cruises on carnival celebration

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Carnival Celebration Cruise Guide: Photo Tour, Review, & Things to Know

Carnival Celebration marks the second Excel-class cruise ship built for Carnival’s fleet. A sister to the popular Mardi Gras, the ships mark a push from the cruise line toward vessels that are bigger than the rest of the fleet, carry more people, and offer more to do, see, and eat onboard.

And to say that Carnival Celebration is big is an understatement. At 180,000 gross tons, it’s approximately 35% larger than Vista-class ships, Carnival’s previous build of vessels. Meanwhile, it holds about 5,300 passengers at double occupancy, along with 1,800 crew members.

In short, apart from Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is like nothing else in the fleet. From the restaurants available to all-new entertainment, venues, activities, and more… it has the most of everything in the lineup.

We recently had the opportunity to sail aboard Carnival Celebration. Below, we provide a full guide to sailing on the ship, including a tour, tips, things to know, and our full thoughts.

First Impressions & Ship Highlights

If you want to win someone over, then the first impression is important. In the case of Celebration, that first impression is made as you board right into an area known as Celebration Central. This spot takes over instead of having a typical atrium like you see. It offers a three-deck performance area (complete with stage and video backdrop) where performances are held throughout the entire cruise that’s also combined with a path through the rest of the ship.

But what you quickly realize — even at first — is that there is a lot onboard. Walking through the ship is seemingly a never-ending lineup of bars, restaurants, shops, and venues. And given that Celebration is so much larger than other ships, it also means that while the favorites that are well-known across Carnival are still there, it also has a lot of offerings that aren’t on other ships.

Design/Feel Let’s start with the design and feel of Carnival Celebration. First and foremost, we felt that the design is much more contemporary than other vessels in the fleet. Frankly, we’ve always felt the design of Carnival ships was a bit more dated and wild — especially with older ships. That’s not the case here.

But while the style matches with present-day design, it’s also very comfortable. There is also lots of fun artwork and features around the ship that add to the “fun” feeling. In other words, while some cruise lines try to go toward more high-end (such as Norwegian Cruise Line), Carnival has modernized the design, but not gone away from its roots.

One thing that’s especially unique about Celebration is that it pays homage to Carnival’s history with a number of unique features. In the middle of Deck 6 you’ll see the Rolls-Royce that sailed for decades aboard Carnival Ecstasy. The Golden Jubilee bar features pieces that were part of past Carnival ships. And there is even one of the original engine telegraphs that was part of the Carnivale.

The main activity on the interior of the ship goes from Deck 6 through Deck 8. These three decks run the length of Celebration, with everything from theaters to restaurants to shops to a pool (Deck 8). We found these areas relatively easy to navigate as they run through the ship, though they do wind and weave some. However, just be ready for lots of people on these decks, which can lead to a crowded feel during busy times.

Decks 16-18 at the top of the ship are the pool/outdoor decks. Here you’ll find everything from the main pool to the buffet, an aft pool with bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, the Serenity adults-only area, and the Ultimate Playground.

The Ultimate Playground is the name for the outdoor play area on Deck 18, which includes mini-golf, the waterpark, sport court, ropes course, and the BOLT roller coaster (which is technically Deck 19).

In total, we thought Celebration simply “feels” like a Carnival ship in that it’s approachable and relaxed but also a more modern style. However, we must note that it also feels more crowded than we are used to. With so many people and so many venues, there isn’t much open space on the ship.

Activities & Entertainment One thing about a ship this large is that there is never a shortage of things to do onboard. Between the activities available around Celebration to the entertainment put on by the cruise line, if you’re bored, then it’s your own fault.

Let’s start with the outdoor decks. You have the main pool area, but then you also have the largest Serenity deck that we’ve seen. Then there are other pools at the back of the ship on both Deck 16 and Deck 8. These are all open to everyone.

For more private spots, Celebration has Loft 19 at the very top of the ship with access for suite guests… or you can pay hefty $500 a day to rent a private cabana. There’s also a private Loft 19 pool. And Havana cabins also make an appearance, with their own private pool that I actually thought offered the best views of any pool onboard.

Want something more active? The waterpark on Celebration is complete with three slides that are all fun to ride. As mentioned, there’s the ropes course, as well as a mini-golf course, and a full-sized enclosed basketball court plus the BOLT roller coaster.

Head indoors, and you get the same sort of “Carnival on steroids” vibe.

First, there are two main theaters. The Grand Spectrum sits at the front of the ship. This is your typical theater with a stage and rows of seats. Shows here include Family Feud Live, which is a legit 100% rendition of Family Feud where passengers form the teams and compete to win cruise cash for the trip.

Color My World , as you might guess from the name, is a show all about color. It is performances of songs focused on colors (Paint It Black, Purple Rain, Yellow, etc.), but all given a twist compared to the originals. Then there is the element of large video screens at the back of the stage that serve as the set background. Compared to traditional stage sets, the technology really adds another level to the performance.

But the show you have to see is at Center Stage in Celebration Central, the second theater in the middle of the ship. It is called The Most Magnificent Circus . The show is themed as an old-time eclectic circus. Hanging from the ceiling are several cables with fixtures attached to each.

During the show, performers climb on these items as they rise three decks into the air. From there, they perform all sorts of acrobatics and contortions, spin, and more. Meanwhile, the video background screen offers even more visuals, while other performers move through the crowd and on stage. There can be so much going on that you literally don’t know which area to watch at any time. 

Other things to enjoy include the Piano Bar 88, the Punchliner Comedy Club, live Deal or No Deal, and live music performed around the ship.

Food & Beverage It’s impossible to go hungry or thirsty aboard Carnival Celebration. Let’s start with the notable bars onboard.

The Golden Jubilee on Deck 6 pays homage to Carnival’s 50 years of history, complete with features that are recreated or actually part of past Carnival ships, including brass doors that were once the entrance to the Mardi Gras Nightclub on Carnivale. Just outside is the original telegraph from Carnivale.

Latitudes is another addition, with drinks from all over the world, and a travel theme complete with a flipboard like an old train station that displays changing messages. Other bars include Bar 820 in the Miami-themed 820 Biscayne neighborhood, The Watering Hole, Tropicale Bar, Havana Bar, Alchemy Bar, and more.

Then there is the food. So of course you have the main dining room and the buffet (Lido Marketplace). And the staples like BlueIguana, Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor, and Cucina Del Capitano are also there as you’d expect on a Carnival ship. But there is a ton that’s new to this class.

Here, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 is available, serving up New Orleans-style food for a small upcharge. There’s the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, and Rudi’s Seagrill, that do cost extra as well.

But the food that’s included with your cruise fare offers a lot of variety. ChiBang!, which serves both Mexican and Asian food in one location, is free for lunch and dinner. Previously mentioned Cucina Del Capitano is available if you want Italian.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ is also included. There’s Fresh Creations for salads up in the Serenity area, Street Eats out by the main pool, and Big Chicken, which serves chicken sandwiches is also new to this class of ships. There’s also Miami Slice and the Deco Deli if you want some pizza or a sandwich.

So no matter if you want a quick bite, or want to sit down and have the full meal experience, you have plenty of options.

Photo Tour of Carnival Celebration

What We Liked About Carnival Celebration

After a week on the ship, it became clear that there were a few things that really stood out about sailing on Celebration.

First, compared to other Carnival ships there is so much more to see and do. In our eyes, Royal Caribbean has always pushed to have the most things to do on a ship. Celebration brings the two lines on more even footing. Sure there are the classic cruise activities like the pool deck, casino, and bars/lounges to enjoy.

But then Carnival has put a big emphasis on things like the waterpark. The BOLT roller coaster is a big draw. The cruise line has also pushed more entertainment, including shipboard editions of shows like Family Feud and Deal or No Deal. The theater shows are also stepped up, including The Most Magnificent Circus that was mentioned earlier.

Whether you want to watch a great show or you want to do more active things like ride a roller coaster or hit the waterpark, there’s a lot going on during the entire cruise. As someone who enjoys a more active experience, this was a welcome change.

Another thing that stood out were the food options. The trend in cruising seems to be having a buffet and main dining room, along with maybe 1-2 other options included in your cruise fare. That’s not the case sailing on Celebration.

Carnival has filled the ship with different restaurants ranging from easy grab-and-go items (Street Eats, Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken, etc.) all the way to high-end dining (Rudi’s Seagrill, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse). But the big difference is that so many are included with your fare.

This includes spots like Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ, Cucina del Capitano, ChiBang!, Miami Slice, Deco Deli, Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, and BlueIguana. It’s no exaggeration that you could sail for a week and never eat in the buffet or dining room.

During our cruise, we found the food to be very good across the board. Special mention should be given to Emeril’s Bistro 1397, where we had a shrimp poboy ($7) that was fantastic. We also thought that Big Chicken could go toe-to-toe with any chicken sandwich you find on land.

That sort of variety and options is a major plus in our book.

What Could Be Improved

Not everything about Celebration is perfect. Let’s talk about the size of the ship. During our cruise, Celebration had about 5,300 passengers onboard, and this ship feels busy. It can feel crowded. And part of that isn’t just the number of people on the ship, but also the ship design.

Take the elevators. Carnival seems to have opted for smaller elevators but more of them. Either way, they are slow to arrive and when you do get on one, it’s much more cramped than usual.

Around the ship there are chokepoints like on the main pool deck. Here, because of all the people and furniture, it just feels more tight. This seemed to be a consistent theme around the ship.

The Center Stage theater in the middle of the ship is another good example. Seating is a major issue. Since it’s not set up like a normal theater, there just weren’t a ton of spots to sit down and still see the stage.

When we watched the popular circus show, we showed up 20 minutes early and there wasn’t a seat to be found. Instead, we watched from the extreme left of the stage and just stood the entire time. (In fact, they actually put on the show twice a night for two nights to accommodate everyone.) And even the cabin bathroom felt like the smallest we’ve seen on a cruise ship.

So when you sail, be ready for a little less elbow room. It’s the trade-off for packing so much onboard.

Carnival Celebration Tips & Things to Know

During our time on the ship, we found out a few tips and things to know that could make your cruise even better.

Each Stairwell Has a Different Color to Help You Navigate Celebration is big, and there’s stuff happening all over the ship. That means you’ll be walking aft and forward and sometimes not be sure where you are on the ship. If you hit an elevator bank, check the color of the nearby stairwell. Each one has a different color wallpaper (red, green, yellow) to help you identify which area of the ship you are in.

The Lanai Is a Hidden Secret If you want to connect to the sea, check out the Lanai. It’s a small section of deck chairs hidden away on Deck 8 that overlook the water. This spot is located on the port side of the ship, and you have to pass around outdoor seating for some restaurants to get there. For that reason, seemingly no one realizes it is there. We checked it out several times during the cruise and never saw more than 3-4 people there. 

Stairs Are WAY Faster on Celebration Ok, one thing that nobody will want to hear is that the elevators on the ship are slow. It seems that Carnival opted for more elevators, but made them smaller. So even when one does arrive, it may already be full. For that reason, if you can, it’s a smart idea to just take the stairs. It will save you considerable time on getting around the ship.

Want to Ride BOLT? Don’t Wait to Book During our cruise, we had two days at sea at the end of the trip and made plans to ride the roller coaster then. Unfortunately, those two days were windy (especially with the ship underway) and BOLT never operated. The lesson? If you know what you want to ride, then go ahead and book it for as early in the cruise as possible to make sure that you get a chance. Days in port are when you’ll find the best combination of calm weather (since the ship is stationary) and shorter lines as most people are off the ship.

Don’t Miss the Details in The Golden Jubilee The Golden Jubilee is a bar with a theme dedicated to Carnival’s history. And at first you might notice only a couple of things like the blueprints of past ships adorning the ceiling. But check out the QR code at the back of the drink menu for a link to information about all the items in the bar. There are the original doors that went to the nightclub on the retired Carnivale. The tables with Al Hirschfield drawings are from Carnival Fascination, and there is even a glass-wall panel that used to be in the casino on the original Mardi Gras.

Want a Show? Order The Sakura From Latitudes One of the unique bars on Celebration is the Latitudes — and not just for the cool flipboard sign (like you’d see in an old train station) that’s above the bar. The menu is filled with drinks inspired from around the world, from a paloma (Mexico) to a bramble (England).

Be sure to try The Sakura. It’s a sake-based drink with pomegranate liqueur and other flavors. But when it’s served, the bartender puts a huge bubble on it that you pop with tiny rose petals as you make a wish. We’ve never seen anything like it.

Try’s Guy’s Pig & Anchor for an Easy Breakfast Breakfast is served in a lot of places around the ship, but if you want one of the easiest, then try Guy’s Pig & Anchor. The spot serves BBQ for lunch and dinner but for breakfast it offers the same lineup that you’ll get at the morning buffet (minus the omelet station). So instead of having to go all the way to Deck 16, you can eat on Deck 8 in a spot that’s much less busy.

The Best Pool Belongs to Havana Rooms There are a number of pools around Celebration, from the Serenity deck (adults only) to the main pool in the middle of the ship. But the best pool in our opinion is one that sits in the exclusive Havana area. Not everyone can access this area — it’s reserved for passengers staying in Havana rooms. But if you have access, then you get a great view. The pool isn’t big, but sits right over the water.

Final Thoughts on Celebration

Apart from its sister-ship Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is like nothing else in the Carnival fleet.

If you’ve sailed Carnival but haven’t sailed ships like Celebration, then you really don’t know what you’re missing . That same Carnival atmosphere is still there… but it’s definitely taken to a whole other level. From the venues onboard to the entertainment to the food and more, it’s all bigger and better than what you find on older ships in the fleet.

For some, the size and scale of Celebration may be off-putting. And yes, the crowds around the ship can be heavy. But for those that want the most options to enjoy their vacation, Carnival Celebration is it.

More on Sailing Carnival:

• Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
• 47 Best Carnival Cruise Line Tips & Tricks
• Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Package

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Take a peek at Carnival's newest ship, Celebration, which embraces the cruise line's past and future

With the launch of its newest ship, Carnival Cruise Line is looking toward the future while also embracing the company's past.

"It's a ship where nostalgia meets innovation in a way, because you're taking elements inspired by the past, but you're creating these experiences that are very innovative, very forward-looking," Glenn Aprile, Carnival's Director of New Builds Product Development, told USA TODAY.

Carnival Celebration, the second vessel in the line's Excel class,   will sail its inaugural voyage from the U.S. on Monday. The debut of the 17-deck ship, which bears the same name as an earlier Carnival vessel launched in the late 1980s, marks the culmination of the line's 50th anniversary celebration this year.

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From vintage decor to high-tech attractions, here is what guests can expect.

Where will Carnival Celebration sail?

Celebration will sail year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, visiting destinations such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk, according to a news release .

What will Carnival Celebration be like on board?

The more than 2,600-stateroom ship is made up of six zones, with festive touches and nods to its history incorporated throughout. Guests enter through the atrium in Celebration Central, with a ceiling designed to mimic a confetti cannon, courtesy of roughly 1,400 colorful light fixtures. 

The zone is also home to Aquaria Bar, which features a wall spanning two decks behind the bar that incorporates glass murals by the Italian artist Luciano Vistosi from Carnival Victory, which launched in 1998, and is now Carnival Radiance.

Bar and lounge The Golden Jubilee, located in The Gateway zone, features decor from previous Carnival vessels, including a nickel, mahogany and etched glass partition wall from its first ship, TSS Mardi Gras, and night club doors from TSS Carnivale, which sailed for the line from the 1970s to the 1990s.

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The nearby promenade also features coins for each Carnival ship built into the floor design and a porthole gallery of interactive dioramas depicting various periods in the line's history, as well as "coming attractions," Aprile said.

More modern features include the line's second BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster ride and a new children's program in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Young guests can learn about gravity and build paper rockets, among other activities, according to a news release.

The program will launch on Celebration before later being rolled out fleet-wide. The ship will also feature new food and beverage options like travel-inspired bar Latitudes and Emeril’s Bistro 1397 from Emeril Lagasse, serving international cuisine.

Learn about BOLT: Carnival readies its second 'breathtaking' cruise ship roller coaster

What else do travelers need to know?

A seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Miami on Feb. 5, 2023, starts at $479 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival's  website , though prices vary by itinerary, stateroom, and other factors. The fare includes  most food, beverages such as iced tea and regular coffee, and more.

The ship is also Carnival's second vessel powered by cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas.

Carnival ships feature accessible elevators, and accessible routes in most parts of the ship for guests with disabilities, among other accommodations, according to its website . However, the line noted that crew members do not assist with tasks such as eating or moving about the ship, and passengers must plan accordingly.

Carnival Celebration

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Carnival Celebration

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Carnival Celebration debuted in early November 2022 and boasts a Las Vegas -style theater, a casino, an arcade, a saltwater pool and a top-of-the-line rooftop rollercoaster – the first one of its kind at sea. Complete with six separate zones to explore, including a summer-themed zone and a playground-themed zone, the 1,130-foot-long cruise ship has something for everyone. Celebration can hold up to 6,465 passengers at double occupancy and 2,980 passengers at single occupancy.  This ship carries 1,745 crew members, and it features more than 20 dining venues, including a barbecue smokehouse and a full-service sushi restaurant.

Staterooms are comfortable with plush bedding, vanity mirrors and built-in reading lights, but for additional perks, guests can opt for a room with a balcony or ocean views. If you don't mind splurging a little, the Carnival Excel Suite offers upgrades like concierge service and complimentary admission to Loft 19, the ship's exclusive lounge fitted with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

Carnival Celebration explores an array of picturesque destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten and more. It sails out of Miami . 

