How to choose a balcony cabin category...

[luv2sleep]

How do you chose between balcony cabin categories? (Not suites) Is there a huge difference between them?

 

Also, do any of them have lounge chairs? If so, which categories and on which ships?

 

Thanks! :)

 

 

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[BigRed93]

The category letter refers to where it is-what deck and whether forward aft or midship. For a regular balcony I would pick my desired location. Not just the category.

If you are going into the higher letters you will get into the extended balconies

Some of the aft facing extended balconies have lounge chairs. Some of the extended side balconies, like the "bowling alley" balconies on spirit class have lounges. In regular balconies they just won't fit.

 

 

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[forwardcabin]

Balcony cabin types are a number and a letter. The number is usually 7, 8, or 9. Each cabin type is then divided into categories based on their "desirability". A letter is used to denote the category. Generally the later the letter is in the alphabet the more desirable the cabin. More desirable categories will have higher price rates. The more desirable cabins are typically on the middle to upper decks close to the center of the ship. Although aft cabins are often considered quite desirable. Other things that affect desirability are things like obstructions and the size of the balcony. Larger balconies can accommodate the loungers.

[forwardcabin]

Here's more info...

7A (obstructed balcony), 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F.

8M and 8N are Extended Balconies.

9B is a Premium Balcony.

9C is a Premium Vista Balcony.

 

8A through 8F - 35 square feet

8M and 8N - 60 square feet

9B - 75-85 square feet

9C - 75-275 square feet

Edited July 18, 2014 by forwardcabin

[luv2sleep]

So if I wanted a balcony with a lounge chair I'd pick extended or premium?

[vamartha]

There is an 8G too, plain old regular ordinary balcony and on the Dream Class they are located on the Panorama Deck. I'm booked in one in exactly 100 days!

[BigRed93]

8S and 8P as well for the cloud 9 spa balconies. :)

 

 

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[losijon]

9b next year for our 15 day. Can't wait.

 

 

.....................................................

Carnival Pride 7 day Mexican Riviera: September 2008

 

Carnival Inspiration 4 day Mexican Riviera: September 2013

 

Carnival Miracle 15 day Hawaii: coming October 2015

[nickel1522]

There are also cove balconies on some ships! We always choose these (and in the middle) because it is close to the water and because it is more private and shaded!

 

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[Island Crazed]

I chose ours by my favorite deck. Usually 7. I like to have a cabin above and below me rather than public space. I like to be higher rather than lower. The deck chairs we had reclined and I propped my feet in the second chair.

 

 

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[13cheermom]

There are also the regular rooms with the long extended balconies (bowling alley) that have loungers on them. On the Conquest it is 7434 & 7439, and they are the same price as a regular balcony room. They are located aft on decks 6 & 7 (I think on deck 6 there are 4 of these rooms). Just another possibility to think about. I chose deck 7 because I also prefer being between cabin floors.

[luv2sleep]

So it sounds like a premium will be the easiest way to go.

[Playa Cofi]

There is also 8J on the Miracle. It has an extended balcony. I choose that because I am traveling solo on Aug 19th and wanted the option of a lounger instead of using the table for two that are standard.

[luv2sleep]

Can I ask them to replace a chair with a lounger?

 

 

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[Playa Cofi]

Can I ask them to replace a chair with a lounger?

 

 

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I was told by Carnival that if there is not a lounger to ask for one from my room Steward.

[Florings]

Do the cove balconies have a number category? Or do they say cove balcony on the carnival website.

 

I have heard of these and would love to book a cruise on a ship that has them.

[luv2sleep]

There are cove balconies. They are pretty close to the water line. I'm not interested in that.

 

I called. I can def ask for a lounger. They only automatically come on suite balconies.

 

I am interested in a spa balcony now. Will see...

 

 

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[forwardcabin]

Do the cove balconies have a number category? Or do they say cove balcony on the carnival website.

 

I have heard of these and would love to book a cruise on a ship that has them.

 

...Breeze, Dream, and Magic have the coves. They are all on Main (Deck 2) and are category 7C.

Edited July 19, 2014 by forwardcabin

[frito58]

If you want a great balcony .....Book Lido deck and as close to the pool as possible short walk hidden behind a wall so NO traffic . They are great. Afts are great but on Carnival you pay Premium price for them . I wait for RCI to book those they don't charge extra actually they are less and most have bigger balconies.

[Florings]

Oohhh, Breeze 7C for me. November 2015 to Aruba and point south!!:)