presidential suite cruise ship cost

• Royal Caribbean International

presidential family suite costs?

By Pat&Liz , January 9, 2011 in Royal Caribbean International

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Pat&Liz

My stepdad was talking about cabins today over dinner, and we were discussing the possibility of doing a big cruise and vow-renewal for my Dh and my 10 year anniversary.

I told them there was a presidential family suite that could fit 8-14 people in it, and he asked how that compared 'per head' to booking several other balcony cabins?

Because you can't look online to see presidential family suite prices, could someone that has cruised in one before tell me if the cost was lots of £$ more than balcony cabins?

(I know you can't give me specific costs, it was more of an interest question than specific, as my 10 year anniversary is still 6 years away! lol)

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My stepdad was talking about cabins today over dinner, and we were discussing the possibility of doing a big cruise and vow-renewal for my Dh and my 10 year anniversary.   I told them there was a presidential family suite that could fit 8-14 people in it, and he asked how that compared 'per head' to booking several other balcony cabins?     Because you can't look online to see presidential family suite prices, could someone that has cruised in one before tell me if the cost was lots of £$ more than balcony cabins?   (I know you can't give me specific costs, it was more of an interest question than specific, as my 10 year anniversary is still 6 years away! lol)

I think you will have to call rsvn.

1. It REALLY depends on time of year. Prices vary depending on that old favorite, supply and demand. School holidays? Prices MUCH higher, for example.

2. Who knows where prices will be in six years. Or you. ;)

I would, but we're talking in 6 years time as a maybe. lol. I just wanted to get some kind of idea of whether you pay through the nose for sharing the pfs, rather than having seperate cabins.

A simple yes - it's lots more expensive or no - it works out about the same, would suffice!

I was with a group on the FOS last September and got information on the Presidental suite. The cost was $21,000 for 16 people - about 1312.00 per person, didn't go with it though.

We travel during school time. My toddler will be 8 by then, but if it's a BIG trip, I'll pull him out of school. I'm a teacher, so not worried about him missing out and not being able to catch up as I'll tutor him on what he misses! lol

I was with a group on the FOS last September and got information on the Presidental suite. The cost was $21,000 for 16 people - about 1312.00 per person, didn't go with it though.   Mark.

Thanks - seems like if you wanted a good party and could fill the beds, it'd work out quite reasonable!! Thanks for the info and answering the question!! :D

Prices depend on demand...you have to call for the prices...it's a phone call...will only take 2 mins!

Elizanessie

Sometimes the price for the Pres. Suite will appear on the RCCL website.

Until tonight the price was showing for Allure 11th Dec sailing in the Pres. Suite.

Actually it is showing again now -

This was for 3 people -

Stateroom Total $14,362.20 USD

Guest 1,Guest 2- Cruise Fare:$6,409.00 $6,409.00 +Taxes/Fees:$108.40 $108.40

Guest 3 - $1,219.00 +Taxes/Fees:$108.40

^That's about what we're paying for that suite on the Freedom in October. It will pretty much NEVER be around the same price as a Balcony or lower category Cabin, but the experience should be wonderful.

We're doing a payment scheme with our friends and family where the people with the two masters are paying more than the people sharing the two smaller inside rooms.

Also, no matter how many it says it holds I would not put more than 12 in that cabin. This is from past experience in a Royal Family Suite which is basically half of a Presidential Family Suite. Putting more than three people in the inside rooms is a crime unless they are VERY small children, and I wouldn't put people out on the sofa bed cause that's where people are going to want to hang out.

Hope this helps!

• 4 years later...

Old thread but...

For May 5 night Bermuda for 3 people with a D+ discount:

Stateroom Stateroom Total $11,821.98 USD

Guest 1 Guest 2 Guest 3

Cruise Fare: $6,999.00 $6,999.00 $979.00

Taxes, fees and port expenses: $156.66 $156.66 $156.66

Discount: ($125.00) ($3,500.00) $0.00

Per Person Total: $7,030.66 $3,655.66 $1,135.66

yeah that's pretty crazy, eh?

It's a bogoho too.

• 3 months later...

I know this post was from a while ago but since you said your 10 year anniversary was awhile away maybe your still looking for the price.

We just booked a cruise on nov 26, its an 8 night carribean on the freedom of the seas. We payed a total of $8134.12 for the presidential suite for 8 people.

3-8th: 545$

I know this post was from a while ago but since you said your 10 year anniversary was awhile away maybe your still looking for the price.   We just booked a cruise on nov 26, its an 8 night carribean on the freedom of the seas. We payed a total of $8134.12 for the presidential suite for 8 people.   1. 3000$ 2.1864$ 3-8th: 545$

We just got a similar deal. The prices on this suite have really come down from what I am seeing. We are going March 26, 2017 there are 8 of us.

Seems like a great deal for a family cruise. I'm happy. Just hoping the obstructed balcony is not too much of an issue.

cruiselvr04

Just curious? If you can book it for say 10 people what is the sleeping configuration? How many bedrooms are there?

On Freedom class:

Two master bedrooms: 2 people each

Two other bedrooms: 4 people each (2 in the bed(s) and 2 pullmans)

One sofa bed in the living area: 2 people.

Thanks! Wished I'd priced it out when our family cruise first opened. I didn't know it had 4 bedrooms which is what we needed. I am sure it's gone now for May or if not too expensive. One balcony and 3 insides have already increased almost 3 k since we booked. The kids will be happy regardless. Maybe someday if we hit the lottery...

WonderousBlue

We are in an 2 bedroom Aquatheatre suite in January 2017 on the Harmony with 8 people and have potentially others joining us and I called Saturday to see how much the Presidential suite was for 14 people, It was 20,140. I thought this was a really GREAT price myself if many people are contributing to the cost and those over 21 have the ultimate drink package with anything they want and includes gratuities and unlimited specialty dining... all that is worth a lot, atleast for my group, but keep in mind that all that comes when the new Royal Suite Class rolls out, which isn't until May 2016 and only on Oasis and Quantam Class ships.

As a general rule, expect to pay less booking 4 cabins. In my experience, the PS always costs more than booking separate rooms. Remember though...you're paying for suite services too. Occasionally a last minute deal will pop up and the room will be in general inventory. Not going to help with a special occasion you'll want to plan though.

• 11 months later...

