<body><div><p>If you’re planning a Carnival cruise, you’ve likely explored the range of stateroom options—from interior cabins to ocean views and suites.</p><p>But after my recent trip aboard the Carnival Celebration, I discovered a type of stateroom that often goes unnoticed: the Cove Balcony.</p><h2>What is Cove Balcony on Carnival?</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0aQfcg_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0aQfcg_0wCCcCDf00" width="1030" height="773" ></figure><p>Cove balconies are uniquely designed staterooms found exclusively on Carnival’s Dream, Vista, and Excel-class ships (including Carnival Dream, Breeze, Vista, Horizon, Panorama, Firenze, Venezia, Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee).</p><p>They offer extra privacy, shelter, a larger balcony, and close to the water. I think of it as a giant porthole-like balcony. This was my first time booking one, and it completely transformed my thoughts on booking balconies.</p><p>Here’s why I’m convinced cove balconies are the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed for your next cruise.</p><h2>1. The Privacy</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4LPNPw_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4LPNPw_0wCCcCDf00" width="773" height="1030" ></figure><p>One of my biggest concerns when booking a balcony stateroom has always been privacy. </p><p>There’s nothing worse than feeling like people on the decks above or in neighboring rooms are watching you and listening to your conversation. But with the cove balcony, all of that worry disappeared.</p><p>Located on lower decks, the cove balconies are often tucked beneath the lifeboats, giving you total privacy from above.</p><p>The steel walls on either side ensure no one can peek in from next door. It felt like my private oasis—a place to unwind with a good book or listen to the ocean without the distractions of ship life.</p><h2>2. Extra Room to Stretch Out</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3OR8AH_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3OR8AH_0wCCcCDf00" width="1030" height="580" ></figure><p>I wasn’t expecting this, but the cove balcony gave me more room than I thought. These balconies are 10 square feet larger than regular balcony rooms. </p><p>At first, I didn’t know the extra space would make a big difference, but it did. I used the balcony even more than usual, whether enjoying a coffee in the morning or working during the day. </p><p>At first, I was skeptical because someone traveling was prone to seasickness, but they said it was much better than being higher up. </p><h2>3. The Best Value on the Ship</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4QpWS6_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4QpWS6_0wCCcCDf00" width="773" height="1030" ></figure><p>One of the reasons I booked the Cove balcony was its affordability. I didn’t want to pay a premium for one of those fancy aft-facing balconies, but I still wanted something special.</p><p>I couldn’t believe I was getting more space, extra privacy, and a better overall experience for the same price as a standard balcony.</p><p>At the time of publication, cove balconies are still priced in line with standard balcony staterooms, making them one of the best deals on Carnival’s ships.</p><h2>4. Rain or Shine, I Was Covered</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4JvR2z_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4JvR2z_0wCCcCDf00" width="1030" height="773" ></figure><p>If you’ve ever been caught in a downpour on your balcony or roasted under the intense midday sun, you know how it can sometimes cut short your relaxation time.</p><p>That’s another reason I loved the cove balcony—being under the lifeboats means you’re automatically sheltered from the rain and harsh sunlight.</p><p>During one rainy sea day, I sat outside with a drink and watched the storm roll in. It was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip. If the weather gets too rough, they will come and shut the hatch to keep you protected from inclement weather.</p><h2>5. The Ocean Is Right There</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3WCWJ9_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3WCWJ9_0wCCcCDf00" width="1030" height="773" ></figure><p>When I booked my Cove balcony, I didn’t realize just how close I would be to the water. On the lower decks, you’re practically level with the ocean, and the sound of the waves is incredibly soothing.</p><p>There’s something magical about being that close to the ocean, plus the sound of the water crashing against the hull lulled me to sleep.</p><p>And if you’re lucky, like I was, you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside the ship. It was a moment I’ll never forget and something hard to experience from the higher decks.</p><h2>Cove Balcony vs. Standard Balcony: Quick Comparison</h2><p><b>Feature</b><b>Cove Balconies</b><b>Fully enclosed, with no overhead view</b></p><p><b>Privacy</b>Fully enclosed, no overhead viewMay overlook public areas, less private</p><p><b>Size</b>10 sq. ft. largerSmaller in comparison</p><p><b>Price</b>Same as standard balcony pricingCan cost more for premium locations</p><p><b>Coverage</b>Could be protected by lifeboatsMinimal coverage</p><p><b>Proximity to Water</b>Close to the oceanFarther from the water</p><h2>The Secret’s Out</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2vaJqd_0wCCcCDf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2vaJqd_0wCCcCDf00" width="1030" height="545" ></figure><p>If you’ve never considered booking a cove balcony, I highly recommend it for your next Carnival cruise. </p></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Why Carnival’s Cove Balconies Are the Best-Kept Secret

If you’re planning a Carnival cruise, you’ve likely explored the range of stateroom options—from interior cabins to ocean views and suites. But after my recent trip aboard the Carnival Celebration, I discovered a type of stateroom that often goes unnoticed: the Cove Balcony. What is Cove Balcony...