celebrity cruise line celebration

Carnival Celebration

A unique partnership brings Space Cruisers™ to kids ages 2–11… and Carnival Celebration is the first ship on Earth where you’ll find it!

STAGE PERFORMANCES THAT MIX SONG, DANCE AND A SPECIAL SOMETHING EXTRA WOW YOU ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION

YOUR INNER EXPLORER WILL LOVE IT! THERE’S A WORLD OF FUN TO TAKE IN AT THE GATEWAY ZONE.

CARNIVAL CELEBRATION: GREAT FUN TOGETHER, ALL POWERED BY LNG

You know, it’s hard work making effortlessly-fun vacations. That’s why we’re looking forward to kicking back with you on the new Carnival Celebration as we toast to the last 50 years. 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 ® — our 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!

MEET THE GODMOTHER

It’s Cassidy Gifford! We all know Cassidy’s mom, Kathie Lee Gifford, from some of the most memorable moments in Carnival’s history. But among Kathie Lee’s proudest accomplishments is definitely her daughter, who’s now serving as godmother to Carnival Celebration. (Just as Kathie Lee did for the original M.S. Celebration!) Cassidy grew up around Carnival, spending countless family vacations at sea, and plenty of time on the set of TV shoots… which she still does today — Cassidy’s an actress. We can’t wait to welcome both daughter and mother aboard this amazing ship!

MEET THE NAMING CEREMONY

New ships usually start sailing with a naming ceremony, to help send the ship on its way with everyone’s best wishes. But you can probably guess that when Carnival does a naming ceremony, it’s all that… plus a show, plus a party! For Carnival Celebration this involved the ship’s godmother Cassidy Gifford and her mom, Carnival legend Kathie Lee. Plenty of other fun folks were on-hand, including Emeril, who was there to cut the ribbon at his new restaurant, Bistro 1397… and the whole event coincided with the big ribbon cutting of the amazing Terminal F at PortMiami. Now that’s what we call a naming! Let’s sail!

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF VACATIONING OUR WAY

Carnival Celebration ® has six Zones to explore, and each gets you deep into fun. Stay and play a while, relax with refreshment and more.

Celebration Central

Celebration Central is designed to make an impression… and that’s good because it’s going to be your first one! You can count on Carnival Celebration’s atrium to set the vacay vibes for your whole cruise. Look up and you’re honestly in for an eyeful — floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights… everything points to BIG FUN happening in here. And even if you’re just passing through, know that you’ll definitely be back later. Center Stage features a rotating selection of live entertainment, while Tropicale Bar serves up great drinks with a nostalgia chaser nodding to our first ship to sport the iconic red, white and blue funnel. Aquaria Bar features an ocean-themed glass mural pulled from Carnival Victory that’s now a two-deck high decorative wall. (Also: great drinks here too!) Then there’s fan-faves, from cups of comfort at JavaBlue ™ Café to great eats at Bonsai Sushi ™ and Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ , and some very entertaining reasons to come back, like Piano Bar 88 , The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ and more.

The Gateway

When you’re cruising on Carnival Celebration there’s just so much destination to be found… even right on board. That’s because here, in The Gateway zone, “international flavor” isn’t just an expression, but a way of life! Design, décor, cuisine and even the entertainment is inspired by grand locations, landmarks from around the world. You’ll find a rotating selection of these vistas brilliantly displayed right on the innovative LED windows and ceiling, plus theme nights that match — including Abroad in Europe, Far East Voyage and Mexico Lindo — which each feature food, drink and entertainment to match. But every moment is a special occasion thanks to onboard spots that are proud to import their flavor from all over. We’re talking restaurants and bars like Latitudes ™ with its old-school railway station vibe, The Golden Jubilee ™ featuring a unique mix of great drinks and live music, plus Emeril’s Bistro 1397 ™ , which is deliciously all over the map. And don’t miss your chance to sip a little cocktail magic at returning fan-favorite Alchemy Bar ® .

Summer Landing

Go ahead and call Summer Landing 'the greatest chill spot at sea'... and we'll be right there with you, any time of year! What's three letters long and goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so we're building a Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse into this zone so it always tastes like summer here with freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri and original Parched Pig ® beers brewed just feet away. If you're wondering where the pool and whirlpool are, we're so alike, you and us... and that's why we're sure you're gonna love The Watering Hole , a poolside bar we're building for aficionados of backyard-style relaxation. And for military folks — or folks who just want to raise a glass to them — please report to Heroes Tribute ™ Lounge for great service. We know you guys like soft serve too, so we're throwing in a Swirls ™ location — one of two! And why wouldn't we? At Summer Landing, fun this cool is literally always in season.

820 Biscayne

We’re at home anywhere we sail… but you can only have one hometown, and for Carnival that is unmistakably Miami. So it’s not hard at all to locate the inspiration for 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration. If you’re wondering about the nameplate, that’s the address where it all got started — but nobody has to wonder where all the fun, flavor and good looks you’ll find in this zone were sourced. After all, it’s so authentically Miami… just check out the art deco designs, neon splashes and great flavors! On that note there’s Bar 820 for tropical cocktails and Cuban coffee, plus Deco Deli serving up a selection of classic sandwiches… Cuban faves included. And while Miami isn’t quite known as a pizza town, we don’t think you’ll mind that we’re serving up the cheesy stuff until 4 a.m. at Miami Slice . (Roll up your sleeves and dig in!) And like any cosmopolitan center, dining quality and variety counts big. That’s why you’ll find Cucina del Capitano and Rudi’s Seagrill restaurants in the neighborhood.

If you’ve cruised with us before, you know Lido ... but aboard Carnival Celebration ® this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun experiences among the familiar flavors. Evolving the classic poolside rum-bar was a tall order, but RedFrog Tiki Bar will be serving up the good stuff across two decks’ worth of South Pacific atmosphere. Also first-time-fresh is Street Eats , bringing together highlights from the world’s fast-good cuisine like kebab, bao buns and seriously upgraded fries. Shaq’s latest Big Chicken ™ restaurant is here, and fan-fave spots like Guy’s Burger Joint ™ , the New England-inspired Seafood Shack ™ , and BlueIguana Cantina ™ taco spot aren’t done with your taste buds yet. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to one of two Swirls ™ locations, the free soft-serve spot!

THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND

Don't let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Kids, you're going to love this. And adults, the playground has grown up with you. So yay for play! Of course The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT ® , the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that's only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ™ ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare ™ is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PACKING LOADS OF FUN TO GO

Carnival Celebration ® welcomes back so many fun fan favorites… while inviting hot new innovations along for one spectacular ride.

BOLT: ULTIMATE SEA COASTER

Aboard Carnival Celebration ® you’ll meet BOLT ® : the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

Space Cruisers

Exploration is one reason we love Carnival cruises, but why stop at the seas? For cruisers ages 2–11, there’s a new vacation experience introducing kids at Camp Ocean to the wonder of space exploration. Space Cruisers ™ , debuting on Carnival Celebration, was developed in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, so budding astronomy fans can enjoy NASA-inspired activities to help them blast off to a love of the cosmos. Activities vary by age group, but some include designing a personal mission patch, building and racing Mars Rovers, designing and testing bridge physics, playing space-themed bingo, plus hands-on learning about how objects orbit in space. 3, 2, 1… FUN!

The classic railway-inspired mechanical flap board is definitely the first thing you’ll notice about Latitudes ™ , but what sticks with you about this bar may just be something else. For instance, the drinks: specialty cocktails crafted not just to refresh, not merely to delight… but to actually match the scenery. What scenery, you’re wondering? At Latitudes no matter where we’re sailing, the views come to you from any corner of the world. Innovative virtual windows invite you to take in some of Earth’s most breathtaking views as you sit back and sip something delicious, whether you’re here for a special event, an occasion celebration… or simply a delicious departure from the ordinary.

Family Feud Live

The show has been delighting viewers at home for generations, but you never had the chance to buzz-in on a cruise ship… until now! Carnival ships are the only place you’ll find Family Feud™ Live, and on every sailing we’ll be hosting games on an authentic Family Feud™ set — right down to the iconic Face-Off podium, plus all the excitement of Fast Money. Family Feud Live will be emceed by none other than your cruise director, so if you’re game, sign up your team of five for an audition… and make sure they bring that Family Feud spirit. And, of course, everybody’s welcome to grab a seat in the audience to catch all the hilarious action!

For those who flock to waterparks just ready to make a splash, we’d suggest sliding on over to WaterWorks ™ aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more — you know, the works — are all practically overflowing for your hydro-delight. When you spot the big slides on board you’ll see that they mean business, splashy business: Blue Lightning ™ is packed with headfirst, high-speed twists and turns, while Orange Thunder ™ starts you off standing before propelling you down into a world of wetness… and of course, our signature Twister ™ slide keeps on thrilling splash-seekers.