We booked ours a year ago by called RC, they happen to have a deal that day and we were able to get this suite for around $9,000. There are 10 of us going so wasn't bad at all. Just have to call and see what deals they have. we are going in December before the holidays.

This thread is five years old:eek: Maybe the OP is ready to book that anniversary cruise!:p

• 3 years later...

philpcruiser

On 8/17/2016 at 8:57 PM, KelJ said: This thread is five years old:eek: Maybe the OP is ready to book that anniversary cruise!:p

I too, hate when people dredge up an old thread, but I need to settle a bet with my wife.  Are there presidential suites on the Oasis?  I say they were reconfigured (eliminated) years ago, but a web search still has them showing available only through a travel agent.  Can someone give enlighten me?  Also, there was mention of a "royal" suite.  I believe there only remains  a royal loft suite.  Thanks for any info.

7 minutes ago, philpcruiser said: I too, hate when people dredge up an old thread, but I need to settle a bet with my wife.  Are there presidential suites on the Oasis?  I say they were reconfigured (eliminated) years ago, but a web search still has them showing available only through a travel agent.  Can someone give enlighten me?  Also, there was mention of a "royal" suite.  I believe there only remains  a royal loft suite.  Thanks for any info.

No 4-bedroom suites on Oasis or Allure, but they are on Harmony and Symphony. We have the one on Harmony booked for next August for 8 of us. It’s a few dollars less than our Aquatheatre Suite was on Oasis in 2018. 

Kids were sold by the hot tub on the balcony 🙄 🙄 . 

On 1/8/2011 at 6:24 PM, Pat&Liz said: I would, but we're talking in 6 years time as a maybe. lol. I just wanted to get some kind of idea of whether you pay through the nose for sharing the pfs, rather than having seperate cabins.   A simple yes - it's lots more expensive or no - it works out about the same, would suffice!

either scenario is possible, based on all the factors already mentioned .  

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Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Carnival Cruise Line ship isn't nearly as complicated as picking a cabin on, say, a Royal Caribbean or a Celebrity Cruises ship.

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels.

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.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. 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. The oldest Fantasy-class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on offering an affordable product. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The line's two newest ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration , each have 180 suites — more than twice the number found on the vessels Carnival was unveiling a few years ago.

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.

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 rooms everyone wants these days. But the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins on Carnival's newer ships isn't nearly as high as on the newer ships of some rival lines such as Royal Caribbean.

About 44% of the 2,004 cabins on Carnival's Carnival Panorama (launched in 2019) are balcony cabins, for instance. Compare that to the 65% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas (launched in 2018) that are balcony cabins.

As noted above, Carnival ships also have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships of some of its rival lines. By contrast, the line's newer ships have a higher percentage of inside cabins than you'll find on the newer ships of some rival lines.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Carnival Panorama, which is typical of the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 789 (39%) Oceanview cabins: 254 (13%) Balcony cabins: 891 (44%) Suites: 70 (3%)

On older Carnival ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are far fewer balcony cabins. Fewer than 10% of cabins on the line's two oldest vessels, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, are balcony cabins. The two ships date to 1998.

On both Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins make up the majority (nearly 90%) of accommodations, and suites account for fewer than 10% of rooms. Here is the breakdown for Carnival Paradise:

Inside cabins: 420 (40%) Oceanview cabins: 466 (44%) Balcony cabins: 98 (9%) Suites: 78 (7%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a balcony cabin on an older Carnival ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a balcony cabin is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

You'll also want to book early if you're aiming for a suite — particularly if you want one of the best suites on a Carnival ship. An old saw in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The "middle" sells last.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels mostly have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood. Cabin bathrooms are neutral.

One exception is the new Carnival Venezia , which has a darker (faux) wood finish to furniture in cabins that ties into the ship's Italy theme.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival ship

Inside cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Inside cabins are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Carnival ship, they almost always are the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

On many cruise ships, inside cabins are smaller than oceanview and balcony cabins. But on Carnival ships, that's not always the case. On Carnival Panorama, for instance, most inside cabins measure 185 square feet. That's the same size as the interior area of some oceanview and most balcony cabins on the ship (not including the extra square footage from the balcony).

Related: Why inside cabins aren't as bad as you think

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas , by contrast, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Carnival Panorama.

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. These cabins either have an obstructed view (often due to lifeboats) or a porthole, such that the view isn't all that great. For that reason, the line classifies them as inside cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

With an oceanview cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Carnival's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outwards now are built with balconies. But older Carnival ships are loaded with oceanview cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships can sometimes be bigger than inside cabins and even bigger than balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). On Carnival Panorama, some oceanview cabins measure 185 square feet — the same as inside cabins. But there also are bigger "standard" oceanview cabins that measure 220 square feet and "deluxe" oceanview cabins that measure 230 square feet.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Carnival is building its newest ships with far more of them than in the past. As noted above, about 44% of the cabins Carnival Panorama are balcony cabins. But that percentage jumped to 56% on the newer Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It will be the same on Carnival Jubilee, a sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration coming out in December 2023.

The typical Carnival balcony cabin has a contemporary look, with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. It typically features twin beds that can be converted into a king bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed. Some rooms have pull-down bunks to create more sleeping spaces. Balcony cabins typically measure around 185 square feet, not including the veranda area, which often measures 35 square feet.

Note that on some Carnival ships, specific categories of balcony cabins have larger balconies than most. These are wonderful for sitting out and watching the waves. Often these rooms are at the back of the ships overlooking the wake.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

For instance, Carnival Panorama has "Family Harbor" and "Havana" balcony cabins with 60-square-foot balconies overlooking the wake. That's 71% more balcony space than the typical balcony cabin on the ship.

Carnival Panorama also has "Havana Cabana" balcony cabins with even bigger, 100-square-foot balconies.

Suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

As noted above, Carnival ships generally don't offer a lot of suites. For the most part, the suites they have are relatively modest in size and amenities compared to the suites at some of the line's rivals.

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.

Suites on Carnival ships also haven't traditionally come with butlers and access to private concierge lounges like the suites on many other vessels.

Related: This amazing new cruise ship suite measures more than 4,000 square feet

Still, some of that has begun to change with the debut of Carnival's new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Carnival went big with the suites on the groundbreaking, 5,282-passenger vessels — the biggest Carnival ships ever.

Unveiled in 2021 and 2022, respectively, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each feature two sprawling Presidential Suites that measure 1,120 square feet — bigger than any other accommodations in the line's fleet.