Pros & Cons

Boasts a first-of-its-kind rooftop rollercoaster

Not all activities are included in the base rate

• Expert Rating » 3.5
• Traveler Rating » 4.3
• Health Rating » 5.0

Carnival Celebration ranks # 4 out of 25 Carnival Cruise Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 4 in Best Carnival Cruise Line
• # 17 in Best Cruises for Families
• # 31 in Best Affordable Cruises
• # 32 in Best Cruises to the Caribbean

Carnival Celebration offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Carnival Celebration contains 15 decks. Find out which features are available on each Carnival Celebration deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 409 guests have reviewed Carnival Celebration , giving it a rating of 4.3 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Celebration

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Miami (Florida)

Carnival Celebration current position

Carnival Celebration current location is at Caribbean Sea (coordinates 12.14579 N / -68.27734 W) cruising en route to BQKRA>CWWIL. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration current cruise is 8 days, round-trip Southern Caribbean . The itinerary starts on 07 Sep, 2024 and ends on 15 Sep, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Celebration

•   Itineraries
•   Review
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Carnival Celebration Itineraries

Carnival celebration review, review of carnival celebration.

The 2022-built Carnival Celebration cruise ship is CCL fleet 's second newest and largest liner of the Carnival XL-Class. All three units in this series are from the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft (shipyard Turku Finland ). As with all other "Fun Ships", the shipowner is Carnival Corporation - the world's largest passenger shipping company .

The vessel (IMO number 9837456) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311001223) and registered in Nassau . Before its arrival in the USA, the vessel was Panama-flagged (MMSI 352898755).

The XL-Class is similar as design and facilities to HELIOS-Class ships produced for Carnival Corporation's brands Costa and AIDA (all by Meyer Werft in Papenburg Germany ). Other EXCELLENCE-Class liners (Carnival Celebration sisterships) are Carnival Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Jubilee (2023), P&O Iona (2020), P&O Arvia (2022), Costa Smeralda (2019), Costa Toscana (2021), AIDAnova (2018), AIDAcosma (2021).

Carnival XL-Class ship design features a new (red-white-navy blue) hull and was created by the NYC-based naval architecture firm "Bluarch Architecture". Among the world's largest passenger ships , the Celebration has length 1130 ft (344 m), passenger capacity 5200 (lower berths) and boasts the most advanced maritime technologies as well as various fleet-first and industry-first innovations.

Like the sisterships, Carnival Celebration has the second-at-sea roller coaster. The facility ("BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster") was built by Maurer Rides ( Munich Germany -based company) specializing in roller coaster design and manufacturing. The race track has length 244 m (800 ft), with twists, turns, drops and speeds up to 64 kph (40 mph). Individual speeds are posted after the race. Carnival's roller coaster is all-electric and allows 2 riders to race along in motorbike-like vehicles at height 57 m (187 ft) above the sea. The experience features breathtaking top-deck 360-degree views and ends with a high-speed turn around the funnel/smokestack.

On January 25, 2019, was announced that the new Carnival XL-class vessel will have 6x themed zones/neighborhoods - Celebration Central, The Gateway ("French Quarter" on Mardi Gras), Lido-Pool, 820 Biscayne ("La Piazza" on Mardi Gras), Summer Landing, The Ultimate Playground.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Celebration staterooms (a total of 2641 passenger cabins) are divided into 22 different categories, including 2-deck apartments (duplex suites) and 80 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers). All cabin bathrooms feature CCL fleet's first glass-door showers and in-shower shaving bar. Over 70% of all staterooms are outside, 300 pairs are connecting/family cabins.

The boat has 18 decks , of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Cabin balconies are accessed via sliding floor-ceiling glass doors. The lounge area is furnished with new-type sofabeds (couch bed with footstools opening up for storage), under-bed storage (for suitcases), flexible reading lamps (bedside), mini-refrigerator with transparent glass door, plenty of power outlets, USB ports (on the vanity table and bedside), more shelving (for electronic devices), large wardrobe (with folding shelves, sliding shoe rack, 2 pull-out bins).

Like the Vista-class Carnival liners, Celebration has Havana staterooms with a patio (indoor-outdoor space) with direct access to an exclusive Sundeck area with loungers, Bar and swimming pool. Another Vista-class type of cabins are Family Harbor (clustered near Camp Ocean/kids club) and with direct access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms traditionally offer exclusive amenities, including premium bathrobes and slippers and Elemis brand toiletries.

The new Carnival ship Celebration offers 180+ suites in 11 categories, including CCL's new premium category "Carnival Excel" suites (32 staterooms in 4 categories) with new VIP amenities and exclusive access to Loft 19 (resort-style, open-air sundeck). All ship suites offer a VIP amenities package including priority boarding/debarkation, bottled water upon arrival, priority MDR (main dining room) seating, plush bathrobes. Passengers in "Carnival Excel" suites receive as additional amenities:

• Dedicated concierge phone line
• Unlimited access to Loft 19
• Guaranteed specialty dining times (except Bonsai Teppanyaki, and Chef's Table)
• Complimentary room service, laundry, and Bottomless Bubbles soda package
• Fresh fruit basket and sparkling wine upon arrival
• Upgraded bathroom amenities

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The sisterships Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee have CCL fleet's largest Atriums and open-deck areas.

• The Gateway (aft on Decks 6-7) is lined with eateries and bars. This neighborhood is linked via 2-deck-high Promenade with the traditional New Orleans jazz club lounge "The Golden Jubilee" (offering hand-crafted cocktails and live music).
• 820 Biscayne (midship on Deck 8) is a Miami-themed zone housing the 24-hour complimentary Miami Slice Pizzeria, Cucina del Capitano (seafood restaurant), Bar 820 (retro-themed bar lounge, classic cocktails and live music nightly), Deco Deli (deli sandwiches).
• Summer Landing (aft on Deck 8) houses Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Carnival's complimentary smoked-on-board BBQ food by Guy Fieri), The Watering Hole (outdoor bar with wide selections of cocktails and beers), ParchedPig (onboard- brewed craft beers), Heroes Tribute Lounge. Also in this neighborhood are located a lunch counter (for the Smokehouse-Brewhouse), an expansive sundeck area (with two Jacuzzies/spa pools and an infinity pool/Patio Pool, stern-facing), a stage for live music, a sports bar featuring indoor and outdoor TV screens, hang-out space with trivia, dance classes, arts and crafts.
• Heroes Tribute (bar lounge via partnership with Operation Homefront/USA-based nonprofit organization that provides services and supports military families and veterans) offers comfortable seating (leather armchairs with low tables) and large TVs (for live sporting events).
• Lido (aft on Decks 16-17) houses Carnival's complimentary Pool Deck eateries Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, and Guy's Burger Joint, plus the fleet's new venues "Street Eats" (grab-and-go eatery) and "Big Chicken by Shaq" (lunch and dinner take-away food bar)

The Ultimate Playground (aft on Decks 18-20) is a large family-friendly outdoor playground area highlighted by the fleet's largest Carnival WaterWorks (aquapark) and an expanded SportSquare (sports complex). Also here is the "BOLT - Ultimate Sea Coaster" (second at sea).

The new Carnival Celebration also has CCL's signature facilities Serenity (adults-only resort), Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

The Gateway Zone/Promenade

"The Gateway" zone (2-deck area / aft on decks 6-7) features design and decor inspired by land-based passenger terminals and transport stations, numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options (including fleet-firsts) and an indoor Promenade with 12x UHD virtual windows (each sized 9,5x5 inches / 24x13 cm) and a LED ceiling (100-inch/254 cm) complemented by an ultra-modern sound system and lighting system. The multimedia panels display relaxing scenes, unique global destinations and attractions, real-time day and night sky views.

The Gateway has a large digital map showing the current location of all CCL ships in real-time.

The Gateway (midship on deck 6) houses the Latitudes Bar fitted with travel-themed chairs and menus and featuring a mechanical split-flap display board (listing the daily menu - cocktails, wines, spirits, special tastings/samplers). At Latitudes Bar are also held the Celebration Happy Hour event (with live entertainment) as well as private parties and special occasions (birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc).

The Gateway's Deck 6 is home to Latitudes Bar, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 (by chef Emeril Lagasse), The Golden Jubilee (travel-themed bar lounge), Carnivale Restaurant, Carnival Kitchen, Conference Room.

The Gateway's Deck 7 is home to Limelight Lounge, Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Dreams Studio.

Festivale Restaurant (MDR/main dining room) is aft-positioned on both decks (6-7).

Celebration Central Atrium

Celebration Central (midship location on decks 6-7-8) is an expanded Atrium concept combining a day-to-night entertainment complex with a bar lounge (overlooking the ship's starboard side) with 3-decks high floor-ceiling windows.

The Atrium's Lobby level (deck 6) has a large Center Stage (portside) for live performances and is served by the Tropicale Bar. The Atrium's mid-level (deck 7) is integrated into the Casino Louge served by the Aquaria Bar (featuring glass murals by Luciano Vistosi, from the ship Carnival Victory). From the Atrium's upper level (deck 8) are accessed the restaurants Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki.

Grand Central features 3000-ft2 (280-m2) glass panels (built into the vessel's superstructure) to provide passengers with unobstructed views as they relax in comfortable seating.

During the day, Celebration Central Atrium serves as a relaxing space for enjoying beverages, light food, live music or participating in trivia contests and leisurely pursuits. At night, the Atrium transforms into an intimate venue with live performances (stand-up comedy acts, dancing, acrobatics) and quality media as guests can interact with 16x individually controlled LED screens (sized 6x14 ft / 1,8x4,3 m each) displaying video and special effects, along with aerial feats and lasers.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Carnival Celebration's main dining rooms feature select items from the onboard steakhouse, available for an additional fee. Traditionally, shipboard dining includes a complimentary Lido Buffet Restaurant. A special venue is the New England-inspired casual eatery Seafood Shack. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating and the menu includes steamed lobster, lobster rolls, fried shrimp, fried clams, crab cakes, and other seafood surprises. Seafood Shack serves lunch and dinner and is priced a la carte starting at $4.

The ship has a Japanese specialty restaurant (named Bonsai Teppanyaki) located within the Bonsai Sushi restaurant (on Promenade-Havana Deck). The restaurant offers authentic Far East dishes and a live cooking show performance (by the chefs) at custom-built cooking stations positioned at the center of an 8-seat dining table. Due to the room's limited seating, reservations are required. Each meal at Bonsai Teppanyaki starts with a sampling of 5 appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks). Combo dinners are also offered. Each meal ends with the specialty desserts "Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream". The restaurant is open for lunch (seadays only) and for dinner (every night of the voyage). Cover charge/price is per person and covers the entire meal.

Available on all Fun Ships is Chef's Table (VIP dining experience / 12-guest capacity) that includes multicourse dinner with ship's Master Chef, private cocktail reception and galley/kitchen tour. This dining option usually takes place in a non-traditional venue (a dedicated room in the galley) and can be booked onboard for USD 75 per person.

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has a specialty restaurant (located in The Gateway/ Deck 6 portside). Lagasse is the chef and owner of 11 different restaurants, including 4 in New Orleans . He is a regular guest on Good Morning America (TV show) and has hosted 2000+ shows on Food Network (US pay-TV channel). Lagasse Restaurant offers New Orleans cuisine, including spicy creole specialties. Menu items include muffuletta sandwiches, oyster and cochon de lait po-boys, gumbo, jambalaya, side dishes (Creole potato salad with diced scallions, red beans, jazz-man rice), desserts (Bananas Foster, lemon icebox pie). For Breakfast are also offered Shrimp & Grits, and Shrimp Creole Omelet. A-la-carte menu appetizers cost US$2 each, entrees are priced at US$12.

New (currently available on XL-class Carnival ships only) drinking and dining venues are within the themed zones "Lido" (deck 16) and "Summer Landing" (Lanai/promenade deck 8 aft). These include RedFrog Tiki Bar, The Watering Hole, Street Eats, Big Chicken by Shaq.

• RedFrog Tiki Bar is a South Pacific Island-themed, 2-level bar designed as a variation of Carnival's poolside RedFrog Bar. New is the island-inspired outdoor decoration with floral patterns, vibrant colors, tiki heads. Located close to Guy's Burger Joint, RedFrog Tiki Bar offers refreshing cocktails (like Red's Rum Runner Jumper, Jungle Bird, Polynesian Punch) presented in souvenir glasses and pineapples.
• The Watering Hole (located within The Patio at Summer Landing) is a backyard-like designed outdoor bar with wide selections of cocktails and beers (including Carnival's own brands / canned and draft brews).
• Street Eats is an open-air complimentary eatery located next to Seafood Shack. It offers ready-to-eat street food via 3 themed kiosks (steamed, fried, and plancha food). The new grab-and-go dining venue has a daily rotating menu. Small plates (including falafel or empanadas) are available at the fried food station, siu mai or bao buns - at the steamed food outlet, and satay and kebabs at the plancha food kiosk.
• Bar 820 (retro-themed bar lounge/part of 820 Biscayne zone) has indoor-outdoor seating, vintage design, and serves Cuban coffee, brand coffees, frozens, cocktails.

Carnival Celebration has the fleet's third "Big Chicken" restaurant at sea (by Shaquille O'Neal). Big Chicken by Shaq is located aft on Lido Deck. Many menu items are developed by the basketball player himself, the rest are based on the celebrity's favorite food recipes.

Rudi's Seagrill is another fleet-first dining venue (seafood restaurant by Rudi Sodamin / Holland America Line 's Master Chef). Rudi's Seagrill is a specialty restaurant (at surcharge / reservation fee) located on Deck 8 (between "Summer Landing" and "820 Biscayne") with indoor (80 seats) and outdoor seating (al fresco dining on The Lanai). The Seagrill offers appetizers, entrees and desserts, with all menu items presented as food faces. Signature dishes include Bigeye Tuna, Lemon-Stuffed Grilled Branzino, Seared Scallops, Salt-Roasted Prawns, Broiled Lobster Tails, Crab Cake, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Chocolate Truffle Cake. Non-seafood options are also on offer.

Celebration's 2-deck-high Lido zone houses the fleet's biggest "Guy's Burger Joint" (by Guy Fieri), the Mexican food bar BlueIguana Cantina, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and Lido Marketplace (ship's buffet restaurant). Other signature facilities in the area are Beach Pool (midship) and the infinity swimming pool Tides Pool (aft) with a bar, great stern views and ample seating. Lido-Pool Deck also houses deck parties and Dive-in Movies (at Carnival Seaside Theater/outdoor cinema).

Follows the complete list of Carnival Celebration restaurants and food bars.

• Festivale Restaurant (2-level Aft Dining Room)
• Carnivale Restaurant is a dinner-only Dining Room (complimentary) with sit-down waiter service.
• "Emeril's Bistro 1397" is the second-at-sea (after Mardi Gras ship's) restaurant by chef Emeril Lagasse (celebrity chef and owner of 11 different restaurants in the USA). The restaurant was named after the Celebration ship's hull/Turku shipyard number (1397). A-la-carte menu appetizers cost US$2 each, entrees are priced at US$12. The restaurant offers New Orleans cuisine, including muffuletta sandwiches, side dishes (Creole potato salad with diced scallions, red beans, jazz-man rice), desserts (Bananas Foster, lemon icebox pie). For Breakfast are also offered Shrimp & Grits, and Shrimp Creole Omelet. Signature dishes at Emeril's Bistro 1397 are chef's favorites Slow-Cooked Cochon de Lait Po'Boy (Boston butt pork roast), BBQ-Grilled Shrimp (large shrimp/peeled-deveined, tails attached), Emeril's Classic Seafood Gumbo (shrimp, fish, oysters), Cajun Jambalaya (boneless-skinless chicken thighs).
• Bonsai Sushi restaurant (including Bonsai Teppanyaki) serves Japanese cuisine specialties and drinks (a la carte priced menu).
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (indoor/outdoor seating, open between 6 - 9:30 pm) is a premium steakhouse-seafood restaurant at a surcharge (reservations recommended).
• The Chef's Table (private dining room) is a small room dedicated to the multi-course Chef's Table VIP dinner package (surcharged at $75 per person).
• Miami Slice Pizzeria (24-hour complimentary restaurant for hand-tossed pizzas by the slice) and Cucina del Capitano (seafood restaurant) are both part of Deck 8's "820 Biscayne" zone.
• Summer Landing houses Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Carnival's complimentary smoked-on-board BBQ food by Guy Fieri) and ParchedPig (onboard-brewed craft beers).
• Lido houses Carnival's complimentary Pool Deck eateries Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican fast food bar), and Guy's Burger Joint
• BlueIguana Cantina is a complimentary poolside (self-serve) fast-food bar with Mexican cuisine serving the Beach Pool area.
• Lido Marketplace (self-service buffet restaurant)
• Big Chicken by Shaq (restaurant by Shaquille O'Neal) is complimentary, with many menu items developed by the basketball player himself, while the rest are based on Shaq's favorite food recipes.
• Rudi's Seagrill (specialty restaurant by Rudi Sodamin)
• RedFrog Tiki Bar
• The Watering Hole
• Street Eats (grab-and-go eatery)
• Deco Deli (part of 820 Biscayne zone/deck 8) is complimentary and offers classic deli sandwiches (all with Cuban bread), as well as South Florida's favorite Cubano sandwich (pork, ham, swiss cheese), Croqueta sandwich (ham, cheese croqueta, pickles), Pan con Lechon sandwich (roasted pork, melted onion, mojo sauce).
• (deck 16/Lido) Chibang! is a new (introduced on the ship Mardi Gras) restaurant for signature Chinese and Mexican dishes (a la carte-priced), with two separate food menus plus a beverage menu (including specialty cocktails, like Chibang! Margarit, Smokey Mezcal Negroni, Green Tea Martini). The decor is marked by floor-ceiling windows (wall-to-wall), heavy red and green, with gold accents, a colorful dragon (at the entrance). Dishes include favorites like Kung Pao Chicken, Singapore Chili Shrimp/Prawn, Slow-Braised Pork Belly, Egg Drop Soup, Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos, Steak Ranchero, Mole de Pollo Mexicano, Pork Lomito, Pescado Frito Crujiente, Camarones a la Diabla (shrimp).