CENTER STAGE + PLAYLIST PRODUCTIONS

They’re not plays, they’re not exactly concerts… these shows are something else entirely. Every performances is built on amazing songs you know and love, presented like you’ve never seen before. Multi-talented performers fill the stage with song, dance... and superstar attitude. Then they sometimes leave the stage behind, like in The Most Magnificent Circus and We Are One where they soar above the audience. Or Color My World , a show where they break into actual live-graffiti painting, right on stage. Carnival Celebration plays host to a lineup of all-new shows, plus fan-favorites Celestial Strings , which reimagines rock and pop favorites as symphonic classical compositions, and Amor Cubano with the rhythmic sounds of today’s Latin hits.

SERENITY ADULT-ONLY RETREAT

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ . Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement... but you could easily forget, because when you're at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

The Golden Jubilee

Even when you’re looking to the future, you still think about the past. So that’s why — if you were us — you might pay tribute to 50 years of Carnival fun and history by creating a space like The Golden Jubilee ™ ! The atmosphere makes you want to grab a vintage cocktail (lucky for you, that’s the house specialty) and raise a glass with your neighbor… but this bar is just as much an entertainment spot, helping the good times flow with a stage that puts you up close to live performances. The décor transports you decades back through time, and this aesthetic is made of actual artifacts from Carnival ships of the past, mixed with design elements inspired by our earliest ships. Outside, there’s even a Carnival history exhibit! They built great stuff back then, and we still do! This may just remind you to think about the fun history you’re creating throughout your vacation.

CLOUD 9 SPA

True or false: cruises are a time for relaxation. Our answer: whether you're all action all the time, or chill to the core, everybody needs a chance to take it easy! And nobody will find an easier spot than Cloud 9 Spa ™ aboard Carnival Celebration ® . This is an oasis built from the ground up for relaxation, from a full complement of traditional spa services like massages, facials, body wraps to the carefully-designed climates of Cloud 9's thermal suites... rooms swirling with moist or dry air, each heated very precisely. It turns out it's true: anyone can find a reason to say 'ahhh' at Carnival Celebration's Cloud 9 Spa.

THE PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUB

Carnival Celebration ® has its own Punchliner Comedy Club in the Celebration Central zone, and up on stage you’ll find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

SO THAT’S ALL THE FUN ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION ® ?

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PUTTING FLAVOR WHERE IT COUNTS

Carnival Celebration ® connects our chefs’ savvy with your plate at every mealtime, snacktime and pizza-time (that one’s open anytime until 4 a.m.!).

Emeril's Bistro 1397

Emeril’s second restaurant at sea does something a little different. While the heart of Emeril’s Bistro 1397 ™ is in the same delicious place — his hometown Creole dishes from New Orleans — the new restaurant also keeps its passport at the ready, collecting extra flavor inspiration from every corner of the world. Then it serves up international dishes… all with Emeril’s signature culinary flair! From one day to the next you’ll find new stuff on the menu — so make sure to come back and see what surprising specialties are ready to delight you for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Cucina del Capitano

At Cucina del Capitano ® on Carnival Celebration ® , who you’ve got gathered around the table is truly as important as what’s being served there. At our table you’ll enjoy delicious Italian favorites — we serve them family-style because we know that sharing large plates and sharing tales of your day’s adventures goes hand-in-hand. Speaking of which, our walls are adorned with old snapshots from our officers’ family albums, proving that the rustic Italian-farmhouse atmosphere definitely isn’t for show. Tip: Great news! Your first meal at Cucina del Capitano is on the house… and additional visits are just $8.

Big Chicken

When Shaq tells you to build a chicken joint on board, you start warming up immediately. The big guy brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken ™ on Carnival Celebration ® . Just like Shaq’s a multitalented entertainer, his restaurant is no one-trick chick. 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 of classics like chicken biscuits, a three-cheese omelet or our biscuit/egg combo featuring bacon or sausage. Snoozers are invited, too — breakfast is served until 3!

Rudi’s Seagrill

Rudi’s Seagrill ™ is the brainchild of cookbook author and master chef Rudi Sodamin. He has years of experience pleasing palates of vacationers… and this guy loves serving up a smile as much as Carnival does! But he’s serious about seafood, and an evening at Rudi’s proves it through the courses. Enjoy selections like seafood bisque and crab-stuffed lobster tail imperial — all served with an elegant flair that pays proper tribute to the beauty of the ocean from which so much fun, and flavor, arises.

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 your chef prepares the 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.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

With choices like brisket, sausage, baby back ribs and dry-rubbed chicken, our pros do the smoking right there over hickory wood before serving them up at your table. You’re in Guy Fieri’s house — Carnival Celebration ® has Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. Now about the brews: this house of BBQ tradition doesn’t just satisfy your hunger — you’ll also enjoy our all-new, exclusive line of Parched Pig ™ craft brews. There’s a smoked porter, a farmhouse ale, a hoppy IPA and a toasted amber, all brewed just feet from your table. Tip: Come by and check out the free menu at lunchtime, plus live music and lively atmosphere all day.

Bonsai Sushi

So maybe you’ve had sushi before, but have you tried it at Bonsai Sushi ™ ? This is Carnival’s onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot, and we think you’ll enjoy our latest location, aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Dine indoors or out amidst carefully-pruned bonsai trees, while enjoying a delectable menu with sit-down service. Rounding out the meal: soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking a stroll down the onboard promenade, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe order a whole sushi ship — seaborne satisfaction for two.

Guy's Burger Joint

We call Carnival Celebration ® 's onboard burger spot Guy’s Burger Joint ™ . We teamed up with Guy Fieri to design not just the burgers and fries, but to help bring in the kind of rustic atmosphere you’d find at a roadside burger shack somewhere off a coastal highway. All signs point to ambiance — and serious flavor — so try a burger dressed up the way Guy likes it, or take it off-roading… to the nearby topping bar, where you can make it your own.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

Haute cuisine meets atmosphere at Fahrenheit 555 ™ , a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Except this one’s at sea — aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Ours features your choice of steak cuts, lobster, lamb and more… and inside, there’s even a full bar that pours great pairings. These are the building blocks of an amazing experience — delectable elements that combine with great service to offer an evening to remember.

Street Eats

Some of the world’s favorite flavors aren’t found in restaurants, but on the street in trucks, stalls and carts where flavor, convenience... and quality matter. That’s right, when you’re just feet from the chef, you know they’re cooking to impress! Street Eats is Carnival’s tribute to this food phenomenon, with three ever-changing open-air stations. The first, Steam Dream , specializes in the steamiest stuff this side of the spa, featuring favorites like bao buns and pot stickers. Then there’s Mad Sizzle , which puts the “skill” in skillet with the likes of kebab and satay. And we’re definitely not about to forget Time Fries , which serves up every cruiser’s dream: fries loaded up with culinary creations from our chefs, like cheesesteak fries! On Carnival Celebration ® you may be far from the street, but flavor’s right around the corner.

Seafood Shack

A good seafood dish… mmm, quite the catch. However you like yours — roll, bowl or platter — Seafood Shack ™ is Carnival Celebration's place for you to cast your net. Imagine a seaside spot in New England, where the locals gather for great meals served with a bit of a breeze and a lot of a view. (That said, nowhere on land will you get 360-degree ocean views like ours!) Look to Seafood Shack for rustic favorites like Crab Cake Sliders, Lobster BLT, Fried Buffalo Shrimp, Snow Crab and more. Steer a course for Carnival Celebration ® ... that’s where you’ll find this little shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

AND THAT WAS JUST THE FIRST COURSE!

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF AMAZING HOMES AWAY FROM HOME

Carnival Celebration ® wouldn’t be complete without a place for you to settle in and recharge after a long day’s fun. And we have so many choices to fit you just right.

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it's as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Carnival Celebration ® are packed with innovative changes to both. It's the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we've developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

Havana Staterooms & Suites

Consider your Havana stateroom or suite your own island resort aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Most important is the exclusive location: near the Havana Bar & Pool. This relaxation pool is your members-only spot, and the bar's a fun-for-all hotspot when the sun goes down. Indoors, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms on Carnival Celebration ® feature exclusive décor and in-room amenities to help soothe you after a long day’s fun — spa bathrobes and slippers, plus toiletries by Elemis. Book one of these staterooms and enjoy priority spa reservations, unlimited access to the thermal suites, free fitness classes, exclusive discounts and more! And you can have comfort and value — Carnival Celebration's got a full range of Cloud 9 staterooms in all sizes, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites.

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

Family Harbor staterooms, with their unique nautical décor, can be found near Carnival Celebration’ own Family Harbor Lounge — an exclusive spot with breakfast, snacks during the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more. The benefits don’t end there — your little girls and boys eat free in most onboard specialty restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy a little alone time.

Interior Staterooms

Here’s the most affordable way to experience Carnival Celebration ® , without cutting even a single corner in the comfort department. With an Interior stateroom you’ll get a full private bathroom, your choice of bed size and layout — covered in linens you can feel at home in — all of which make this truly a great spot for curling up after a long day’s fun.

