The Carnival Celebration is among the largest and most impressive ships in the Carnival fleet. Part of Carnival’s Excel class, this monumental vessel was built to mark the company’s 50th anniversary in 2022. Boasting an incredible 19 decks and a double passenger capacity of 5,362, the Carnival Celebration is a floating marvel of innovation and luxury. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, this ship promises an unforgettable experience with cutting-edge features, world-class amenities, and exhilarating destinations.
Join Us on a Deck-by-Deck Tour of the Carnival Celebration!
Navigating the Carnival Celebration’s Six Zones
Cruising aboard the Carnival Celebration is an experience unlike any other. While the ship could feel overwhelming, getting around the ship becomes easier once passengers become familiar with the ship’s six “zones.”
Celebration Central: The Ship’s Main Hub
At the heart of the Carnival Celebration lies Celebration Central, a dynamic, 3-level promenade that serves as the ship’s focal point. This is the first area guests will encounter upon embarkation, offering a stunning view of the ship’s interior and a lively atmosphere. Celebration Central is home to various bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as one of the two main stages on board. Center Stage hosts live performances and shows, making it a prime location for onboard entertainment.
The Gateway: Flavors from Around the World
After passing through the Fun Shops on Decks 6 and 7, guests will find themselves in the Gateway, an area known for its specialty restaurants, including Fahrenheit 555 and Emeril’s Bistro 1396.
820 Biscayne: A Taste of Miami
On Deck 8, the Carnival Celebration draws inspiration from its homeport in Miami with the 820 Biscayne area. This section of the ship features Miami Slice and the Deco Deli, two dining venues that are popular for late-night snacks, as they remain open past 9 p.m. The relaxed atmosphere of 820 Biscayne offers a perfect place for guests to unwind and enjoy a quick bite after a busy day.
Summer Landing: A Relaxing Retreat
At the aft of Deck 8 lies Summer Landing, a tranquil space that mirrors the casual feel of the Lido Deck. This area provides a laid-back environment for guests to relax, enjoy drinks, and take in the view. It offers a welcome break from the more bustling parts of the ship, with plenty of outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe that appeals to both individuals and families.
Lido Decks: Sun and Leisure
The Lido is a quintessential part of the cruise experience, and on the Carnival Celebration, guests can enjoy both an upper and lower Lido Deck. These expansive areas provide ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the warm ocean breeze. The Lido Deck also features the buffet and other casual dining options, pools, as well as plenty of seating, making it a central spot for passengers to socialize and unwind throughout the day.
The Ultimate Playground: Adventure on Deck 18
For those seeking thrills, the Ultimate Playground on Deck 18 offers a range of adventurous activities. This area is home to a variety of attractions, including water slides, mini-golf, ropes course, and even a roller coaster. Whether guests are looking for a rush of adrenaline or simply want to enjoy some outdoor fun, the Ultimate Playground provides a unique and exciting experience for all ages.
Dining Options On the Carnival Celebration
When it comes to dining aboard the Carnival Celebration, the options are as vast and varied as the ship itself. As Carnival’s largest ship, it’s no surprise that the Celebration offers a wealth of dining choices, catering to every taste and preference. From casual bites to elegant, fine-dining experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Complimentary Dining
Carnival is known for its extensive number of included dining venues. The Celebration takes this to the next level with a diverse range of complimentary eateries, ensuring guests can enjoy delicious meals throughout their cruise without ever having to reach for their wallets. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a sit-down feast, Carnival Celebration has it all.
Main Dining Room
The Carnival Celebration offers two main dining rooms: Festivale Restaurant and Carnivale Restaurant. The lower level of the Festivale and the entire Carnivale are reserved for traditional dining, with set seating times of 5:30 p.m. or 7:45 p.m. The upper level of Carnivale offers Your Time Dining, which you can easily reserve via the Carnival Hub app.
Carnival’s main dining room menu is consistent across all its ships, so if you’ve sailed on another Carnival cruise, you’ll recognize the offerings. In addition to dinner, you can also eat in the MDR for breakfast on port days and brunch on sea days. BREAKFAST BRUNCH DINNER
One of the perks of cruising is enjoying gourmet meals at no extra charge in the main dining room, but we weren’t particularly impressed with the MDR on the Celebration. The décor felt lackluster, and the dim lighting didn’t create a welcoming atmosphere.
