Carnival Celebration

The 2022-built Carnival Celebration cruise ship is the Carnival Cruise Line fleet’s second newest and largest vessel from the Carnival XL-Class. It was constructed by Meyer Werft at the Turku Shipyard in Finland. As with all "Fun Ships," the vessel is owned by Carnival Corporation—the world’s largest cruise company.

The vessel (IMO number 9837456) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001223) and registered in Nassau. Prior to entering service in the U.S., the ship was Panama-flagged (MMSI 352898755).

The XL-Class design is similar to the HELIOS-Class vessels built for Carnival Corporation’s brands Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises (constructed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany).

Other EXCELLENCE-Class sisterships include Carnival Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Jubilee (2023), Carnival Festivale (2027), and Carnival Tropicale (2028).

The XL-Class design features a new red-white-navy blue hull and was developed by Bluarch Architecture (New York City). Carnival Celebration measures 1,130 ft (344 m) in length and accommodates 5,200 passengers at double occupancy. Among the world’s largest cruise ships, she incorporates advanced maritime technology and several fleet- and industry-first innovations.

Like her sistership, Celebration is home to the fleet’s second roller coaster—BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster. Designed by Maurer Rides (Munich, Germany), the all-electric coaster features 244 m (800 ft) of track with twists, drops, and speeds up to 64 kph (40 mph). Riders (in motorbike-style vehicles) soar 57 m (187 ft) above the sea and enjoy 360-degree ocean views before a final high-speed loop around the funnel.

On January 25, 2019, Carnival revealed the ship would feature six themed neighborhoods: Celebration Central, The Gateway (equivalent to Mardi Gras’ French Quarter), Lido-Pool, 820 Biscayne (equivalent to La Piazza), Summer Landing, and The Ultimate Playground.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Celebration staterooms total 2,641 and are offered in 22 categories, including 2-deck duplex suites and 80 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Over 70% of all accommodations are oceanview, and 300 pairs are connecting/family cabins. All bathrooms feature glass-door showers and in-shower shaving bars—a first for the fleet.

The ship has 18 decks, of which 15 are accessible to passengers and 11 house staterooms.

Cabin balconies are accessed via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Rooms are equipped with modern features like new-style sofabeds with storage footstools, under-bed storage, bedside reading lamps, glass-door mini-fridges, abundant shelving, USB/power outlets (at the vanity and bedside), and large wardrobes with folding shelves, shoe racks, and pull-out bins.

Like Vista-class ships, Celebration offers Havana staterooms with private patios and direct access to an exclusive Sundeck with loungers, a bar, and a pool. Family Harbor cabins (near Camp Ocean) have direct access to the Family Harbor Lounge. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms offer upgraded bath amenities, premium robes and slippers, and exclusive Spa access.

Carnival Celebration features over 180 suites in 11 categories, including 32 new "Carnival Excel" suites in four classes. These suites offer upgraded VIP perks and exclusive access to Loft 19—a private, open-air sundeck. All suites include priority boarding/debarkation, bottled water upon arrival, priority main dining room seating, and plush bathrobes. Excel Suite guests enjoy additional benefits:

• Dedicated concierge phone line
• Unlimited access to Loft 19
• Guaranteed specialty dining times (excluding Bonsai Teppanyaki and Chef’s Table)
• Complimentary room service, laundry, and Bottomless Bubbles soda package
• Fresh fruit basket and sparkling wine on arrival
• Upgraded bath amenities

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Carnival Celebration features the fleet’s largest atrium and top-deck open areas.

• The Gateway (Decks 6-7 aft) includes restaurants and bars and connects to the two-deck Promenade and the jazz-themed lounge "The Golden Jubilee", which offers hand-crafted cocktails and live music.
• 820 Biscayne (Deck 8 midship) is a Miami-themed area with Miami Slice Pizzeria (24-hour), Cucina del Capitano, Bar 820 (retro bar with cocktails and live music), and Deco Deli (classic deli sandwiches).
• Summer Landing (Deck 8 aft) hosts Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (BBQ by Guy Fieri), The Watering Hole (outdoor bar), ParchedPig Brewery, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge. The area includes an infinity pool (Patio Pool), two Jacuzzis, an outdoor stage, a sports bar with indoor/outdoor TVs, and spaces for trivia, dancing, and arts & crafts.
• Heroes Tribute Lounge (developed with Operation Homefront) offers comfortable seating, large TVs for sports, and honors military families and veterans.
• Lido (Decks 16-17 aft) features BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Seafood Shack, and new eateries like "Street Eats" (grab-and-go options) and "Big Chicken by Shaq" (take-away chicken bar).

The Ultimate Playground (Decks 18-20 aft) is a family-friendly outdoor zone with the fleet’s largest Carnival WaterWorks (aqua park), an expanded SportSquare (sports complex), and the BOLT roller coaster.