Located at the top of each ship on Deck 17, the complexes have separate living and sleeping areas and the most expansive balconies in the Carnival fleet — all unusual-for-Carnival features. 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.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise ship

The Presidential Suites are among 180 suites you will find on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the most ever for a Carnival ship.

The two ships have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium "Excel" category of suites with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ships called Loft 19.

In addition to the two Presidential Suites, the Excel suites include a dozen 861-square-foot Excel Aft Suites that overlook the back of each ship and boast separate living rooms and bedrooms and large wraparound balconies with hot tubs.

Slightly smaller are a dozen 710-square-foot Excel Corner Suites offering separate sleeping and lounging areas and wraparound balconies. A step down are six smaller Excel Suites that measure 614 square feet.

Every one of the suites in those categories is bigger than any suite found on Carnival Panorama.

Passengers staying in all four categories of Excel suites on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have access to a dedicated concierge phone line and guaranteed dining times at the extra-charge specialty restaurants found on the ships (except for Japanese eatery Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table). Other upgraded amenities for Excel suite passengers include complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda packages, room service and laundry service, sparkling wine upon arrival and upgraded bathroom toiletries.

The new Loft 19 enclave found on both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration offers full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas available for rent.

Related: A guide to Carnival's VIFP loyalty program

Bottom Line

Fun-focused Carnival offers a solid mix of cabins on its vessels for a range of price points. If you're looking for an inexpensive vacation option, the inside cabins on Carnival ships are more spacious than the inside cabins you'll find on the ships of some rival lines. Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships also can be larger than normal for the category. Balcony cabins on Carnival ships hold their own in size against most competitors. Just don't expect a huge number of suites when sailing with Carnival.

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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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Freedom Ship | Freedom Staterooms | Deck Plans | Gallery | Freedom Itineraries | Quote

• Freedom of the Seas Presidential Family Suite

Freedom Of The Seas Staterooms, Suites, Cabins

• Freedom of the Seas Royal Suite
• Freedom of the Seas Royal Family Suite
• Freedom of the Seas Owner's Suite
• Freedom of the Seas Grand Suite
• Freedom of the Seas Junior Suite
• Freedom of the Seas Superior Oceanview Balcony Stateroom (D1,D2,D3)
• Freedom of the Seas Deluxe Oceanview Balcony Stateroom (E1,E2)
• Freedom of the Seas Oceanview Stateroom
• Freedom of the Seas Promenade Family Interior Stateroom
• Freedom of the Seas Promenade Interior Stateroom
• Freedom of the Seas Interior Stateroom
• Freedom of The Seas Gallery Photos

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Carnival Excel Presidential Suite

Carnival Mardi Gras Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Excel Presidential Suite features a separate living room and bedroom, and these spaces are packing two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa. There’s a dining area, and of course a wet bar. You’ll find truly deluxe extras like the bathroom with large shower and two sinks, plus they put the toilet and an extra sink in a separate room. You also have your own hot tub outside on the wraparound balcony that is is so large that “balcony” might not even be the right word. It features seating from lounge chairs to love seats, rocking chair to daybed, for over a dozen of your closest friends, plus an al fresco dining table. You also have access to Loft 19 which is located on the ship’s highest deck. Loft 19 is a secluded retreat designed like those of the world’s finest resorts. It has a full bar and private pool. Spacious cabanas have extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and concierge service. Carnival’s Excel Suite guests receive priority status when reserving a Loft 19 cabana.

Carnival Mardi Gras Presidential Suite

• Click here for ALL
• Premium Interior
• Deluxe Oceanview
• Junior Balcony
• Cove Balcony
• Havana Cabana
• Excel Suite
• Cabana Suite
• Ocean Suite
• Excel Aft Suite
• Cabana Corner Suite
• Excel Corner Suite

Presidential Suite

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Carnival Mardi Gras Presidential Suite cabin location, stateroom cabin videos, stateroom cabin pictures, floor plans, diagrams, stateroom features and perks. Cruisedeckplans.com also provides links to actual stateroom cabin pictures and videos on this page. You can see details and floor plans for all of Carnival Mardi Gras's different stateroom cabin categories on the NEW cabins page.

Sub Categories

   Excel Presidential Suite

• Separate bedroom and living room
• Forward view wrap around balcony
• Twins that convert to King
• Bedroom desk and chair
• Bedroom accent chair
• Bedroom flat-screen TV
• Walk-in closet
• Bathroom with walk-in shower
• Double sinks
• Attached room with toilet and sink
• Entry from both bedroom and living room
• Living room sectional sofa
• Living room accent chair
• Coffee table
• Living room flat-screen TV
• Coffee maker
• Dining table for 4
• Mini-bar unit
• Small sink and glassware
• 110 AC current with USB outlets
• Balcony with lounge chairs and patio table
• Day bed on balcony
• Balcony dining table for 4
• Hot tub spa on balcony
• Outdoor shower.

Floor plans may not represent actual stateroom. Click to zoom.

Deck locations

Deck 17  

Carnival Mardi Gras Presidential Suite pictures

Carnival Mardi Gras Presidential Suite stateroom videos

Scroll over cabin (stateroom) tiles below to click and watch videos. Cruisedeckplans.com shows up to 10 of the most recent videos added to our collection on this page. Be sure to click the link in the section below to see other cabins we have videos for. The date shown is the date video was published. Use this to see decor changes.

Looking for specific Presidential Suite cabins with pics/videos?

Other categories on carnival mardi gras.

Click on a category below to go to that page. 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 Mardi Gras on this page.

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UponArriving

Presidential Suites: Everything You Need to Know

For lots of travelers, staying in a presidential suite is a bucket list item. It’s a way to experience how the rich and famous live and it can be one of the most memorable and exciting ways to travel.

But what exactly can you expect when booking a presidential suite? Just how cheap or expensive can they be and what kind of special amenities or room features might you have?

We researched over 100 presidential suites in the US and abroad and have broken down a lot of the key things you need to know about presidential suites, including how to find presidential suites for under $1,000!

Table of Contents

Where did the term presidential suite come from?

Where and when exactly the term “presidential suite” originated is up for debate.

Some sources claim it originated from Woodrow Wilson’s presidency from 1913–1921, while others attribute it back to the time of Ulysses Grant in 1890 or even to the European tradition of royal suites.

