During our recent cruise on the Carnival Sunshine, we booked a Carnival Cloud 9 Spa room and I’m excited to share a full tour and honest review of our experience.
This was our first time staying in a spa-level stateroom, and we were curious whether the upgrade was worth it. We booked late and the Cloud 9 Spa rooms were almost sold out—only two remained—so it was the perfect chance to try one and see what sets it apart.
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Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Room
Our stateroom, Carnival Sunshine 10106, is on deck 10 just around the corner from the Cloud 9 Spa. The decor differs from standard balcony cabins, with a brighter, more tropical vibe that feels refreshed and relaxing.
The bed was arranged as one large mattress for the two of us. The room includes a couch and a ceiling-mounted convertible bed that can be lowered by a crew member if needed. Since we traveled as a couple, we never used the extra bed.
Below is a video recording from our time in the stateroom, showing the layout and amenities.
The bathroom is stocked with Elemis spa products—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. We did not receive refills during our cruise, so I can’t confirm whether those are replenished automatically or available upon request; you may want to ask the spa or stateroom attendant.
One helpful design difference: the balcony door slides open rather than swinging in or out. That made stepping outside effortless, and we often left it slightly open to welcome a cool breeze. The balcony features two chairs and is a pleasant spot to relax and watch the ocean go by.
Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Room Perks
Cloud 9 Spa rooms come with several meaningful perks for spa-goers. Signature treatment discounts can add up: the first treatment is 20% off, the second is 30% off, and the fourth is 40% off. If you plan to book multiple services during your cruise, those savings are substantial.
Book spa appointments early in your cruise whenever possible. Appointments can become scarce later in the voyage and on sea days.
Daily access to the Thermal Suite is included with Cloud 9 Spa rooms. On some ships, additional features like Thalassotherapy pools or spa whirlpools are available; the Carnival Sunshine did not have those, but it still offered a strong thermal suite experience.
The Tepidarium dry heat chamber has heated stone beds and a lovely view over the water—perfect for lounging and unwinding. We spent several relaxing sessions here and enjoyed the calm, restorative atmosphere.
The Caldarium (Oriental Steam Bath) provides a humid, warm environment with temperatures typically between 104–112°F, which is great for a deep steam session.
We especially liked the Aromatic Grotto steam chamber. The fragrant herbal steam—notes like cinnamon, orange, and apple—creates a soothing, spa-like ambiance that felt luxurious and restorative.
Cloud 9 Spa cabins are offered on several Carnival ships, including Carnival Breeze, Dream, Horizon, Magic, Splendor, Sunshine, and Vista, so if a spa-focused cruise experience appeals to you, check availability on those ships.
If you’re sailing on the Carnival Sunshine and want more tips, consider reading about the ship’s dining options, top highlights, or specialty experiences like the Chef’s Table. Those resources can help you plan how to combine spa time with the rest of your cruise activities.
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