One of Carnival’s signature events is an entertainment sequence that coincides with the end of mealtime for traditional diners. On one evening, this meant the entertainment host’s performance started midway through our meal. The show lasted about 15 minutes and included flashing lights and loud music. The experience was so overwhelming and disorienting that I actually started feeling nauseous and had to pause my meal until the show was over.
Chibang!
ChiBang! is one of the Carnival Celebration’s alternative main dining venues, offering a unique twist on dining by serving both Mexican and Chinese cuisine. You can dine there for free once during your cruise, with additional visits costing $8 per person. The menu is expansive, with generous portion sizes. While marketed as a fusion restaurant, in reality, there are two distinct menus—one for each cuisine. You can mix and match dishes from both the Mexican and Chinese menus. ChiBang is also open for lunch on sea days, offering noodle bowls or burrito bowls from noon to 2 p.m. at no extra charge. MENU
The atmosphere here is livelier, and the venue can feel a bit crowded and loud. Despite this, the staff were attentive and the food was delicious, making for a fun and satisfying dining experience.
Cucina del Capitano
Cucina del Capitano is the second alternative main dining restaurant aboard the Carnival Celebration, offering traditional Italian cuisine. You can dine here for free once during your cruise, with additional visits costing $8 per person. This is a fantastic deal, as Cucina del Capitano is typically a specialty restaurant on other Carnival ships, with a cover charge of $24.
The menu features classic Italian dishes like chicken parmigiana, short rib, and tiramisu. Interestingly, each ship with a Cucina del Capitano has a customized menu with special dishes determined by that ship’s captain. On the Celebration, the special is Rigatoni Ncasciata alla Siciliana, a Bolognese ragu with ham and eggplant. You can also enjoy lunch here for free from noon to 2 p.m. on sea days, with pizza, salad, and a build-your-own pasta bowl option. MENU
We absolutely loved our meal at Cucina del Capitano. The atmosphere was more refined, and we’d definitely recommend this if you are looking for a “date night” environment. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. And, most importantly, the food was truly delicious! Honestly, this was one of my favorite meals I’ve had on a cruise ship.
Lido Marketplace
Lido Marketplace is the Carnival Celebration’s buffet, offering a typical cruise buffet experience with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dinner selections mirror most of what’s available in the MDR, though you won’t find the fancier items like lobster tail on formal night.
The buffet is spans the midship area on deck 16. There are buffet stations at each end, with four sections serving the same items. Two endcaps featuring a carving station with a changing menu of roasted meat. There’s also a center section on each end with a salad bar and cold cuts. At breakfast, there’s a made-to-order omelet station. During lunch, you’ll find shawarma, fresh-made gelato, and loaded hot dogs.
While the buffet is quite large, all four sections are only open simultaneously during peak meal times, for about 90 minutes. Outside of those times, only one side is open, which means walking a bit further to get your food.
Meal times are breakfast from 6:30/7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., lunch from noon to 2:30/3:30 p.m., and dinner from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Guy’s Burger Joint
Guy’s Burger Joint is arguably one of the most popular dining spots among Carnival passengers, thanks to its partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri. This poolside venue serves up delicious burgers and fries, complete with a toppings bar and specialty sauces. On the Carnival Celebration, Guy’s Burger Joint has been relocated to the upper Lido, giving it one of the largest spaces for the venue yet. It also features a line corral with three switchbacks, though we found this amount of crowd control was rarely needed during our cruise. MENU
Blue Iguana Cantina
BlueIguana Cantina is a Carnival’s signature Mexican restaurant, serving up fresh, made-to-order burritos for breakfast and lunch. You can also enjoy arepas and huevos rancheros for breakfast, while tacos are available for lunch. A salsa bar nearby offers a variety of toppings to customize your meal. On the Carnival Celebration, the venue is conveniently located a short distance away from the main pool. It’s close enough to grab a quick bite but not in the way of the main traffic flow. Plus, there’s plenty of seating, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal without the crowds. MENU
Big Chicken
Big Chicken is a quick-service restaurant endorsed by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. It offers a variety of chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries. For a healthier option, you can request grilled chicken instead of breaded. Big Chicken also serves breakfast, including chicken and biscuits and a three-cheese omelet. Breakfast is available until 11 a.m., making it a perfect choice for late risers looking to enjoy a hearty meal. MENU
We were excited to try Big Chicken for the first time, and it didn’t disappoint. The chicken tenders were served hot and crispy, with a good variety of sauces to choose from. However, we were let down by the breakfast selection. The biscuit was dry and stale, almost inedible, which was a real disappointment compared with the other menu items.
