In late 2022, Carnival Cruise Line launched the Carnival Celebration as part of its 50th birthday celebration. As a sister ship to the Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration has already made waves with its beautiful ship design and the thrilling Bolt rollercoaster, the first of its kind at sea.
Last week, I had the chance to experience the Carnival Celebration on a 7-day Caribbean cruise. Going into it, I wasn’t sure what to expect. While I’d heard great things about Carnival’s Excel-Class ships, my last Carnival cruise left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.
However, the Carnival Celebration completely changed my mind! It went above and beyond my expectations, proving to be one of the best family-friendly cruise options out there.
Here’s a breakdown of the highlights and areas for improvement aboard the Carnival Celebration.
Hits – What I Loved on Carnival Celebration
Excellent Food & Dining Options
The variety of delicious dining venues onboard the Carnival Celebration surpassed my expectations. With over 20 casual and specialty restaurants, this ship has some of the best food options at sea.
During my 7 days onboard, these are the restaurants and dining venues I tried.
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
- BlugeIguanna Cantina
- Big Chicken
- Cucina Del Capitano
- Chibang!
- Lido Marketplace
- Miami Slice
- Street Eats
- Seaday Brunch
- The Carnival Deli
- Carnivale & Festivale Restaurant (main dining room)
- Complimentary Room Service Breakfast
- Emiril’s Bistro 1397 (specialty restaurant)
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (specialty restaurant)
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most affordable cruise lines, so my expectations for food quality and taste weren’t high. However, the dining onboard Carnival Celebration was great.
In fact, when I compared the experience to recent cruises on contemporary cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Line, the food onboard Carnival Celebration was a notch above the rest.
Casual Dining Lunch Favorites (included)
Carnival Celebration has several casual take out style restaurants that I really enjoyed for lunch.
Guy’s Burger Joint was a favorite and I ate there twice during my 7 day cruise. The burgers were juicy and flavorful, with lots of toppings to choose from. The fries tasted homemade – so good!
On embarkation day, we ate at Big Chicken. If you like Chic-Fil-A, you’ll love this fast food style cruise restaurant too.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, which serves pulled pork, ribs and sausage is one restaurant that just doesn’t get enough love. Located outdoors on Deck 8, the small take out counter restaurant is only open for lunch on sea days.
Tip: When it comes to the Carnival Celebration cruise food, it’s a good idea to factor where you’ll eat for each meal into your cruise planning.
Breakfast (included)
One of the highlights of the cruise was breakfast at BlueIguana Cantina. This felt like a hidden gem because there were rarely lines, and the food was always fresh. At BlueIguana Cantina, they serve breakfast burritos and tacos, along with all the toppings.
While I loved the breakfast burrito with Mexican scambled eggs, the lunch and snack choices were also great. The shrimp taco with fresh cilantro and pico de gallo was delicious.
Main Restaurants (included)
Sit-down dining venues like Carnivale & Festival Restaurant (main dining room) and “Chibang!” surpassed expectations.
The food in the main dining room is some of the best at sea. This surprised me as Carnival is known as “The Fun Ship” and not the “Great Food Ship”.
We ate in Festivale, a main dining venue 4 out of 7 nights. The menus and food options were really good. On our first formal night we had delicious filet mignon. Other evenings I had a delicious beef brisket, prime rib and lobster tail. While the lobster tail wasn’t the best I ever had, it was clear that other passengers loved it.
Vegan and Gluten Free Menus
Something really impressive is the Vegan and Gluten Free menus, available on the Carnival Hub app. When we saw that the Vegan menu included items like “Shrimp Cocktail” we thought they made a mistake. However, these and other interesting dishes are included in Carnival’s plant based menus.
Dessert
I had Carnival’s famous warm chocolate melting cake (with vanilla ice cream) and it was as good as everyone says! We asked for peanut butter on the side, and yes, this really does taste like a decadent Reese flavored dessert.
Casual Sit Down Dining (included)
Carnival’s Excel class ships have 2 casual dining venues, Cucina Del Capitano and Chibang! A one time visit is included to each of these restaurants. Return visits are just $8 per person.
Chibang!, a casual restaurant featuring Mexican and Chinese dishes is one of the unique dining experiences on this ship. the food was tasty, and the menu was unlike anything I’ve seen on other cruise ships. My personal favorite was the sweet and sour shrimp.
Cucina Del Capitano has a warm and spacious dining room, meant to feel like you’re dining in a rustic Italian trattoria. There’s a nice and varied menu. However, I had the chicken parmigiana and it was my least favorite meal of the cruise. Perhaps if I chose something else, I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall, the food was certainly a highlight of the Carnival Celebration. Although it may not be the fanciest, it certainly meets the needs of Carnival cruisers, and the food tasted great.