Ocean View Staterooms

These comfy rooms with a view let you take in the scenery as you sail toward your beautiful destinations. And how about those views? Nowhere on land will you find anything like ‘em. But the views aren’t all that matters here — Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Celebration ® are a little bit bigger than Interior rooms and most feature a supremely loungeable couch for those times when neither lying nor standing will do.

Balcony Staterooms

Balcony staterooms are proof that while it’s great to be cruisey… on vacation, breeziness is a virtue too. And any time you’re in your well-appointed Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Celebration ® , you’re just steps away from the outdoors by way of your private open-air oasis. Designed for kicking back al fresco, you’re in for some amazing ocean views… views so stunning you’ll just have to feel ‘em to believe ‘em.

Get all the comforts of home, and even a few extras. Since your huge Suite on Carnival Celebration ® affords you VIP status, you're in the priority line when getting on and off the ship… plus Suites come with exclusive perks! (Carnival Excel Suites pack even more, like concierge service and access to Loft 19™.) A Suite is the ultimate way to enjoy the ship, and the extra comfort definitely goes a long way, with more room to put your feet up or stretch out on the extra-large balcony.

Loft 19 ™ was designed to afford you a unique opportunity for relaxation and indulgence. This retreat-style space invites you to soak up the sun all day from the comfort of a lounge chair or infinity whirlpool. This pairs so perfectly with Carnival Excel suites that staying in one actually gets you Loft 19 access! Drink service is always close at hand, plus you can even opt for a little private time — renting a cabana gets you more than just a place in the shade, but extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and concierge service. (Cabana rentals are open to everyone, though guests in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy priority reservations.)

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF CRAFTING REALLY BIG THINGS

Carnival Celebration has gone from the drawing board to the seas! Explore this a map of the ship, and start fueling your vacation dreams.

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF HEADLINES THAT INSPIRE

Carnival Celebration had people talking before they even got their first look. And now that everybody’s sailing? Looking good! Find the latest news and announcements right here.

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

Carnival Celebration vs Celebrity Beyond

The Carnival Celebration is a fairly new ship, being built in 2022. The Celebration is named after the original Celebration that sailed with Carnival from 1987 - 2008. It has two unique zones not found on its sister ships: The Gateway, an area dedicated to travel and Carnival's history, and 820 Biscayne which has a retro-Miami vibe. The Celebrity Beyond was built in 2022. The Celebrity Beyond is a step up from its siblings, with an additional deck and more outdoor space. It still features the "Magic Carpet," a moving platform that makes using water tenders a breeze while in port, or adds outdoor dining space while at sea. This Edge-class of ship is known to feel quite different than the rest of the Celebrity fleet as it's less geared towards traditional cruise passengers.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants.

• Bars and Drinks

Pools and Hot Tubs

Ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

• See Our Detailed Cruise Blog

The Celebration is considered a large size ship. Coming in at 1,130 feet long and 137 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.1 football fields, as wide as 2.6 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 17-story building. Compared to the Celebrity Beyond, the Celebration is 31% larger in terms of overall tons.

Carnival Celebration holds 65% more passengers than the Beyond based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you look at the "Space Ratio," or the total tonnage of a ship compared to the number of passengers, the Celebration has less space per person compared to the Beyond.

The Celebration uses a zone layout to break up large crowds across the ship, often making it feel less crowded.

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Celebration has 27 different dining options like Guys Pig and Anchor Smokehouse (Excel-ship) , Bonsai Sushi , and JavaBlue Cafe . Of those options, 19 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 8 options have an additional fee.

The Beyond has 8 fewer dining venues. Some of its popular venues are Eden Restaurant , Fine Cut Steakhouse , and Magic Carpet . 8 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 11 have an additional fee.

If you like having a variety of places to eat, the Celebration might be a better choice. It has 42% more dining options than the Beyond.

If you're looking to avoid extra money while on board, the Celebration might be a better choice then the Beyond. More of the dining options are included in the base cruise fare, potentially saving you money.

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. The Celebration serves the Pepsi family of products. That means Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Starry, Mug Root Beer, and Mountain Dew, although the selection can vary by ship. The Beyond serves Coca Cola branded products. That includes drinks like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship.

There are also plenty of bars available on these ships. You can check out recent the bar menus for the Celebration and the Beyond below.

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Carnival Celebration has a total of 6 pools and 7 hot tubs. Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are adults only. 2 of the pools are exclusive access, which means there's either an extra charge to access them or you need to book a certain class of cabin to have access to them.

Celebrity Beyond has fewer pools than the Celebration and fewer hot tubs. There are more exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Beyond. If you don't mind paying for exclusive access to areas in order to have less crowds, this might be a better choice.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. You might up paying more while on board the Celebration. Only 61% of the activities below are included in your cruise fare. On the Beyond, 67% of the activities are included at no additional cost.

Carnival is considered a mainstream cruise line. Mainstream cruise lines cater to a variety of guests, hoping to provide something for everyone. These typically cost about $100 - $350 per person per day.

Celebrity, on the other hand, is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year. To get a good idea of how the pricing compares, visit the cruise line's website to price out the separate cruises or consult a travel professional.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you compare onboard prices to see if you might spend more on a specific ship.

Celebrity Cruise Lines offers an "All Included" program. Guests who book a cruise using this promotion will have gratuities and alcohol included. Some sailings are available without this program so pay attention when booking. Typically prices are lower if they don't include "Always Included." The wifi and alcohol package are the base levels and can be upgraded for an additional cost.

We sailed aboard the Carnival Celebration

Follow along on our sailing on the Carnival Celebration. We take you through every aspect of our sailing, from getting to the port to debarking the ship. See the schedule of events, menus, what excursions we did, and what we really thought about the ship.

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 1 - Miami

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 2 - Sea Day

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 3 - Cozumel

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 4 - Costa Maya

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 5 - Roatan

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 6 - Sea Day

Carnival Celebration - Cruise Blog - Day 7 - Sea Day

5 Hits and Misses on Carnival Celebration

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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.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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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Home » Cruise » Carnival Cruise Line » Carnival Celebration » What It’s REALLY Like Onboard Carnival Celebration- Our Honest Review!

What It’s REALLY Like Onboard Carnival Celebration- Our Honest Review!

Find out if Carnival's newest ship is right for you with our honest Carnival Celebration cruise ship scorecard review.

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Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship has arrived in Miami, FL. Last week, Carnival Celebration arrived at the new Terminal F in Miami, FL . Of course, Heidi and I had to get onboard to check out this new flagship for ourselves. How does this vessel compare to other mega-ships? Well, we share our honest take in this Carnival Celebration cruise review.

Carnival Celebration Review

Carnival Celebration is Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ship . At over 182K gross tons, and a double occupancy of just over 5,300 guests, the ship rivals some of the world’s largest ships. Technically, the ship is not as big as the current largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas . Yet, it has a similar passenger capacity.

Given this was a Thanksgiving week cruise, the ship was sailing at 5,886 passengers with over 1,500 kids.

A Look Inside Carnival Celebration With our Review Video!

Surprisingly, the ship did handle the crowds fairly well. Thus, we were able to experience all of the shows and activities, as well as sample a variety of the dining options. So, let’s dive into this Carnival Celebration cruise ship review, starting with the outdoor spaces.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Carnival Celebration Cruises!

Pool Deck  

Like other newer mega-ships, Carnival Celebration has several smaller pool areas to disperse crowds. Deck 16 is the Beach Pool. This central Lido pool is the liveliest space with music, afternoon sing-alongs, and other Fun Squad events. Nearby are several outdoor eateries and the two-story RedFrog Tiki Bar.  

For something a bit more quiet, there’s the Tides Pool aft on Deck 16. This infinity pool and adjacent whirlpools offer unparalleled ocean views. Not to mention, it is closely located nearby the Lido Marketplace, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and the Tides Pool Bar.

Similarly, the Patio on Deck 8 features a pool and two nearby whirlpools. Again, cruisers are only steps away from the Watering Hole Bar and a short walk inside to the deli, pizza parlor, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse.

For adults, Serenity on Deck 18 encompasses a large area. This forward sundeck features a variety of loungers, chairs, day beds, and other seating options. Thus, we had no issues all week finding a seat. There’s also a small pool, a bar, and a salad bar conveniently located in the center of this 18+ space.

Lastly, cruisers can upgrade to the Loft 19. This private space offers cabanas, whirlpools, and dedicated staff.

Shockingly, even on sea days, none of the pools felt overly crowded during this holiday week sailing.

Sports Deck

Carnival is a family-centered cruise line. Thus, its sports deck on Deck 18 offers a variety of activities suitable for cruisers of all ages.

Of course, the main attraction is the upcharge Bolt. This electric rollercoaster at sea is $15 for two continuous laps arounds the track. While a little pricey, we did enjoy this activity.

All the way aft on this deck is a nine-hole mini golf course, Honestly, we expected more theming and creative elements. Yet, the little kids didn’t seem to mind the lack of more advanced features.