Street Eats
Street Eats is a unique venue with three service windows designed to mimic a food truck experience: Steam Dream, Mad Sizzle, and Time Fries. Each window offers one item, which changes daily. Cruisers can try things like dumplings, kabobs, and loaded fries.
We really enjoyed this venue, especially because it was open until 5 p.m. every day, providing a great option when the buffet was closed. The flavor combinations were delicious, and while the portions were typically appetizer-sized, each dish came with some sauce and a few veggies, making for a tasty and satisfying bite.
Miami Slice
One of the most popular dining options on the Carnival Celebration is Miami Slice, a pizza spot reminiscent of the Pizza Pirate found on other Carnival ships. This casual walk-up counter offers a variety of pizza by the slice, including the classic Margherita, Pepperoni, and Cheese, along with two Miami-inspired options: La Habana and Picadillo. The seating area is designed with a fun Miami diner theme, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the venue. Open from 9 a.m. until late at night, Miami Slice is the perfect place to grab a quick bite anytime of day.
Deco Deli
Deco Deli offers a classic deli experience with a nod to the vibrant flavors of Miami. Similar to the delis found within the buffet on older Carnival ships, this sandwich shop serves up both traditional deli favorites and a selection of Cuban and Miami-inspired sandwiches. From pastrami and corned beef to Cuban sandwiches and Miami classics, there’s something for every taste. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse is a BBQ joint endorsed by Guy Fieri, the same celebrity chef behind Guy’s Burgers. The venue offers a spacious sit-down area near the Brewhouse bar, as well as additional seating along the outdoor promenade.
For lunch, a buffet-style BBQ is available on the patio, but it’s only offered on sea days from noon to 2:30 p.m. Every evening, the smokehouse serves a sit-down dinner from 5:30 to 9:30. Dinner features the same BBQ favorites found at lunch, along with special items like loaded tater tots, a pulled pork sandwich, and BBQ salmon. For an extra charge, you can enjoy ribs. Don’t miss the tempting desserts, including bourbon banana pie, apple cobbler, and our favorite, Mississippi mud pie. Our pro tip: even if you don’t eat dinner here, you can stop by before 9:30 pm and ask for a dessert “to go”. LUNCH DINNER
Fresh Creations
Fresh Creations is a salad bar located inside Serenity, Carnival’s adults-only retreat. Open on sea days from noon to 2:30 p.m., it’s a great option for those who don’t want to leave the calm oasis of Serenity. You can choose from a selection of curated salads or create your own with a variety of fresh toppings. All salads are made to order, offering a light, healthy lunch. MENU
Specialty Dining
For cruisers seeking a more elevated dining experience, specialty dining offers a chance to enjoy better food in a more intimate setting. Most specialty restaurants have a cover charge, which typically includes unlimited appetizers, desserts, and one entrée. However, some venues operate with à la carte pricing for a more flexible dining experience.
Farenheit 555 Steakhouse
Fahrenheit 555 is Carnival’s upscale steakhouse, featuring an open-concept kitchen and elegant seating with stylish décor. Located in a quieter area of the Carnival Celebration, it’s perfect for a more private, intimate dining experience. The cover charge is $52 per person, with kids’ meals priced at $15. The menu includes luxurious items like fresh oysters, tuna tartare, filet mignon, and lobster, offering a refined dining experience for those seeking something special. MENU
Rudi’s Seagrill
The menu at Rudi’s Seagrill focuses primarily on seafood, but there are a few non-seafood options as well. Created by renowned chef Rudi Sodamin, the venue offers an intimate atmosphere with marine-themed décor and unique plateware. The restaurant also boasts several decadent dessert ch ices to finish off your meal. With a cover charge of $52 for adults and $15 for kids, Rudi’s Seagrill provides a refined dining experience perfect for seafood lovers. MENU
Bonsai Teppanyaki
Bonsai Teppanyaki offers an unforgettable dining experience that blends culinary artistry with lively entertainment. At your table, the teppanyaki chef expertly prepares your meal, turning cooking into a performance. You can expect a meal full of interactive moments, flying food, and delightful surprises. Bonsai Teppanyaki is available for lunch at $39 or dinner at $49. This is one of the only specialty dining restaurants that we’ve seen consistently sell out, so make reservations early if you want to try it. MENU
Bonsai Sushi
If you’re in the mood for sushi, Bonsai Sushi offers a relaxed dining experience with sit-down service or the option to grab a to-go order, served in a convenient box that can be taken anywhere on the ship. You can enjoy your meal in the restaurant or head outside to a special patio accessible only through Bonsai Sushi. The menu features a variety of sushi, sashimi, rolls, soups, sides, sakes, and desserts. MENU
Our favorite item is the Ship for 2. This dish includes a plenty of sushi for two people to share. It is served on a stunning platter designed to look like a boat. We’ve ordered this several times!
