CCL’s newest cruise ship Carnival Celebration to boast 2-deck The Gateway Zone

   June 10, 2022 ,   Cruise Industry

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship - Carnival Celebration, will boast The Gateway, an entirely new area on 2 decks that "celebrates travel and the excitement of exploring new destinations."

The new zone was revealed during a virtual press conference hosted by CCL's President Christine Duffy.

With design and decor inspired by transportation stations, grand terminals, and departure points around the world, this unique dining, shopping, and entertainment zone will boast a promenade highlighted by a total of 12 high-definition multimedia virtual windows displaying extraordinary scenes. The 9.5’ by 5’ windows and the ~100’ LED ceiling will be complemented by a state-of-the-art sound system and show lighting to create an immersive experience throughout.

Guests will be entertained with relaxing scenes, such as a sunny sky, but by night, the new zone will take varying nightly themes, transporting vacationers to far-off places around the globe. Some of the theme nights include Abroad in Europe, Mexico Lindo, and Far East Voyage.

The zone’s offerings are expected to support the night’s theme – from the drinks and food served to the music played and the entertainment offered. 

The main promenade of the Gateway will be home to a travel-inspired bar concept, Latitudes, reminiscent of a classic airport/train station with travel-themed chairs and menus, along with a mechanical split-flap display board, a contemporary take on the classic “departures” board custom-built by Oat Foundry in Philadelphia. The board will change to display the daily menu offerings of the bar, such as cocktails, wines, and spirits from destinations around the globe, as well as special tastings/samplers.

Every evening, travelers will be able to enjoy a new Celebration Happy Hour event at Latitudes, hosted by the entertainment team and celebrating special occasions and milestones like birthdays and anniversaries.

The Gateway will include the 2nd seagoing restaurant by world-renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, Emeril’s Bistro 1397, with a twist. The menu will not only include guest favorites from Carnival Mardi Gras but will also feature the best of international cuisines presented with a special flair for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The venue will offer seating along the promenade’s walkway and a dedicated and intimate dining area with ocean views.

The Gateway will also have a large digital map display showcasing the location of all Carnival’s ships around the globe in real-time. The zone will host the recently revealed bar & lounge, The Golden Jubilee, which ties into the theme of travel, celebrating Carnival’s 50 years and the Fun Ships.

The ship’s MDRs adjacent to The Gateway will pay homage to the company’s history, with the forward Carnivale Restaurant, named after Carnival’s 2nd ship, and the aft Festivale Restaurant, named after Carnival’s 3rd ship.

Adjacent are also passenger favorites including Carnival Kitchen, Limelight Lounge, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

The Gateway is the final zone of Carnival Celebration, joining Celebration Central, 820 Biscayne, The Ultimate Playground, Lido, and Summer Landing zones.

Carnival Celebration cruise ship

Carnival Celebration will be the 2nd CCL liner to be LNG-powered (by Liquefied Natural Gas), and will feature BOLT, the award-winning "roller coaster at sea" positioned top-deck.

Carnival Celebration is scheduled to debut in November 2022 from PortMiami's redesigned "Terminal F" (CCL's 3rd in Miami) and CCL's biggest in South Florida. Terminal F will be also shore-power ready in 2023.

Additional details on Carnival Celebration are to be revealed in the coming months leading up to the newbuild’s inaugural sailing from PortMiami on November 21st.