Cloud 9 Spa ocean view cabins. In comparison, Carnival Paradise has 464 ocean view staterooms onboard. Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, they have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing Fantasy-class ships out of its fleet in recent years. Carnival’s themed staterooms, including the Havana balconies, Family Harbor balconies, and Cloud 9 Spa balconies, are all unique to the cruise line.

The menu has several types of meat — including steak, of course, as well as lamb chops and chicken — and seafood items like fish and lobster tail. It came alongside several sauces and sides of broccoli and crinkle-cut fries for $49 ($15 for kids). Excellent added-fee options include steak, seafood and teppanyaki, which might be worth trying if you're celebrating a special occasion or feeling like a splurge. Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

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Carnival Jubilee restaurants and bars

Moreover, balcony cabins are considered roomier than inside and outside staterooms. You can also book adjoining-- or connecting-- balcony rooms if you want to benefit from two bathrooms and additional living space. You'll find it's an affordable Caribbean vacation that speaks to just about any traveler who enjoys a large-cruise-ship experience. Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door.

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

carnival cruise ship balcony view

Compare that to the 65% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas (launched in 2018) that are balcony cabins. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista-class series, for instance, offer fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest-class ships have around 50 suites. That means that when you're trying to find the best Carnival cruise ship cabin for you, you'll have an easier time than you will when booking with some other lines. If you are traveling with kids especially, we would recommend choosing the Family Harbor balconies. These are conveniently located and include some very nice amenities for those with younger children, including complimentary babysitting and access to the Family Harbor lounge.

In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten. Dinner reservations are recommended for many eateries, even the main dining rooms. You can make them by visiting your restaurant of choice or by using the HUB app. If you don't make one, you might find yourself waiting 20 minutes or more for a table at peak times.

Carnival’s Premium balcony staterooms are larger than standard balcony cabins onboard. If you are looking to splurge, these Premium balconies will cost you more than a standard balcony but you will have more space for your sailing. We designed Carnival Vista balcony staterooms for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, and this stateroom features a balcony that's even wider than our standard balcony. Enjoy the extra outdoor space, along with all the standard Carnival stateroom amenities. These spaces vary widely in size, so it pays to study your ship's deck plan before booking. Affordable balcony cabins might come with a veranda so small your knees rub against the railing as you sit in one of two deck chairs flanking a small cocktail table.

But in other cruise destinations such as the Baltic or New England you may not. The latter three come with additional perks that you might want for your cruise vacation, such as access to the exclusive Family Harbor lounge or Havana pool. While the majority of the fun will be located outside of your stateroom, you still want a comfortable “home away from home” that you can return to each evening and rest for the next day’s adventure. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

Entertainment on Carnival Jubilee is a combination of passenger favorites from other ships and new shows that you'll only find on this vessel. On Deck 18, you'll find Waterworks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids. I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave. This nautically themed outpost is next to a popular access point to the outer decks, so the only downside is that you might be blasted with hot air while your drink is being made. No Carnival sailing would be complete for a carnivore without a visit to Fahrenheit 555, the onboard steakhouse.

To decide, you'll want to look at which option makes the most sense for the destination you're visiting, as well as for your budget. We break down the similarities and differences of the two room types to help you decide whether a balcony or oceanview cabin is right for you. In general, there are fewer ocean view rooms on newer Carnival ships, as most of the exterior facing cabins have balconies. Like with the number of different interior options on newer Carnival ships, you'll find that you have different types of ocean view rooms to choose from, too.

A Cove Balcony stateroom (category 7C) is more enclosed than a standard Balcony. They have a smaller opening, with a completely solid bottom half rail and solid sides and roof. Only Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle have obstructed view Balcony rooms.

Measuring more than 600 square feet, the balconies also offer a lounging area with a large sunbed and a private outdoor hot tub and shower. The biggest suites on Carnival Panorama, the ship's eight Grand Suites, have 345 square feet of interior space, plus an 85-square-foot balcony. Contrast that to the biggest suites on Royal Caribbean ships, which can measure more than 1,500 square feet. These accommodations afford a unique view of the sea since you aren't on a typical balcony that hangs off the ship, but in a cutout in the ship's superstructure. You'll have more privacy than with typical balcony cabins, since no one can see you from above or the side — but that's not the main draw.

Carnival Cruise Line cabins and suite guide: Everything to know

carnival cruise ship balcony view

Sure, Carnival Jubilee carries a lot of people, and it can feel crowded and cumbersome to learn your way around at first. Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older); this will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda.