Fahrenheit 555 Specialty Restaurant (additional charge)
On the first night of our cruise we ate at Fahrenheit 555, the Carnival Celebration steakhouse. By dining on the first night, we took advantage of an embarkation day specialty dining promo, a free bottle of wine.
Our meal and service was excellent. In fact, the surf and turf meal was one of the best I’ve had, even when compared to premium cruise line specialty restaurants.
Although I only tried Fahrenheit 555, there were several other speciality restaurants to choose from. Although these restaurants come with an extra charge, they are great venues to enjoy an enhanced culinary experience or celebrate a special occasion.
Whether you dine at Rudi’s Seagrill, Bonsai Teppanyaki, or Seafood Shack, there is something for everyone. There’s also Carnival Kitchen, where cruisers can take cooking classes and learn how to cook delicious meals.
Carnival cruise tip: Head to Emeril’s Bistro 1397 for delicious Beignets! Although these did cost extra, they were worth the price. At $5 per serving the beignets were a delicious sweet snack and they are definitely worth trying.
Variety of Bars
One of the standout hits onboard Carnival Celebration is the impressive variety of bar areas, which offer an immersive atmosphere and experience.
The themed bars include the retro-inspired Golden Jubilee, celebrating Carnival’s 50th anniversary. When you step inside this bar, it feels like you’ve stepped inside a time machine and moved 50 years backward.
Another highlight is Latitudes, which captures the vibe of an upscale travel lounge. This bar was unique as the bartenders had these pilot uniforms on, which certainly contributed to the overall theme of the bar.
At the Latitudes bar, several design features and elements are from the original Carnival Victory.
The RedFrog Tiki Bar is one of my favorite bars onboard Carnival Celebration. Located on the Lido deck, RedFrog is a two-story themed bar that has a Margaritaville vibe to it.
The Heroes Tribute Bar is dedicated to honoring military service members. This bar has a “man-cave” feeling, and I spent one evening watching a football game there, which was a great time.
Alchemy Bar is one of my favorite bars at sea. This is a great place to enjoy crafted cocktails that taste amazing.
Several other bars around the cruise ship include the Piano Bar, Aquaria Bar, Tropicale Bar, and Guy’s Pig and Anchor Brewhouse at Summers Landing. With so many bar venues, trying them all in one week was impossible!
Related: 75 Most Popular Cruise Essentials from Amazon this Year
Incredible Entertainment
The entertainment onboard Carnival Celebration really blew me away!
Center Stage quickly became my go-to spot with its amazing live performances and production shows. Center Stage is a major hit, from singing and dancing to incredible acrobatics.
I had so much fun watching Deal or No Deal, where guests got the chance to win prizes. Watching Deal or No Deal live made me feel like I was in a studio audience for the real game.
Family Feud Live was another standout, with the ship’s FUN Squad expertly recreating the iconic TV show. This is feel good fun! The audience participation added to the excitement, creating a very immersive experience.
As a comedy fan, I loved going to Punchliner Comedy Club. The comedians were so funny, and it was always a good time. It’s worth noting that there are both family-friendly shows and adult shows.
I loved hopping between venues to catch some incredible live music, from talented guitarists in the Golden Jubilee Bar to Latin rhythms in the Havana Bar.
Karaoke nights were a blast, too, and very popular among Carnival passengers.
Carnival Celebration delivered non-stop entertainment that catered to every family member.
Related: 10 Best Cruise Lines For First Time Cruisers
Impressive Onboard Attractions and Activities
Onboard Carnival Celebration, there is a wide variety of activities catered to young children, teenagers, families, couples, and adults.
Whether it’s the splash park and Build-a-Bear workshop for young kids, or the thrilling waterslides for teenagers, there is something for everyone.
There is Bolt Roller Coaster, Dive-In movies, and trivia (hosted by the Fun Squad) for families and couples.
Every morning, I checked out the Carnival Hub app to see what activities were offered, and there was always a packed schedule. Whether it was a sea day or a port day, there were activities starting as early as 7 AM and going all the way past midnight.
Overall, the attractions and activities onboard Carnival Celebration are fun, casual, and family-friendly, making it a great cruise for all travelers.
Bolt Sea Coaster – First Roller Coaster at Sea
Before booking this cruise, the Bolt Sea Coaster is what initially caught my eye. I remember seeing the Carnival Mardi Gras in port and being very impressed that they were able to put a roller coaster on a cruise ship.
As a thrill lover, I knew I had to try this incredible roller coaster at sea. Having tried attractions like Robotron on MSC, zip-lining on Royal Caribbean, and Galaxy Pavilion on Norwegian Cruise Line, I was curious to see how this thrill ride compared to other cruise lines.