Regardless of where the term came from, it’s now undoubtedly a term associated with the most luxurious type of lodging.

What exactly is a presidential suite?

It will help to define a presidential suite before we dive in too deep.

The presidential suite is usually the premier hotel suite offered at a property. It’s the “biggest and the baddest” room. The type of room that makes you feel like royalty.

This top level residence is not always labeled with the name presidential suite and can go by other names like Pinnacle Suite, Ambassador Suite, or even take on a namesake. You might even run into an actual presidential-themed room like the JFK Suite at the Hilton Fort Worth .

One thing that makes these suites special is that lots of these rooms have hosted presidents, world leaders, and other high profile individuals. Case in point: the Waldorf Astoria in New York has hosted every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover.

That would explain the bullet proof windows in some of these suites….

Sometimes there are suites better (and larger) than the presidential suite, especially when you venture overseas.

Look to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London which has a presidential suite with 1,023 square feet but a number of other suites much bigger like the three bedroom penthouse with a little under 5,000 square feet!

It’s also worth noting that some presidential suites fail to deliver because hotels use the term “presidential suite” wayyy too loosely.

I break down these shortcoming suites into two different categories.

• Vice presidential suites: These are presidential suites that are nice and quite spacious but lack the unique character and features of a true presidential suite.
• Faux presidential suites: These are suites worthy of being impeached and that have absolutely no business using the term presidential in their name!

Some hotels don’t allow you to book presidential suites online and sometimes they don’t even publish a lot of (or any) details about them.

Instead, you’ll have to call to make a booking and get pricing information from the sales department although a concierge is sometimes involved.

I’m guessing they prohibit online bookings so that they only get people seriously interested in staying.

For the really pricey presidential suites, don’t be surprised if you are required to pay upfront (even if they have a flexible cancellation policy).

Finding availability is sometimes difficult because some people — usually celebrities or high profile net worth individuals — occupy the presidential suite for extended periods of time. For example, an actor could be in town shooting a movie and could be staying in that presidential suite for a couple of months.

That’s probably yet another reason why hotels like to have personal interaction to book the suite — they don’t want people tying up inventory.

If you’re hoping to get upgraded to a presidential suite, the odds are definitely stacked against you. However, I have seen some people with elite status get bumped to the presidential suite on occasion.

Usually it’s for something like a one night stay and often that person has stayed with that chain many times, perhaps even earning a high tier of lifetime status. But if you see that the suite is available, it never hurts to ask.

How much do presidential suites cost?

We analyzed about 100 presidential suites in the US and in different countries. On average, we found the price for a presidential suite came out to $4,453 and the median price came out to $2,127.

However, the price range for a presidential suite can vary dramatically .

For example, the cheapest presidential suite we found was at the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel and it was going for only $230 per night. It was a nice suite but it did not have true presidential suite qualities.

As for the most expensive, it was at The Carlyle , a luxury property in New York. The sales team told us that it went for $42,500 per night (and that’s not even including all the taxes).

So obviously your experience in a presidential suite can be extremely different depending on what property you are staying at.

But you’ll be happy to know that we also found plenty of presidential suites for under $1,000 per night.

If you have a credit card like an American Express card, you can often find deals where you can get around $100 to $200+ off on stays when spending several hundred dollars. This can turn one of these cheaper presidential suites into a pretty reasonable rate for a “splurge.”

Also, if you are set in stone on your dates you can purchase an advanced purchase rate (that you can’t cancel) and that could save you a good amount on a presidential suite.

Here are some examples of presidential suites (or rooms that are effectively presidential suites) that cost under $1,000/night:

Keep in mind that presidential suites can often go for discounted rates, especially for high-level executives who are capable of bringing in a lot of business for the hotel. Other times a discount might be given for those on an extended-stay.

How big are presidential suites?

After analyzing 100 presidential suites in the US and in different countries, we found the average size for a presidential suite to come out to 1,812 square feet. An average hotel room is probably about 300 to 500 square feet so a presidential suite is easily 4 to 6 times larger than a standard room .

The smallest presidential suite at the Kimpton: George Hotel had only 535 square feet while the largest one was the Park Hyatt Bangkok at 4,100 square feet.

(The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa had the Overwater Reef Residence with a whopping 9,634 square feet but that type of room is designed for multiple guests so it’s sort of in a different league.)

So based on all the above you can probably guess that one of the main qualities of a presidential suite is that they are going to be huge in terms of the square feet.

So what can you expect to find with all this space?

Let’s take a look.

What to expect inside a presidential suite

Whether it’s the high ceilings, grand entryways, or stunning decor, each room can blow you away with its elegance, features, and sophistication.

Sometimes you’ll find a presidential suite that provides more of a cozy “home” feeling like the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile shown above.

Other times it will be all about the ultra-modern swank or traditional opulence (especially with historical hotels).

But regardless of which way the hotel goes with its interior design style, one thing that I’ve noticed is that the suites often have a much different feel than the other rooms found in the hotel .

Usually, standard rooms, junior suites , and even deluxe sweets, all kind of have a similar look or feel. They get progressively more interesting as you go up in price but the color schemes, decor, and art, all usually fall within the same design theme.

But when it comes to the presidential suite, hotels sometimes put a lot of effort into giving them a very distinguished feel and it’s almost as if you’re entering a different property.

For your bedroom, you can expect it to be extra spacious. Sometimes the bedspread is extravagant with ornate pillows and soft, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens.

Your room may be tricked out with automated drapes, shades, and lights — you might even have a tablet for enhanced control of things like temperature, lighting, and entertainment. Quality sound systems may offer surround sound that you can easily take advantage of with Bluetooth.

A huge TV often hangs from the wall or you might even have your own projector screen system that lowers from the ceiling. If you’re in a high-rise hotel, you may have the best view in the whole building just outside your windows.

A good presidential suite will also have an impressive office for those people who need to get things done. For example, the office at the InterContinental New York Barclay features a library office with an ultra stately feel. Much different from your ordinary hotel room desk sitting under a TV.

Others offices may even offer a quality work computer like a Mac to go along with personalized stationary.

You’ll usually find plenty of comfortable seating in the living area that’s ideal for having multiple guests or even small business events and private parties. They will surely be dazzled by sparkling chandeliers, Spanish rugs, and original artwork.

If you’re visiting during the holidays, small touches to the living areas like a fully decorated Christmas tree can add some festive spirit to your stay.

