As cruise vloggers, we recently filmed a detailed video highlighting the Carnival Excel Suite—one of the most luxurious options available on Carnival’s fleet. But the big question remains: Is it worth the extra price tag? In this blog post, we’ll explore Carnival’s suites' perks, focusing on the exclusive Excel Suite benefits that make these rooms a premium option for cruisers.

Whether you are planning your next Carnival cruise or just curious about the benefits of upgrading to a suite, we have all the information you need.

Carnival Suite Perks

First, let's look at the general perks all suite guests receive when booking a suite on Carnival:

• Priority Check-in & Debarkation: Skip the lines with faster boarding and debarkation.

• Priority Dining Reservations: Get the best seats at your favorite dining spots.

• Upgraded Bathroom Amenities: Enjoy premium toiletries and more spacious bathrooms.

• Dedicated Concierge Line: Access a special line for any assistance.

• Complimentary Laundry Service: Avoid packing extra clothes—Carnival handles laundry for you.

• Spacious Accommodations: Suites offer more room to spread out than standard staterooms.

• Access to Suite-Exclusive Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in a private, quieter setting.

Exclusive Perks of the Carnival Excel Suite

Now, let’s understand what makes the Carnival Excel Suite stand out. These premium suites offer exclusive perks only available to Excel Suite guests, particularly on Carnival’s Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee ships. These additional benefits make the Excel Suite one of the most coveted options for cruisers looking for the ultimate experience:

• Priority Cabana Access at Loft 19: Located on the Loft 19 Retreat, Excel Suite guests have priority access to book private cabanas with a dedicated concierge service.

• Exclusive Access to Loft 19: This private area is a luxurious sanctuary with loungers, hot tubs, and attentive staff. It’s an escape from the bustling pool deck.

• Complimentary Access to Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite: Excel Suite guests can unwind with unlimited access to the Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite, including the steam rooms, saunas, and heated loungers.

• Large Balconies with Ocean Views: Enjoy spacious balconies perfect for private sunbathing or sipping your morning coffee.

Why Upgrade to a Carnival Excel Suite?

Booking an Excel Suite isn’t just about the spacious room. You’re also paying for the exclusive perks that transform your cruise experience from standard to extraordinary. For families or groups who prioritize comfort and exclusive access to amenities, the Excel Suite offers an elevated cruise experience. Here are a few key takeaways:

• For Families: The additional space and private balconies make relaxing and relaxing while your kids participate in onboard activities easier.

• For Luxury Lovers: If you enjoy pampering and a higher level of service, the access to Loft 19, Cloud 9 Spa, and in-suite dining makes the price worth it.

• For Convenience Seekers: Priority boarding, debarkation, and theater seating are just a few ways Carnival makes your trip seamless.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Carnival’s suite offerings were decent for their smaller ships, such as the Vista class and below. However, with the introduction of the Excel era, Carnival's suite offerings fall short. Other cruise lines provide more perks for the higher price, such as double rewards points, exclusive dining, and reserved seating at shows. Carnival is known as a value cruise line, so when they charge a premium price, it should come with a whole premium experience. We found that the staff was not very knowledgeable about the perks, especially the free room service. Information on what perks come with an Excel suite is hard to find online and even on YouTube. When we tried to find information before our cruise, we came across many videos with conflicting information. It's important to note that things change over time, and even our video and this article may become outdated in the near future. Whether it's worth it will depend on whether you value peace and quiet more than the usual Carnival party scene.

If you are looking for a chill and relaxing vibe with access to Loft 19, then the Excel suites may be a great perk. If you spend a lot of time in your room and want ample space, great views, and free in-room dining, then an Excel suite may be for you. However, if you typically spend time outside of your room in the bars, lido deck, casino, or other areas of the ship, then perhaps the higher price tag is not worth it.

In all honesty, the perks that come with a Havana room are better than Excel suite perks. At least you get your own private space with a private bar in a Havana room. Additionally, the Havana areas on the Vista-class ships are top-notch, with not just a pool but also two hot tubs and a private bar. As for the Excel ships, the value of the Havana area is up for debate, as it only comes with one pool. However, after experiencing Excel suite offerings, we feel that Havana is still the way to go. Check out our full review on Havana staterooms on the Carnival Excel class ships.

The perks don’t equate to a premium experience on Carnival. Hopefully, Carnival will add more perks as its fleet expands into Mega Ship territory. Carnival recently announced a new ship class similar to Royal Caribbean’s “Oasis” class ships. Carnival will more than likely have the space for more suite cabin types and hopefully more perks along with it. We’ll stick to non-suites or Havana rooms when sailing Carnival.

We hope this post helps you decide whether or not to splurge on a Carnival Excel Suite. If you’re curious to see more, be sure to check out our YouTube video where we dive even deeper into our experience on board! In the end it will depend on your budget and willingness to fork over the money required to stay in one of the Excel Suites.