Seafood Shack
Seafood Shack is a casual eatery with à la carte pricing and is located on the Lido Deck. With a service counter to order lunch or dinner, it’s open from noon to 10 p.m. The menu features New England classics like clam chowder and fish and chips, along with fresh seafood available at market prices. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal with delicious seafood options. MENU
Emeril’s Bistro 1397
Created by renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 offers a flavorful Creole-inspired menu with a variety of à la carte options. In addition, each day you can explore a rotating “Taste the World” special menu, highlighting dishes from a different region. For breakfast, you can enjoy a selection of items for just $6 each. MENU
We were excited to try this restaurant on our Carnival Celebration cruise. The venue is only available on Excel-class ships, and we’d heard a lot of rave reviews. We ordered the Natchitoches meat pies, a shrimp and oyster po-boy, a side of red beans and rice, and the beignets. While the meal was good, it wasn’t great. Both the meat pies and the po-boy were deep-fried and greasy, which was not what we had expected. The flavor was good but then, most deep-fried things are! The beignets did live up to their reputation. They arrived freshly made, perfectly warm and fluffy, and absolutely delicious.
Carnival Kitchen
After your Carnival cruise, you’ll have more than just stories and photos to share—you might return with new cooking skills! At Carnival Kitchen, you can take hands-on classes in everything from BBQ to sushi and Thai cuisine. With small class sizes and expert instruction, including a special class from culinary legend Emeril Lagasse, you’ll learn to make some of your favorite dishes. Whether you want to master cupcakes, tailgate food, or brunch, you’ll come home with new skills and tasty memories.
Room Service
For those times when you don’t feel like dealing with anything, room service is a great option. Just pick up the phone and order from our extensive room service menu, available anytime—day or night. Most items can be ordered from an a la carte menu with prices ranging from $3 to $8. However, continental breakfast items are free when your order is placed by 8 PM the night before. MENU
What is There to Do on the Carnival Celebration?
The Carnival Celebration offers a vibrant array of activities and entertainment options, ensuring that guests of all ages have a memorable experience both day and night. From captivating shows and lively performances to engaging nightlife, there’s something for everyone on board.
Activities
The Ultimate Playground
Located on Deck 19, The Ultimate Playground is a haven for thrill-seekers. It features BOLT, the world’s first roller coaster at sea, offering high-speed turns and breathtaking heights. The waterpark section provides a splash haven with slides and features catering to both daring adventurers and those seeking gentle fun. Guests can also enjoy a mini-golf course, a ropes course, a full-sized basketball court, and a jogging track, all set against the backdrop of the ocean.
Pools & Hot Tubs
The ship boasts multiple pools and hot tubs, spread throughout the ship. Midship on the Lido deck, the Beach Pool is surrounded by sun loungers and one large hot tub. At the aft of Deck 16, the Tides Pool is a bit smaller but has two hot tubs on either side. There is a similarly sized pool at the aft of Deck 8, as well as two rectangular hot tubs that overlook the starboard side.
Cruisers aged 21 and up can head over to Serenity. There are two large hot tubs on either side by the entrances. In the center, a pool with a waterfall is situated near the bar. While this was a lovely pool, it was positioned in the shade and the water temperature never reached a comfortable level during our January Caribbean cruise.
Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center
After a day of adventure, guests can retreat to the Cloud 9 Spa, a sanctuary offering a range of treatments and facilities designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa features a thermal suite with dry heat laconiums and invigorating aromatherapy steam rooms, as well as a variety of massages and facials tailored to individual needs.
On the port side of the ship, the fitness center has a full complement of cardio equipment and weight lifting machines. Fitness classes are offered for $30 per session.
Shows & Performances
The ship features two primary venues for live entertainment: the Grand Spectrum Theater and Center Stage.
Grand Spectrum Theater
Located on Decks 6 and 7, this theater boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. It hosts various shows, including “Amor Latino,” a vibrant tribute to Latin music, and “Color My World,” featuring songs like “True Colors” and “Paint It Black.” This is also where game shows like “Deal or No Deal,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Family Feud” are held. Doors generally open 30 minutes before the show.
Center Stage
Center Stage is an open theater positioned on the starboard side of Celebration Central. This dynamic space transforms throughout the day, serving as a lounge, live music venue, and the main showroom. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style productions such as “The Most Magnificent Circus” and “Celestial Strings,” each offering unique performances that blend music, dance, and visual artistry. Many of the shows feature acrobatic stunts with aerialist performing from trapezes strung from the ceiling. An LED screen backdrop enhances the entertainment by adding a virtual-reality feel to the shows.
There are several different seating options available. On Deck 6, the ground level, chairs are arranged in traditional theater rows. Some sections are right next to the stage, allowing the audience to have an immersive experience as the actors weave through the seats during the show. Directly in front of the middle of the stage, a bleacher-style arrangement follows a set of stairs between Decks 7 and 8. There are also alcoves on both Deck 7 and 8 allowing for a balcony overlook of the stage.
We really enjoyed this area, both for the magnificient shows put on and for the immersive environment. However, the wide range of seating options seemed to confuse fellow cruisers. We experienced several examples of what we felt were rude breaches of etiquette as other passengers squirmed in front of designated seats to get a better view. Overall, we’d recommend that you arrive early to claim seats on the ground floor if you’d like to enjoy the show uninterrupted.
Live Music, Comedy & Nightlife
Piano Bar 88
Located portside near the atrium on Deck 6, Piano Bar 88 is a lively and intimate venue on the Carnival Celebration. This vibrant lounge features live piano performances where guests can request their favorite songs and join in sing-alongs, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere. Open from the evening until late at night, it’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy music, dance, and socialize. Note that this venue is exclusively available to guests aged 21 and over.
Havana Bar
The Havana Bar offers guests an immersive experience inspired by Old Havana’s vibrant atmosphere. Located on Deck 8, this venue features live music and dancing, creating a festive ambiance that extends well into the night. Guests can savor authentic Cuban cocktails, such as mojitos and daiquiris, and indulge in complimentary Cuban snacks while enjoying panoramic ocean views. Note that while the bar is open to all guests, the promenade area and Havana pool located just outside the bar is reserved for guests staying in Havana staterooms.
The Golden Jubilee
The Golden Jubilee is thoughtfully designed to commemorate Carnival Cruise Line’s 50-year legacy. Situated on Deck 6, this venue seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern elegance. Its décor features authentic artifacts from past Carnival ships, including the original etched glass partition from the TSS Mardi Gras casino and chairs reminiscent of the TSS Carnivale’s Riverboat Lounge. The bar offers a curated selection of vintage cocktails, such as the Harvey Wallbanger and Tom Collins, each crafted with a contemporary twist. Beyond its rich ambiance and refined drink offerings, The Golden Jubilee serves as a vibrant entertainment hub, hosting live performances that invite guests to dance and socialize, ensuring a memorable experience that honors Carnival’s storied history.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Brewhouse
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse aboard the Carnival Celebration combines Guy Fieri’s flair for barbecue with an in-house brewery. The attached brewery crafts exclusive Parched Pig® craft brews, such as the Smoked Porter and Farmhouse Ale, brewed on board using ocean water. Guests can also enjoy live music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
This was a great space and had potential for the perfect spot to spend an evening listening to the ship’s house band. Unfortunately, during our sailing, no live music was scheduled and the area became pretty barren after 7 PM.
