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    Cruise Ship Showdown, Updated September 2026

    Carnival Mardi Gras vs Carnival Celebration

    Mardi Gras and Celebration are Carnival's two Excel-class megaships, nearly identical sister ships launched a year apart. Pick mostly comes down to which homeport works for you.

    Marissa Wright, cruise specialist

    Marissa's Pick

    Winner: Tie - picks itself by homeport

    Carnival Celebration if you live near Miami. Carnival Mardi Gras if Port Canaveral (Orlando) is closer. The ships themselves are 95% identical, including BOLT (the first roller coaster at sea).

    Head-to-head comparison

    Side-by-side stats sourced from each cruise line's published specs.

    Spec
    Carnival Mardi Gras
    Carnival Celebration
    Cruise line
    Carnival
    Carnival
    Ship class
    Excel Class
    Excel Class
    Debut
    July 2021
    November 2022
    Gross tonnage
    181,808 GT
    183,521 GT
    Passenger capacity
    5,282
    5,374
    Homeport
    Port Canaveral, FL
    Miami, FL
    BOLT roller coaster
    Yes
    Yes
    Zones / neighborhoods
    6
    6
    Typical 7-night starting price
    $700+/person
    $750+/person

    Which ship is right for you?

    Book Carnival Mardi Gras if…

    Carnival · Debuted July 2021

    • Sailing from Port Canaveral, FL
    • Caribbean from Orlando
    • BOLT roller coaster

    Book Carnival Celebration if…

    Carnival · Debuted November 2022

    • Sailing from Miami, FL
    • Eastern + Western Caribbean
    • Slightly newer build

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    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers about Carnival Mardi Gras vs Carnival Celebration.

    Are Carnival Mardi Gras and Celebration the same ship?

    They're sister ships in the same Excel class, built to nearly identical specs. The major difference is homeport: Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral, Celebration from Miami.

    Which Carnival Excel-class ship is best?

    Functionally a tie. Pick by homeport: Mardi Gras (Port Canaveral / Orlando), Celebration (Miami), or Jubilee (Galveston). Carnival Excel-class is Carnival's best family product.

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