Seeing the Bolt Roller Coaster in action, you quickly realize that it is bigger in person and moves faster than in video. Although this ride was intimidating, I had to face my fears and try it out for myself.
After going on Bolt, I was amazed. Although this ride costs $15, it is worth every penny. It is truly one of the most unique thrill rides at sea, and every thrill-loving cruiser has to try it.
Related: 10 Things that Cost Extra on a Cruise but Are Totally Worth It
Beautiful Pool Areas and Upper Decks
Carnival Celebration has several pool areas, allowing cruise passengers to spread out. From the main lido deck pool (Beach Pool) to the Tides Pool and whirlpool at the back of the cruise ship, there was no shortage of amazing pool areas.
Furthermore, Serenity, an adult-only pool area on Carnival Celebration, was absolutely stunning. Upon exploring the cruise ship on embarkation day, I could not believe how nice this area was. Stepping into Serenity was a relaxing escape from the rest of the fun ship, and it felt as if I was on a Princess or Celebrity cruise.
Several hot tubs were also located around the cruise ship, and deck chairs were always easy to find.
For younger kids, Carnival WaterWorks is located on the top deck. Kids and families can enjoy this deck by riding on the waterslides or soaking up the sun in the splash park.
Related: 12 Things to Never Do on a Cruise Ship Lido Deck
Great Layout
Whether you’re a new cruiser or an experienced cruiser, everyone can appreciate an easy-to-navigate ship layout. Carnival Celebration was super easy to navigate and get the hang of.
Typically, it takes me a few days to get used to a new cruise ship. However, by the second day, I could easily get around the vessel.
Beginner cruise tip: If you can’t find your way around the cruise ship, don’t be afraid to ask one of the crew members. They will be more than happy to give you directions.
Related: First-Time Cruiser? Here’s How to Find Your Way Around the Ship
Huge Casino
Although I’m not a casino player, the casino onboard Carnival Celebration was massive. With over 180 slot machines and 18 table games, the Casino inside Carnival’s second Excel class ship was impressive.
This casino has a separate slot area for smokers, and the smoke was trapped inside the casino, so you don’t smell it around the cruise ship.
If you’re a casino player, you will love the one on Carnival Celebration!
Selection of Staterooms
Carnival Celebration has an amazing variety of staterooms, ranging from interior to ocean view and balcony cabins. Furthermore, there’s also suites, and Havana cabins, which are stunning!
During my cruise, I enjoyed staying in a Havana stateroom. Prior to boarding, I was very skeptical about this cabin type. Since the Havana cabins have their own deck, I wondered if it would be too noisy or if I would even enjoy spending time there.
After spending a week in this cabin, I think it’s one of my favorite cabin types. The extended balcony was great for relaxing, and you still get amazing ocean views.
Furthermore, the private Havana bar and a small pool area were a great place to unwind. Since the Havana area is reserved for guests staying in Havana cabins, it was nice seeing familiar faces at the bar and by the pool daily.
Video: Carnival Celebration Havana Balcony Cabin Pros & Cons
Friendly Crew
One of the highlights of our Carnival cruise vacation was meeting and interacting with the friendly crew. The crew members onboard Carnival ships are always friendly, and this cruise was no different.
The crew was always friendly, accommodating, and helpful, from the restaurants and main dining room staff to the bartenders and room attendants.
Related: Stop Doing These 12 “Polite” Things Crew Actually Dislike
Misses – Where Improvements Could Be Made
Slow and Small Elevators
One of my biggest complaints about Carnival Celebration are the small elevators. Since we sailed during the off-season, our cruise wasn’t at full capacity. However, it still felt like the elevators were always full and took forever.
On the bright side, I used the stairs more than I ever had on other cruises, which was a great opportunity to burn off some of the cruise calories!
My other gripe with the elevators is that they were incredibly small. Despite the elevators stating that there is a 17-person capacity, there is no world where more than six cruise passengers can fit in the elevators comfortably!
Overall, this is a pretty insignificant issue for Carnival Celebration. However, I noticed it as soon as I stepped foot inside an elevator, as did most other cruise passengers.
Underwhelming Street Eats
Street Eats was one of the dining concepts I was most looking forward to. The idea of having food truck-style restaurants on a cruise right by the main pool seemed like a great idea.
Before boarding the cruise, I imagined Street Eats as a dining venue where you could pass by, grab a quick bite to eat, and move on with your day. However, that was not the case.
Unfortunately, the hours for Street Eats were odd as it felt like this food venue was rarely open. However, on the last sea day, I had the chance to try Steam Dream and Mad Sizzle, and the food was actually quite tasty.
If you’re on Carnival Celebration, Street Eats is definitely worth a try, so check your daily planner on the Carnival Hub app or daily planner. Unfortunately, the hours are so limited because this area has so much potential.
