Travel

Inside Carnival’s cheapest $90-a-day, windowless cabin on its Firenze ship

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Social Links for Alex Mitchell
Published June 4, 2024, 2:04 p.m. ET

An Italian-themed Carnival Cruise ship offers the line’s discount-rated cheapest rooms — but you’ll have to sacrifice having a view.

The four-year-old Firenze, anchored in Long Beach, California has 44, tiny “interior” cabins with no windows nor balcony that can cost about $90 per night, according to reports.

A deal with Costco advertises trips on the four-year-old 4,000-plus capacity ship can go for even cheaper at $564, taxes included. Business Insider reported that it can cost $360 apiece, or about $90 a day.

The Firenze cruise ship was panned for having some cramped quarters.
The Firenze cruise ship was panned for having some cramped quarters. Carnival

Other than having some cost-efficiency, a vacation onboard the Firenze doesn’t exactly feel like you’ve seas-ed the day, according to one review.

“It might’ve been the ugliest cabin I’ve ever stayed in,” Business Insider’s Brittany Chang bluntly wrote of her cramped quarters over four nights to Ensenada, Mexico with a stop at Catalina Island in California.

Some criticized the Firenze for having very dull but cheap rooms. Some criticized the Firenze for having very dull but cheap rooms.
Some criticized the Firenze for having very dull but cheap rooms. Some criticized the Firenze for having very dull but cheap rooms. YouTube / Expedia Cruises

It was about 150 feet in total space.

The ship doesn’t have any alternative solo cabins beyond the accessible, according to ThePointsGuy.

Aside from the cheap cost, the room was torn for looking “quadruple” its young age from dates furniture. The bathroom was also compared to a gas station’s.

“Did it feel more like a hospital room than a floating hotel room? Yes,” Business Insider reported.

However, some redeeming qualities were reported as well.

“It’s chaotic and a lot to take in, but somehow it works,” according to a review Ashley Kosciolek wrote for ThePointsGuy.

The small room is less than 200 feet.
The small room is less than 200 feet. YouTube / Expedia Cruises

“Passengers can have their photos taken with a Vespa-style scooter and grab Italian-themed burgers and meatball sandwiches at new iterations of some of Carnival’s most popular eateries.”

Trivia, movies, and games were noted for creating a lively atmosphere — as were the spa, waterslides, ropes course, and gym.

One reviewer said the bathroom evoked that of a gas station's facilities.
One reviewer said the bathroom evoked that of a gas station’s facilities. YouTube / Expedia Cruises

Still, it was panned for feeling too crowded on a trip well below full capacity.

An American adaptation of Italian culture — the ship is named for Florence after all — is also present just about anywhere you go. Photos evoke a similar sensation to walking around The Venetian in Las Vegas.

“The Italian vibe carries through everything you do on board,” she added. “It will either make you smile or roll your eyes. Regardless, it’s a lot of fun.”