In mid-January 2018, CCL announced 4 new craft beers that will be brewed onboard Carnival Horizon (and the new ships Mardi Gras and Celebration). The brews were developed by brewmaster Colin Presby. They are offered at Guy's Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse (Brewhouse), The names of the new draft beers are inspired by the BBQ offerings at the Smokehouse/Brewhouse.

• "ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale" is a lightly hopped dry finish beer.
• "ParchedPig Smoked Porter" is brewed with in-house smoked malt, hickory smoke, and molasses.
• "ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale" has rich amber color and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit.
• "ParchedPig West Coast IPA" is a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale loaded with bitterness and a distinctive aroma of pine and citrus.

The current list of draft beers brewed on the ship includes ThirstyFrog Red (clean and light), ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin' IPA (floral flavor, with passion fruit and citrus overtones), ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat (unfiltered lager with banana aroma and spices), FriskyFrog Java Stout (with hints of coffee), ParchedPig West Coast IPA (West Coast IPA/India Pale Ale, citrus and pine aroma), ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale (toasted caramel/biscuit flavored), Miami Guava (primary ingredient is pink guava), ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale (dry beer), ParchedPig Smoked Porter (in-house smoked malt, hickory smoke, molasses), ParchedPig Beach Lager (golden ale available both on tap and in cans/when served in bars/dining venues), Carnival Birthday Beer (golden ale introduced in 2022 for the company's 50th Anniversary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The outdoor activity complex on Carnival Celebration is named "The Ultimate Playground" (2-deck high) with SkyCourse, SportSquare, Carnival WaterWorks (fleet's largest aquapark with 3x spiraling waterslides, 1x 2-lane racing slide, 1x tipping bucket) and "BOLT - Ultimate Sea Coaster" (world's second rollercoaster at sea).

A signature outdoor fun facility is the ropes course SkyCourse (length 600 ft / 183 m). SkyCourse is part of the SportSquare (sports complex) with an indoor hangout, mini-bowling, mini-golf course, The Clubhouse, Ping-Pong area with tables, jogging track, interactive sports gaming, arcade basketball.

Located on top-deck ( deck 19 ), Loft 19 is a new VIP leisure concept (secluded retreat for adults) designed as a premium resort complex. Here are offered full bar service, swimming pool, sunbathing area with cabanas, deckchairs and sun loungers available for rent. The cabanas are fully-stocked with beverages, chilled towels, plush bathrobes and provide dedicated concierge service with lunch delivery and fresh fruits. Carnival Excel Suite passengers enjoy priority cabana reservations.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Celebration lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Family Harbor Lounge (a dedicated to families space with 24-hour complimentary dining, concierge and babysitting service, movies, video games, board games by Hasbro).
• Celebration Theater is the boat's main show lounge for grand-style show productions featuring live performances (tribute acts - singing and dancing) combined with sound and lighting special effects.
• Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch (Karaoke, art auctions, nightly shows).
• Piano Bar 88 (cocktail bar) offers themed music nights, a grand piano for live performances by a resident pianist, singalongs, trivia quizzes.
• JavaBlue Cafe (open between 7-10 am, and between 4 pm-12:30 midnight) is a specialty patisserie/coffee bar.
• Havana Bar is an authentic Cuban cafe (cocktail/coffee bar) with live Latin music in the evenings. After midnight, the bar transforms into a Latin disco/nightclub.
• Cherry on Top (open between 4-10:30 pm) is a Carnival signature shop selling bulk candies by the oz (mix and match, sugar-free, assortments), confections (lollipops, sweet apples, truffles, chocolate deep cheesecakes and pretzels, cupcakes, fudge, cookies /and sugar-free).
• The Fun Shops is the duty-free shopping complex of retail stores (open between 8 am - 12-midnight).
• Special Occasions shop sells Bon Voyage wines/champagnes/liquor, Carnival cruise packages, specialty items, and gifts.
• Empress Casino is a Vegas-style gambling lounge equipped with various slot machines (Coinless Fun Slot Machines) and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Black Jack 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker tables). The Casino is served by the Aquaria Bar.
• Limelight Lounge offers live evening entertainment by vocalists, musicians, comedians, karaoke.
• Lanai promenade (with outdoor seats, served by Lanai Bar-BQ Bar).
• Alchemy Bar is a vintage-themed cocktail bar (drink pharmacy) where professional mixologists (dressed in lab coats) serve handcrafted cocktails and made-to-order drinks from unique ingredients.
• Dreams Studio (photo sessions studio)
• Pixels Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo-video services, duty-free equipment, and accessories, photos on display available for purchasing)
• Havana Outside is the Havana complex's pool area (1x swimming pool /Havana Pool, live palm trees).
• Tides Pool (aft) has 1x swimming pool flanked by 2x Jacuzzies/spa pools and a large sunbathing area served with drinks by the Tides Bar.
• Circle C (kids club lounge), Club O2 (teens club lounge)
• Warehouse (Video Arcade)
• Camp Ocean (formerly known as "Camp Carnival" - youth activities program)
• Creative Cove (a dedicated room for kids' arts-crafts and workshops)
• Dr Seuss Bookville is a family-themed indoor playground (kids room/library) fitted with all Dr Seuss books (available for reading), fun games, themed decorations and activities (Dr Seuss characters, memorable phrases from the books, character meet-and-greets). Other themed events held on the ship include Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (at Main Dining Rooms), Story Time (at Camp Carnival), Seuss-A-Palooza Parade (Promenade Deck show).
• Carnival Cloud 9 Spa (wellness complex)
• The Fitness Center/Gymnasium (complimentary)
• Loft 19 Retreat offers full bar service and a swimming pool surrounded by cabanas.

Serenity is the ship's adults-only retreat (complimentary/free entry for passengers 21+ yo) accessible at any time. This is a forward-location outdoor area/sundeck with 2x Jacuzzies/whirlpools (large-size outdoor hot tubs, cantilevered/infinity pool type, with glass walls), 2x massage huts, cabanas, Fresh Creations (complimentary chopped salad station for made-to-order fresh salads), Spritz Bar/Serenity Bar (waiter-served beverages), and an exclusive sundeck for relaxation, sunbathing and evening dance parties. Both bars and the whirlpools are available between 8 am - 10 pm. Hours may vary depending on cruise itinerary, portdays/seadays, weather.

Serenity Deck is furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs (plush seating, teal cushions), shaded seating areas with double loungers and plush wicker sofas, live trees for decoration. At regular bar prices, Serenity Bar's menu offers drinks and refreshments (cocktails, beer/buckets, wine by the glass, frozens, smoothies, shakes, sodas).

On Carnival Celebration (Camp Ocean venues) debuted the "Turtles" program for toddlers/kids under two years of age. The program's activities include Turtle Playdates, Turtle Band, Baby Turtle Trek, as well as drop-off time and late-night babysitting. Another new Camp Ocean program is "Nautical Explorer" offering maritime-themed activities like designing your own cruise ship.

The Gateway's "The Golden Jubilee" is a New Orleans-themed jazz lounge offering live performances and hand-crafted cocktails and featuring memorabilia, artworks and original pieces from CCL’s earlier liners, including:

• Round (instead of square) windows, reminiscent of the classic liners' portholes
• Chairs (recreated from TSS Carnivale’s "Riverboat Lounge") and cocktail tables from Carnival Fascination ’s "Hollywood Boulevard" (Promenade & Bar Lounge)
• Original full-height etched glass-nickel-mahogany partition wall with 24 windowpanes from the Casino of TSS Mardi Gras and floor tiles from the liner's Grand Ballroom
• Original etchings of musical instruments and polished brass-and-glass nightclub doors from the ship TSS Carnivale
• Reproductions of hand-drawn sketches by architect Joe Farcus (CCL's interior ship designer) blended into mirrors
• Original bronze statue of Ted Arison (by Martin Saarikangas)
• The Golden Jubilee Bar is beneath 2-deck-high ceilings (adorned with a brass chandelier) and features an early version of the CCL’s logo, mirror inserts (integrated into the front and bottle display), a special menu with the most popular cocktails throughout the decades since the company's establishment in 1972.

The Ultimate Playground is a large (2-decks high) family-friendly outdoor playground with fleet's largest Carnival WaterWorks (aquapark), expanded SportSquare (sports complex with a basketball court, ropes course, jogging track, mini-golf) and "BOLT - Ultimate Sea Coaster" (world's 2nd rollercoaster at sea).

CCL's entertainment team partnered with celebrity directors from Los Angeles (Broadway) and London (West End) to create 3 new signature shows - part of the onboard "Playlist Productions" revues. The new shows (named "Celestial Strings", "Soulbound", "Vintage Pop") use the full capacity of the interactive LED screens. A 4th show ("Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance") is also available on the Horizon ship. It was introduced in 2017 on Carnival Vista.

• "Celestial Strings" show is themed on classical music mixed with modern pop.
• "Soulbound" is a gothic-inspired, New Orleans-themed show featuring R&B music favorites.
• "Vintage Pop" show is themed on "Gatsby's Cotton Club", featuring modern songs recomposed into classic jazz interpretations performed live by a 6-piece jazz band.
• "Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance" show is themed on classic Latin songs mixed with modern music hits. It is held at the Havana Bar and highlighted by a 7-piece Cuban music band.

Carnival Celebration's retail shopping options include 9x new collections, including CCL's 50th Anniversary memorabilia (50th Birthday), 305 Deco Celebration (in the "820 Biscayne" zone/Miami-themed), new brands, fashion accessories and designs (customizable apparel, Romero Britto artworks, Effy Fine Jewellery, LVMH brands' luxury goods, ICONIC London's makeup products, Ariana Grande's perfumes and colognes, Cuervo y Sobrinos' watches), a destination-themed collection (based on the cruise itinerary's regions/countries/port cities), a Carnival-logoed collection (CCL-logoed and Carnival Celebration-logoed products plus various logo items), as well as special merchandise influenced by the cruise liner's entertainment venues. Carnival Celebration's retail shops are spread across all six zones/neighborhoods. "The Carnival Store" (deck 8) features an interactive floor experience. The Luxury Vintage Retail is a boutique promoting responsible fashion.

New (fleet-first and never-before-seen) live entertainment options on Carnival Celebration feature aerialist acts, grand productions, game shows, parties, themed events and presentations. The new programming (at Playlist Productions and Atrium's Center Stage) includes:

• "Color My World - An Indie Rock and Pop Love Story" is dance music themed (street jazz, hip-hop, ballet, pop, indie rock) and features live painting.
• "Rio Carnival" is a Brazilian fiesta show with the cast performing authentic dancing (samba, bossa nova, batudada, forro, carimbo, capoeira, marchinha), in addition to popular songs performed in Portuguese and English.
• "The Most Magnificent Circus" is an extravagant aerialist show with professional wire-rigged performers flying over the audience.
• Playlist Productions also hosts the new shows "Celestial Strings", "Cuban-meets-Latin" and "Amor Cubano", while Center Stage hosts the new "We Are One" music production.

Celebration Central Atrium's Center Stage hosts the "Visual Symphony" production using the 16 moving LED screens and high-tech lasers in combination with classic rock live music. Center Stage's shows were developed by Jason Whicker (aerial director).

Together with CCL's popular game shows "Love and Marriage", "Family Feud Live" and "Deal or No Deal", on Carnival Celebration debuted the new "Cash Bash" (casino game with prizes and interactive activities), "Guess That Groove" (groovy dance competition), "What’s Age Got to Do With It" (Q&A trivia show for all ages, including family duos). A new party that debuted on the ship is "Celebration Happy Hour" (at Latitudes Bar).

Itineraries

Carnival Celebration's itinerary program is based on year-round roundtrips to the Caribbean from homeport Miami (Florida USA) , with preferential berthing at the new "Carnival Terminal 3" (CT3). The Maiden Voyage was on November 6, 2022. The itinerary was a 14-day "Carnival Journeys" (Transatlantic repositioning crossing Nov 6-20) from Southampton (England UK) to Miami via Madeira (Portugal) and Canary Islands (Spain).

CCL Celebration ship's Caribbean program (6-7-8-day roundtrips from Miami) started on November 21, 2022. The Western Caribbean itineraries visit Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Mya) and Honduras (Roatan). The Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit Dominicana (Amber Cove), Puerto Rico (San Juan), St Maarten (Philipsburg), St Thomas USVI (Charlotte Amalie). The Southern Caribbean itineraries visit the Dutch Antilles' ABC islands - Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire (Kralendijk), Curacao (Willemstad).

Photos of Carnival Celebration

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Other Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Celebration Wiki

The vessel's name (Carnival Celebration, IMO number 9837456) was announced on August 21, 2020. The boat's arrival in 2022 (inaugurated in November in PortMiami ) was planned to coincide with CCL's 50th anniversary. The sistership Mardi Gras was originally scheduled for inauguration on February 6, 2021, leaving out Port Canaveral . Carnival Cruise Line 's 50th Birthday was celebrated in March 2022, with a series of commemorative cruises (Sailabrations) featuring unique onboard entertainment/events and special itineraries.

CCL's President Christine Duffy commented, "The name Carnival Celebration couldn't be more perfect for a ship that will be a key component of our 50th Birthday festivities. Many thanks to our celebrity partners who helped us officially "unbox the fun" and reveal the name of a ship that promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet. Carnival Celebration is our 50th Birthday present to our guests!"

Like most large -sized newbuilds , the new Carnival Celebration is LNG-powered , with 4x Caterpillar Marine LNG engines (model MaK 16M-46DF) generating combined output 57,2 MW. The propulsion system is based on two Azimuting thrusters with combined power output 37 MW. The ship has 3x LNG tanks (cryogenic steel) with total capacity ~3200 m3. Two of the tanks are larger (length 35 m / 115 ft, diameter 8 m / 26 ft, gas capacity 1525 m3), while the 3rd tank has length 28 m (92 ft), diameter 5 m (16 ft) and gas capacity 520 m3. The vessel's bunkering takes ~8 hours and her LNG capacity is enough for ~14 days of operation (navigation and onboard electricity production).

For its LNG-bunkering operations in Florida (at homeports PortMiami and Port Canaveral ), CCL-Carnival partnered with Royal Dutch Shell plc as fuel supplier.

The shipbuilding order (Meyer Turku yard number / hull 1397) was placed on September 6, 2016. Carnival Celebration's construction at Turku Shipyard Finland officially started on January 13, 2021, with the steel-cutting ceremony (yard/hull number 1397). The special event was attended by Ben Clement (CCL's Senior VP of Newbuilds, Refurbishments and Product Innovation) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO).

The ship was launched/floated out from drydock on February 11, 2022. The ceremony was attended by Tim Meyer and Ben Clement. The coin-ceremony (held on June 15th at Meyer Turku) was attended by Vincenzo Alcaras (Captain), Fabien Gervaise (Chief Engineer), Pierre Camilleri (Hotel Director) as well as by members of CCL's New Build Department and Meyer Turku representatives.

The ship was officially delivered from Meyer Turku to CCL on November 2, 2022. The delivery ceremony was attended by Tim Meyer and Christine Duffy (CCL). The maiden voyage departed from Southampton on November 6th.

The liner's Senior Officers are Vincenzo Alcaras (Captain since 2006 on Carnival Miracle, with CCL since 1996), Fabien Gervaise (Chief Engineer since 2013 on Carnival Breeze, with CCL since 2000), and Pierre Camilleri (Hotel Director, with CCL since 2004).

On June 16, 2022, at Port Mobile (Alabama) from Carnival Ecstasy was offloaded a vintage car (Rolls Royce Saloon from 1934). The unique automobile (originally positioned outside Ecstasy's Rolls Royce Cafe) was later shipped to Finland and loaded onto Carnival Celebration (at Meyer Turku shipyard). In February 2022, CCL announced that Ecstasy (1991-built/31-years-old) and Sensation (1993-built/29-years-old) leave the fleet in 2022.

Sea trials started on September 5, 2022, in the Archipelago Sea (northeastern Baltic Sea's Turku Archipelago/Finnish territorial waters) during which officers, technicians and engineers thoroughly tested the new vessel's technical, mechanical and navigational systems (including maneuvering, endurance, speed, thrusters, steering) to determine its capability and performance. The boat was mastered by Captain Vincenzo Alcaras.

The new ship's name honors MS Celebration (1987-built/2021- scrapped as " Grand Celebration ") - CCL's last/3rd Holiday-class liner, with sisterships MS Jubilee (1986-built/2017-scrapped as "Henna") and MS Holiday (1985-built/2021-scrapped as " CMV Magellan ").

The ship's naming ceremony was on November 20, 2022, held in PortMiami and led by godmother Cassidy Gifford. Cassidy Erin Gifford (1993-born American model and actress) is the daughter of Frank Gifford (former NFL player/footballer and sports broadcaster) and Kathie Lee Gifford (TV host, also the godmother of MS Celebration, 1987-built/2021-scrapped ). Kathie Gifford served as Carnival's spokesperson in American TV campaigns (the industry's first network broadcasting ads) between 1984-2002. Cassidy Gifford's career started in 2005. Her best-known movies so far are "God's Not Dead" (2014, Christian drama/playing Kara) and "The Gallows" (2015, supernatural horror/playing Cassidy Spilker).

