Carnival Ecstacy - Christmas - Balcony or Junior Suite

[nc_cruiser1]

Hello.  We are booked on the Ecstacy out of Jacksonville at Christmas.  We're veteran cruisers, including previous cruises on older Carnival ships, so we understand the lack of amenities compared to new ships, are are fine with that.

 

We've booked a balcony (E102) on the Empress deck (deck 7).  It looks to be under the galley directly above, but from what I've read, that should not cause a noise concern at night.  

 

I've also read about smells, but, again, they seem to be located on other decks and public areas.  The ship is scheduled for dry dock in October, probably including carpet and other interior refurbishments; maybe some plumbing fixes as well, so not really concerned about this.

 

What does perhaps concern me is the ship's movement, rocking and rolling.  My wife is sensitive to sea sickness, which is one reason why we chose the cabin we did... mid ship.  We are considering an upgrade to a junior suite on the Verandah Deck (deck 11).  These cabins are a more forward and under the fitness center or spa.  Would they be noticeably any better or worse than the deck 8 balcony?

 

By the way, we recently returned from a 10 night Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Edge (which was wonderful), and had no issues with sea sickness.  But the Ecstacy is a much smaller, older ship.

[Kwaj girl]

Those "junior suites" on verandah deck have extremely tiny balconies.  Barely enough for 2 plastic chairs.

[James4me]

We’ve had them (Jr. Suites) on the Fantasy and Elation.  You will most definitely feel more motion.  It took me a couple days to get used to it.  The worst was the first night.  It was hard for me to sleep as you felt motion.  Yes it’s a tiny balcony but was just fine for the 2 of us.  

[OceansOfTravels]

I would say to keep your room if you don't like motion, you have an ideal location plus one of the retrofitted rooms with the newer balconies from the Evolutions upgrade. Moving to Deck 11 will decrease your balcony size and increase the amount of motion your experience. Have a good cruise!