A large dining table that can also function as a meeting table for eight to 12 people is a staple of a presidential suite because of all of the executives that often occupy these rooms.

And if it’s cooking that you’re interested in, some of these suites offer a full-sized kitchen with a fully stocked pantry and refrigerator, not to mention top of the line appliances.

Some hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offer a special media room for you to enjoy movies in your own little private movie theater.

Huge, impressive balconies and terraces are another common fixture for presidential suites.

Often you’ll find wraparound balconies with exceptional views of the city, the coast, or the surrounding hills or mountains. A fireplace can warm you up while you enjoy magnificent sunsets and lounge seating can help you keep guests entertained.

The bathrooms in the presidential suite can be exceptional.

Expect to find oversized tubs and showers along with beautiful marble floors, counters, and spotless glass. Lots of presidential suites come with a soak tub — sometimes big enough for a couple of people.

The bathroom might even have your own steam room or an interesting shower layout like the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale which features an indoor and outdoor shower. And of course, premium towels and robes will be waiting on you when you get out.

Some presidential suites could have multiple bedrooms allowing extra guests to stay with you. Other times there could be a pull out bed.

But don’t invite all your friends and family for a stay just yet. Despite the huge amount of square feet you may have in your suite, the occupancy limits for the suite may be still relatively low at only a few guests.

And beware: Hotels know that presidential suites are prime targets for partiers. Some hotels like the Kimpton: La Peer Hotel will even make you sign a “no party policy” if you plan on staying in the presidential suite.

Related: Why Do Hotels Ask How Many Guests are Staying in Your Room?

Room amenities

Now let’s get into some of the different amenities you can expect to find in a presidential suite.

The special amenities can really make a presidential suite stand out because in some cases you’ll find some pretty over the top amenities like your own personal gym or pool.

Some of the more impressive presidential suites may include a hot tub or even a personal pool. For example, the Cozumel Palace has not one but two hot tubs in a two bedroom presidential suite.

Lots of presidential suites will impress you with their pools like the Hotel Principe di Savoia , which comes with a Pompeii styled swimming pool. One of the coolest features I’ve seen is the private pool offered at the Park Hyatt Bangkok, which also comes with a spa room.

But if you really wanted the ultimate private pool experience, you’d have to go with the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The only drawback is that you may have to play your own life guard. That is, unless your butler is up for it.

One of the coolest features of a presidential suite is an in-room gym which you can find at hotels like the Conrad Hong Kong, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Park Hyatt Shenzhen, and many others .

You might have your own elliptical, treadmill, peloton, and even a small free weights section and bench to work on.

The drawback is that you are probably missing out on some really nice gym equipment in the fitness center so you may not always want to limit your workouts to your presidential suite. However, if you were a high profile individual wanting some privacy this would be a perfect set up for you.

Piano players can rejoice because one of the most common features of a presidential suite to find is a piano. These could be grand pianos, baby grand pianos, or some other type.

Other interesting amenities and perks

Some other random amenities include:

• Japanese Zen garden
• Private staircase to panoramic tower (Molino Stucky)
• Wine refrigerators
• Complimentary limousine service
• Expansive balconies
• Stunning artwork or decor
• Extra attentive housekeeping
• Instant hot water
• Daily gifts
• Washer and dryer
• Multiple large TVs
• Complimentary use of conference rooms
• Steam room/sauna
• Private elevator
• Showers with scented water 
• Powder room
• Welcome champagne and chocolates/fruit
• Projector screens
• Complimentary spa treatments

Special services

Another way that presidential suites stand out is that they offer you special services.

Butler service

Butler service often comes with a presidential suite reservation.

Sometimes you may have a special phone number you can call or they could have the service linked to a tablet or phone. You can ring them if you need anything, sometimes even on a 24-hour basis .

They can help you out with different things like room service, getting your clothes pressed, dealing with luggage, etc.

Sometimes they have overlapping duties with the concierge so they can help with booking things like shows and restaurant reservations. Or they could hook you up with local services like a barber.

Sometimes you can get special dining privileges as a guest in the presidential suite.

For example, you might be able to get a special breakfast or even have a chef come up into your kitchen and cook something up for you like at the Banyan Tree Bangkok or Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. We are talking high-quality dining tailored to your preferences and dietary needs.

For true foodies, this might be one of them most enticing reasons for booking a presidential suite!

The overall service level

In addition to all of the above, a good hotel will offer top-of-the-line service throughout the stay for someone staying in a presidential suite.

If it’s not your personal butler staying on top of things, the concierge may be more proactive checking up on you and making sure that you are having an amazing stay.

List of Presidential Suites

This list provides a straightforward overview of presidential suites, offering details on both pricing and square footage.

Staying in the presidential suite can be extremely memorable. You can instantly feel like royalty and enjoy special amenities and perks that could blow your mind. But do your research because the price and quality of a presidential suite can vary drastically!

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Privacy Overview

Presidential Family Suite Review on the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas

Presidential suite, allure of the seas, 3 reasons to book the presidential family suite with us.

Presidential Family Suite on either the Allure of the Seas:

• Can’t be booked online
• Has an occupational requirement
• Limited Availability

How to Book Presidential Family Suite on the Allure of the Seas

The Presidential Family Suite is a great idea for extended family or 2 families that cruise together. This is because it has a unique split floor plan with two identical master bedrooms.

From our experience, this layout is great for 3-generational vacations: one master bedroom for grandparents and another – for parents. Guest bedrooms can be used for kids.

We consults guests before offering the Presidential Family Suite to make sure that this is a valuable option versus 2 separate or adjoining suites.

Inquire with us about the Presidential Family suite if you have a group of 8 or more.

Presidential Family Suite is not available for online booking.

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Presidential Family Suite: What You Need to Know

Be informed – Keep in mind the following about the Presidential Family Suite on the Allure of the Seas:

•  Limited availability – the only one of its kind on each ship
• Occupancy requirements – 8 people to book; see more below
• Maximum occupancy is 14 guests but 15th guest may be allowed if under 3 years old. Not available for online booking
• Passengers can be interchanged before final payment if needed at no charge if booked with us
• Rule of thumb: The more people in your suite, the more affordable it will be per person. And less people, more expensive it will be per person.

Presidential Family Suite Photos

 Presidential Family Suite Availability

Due to suite’s unique layout, the Presidential Family Suite is on high demand. It is first to go out of the market.