Oceanview vs. Balcony Cabins: A Cabin Comparison

These beloved cabins are not necessarily the best for those who get seasick. If you are looking to have more space and a private outdoor verandah to watch the ocean views and sunsets, then splurging on a balcony is probably a great choice. You’ll have more room in a balcony stateroom, and you can also enjoy fresh air whenever you choose. Family life is the sweet life, whether on land or at sea… and especially when in a Family Harbor Suite. Your whole crew will enjoy not only the stretch-out space, huge balcony and other perks a suite offers, but a nautical décor specially-designed for Family Harbor staterooms.

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Rooms

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Looking at the prices for a popular seven day eastern Caribbean itinerary in March 2023 on Mardi Gras, the prices vary by a couple of hundred dollars between balcony cabin categories. A Junior Balcony runs $2,316 for two guests, all in with taxes, while a Private-View Extended Balcony costs $2,572. Carnival's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outwards now are built with balconies. Note that, in a quirk of the cabin categorization system at Carnival, there are a few inside cabins on some Carnival ships that do, indeed, have a view to the outside world.

Balcony cabins

Some guests have enjoyed great close-up views of dolphins swimming alongside the ship. The regular balconies have much less of a barrier between you and the cabin next door and also vertically so you a more likely to come into contact or hear your fellow passengers when on the balcony. Stateroom cabin categories are simply the way that Carnival groups the different types of staterooms (cabins). You can see details and floor plans for all of the categories on Carnival Jubilee on this page. The Grand Vista Suite is the biggest, located on the uppermost deck… and all this altitude has a way of also elevating the view.

Marina Bar

The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone. There's also a hot tub at Loft 19 on Deck 19, which charges a fee for access. I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board. My two most disappointing extra-fee food encounters on Carnival Jubilee were Seafood Shack (Deck 16, in the Lido zone, near the pool) and room service.

carnival cruise ship balcony view

If you want to save money and you think you might not make the most of a Balcony, then definitely consider an Ocean View stateroom. You’ll still get a sea view, but those extra $ you’ve saved can go towards another excursion or a couple of speciality restaurant meals. Of course, you must take into consideration the price of these staterooms as well.

It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order. Unless you specifically request your cabin steward to come at night for turndown service instead of earlier in the day, your room will be made up in the morning. Hang the "SNOOZIN'" card on the outside of your door, and no one will bother you — but your room won't be cleaned that day. On the wall above Dr. Inks, window-shaped screens provide a show for anyone passing through the length of the Currents promenade area. Programming rotates between underwater adventures, nature scenes and even artwork produced by passengers and kids from St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Sea Terraces on Virgin Voyages

carnival cruise ship balcony view

If you are cruising somewhere especially scenic, such as Alaska, then I would definitely consider booking a balcony. If you are going to be spending most of your time exploring the cruise ship and port, then you might not find the value of a balcony stateroom. You do not want to spend extra for a balcony if you do not think you will have the time to use it and get your investment’s worth. Carnival Cruise Line is very family-focused, and Family Harbor staterooms are designed for families with young kids in mind. These balcony staterooms are nautical themed and located in a specific area onboard.

When it comes to these, 8A is the cheapest, while 8G is the most expensive due to its desirable mid-ship location. If you’re cruising with kids, then Family Harbor Balcony rooms are the best for you. Kids will love the fun decor and the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge is a great place to hang out with other families. Havana Balcony rooms are only on Carnival’s Vista-class ships – Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama. The Havana Pool area has an exclusive swimming pool, two large hot tubs and a relaxation area with umbrellas, palm trees and comfy seating. As it’s only for Havana guests, it can provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the main pool.

However, if you cherish private moments with the ocean, watching sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying the sea breeze from the comfort of your room, then a balcony room is undoubtedly worth the investment. Guests have exclusive access to the Havana pool and bar, ensuring a unique cruising experience. Both the room and the balcony are more spacious than standard balcony rooms. Embarking on a Carnival Cruise is an experience like no other, and one of the most sought-after accommodations on these majestic ships is the balcony room. Now you know what to expect from all of the different Balcony rooms on Carnival cruise ships. But before you go ahead and pick one, let’s just make sure that a Carnival Balcony room is in fact the best room for you.

Oceanview cabins can have either a rectangular window or a round porthole, which typically do not open. Most balcony cabins have floor-to-ceiling glass doors so you can still see outside even if the weather isn't good. Because balcony cabins have this additional outside space, they cost more money.

On Carnival Jubilee, it's adorned in neutral tans, dark browns and red tones. Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.

During my visit, I ordered a pound of stone crab claws in garlic butter (market price) with red beans and rice ($3) and a brie bowl ($6). My only complaint is that, apart from a claw cracker, there were no other tools available to get to the crab meat. (I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward. Carnival Jubilee has so many places to eat that I ran out of time to try them all on my weeklong sailing.

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