Nearby is also the Carnival Waterworks. This waterpark is home to several attractions for little kids, as well as a few slides for us big kids. These slides include the face-forward mat slide, Blue Lightning, and a drop slide, the Orange Crush. Finally, the Twister is a more traditional body slide, but it still packs quite a punch.

For those without a fear of heights, the Ropes Course is suspended over Deck 18. With several options to make the challenge easy or hard, this certainly has replay potential. The course even includes a zip line and a beam that extends over the edge of the ship (like the Plank on NCL).

Other staples on the Sports Deck include a full length basketball court and other games, such as foosball and bag-o.

Additionally, crammed into this deck is the jogging track. It takes 7 laps around to equal one mile. If you plan to use this track for a walk or run, be on the lookout for others strolling along, as well as some daybeds lining this path. It can get quite crowded.

Carnival wowed us with the service onboard Carnival Celebration. Given it was a Thanksgiving week cruise, and one of the first sailings on this new ship, we were concerned that service might suffer.

We are happy to report that this was not the case. The service throughout the ship was friendly and efficient. In fact, the service on Carnival Celebration was better than some of our more recent cruises on premium cruise lines.

It started with our stateroom attendant, Alvi. Even though our embarkation was delayed, he made it a point to introduce himself on day 1. He was always visible in the hallways, and he took good care of our stateroom even though our schedule was anything but predictable on this trip. Though, we do miss not having twice daily service like other cruise lines.

At the bars and lounges, a variety of servers were quick to strike up a conversation. Nickola in the Jubilee Bar liked to joke while showing off his mastery bartending skills. Other bartenders were equally eager to add some additional flare while mixing up cocktails.

Many of the bars and lounges did not have waitstaff, so cruisers did need to order at the bar itself. Still, the wait times were minimal.

Tuty at the Java Blue Cafe made my multiple trips to this coffee shop a pleasure. She always had a big smile on her face and knew my name and order by the third morning!

For dinner, we had Your Time Dining. Each evening, we joined a virtual queue at one of the restaurants, and we never waited more than 10 minutes to get our table assignment. Even though we didn’t have the same waitstaff, service was always on point.

Food was served at the appropriate temperatures, and each course was well paced, with most meals taking about 60-75 minutes. This gave us plenty of time to enjoy the evening entertainment around the ship.

The Cruise Director Lee and the rest of the Fun Squad did a fabulous job keeping the energy up all cruise. Lee was an excellent host for game shows like Family Feud and Love and Marriage. He was very visible throughout the ship and always willing to say hello or take a selfie.

As of late, this seems to be less common in cruise directors. So, bravo to Carnival for keeping this important element of cruising intact!

Onboard Activities

Our 6-night cruise had three ports of call and two full sea days. Throughout the entire day, the Fun Squad was out and about with a full line-up of classic cruise activities.

There were several dance classes, including the jam-packed Thriller dance class. Not to mention, there were a variety of trivia and games. With trivia sessions focused on music, sports, and general knowledge, each sea day had 6 or more sessions.  

Other organized activities included Bingo and game shows like Majority Rules, Walk the Plank, and even Flip Cup. These activities were scattered throughout the ship in venues like the Limelight Lounge, the Havana Club, or the Summer Landing.  

Even if you didn’t participate, you couldn’t help but enjoy all of the fun just watching the different activities.

Karaoke sets were featured during the afternoon and evenings on several days of the cruise. At either the Limelight Lounge or Havana Club, cruisers could show off their vocal cords while admiring spectators sang along.

Further, there was live music scattered throughout the ship. During our cruise, there were two featured guitarists. Paul and Reggie seemed to rotate between the Deck 6 Latitudes Bar and Deck 6 Golden Jubilee Bar, as did the Quora String Trio.

In the Piano 88 and Golden Jubilee bars, you could find Oscar or Eden tickling the ivories. The Backyard Band belted out country and rock music at the Deck 8 Summer Landing, and the dancers kept the Mambo Magic at the Havana Club each night with Latin hits.

Along with live music, Carnival Celebration also showcased several comedians. In fact, there were 5 different comedians offering several sets in the Punchliner Comedy Club and the Limelight Lounge. On multiple nights, there were adult-only comedy shows in the main theater as well.

Other nightlife included game shows like Family Feud, Deal or No Deal, and Cash Bash. Here, cruisers could compete for real cash prizes.

Finally, there were deck parties on the lido, movies on the big screen, the new Evolution Dance Party, and plenty of other options to keep cruisers busy day and night. Honestly, we had a hard time trying to fit everything into just 6 days.

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Casual Eats

For this Carnival Celebration cruise ship scorecard review, we dined at several of the complimentary and upcharge venues.

When it comes to casual dining, Carnival Cruise Line does laps around the competition. The variety of options, food preparation and flavor, and atmosphere of these venues are intertwined into the ship’s “zones”.  

Guy’s Burger Joint remains one of the best takeout burger joints at sea. On Carnival Celebration, this venue has been enhanced with more seating and a larger counter for quicker service.

On the Lido deck, cruisers can get customized burritos, bowls, or tacos for breakfast and lunch at the Blue Iguana Cantina. In the morning, the burritos are among my favorite breakfast options on any cruise ship. Lunchtime burrito and taco options include chicken, steak, or shrimp, with a custom salsa bar.

In the afternoons, Street Eats serves up small bites. With loaded French Fries, and options like dumplings, pad thai, or chicken satays, these plates are just the right size for a quick snack.

Aft on Deck 16 is Shaq’s Big Chicken. This venue debuted on Mardi Gras and has been a smash hit. With addictive crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, now we know why. We made several stops here throughout the week.

Down on Deck 8 in the 820 Biscayne zone is the Miami Slice pizzeria. While not the best pizza at sea, it features five different options and remains open until the wee morning hours for late night snacks. Next door, there’s also the Deco Deli which features 12 different sandwiches.

Finally, much like the International Cafe on Princess Cruises, the Java Blue Cafe serves up some grab and go bites as well. With breakfast sandwiches and continental items in the morning, to sandwiches, chicken pies, and empanadas in the afternoon, you will never go hungry on Carnival Celebration.

Main Dining Room

For this cruise, we opted for Your Time Dining; however, more traditional cruise dining does still exist with an early and a late seating at 5:30 and 7:45 PM respectively.

With Your Time Dining, cruisers use the Carnival HUB app to join the virtual queue at either the Festivale Main Dining Room, Chibang, or Cucina del Capitano.

We entered a virtual queue to reserve a table whenever we were hungry for dinner. The app even gives you estimated wait times. In our experience, the wait times were fairly accurate, and we never waited more than 10 minutes for a table.

We dined in the main dining room twice, and unfortunately, we were not impressed with either visit.

We dined here for the first time during the cruise line’s first Elegant night. While the lobster tail was pretty typical, the prime rib was dry and tough. Our second attempt at the MDR was Thanksgiving. The meal this night was very disappointing.

The apps and desserts were on par with other cruise lines, but nothing really impressed us except the chocolate melting cake.

Currently, Carnival Cruise Line has broadened the options for complimentary dining on its Excel Class ships. On our sailing, both Chibang and Cucina del Capitano were complimentary.

While the meals here were better than the main dining room, neither of them were at the caliber of a specialty restaurant on other cruise lines.

Chibang is a mix of Asian and Mexican cuisine. Heidi and I enjoyed the food here, but given the basic offerings, an up-charge for this venue doesn’t seem appropriate.

Likewise, the Italian cuisine at Cucina del Capitano was freshly prepared and more flavorful than the main dining room. Yet, it doesn’t even compare to specialty venues like Onda on NCL or Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on Royal Caribbean.

Overall, the trend of subpar main dining room food quality across the board in 2022 continued on Carnival Celebration.

Specialty Dining

For this cruise, we dined at two specialty restaurants. Pre-cruise, we made reservations at Fahrenheit 555 and Rudi’s Seagrill.

While better than the main dining room, both restaurants had rather simple menus and lackluster food preparation, especially when compared to other cruise lines.

The Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse offered classic cuts and sides. Although, the food here did not rise to the level of other steakhouses on brands like Princess Cruises or Celebrity Cruises.

My filet mignon was properly seared to a medium-rare temperature. It was lightly seasoned, and I had no complaints about the portion or the flavor.

Though, the pork belly, tuna tartare, and French onion soup were not all that flavorful. Heidi’s chicken dish and the sides were very basic as well.

My dessert was better than expected. The apple tarte tatin had a slightly sweet filling that complemented the vanilla ice cream and flaky crust.

Likewise, the menu at Rudi’s SeaGrill was not very inventive either, especially when compared to Rudi’s restaurant on Holland America . My fried calamari appetizer was hot and crispy but not as flavorful as I would have expected. The oysters were uninspiring as well.

Although, my crab stuffed lobster tail imperial was far superior to the tail served in the main dining room. This was more akin to a meal you would get at a specialty restaurant on other cruise lines. I also enjoyed the apple cheesecake dessert.

Given the price tag, food quality, and availability of other complimentary options on the ship, we would probably skip specialty dining on future Excel Class ships.

