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 on Carnival?

View from a ship's deck at Carnival Cove reveals the ocean and a clear blue sky. Lifeboats are mounted above the deck, and a trail of white foam follows behind, almost as if inviting passengers to consider a cruise upgrade or relax on their private balcony.

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).

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.

Here’s why I’m convinced cove balconies are the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed for your next cruise.

1. The Privacy

The image shows a sturdy, white metal door with black trim, featuring a secure locking mechanism. Located in a room's corner with a wooden floor, and part of the elegant Carnival Cove suite, it opens to a large glass balcony window with a silver handle beside it.

One of my biggest concerns when booking a balcony stateroom has always been privacy.

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.

Located on lower decks, the cove balconies are often tucked beneath the lifeboats, giving you total privacy from above.

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.

2. Extra Room to Stretch Out

View of a turbulent ocean with choppy waves seen from behind a glass barrier on the Carnival Cove balcony. A small green table is visible in the bottom right corner of the image. The overcast sky enhances the stormy atmosphere, reminiscent of an anticipated cruise upgrade experience.

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.

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.

At first, I was skeptical because someone traveling was prone to seasickness, but they said it was much better than being higher up.

3. The Best Value on the Ship

A cozy hotel room at Carnival Cove features two twin beds with a banner reading "Choose Fun." The nautical-themed decor, boasting blue and white striped wallpaper and carpeting, contributes to the inviting atmosphere. A window offers a glimpse of an outside structure.

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.

I couldn’t believe I was getting more space, extra privacy, and a better overall experience for the same price as a standard balcony.

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.

4. Rain or Shine, I Was Covered

View from the balcony of a ship, possibly sailing to Carnival Cove, showing rough ocean waves crashing against the vessel. The sky is overcast and the sea appears turbulent, with white foam visible on the water's surface. The ship's windows and railing are partially visible.

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.

That’s another reason I loved the cove balcony—being under the lifeboats means you’re automatically sheltered from the rain and harsh sunlight.

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.

5. The Ocean Is Right There

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.

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.

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.

Cove Balcony vs. Standard Balcony: Quick Comparison

Feature	Cove Balconies	Standard Balconies
Privacy	Fully enclosed, no overhead view	May overlook public areas, less private
Size	10 sq. ft. larger	Smaller in comparison
Price	Same as standard balcony pricing	Can cost more for premium locations
Coverage	Could be protected by lifeboats	Minimal coverage
Proximity to Water	Close to the ocean	Farther from the water