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2022

In December 2020, CCL-Carnival officially announced the inaugural season's schedule of the new Celebration liner. Next tables show the Maiden Voyage (ship's first cruise) and the inaugural Caribbean itineraries with lowest prices in USD per person (with double occupancy).

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 14-day Transatlantic crossing (RepositionCruises.com) from UK to USA (Southampton to Miami) - from $1140 pp

Inaugural 6-day Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary ($740 pp)

Inaugural 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary ($690 pp)

Inaugural 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary ($670 pp)

Inaugural 8-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary ($750 pp)

(2023) Inaugural 5-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary ($430 pp)

This post may have affiliate links to keep our costs in check while delivering the best free content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Carnival Celebration Cruise Ship Review: How Does Newest & Largest Ship Compare

What’s In This Article

Carnival Celebration is one of Carnival’s newest and largest ships. While we’ve cruised many times on other cruise lines, we hadn’t tried Carnival until this year.

We’re big fans of the Oasis class ships by Royal Caribbean, and we’re interest to see how Carnivals largest class of ships compared. We decided to give the Celebration a try, on a completely full (sold out, we couldn’t even add another guest to our room) cruise, and here’s what we found in this Carnival Celebration cruise ship review.

Note: Theres already other articles that cover every detail of the ship, so we’re focusing on the top things tour family loved (or didn’t), and comparing it to the other options out there,

Key Takeaways

• We found some things we liked, but also more negatives than we were expecting on a new ship.
• If you’re set on the Carnival Cruise Line , Celebration is one of the best family options. As Carnival’s largest ship, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. We found great food, entertainment, and service on board.
• We found the ship more crowded than the large Royal Caribbean ships like Oasis of the Seas (more below on that).
• The cost of the cruise includes most things, like entertainment and many of the restaurants. Wifi, alcohol, gratuities, and specialty dining are not included.

About Carnival Celebration

As the newest addition to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet , the Carnival Celebration offers an impressive array of deck plans, cabin options, and innovative features not found in their smaller and older ships.

Overview of the ship

The Carnival Celebration is the sister ship to the Mardi Gras. Both ships are part of Carnival’s new Excel-class series. It even has the first roller coaster at sea, Bolt® (for an extra charge). You’ll find six different areas on this ship, each one with unique features.

The Celebration sails from Miami, doing 7 night Caribbean itineraries.

First Impressions: The Biggest Negative

Our first impressions of the Celebration were mixed. While the ship is huge compared to other Carnival options and brand new, it doesn’t feel as spacious as our favorite cruise ships like Royal Carribeans Oasis of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean ’s largest ships are almost 30% larger than the Celebration but hold the same number of passengers at max capacity.

How does that work? Walking around the ship, we noticed how they did it.

Instead of tall ceilings and huge indoor areas, more staterooms are taking up space on the Celebration.

On Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ships, there are open spaces that make you wonder if you’re even on a ship. Areas (called Neighbpurhoods) like Central Park, filled with real plants and trees, or the Promenade, where you can go for a carousel ride in the huge open-air area with a water theater.

The Celebration? There’s not any of that. Most indoor areas have low ceilings and don’t feel very spacious. There is the three story partially open area pictured below when you first board the ship, but it doesn’t have quite the same effect.

But let’s look at the rest of the ship.

Deck plan and cabin options

Forward facing balcony: a unique view.

We usually select an ocean-facing (side of the ship) balcony room, but we opted to do a forward-facing balcony on this cruise.

The Celebration offers a higher number of forward-facing balconies, placing cabins at the front of the ship where other ships may place spas, gyms, or specialty restaurants in that area.

While the forward-facing balcony gives you a different view, we wouldn’t necessarily choose one again over a side-facing balcony for a few reasons.

• Our cabin on deck 8 sat just above the crew break area in the front of the ship. So when we were outside on the cabin’s balcony we could constantly small cigarettes from the crew smoking and hear the noise from the area, making the outdoor deck not as a normal balcony.
• The outdoor balcony is pretty far away from the ship’s edge, so the views aren’t as close up as you’ll get from other areas. You also miss out a lot of the ocean noise you get sitting on an ocean facing balcony.
• The wind: Though the forward balconies have a divider to help with the wind, Cruising at 20mph still pushes a lot of air into the balcony area. We had to be careful opening the door when the kids were going in and out to prevent it slamming shut. This could be a problem if you have younger children!.

So, while it’s still a great upgrade over an interior room, we’d select a normal ocean-view balcony on the next trip.

Other than that, though, the rooms were very nice, as you might expect for a brand new ship. Wwe also had an interior room across the hall.

Balcony room bathroom. Average size for a cruise ship.

Here’s a quick breakdown of other cabin options available on the Celebration.

So Carnival Celebration has got you covered whether you’re a family seeking luxurious comfort or needing specific accommodations.

Variety of dining options

You won’t go hungry on the Celebration, even when you’re not paying extra for the specialty restaurants. Over we found the food not quite as good as on other cruises, we still rated it slightly higher than the higher-end all-inclusive resorts we’ve been to recently, such as the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in Punta Cana. Here’s some of the best restaurants on board.

How can you go wrong with combining Mexican and Chinese food? This restaurant is open for dinner and provides a nice alternative to the main dining room or the buffet.

We ended up dining here several nights. ChiBang takes reservations, so we could eat here without waiting in line for a your time dining table at the main dining room.

Main Dining Room

This is the largest restaurant, offering several dining times.

• Early or Late: Early or late dining gives you the same dining time each night, usually with the same wait staff and table. The set dining times (especially the early time of 6 pm) is usually the first to be reserved.
• Your Time Dining: On our cruise, which was booked at the last minute, the only option left was your time dining. This option lets you arrive between 5:45 PM and 9:30 PM, but there can often be a wait for a table.

We didn’t find the main dining room service or food the best, and we only ate there several nights on our 7 seven-night cruise.

Comparing the main dining room service to Royal Carribean , we noticed a few other negatives on the Celebration that didn’t give it the higher end restaurant feel.

• Servers passed by the table several times each meal selling shots, not something you’d see in a nicer restaurant and not something we’d experienced on any other cruise line.
• The Celebration tables instead of a white table cloth, featured a plastic top. Again, just a smaller detail but one that gives the restaurant a different atmosphere.

Guys Pig and Anchor

This counter-service BBQ restaurant is a great option for a quick meal and offers smoked items like pork, brisket, sausage, and chicken. We never found a long line here and ate lunch here a few times. Bonus: it’s right next to the indoor soft serve ice cream machine, which is also in a low-traffic area and never had a long line.

Lido Marketplace (Buffet)

If you’ve been on a cruise before, you know how chaotic the buffet restaurant is. Walking around the huge area several times to find a table, trying to find your family, people walking every direct and cutting in line, is all part of the experience.

Thankfully, we found the Celebration no worse (or better) than any other cruise and limited the buffet to when we were limited on time, such as before or after a shore excursion.

Just down the hall from the Pig and Anchor, another of our favorites is the pizza restaurant. Offering delicious cheese and pepperoni pizza that is made right in front of the waiting line, this was our last stop almost every night heading back to the cabin. Though it would frequently have a long line, it moved quickly and we never saw them run out of pizza!

Specialty Restaurants

Specialty restaurants on cruise ships have been expanding, offering a unique experience for an additional charge. Frankly, on the Celebration we didn’t see any specialty restaurants that made sense for us to spend the extra money.

We’ve tried them on several other cruises where the experience seemed worth it to us, such as 150 Central Park on Royal Caribbean ’s Oasis of the Seas, which is a small upscale restaurant located in a park like setting. Or Wonderland, which is a fairy tale type experience.

We’d try specialty restaurants again on a future cruise, but it’s harder to justify spending the extra money on something similar when there’s plenty of good food available that’s included in your cruise.

Other Quick Service and Snacks

There are plenty of other great choices for a quick snack on board, including Guy’s Burger Joint, which was one of our favorites for lunch. Guy’s Burger would have been a dinner favorite too if we weren’t looking to spend a lot of time eating, but unfortunately, they’re closed for dinner.

Amenities and Entertainment

During our time on the Carnival Celebration Cruise, we discovered plenty of amenities and entertainment to stay busy on the at sea days.

The pools, and water park on the top deck were a hit with our kids, and were surprisingly spacious enough for this sold out cruise.

There’s live music at Havana Bar and game shows like Family Feud in the theater, along with daily activities like scavenger hunts.

Entertainment options

There’s plenty to keep you entertained onboard, day or night. Here’s some of our favorites.

Pool and Waterpark Area

The top aft deck is one of the best areas for kids, containing a large water wark with slides, mini golf, a ropes course, and a basketball court.

Several pools are available, and we were able to find lounge chairs easier than on other cruise ships.

At night, Dive In Movies were a favorite of our kids. We spent about every night on the top deck pool watching movies once they discovered this. Note: Every night the movies were PG-13, and not appropriate for younger kids. It would have been nice for them to alternate movie nights for different age groups.

The BOLT rollercoaster, the first rollercoaster onboard a cruise ship. Our kids loved it, and they’re used to fast, full sized theme park roller coasters. There is a fee for the coaster, but this ensured there wasn’t ever along line, even on at sea days.

Entertainment Shows

We found the nightly entertainment to be much different than on Royal Carribean, which uses its main large theater for shows or broadway type plays each night.

In contrast, on our cruise the Celebration main theater was mostly used for game shows type shows involving audience participation like Family Feud, which took up several nights of our seven night cruise.

The Celebration main shows and plays were usually located in the semi open entrance area of the ship, which only has a small seating area, along with standing room only balconies overhead to view the show. Because of this it’s hard to even get a seat to watch a show, without arriving very early

Trivia and Daytime Activities

During the day there’s plenty of family friendly activities like trivia, scavenger hunts, and family friendly comedy shows happening at places like Punchliner Comedy Club, and the Havana Bar.

• Ropes course and basketball court keep us active.

Inclusions and additional expenses

When it comes to the monetary aspect of the trip, the Carnival Celebration cruise is a cost-effective vacation option for families. As part of the package, most of the amenities and services are included in the initial price. However, some additional expenses might come up during the journey. Let’s break down what is included and what might cost extra:

So whenoe the initial cost covers much of the vacation, there are additional expenses you might consider budgeting for.

Pros and Cons of Carnival Celebration

Our experience aboard the Carnival Celebration was packed with countless memorable moments for our family, and just like any vacation , it had its highs and lows.

We found this ship is perfect for active families like ours, looking for fun and adventure. So, let’s weigh up the pros and cons.

In conclusion, while there were a few minor setbacks, the pros of our trip aboard the Carnival Celebration outweighed the cons.

Compared to Royal Caribbean ? We’d return for another cruise on the Celebration in the future, but would chose Royal Caribbean over Carnival if the itinerary and price was similar.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Our Celebration cruise trip was a great introduction to Carnival. While we still prefer Royal Caribbean’s largest ships, our family had a great time. We’d definitely chose it or it’s sister ship the Mardi Gras for a future vacation.

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Carnival Celebration Review: What You Need to Know [PHOTOS]

Doug Parker

• April 14, 2023

Our Carnival Celebration review and an overview of Carnival Cruise Line’s second Excel class ship. If you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise experience, Carnival Celebration may be what you’re looking for.

But before you put down a big cruise deposit, make sure you read this review and watch the tour in its entirety to make sure the vessel isn’t too large for you.

This ship offers a wide range of amenities and activities, making it perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at everything Carnival Celebration has to offer.

Carnival Celebration Quick Facts

Highlights:

• BOLT Roller Coaster
• Ropes course with a zip line
• Gateway Zone with Carnival artifacts
• Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

Carnival Celebration Review

Carnival Celebration is Carnival’s second Excel-class ship, and she’s almost a twin of her older sister, Mardi Gras.

As with Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration feels light years removed from some of the line’s earlier ships, with a mega ship vibe and interior design that gives it the feel of a beachside resort as opposed to the New York New York hotel on the Vegas strip.

This class ushered in a lot of firsts for Carnival Cruise Line, including designing a mega-ship to keep 6,400 people occupied while avoiding crowds at the same time.

The vessel relies heavily on technology, and the HUB app is almost always required for dining, spa, and shore excursion reservations, along with checking in for any dining time.

When designing the Excel class (the third of which, Carnival Jubilee, will be introduced in December 2023), Carnival set out to reinforce the connection between passengers and the ocean.

Using the zone concept that was first introduced on Mardi Gras and akin to Royal Caribbean’s neighborhood concept on its Oasis-class vessels, the ship doesn’t have deck names but rather zones and deck numbers. Once you get the hang of it, it’s quite easy.

The six zones of Carnival Celebration include Celebration Central, Gateway, Summer Landing, Lido, The Ultimate Playground, and 820 Biscayne.

Wherever possible, Celebration offers spectacular views and plenty of outdoor seating. Whether zipping around on the BOLT roller coaster or kicking back in Summer Landing, this is a ship that practically demands that you take in the view wherever you go.

Celebration makes an amazing first impression thanks to the fact that upon embarking, passengers are greeted by the three-deck Celebration Central side-facing atrium.

This space is the beating heart of the ship, as it houses not only the Tropicale on deck six but also the Aquaria Bar on deck seven. Anchored around the atrium across decks six, seven, and eight are dining options, shopping, and bars.

If you’ve sailed on other Carnival ships, walking onboard, you may recognize something you’ve seen from a past Carnival ship: the Rolls Royce taken off of Carnival Ecstasy before it was decommissioned in October 2022.

It now sits prominently on deck six, right outside Cherry on Top, the line’s specialty candy shop.

Activities Found on Carnival Celebration

While you could easily spend your vacation doing nothing but relaxing, you might actually have to work hard at it because there’s a lot going on at all hours of the day and night.

Up on deck 18, The Ultimate Playground will keep you busy with thrills. The BOLT roller coaster is a major draw at $15 for two laps around the track.

It has certain regulations like a 300-pound weight limit per rider, no cameras or phones (even a GoPro), close-toed shoes only, and a reservation requirement. There’s also the ropes course that’s perfect for your inner adventurer.

Feeling only semi-daring? The course offers a separate path for those who aren’t keen to hang 180 feet above sea level.

The ship also features the obligatory jogging track, basketball court, and mini-golf course. But you’ll also find unusual offerings like Twister, foosball, and even a selection of outdoor workout equipment.

Want to take in an evening film? The Seaside Theater screens movies beneath the stars and offers different themes each evening. It may have one of the best sound systems of any cruise line I’ve been on — the bass really hits, and you can easily get lost in the movie.

Decks 8 and 16 are where you’ll find a few different pools. Deck 8 has the aft pool and a couple of rectangular pools on the starboard side of the ship.

The Lido Zone has the Beach Pool, located midship, which is the one that tends to get the most crowded, although the Tides Pool — perched as it is on the back of the ship — is the place to be. It’s quieter and features two hot tubs.

What’s extra nice about this pool is that there’s plenty of teak seating around it just to stick your feet in the water, as well as a pool shelf if you’d like to sit in the water without actually getting all the way into the pool.

Adults looking for a little peace and quiet should head forward to Serenity on deck 18, which is reserved for the 21+ crowd.

Some of the most comfortable loungers, daybeds, and clamshells will be found here, as will hammocks, hot tubs, a full-service bar, and the Fresh Creations salad bar on sea days.

Unlike on some ships, the staff does a good job of ensuring kids are kept out of this adults-only haven. A quick tip: keep in mind that because of Serenity’s spot on the ship, it can get very windy — especially at nighttime.

If you’re looking to splash around, the WaterWorks aqua park is wildly popular with the younger set thanks to features like a drop slide where the bottom falls out, a 500-gallon dumping bucket, and a kids splash park.

There’s an almost never-ending series of events — from Bingo and trivia to karaoke and dance classes — on decks six, seven, and eight.

And finally, if all this activity has left you worn out and in need of a little pampering, the Cloud 9 Spa offers a variety of massages, treatments, and more.

RELATED: 9 Things To Know About Carnival Celebration Before Boarding

Carnival Celebration Entertainment

Carnival Celebration not only has the four Playlist Production shows, three of which are brand new, but it also has new shows added to the Celebration Central atrium, including The Most Magnificent Circus, which takes guests on a journey using trapeze acts, singing, dancing, and other stunts.

If you’re looking to attend this show (or any evening production show in Celebration Central), get there at least 30+ minutes prior to showtime, as seating fills up very quickly.

The Punchliner Comedy Club runs family-friendly and adults-only shows throughout the cruise, and like on Mardi Gras; it finally has its own venue located on deck six forward.

The previous Punchliner home, the Limelight Lounge, is used for karaoke and presentations, and the space has also transformed into a nightclub with a DJ and a lot of dancing.

Deck eight’s Havana Bar really comes alive at night thanks to live Latin music that keeps people moving until the early morning hours.

The travel-themed Gateway zone on deck six features virtual “windows,” which periodically spring to life during a 15-minute time travel-themed show that involves lighting, sound effects, and even the departure board above the Latitudes bar.

And speaking of the Latitudes Bar, this is the place to be if you want to try interesting cocktails inspired by destinations around the world.

There’s also the Golden Jubilee Bar. You’ll find history and relics of Carnival’s past with sketches of previous Carnival ships on the wall and even artifacts dating back to Carnival’s very first ship, Mardi Gras, in 1972.

Live music is also a big after-dinner draw at the Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse, which replaces the popular RedFrog Pub on the Carnival Celebration. The house band has a range from classic rock to chart-topping songs across all genres.

Carnival favorites Serenity Bar, Alchemy Bar, Piano Bar, and atrium bars are also found onboard.