We also tried lunch at Emeril’s Bistro. I had high hopes for this venue, and sadly, it did not live up to my expectations.

The a la carte menu here featured New Orleans specialties, but the two menu items I ordered were nothing like their counterparts on land. The fried oysters had a thick, heavy batter and were no better than the main dining room. The shrimp po’boy was similarly disappointing. Although, the beignets were a light, airy, and sugary exception!

Signature Entertainment

For this Carnival Celebration cruise ship review, we made it a point to see every show.

During the 6 nights, there were four signature shows. Two were featured in the main theater, Grand Spectrum. The other two were presented on Center Stage in the Celebration Central zone on Decks 6, 7, and 8.

In main theater, the Playlist Productions are Amor Cubano and Color My World. Each production occurred on two different evenings, with a total of 3 showtimes.

Amor Cubano was a typical cruise ship revue show. Featuring classic and contemporary Latin music, this production fell short when compared to the great entertainment offerings on other cruise lines.

Color My World was a little better. This show had a bit more narrative, the song selection was more in our jukebox, and it incorporated some modern digital elements to help the story come to life. Still, it didn’t compare to the performances on our recent Celebrity Beyond cruise.

Center Stage is home to the more dynamic productions. These included two performances of Celestial Strings and The Most Magnificent Circus. Heidi and I enjoyed these shows more than the theater productions.

Featuring a different cast, these shows included more props, aerialists, and unique elements for a more immersive experience. Honestly, these two productions are more like the baseline shows you find on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line.

Celestial Strings takes the audience on a journey through the seasons, while the Circus is an intriguing variety show with a magician, dancers, acrobats, and singers. This was my favorite of all four shows.

While we like the idea of Celebration Central, the space is not ideal for shows. There is not much seating near the stage, and several areas have obstructed views. So, make sure to show up extremely early if you even want a chance at securing prime seats.

Bars and Lounges

There are over a dozen bars on Carnival Celebration, and many of them include signature drink menus. Although, you might notice some of the menus have different names but are essentially the same drinks.

Further, the drinks tend to be more Caribbean-inspired than they are craft cocktails. Thus, you won’t find many bourbon or whiskey based beverages.

One of our favorite Carnival bars is the Alchemy Bar. Located on Deck 7 overlooking the Gateway, the mixologists here craft up signature cocktails. The side car and 40 is the new 20 cocktails were a perfect fit for us.

Below this venue on Deck 6 is the new Latitudes Bar serving up an international menu. Here, you can listen to a guitarist or string trio while you sip one of the 20 globally-inspired offerings. Some of our go-to drinks were the old fashioned, the sazerac, and the cosmopolitan.

Bar 820 captures the vibrancy and diversity of Miami. With tropical ingredients and neon lights, the venue features Cuban coladas, cafecitos, and classic specialty coffees. It is a great spot for a pre-dinner drink before heading to one of the nearby restaurants.

Craft beer and fresh drafts are on tap at Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse aft on Deck 8. Not to mention, the venue has regular live rock and country music.

New to Carnival Celebration is the Golden Jubilee Bar. This retro cocktail menu is reminiscent of the classic style of cruising that was popular during the early twentieth century. Scattered throughout this portside deck 6 venue are some historic artifacts from Carnival Cruise Line’s 50 years of sailing.

Many of the other bars found on Carnival Celebration are familiar favorites. There is the Latin-inspired Havana Club shaking things up with a themed menu and live music most nights of the cruise. There is the Heroes Tribute Bar paying homage to those who have served in the armed forces.  

Piano 88 blends live piano music with a variety of drinks each evening. Cruisers can also order up cocktails at the Punchliner Comedy Club and Limelight Lounge.

Further, the Tropicale and Aquaria bars are located nearby Center Stage so you can sip cocktails during the nightly entertainment.

Additionally, cruisers will love the two-story RedFrog Tiki Bar, Tides Bar, and the Watering Hole located right next to the pools and whirlpools, as well as the Serenity Bar featuring sangrias.

Needless to say, we didn’t have any issues using our 15 drinks on the Carnival Cheers Drink Package .

We stayed in stateroom 10426 during this Carnival Celebration cruise ship review. This portside cabin was only a few steps from the midship elevators and a short walk (or elevator ride) to most of the public venues.

According to the Carnival Cruise Line website, this stateroom is 205 square feet, with a 44 square foot balcony.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was to the right, and the closets were to the left. The closets offered plenty of storage, and the bathroom was typical for a cruise ship cabin.

There were his and her closets, each with shelves and a clothes bar. Further, the desk had three additional drawers for extra storage space.

Continuing past the bathroom and closet, the desk was to the left and the loveseat was to the right. Both the desk and loveseat were good-sized. The desk had enough counter space to double as my office and the wife’s makeup area. Above the desk were two shelves as well for additional gear.

The bed in our balcony cabin on Carnival Celebration was on the forward wall facing aft. The bed was located next to the balcony door, which is our preferred layout.

While there were USBs next to the bed, we were surprised in the lack of power outlets. There was only one area on the desk with two 110 volt outlets and two USB outlets.

Overall, the cabin felt on par with the competition in terms of size. Though, the décor and furnishings were rather plain and basic.

Surprisingly, our balcony felt much larger than the advertised size. It might have been due to our location, as Deck 10 includes additional rail space when compared to the decks above it. The balcony was deep, with plenty of room for two chairs and a small table.

SCORE SAVINGS ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION CRUISES NOW!

Recap of Our Carnival Celebration Review

Carnival Celebration is the newest “fun ship” in the 24 vessel Carnival fleet. This new cruise ship showcases the vibe and lifestyle that Carnival has become known for in its 50 year history.

The Cruise Director Lee and his Fun Squad did an amazing job bringing this fun ship to life.

With nearly 5,900 other cruisers onboard, Carnival Celebration did a much better job handling the crowds than some other mega-ships from competitor brands. The fun squad utilized the various onboard spaces for activities and offered several showtimes for entertainment to accommodate this sold-out cruise.

Thus, all it took was some planning and cruisers could do and see it all. Those suffering from FOMO should arrive at least 30 minutes before a signature show for optimal seats.

With so many options and different venues, this was not necessary for other activities though. On several occasions, we easily found seats in the comedy club about 15 minutes prior to a set. The same was true for other activities and events, like Bingo, the Evolution party, and live music.

While we enjoyed the casual dining on Carnival Celebration, the main dining room and specialty dining fell short for us. For this Carnival Celebration review, the food quality did not live up to our expectations.

The signature entertainment was fair when compared to other contemporary cruise lines. The productions were certainly not Broadway-caliber shows like NCL or Royal Caribbean. We did like the shows that occurred in Celebration Central more than those in the main theater; though, it’s difficult to find a good viewing spot.

We loved that there was so much to do around the ship. From the sports deck activities, to Family Feud and Deal or No Deal, to the comedy shows, there was never a dull moment during our sailing. In fact, we had to pencil in some time to just relax.

Another bright spot of this Carnival Celebration cruise ship review was the crew and the fantastic service we received throughout the entire week.

Did you enjoy our Carnival Celebration cruise ship scorecard review? Do you have plans to sail on this new Carnival Cruise Line ship? Drop us an anchor below with your latest Carnival cruise reviews.

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Two sailings in one trip? What to know about 'side-to-side' cruises

A s I walked into the cruise terminal at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades with my passport in hand, I had deja vu. I pulled up the boarding pass on my phone, dropped my duffle bag on the conveyor belt at security and shuffled up to the check-in counter with more practiced precision than usual, almost as if I’d rehearsed it.

That’s probably because I had gone through almost the same process just 72 hours earlier at PortMiami. I disembarked a Norwegian Cruise Line ship and boarded a sailing with Celebrity Cruises the same day last month, known as a side-to-side cruise.

Side-to-side and back-to-back cruises allow passengers to extend their trips by taking consecutive sailings, each with distinct benefits. Here’s what passengers should know:

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

What is a side-to-side cruise?

Guests sailing side-to-side disembark one ship and board another on the same day.

That allowed Richard and Jasmine Ramnarine to combine a family vacation with a romantic getaway. After taking a six-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise from Miami with their family in November 2022, Jasmine’s parents took the couple’s daughters back home to Atlanta. Meanwhile, they continued on another sailing with adults-only brand Virgin Voyages .

Richard, 37, described the experiences as “night and day.”

The couple, who run the travel and lifestyle YouTube channel A Rich and Jazzy Life , took two distinct sailings and cut down on time spent in transit by heading straight from Carnival Celebration to Virgin’s Valiant Lady.

Each had their own unique dining and beverage options, design elements and activities (Celebration features the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster , for instance, while Valiant Lady has an onboard tattoo parlor). “You don't have to travel all the way home again,” Richard said. “You get two cruises with just one trip to Miami.”