Punchliner’s Comedy Club
The Punchliner Comedy Club offers a dynamic entertainment experience. Comedians take the stage to deliver performances that are sure to leave guests laughing. During our sailing, this venue held adults-only comedy with jokes that were a bit edgier.
Limelight Lounge
The Limelight Lounge offers a diverse selection of entertainment options. During our sailing, it served as a secondary comedy club, hosting family-friendly shows during the early evening. Karaoke and live music performances are also held here. In the late evenings, the space is turned into an adults-only dance club complete with a disco ball and flashing lights.
Empress Casino
The Empress Casino spans a significant portion of Deck 7 and operates until the wee hours of the morning while at sea. It features 18 gaming tables offering various card games, roulette, and craps, along with 180 slot machines, providing ample opportunities for guests to try their luck.
Bars & Lounges
Latitudes Bar
The Latitudes Bar transports guests to various corners of the world through its innovative design and curated offerings. Situated on Deck 6 in the Gateway zone, this bar features virtual windows that provide captivating views of diverse global landscapes, enhancing the immersive travel theme. The décor includes a classic railway-inspired mechanical flap board, reminiscent of vintage train stations, adding to the ambiance. The drink menu at Latitudes Bar is thoughtfully crafted to complement its international theme, offering specialty cocktails inspired by different countries, as well as a selection of wines and beers from around the world.
Alchemy Bar
The Alchemy Bar offers a unique and immersive cocktail experience, reminiscent of an old-time apothecary. Located on Deck 7, this vintage-themed bar features a menu of handcrafted cocktails, each designed to provide a distinctive “remedy” for your taste buds. The skilled mixologists, donned in white lab coats, utilize fresh herbs, infused spirits, and exotic ingredients to craft both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Hero’s Tribute Lounge
The Heroes Tribute Lounge is a dedicated space honoring military personnel and their families. Located on Deck 8, this venue features patriotic décor, including military insignia and memorabilia, creating a respectful and celebratory atmosphere. Unlike other Carnival ships, there is no bar in the lounge itself, but cruisers can order a drink from the Pig & Anchor Brewhouse just a few steps away. The lounge also serves as a sports bar, with several large screen TVs airing the latest sports matches from around the world.
The Watering Hole
Nestled in the Summer Landing Zone, The Watering Hole is an outdoor bar that caters to the nearby whirlpools. This poolside retreat offers guests a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specialty cocktails while taking in ocean views. Unfortunately, this bar was seldom open during our cruise, forcing pool-goers to order their drinks from the Pig & Anchor Brewhouse inside.
Bar 820
Bar 820 is an indoor-outdoor bar inspired by Miami’s Art Deco heritage. The venue offers a unique blend of retro charm and modern amenities, making it a popular spot for guests seeking a lively atmosphere. The outdoor portion of the bar is right next to the smoking area on Deck 8, making it convenient for cruisers that want to imbibe while they light up.
Red Frog Tiki Bar
The RedFrog Tiki Bar is a poolside venue that spans two decks. Cruisers can choose if they’d prefer a spot near all the action on Deck 16, or if they’d like a quieter view of the pool from Deck 17. Inspired by Caribbean rum bars, this bar provides a variety of tropical cocktails and an extensive selection of Caribbean rums.
Staterooms Choices on the Carnival Celebration
The Carnival Celebration offers a diverse range of staterooms and suites designed to cater to various preferences and budgets. All rooms includes two twin beds that can be combined to form a king-size bed, although it’s slightly smaller than a standard king bed found on land. Some rooms also are equipped with Pullman beds that hang from the ceiling. A private bathroom with a shower and bar soap, shower gel and shampoo. While functional, we did find the bathroom to be somewhat compact. Accessible staterooms have larger bathrooms with zero-threshold entries and handrails placed strategically throughout.
For storage, there’s a set of closets with modular organizers, drawers, and hangers, offering ample space for personal items. A vanity area is also provided, which includes a mini-bar cooler, a hairdryer, and a stateroom phone for making both internal calls within the ship and calls to shore. Most staterooms feature a couch or sofa bed for additional seating or sleeping space, though in some configurations, guests may find lounge chairs instead.
In addition to the standard interior, oceanview, and balcony options, guests can opt for extended balconies or foward- or aft-view balconies. The Carnival Celebration also has several specialty categories to personalize your cruise.
