When travelers evaluate premium accommodations on Carnival Cruise Line, two distinctive categories stand out for high-end cruisers: the palatial Excel Presidential Suite—the grandest residence ever built by Carnival—and the vibrant, boutique-style Havana Cabana enclave. Both offer VIP perks and secluded sanctuaries away from the main lido crowds, but they cater to entirely different vacation styles, budgets, and guest profiles.

The living salon of Carnival's Excel Presidential Suite, showcasing floor-to-ceiling glass, dining table, wet bar, and direct access to the wrap-around veranda.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Excel Presidential Suite vs. Havana Cabana

To help you select the exact stateroom configuration that aligns with your party's expectations, here is a granular feature-by-feature breakdown of dimensions, amenities, enclave access, and ship availability:

The private master bedroom of the Excel Presidential Suite features custom plush bedding, automated lighting, and panoramic forward-facing ocean vistas.

The Excel Presidential Suite: Penthouse Grandeur on Excel-Class Ships

Debuting on Carnival's revolutionary Excel-class ships—Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee—the Excel Presidential Suite represents the pinnacle of luxury in Carnival's entire fleet. Positioned high forward on Deck 17, these exclusive suites command the most dramatic vistas on the high seas.

Measuring an immense 1,120 square feet, the layout mirrors a five-star residential penthouse:

• Expansive Living Salon: Features plush sectional seating, high-end entertainment systems, a formal dining table for six, and a fully stocked wet bar with premium stemware and illy espresso machine.
• Master Bedroom Retreat: A completely private master suite boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a king-size bed with custom luxury linens, and direct veranda access.
• Spa-Inspired Bathrooms: A lavish master bath equipped with double vanity basins, a deep freestanding soaking tub, a multi-jet glass-enclosed shower, a walk-in dressing closet with personal safe, plus a separate guest powder room.
• Private Wraparound Veranda with Hot Tub: Spanning over 600 square feet, the private terrace features an elevated personal hot tub, daybeds, and al fresco dining table overlooking the ship's bow.

Loft 19 offers Excel Suite guests a secluded haven on Deck 19, complete with infinity whirlpool, plush sun loungers, chilled towels, and dedicated concierge attendants.

The Loft 19 VIP Privilege: Excel Suite Concierge Sanctuary

The crowning advantage of reserving an Excel Presidential Suite is complimentary access to Loft 19, perched at the very top of Deck 19. Designed as an exclusive retreat reminiscent of a high-end beach club, Loft 19 provides:

• Complimentary Access: Unlimited access to private sun loungers, daybeds, and an expansive infinity-style whirlpool with sweeping panoramic ocean views.
• Attentive Concierge Service: Dedicated Loft 19 attendants catering to drink orders, chilled towels, fresh fruit skewers, and dining arrangements.
• Priority Cabana Rentals: Excel Suite guests receive first-choice reservations for the private full-service cabanas, equipped with personal refrigerators, plush sectionals, and lunch delivery.
• Complimentary Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite: Unlimited access to the aroma steam rooms, dry heat saunas, sensory showers, and heated stone loungers throughout the cruise.

The Havana Pool retreat on the aft deck provides Havana Cabana guests exclusive access to ocean-facing whirlpools, daybeds, and handcrafted Cuban cocktails.

The Havana Cabana Experience: Boutique Cuban Enclave

For travelers seeking a vibrant, culturally rich boutique experience without the penthouse price tag, the Havana Cabana is one of the most beloved stateroom categories in modern cruising.

Located aft on the promenade decks of Excel-class and Vista-class ships, Havana Cabanas transport guests into Old Havana:

• Private Outdoor Lanai Patio: In place of a conventional balcony, Havana Cabana staterooms open onto an expansive outdoor patio equipped with cushioned loungers, a hammock-style swing chair, and tropical decor. A keyed gate opens directly onto the outdoor promenade.
• Exclusive Havana Pool & Whirlpool Access: During the day, the aft Havana pool area and its two large whirlpools are restricted exclusively to guests holding Havana stateroom keycards. While main lido pools can become bustling, the Havana deck remains serene and relaxed.
• 12+ Age Policy: Because all guests in Havana cabins must be at least 12 years old, the enclave maintains a sophisticated, adult-friendly vibe ideal for couples and mature families.
• Havana Bar Proximity: Steps away from the celebrated Havana Bar, serving authentic Cuban coffee by day and handcrafted mojitos with live Latin music by night.

Carnival Celebration, an Excel-class powerhouse featuring 6 themed zones, world-class dining, and the BOLT all-electric sea coaster.

Ship Availability & Fleet Distribution

When planning your cruise, understanding which ship offers each accommodation is essential:

• Excel Presidential Suite: Available strictly on Carnival's Excel-class fleet: Mardi Gras (Port Canaveral), Carnival Celebration (Miami), and Carnival Jubilee (Galveston). There are only two Presidential Suites per vessel, making advance booking essential.
• Havana Cabanas: Featured on Excel-class ships as well as the three Vista-class vessels: Carnival Vista (Port Canaveral), Carnival Horizon (Miami), and Carnival Panorama (Long Beach). Note: On Vista-class ships, the Havana pool is positioned right outside the cabana gates, whereas on Excel-class ships, the Havana staterooms and Havana pool area are arranged with updated modern walkways.

The groundbreaking BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster runs atop Carnival's Excel-class ships, offering thrilling motorcycle-style acceleration 187 feet above the sea.

Dining and Entertainment Comparison

Both suite classes grant travelers access to Carnival's most acclaimed dining concepts, but Excel Presidential Suite guests enjoy prioritized reservations and dedicated concierge assistance:

• Specialty Culinary Offerings: Savor dry-aged cuts at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, seafood masterpieces at Rudi's Seagrill, Louisiana Creole flavors at Emeril's Bistro, and artisanal barbecue at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse.
• Concierge Dining Reservations: Excel Presidential Suite guests have dedicated concierge support to secure prime dining times at specialty venues and VIP seating at headline theatre productions.
• Casual Excellence: Fast-casual favorites including Big Chicken by Shaquille O'Neal, Guy's Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina are complimentary across the fleet.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers craft beers brewed right onboard and authentic hickory-smoked meats.

Pricing & Value Analysis: Where Should Your Dollars Go?

The financial investment between these two accommodations reflects two distinct vacation tiers:

• Havana Cabana Value Proposition: Typically priced between $1,800 to $3,200 per cabin for a 7-night Caribbean voyage. For travelers who spend most of their cruise enjoying the outdoor deck, sipping cocktails, and reading by a private pool, the Havana Cabana offers unbeatable boutique luxury at an accessible rate.
• Excel Presidential Suite Luxury Proposition: Typically ranges from $7,500 to $14,000+ per cabin for a 7-night voyage. When shared among a family of four or two couples celebrating a milestone anniversary, the included Loft 19 privileges, thermal suite passes, private whirlpool terrace, and VIP priority services deliver extraordinary return on investment.

Frequently Asked Questions