On a side note, I’d pass on the the breakfast at Shaq’s Big Chicken. Unfortunately, the food was just not that good, so it’s best to eat breakfast in an alternative dining venue.
Large Crowds
Since Carnival Celebration can accommodate over 6,400 cruise passengers, you can expect large crowds. Although our sailing had only 5,700 passengers, many areas still felt very crowded.
The main areas that draw large crowds include the Lido deck, the atrium, Lido Market Buffet, Miami Slice, and guest services.
I was expecting large crowds before embarking on Carnival Celebration, so it didn’t bother me much. However, if you don’t like large crowds, this may be an aspect of the cruise that you don’t like.
Confusing Walking Track
Although this is not a big deal for most cruisers, the best way to describe the walking track onboard the Carnival Celebration is “confusing.” The walking track towards the top of the ship, but it is impossible to walk around the track because there are seats and attractions all around it.
When you walk on the walking track, you’ll pass by lounge chairs, the sports court, mini-golf, the splash park, waterslides, and the Bolt Rollercoaster. This area was often quite busy with young children running around, making it hard to walk around the track without being disturbed.
Seating for Shows
Seating for shows is limited, especially for the production shows at Center Stage. Although these shows are phenomenal, you’ll want to arrive there at least 45 minutes early to ensure that you get a good seat.
One evening, we were at dinner and planned to finish our dinner and head over to Center Stage 30 minutes early. To our surprise, all the seats were taken and we had to stand for the show’s duration.
Although our sailing wasn’t full, seating for shows at Center Stage still felt extremely limited. I could only imagine how much harder it would be to find a seat for the shows during a full sailing.
When it came to the comedy shows, we arrived 15-30 minutes before and could always find a seat.
For Deal or No Deal, we arrived 30 minutes early and found seats in the back. However, the theater was full around 20 minutes before show time.
If you plan on going to the shows, arriving at least 30 minutes before to guarantee a seat is a good idea.
Tiny Stateroom Bathroom
Although I loved my Havana balcony stateroom onboard Carnival Celebration, I couldn’t help but notice how small the bathroom was. After staying in over 40 different cruise cabins, this is the smallest bathroom I have ever experienced.
Thankfully, I didn’t spend much time in the bathroom, but I couldn’t help but notice how tiny it was!
On the bright side, it does feature a stand-up shower with glass doors, which is a nice added bonus.
Small Public Washrooms
One of the quirks onboard Carnival Celebration is the lack of bathrooms and the size of bathrooms. Compared to other cruises, the bathrooms onboard Carnival Celebration are very small and hard to find.
Throughout the sailing, there were times when I had to visit multiple bathrooms to find one without a big line. Although this is a minor drawback, I noticed it, and it was definitely annoying.
Related: 15 Cruise Rip-Offs That Are Not Worth it
Does Carnival Celebration Have a Kids Club?
Carnival Celebration has a kids’ club and a teens’ club for younger cruisers. Several activities (Bolt, WaterWorks, and the mini-golf) are catered toward younger kids. Carnival offers a year-round youth program on their fleet, providing a fun and safe experience for children aged 6 months to 17 years old.
Related: What to Pack for Kids on a Cruise
What Happened to the Old Carnival Celebration?
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operated the old Carnival Grand Celebration between 2015 and 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Grand Celebration and Carnival Holiday were sold for scrap in 2020.
The new Carnival Celebration made her maiden voyage with a 14-night transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England, to her home port in Miami, Florida. The cruise ship’s naming ceremony occurred with the iconic Carnival legend Kathie Lee and the ship’s godmother, Cassidy Gifford.
Related & Popular Posts:
- 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- 17 Cruise Embarkation Day Luggage Rules All Cruisers Must Know
- 13 Big Cruise Embarkation Day Mistakes Cruisers Must Avoid
- What to Pack for a Carnival Cruise (detailed cruise packing list)
- 17 Surprising Things Your Cabin Steward Can Bring You on a Cruise
- What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise – Cruise Outfit Ideas
- What’s Included on a Carnival Cruise
- 63 Things Not to Do on a Cruise (rules, guidelines & cruise etiquette)
Final Thoughts on Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration lives up to its name by providing an unforgettable cruise vacation filled with fun, relaxation, and adventure. From its tasty dining options to fun onboard attractions and incredible entertainment, this ship offers something for everyone.
I wasn’t expecting it, but this was one of the best cruises that I’ve taken and I’d sail on this class of Carnival ships again.
Whether you enjoy live music at the Havana Bar, laugh at the Punchliner Comedy Club, or watch spectacular performances on Center Stage, the variety and quality of experiences are unmatched.
Have you cruised on Carnival Celebration yet? Please let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!
Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.