The new Carnival Celebration also features CCL's signature venues, including Serenity (adults-only retreat), Alchemy Bar, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

The Gateway Zone/Promenade

"The Gateway" (2-deck zone, aft on Decks 6-7) is inspired by land-based terminals and transportation hubs, offering a wide array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options—some of which are fleet firsts. The indoor Promenade features 12 UHD virtual windows (each 9.5x5 inches / 24x13 cm) and a 100-inch (254 cm) LED ceiling, enhanced with a modern sound and lighting system. These multimedia panels display tranquil scenes, global attractions, and real-time sky views.

A large digital map shows the real-time location of all Carnival ships across the fleet.

On Deck 6 (midship), The Gateway houses Latitudes Bar—featuring travel-themed decor and a split-flap display board listing daily menus of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The bar hosts Celebration Happy Hour, private parties, and special events. Additional venues include Emeril’s Bistro 1397 (by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse), The Golden Jubilee lounge, Carnivale Restaurant, Carnival Kitchen, and a Conference Room.

Deck 7 in The Gateway features Limelight Lounge, Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Dreams Studio. Festivale Restaurant, one of the main dining rooms (MDRs), spans both Decks 6 and 7 aft.

Celebration Central Atrium

Celebration Central (midship, Decks 6-8) is a multi-functional, expanded atrium combining daytime leisure and nighttime entertainment. It features a bar lounge with starboard-side ocean views through triple-deck floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Deck 6 lobby level has a Center Stage (portside) for live performances and is served by Tropicale Bar. Deck 7 is integrated with the Casino Lounge and served by Aquaria Bar, which showcases glass murals by Luciano Vistosi (originally from Carnival Victory). Deck 8 provides access to Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki.

Grand Central boasts 3,000 ft² (280 m²) of glass panels, offering unobstructed sea views in a relaxed setting.

During the day, Celebration Central is ideal for drinks, light bites, live music, or trivia games. At night, it transforms into a performance venue featuring comedy, dancing, aerial acrobatics, and laser shows—enhanced by 16 LED screens (each 6x14 ft / 1.8x4.3 m), synchronized with multimedia and special effects.

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

The main dining rooms on Carnival Celebration offer select steakhouse items for an additional charge. The Lido Buffet Restaurant remains a complimentary staple. The New England-style Seafood Shack offers indoor/outdoor seating and an à la carte menu that includes steamed lobster, lobster rolls, fried clams, shrimp, and crab cakes (starting at $4).

Bonsai Teppanyaki (within Bonsai Sushi on Promenade-Havana Deck) serves authentic Japanese cuisine with a live cooking show at 8-seat tables. The experience includes five appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks), combo dinners, and desserts like Chocolate Bento Box and Green Tea Ice Cream. Open for lunch (sea days) and dinner daily; reservations required.

The Chef's Table (VIP experience for 12 guests) includes a multicourse dinner hosted by the Master Chef, with a private cocktail reception and galley tour. It’s available onboard for USD 75 per person.

Chef Emeril Lagasse’s specialty restaurant (Deck 6, The Gateway zone) offers New Orleans-inspired dishes. Menu items include muffulettas, po-boys, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster. Breakfast items include Shrimp & Grits and Shrimp Creole Omelet. Appetizers are priced at $2, and entrées at $12.

New XL-class-exclusive venues include:

• RedFrog Tiki Bar: A 2-level, South Pacific-inspired poolside bar with tiki decor and tropical cocktails like Polynesian Punch and Jungle Bird, served in souvenir glasses or pineapples.
• The Watering Hole: Located at Summer Landing’s Patio, it offers backyard-style drinks and Carnival-branded beers (draft and canned).
• Street Eats: A grab-and-go venue near Seafood Shack, with rotating kiosks serving steamed, fried, and grilled food like bao buns, satay, and empanadas.
• Bar 820: A retro lounge (part of 820 Biscayne) offering Cuban coffee, cocktails, and frozen beverages.

Celebration is home to Carnival's third “Big Chicken by Shaq” restaurant, located aft on the Lido Deck. Menu items were developed by Shaquille O'Neal and are based on his personal favorites.

Rudi's Seagrill (by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin) is a specialty seafood restaurant with indoor (80 seats) and outdoor dining (Lanai/Deck 8). Menu highlights include Lemon-Stuffed Grilled Branzino, Salt-Roasted Prawns, Broiled Lobster Tails, and whimsical food-face presentations for appetizers, entrées, and desserts.

Lido Deck’s 2-story area includes the largest Guy's Burger Joint at sea, BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican), Seafood Shack, and the Lido Marketplace (buffet). This area also features Beach Pool (midship), Tides Pool (aft infinity pool), and the Seaside Theater for Dive-In Movies.