Carnival Celebration Dining

In addition to the two main dining rooms, Festivale and Carnivale, which are located mid-ship and aft, respectively, there’s a plethora of places to eat to suit every palate.

Poolside, you’ll still find Carnival’s Lido Marketplace, which has typical buffet fare, a hot dog stand, shwarma, and homemade gelato. I was pleased with the quality of the food in the buffet as well as its design and layout — the crowds move smoothly throughout this space.

Food and drink venues are where Carnival Celebration really comes to life, especially with its string of celebrity partnerships. You can still grab a quick bite from Guy’s Burger Joint, which has been moved to deck 17 (one above the lido pool), or a burrito from the BlueIguana Cantina.

However, some new concepts that were previously introduced on Mardi Gras have also carried over, like the Street Eats food stalls that are poolside with different daily offerings of fries, steamed Asian dumplings, and Greek food.

I highly recommend checking these out — they’re great little snacks and can also serve as side dishes to other foods on and around Lido.

Seafood Shack is also located in the Street Eats section, but you have to pay for this one.

Big Chicken is on the very back of 16, a complimentary fried chicken counter-service venue with different types of fried chicken sandwiches and chicken strips. In the morning, they serve to-order omelets and a killer honey chicken biscuit sandwich.

Down on deck 8, Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que offers a mouthwatering BBQ during lunchtime.

At dinner, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse offers different menu items like brisket, smoked barbecue salmon, the Pig & Anchor melt sandwich, and banana pudding.

Unlike the Vista-class ships, which run an a la carte menu at dinner, it is complimentary on both Mardi Gras and Celebration.

Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki are both onboard Celebration. Taken from the Japanese hibachi steakhouse experience, this is lunch/dinner and a show combined thanks to the chefs whose flying cutlery and witty banter keep passengers entertained while their meal is being prepared.

Be warned: The for-fee venue does two seatings a night, with 10 guests at each of the three tables, so if this hot spot is a must-do for your squad, make a reservation. If you can’t find a dinner reservation, they sometimes open up lunch seatings on select days at two different times, noon and 1:45 p.m.

First introduced on Carnival Magic in 2011, Cucina del Capitano is the Italian restaurant that continues to be a staple on Carnival’s newbuilds with delicious foods and huge portions. Some staples are the chicken and eggplant Parmesan, mozzarella and tomato salad, and tiramisu.

Cucina is also complimentary for lunch and dinner. On previous classes of ships, there is still an $18 fee to dine here (and it’s well worth it — just bring your appetite).

Within an eyeshot of Cucina are Miami Slice and Deco Deli, the pizza joint, and the panini shop.

Chibang was also introduced in the Excel class and offers both Mexican and Chinese food. You can dine here for both lunch and dinner, with two different menus served at each seat.

You may be asking yourself why they’re free on the larger ships but not on the Vista or Dream-class vessels. With the ship carrying just over 6,000 guests at full capacity, there must be plenty of places to dine without causing a complete log jam at the main dining room.

To alleviate the crowds, Carnival made three venues complimentary instead of charging.

Last but not least is Emeril’s Bistro 1397 , located on deck 6, which features everything in New Orleans. The a la carte counter service venue has everything you’d find if you were spending some pre-cruise time in The Big Easy.

Barbecue shrimp, oysters, crawfish, jambalaya, crab, Cajun steamed shrimp, and beignets are all on the menu. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here.

RELATED: Carnival Celebration Dining Guide: Which Restaurants Are Complimentary?

Carnival Celebration Cabins and Suites

Carnival knows that it caters to more families than any other cruise line, and it’s one of the reasons the line offers such staterooms ranging from a simple interior to Excel Suites, with a pricing range to match.

The Excel Suites are the top-tier one-bedroom suites on the ship, some of which have a hot tub on the balcony.

Guests staying in an Excel suite also have access to the Loft 19 area, a dedicated and restricted area on deck 19 only available to those staying in the cabins or paying for a cabana for the day or week.

Having proven popular on the Carnival Mardi Gras, the Family Harbor staterooms — complete with a shared lounge offering a breakfast buffet, ice cream, video games, and more — have been replicated on deck 4 midship.

Although in a different location than the Vista class, the Havana staterooms are located on the port side on deck eight. These cabins include your own lanai (if in a lanai category stateroom) and access to the exclusive Havana Retreat area that includes its own pool and bar.

Be advised that Family Harbor and Havana staterooms, which come in a variety of categories, book quickly. If you’re looking to book one, don’t drag your feet.

Kids & Teens

With all those kids on board, Carnival works hard to keep them entertained. Camp Ocean offers a variety of supervised, age-based group activities for kids 2-11, all of which have a nautical theme. For the 12-14 year-old set, there’s Circle C, while Club 02 is where the 15-17 year olds can be found.

The teens have a trendy patio on deck 17 that’s located behind Guy’s Burger Joint and is a quick walk from the ice cream machines.

And proving that fun truly knows no age limit, the whole family will enjoy hanging out at Dr. Seuss Bookville, which is almost as colorful and unique as the creations found in the author’s books, around which the space is designed.

Carnival Celebration Review: Final Thoughts

After spending over 20 days onboard Carnival Celebration, I can say the large and small changes are very welcome. The number of food options included in your cruise fare seems endless, and the food is of high quality.

I would suggest doing your research before sailing because the average Carnival cruiser who hasn’t sailed an Excel class ship could get lost.

With great food, entertainment, and plenty of adult spaces (both included and paid), I wouldn’t hesitate to sail Carnival Celebration again once the prices drop.

Carnival Celebration Review and Cruise Ship Tour

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Sarah Bretz and Doug Parker both contributed to this article.

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Carnival Celebration: What we loved and what needs work on Carnival's newest, biggest ship

For its 50th birthday, Carnival Cruise Line gave itself a celebration — specifically, the just-unveiled Carnival Celebration, the second ship in the line's Excel class. And it's clear that Celebration isn't your mother's, or grandmother's, Carnival cruise ship, taking the company into its next half-century with a more modern, updated version of Carnival's "Fun Ship" style. Carnival referenced this evolution when it chose Cassidy Gifford, daughter of Carnival's original spokeswoman Kathie Lee Gifford, as godmother of the ship, closing the books on the old era and welcoming in the new.

To be fair, most of Carnival Celebration's modern updates were debuted on sister vessel Mardi Gras , which launched in 2021. Carnival Celebration is now the second ship in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. It's also the biggest ship Carnival has ever sailed, along with Mardi Gras, carrying 5,282 passengers at double occupancy.

Gone is the line's iconic soaring atrium, replaced by the three-deck-high Celebration Central with panoramic windows looking out to sea. Guy Fieri is no longer the only celebrity chef in town; he's joined by Shaquille O'Neal and Emeril Lagasse. Carnival's thrilling water parks now have to make room for a top-deck roller coaster, and the RedFrog Pub has been replaced by the indoor hangout in the Summer Landing zone.

The ship is also the second Carnival vessel to bear the Celebration name. The first, known simply as Celebration, set sail for the line in 1987. It left the fleet in 2008 before ending up with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line as Grand Celebration, which was scrapped during the industry's pandemic pause in 2021. Now, Carnival Celebration resurrects the name to offer more fun to more people.

TPG was on board Carnival Celebration's second sailing and the first from its Miami home port to the Caribbean. Here, I'll outline what's new, what we loved and what could use some tweaks.

Things to know about Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration is divided into six themed zones, three of which are different from the zones on Mardi Gras. Some zones feel more distinct and self-contained than others. The zones are:

Celebration Central

Celebration Central incorporates the atrium/performance area of the same name, JavaBlue Cafe, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Piano Bar 88 and the Punchliner Comedy Club. You'll also find the new Aquaria Bar, featuring two-deck glass murals rescued from Carnival Victory, and the Tropicale Bar on Deck 6, named after former ship Tropicale, which was the first ship in Carnival's fleet to have the brand's well-known whale-tail funnel. Look for the vintage blue 1934 Rolls-Royce, brought over from Carnival Ecstasy before that ship was scrapped, and the Golden Jubilee Bar, named in honor of the line's 50th anniversary and decorated with pieces formerly found on past Carnival ships.

Related: Why I'm sad Carnival is retiring its oldest ship

820 Biscayne

A nod to the address where Carnival Cruise Line was born 50 years ago, Carnival Celebration's 820 Biscayne zone is designed with a purposeful Miami vibe. Located on Deck 8 midship, this new area is a dining mecca, featuring Rudi's Seagrill (seafood), Cucina del Capitano (Italian), Miami Slice (pizza) and Deco Deli (Latin-inspired sandwiches). The area also includes Bar 820, serving Cuban-inspired coffee drinks and cocktails.

The Gateway

The new travel-inspired neighborhood The Gateway on decks 6 and 7 midship is most noticeable for its LED "windows" that display scenes from countries around the world, depending on the evening's theme. The new train station-inspired Latitudes Bar and returning Emeril's Bistro 1397 anchor this area, with the popular pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar above. Emeril's serves Louisiana-style breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as three evening specials based on the day's international theme.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival ship

Also in this area are the Carnivale Restaurant and Festivale Restaurant, main dining rooms that pay homage to the second and third ships to sail for the brand, as well as the Limelight Lounge nightclub, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and Carnival Kitchen (a demo kitchen for cooking classes).

Summer Landing

Aft of 820 Biscayne, Summer Landing makes a comeback on Carnival Celebration. This area is your living room and backyard. Inside, the Heroes Tribute Bar, with its comfy couches and giant TV, spills into Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse; you'll find soft-serve machines in a military truck, a game room for foosball and table shuffleboard and a stage for live music. Outside, a small pool, two hot tubs and the Watering Hole provide an inviting spot to hang out on a hot day.

The Ultimate Playground

Thrill chasers will flock to the Ultimate Playground to get their hearts pounding. Here, the Bolt roller coaster , the second in the fleet, zooms over the mini-golf course and around the water park and ship's funnel. A packed basketball course and an elevated ropes course keep the fun going; foosball, ping pong and bean bag toss offer an easier form of competition. A jogging track encircles the entire Deck 18 playground.

For all other outdoor pursuits, the Lido is your go-to spot. The midship pool brings back Dive-In Movies on a giant LED screen and is surrounded by a two-deck RedFrog Tiki Bar, Street Eats, BlueIguana Cantina, Seafood Shack and, one deck up, Guy's Burger Joint. Aft of the Lido Marketplace buffet is another pool, plus Shaq's Big Chicken . All the way forward on Deck 18 is the adults-only Serenity Deck, with a pool, two hot tubs and the Fresh Creations custom salad bar. Above is the Loft 19 sun deck exclusive to suite guests.

What we loved

I've seen ships from other lines where the top-deck attractions take up so much space, the pools and lounging space get short shrift. Carnival Celebration manages to pack a lot into the Deck 18 playground, leaving plenty of real estate for the sun worshippers. The Bolt roller coaster is a worthy thrill ride — my only complaint is that for $15, it could be a bit longer. The ropes course manages to be both scary and completely manageable; you might feel like you'll fall, but the obstacles are easier than they appear. Definitely try the short zip line and "walk the plank" over the edge of the ship.

Related: The 8 types of Carnival ships, explained

The water park has three different slides to suit all tastes plus a splash park, and the mini-golf course is a fun time and actually tricky. I saw everyone from little kids to adults enjoying the basketball court, and Carnival lost the ridiculous outdoor exercise equipment from its Vista-class ships and kept only the games cruisers actually play.

Casual dining

One of my favorite things about Carnival is that the line's ships offer a diversity of casual, included dining venues. Carnival Celebration continues this tradition. New with the Excel class is Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken venue serving variations on the fried-chicken-and-biscuit theme from breakfast through the late afternoon. The slightly spicy tenders are delicious. Carnival's pizza is some of the best in the biz, and the customizable tacos and burritos at BlueIguana offer something for everyone.

However, I've been on older Carnival ships where all the casual venues are on the lido deck, and the area gets incredibly busy at lunchtime. Too many people crowd into the same spaces, lines snake around corners and bumps and spills are unavoidable.

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

The Excel-class ships solve that problem by spreading out the casual venues across multiple decks. Guy's Burger Joint is up on Deck 17 instead of by the midship pool; Big Chicken is outside the Lido Marketplace at the very back of Deck 16. Each is accompanied by a duo of soft-serve machines that get heavy use.

The deli, pizza and Guy's barbecue eateries are all on Deck 8, with a third ice cream outlet in the Heroes Tribute Bar. The only issue with this arrangement is that neither of these spots are big on vegetables; you can no longer get a salad at the pizza venue. If you want some greens with your pizza or turkey sandwich, you have to travel seven decks to the Lido Marketplace.

Sit-down dining

If you've never sailed with Carnival, you might be surprised to discover that it has some of the best sit-down dining among the big-ship lines. I have always enjoyed the main dining room, and Carnival Celebration continued the tradition of expansive breakfast menus, delicious Indian food, daring appetizers (where else can you order frog legs?) and the best molten chocolate cake on the high seas.

We sampled a few of Celebration's specialty restaurants, and they also impressed. Rudi's Seagrill delivered an enormous cioppino and a Dover sole that was soft and moist. Emeril's Bistro 1397 wowed my husband with a flavorful ceviche, while I enjoyed hot-from-the-oven beignets. We dined at Chibang! twice to try both its Asian and Mexican specialties. Both were delicious but we agreed that the Mexican menu stole the show. My kids slurped up pasta at Cucina del Capitano at lunch, and I heard others rave that the steakhouse was as good as I remember from other ships.

Carnival's Excel-class ships offer more cabin types than ever before, with family cabins, Havana cabins with patio swings, and all kinds of suites. I stayed in a standard balcony cabin with my family of four and was impressed by how well designed the room was to accommodate four people in a small space.

I'm always talking about cabin storage and Carnival nailed it. Its four-section closet had it all: tall and short hanging spaces, shelves and three pullout drawers. The desk area has two deep drawers and one shallow drawer, two shelves and an ottoman stool with storage inside. I had to ask for extra hangers (quickly delivered), but all our stuff found a home.

Related: Everything to know about Carnival cabins and suites

The bathroom was also impressive. I'm not sure two people could stand next to each other without someone stepping into the shower, but the shower itself is roomy for a bathroom that small. I never banged my elbows or kicked open the door in an attempt to pick a bottle off the floor. Plus, it has an adjustable shower head with a removable wand and a shave bar in one corner — thoughtful touches.

As a professional traveler, it's not a huge surprise that one of my favorite public areas on the ship is the travel-themed The Gateway. The Latitudes Bar called my name with its seatbacks decorated with faux passport stamps and split-flap departure board signage. My husband and I spent an enjoyable hour trying a couple of the bar-specific cocktails, inspired by countries around the world. For a photogenic and tasty tipple, order the Sakura, which comes with a surprise presentation.

And as a cruise buff, I also loved the new Golden Jubilee Bar, decorated with doors, glass, tabletops and other pieces from previous Carnival ships. It serves classic cocktails and takes up its own space, rather than spanning a public thoroughfare. It's the perfect place for a drink before a meal in the Carnivale main dining room next door.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival cruising

The Summer Landing zone on Carnival Celebration is the ship's living room, and my family found ourselves there often. My son was a big fan of the foosball and table shuffleboard, and my daughter loved the aft pool, with its loungers in the shallows. Both loved the easy-access soft-serve machine. We swung by Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse for breakfast and barbecue dinner, played trivia, sampled beers brewed right on board and watched other people watch sports at the Heroes Tribute Bar. I was bummed that I never got to hear the band that played here after-hours because the setting is perfect for kicking back with a drink and listening to live music.

The area takes the place of the RedFrog Pub, a venue I've loved on other Carnival ships. The decor here is a little darker, but the expanded size and proximity to a pool, hot tubs and outdoor seating are a definite plus.

Unlike their fleetmates, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras both skip the soaring, multi-deck-high central atrium and replace it with a three-deck-high ocean-facing atrium along the ship's starboard (right-hand) side. The area was revamped and renamed Celebration Central area on this ship, decorated with color-changing lights designed to look like confetti. Guest services and shore excursions have been moved out of this central area to a more out-of-the-way spot on Deck 8 aft.

By day, panoramic windows offer port and ocean views to guests enjoying coffee and a snack from the JavaBlue Cafe across from Celebration Central's lower level. At night, video screens come down to serve as the high-tech animated backdrop for musical production shows featuring multiple aerialists and performers who dance in and out of passengers sitting closest to the stage.

Related: How to make the most of Carnival's loyalty program

I loved how the atrium area is now more incorporated into the daily flow of the ship, rather than an area you pass by to get somewhere else. The shows are stunning, with the action extending beyond the stage, including into the air. They make full use of the high-tech capabilities of the performance space.

However, the area lacks seating with full sightlines of both the stagebound singers and the aerialists. My family arrived at a show 40 minutes early and only by luck found close-up seats with obstructed views. At another show I attended solo, I found a lone seat in the stadium-style section of banquettes between decks 7 and 8. Even in this area clearly meant for show watching, I could not see all the action, and the noise from passengers wandering around Deck 8 and coming in and out of Bonsai Sushi was loud and distracting.

The hotel director assures me his team will find ways to schedule shows so fewer people show up, but I'm not convinced that enough seats in Celebration Central have full sight of the stage or that putting a theater in a public space is the best idea for focusing on a show.

Dining times

I appreciate what Carnival has tried to do on this ship to make flexible dining more accessible. In addition to the main dining room, passengers who have selected the Anytime Dining plan can enjoy dinner at Cucina del Capitano or Chibang! where they can choose dishes from the restaurant's menu or the always-available options from the main dining room menu.

You can request a table at a specific venue or choose the first available among all three.

