One of the best parts about cruising is feeling the open ocean’s cool breeze rush around your skin.
So imagine how grumpy I was when I had to book a windowless interior cabin for my most recent sailing — on my first Carnival cruise, no less.
As a travel reporter, I go on several of these vacations at sea every year. I’m usually put up in balcony staterooms, the most popular cabin category.
Cruises can be overstimulating and overwhelming. Private balconies are the only place I’ve gotten peace, quiet, and fresh air on some ships.
So, unsurprisingly, I was dreading the interior cabin I had booked for my four-night Carnival Firenze cruise in mid-May.
I expected a small, dark, moldy dungeon deprived of life, happiness, and light.
Turns out, I was being a bit too dramatic. Who would’ve guessed?
But before I get to the positives (spoiler alert: it’s size), I have to address the negatives.
It might’ve been the ugliest cabin I’ve ever stayed in. And that’s coming from someone who’s sailed on a Margaritaville cruise.
Firenze joined Italy-based Costa Cruises’ fleet in 2020. The company, owned by Carnival Corp, had planned to launch the ship in China but couldn’t because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Firenze’s stint with Costa was then shortlived. In 2022, Carnival announced it would acquire Firenze and its sister ship, Venezia, to grow its US footprint amid “strong interest in people wanting to sail with us,” a Carnival spokesperson told Business Insider.
That would explain the otherwise unnecessary photo of Florence, Italy behind my bed.
The print was both the only decor and the only reference to Italy in my dingy cabin. Unfortunately, it looked both tacky and misplaced.
It did, however, disguise the ominous “pull the cord for assistance” feature.
The ship is less than four years old. The cabin looked quadruple its age, no thanks to the dated furniture that all came pushed against the wall.
The chaise’s greyish pattern clashed with the yellow and red eyesore of a rug. And the small wood and faux-marble side table looked cheap and misplaced.
On the bright side, the mattress was comfortable. And the large desk and closet could have provided enough storage for more than two travelers.
The room also had motion-sensing lights mounted by the floor, a necessary amenity for a space devoid of natural light.
Plus, the unappealing decor encouraged me to spend more time around the ship’s common spaces.
It was about as glamorous as a gas station restroom.
Most of my cruise cabin bathrooms have had modern, cool-toned decor, like the one pictured on the left. Carnival seems to have avoided the industry trend as much as possible.
Unbeknownst to me, the cruise line had put me in one of the ship’s accessible, wheelchair-friendly accommodations. This meant the shower (as in, a curtain and a few drains on the floor) was one of the most spacious I’ve had at sea.
However, it only came with a two-in-one body wash and shampoo. Apparently, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival seem to have a BYOHC (bring your own hair conditioner) policy.
An unnecessary number of stacked tissue boxes and toilet paper rolls occupied the only shelves in the bathroom.
There was no need for these excess paper products. My cabin attendant already cleaned and restocked my stateroom once a day, as is typical with Carnival.
I’m a girlie with an extensive skincare routine and a compulsive need to organize my products. With almost no storage in the bathroom, I needed these shelves.
It’s all because of one major feature: Its size. I never felt claustrophobic despite being stuck in a windowless 150-square-foot box.
The bathroom, one of the most spacious I’ve seen on a cruise ship, was so big that it could comfortably fit a family of four.
Heck, I could’ve comfortably starfished on the floor without hitting any furniture. I don’t know if I can say the same for most of my previous cruise accommodations.
Did it feel more like a hospital room than a floating hotel room? Yes.
However, for the spaciousness, the cost is hard to beat. As a solo traveler, I paid $735 for my cabin, including $64 in optional gratuities.
In 2024, the cheapest interior cabin for two guests on Carnival Firenze starts at about $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night itinerary as the one I went on.
Plus, it’s much cheaper than the newest ships of other cruise lines (I’m looking at you, Royal Caribbean).
Yes, it isn’t lovely. But at least it’s completely functional and large.
If I — spoiled — can do it, so can you.
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