There is only 1 suite available on Oasis class ships.

Try to secure your suite by applying $500 per person at least one year in advance.

You have a better chance if you book Presidential Family Suite when departure is released.

Deposit is fully refundable before the final payment. We don’t charge consultation fees or booking fee on this suite.

If the Presidential Family Suite is not available at time of booking we can waitlist it for you for no charge.

Location of Presidential Family Suite

The Presidential Family Suite is located on the mid-ship on deck 12.

Rule of thumb:

The more people in your suite, the more affordable it will be per person.

And less people, the more expensive it will be per person.

Sleeping Arrangements for Presidential Family Suite

• The first master bedroom: 2 people (beds may be together in Queen or separated in twins)
• The second bedroom: 2 people (beds may be together in Queen or separated in twins)
• The first guest room: 4 people – 2 beds (Queen or twin) + 2 Pullman beds (please see virtual tour)
• The second guest room: 4 people – 2 beds (may be Queen or twin) + 2 Pullman beds (please see virtual tour)
• Living room sofa converts to a double bed.

Pullman bed means foldaway (bunk bed) that folds up into the cabin wall. In the evening steward unfolds Pullman beds and folds them back in the morning.

Presidential Suite Floor Plan

The Presidential Family Suite is one level suite that consists of the following:

• Living room
• Four bedrooms and three bathrooms
• 2 master bedrooms
• 2 guest rooms
• veranda with Jacuzzi, dining area, lounge chairs and a ba
• 2 master baths with tubs

Sleeping Arrangements

• Master bedroom: 2 people (beds may be together in Queen or separated in twins)
• Guest room: 4 people – 2 beds (may be Queen or twin) + 2 Pullman beds (please see video above.)

Presidential Family Suite Price

Price for the Presidential Family Suite on the Allure of the Seas has a 1st & 2nd and 3rd & 4th price structure.

Please watch the video for more information.

Keep in mind that every departure is priced differently.

Your sailing may be more or less.

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• Cruise Advice , Cruise Reviews

Carnival Mardi Gras: Is Aft Excel Suite Worth The Price?

Richard Simms

• January 10, 2022

When Carnival Cruise Line introduced Mardi Gras , it rolled out several new stateroom categories, including the Excel Suites.

Among the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous of them are the aft corner suites with wraparound balconies. They ain’t cheap… but the real question is whether they’re worth the high price tag.

Having just spent a week in one, we’re here to tell you what we loved and didn’t and whether we’d book one again.

It’s All About the Balcony

Let’s get this out of the way right up front: While the suite itself is nice enough — more on that in a moment — what you’re really paying top dollar for here is the balcony.

“Huge” doesn’t begin to describe the space, which wraps around the side of the ship and features a hot tub, numerous seating areas, a circular daybed, and a table that seats four. 

There are no words to describe the “wow factor” that this balcony offers. So big is the outdoor space that it has two separate access points — one in the suite’s living room and a second in the bedroom.

There is a borderline ridiculous amount of seating, with several small couches placed on the portion of the balcony, which wraps around the side of the ship.

Just past this sitting area is a hot tub. I’ll admit that this offshoot from the main balcony didn’t get much use during my stay in the suite. I’m not really a hot tub guy, and having one on the balcony just felt kind of odd to me.

However, many others I’ve spoken to absolutely loved slipping into the warm water and having a glass of champagne while they watched the world float by. 

It’s easy to see how relaxing the hot tub would be, especially at night.

The balcony was truly incredible and, as I said, the thing that might well justify the exorbitant cost of the aft-facing Excel suite. But what about the inside space? How does it measure up? 

Inside the Aft-Facing Excel Suite

It’s probably a good thing that you see the interior of the suite before you walk out onto the balcon y because, obviously, that outdoor space would be a hard act to follow. The interior space is quite lovely and very well-appointed, but not necessarily what you’d call something to write home about.

Upon entering, you’re greeted with a short hallway into the living room area, which features an L-shaped couch (which can be converted into a bed), a seating area, a flat-screen TV (one of two in the suite), and one of the doors to the balcony.

There are a few things to note , the first of which is storage space. If you’re someone who tends to overpack, never fear because this room will swallow all of your belongings. There are drawers, closets, and shelves everywhere… and we’re only talking about the living room.

Also — and this is going to sound kinda weird, I’m sure — but the living room lamp is perfectly located.

Whenever I left the suite for dinner, I’d leave that lamp on and found that the glow it gave was warm and welcoming in a way I really can’t describe and didn’t expect. (It’s worth noting that the base of the lamp also has UBS ports built in, which is a nice feature.)

Another kind of cool feature? On one of the shelves, you’ll find a pair of binoculars. I can’t say I got a ton of use out of them, but there were at least a few times when I broke them out in order to look at ships in the distance or study the landscape as we pulled into one of our ports of call.

MORE: Review: Shaq’s Big Chicken on Carnival’s Mardi Gras

Party of One

I can’t attest to how comfortable the living room couch is when used as a bed (or even what it looks like unfolded). Although I’d planned to share the suite with a friend who was going to use the living room while I took the master bedroom, they wound up canceling at the last moment.

“It’s… just you?” asked my room steward, clearly taken aback. And I’ll admit that I had a nanosecond of guilt before reminding myself that I’d booked the suite as a “back to cruising” gift to myself after two long years away from my happy place.

The color scheme of the bedroom is calm and soothing, with whites and blues and greys.

As is becoming more and more common on ships in general and Carnival ships in particular, the nightstand featured reading lights as well as standard outlets and USB ports, perfect for charging your phone or Kindle while keeping them close at hand.

Let’s talk about lighting for a second, shall we? I don’t know exactly when this happened, but somewhere along the line,

Not only is the lighting on this workspace perfect but take a look at all those outlets along the bottom of the mirror.

This was a fantastic place to work (although, more often than not, I grabbed my computer and went out onto the balcony to sprawl on the daybed and pretend that I was going to do some serious writing when, in fact, I knew I’d be napping within minutes). 

Storage-wise, the bedroom, like the living room, has plenty of shelves and drawers, although the real showstopper here is the massive walk-in closet. 

Shower Heaven

The bathroom is massive by cruise ship standards. One thing that’s particularly nice is that the bathroom facilities can be accessed from both the living room and the bedroom. This means that if you have people using the living room as their sleeping space, they don’t have to enter the bedroom in order to use the bathroom — a major plus.

