Set sail on the Carnival Spirit to Alaska! Discover why a balcony stateroom is the best upgrade, what to eat onboard, and all the fun activities waiting for you at sea. This is your guide to dining, entertainment, and unforgettable glacier views.
An Alaska cruise is an unforgettable adventure — glaciers, wildlife, and small-town charm, all while enjoying the comfort of a floating resort.
Carnival Spirit Alaska cruise
If you’re sailing on the Carnival Spirit, there’s one upgrade worth every penny: a balcony stateroom.
Pair that with plenty of onboard dining and entertainment, and you’ll have the best of both worlds — wild Alaska outside, vacation vibes inside.
Why Choose a Balcony Stateroom
When cruising Alaska, your stateroom isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s part of the experience.
- Front-row views: Wake up to snowcapped mountains, spot whales right from your balcony, and sip coffee while glaciers slide by.
- Extra comfort: Balcony rooms offer more space than interior cabins, with seating areas and floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the scenery even when inside.
- Peace & privacy: Instead of crowding on deck, you can enjoy quiet moments outside on your own chairs with no rush.
- Day-to-night flexibility: From sunrise wildlife spotting to stargazing before bed, your balcony becomes your personal Alaskan theater.
Where to Eat Onboard
Carnival Spirit has no shortage of food options. Whether you’re in the mood for casual snacks or a sit-down dinner, here’s what you’ll find:
Main Dining Room
A classic cruise experience with rotating nightly menus — think seafood, steak, pasta, and Carnival favorites like the chocolate melting cake. It’s the best spot for a relaxed dinner and a chance to try something new every night.
We ate at the main dining room three times during our cruise. Both for the elegant nights and then once when we were all craving a steak dinner. The food was delicious and great for when we wanted a nice sit down dining experience.
Lido Marketplace (Buffet)
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. Great for grabbing a quick bite before shore excursions or piling a plate high with favorites when you don’t feel like dressing up.
This was where my husband and son preferred to dine the most. It was quick, easy and always had so many options. I liked that they always had a big salad bar, fruit bar and of course the dessert!
You can also get lemonade, water, coffee and hot chocolate 24 hours at the Lido Marketplace.
Guy’s Burger Joint
A fan-favorite with made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries. Perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch after exploring in port.
This was very popular, especially on sea days, so be prepared to wait in line. But don’t worry, it is totally worth the wait.
BlueIguana Cantina
Tacos and burritos made fresh — don’t miss the salsa bar for toppings. Ideal for a casual, filling lunch or snack.
This was probably my favorite dining spot. I enjoyed the breakfast tacos several times!
Pizzeria
Hot, fresh pizza available almost any time of day. A lifesaver for late-night cravings after a show or party.
Specialty Dining
The ship offers upgraded restaurants like Bonsai Sushi or Chef’s Table (extra charge). If you’re looking for a more elevated dinner with fewer crowds, this is worth the splurge.
We never ate at any of the upgraded dining options since there was already plenty to choose from.
Snacks & Treats
Soft-serve ice cream, coffee stations, and grab-and-go sandwiches mean you’ll never go hungry between meals.
Things to do on Carnival Spirit
When you’re not exploring glaciers or charming Alaskan towns on your fun excursions, there’s plenty happening onboard to keep everyone entertained.
Morning
- Start with a workout in the fitness center or a walk around the track.
- Grab a coffee and head straight to your balcony — mornings are prime time for spotting wildlife like eagles and whales.
Midday
- Take a dip in the pool or try the waterslides if the weather cooperates.
- Play a round of mini-golf (although it is a bit windy on the top deck), catch a trivia game (your chance to win a ship on a stick), play corn hole or relax in a quiet corner with a view.
- Sea days are also perfect for spa appointments, attending cooking demonstrations and whale watching.
Afternoon
- Kids can join age-appropriate clubs with supervised activities, giving parents some downtime.
- Browse the onboard shops or take a nap with your balcony door open to the sound of the ocean.
Evening
- Enjoy big production shows, comedians, or live music — there’s always a variety of entertainment in the theaters and lounges.
- Theme nights and deck parties bring a fun, high-energy vibe.
- For a quieter evening, order room service and watch the sunset from your balcony.
Late Night
- The casino stays lively if you want to try your luck.
- Grab a late-night pizza or ice cream before heading back to your stateroom.
- If skies are clear, step out onto your balcony — Alaska’s night sky is something you won’t forget.
READ NEXT: 10 Reasons to Visit Alaska on a Cruise
A balcony stateroom on the Carnival Spirit turns an Alaska cruise into something truly special. Yes, it’s more expensive than an inside room but it is completely worth the extra fee.
You’ll have private glacier views, flexible dining choices, and endless onboard activities to fill your days at sea. From early-morning coffee on your balcony to late-night laughter at the comedy club, every moment blends adventure with comfort.
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, this is the perfect balance of exploring the great outdoors and enjoying everything a Carnival vacation has to offer.