For me, knowing I had brought all my cruise essentials – sunscreen, bathing suit, tie and jacket for the formal night – with me on Norwegian Viva also made boarding my second cruise on Celebrity Ascent less stressful (just be sure not to toss any prohibited items in your bag between sailings). Cruise lines also offer laundry services , so guests don't have to bring enough clothes for two voyages.

Jasmine, 35, noted that cruise lines often have themed events that call for specific attire, so travelers may want to pack strategically. “So, you want to make sure that you have your red outfit (for Virgin’s Scarlet Night), your pajamas for the pajama party on Virgin, then you want to have your all-white outfit for (Carnival’s White Hot Night Party),” she said.

What is a back-to-back cruise?

Back-to-back cruises are consecutive sailings on the same ship. 

Passengers have to get off the ship and board again but typically do so before or after other passengers have disembarked. “You'll get escorted off, you'll say hello to the customs officer, and you'll turn around and go through the boarding process again,” said Susan Guthrie, a travel agent and owner of Cruisin' with Susan and More, affiliated with Travel with Sparkle. “But it's very fast. There's no lines.”

Those guests can also leave their luggage on the ship. She cautioned that travelers must contact the cruise line directly – or through their travel agent – to link the bookings so they can avoid having to go through the full embarkation process a second time.

What is wave season?: Why you should book your next cruise now

And just because you're on the same ship doesn't mean everything will be identical. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, for example, many cruise lines alternate itineraries – such as Eastern to Western – on longer sailings, giving guests a chance to sample different parts of the region, according to Guthrie. “If you stay in the same room, you really develop a nice relationship with your stateroom attendant because you'll keep the same one for the next cruise,” she added.

Are side-to-side or back-to-back cruises cheaper?

Cruise lines don’t typically offer discounts for sailing multiple times in a row, but both tactics can save travelers money. Passengers can take more than one cruise while only having to book a single set of flights. They also save on booking a pre-cruise hotel stay for the second itinerary since they’re already at their departure point, among other costs.

In my case, marrying two cruises gave me a best-of-both-worlds trip. Trading in the thrilling rides and musicals of Norwegian Viva for the more laid-back Celebrity Ascent was as easy as an Uber ride between ports.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two sailings in one trip? What to know about 'side-to-side' cruises

• CruiseMapper

Carnival Celebration cabins and suites

Carnival celebration staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Carnival Celebration cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Carnival Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Carnival Celebration cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Carnival Excel Presidential Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Excel Presidential Suites (fleet's largest) feature spacious dining-living-sleeping areas and fleet's biggest balconies (with double sunbeds, lounging area, outdoor hot tub and shower). Both suites enjoy complimentary access to the Havana Pool complex and Spa's Thermal Suite.

Carnival Excel Aft Suite

Excel Aft Suites overlook Summer Landing and feature separate livingroom-bedroom with wraparound balconies (with outdoor hot tub and an alfresco dining area).

Carnival Excel Corner Suite

Excel Corner Suites are with starboard and portside locations and feature wet bar, separate lounging-sleeping areas, wraparound balconies (with dining and lounging areas).

Carnival Excel Suite

Excel Suites feature separate dining-lounging-sleeping areas and large balconies with a dining area and loungers.

Ocean Suite

Havana Cabana Suite

Family Harbor OceanView Suite

Havana Cabana Cabin

Balcony Cabin

Next are listed Balcony Cabin categories by deck:

• 7X-Junior balcony (decks 9-10-11-12)
• 7Y-Junior balcony (decks 14-15-16)
• 8A-Comfort (deck 9)
• 8B-Comfort (decks 9-10)
• 8C-Comfort (decks 10-11)
• 8D-Comfort (decks 11-12)
• 8E-Comfort (decks 12-14)
• 8F-Comfort (decks 14-15)
• 8G-Comfort (decks 15-16)
• 8K-8N-Comfort (decks 12-14-15)
• 8M-Comfort (decks 9-10-11)
• 8L-Comfort (decks 9-10-11-12-14-15) forward-facing
• 8J-Extended Balcony (decks 9-10-11)
• 8P-Cloud 9 Spa balcony (deck 17)
• 8V-Cloud 9 Spa extended balcony (deck 17) forward-facing

Junior Balcony Cabin

Cove balcony cabin.

Family Harbor Cabin

Oceanview cabin.

Interior Cabin

Next are listed Inside Cabin categories by deck:

• 4A (deck 4)
• 4B (deck 5)
• 4C (deck 9)
• 4D (decks 9-10)
• 4E (decks 10-11)
• 4F (decks 11-12)
• 4G (decks 12-14)
• 4H (decks 14-15)
• 4I (decks 15-16)
• 4N-Premium interior (decks 4-5-9-10)
• 4O-Premium interior (decks 11-12-14-15)
• 4S-Cloud 9 Spa interior (decks 4-5)
• 4T-Cloud 9 Spa interior (decks 5-17)
• HA-Havana (deck 8)
• FA-Family Harbor (deck 4)

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms

All Carnival Cloud 9 Spa room bookings (regardless of cabin category) receive complimentary private access (to the complex) plus priority reservations (for treatments). All Spa cabins are located forward.

Carnival Celebration cabins review

Carnival Celebration has CCL fleet's first cabin bathrooms with glass-door showers and in-shower shaving bar and also fleet's first (and largest) "Carnival Excel" suites. Over 70% of all staterooms are outside, 300 pairs are connecting/family 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 shoerack, 2 pull-out bins).

Follows the review of Carnival Celebration staterooms as amenities, furniture, and complimentary services:

CCL Celebarion ship has a total of 80 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers). Handicap staterooms (80 total) are in categories OS-Ocean Suie (4), DS-Premium Suite (4), HE-Havana Cabana (3), Balcony (39), Oceanview (6), Interior (24).

Carnival Celebration Suites (Grand, Cloud 9 Spa, Ocean, Junior) have 2 twin beds (convertible to King-size double bed), dressing area (walk-in closet, vanity table, chair), private bathroom (WC, shower, bathtub, bidet, double-sink vanity). Some GS-OS suites have single/double sofabed for 3rd/4th person.

All balcony cabins feature a private (step-out) veranda accessed via sliding glass doors and furnished with 1 table and 2 patio chairs.

All Cloud 9 Spa cabins have exclusive access to the ship's Spa facilities on Deck 5 (forward-starboard). Their grades are Spa Suite (SS), Spa Balcony (8S, 8P, 8T), Spa Oceanview with obstructed views (6S, 6T) and the Spa Inside cabins (4S and 4T). Carnival Cloud 9 Spa rooms have the following complimentary amenities, services and perks (applicable for two guests per stateroom only): Thermal Suite and Spa Whirlpool (complimentary, unlimited access), 2 fitness classes (complimentary, Yoga or Pilates), 2 metabolism tests (complimentary), 1 Scrub Kit (complimentary, for the Thermal Suite), bathrobes, slippers, deluxe in-room bath amenities (by Elemis - shampoo, conditioner, sharp shower gel, vitamin-rich body lotion, 1 hand and 1 body soap disks), priority Spa reservations (must be made by 6 pm on embarkation day). Passengers booked in Cloud 9 Spa cabins also enjoy Spa treatment discounts while the ship is docked in ports of call - 20% off (1st), 30% off (2nd) and 40% off (3rd treatment).

Premium Vista Balcony cabins are located around ship's aft corners and have same suite amenities (including wrap-around balconies). Extended Balcony cabins are in 2 grades - 8N and 8M (both with aft ship location). These staterooms have 50% larger balconies, 3 closets (in all grades balcony rooms), full bathroom (shower).

Oceanview cabins have a picture window and twin beds (non-convertible to King when both upper beds are in use). Some have sofabed and/or upper beds (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person. Spa Oceanview rooms are with obstructed views, and some are with upper bed (Pullman) for 4th person.

Inside cabins with windows have either Porthole Window (PT) or Picture Window (4J). Some Porthole cabins have sofabed for a 3rd person, some Picture Window rooms have sofabed and/or Pullman bed for 3rd/4th person. Small Inside cabins have bunk beds (upper/lower Pullman beds), living area (vanity, chair), bathroom (WC/shower).

New categories "Family Harbor" cabins include FS-Suites, FO-Family Harbor Aft Balcony, FM-Cove Balcony, FJ-Deluxe Oceanview, FE-Oceanview, FA-Interior. Staterooms for families are designed with larger living area and have bigger capacity (double sofabeds, additional bunk beds). Family Harbor cabins are all located near the Family Harbor Lounge (Deck 4 forward-midship). This exclusive complex for families offers 24-hour dining options, concierge service, board and video games, large screen for movies.

The new "Havana" category staterooms are advertised as "private island resort". All Havana cabins (located aft on decks 6, 8, 9) offer exclusive access to the Havana outdoor area (swimming pool, Cuban-themed bar. club lounge), Havana Cabana Suites feature a rain shower (in the bathroom) and a deluxe hammock (on the balcony).