The problem is that guests on the early or late assigned dining plan cannot access those restaurants before 7:45 p.m. We were assigned early dining, so the night we wanted to try Chibang! we requested a table exactly at 7:45 p.m — but there was a 50-to-60-minute wait, which led to a very late dinner for our kids.

And that wasn't the only restaurant with a wait. You can't request a table in advance for Bonsai Sushi, but when my husband and son came for dinner at 8:20 p.m., the hostess wasn't sure she could get them a table until close to 10 p.m.

It's likely that many of these dining issues are startup problems. The hotel director told me that it takes around six months for a new ship to be running like clockwork. So if you're on an early sailing, my advice is to dine early or request tables half an hour to an hour before you want to eat. If you like to try out different restaurants for dinner, choose the flexible dining option so you get earlier access to Chibang! and Cucina del Capitano for dinner.

Bottom line

Carnival Celebration, like Mardi Gras, takes the Carnival Fun Ship concept to the next level with a bigger ship and an updated layout that still hold true to the line's core values of dining variety, plentiful bars, entertainment for all interests and a focus on fun. Loyalists will find many of their favorite places and spaces and come to develop new beloved hangouts, while first-timers will be wowed by the nonstop options, livable cabins across all price points and the always-friendly and helpful crew members.

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I had the pleasure of sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Carnival Celebration. Our sailing was one of her first from Port Miami, I was invited to sail as a guest with a media group. Our itinerary was a seven-night cruise from Port Miami, and we sailed a Western Caribbean cruise itinerary with port stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay. In this review, I will be sharing my opinions after sailing aboard this fantastic new ship from Carnival .

Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the Excel Class, and she is 183,521 gross tons. The ship features 2,687 staterooms with a guest capacity of 5,374. She also has six unique Zones: Celebration Station, The Gateway, Summer Landing, 820 Biscayne, Lido, and The Ultimate Playground.

Carnival Celebration Review

This would be my first cruise aboard one of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Excel Class ships. I had only been able to have a brief media visit preview for a day aboard Carnival’s Mardi Gras before her inaugural cruise. I have sailed numerous times aboard many classes of Carnival Cruise ships , so I was excited to have the opportunity to experience this incredible ship firsthand.

Embarkation

On embarkation day, we boarded the new Carnival Celebration at Carnival Cruise Line’s newly remodeled Terminal F at Port Miami. This beautiful terminal is now enlarged and designed to fit the larger Excel class ships like Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Our check-in went very smoothly, and the line moved quickly. Before long we were onboard exploring the ship.

Our assigned cabin was a standard balcony on Deck 10 in stateroom number 10458. We found it to be very spacious with a comfortable and well-thought-out design. There was also plenty of closet space and storage for our clothes and items for a seven-night cruise.

Here is a video tour of our stateroom onboard:

We also appreciated the excellent new accent lighting around the desk’s mirror and the bed’s headboard. The cabin also had a very nice-sized TV mounted on the wall. The stateroom’s new color scheme and styling were very friendly and contemporary.

The stateroom features USB ports on both sides of the bed and LED reading lamps. The desk area also had plenty of power outlets and USB ports. Overall, we enjoyed this stateroom during our cruise, and I am always impressed by the many details Carnival integrates into its stateroom design.

Carnival HUB App

If you plan to take a Carnival cruise, download the Carnival HUB App before boarding your ship. It is loaded with features that will make your cruise more enjoyable. This is a must to keep up with the daily activities, dining reservations, and available dining options throughout your cruise. Now that everything is done on the app, you must utilize it during your next cruise.

Cruise Ship

The Carnival Celebration is incredible with everything it has to offer. It has a complete waterpark for kids and even a mini-golf course. The ship has a nice-sized main pool on the Lido deck and two aft Infinity pools.

We really enjoyed the sizeable adults-only Serenity deck that now has its own pool. If you want a more exclusive experience, you can get a pass to the LOFT 19 area that includes padded loungers and access to the infinity whirlpool and attentive servers.

The Carnival Celebration is the second ship to have BOLT, the Ultimate Sea coaster. BOLT is full of drops, twists, and turns 187 feet above the water line at incredible speeds.

We feel this ship is special because it has so many unique spaces for families traveling together to enjoy.

Golden Jubilee

On Deck 6, the Golden Jubilee features artwork, memorabilia, and original pieces from Carnival’s earlier vessels perfectly incorporated throughout the space , bringing Carnival’s 50 years of fun full circle. We loved the reproduction of blueprints depicting the evolution of Carnival’s Fun Ships, including some hand-drawn designs by world-renowned architect Joe Farcus in the ceiling.

We also learned about the Original 17’ by 7’ full-height etched glass, nickel, and mahogany partition wall with 24 TSS Mardi Gras casino windowpanes, separating the bar from the promenade. This item and many others on display were carefully salvaged by fellow journalist and ship historian Peter Knego before these ships were destroyed entirely. I had the chance to sit down and talk to Peter about his work and many of these fascinating and historic items onboard the Carnival Celebration . Be sure to watch our interview with Peter Knego about the Golden Jubilee.

Dining/Food

The Carnival Celebration is loaded with dining options. Most of them are complimentary and exceptionally good from fan favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint and new options like Big Chicken and Street Eats. You will not go hungry on this ship.

One of our favorites is the pizza called Miami Slice onboard. We enjoyed this several times during our cruise and loved grabbing a slice and enjoying the alfresco seating nearby. This ship has a tremendous amount of outdoor seating options, and it makes the ship more enjoyable.

Fahrenheit 555

Our dinner at Fahrenheit 555 was awe-inspiring. I found the steak cooked to perfection. It honestly was one of the best steaks I have ever had. The service and overall experience were very lovely and a great value overall.

Rudi’s Seagrill

This was my first visit to Rudi’s Seagrill and I enjoyed the superb seafood and other items we chose. It has a very high-end experience feel, and I would consider it for a romantic dinner during your cruise. This venue should not be missed if you are a seafood lover and want to try something special during your cruise.

Guy’s Pig and Anchor

We were able to visit Guy’s Pig & Anchor and walk right up and be seated. We enjoyed the food very much. I love how this is complimentary aboard the Carnival Celebration. However, the noise level of the band playing was a bit overwhelming during our dinner. So you may want to eat when the band is not playing or be sure to be seated a reasonable distance from the band due to the volume.

Bonsai Sushi  

One night we visited Bonsai Sushi to sample some items. We had never eaten here before on any of the other Carnival ships , so we wanted to try some things. We enjoyed things very much. Our favorites here are the sushi and tempura dish.

Emeril’s Bistro

We visited Emeril’s Bistro 1397 and stopped in and ordered the Beignes for $5 (powdered sugar, strawberry sauce, chocolate sauce) twice during our  cruise  and LOVED them, and they were perfect.

We saw many people having full meals here, and it all looked and smelled amazing. Be sure to check out Emeril’s Bistro 1397 menu. To view the menu,  click here . One of the most significant issues aboard Carnival Celebration is all the excellent and complimentary food offerings. You won’t go hungry aboard this ship; we found everything delicious.

Cucina del Capitano  

We have had dinner at Cucina del Capitanto several times on previous Carnival ships, so we stopped in for Lunch one day during our cruise. I ordered my favorite linguine and clam sauce. I also ordered some added shrimp to make it extra special.

Dinner here is an incredible and unique experience, but the clam sauce they use for the lunch pasta is so wonderful that it is a must-have during any Carnival cruise for me. I loved it as always and enjoyed the enhanced items and service they had aboard the Carnival Celebration during our cruise. On past Carnival cruises, my family and I would always come here to eat while waiting for our cabin to be available on busy embarkation days. It’s so good!

Sea Day Brunch

During our cruise, we enjoyed a Sea Day Brunch, and I ordered the House Special Skillet Cake. In the past, I would always order Steak and Eggs. And my daughters would always get the incredible Mac N’ Cheese.

Sea Day Brunch is offered in the main dining room from 8:30 am until noon, only on sea days. If you haven’t been to a Sea Day Brunch, I can sum it up in one word, incredible. So set the alarm and don’t miss your chance for a great meal. Here is a link to the Sea Day Brunch menu – click here to view the menu.

Ports/Itinerary

Our cruise visited three ports in the Western Caribbean,  Cozumel , Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay.  We also had three sea days.

In Cozumel, we did Tabasco’s Chef Maestro, Cooking & Tasting excursion booked through Carnival Cruise Line. This included transportation to and from the port.

This was one of the best excursions we had ever taken. Everyone in our group enjoyed it. It was a very entertaining and informative class from start to finish. We learned how to create a delicious 3-course authentic meal. Knowing the different ingredients and cooking techniques that made the menu items complete was delightful. The Tabasco Chef class is located on the second floor of the prestigious Blu by Dolphinaris facility. So the location was incredible, and we enjoyed the fantastic views and watching the dolphins in the pools near the ocean.

In Costa Maya, we chose to stay aboard the ship and enjoy everything it had to offer. Leading up to this port day, we hadn’t booked any excursions, so it was nice to have the ship tour ourselves while many of the ship’s guests were off the ship enjoying this port. If you haven’t done this before, you might be surprised how different the ship can be during these times. Suddenly, there are very few or no lines, and the whole ship has a different vibe. We chose to take it easy, have a slice of pizza al fresco, look at the many ships in port with us today, and relax.

Mahogany Bay

We took the VIP Premium All Inclusive Beach Day excursion in Mahogany Bay through the ship. We enjoyed the drive over to a very private beachfront resort and then were escorted to a reserved VIP area of the beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, palapas, and beach towels.

The service, amenities, and food were all incredible. They even had some live music playing. I would highly recommend this shore excursion to anyone visiting Mahogany Bay. This was our first time here, and we loved it. This was one of the best excursions we experienced from start to finish.

Insights & Observations

During our cruise, we utilized a Wi-Fi package, and Carnival seems to have some of the best internet connections that work well around the whole ship, even in your cabin. My wife and I quickly connected two devices with our package and never lost service.

Shopping Onboard

Carnival Cruise Line has taken shopping to the next level. You won’t be disappointed if you are shopping for some vacation souvenir or a duty-free luxury watch or purse. During our cruise, our group toured the many shops and learned how the ship has exclusive items not only to Carnival Cruise Line but also unique items only found onboard this ship.

• Cruise Director Lee Mason

During our cruise, we had the privilege of having award-winning Cruise Director Lee Mason welcome us onboard and be our guide for Fun and escape for our week onboard. I took the opportunity to sit down for an interview with him. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Lee in person finally. He is such an impressive human. Please watch our interview here:

Overall the crew and officers aboard the Carnival Celebration were attentive and upbeat. During this cruise, we had the privilege of meeting the Captain of the ship and his officers, shop managers, and more. Everyone is very passionate and professional about offering guests a unique, safe, and enjoyable vacation experience onboard.

Entertainment and Comedy

One of my favorite things about taking a cruise is the entertainment and comedy available onboard. Sometimes you have more choices than time, but that’s a good thing, right?

On board, we attended several comedy shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club and the Limelight Lounge. The comedians were both outstanding and were so entertaining. They were also very approachable, shaking hands and taking pictures with guests as we exited the show. I thought this was wonderful and shows how touched guests were by seeing such talented entertainers live.

Watching live music during the cruise, up close from string trios, piano players, full rock bands, and more, makes a Carnival Cruise extra special. Most evenings, you could watch live music shows in six other venues throughout the ship. The choice and quality make for a memorable evening.

Center Stage (Celebration Central Atrium)

Both the Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras have this fantastic new stage in the new large atrium area of the ship. The area is stunningly beautiful and loaded with incredible technology. However, Carnival is trying to do full-production shows here, and the demand to see these shows far outweighs the available seats.

This area wasn’t designed to seat enough guests for their current high-demand shows. The sight lines are ok for looking directly at the stage but not always for some of the show’s aerial stunts. So even if you can find a seat, it may be partially obstructed. We saw guests waiting in line for hours or saving the open seats on the higher levels to have a chance to see these fantastic performances.

So I believe they will have to offer tickets to this venue so it can be used in a more organized manner in the future. I applaud Carnival for using this space to its fullest, but it may have been too much of a good thing in this small space, and I hope they will utilize the larger seating theater for the high-demand shows in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Carnival Celebration is a beautiful ship that offers an incredible big ship experience for both families and couples at a great price. This ship is extra special with its unique dining and entertainment opportunities. If you don’t have a cruise aboard the Carnival Celebration, click here to keep up with the latest prices and deals.

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Carnival Celebration Review: 10 Hits and a Few Misses from My Cruise

After just getting off a cruise on Carnival Celebration a few weeks ago I wanted to write a few of my favorite things about the ship, along with a few things that maybe could use some improvement.

This was my first time on an Excel-class ship with Carnival Cruise Line, and I must say that I loved the overall feel and design of this class.  It’s already my favorite class of ship within the fleet, and I can’t wait to see how people like Jubilee when it debuts at the end of the year.

10 Hits: Some things I loved about Carnival Celebration

My cruise on Carnival Celebration was a 6-night cruise out of Miami that sailed to Cozumel , Costa Maya , and Mahogany Bay (Roatan Honduras).  I booked a guaranteed balcony stateroom – letting the cruise line pick the exact location– to save a few bucks and ended up with a deck 9 balcony that overlooked the Havana pool – directly over the Havana pool which is on deck 8.  More on this awkward location later.

1. Free food options on board

The amount of complimentary food options on Carnival Celebration was really impressive.  I made it my goal to eat at every single one of these included restaurants on this 6-night cruise.

There were so many places to eat that it was impossible to eat at all of my favorite places more than once, especially since I wanted to try everything out.  But now that I have picked a few favorites (Chibang, Guy’s Pig & Anchor, and Big Chicken) my next visit to the ship can be more focused.

You can see the full list of free food options on Carnival Celebration here , as I go into more detail with each restaurant.

I liked that the popular Guy’s Burger Joint was one deck up from the lido deck.  This made the line flow a lot easier than on other Carnival ships and allowed for more seating as well.

Nice sit-down restaurants like Cucina Del Capitano and Chibang were complimentary, and this helped relieve congestion from the main dining room and other restaurants at dinner time.  This may be the reason the cruise line has decided to keep these eateries free, but I loved having multiple dinner options that didn’t just consist of the buffet.

Using the Carnival Hub app to get a reservation time was a breeze, and the wait was never more than 10-15 minutes.

I loved all the breakfast options as well, and having Big Chicken open for breakfast with a breakfast menu that lasted well into lunch was a bonus.

My favorite place to eat breakfast was not free, but at only $5-$6 per item, eating at Emeril’s Bistro was a perfect quiet place to start the day.  And now I must move on before I start daydreaming about those sweet potato waffles.

2. Layout of the ship

I’ll touch on this throughout the article, because the layout of the ship really does impact the experience in other areas, including dining, use of the pools, entertainment, etc.

Even with almost 6,000 passengers on board, the ship felt surprisingly spacious.  Of course, you would expect a 183,00 gross ton vessel to be spacious, but with a space to passenger ratio of 34, I expected a more cramped feeling.  And this all comes down to the great design and layout of the vessel.

By the way, that 34:1 passenger space ratio is from Carnival’s own fact sheet on the ship.  You can see our full list of space ratios on cruise ships across multiple cruise lines here .

Making sure both dining venues were spread out and entertainment options could be held in various places on the ship meant that passengers weren’t too bottlenecked at any one point in time.  There’s an exception here when it comes to Center Stage, which I will address in the “misses” portion of this article.

I spent a lot of time on decks 6-8 and loved both the openness and variety of venues on these decks.  There was plenty to eat, see, and do without having to hop in the elevator every few minutes.

3. Summer Landing and Patio

This was my favorite part of the ship.  The back yard deck vibe with picnic tables, foosball, ice cream, and sports being played on the giant TV’s added to this casual and inviting space at the back of the ship on deck 8.

After eating dinner at Guy’s Pig & Anchor at the Summer Landing you can head over to the ice cream station that is part of Heroes Tribute Lounge.  This lounge is a relaxed, couch-filled area with U.S. military uniforms, medals, and stories of the troops on the walls.  I really love how Carnival pays tribute to members of the military in this space.  Football games were being played in this sports lounge as well, and it was packed for some of the big college football games.

In this same area is a space for foosball and table shuffleboard, and if you keep walking aft on the ship you will find the patio, complete with an aft pool, day beds, and plenty of padded loungers.  This pool was one of the least crowded on the ship but was also the coldest on the ship.  But two hot tubs just around the corner on the starboard side could easily warm you up.  These hot tubs were not usually that crowded either, making this entire space a great retreat from some of the busier areas (unless a big game was on of course).

View Prices on Cruises on Carnival Celebration

4. Separate pool areas

Speaking of pools, finding meaningful room to swim and cool off on a sea day can be a battle on a mainstream cruise line.  And while the main pool on the lido deck of Carnival Celebration was quite full on sea days, the fact that there were other pools spread out through the ship helped a great deal.

There are 5 pools on Celebration — 6 if you include the Loft area pool.  I already mentioned the patio pool on deck 8 aft, but there is another aft pool on board.  Deck 16 aft is the location of Tides pool which has a hot tub on either side of it.    This is also the area of Big Chicken and an ice cream station, so there’s really no reason to ever leave.   Tides pool was usually warmer than the Patio pool, mostly because it gets a little more sun throughout the day.  During lunch hours it was busy, but never as busy as the main pool.

For Havana Cabana guests there is a pool on deck 8 as well.   This small pool was the one that was directly under my balcony cabin, in fact.  This made things a bit awkward when trying to enjoy a peaceful sunset as it was literally feet away from guests enjoying the pool –awkward on both sides of the railing.  Several times I even heard some people in the pool saying how weird it was that we were right above them from our “private” balcony.  But that’s part of the gamble of booking a guaranteed stateroom where the cruise line picks the cabin.