Cove Balcony
Cove Balcony Staterooms provide a unique cruising experience, placing you closer to the water for exceptional ocean views. Located on Deck 5, these rooms feature a private balcony just above the waterline. The balconies are set within the ship’s metal frame, offering a bit more protection compared to the standard ones. However, the close proximity to the water means cruisers will likely experience some salt water spray while they are on the balcony.
Family Harbor Staterooms
Family Harbor Staterooms on the Carnival Celebration are designed with families in mind, offering spacious accommodations and exclusive amenities to enhance your cruise experience. Located near the dedicated Family Harbor Lounge and Camp Ocean on Deck 4, these rooms provide convenient access to a variety of family-friendly services and activities. Guests can choose from interior and oceanview staterooms, as well as oceanview suites.
The Family Harbor Lounge provides a range of exclusive benefits for families staying in these staterooms. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast and snacks, along with a variety of entertainment options such as board games, family movies, and video games. A 24-hour concierge service is also available to assist with bookings and requests. Access to the lounge is keycard-restricted, ensuring it’s reserved exclusively for Family Harbor guests. Additional perks include children aged 11 and under dining free at most specialty restaurants when accompanied by an adult, offering a more affordable dining option for families. Families also enjoy one complimentary evening of the Night Owls babysitting service at Camp Ocean, giving parents a chance to enjoy some personal time while their children engage in supervised activities.
Havana Staterooms
Celebration offer a vibrant and exclusive experience, inspired by Cuban culture. Located near the Havana Bar & Pool on Deck 8, these rooms provide convenient access to a lively pool area and themed bar. The accommodations feature unique décor, with options including Havana Interior, Havana Balcony, and Havana Cabana. Havana Cabana suites offer additional amenities such as an extra-large outdoor space with a hammock, and a luxurious rain shower in the bathroom. It’s important to note that all guests in Havana staterooms must be 12 years or older.
Cloud 9 Staterooms
Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms are designed for guests seeking a rejuvenating cruise experience. These accommodations grant priority access to the ship’s luxurious Cloud 9 Spa facilities, including unlimited use of the Thermal Suite. Additional perks for Cloud 9 Spa guests encompass exclusive discounts on spa treatments during port days, two complimentary fitness classes per guest, and upgraded ELEMIS in-room toiletries.
The Carnival Celebration offers a variety of Cloud 9 Spa accommodations, ranging from Interior Spa Staterooms to expansive Spa Suites. Staterooms are available on Deck 5, just outside of the spa, as well as on Deck 17. There is an express elevator accesible only to Cloud 9 Stateroom guests that goes directly between Deck 17 and the Thermal Suite on Deck 5.
Carnival Excel Suite
For the ultimate in luxury, guests can reserve an Excel Suite, with options including regular, corner, aft, or presidential suites. These spacious suites are equipped with Carnival Comfort Beds, a generous walk-in shower with double sinks, a dining area, and two flat-screen TVs. Outside, an extra large balcony has room for a 4-seater dining table and two loungers.
Beyond the added space, guests of the Excel Suites enjoy exclusive VIP perks. They receive priority check-in, boarding, and debarkation, as well as access to a dedicated concierge phone line. Excel Suite guests also enjoy complimentary access to Loft 19, a private retreat featuring a sun deck, infinity whirlpool, and exclusive cabanas (which are available for priority booking but not included). Additional benefits include guaranteed main dining room seating times and priority reservations at specialty dining venues.
Priced at over $3,500 per person for a weeklong cruise, the Excel Presidential Suites are the largest accommodations available on any Carnival cruise ship. In addition to all the exclusive Excel amenities already mentioned, these suites feature an expansive balcony complete with an outdoor hot tub, shower, day bed, lounger, and an outdoor dining table—perfect for enjoying the views in ultimate comfort. Guests of the Presidential Suites also enjoy complimentary access to the Havana Pool and the Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite, adding extra relaxation and indulgence to their experience.
Carnival Celebration’s Itineraries for 2025 -2026
The Carnival Celebration is based out of Miami, Florida and was built specifically for the Caribbean market. For 2025 and 2026, it is scheduled for a series of 7-day cruises, primarily in the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in ports such as Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and Nassau. Beginning in July 2025, many cruises will include a stop at Carnival’s newest private island, Celebration Key.