The liner Carnival Celebration has 180+ suites in 11 categories, including company's new top-luxury category "Carnival Excel" suites (32 staterooms in 4 categories) with upgraded VIP amenities and exclusive access to Loft 19 (resort-style, open-air sundeck on Deck 19-forward). "Carnival Excel" suite passengers receive as additional amenities:

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

All Carnival Celebration staterooms offer as standard/complimentary amenities a living area (vanity, seating), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand-movies, bookings-reservations, Room Service ordering), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, shower, single sink-vanity, bathrobes, bathroom amenity basket/replenished upon request), custom-made beds (Carnival Comfort Bed System), beach towels, mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, complimentary 24-hour room service. Bibles (Gideon version) are provided upon request.

USB chargers (combined with power outlets) are located in the cabin's sitting area - right above the vanity desk (underneath its lighted mirror) and not near the beds. The available power plugs are three - two 120 V (3-prong, US standard) and one 220 V (European standard). USB outlets are 5 V (1000 mA). There is one power outlet in the bathroom (used only for electric razors). Guests are allowed to bring their own power strips, extension cords (without surge protectors), AC adapters and multi-plug boxes (powerboards with multiple electrical sockets).

Cruise ship's Sail & Sign card (cashless onboard credit account) doubles as stateroom key. The S&S credit program allows charges on purchases and tips/gratuities directly to a personal account throughout the Carnival cruise. The card has a designated owner and must be utilized for all money transactions on the ship as cash is accepted as a form of payment only at the casino. These cards are provided to all passengers (incl minors) immediately upon boarding the ship. Balance updates are provided at Guest Services desk (at any time). They can also be checked via the smart HDTV in each stateroom.

Ship's interactive TV system allows passengers to use Internet, purchase movies-on-demand, to order room service and to check Sail & Sign accounts. The on-demand movie list has approx 25 films available for ordering at USD 5 per movie. Adult-content films cost USD 10 per movie. Depending on satellite reception (Carnival Celebration location at sea), the complimentary in-cabin TV programming includes the following channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN (Domestic, International, Espanol), TCM (classic movies), cartoons (Boomerang, CN), TNT, TBS. There are 2 complimentary movie channels showing a film every 3 hours (both starting at 12 noon). One shows all-time favorites (PG -13 rated) and the other shows all-time family favorites (G / PG-rated). The following TV channels are Carnival-themed and also complimentary: Fun Finds TV, Cruise Director, Fun Aboard, Park West Art, Shore Tours, Ship Position, live cam views (webcams positioned forward and on lido deck), Audible Funtimes, Photo, Music. Sporting events (ESPN, ESPN 2) are shown only on big screens - at the ship's Sports Bar and Seaside Theatre (not in cabins/suites). All the TV's connection ports are intentionally disabled, which makes impossible to connect it with personal devices (cameras, DVDs, USBs, iPods, gaming consoles, etc).

• Bathroom amenities vary each time, so it's advisable you bring your own. Samples may include toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, body lotion, razor, antiacids. There is a wall-mounted dispenser in the shower stall (for liquid soap and shampoo).
• Electric power outlets are located in the desk/vanity area - one 110 V outlet (3-pronged, USA grounded) and one 220 V outlet (European standard). The bathroom's 2-pin plug can be used only for electric razors.
• The new Carnival beds are Europe-manufactured exclusively for the company. The ensemble includes custom pillows (trademarked "New Generation Pillows", 100% cotton), duvet (100% hypoallergenic, ultra-fine, satin-striped), cover, deluxe sheets (high-quality cotton), pillowcases (ultra-fine, satin-striped), 8-inch / 20 cm spring mattresses (trademarked "Carnival Comfort"). Alternative (non-allergenic) bedding is also available. It includes 100% polyester blankets, sheets and pillowcases (60/40 cotton-polyester) and New Generation Pillows (100% cotton). Note: Trundle beds don't have Carnival Comfort mattresses.
• Carnival-logoed Beach Towels are provided in each cruise accommodation for passengers to take ashore. Beach towels are also available for purchasing (at $22). Bathrobes (2) are provided in all cruise suites and also in "Cloud 9 Spa" cabins/suites. Additional bathrobes are provided upon request. For all other cruise accommodations, bathrobes are provided (upon request) during the turndown service on the first evening. Bathrobes can be purchased at $49 (adult size) and $24 (children sizes /2-4 yo and 6-8 yo).
• Life jackets are used in cases of emergency only (not at the ship pools). Lifejackets are located within passenger/crew cabins (in the closet). They are available in 3 sizes - adult, child, and infant.
• Each of the cabins has an electronic safe box (located in the closet) with approx dimensions (inches/centimeters) - width (10/25), height (9/23) and depth (8/20). Cabin safes can be accessed by any magnetic strip card. It is advisable not to use a valid credit card (or driver's license), but an old expired card (or some rewards card) instead. Some safes are with a keypad (personal code). Safes can be opened also by the ship's security.
• All cabin mini-bars are stocked with premium liquors ($6-9,25), beer ($6,25), energy drinks ($5), soft soda/beverages ($2), bottled water ($3,75).

In-cabin babysitting is not available (read more at Camp Ocean below). Cribs in cruise cabins are provided complimentary (upon request). In Main Dining Rooms are provided complimentary high chairs and booster seats.

Smoking in cabins/suites and on their balconies is prohibited. On the Carnival Celebration ship, smoking allowed areas (cigarettes /incl electronic cigarettes) are the Casino (designated areas on Deck 7) and Piano Bar 88 (Deck 6 lobby bar). Smoking (including cigars and tobacco pipes) is allowed on designated outdoor areas on Lido Deck 16 starboard (aft).

Funville@Sea is free of charge Intranet service providing information on onboard activities and events schedule, bar and restaurant menus, deck maps, Fun Times (newspaper), FunAshore (tour guides), Carnival cruise news, itinerary-related weather reports, onboard social network (tracking/messaging other passengers). The complimentary service is available via the Infotainment system (in all cabins) and also at the FunHub stations around the ship.

Carnival Celebration gratuities (per day per person) are USD 12,95 (for standard cabin passengers) and USD 13,95 for suite passengers. The list of perks for all suites includes: priority embarkation/debarkation/tendering (all ports), priority main dining room reservations, complimentary bottled water in cabins, premium plush bathrobes, a complimentary bag of laundry (one per cruise), enhanced turndown service.

Carnival Cruise Line allows ship passengers to customize their steward service by choosing to have the cabin serviced in the morning, at night or both (twice daily). All guests can choose from a list of additional cabin amenities, among which are bathrobes, extra pillows, blankets, closet hangers. All guests can also specify how often the bed linens to be changed during the cruise. Your personal preferences can be selected from a services menu card left in each of the ship's staterooms. By default, if you make no selections on the card, your room service steward will service the accommodation twice daily.

Cruise Ship Room Service

Carnival Cruise Lines offers fleetwide for-fee (chargeable) room service menu, which items can be ordered 24/7. The menu has free-of-charge items - hot and cold sandwiches, salads, desserts, beverages, Continental Breakfast selections. At extra cost (ranging between USD 1,50 and 6) are items like shrimp, sushi, pizza, quesadillas, cheesesteaks, chicken wings/tenders, fries. Bar drinks orders through room service are at regular bar menu prices (no extra fee added).

Complimentary room service menu

• Continental Breakfast (upon request)
• Sandwiches are served with potato salad, coleslaw, potato chips/pretzels, bread (white, whole wheat, rye, gluten-free). The list of sandwiches includes Tuna Salad, Roast Turkey, Ham & Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Reuben (corned beef, Swiss cheese).
• Salads - Garden, Caesar, Vegetable Platter (with dips)
• Desserts - cheesecake, cookies, chocolate cake
• Beverages - juices (tomato, orange, apple, grapefruit), tea (hot, iced), hot chocolate, milk, soft drinks (club soda, ginger ale, tonic water, coke, and sprite /also diet)
• Beers - domestic (Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Samuel Adams), imported (Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois), also available are beer buckets and wines by the bottle.

For-fee room service menu

The following items are available for ordering 24 hours but are at an additional charge.

• Chicken Wings ($5) - choice of Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo Sauce, Caribbean Jerk
• Chicken Tenders ($5) - choice of sauce (BBQ or Honey Mustard)
• Firecracker Shrimp ($6) - fried with chili ginger, served with fries
• Chicken Quesadilla ($5)
• Philly Cheesesteak ($5) - served with fries
• Pan Pizza ($5) - handmade and baked-to-order (Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, and Pineapple)
• French Fries ($1,50), Sweet Potato Fries ($2), Banana Split ($4).

Continental Breakfast room service menu

The following items are available for ordering free of charge.

• Cereals and Fruits - Banana, Melon, Frosted Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Fruit Loops, Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Bakery - toasts (white, wheat, gluten-free), danish pastries, muffins, croissants, bagels
• Yogurt - plain, strawberry, peach, raspberry
• Drinks - juices (orange, apple, tomato, grapefruit), hot tea, milk (also skim and chocolate), fresh coffee (regular and decaf)
• Half-and-half (milk-cream), butter, margarine, cream cheese, jelly (grape, diet, strawberry, guava), honey, orange marmalade.