For some peace and quiet there is also a pool in the adult-only Serenity Retreat.  Except, on sea days it may not be so peaceful or quiet as it did get rather full during those peek pool hours.  But still, having at least 5 pools spread out on the ship helped make each one a little less crowded, something I always appreciate on a cruise ship.

The Loft area on Deck 19 also has a heated pool for Loft guests who would like to rent a spacious cabana and have even more seclusion and privacy.

And for those wanting to cool off by means of waterslides Carnival Waterworks had some pretty fast-moving waterslides on deck 18.  There were three big water slides with one that drops you right out of the floor to start off with a rush, but it was broken during my visit, so I didn’t get to try it.  The other two were a lot of fun though, with one requiring a mat and the other twisting and turning like crazy.

Related: Pool deck etiquette: 10 things to never do

Having a roller coaster on a cruise ship can be a little polarizing.  Some will hate it while others love it.  I was on the fence until I tried it.  The first time I signed up on the app and paid the $15 to ride on Bolt I had the money refunded because of some mechanical issues.  On another day, while playing a few rounds of mini golf, I noticed Bolt was up and running.  I reserved a spot on the app right away and within 10 minutes I was sitting on my first roller coaster at sea.  The app process for reducing waiting lines and waiting times was really smooth, by the way.

With a burst of speed, I was off, pulling back on the throttle boost the entire time to get the full effect of the ride.  They say it travels up to 40 mph, but that’s mainly from that launch at the start of the ride.  While the 2 trips around the ship went by quickly, it was a blast of a ride and fairly priced I felt.  These rides are two-seaters, and I do wish the 2 nd person got some kind of discount, as it’s just not the same experience riding in the back.  But it’s definitely a fun experience you should try at least once, and it provides yet another exciting thing to do on a sea day.

Bolt is just part of what makes up the Ultimate Playground with mini golf, a sports court, ping pong and foosball tables, and a very fun ropes course in the middle of it all.

6. Shows at Center Stage

The concept of Center Stage on Excel-class ships like Celebration is fantastic.  This 3-deck stage and entertainment area is perfectly placed in a central part of the ship.  At any time, as you pass by this area you may find some kind of fun activity or show going on, whether it’s a Build-a Bear workshop for the kids or a circus-like performance with acrobatics and music.

During my cruise I saw several shows and events take place here.  The lighting and sound capabilities are amazing, and I loved how the 3-deck tall windows can be completely transformed into a giant screen at night.

During the day, the lounge around Center Stage was a great place to relax.   With JavaBlue Café right across the ship on deck 6, you can grab a tasty pastry or specialty coffee and enjoy ocean views from the huge starboard side windows.

7. Tons of Trivia games

Every cruise ship has some kind of trivia game.  It’s the iconic battle of useless knowledge we just love to take part in when we’re out at sea.  Not only did Celebration have trivia.  There were at least 20 different topics and kinds of trivia games to enjoy throughout the cruise.  Topics included everything from sci-fi and fairy tales to slogans and geography.  Almost every day there were 3 or 4 trivia games going on throughout the ship and taking part in a few of them was always a fun thing to do.  And it seemed like other cruisers felt the same way, as many of the lounges used for trivia were always buzzing with pencil-ready contestants.

8. Some very smooth sailing

I’m not one to get motion sickness, but there’s always a little movement you feel when at sea, even in the largest of cruise ships.  I must have commented several times on how smooth Carnival Celebration felt.  Even at 16-18 knots I was amazed at the ship’s stability.   Usually after a cruise is over there’s a period of time when I feel a little wobbly as those sea legs get used to land again.  But this cruise was so calm and smooth I never felt that at all.  Now, we did have some excellent weather, although it rained a few times, and the 183,000 gross ton ship didn’t have to travel at full speed to get to our destinations, but I still wanted to mention that this was one of the smoothest cruises I’ve ever been on in regard to motion at sea.

9.  Thermal suite in the spa

My wife was hesitant to sign up for the thermal suite because we felt it might be too overcrowded.  That’s what I had read about the ship before the cruise, anyway.  But after getting that tour of the spa she decided to go for it, since it was only $129 for the week (Normally $179 for this cruise).   She ended up loving it and found if she went during non-peak times like late at night or right before dinner time it wasn’t crowded at all.  There were three different steam rooms and saunas and a decent size therapy pool in the middle, surrounded by heated tile loungers.  It was the perfect relaxing space, even if just for 30 minutes to an hour each day.

10.  A variety of things to do

Not everyone likes to keep busy on a cruise, but it’s nice knowing there’s always something to do if you do get struck with a moment of “Let’s go do something!”.  Carnival Celebration had so much going on at almost every hour that it was hard to decide sometimes.  I really enjoyed the talented string trio that played each night in various parts of the ship, and Carnival’s infamous Punchliner Comedy Club was always a hit.   Other types of activities included scavenger hunts, Family Feud, BINGO, Deal or No Deal, and even a pickleball competition.  The pickleball tournament took place at around 9pm though, and with only one court and 20 players, who knows how long that went into the night.  I saved everyone the embarrassment by not participating this time.

11.  Mahogany Bay

I had to put one extra point in here, because Mahogany Bay was just the perfect place for a beach day when sailing on Carnival Celebration.  This Carnival Corp. exclusive cruise port in Roatan, Honduras is so well laid out and has everything you would want at a private island/destination.

You can rent a clamshell for some shade at your lounger, but there are plenty of trees offering natural shade if you get off the ship early enough.  Beside all kinds of water sport rentals, there is a pier at the end of the beach that allows for some great snorkeling spots as well if you want to be more active.

A few misses

Before I delve into the things that weren’t my favorite aspects of the cruise, I should note that this is all very subjective.  What I think is a “miss” you might not mind at all or even think is a plus.  Feel free to let me know where you might disagree in a comment below as I’d love for our readers to get different perspectives.

1. Seating at Center Stage

I know, I just raved about the great concept of Center Stage on Carnival Celebration.  But the seating around this 3-deck area is another story.  The first night I wanted to check out a show and got there about 30 minutes before the start, thinking I would be early enough to get a good seat.

That’s when I discovered that there are really only a few good seats at Center Stage, and they are taken very early in advance.   I walked up and down the stairs and from side to side to find the best angles for the next night, but you couldn’t really see the entire stage unless you were in a handful of seats.

So of course, this led to passengers trying to get there an hour before the show and using articles of clothing to save seats for other members of their party.  Many dirty looks were exchanged after people tried to sit down in these “saved” areas, thinking they just scored a great view of the show, only to be shooed away like a fly on a slice of pizza.  Squatters always had the best seats in the house, and I even walked by almost 90 minutes before one show and saw them already parked and locked into position.

I’m not sure how this could be fixed with the current layout, but it definitely led to a lot of frustration on the part of passengers just wanting to enjoy a nice show after dinner.

2. Cramped elevators

With three main elevator areas and 8 elevators to an area you would think this would not be much of a problem.  But these elevators seemed a lot smaller than I had expected.  Some passengers on motorized scooters could barely fit in, and I was very close to having a throbbing big toe after a few incidents.

Other passengers also commented over and over again at how small these elevators were, which led to many awkwardly intimate moments that ended with a swift exit once the doors opened.  I know most cruise ships don’t have tons of square footage in the elevator spaces, but something a bit bigger would have been appreciated.

Then again, it did make me take the stairs more often which in turn helped me burn off that calorie-laden Guy’s burger.

3. Small stateroom bathroom

On the topic of small spaces, I felt the stateroom bathroom was also quite cramped.  Again, these are areas on cruise ships that are notorious for being limited in space, but it was too small to even change clothes in or to even bend down to pick up a sock.   This was my only complaint with my stateroom though, other than the balcony view looking directly into the Havana pool.

4. No library

I know I’m in the minority here when I saw I like to visit the libraries on cruise ships, so I will keep this brief.  More cruise ships are being built without a library, and I know cruise lines want to use that space for other money-generating things.  But I always like to check out the books in the library, see what kind of games are available, and have a nice place for a quick game or puzzle.

5. Missing that movie night popcorn

There’s something about watching a movie on a cruise ship that makes it so much more interesting than watching it in your living room.  And the free popcorn Carnival used to give out during movie nights on the big screen was a big part of that.  I know some Carnival ships are charging $3 for popcorn, but I didn’t see popcorn at all on Celebration, and I looked for it about every night.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved sailing on Carnival Celebration and look forward to another sailing in the future.  The food was incredible and plenteous, the Ultimate Playground was a blast, and all the game shows, events, and activities made each day exciting and unique.  This is a class of cruise ship you absolutely should try if you haven’t already.  It felt so different than any other Carnival ship I’ve been on and it’s a huge step in the right direction for the company in my opinion.

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Speculation Heats Up: Clues “Might” Point to Icon of the Seas’ Next Homeport

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Anak was the best room person I will love to have him every time I cruise clean my room I give him a 5 star also the men’s that works at blue Lagoon was awesome And I give them a 5 star.

God willing I’m sailing two weeks from this Sunday. I can’t wait. My addage in regard to cruise ships: bigger, bolder and newer are the way to sail IMOP. I’ve learned through trial area the smaller older vessels have lived a haed life. My main big problem with the “small senior tubs” 1. Crazy confusing ship navigating with snail paced . Up one level then down to get somewhere on the main deck. 2. Small spa area/facilities. Free food venues like the pizza eatery are crammed together. 3. The biggest issue IMOP on the smaller older ships…DREADFUL CABIN A/C. Cruise ships of age 95% on Carnival have not aged gracefully. Favorite Carnival ships: Horizon and Vista.I hope and expect the Celebration will be my new queen of the and Victory. Especially Victorie’s MDR. Though an inside cabin (accessible) it was mid ship on the Lido deck but you could do Bikrahm Yoga in this cabin. My neighbors also had hot cabins. Least favorite Carnival ship? That dubious distinction goes to the Conquest. The main dining room looked like a hodgpodge of 1970’s and 1980’s French tacky. Dark anr my perception of a bad drug trip. Weird intrusive window treatments took valuable space. I felt like I was in the villian of the week hideout on the 1960’s Batman. With the slanted floors. I could imagine the Joker or the Great Chandel’s lair which were slanted. (I’m showing my age) And my cabin AC temperature felt too warm. 80 F. Sorry for going off on this tangent. Now my Celebration questions. 1. Are the elevators “smart lifts?” Think Carnival Horizon elevators. 2. Are soft ice cream and frozen yogurt still 24/7? Free gelato on tap like the Horizon? 3. And my biggest question does the Celebration have the Quest Game. Carnival does the Quest the best. See y’all on the Celebration! 🙂

Thanks so much for your comment, Simon. Great insights and questions as well. For some reason Carnival chose not to use the same smart lift system as on Horizon. The ice cream is not 24/7 but there are at least 3 of them around the ship that are open throughout the day and a few hours after dinner. As far as Quest goes, I never saw it in my Fun Times, so someone can correct me if I’m wrong. Maybe I just missed it. Have fun on the ship and let us know how it goes!

I was on the celebration on September 3rd cruise and I thoroughly enjoyed the ship and I agree with all all of your comments. But my biggest complaint was the ladies and men’s room automatic doors that didn’t work correctly and left you exposed if you didn’t have a buddy with you to block the door from someone else getting in. Especially the ones outside the theater. But it is still my favorite ship of the 42 cruises I’ve taken.

Oh wow, I’m so glad you left this comment, Barb, because it reminded me the same thing happened on my cruise. Several times those bathroom doors remained stuck open or would be opened by accident. I had to guard the door one time while my wife used the restroom to keep it from happening.

I was on that ship also it was the best I have been on so far

Great to hear! It’s by far my favorite class of ship within Carnival’s fleet.

Have you taken a cruise on Carnival Celebration before? What was your experience?

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Mardi Gras Review: Carnival Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

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Caribbean and Bahamas: Western Caribbean Cruise

7-night carnival celebration cruise.

From $758 per person* Includes government taxes, fees and port expenses of $126 per person

Carnival Cruise Line

Sail to the Western Caribbean, visiting ports such as Cozumel, Mexico, where you can zip-line through the action and discover ancient history of the Mayan ruins. Experience the natural paradise of Honduras' Mahogany Bay. Visit Carnival's newest private island, Celebration Key and explore what it has to offer.

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Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Carnival Cruise Line sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

The City of Miami known as the “Magic City” is located in Southeast Florida, in Miami-Dade County on the Miami River, between the Florida Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean. Since its incorporation in 1896, the City has grown tremendously, transforming it into one of the world’s renowned centers where people can work, live and play while enjoying a high quality of life. The City of Miami, known for its diverse culture and ethnicities is the largest municipality in Miami-Dade County. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 362,470. By the year 2010 the population in the City is projected to rise to 390,191. Miami which is known as the Gateway to Latin America attracts a tremendous amount of foreign born people, resulting in a large Latin American population that includes Cubans, Nicaraguans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans, Argentineans, Ecuadorians, Brazilians, Dominicans, Haitians and Mexicans. According to the 2000 U.S. census, the City has a 60 percent Hispanic population, a 22.3 percent African-American population and an 11.9 percent White/other population.

Celebration Key

Now — for the first time ever! — we’re building a new destination from the ground-up. And this one, nestled on the south side of Grand Bahama island, is exclusively for Carnival guests. It’s perfect for adults, families with kids… everybody who appreciates fun and natural beauty! So we’re marking this spot on the map where what you’ll find perfectly matches the onboard vibe folks love — when your ship pulls up, the vacation possibilities are expanded with unique island-style fun, relaxation and adventure. Get ready for unforgettable experiences like a mile-long white sand beach, freshwater lagoons, local Bahamian flavors and shopping, plus excursions and more when Celebration Key opens in 2025. But look for more details soon!

The beautiful island of Cozumel, the largest inhabited island in Mexico, is a paradise for divers from all over the world. The island is surrounded by more than 25 reef formations where divers of all ages and skills can enter into a completely fascinating and different world: endless coral inhabited by immense shoals of colorful fish. The possibilities are interminable for both beginners and experts. East of the Yucatán Peninsula, on top of the age-old structures of the Mayan coral reef, the second largest in the world, stands the Island of Cozumel, the largest inhabited island in Mexico. Its name, derived from the word Cuzamil, meaning “island of swallows” in Maya, conjures up memories of its pre-Hispanic origin, the conquest of America and the pirates and buccaneers that thronged its seas. The Island of Cozumel measures 48 km from north to south but only 16 from east to west. On either side of the island, beaches form a long, white sandy coast. Gentle waves and transparent waters wash the western side of the island, while huge waves crash against the eastern side. Its flora and fauna have a number of unusual features and include certain endemic species, such as the dwarf raccoon and the Cozumel wren. Cozumel’s greatest wealth, however, lies underwater.

Mahogany Bay Roatan

Called Mahogany Bay Roatan, the new cruise terminal will encompass more than 20 acres of Caribbean waterfront. The new terminal will have two berths capable of accommodating the largest post-Panamax vessels.

Onboard the Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration

Costco member reviews.

• Year Built: 2022

You know, it’s hard work making effortlessly-fun vacations. So please bring that unique Carnival spirit and know that this ship’s bringing the fun. Just like sister ship Mardi Gras®, Carnival Celebration has six Zones — themed areas that bring together incredible experiences and flavor. New flavors you haven’t experienced yet — nobody has! — are heating up at Latitudes™, The Golden Jubilee™ and Emeril’s Bistro 1397™. (Mmm, new Emeril.) Carnival Celebration also marks the return of innovations like BOLT® — the onboard rollercoaster, Bonsai Teppanyaki™, RedFrog® Tiki Bar, Family Feud™ Live, Havana Bar™, Seuss at Sea™ and Playlist Productions™. Perhaps best of all, all the fun you’ll have on Carnival Celebration is powered by clean LNG fuel!

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Outdoor Movies
• Fitness Center
• Educational Programs
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Water Park Arena
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Internet Center
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Serenity Spa

• Game Arcade
• Bolt™: Rollercoaster
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Spa Services/Massage
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Bars/Lounges
• Babysitting
• Conference Center
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Wedding/Vow Renewal

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room:  Carnival's Main Dining Room brings you a full three-course menu in an experience that’s satisfying, but never stuffy. Drop in nightly and enjoy a rotating menu of delectable favorites like steak, roasted duck, scallops, prime rib, and, of course, sinfully delicious desserts.