A real high point of the suite was, oddly enough, the shower.

A large, glass-enclosed space, it features a rainfall showerhead as well as four adjustable jets and a “wand.”Although I’d never before experienced a shower like this, I’ve heard it described as a “carwash” shower, and that’s a pretty apt description.

I suspect the water sprays clean crevices of my body that I didn’t even know existed.

MORE: Mardi Gras Dining Guide: Which Restaurants Are Complimentary?

Let’s Talk Perks (Or Lack Thereof)

If there’s one way in which this massive suite fell short, it would be the perks and amenities. My room steward was pleasant enough, but his attention to detail was severely lacking.

Twice, wet towels were left on the floor as opposed to being replaced. My one request — that the ice bucket be filled each day — was largely ignored, as was the trash can in the bathroom which was not emptied once during the week. 

None of these are huge complaints, but they all reflect a level of service below what one expects when paying for one of the most expensive staterooms on a ship. 

Another perk granted to Excel Suite guests is complimentary access to Loft 19, a private top-deck space that offers comfy loungers, an infinity whirlpool, and cabanas that can be rented at an additional cost.The space is large and well-appointed, but the Serenity Retreat adults-only area — one deck below — offers far better amenities. Loft 19 does not have a bar or a pool, and while there are supposedly attendants (as you’d find by the main pool) who will get drinks, I never had one swing by my lounger a single time. When I wanted drinks, I went down to Serenity (which also offers a sea day salad bar). Again, one would think that the area set aside specifically for guests paying top dollar would offer at least the same level of services as the space available to all guests. 

For Comparison’s Sake

Obviously, this is Carnival Cruise Line’s first foray into the high-end suite game. And while the suite itself is pretty sweet, there’s not a lot of “there” there, as they say, for the price.

For example, during the same week as my sailing, several Norwegian Cruise Line ships had suites available in their high-end retreat, The Haven. Those staterooms come with access to a private bar, restaurant, and pool, not to mention butler and concierge services.

Interestingly, guests in the far-less expensive Havana staterooms on board Mardi Gras have exclusive access to the Havana retreat, which does feature a private bar as well as a smallish pool.

If Carnival truly wants to compete in the high-end game — and that certainly seems to be what they’re aiming for — they’ll have to step it up when it comes to what’s offered to suite guests.

Even the concierge service — which was essentially a phone number as opposed to a dedicated desk, as you’ll find in The Haven — proved disappointing, as they were unable to secure either of the two dinner reservations I requested and weren’t even able to switch my dining time from late to any time.

I can’t emphasize enough that none of these things had a negative impact on my sailing in any substantial way.

I’m offering these comments and criticisms only as a way of making sure people who lay down the big bucks for one of these suites know exactly what they are — and what they aren’t — getting.

Mardi Gras is an amazing ship, and I can’t wait to sail her again. But when I do, it will likely be in my usual balcony stateroom. I won’t have access to Loft 19, but I’ll be pretty darn happy down in the Serenity Retreat.

READ NEXT: Review: Does Carnival’s Mardi Gras Live Up to the Hype?

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Princess’ new Sanctuary Collection is designed as an oceangoing oasis that elevates the art of relaxation and serenity with exclusive, next-level accommodations and benefits.  Sanctuary Collection staterooms and experience will debut in October of 2024 on Sun Princess (R) and on her sister ship, Star Princess (R) when she enters service in 2025.

Sanctuary Collection staterooms replace the former Signature Collection and Reserve Collection Staterooms on Sun and Star Princess and offer an entirely new world of bespoke amenities, private spaces and premium service – the very best of all we have to offer. Whether our guests are new to cruising or longtime Princess enthusiasts, the Sanctuary Collection offers a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Sanctuary Collection guests receive exclusive benefits and services such as a private restaurant, access to the Sanctuary Club top deck, the perks of Princess Premier®*, and a luxurious stateroom experience.

Also included with a Sanctuary Collection booking are all offerings available within the Princess Premier® bundle, such as:  

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Guests who as of April 23rd, 2024, have already reserved staterooms in the Sanctuary Collection eligible section of either Sun or Star Princess will receive the additional benefits outlined at no additional cost, except the Princess Premier (R) package. If your current booking does not include Premier, you may upgrade to Premier to receive all these benefits.

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The Sanctuary Collection staterooms include all Suites, select Mini-Suites and select balconies and are in various areas throughout Decks 10-17, along with access to the Sanctuary Club on Deck 18.

Sanctuary Collection staterooms on Sun Princess and Star Princess go on sale April 23 for sailings after October 14, 2024 beginning in the Caribbean season on Sun Princess and at launch on Star Princess in Fall of 2025.

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STATEROOMS & SUITES

All for one and room for all, top-notch amenities spacious accommodations.

Our staterooms are designed with every type of guest in mind. Whether you’re sailing with your significant other, your family, a group of friends, or traveling solo — we’ve got the perfect room to accommodate your party and budget. Take your pick from Interior or Ocean View rooms, Balcony staterooms, or spacious Suites. You can even connect rooms allowing you to stay together with extended family or friends. The options are endless, and the comfort is always guaranteed.

Interior Staterooms

Our interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy..

Ocean View Staterooms

Savor the seaside and snapshots of landscapes from shore to shore..

Balcony Staterooms

Claim your slice of paradise with balcony views just outside your door. .

Suite Staterooms

Enjoy expansive accommodations that take luxury to the next level. .

Dedicated stateroom attendant

Daily cleaning service

Exclusive bedding collection

Stateroom climate control

Ample closet and storage

In-room HD-TV

In-room safe for valuables

Deluxe toiletries: shampoo, conditioner & body wash

AND MUCH MORE…

Enhanced room service

Voom High-Speed Wifi

Laundry & dry-cleaning

Movies on-demand

YOUR PLACE, YOUR SPACE

You’ll never find a shortage of unbelievable room options. From romantic couples staterooms to spacious family suites, you’ll find just what you’re looking for to complement the adventure of a lifetime. Take a virtual tour to get a better look at our stateroom collection call dibs on your just-right space.

Accessible Interior

Promenade view interior, central park view interior, spacious ocean view, spacious ocean view balcony*, royal suite, grand suite, owner's suite, aquatheater suite.