Carnival Celebration cabin and suite plans are property of Carnival Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

• Celebrity Cruises

What does Celebrity do for special occasions?

By stah1mr , October 30, 2019 in Celebrity Cruises

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A piece of cake on a ship with free food seems a waste and a glass of bubbly with a drink package purchased also little value.  🙂   Not a big deal.  I really don't care but was just curious.  They just asked us when we booked.

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On the Silhouette a couple of years ago I was shown, at Guest Services, a book with a range of special cakes, various flower arrangements, bottles of Champagne, and room decorations. You can pay a few dollars and get something simple but different from the normal and included options. You can pay a lot of dollars and get even more.

I got a couple of items for my wife's birthday. Whilst she enjoyed them she thought they were expensive. We decided to go for a speciality restaurant as something special for our next cruise.

Thanks!  So you had to pay for something special for your wife?  They didn't do anything for you for free?

phoenix_dream

A couple years ago we were sailing on Eclipse in Blu and my husband advised Celebrity ahead of time that we were celebrating an anniversary, and when.  On the date, our waiter showed up at our table with a little chocolate cake and they gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday" to me!  Needless to say, DH was not pleased.  Maybe they are better about honeymoons but for anniversaries don't expect a lot!  We also advised our Maître d' and waiter (also in Blu, on another ship) that the cruise we were on was our 50th with Celebrity.  Thought at the very least we'd maybe get that crummy little cake again.  Nothing.  Not even a congratulations when we told them.  Nothing from the Captains Club hostess either.  Oh well.  Didn't ruin our cruise for sure but a bit disappointing.  Some of this stuff is so very easy to do and makes a big difference to people.  When us 'old folks' complain about things not being the way they used to be this is a good example.  Does it ruin a cruise?  Of course not.  Does it make the passenger feel less special than in years past?  You bet.

Geez, 50 cruises should get you a free cruise.  They might put you in the engine room, but free no less.  Well, it's our anniversary so I guess I will hold out for that free cake.  🙂   

I think the snag is so many of us try to book cruises to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries (especially the meaningful ones)...

Once on board mention to your waiter and M’D on boarding that you are celebrating something special and remind them quietly on the evening and you will get your cake and a birthday song (hopefully only if appropriate)...

Georgia_Peaches

I let our shore side concierge know that we were celebrating a wedding anniversary on an upcoming cruise when we were asked about our cabin and reservation preferences.  I was told that she would alert the M'D at Murano so that something special could be arranged.  For us, the day will be special enough with or without a cake or a song...but I do understand the sentiment and think it can be a nice touch.  We'll see what happens...our cruise is about 3 weeks out... 

We just got off a western med cruise and had noted that we were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. We got a postcard under the door that said “Happy Anniversary”.... 🤷🏼‍♀️  

We celebrated our 34th anniversary aboard the Silhouette on March 20, 2019, we did not hire any package, we only registered the anniversary date in our reservation, we received the decoration at the door, a bottled Champagne in our room, The Swans in our bed and the cake at dinner

Sometimes they do nothing. On our last cruise, they brought us a beautiful little chocolate anniversary cake. Our steward delivered a bottle of 'champagne' to our cabin along with a card. I thought it was lovely.  If you want to be sure that your wife receives something, though, you should make arrangements for a gift. Don't depend on Celebrity and then be disappointed.

WrittenOnYourHeart

3 hours ago, chemmo said: I think the snag is so many of us try to book cruises to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries (especially the meaningful ones)...        

Bingo! And not all of those coincide with the actual date but are still “celebrations of” vacations. When it seems like everyone is doing it (either being there on the day or marking an earlier or later cruise as a celebration of it), it can become tedious. Especially the singing in the dining room.

A couple of years ago I took my parents on a cruise on another line. One night there must have been 12 different celebrations in the MDR at least. Our servers were constantly running between checking on us and having to sing. Our main server even jokingly asked us if we wanted to celebrate anything while everyone else seemed to be. We understood and did not have anywhere to be, so the delayed dessert was not a huge issue - but so many definitely can affect service for everyone else. Especially when as many servers as possible are expected by management to participate when a guest is sung to.

(And that is not even counting the people who will claim an event to try and get something special - one of the main reasons a lot of land-based restaurants have stopped the practice or gone to a “club” system where you have to subscribe, show the email, and you only have a limited time (sometimes the day of only) to use the present.)

We just returned from a TA cruise on the Infinity..celebrating our 30th anniversary, which was noted on our reservation....received NOTHING! Also,  our TA had paid for something to be delivered to our room but we did not receive that either!

Now, this did not bother us really, but felt bad when the TA mentioned she had ordered something and asked if we got it and enjoyed it....

The trip was still the best one yet!  LOVE Celebrity!

DebInAntigua

We were also disappointed by Celebrity ignoring an important wedding anniversary on Equinox last year. No acknowledgement at all even though the reps we talked to always mentioned it when servicing the booking. I agree, don’t count on anything and be pleasantly surprised if they make a gesture onboard. 

On 10/31/2019 at 8:11 PM, gerelmx said: We celebrated our 34th anniversary aboard the Silhouette on March 20, 2019, we did not hire any package, we only registered the anniversary date in our reservation, we received the decoration at the door, a bottled Champagne in our room, The Swans in our bed and the cake at dinner      

Your comment inspired me to call Celebrity just now and let them know that we're celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary on our 12/13/19 Silhouette sailing.  When we booked they had offered to do something but we're pretty quiet people and I had declined the offer.  Seeing those swans and knowing how much my  wife would enjoy that changed my mind.

To me it's not the dollar cost of the items that matters, it's the value of the their gesture.

scrapcreator

We celebrated my husband’s 65th birthday on the Millennium in June. We booked dinner in the Tuscan Grill. The wonderful staff sang and presented him with a cake. Our fabulous room attendant made a special towel cake and he received a couple of cards from staff. All a very nice surprise.

Usually they do nothing unless you mention it to someone wherever you are dining that night. Then you get a little cake. We cruise every year for our anniversary on one of 3 cruiselines, always note it on the reservation, and have never received champagne. A couple of times I've had a balloon outside the door for a birthday on RC. 

We got married at the first port on a 9 night cruise.   When we got back on board,  the security officer asked if Celebrity knew about our wedding.  I told him it was noted in our booking,  but doubt they really knew.  He said, "They do know" and wrote down our cabin number.   Later that day, our keys wouldn't work.  We went to GS and she gave us new cards.  Security had upgraded us to the premium drink package!  Then, our waiter brought us a cake for dessert that said Happy Wedding.   On the last night, he brought another one that said Happy Honeymoon.   So sweet!

On 10/30/2019 at 3:26 PM, stah1mr said: A piece of cake on a ship with free food seems a waste and a glass of bubbly with a drink package purchased also little value.  🙂   Not a big deal.  I really don't care but was just curious.  They just asked us when we booked.

Isn't more about the thought than the gift? 

We just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary onboard Eclipse from Vancouver to Hawaii. We had indicated in the planner that it was our anniversary. We boarded in Vancouver & the security man said welcome aboard, hope you enjoy your anniversary!  We had balloons, chocolate strawberries & a sign in our room from the Concierge, Johnna. On the actual day we received a nice bottle of champagne from Dan the Hotel Director & flowers & a bottle of red wine from the Chief Housekeeper. We ate in Murano on our anniversary, that yummy chocolate cake was served (after the strawberry bombe crepe & Grand Marnier soufflé. The next night in MDR our fabulous waiter & assistant, Aartee & Julianna brought us another yummy cake & our sommelier, Uliana kept serving me yummy champagne. It was a fabulous celebration.  Much more than we expected & we are very grateful 

Phxazzcruisers

We are celebrating our 30th, is there a best practice to let X know? I let my TA know, but it seems to be hit or miss.

14 minutes ago, Mike981 said: We are celebrating our 30th, is there a best practice to let X know? I let my TA know, but it seems to be hit or miss.

Just register or ask your TA to do it (your anniversary or Birthday, etc): In manage my booking ADD-ONS Celebrations

I’m doing my first cruise with X next year, (Silhouette, Northern Europe), and my 50th birthday is during the trip. I wasn’t asked about celebrations by the PCC when I booked, but when taking details, including date of birth, she realised it was going to be my birthday, and offered comped dinner for 2 in any specialty restaurant of my choice.

I didn’t ask for it and didn’t expect it but it was a nice gesture. The comped dinner doesn’t show on my reservation for me, but I’m told it does show to staff and I have an email confirming it, and just need to book when on board. I’m thinking it’s gonna be Murano. I’m not expecting anything else, so if there is anything else then great, equally so if not.

We sail each year on our anniversary and it is noted in our reservation. We've never gotten any recognition but this year our cabin was decorated with rose petals on the bed and towel swans intertwined. We were surprised and thrilled. A sweet gesture.

helen haywood

I think the moral to this story is if you want something special done for your birthday/anniversary...you should do it yourself.  That way you can’t be disappointed.

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