Bonsai Sushi

Specialty Dining

Bonsai Sushi:  Dine amidst expertly pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable catches, plus soups, sides, sakes, and desserts. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Bonsai Teppanyaki:  It's a meal, a performance, and it's definitely unforgettable. The Bonsai Teppanyaki experience is set to delight guests aboard Carnival Celebration. Take a little time out of vacation to sit down to a selection of tempting appetizers, before the chef prepares a main course featuring selections of meats, tofu, fish, shrimp or lobster… right at your table. In the teppanyaki tradition — and Carnival's tradition of fun — expect an interactive, satisfying meal full of surprise and delicious delight. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Carnival Kitchen:  Want to come home from Carnival Celebration with upgraded BBQ skills? New sushi-rolling abilities? Or maybe be whipping up Thai meals from scratch? Learn and have a great time at Carnival Kitchen! Carnival's getting their culinary pros to share some of their secrets with you. Classes are small, seats are limited — save yours now — but the flavor possibilities are endless, with hands-on instruction in over a dozen culinary disciplines. So, next time you cruise, will you be coming home a cupcake master? Or a tailgate-party hero who takes things way beyond chips and dips? Have a deliciously fun time on board… and take some skills to-go. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chibang!™:  Discover Chinese and Mexican culinary traditions in the atmosphere at Chibang!™, a new restaurant… but even more importantly, you'll notice them on your plate! Brought together, favorite dishes from the two cuisines invite you to spread your culinary wings across the Pacific. Try a little from each side by mixing, matching and sharing in a dinner of flavor explorations. (Plus cocktails made from authentic ingredients!) Or stop in to Chibang!™ for a casual lunch that features noodle and burrito bowls based on favorite ingredients from both of these worlds. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Cucina del Capitano:  Italian-American dishes inspired by the recipes from our Italian captains' and officers' childhoods are served up family-style in a comfy, eclectic environment decorated like an Italian country home. Vintage images of our captains and ships adorn the walls, and there's even a Captain's table where you just might see the Captain in person. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast:  Pack your imagination, but don't forget your appetite as the whole family embarks on a breakfast that's part meal, and part journey into the deliciously whimsical world of Dr. Seuss®. Sit down to a truly fantastical feast at the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends™. Bright colors and patterns decorate your table, which features fun and unique menus. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse/Brewhouse:  With choices like brisket, sausage, baby back ribs and dry-rubbed chicken, Carnival pros do the smoking right there over hickory wood, serving them up at your table. You're in Guy Fieri's house — Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse, that is. About the brews: this house of bar-b-que tradition doesn't just satisfy your hunger. Enjoy your meal with exclusive microbrews that are actually brewed at sea — plus live music and atmosphere to match. Tip: Come by and check out the lunch menu, its free. Dinner is available for an additional cost.

JavaBlue Café:  From the simply caffeinated to the simply sublime, nothing satisfies your coffee craving like JavaBlue Café, featuring fun twists on the hot and cold drinks you enjoy, plus a mouth-watering assortment of baked treats. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Rudi's Seagrill™:  When the food arrives at the table it's smiles all around, especially on a Carnival cruise. But what if your plate beamed one back? This new fine dining restaurant serves delectable seafood classics that keep more than just an eye on the presentation — more like a whole face. Rudi's Seagrill™ is the brainchild of Rudi Sodamin… and he loves fun as much as Carnival does! The focus here is seafood, and whether we're talking about his signature face-based dishes or options with a more traditional presentation, Rudi's will have your taste buds beaming. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Seafood Shack:  A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served — whether it’s on a roll, in a salad or atop a platter — Seafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Steakhouse:  The menu features premium cuts of beef cooked to your specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, entrées, gourmet appetizers and an extensive wine list. Like any destination restaurant, reservations for Steakhouse are highly recommended. Your meal includes an appetizer, salad, entrée, side and dessert. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Steakhouse Selections:  Whoever said you can’t always get what you want certainly never said it on a Carnival cruise. Odds are that something from our steakhouse sounds good — filet mignon, New York Strip, lobster, or surf and turf. Now you can get these signature steakhouse dishes anytime you’re enjoying dinner in the main dining room. This option is available for an additional cost.

The Chef’s Table:  Treat your taste buds to a unique culinary event hosted by one of Carnival's master chefs. Your VIP experience begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a galley tour. The evening’s highlight is a full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular menus. Seating is limited, so reserve early at the ship’s Guest Services desk. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

24-Hour Room Service:  There’s a menu of salads, sandwiches and sweet stuff — completely free — during the day, plus hot food options available for a small fee. Late-night menu options (after 10 p.m.) are also available for a small fee.

Guy’s Burger Joint

Casual Dining

Big Chicken:  Carnivals Chief Fun Officer, Shaq O’Neal, brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken. Step up to the counter for lunch or dinner and walk away with your choice of chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips or juicy fried chicken baskets… plus side dishes, like potato salad and jalapeño slaw. Early-morning buzzer-beaters are invited to enjoy a breakfast featuring classics like a three-cheese omelet, chicken biscuits, and biscuit and egg. And so’s everybody else — breakfast is served all day!

BlueIguana Cantina:  The BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos. Throw homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will have you coming back for more.

Guy’s Burger Joint:  Carnival has teamed up with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy's Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy's way, or take it off-road to the toppings bar and truly make it your own.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que:  Enjoy a wide variety of BBQ favorites smoked right on board over hickory and cherry wood using Guy’s signature recipes, rubs and spices. Throw in sides like Mac Daddy Mac 'n Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad and Collard Greens and you’ve got a rockin’ sea day on deck.

Lido Marketplace:  Featuring a nice variety of casual dining options like Mongolian Wok, Chef’s Choice, Salad Bar, Carnival Deli and more, the Lido Restaurant has something — or more likely, at least a few somethings for everyone. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy your personal favorites in company of family and friends for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast.

Seaday Brunch:  At Seaday Brunch, you can sleep in and still enjoy breakfast favorites, while early-risers get a head start on lunch. You’ll enjoy huevos rancheros, special French toast, loaded mac-n-cheese and more ways to cook eggs than you may have thought possible.

Street Eats:  Some of the world's favorite flavors aren't found in restaurants, but served up on the street in trucks, stalls and carts where the presentation takes a backseat to flavor, convenience and quality. After all, when you're just feet from the chef, you can tell they're cooking to impress! Street Eats is Carnival's tribute to this food phenomenon with an ever-changing series of grab-and-go dishes. This open-air spot features three stations - one that specializes in steamed stuff like bao buns and siu mai, one that puts the "skill" in skillet with the likes of kebab and satay, and - oh yes - the station that fries up favorites like empanadas and falafel. At sea you may be far from the street, but flavor's right around the corner.

Swirls:  Swirls ice cream entices with sweet frozen treats around the clock! Choose from chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Open on Lido deck 24/7, frozen yogurt and soft-serve ice cream is a great way to beat the heat all day, or the perfect nightcap after a long evening of fun.

• > Inside Stateroom
• > Ocean View Stateroom
• > Balcony Stateroom
• > Suite Stateroom

An Interior stateroom is a comfortable retreat, featuring a full private bathroom. Some rooms also feature pull-down beds

Interior (Category: 4A)

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• In-room safe for valuables
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• Stateroom climate control
• Bathrobes upon request

Interior (Category: 4B)

Interior (category: 4c), interior (category: 4d), interior (category: 4e), interior (category: 4f), interior (category: 4g), interior (category: 4h), interior (category: 4i), premium interior (category: 4n).

Premium Interior (Category: 4O)

Cloud 9 spa interior (category: 4s).

• Unique welcome ritual
• Priority spa reservations
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites
• Complimentary scrub kit to use in our Thermal Suites
• Two complimentary fitness classes (per guest)
• Complimentary body composition analysis
• Exclusive discounts on treatments during port days
• Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers
• Upgraded Elemis in-stateroom toiletries

Cloud 9 Spa Interior (Category: 4T)

Family harbor interior (category: fa).

• Exclusive access to Family Harbor Lounge
• Daily breakfast and snacks in the Family Harbor Lounge
• A selection of board games, family movies, and video games in the Family Harbor Lounge
• Kids eat free in most specialty onboard restaurants
• Free evening of Night Owls babysitting service at Camp Ocean

Havana Interior (Category: HA)

• Exclusive access to Havana Pool area

Guarantee - Inside (Category: IS)

Category: IS This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

These rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won

Ocean View (Category: 6A)

Ocean View (Category: 6B)

Cloud 9 spa ocean view (obstructed view) (category: 6s), family harbor ocean view (category: fe).

Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: OV)

Category: OV This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Relax and admire the passing scenery from your stateroom

Cove Balcony (Category: 7C)

Junior Cove Balcony (Category: 7X)

Junior cove balcony (category: 7y), balcony (category: 8a).

Balcony (Category: 8B)

Balcony (category: 8c), balcony (category: 8d), balcony (category: 8e), balcony (category: 8f), balcony (category: 8g), extended balcony (category: 8j), extended balcony (category: 8k), forward-view extended balcony (category: 8l).

Category: 8L

Aft-View Extended Balcony (Category: 8M)

Aft-view extended balcony (category: 8n), cloud 9 spa cove balcony (category: 7s).

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony (Category: 8P)

Cloud 9 spa forward-view extended balcony (category: 8v), havana cabana (balcony) (category: he).

Havana Forward-View Extended Balcony (Category: HG)

Guarantee - balcony (category: bl).

Category: BL This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

A spacious room, that includes priority check-in during embarkation.

Ocean Suite (Category: OS)

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority main dining room time assignment (Early, Late, or Your Time Dining)
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 AM
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattresses

Ocean Suite (Category: OT)

Carnival excel suite (category: ds).

• Complimentary access to Loft 19, plus priority cabana reservations
• Dedicated concierge phone line
• Guaranteed Main Dining Room time assignment
• Guaranteed reservations at most specialty dining spots, when reserved 24 hours prior
• Sparkling wine and fruit bowl upon arrival
• Bottomless Bubbles soft drink package
• Complimentary room service
• Upgraded bathroom amenities
• Complimentary on-demand movies
• Complimentary laundry service
• Two televisions

Carnival Excel Corner Suite (Category: KS)

Carnival Excel Aft Suite (Category: LS)

Carnival Excel Presidential Suite (Category: SV)

• Access to Thermal Suites and Havana Pool

Cloud 9 Spa Suite (Category: SS)

Family harbor ocean view suite (category: fp), havana cabana suite (category: hs).

Havana Cabana Corner Suite (Category: HU)

Guarantee - suite (category: st).

Category: ST This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Carnival Celebration
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2022
• Ship Class: XL Class
• Maximum Capacity: 6,631
• Number of Passenger Decks: 15
• Number of Crew: 1,735
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 175
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,479
• Total Inside Staterooms: 852
• Tonnage (GRT): 180,800
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 2,687
• Suites with Balcony: 181
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, inside stateroom, ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom, departure date - 10/05/2025, departure date - 11/02/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Bahamas

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Your Guide to Cruise Line Celebration Packages

Cruise line celebration packages allow you to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons at sea while enjoying various activities. Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Cruise Line Celebration Packages?

Cruise line celebration packages enhance your cruising experience by offering special services and amenities for milestone events. These packages may include exclusive dinners, personalized decorations, and tailored onboard activities, allowing you to celebrate your special day at sea while having fun. Be sure to research before you book your trip so you know what is available!

Popular Celebration Packages

Birthday Packages Birthday packages typically include a cake, decorations in your cabin, and a celebratory dinner.

Anniversary Packages Anniversary packages often feature romantic dinners, spa treatments, and personalized excursions meant for couples.

Honeymoon Packages Honeymoon packages include romantic surprises such as candlelight dinners, private excursions, and potential upgrades for newlyweds.

Family Reunions Family reunion packages offer activities suitable for all ages, such as game nights and group excursions.

Cruise Line Examples

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival offers celebration packages for birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, including decorations and specialty dining experiences.

Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean provides customizable packages for romantic occasions and birthdays, featuring premium dining, spa treatments, and surprises in your stateroom.

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises offers celebration packages that can be tailored for various occasions, including birthdays and anniversaries. Their packages often include luxury dining, spa experiences, and complimentary amenities to enhance your celebration.

These are just a few examples, and with some research, you can find even more cruise lines that offer similar packages to make your celebrations unforgettable!

How to Book a Celebration Package

Choose Your Cruise: Select an itinerary that suits your celebration. Contact Customer Service: After booking, inquire about available celebration packages. Specify Your Needs: Discuss the type of celebration to tailor your experience. Finalize Your Package: Confirm your options and any additional requests.

Ready to celebrate?

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Carnival Cruise Line Announces 2026 – 27 Cruises from Mobile

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 12:00 PM by Ashley Rains

Carnival Spirit introduces new, exciting itineraries.

Visit Mobile is excited to share Carnival Cruise Line’s announcement of the 2026 – 27 lineup of cruises aboard the Carnival Spirit from the Port of Mobile. The new cruise vacations are now available to book sailings to popular destinations, including Celebration Key, Princess Cays, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

“Mobile has experienced unprecedented growth during the last few years and there is no end in sight,” said David Clark, CEO and President of Visit Mobile. “The drive to the Port of Mobile is the closest and most convenient from Central North America. With the new Mobile International Airport (BFM) opening in early 2026, the timing is exceptional for these new itineraries.”

From October 2026 through March 2027, Carnival Spirit will resume its seasonal schedule of six-, seven- and eight-day cruises from Mobile.

“We continue to sail from more U.S. homeports than any other line, and our 2026 – 27 offerings … are great examples of that commitment to provide our guests with the convenience of sailing from homeports that are a short drive away,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Notably, the company unveiled an additional 16-day, one-way Journeys cruise. The Spirit will return to its homeport of Mobile with a unique itinerary that transits the Panama Canal. The cruise departs Seattle on October 8, 2026, and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica and Cartagena, Colombia.

Carnival recently opened a Carnival Journeys sailing from Mobile to Seattle that takes place earlier in the year, in April 2026. These sailings will be the first cruises connecting the ship’s two seasonal homeport cities.

For additional information on cruising from the Port of Mobile, visit Mobile.org/Cruise or visit Carnival.com .

Author: Ashley Rains

Ashley Rains is the PR & Communications Manager at Visit Mobile. As a native Mobilian, allegedly born under an azalea bush in Bienville Square on Joe Cain Day, Ashley easily finds that her hometown ignites her passion for the eclectic and emboldened. 

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Carnival Adjusts Itineraries for Three Ships

• September 11, 2024

  Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting the itineraries of 12 cruises onboard the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Freedom and the Carnival Spirit.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the affected sailings are set to take place between May 2025 and January 2026.

Three cruises onboard the Mardi Gras had their itineraries adjusted including the departures scheduled for May 3 and May 13, 2025.

According to Carnival, the seven-night cruises to the Caribbean will now operate with changed days and port times for ports of call.

The Mardi Gras’ Feb. 12, 2026, cruise also saw a change to its itinerary, with dates for visits to Amber Cove and Grand Turk swapped.

Eight cruises onboard the Carnival Freedom were adjusted, Carnival added, including the May 5, 2025, departure, which replaced Bimini with a visit to Amber Cove.

A visit to Half Moon Cay was replaced with a visit to Princess Cays for five of the ship’s cruises to the Bahamas, including the departures scheduled for Sep. 4 and Sep. 27, 2025, as well as Jan. 17 and Mar. 23, 2026.

In addition to replacing Half Moon Cay with Princess Cays, the Dec. 1, 2025, cruise also saw days visiting Nassau and Princess Cays swapped, Carnival said.

The Carnival Freedom’s Jan. 12, 2025, cruise saw significant changes with days visiting Celebration Key and Nassau switched and port times for the later modified.

The departure scheduled for March 1, 2026, had visiting days for Nassau and Princess Cays swapped, the company added.

For the Carnival Spirit, Bimini replaced Nassau during the Nov. 30, 2025, cruise. The date of the cruise’s scheduled visit to Celebration Key also changed, while all port times have been updated.

In its statement, Carnival said that shore excursions purchased through the company will be automatically adjusted based on these changes.

For cancelled ports, the excursions will be automatically refunded to their original form of payment, the company added.

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Boy, 12, dies after falling from 14th-floor balcony on Caribbean cruise ship ‘while playing with pals he’d met onboard’

• Katie Davis , Chief Foreign Reporter (Digital)
• Published : 6:58, 11 Sep 2024
• Updated : 13:40, 11 Sep 2024

A BOY of 12 has plunged head first to his death from a 14th-floor balcony on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Passengers on the Harmony of the Seas watched on in horror as the youngster toppled over the railing on the final night of their cruise.

The ship - which can hold 5,479 passengers across 16 decks - was heading towards Galveston, Texas , when the child fell.

Witnesses said the boy was playing with friends he had made on the trip when he went over the cabin railing.

He plummeted into the internal Central Park area of the ship that has bars, restaurants and pubs.

Witnesses said the child fell from his family's cabin on Deck 14 to the atrium on Deck 8.

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Staff battled to resuscitate him, but he died before the ship docked on September 8.

Did you witness the incident on the ship? Email [email protected]

It is understood the boy was on the cruise with his family for a birthday celebration.

Passengers waiting to board the ship for its next cruise from Galveston were told it was delayed as an investigation was launched.

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Royal Caribbean confirmed a passenger had died on board but did not give any more detail.

In 2019, a 16-year-old fell to his death on the luxury cruise ship while trying to climb from an eighth floor balcony.

Laurent Mercer plunged as he was trying to reach his family’s stateroom as he didn't have his room card.

The ship was docked at the port of Labadee in Haiti in the middle of a seven-day Caribbean cruise being taken by the boy’s family.

In 2018, British entertainer Arron Hough from Sunderland disappeared on Christmas Day from the Harmony of the Seas as it sailed off Puerto Rico.

And one person was killed and another four injured after a lifeboat suddenly detached from the Harmony of the Seas in 2016.

The accident reportedly happened during a "security exercise" when the 227,000-tonne ship was docked in the French port of Marseilles.

The vessel dropped around ten metres killing a 42-year-old Filipino.

Harmony of the Seas can hold more than 8,000 passengers and crew.

Owned by Royal Caribbean International, the record-breaking ship is higher than a 25-storey building and forth largest passenger ship in the world.

The boat has been compared to a floating city with more than 2,747 staterooms, 20 restaurants, 23 swimming pools and a park with more than 10,000 plants and 50 trees.

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It also boasts ‘seven neighbourhoods’ which include a cinema, promenade, sports and youth zones, an entertainment palace and a spa and fitness centre.

At 1,188 feet long, the 16-deck ship is bigger than the Eiffel Tower and is the widest cruise ship ever built at 215 feet.

• Royal Caribbean