ROOM TO UNWIND

There’s so much to do each day and night. But somewhere in between it all, you’ll want to relax, unwind, and enjoy some “me time.” When choosing your ideal cruise ship stateroom, first consider how much space you need, and which amenities are most important to you. We’ve broken it down to help you decide which stateroom fits your vacation needs.

FAMILY STATEROOMS

When traveling with your family, space is always on your mind. A cozy Interior Room is our most budget-friendly option, and we offer Spacious Interiors, along with connecting rooms to accommodate larger families. The range of ultra-spacious cruise rooms across categories spans all the way up to our new Ultimate Family Townhouse — three stories that elevate the way you stay and play.

STATEROOM FOR COUPLES

If you’re planning a getaway for you and a special someone, we’ve got a range of cruise suites to serve as a romantic backdrop. A private balcony, luxurious bedding and in-suite dining are just a few of the upgraded amenities you’ll enjoy. And if it’s extra pampering you seek, be sure to save time for a relaxing service at  Vitality Spa℠ .

SPACIOUS ROOMS FOR GROUPS

Looking for the perfect stateroom for you and your crew? When traveling with a group of friends, there are many options to choose from. Each category has options that offer maximum space to spread out. From Spacious Interior rooms to Ultra Spacious Ocean View rooms, to our top of the line Villa Suite with four bedrooms.

AWE INSPIRING ACCOMMODATIONS ELEVATE YOUR SUITE STAY

Customized adventures, exclusive access and inclusive amenities. Luxury cruise suite accommodations on Royal Caribbean elevate every aspect of your adventure. From full-size tubs in Junior suites to 24-hour room service in Owner Suites and dedicated check-in for Royal Suite class, it’s little details you’d expect — plus elevated experiences you may have never imagined.

THE SUITE LIFE  

Level up your vacation with a spacious suite. Choose between an intimate Junior Suite with great views, or a Grand Suite featuring a bedroom, living area and private balcony. And if you’re looking for the ultimate suite to complement an unforgettable adventure, opt for the Owners Suite loaded with extra added perks.  

ROYAL SUITE CLASS

In Royal Suite Class — available on Oasis Class and select Quantum Class ships —every detail is thought of, so you won’t have to lift a finger. Sea, Sky and Star tiers include perks that range from exclusive spaces and venues to a Royal Genie or Concierge who will craft VIP experiences just for you — and more.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY SUITES

In the Ultimate Family Suite , you don’t even have to leave your stateroom to enjoy the thrills. Kids have their own in-suite slides and private game room. Plus there’s plenty of perks for parents too, like a private balcony jacuzzi. And our biggest suite ever, the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas℠  maxes memories across three levels.

Accessible staterooms OUR GUESTS ARE ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY

All our ships have staterooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities that require the features of an accessible stateroom. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, and offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, plus bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability.

EXPLORE ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS

Royal Up BID YOUR WAY TO A CRUISE UPGRADE

Scoring a fantastic upgrade is easy! Simply browse through stateroom options and select the amount you’re willing to pay the upgrade. Then, you’ll be notified via email if your bid was accepted. From Ocean View and Balcony staterooms to the most expansive suites at sea, the possibilities are endless.

EXPLORE ROYAL UP

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Wondering if you should pick a stateroom that’s forward or aft? We’ve got you covered.

Planning to spend your sea days by the pool? Or maybe you’re most excited about a particular specialty restaurant. Depending on where you plan to spend most of your time, you may have a preference of which venue or part of the ship you prefer to call home. Deck plans vary by ship and can be a helpful tool for picking your stateroom.

If you’re motion sensitive, you’ll want to choose a stateroom that’s lower to the water line and closer to the center of the ship. Layout and location varies by ship, so be sure to check your specific sailing and itinerary.

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Best Carnival cruise ships: Here’s which ship you should sail, based on your travel style

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Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising. As one of the largest cruise brands in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, and destination — can shape the way you make your choice.

So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? Here are my picks for the top options in several categories.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Mardi Gras: Best Carnival cruise ship for families

The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras . Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest vessels, but it’s also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers. Beyond the dedicated kids facilities, the ship has a massive arcade and many top-deck diversions. One of these is the Ultimate Playground — a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea . (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra.)

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families  

Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line’s Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order off special menus in the complimentary main dining rooms and join in their waiters’ rollicking dance performances just when they start to get antsy sitting still.

The ship also does a nice job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Many of Mardi Gras’ standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting cabins.

Its Family Harbor staterooms provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Breakfast is offered there each morning, and snacks and drinks — including free soda — are provided throughout the day. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people.

Mardi Gras’ new sister ship, Carnival Celebration, is also a fantastic option in this category, offering a nearly identical experience (with just a few changes in the names and themes of specific venues).

Carnival Horizon: Best ship for luxury lovers

Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands’ high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service.

With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon — the second vessel in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class. It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings.

If you’re into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

If exclusive stateroom enclaves are what you seek, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. With a suite booking, you’ll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation.

If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms are nearly five times that size.

The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the line’s newest: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which house Presidential Suites. Those accommodations offer 1,120 square feet of space with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships — part of the line’s Excel Class — are so large and attract so many families that I’ve ruled them out as the most luxurious.

Carnival Conquest: Best ship for budget travelers

If you’re on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise , the less expensive it will be.

Plus, it sails from Miami, one of the world’s largest cruise hubs. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, passengers enjoy spending time around the pool and grabbing free burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.

It’s also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights.

At the time of publication, prices started from $47 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Carnival Sunrise: Best Carnival cruise ship for singles

Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one.

Because all staterooms are designed for double occupancy, it’s generally a rule that a person traveling alone must pay both fares. This means they would pay twice as much per person as two people sharing a room.

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

In order to make the single supplement as affordable as possible, solo Carnival cruisers will want to balance finding an inexpensive vessel with choosing one that sails short itineraries. They’ll also probably want one that’s a bit livelier (read: not the oldest in the fleet).

A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Although it originally debuted in 1999, it feels fresh and nearly new. It offers the line’s signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.

Combine that with short, affordable voyages from Miami, and you can sail to the Bahamas or Caribbean for four or five nights from as little as $104 per night if you’re solo. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees

Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice.

In particular, Carnival Pride’s voyages consist of nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on a regular cadence. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. (Take note if you’re thinking of bringing your grandkids.)

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. That actually works in its favor if you’re a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design — in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus.

In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sun deck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages.

Bottom line

So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preferences. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.