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    Excel Class

    Carnival Celebration

    by Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival's second Excel-class ship brings BOLT roller coaster, 6 themed zones, and Carnival's signature fun atmosphere to PortMiami - with even more refinements than Mardi Gras.

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    Quick Answer

    Carnival Celebration is a 2022 Excel-class ship carrying 5,374 passengers, sailing 6- to 8-night Caribbean cruises from Miami. Its main draws are the BOLT roller coaster, the exclusive 820 Biscayne zone, and pricing that runs 40-50% below comparable Royal Caribbean ships.

    Year Launched

    2022

    Passengers

    5,374

    Tonnage

    183,521 GT

    Decks

    17

    Length

    1,130 ft

    Class

    Excel Class

    Ship Overview

    Carnival Celebration is the second Excel-class ship, sailing year-round from Miami on 6-, 7-, and 8-night Caribbean itineraries with the BOLT coaster and exclusive 820 Biscayne zone.

    Carnival Celebration debuted in late 2022 as the second Excel-class ship, building on everything Carnival learned from Mardi Gras. She sails year-round from Miami on 6-, 7-, and 8-night Caribbean itineraries.

    While sharing the BOLT roller coaster and zone concept with Mardi Gras, Celebration introduced new dining venues and refined the zone layouts. The 820 Biscayne zone (named after Miami's famous boulevard) is a Celebration exclusive with a craft cocktail bar and Cuban-inspired dining.

    Celebration offers the same mega-ship thrills as Royal Caribbean ships at Carnival's value pricing - often 40-50% less than comparable Royal Caribbean sailings.

    Key Features

    Celebration's six themed zones include the exclusive 820 Biscayne, plus the BOLT coaster and WaterWorks waterpark shared with sister ship Mardi Gras.

    BOLT Roller Coaster

    The electric-powered coaster races around the top deck at 40+ mph - a unique-to-Carnival experience available nowhere else at sea.

    6 Themed Zones

    820 Biscayne, The Gateway, Lido, Summer Landing, Celebration Central, and The Ultimate Playground.

    820 Biscayne

    A Miami-inspired zone exclusive to Celebration with Cuban-influenced dining, craft cocktails, and Art Deco design.

    Celebration Central

    The ship's heart featuring a multi-story atrium with LED screens, live performances, and the main bar.

    WaterWorks

    Carnival's waterpark with multiple slides including the AquaDrop freefall slide.

    Serenity

    Adults-only sundeck with pool, loungers, and a quieter atmosphere - an escape from Carnival's energetic vibe.

    Dining Options

    Celebration offers over 20 dining options, including included favorites Guy's Burger Joint and Big Chicken by Shaq, plus five specialty restaurants.

    Celebration features over 20 dining options. Included: main dining rooms, Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken by Shaq, and JavaBlue Café.

    Specialty restaurants include Emeril's Bistro 1396-2, Fahrenheit 555 (steakhouse), Bonsai Sushi, Rudi's Seagrill, and Cucina del Capitano. The Chibang! by chef Tiffany Derry offers a fusion of Chinese and Mexican flavors - a Celebration exclusive.

    Guy's Burger Joint and Big Chicken are standout included options that compete with any specialty dining on other cruise lines.

    Entertainment & Activities

    Carnival Playlist Productions headline the main theater, backed by Punchliner Comedy Club, Family Feud Live, and the signature RedFrog Tiki Bar.

    The main theater hosts high-energy Carnival Playlist Productions with singing, dancing, and spectacular lighting. Punchliner Comedy Club features nightly stand-up shows for adults and family-friendly matinees.

    Family Feud Live, Lip Sync Battle, and the Love & Marriage Show are crowd favorites. Heroes Tribute Bar honors first responders and military, serving craft cocktails.

    The RedFrog Tiki Bar is Carnival's signature pool bar with frozen drinks and a party vibe. Late-night entertainment includes DJ sets, themed parties, and Casino gaming.

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    Ideal For

    • Budget-conscious families seeking maximum mega-ship value
    • Miami-area travelers wanting convenient homeport access
    • Thrill-seekers (BOLT coaster + WaterWorks)
    • Foodies who love celebrity chef dining
    • Groups and friends looking for an energetic party atmosphere

    Pros

    • ✓ Exceptional value - 40-50% cheaper than comparable Royal Caribbean
    • ✓ BOLT coaster is an unforgettable experience
    • ✓ 820 Biscayne zone is a sophisticated Celebration exclusive
    • ✓ Outstanding included dining (Guy's, Big Chicken, BlueIguana)
    • ✓ Year-round Miami departures

    Cons

    • ✗ Party atmosphere isn't for everyone
    • ✗ Adults-only areas are limited compared to NCL or Celebrity
    • ✗ Some slides and entertainment have extra fees
    • ✗ Can feel very energetic/loud on sea days
    • ✗ Suite options less exclusive than Royal Caribbean

    Example Itineraries

    Celebration sails 6-, 7-, and 8-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami, with select sailings stopping at Celebration Key in the Bahamas.

    6-Night Western Caribbean: Miami → Cozumel, Mexico → Costa Maya, Mexico → Mahogany Bay, Honduras → Miami

    7-Night Southern Caribbean: Miami → Grand Turk → San Juan, Puerto Rico → Amber Cove, Dominican Republic → Miami

    8-Night Eastern Caribbean: Miami → Amber Cove → San Juan → St. Thomas → Grand Turk → Miami

    Select sailings visit Celebration Key, Carnival's new private destination in the Bahamas.

    Pricing Expectations

    Interior cabins start around $700 per person for 7 nights, with suites from $2,500, making Celebration one of the best-value mega-ships afloat.

    Celebration delivers mega-ship value that's hard to beat:

    • Interior: $700-$1,300/person (7 nights)
    • Ocean View: $900-$1,600/person
    • Balcony: $1,100-$2,100/person
    • Suite: $2,500-$5,500+/person

    That's some of the best pricing in the industry for a ship this size and this new. Request a free quote for current deals.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Considering Other Ships? Compare:

    Carnival Mardi Gras Guide
    Royal Caribbean vs Carnival
    Icon of the Seas Guide

    Compare Carnival Celebration Head-to-Head

    Deciding between the two Excel-class Carnival ships? See how Mardi Gras and Celebration compare on itineraries, price, and onboard experience.

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