Complete list of Carnival Celebration restaurants and food bars:

• Festivale Restaurant (2-level main dining room, aft)
• Carnivale Restaurant (complimentary, dinner-only dining room)
• Emeril’s Bistro 1397 (Deck 6, à la carte)
• Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki (Japanese specialty dining)
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (premium steak and seafood)
• The Chef’s Table (VIP dining experience)
• Miami Slice Pizzeria (24-hour pizza) and Cucina del Capitano (seafood, Deck 8/820 Biscayne)
• Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and ParchedPig Brewery (Summer Landing)
• Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, and Guy’s Burger Joint (Lido)
• Lido Marketplace (buffet)
• Big Chicken by Shaq (Lido)
• Rudi’s Seagrill (Deck 8, specialty seafood restaurant)
• RedFrog Tiki Bar
• The Watering Hole
• Street Eats
• Deco Deli (Deck 8/820 Biscayne, complimentary deli sandwiches)
• Chibang! (Deck 16/Lido, Chinese-Mexican fusion)

In January 2018, CCL introduced four new craft beers (by brewmaster Colin Presby), available at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse onboard Carnival Horizon and XL-class ships. The beers were inspired by the venue’s BBQ offerings.

• "ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale" is a lightly hopped beer with a dry finish.
• "ParchedPig Smoked Porter" is brewed with in-house smoked malt, hickory smoke, and molasses.
• "ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale" features a rich amber color with notes of toasted caramel and biscuit.
• "ParchedPig West Coast IPA" is a traditional West Coast-style India Pale Ale, known for its strong bitterness and distinct pine and citrus aroma.

The current draft beer selection brewed onboard includes ThirstyFrog Red (clean and light), ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin' IPA (floral with passion fruit and citrus notes), ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat (unfiltered lager with banana and spice aromas), FriskyFrog Java Stout (coffee hints), ParchedPig West Coast IPA (citrus and pine), ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale (toasted caramel and biscuit), Miami Guava (featuring pink guava), ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale (dry), ParchedPig Smoked Porter (smoked malt and molasses), ParchedPig Beach Lager (golden ale available on tap and in cans), and Carnival Birthday Beer (golden ale introduced in 2022 for Carnival's 50th Anniversary).

Shipboard Entertainment Options – Fun and Sports

The Carnival Celebration's outdoor activity area, "The Ultimate Playground" (2 decks high), features SkyCourse, SportSquare, and the fleet’s largest Carnival WaterWorks aqua park. Highlights include three spiraling waterslides, a two-lane racing slide, a tipping water bucket, and the "BOLT – Ultimate Sea Coaster," the second rollercoaster at sea.

SkyCourse (600 ft / 183 m) is a signature ropes course and part of SportSquare, which also includes mini-bowling, mini-golf, a clubhouse, ping pong, a jogging track, interactive games, and arcade basketball.

Located on Deck 19, Loft 19 is an exclusive adults-only retreat designed like a premium resort. It offers a swimming pool, sunbathing areas with cabanas, full bar service, and concierge service. Cabanas come stocked with drinks, chilled towels, plush robes, and offer lunch and fruit delivery. Carnival Excel Suite guests receive priority access to reservations.

Below is the complete list of Carnival Celebration lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for guests of all ages:

• Family Harbor Lounge – a family space with 24-hour complimentary snacks, concierge and babysitting services, movies, video games, and board games.
• Celebration Theater – the main venue for grand productions featuring music, dance, and special effects.
• Punchliner Comedy Club – comedy shows, karaoke, and art auctions.
• Piano Bar 88 – themed music nights and singalongs with a resident pianist.
• JavaBlue Cafe – open from 7-10 am and 4 pm-12:30 am, offering specialty coffee and pastries.
• Havana Bar – Cuban café with live Latin music in the evening, transforming into a Latin nightclub after midnight.
• Cherry on Top – a candy and sweets shop with confections, fudge, and cupcakes.
• The Fun Shops – duty-free retail stores (open 8 am – midnight).
• Special Occasions Shop – sells Bon Voyage gifts, cruise packages, and specialty items.
• Empress Casino – Vegas-style casino with coinless slot machines and gaming tables.
• Limelight Lounge – live music, karaoke, and comedy performances.
• Lanai Promenade – outdoor area with bar service from the Lanai BBQ Bar.
• Alchemy Bar – vintage-themed cocktail bar with handcrafted drinks.
• Dreams Studio – professional photo sessions.
• Pixels Photo Gallery & Shop – professional photography and equipment sales.
• Havana Pool – exclusive pool area with palm trees for Havana stateroom guests.
• Tides Pool – aft pool flanked by two Jacuzzis and served by Tides Bar.
• Circle C – lounge for kids ages 12-14.
• Club O2 – teen lounge (ages 15-17).
• Warehouse – video arcade.
• Camp Ocean – youth activity program for various age groups.
• Creative Cove – art and crafts room for kids.
• Dr. Seuss Bookville – themed playroom and library with character activities.
• Cloud 9 Spa – full-service wellness complex.
• The Fitness Center – complimentary gym.
• Loft 19 – VIP retreat with pool, cabanas, and bar service.

Serenity is Carnival Celebration’s complimentary adults-only retreat (21+). Located forward, it features two large infinity whirlpools with glass walls, massage huts, cabanas, and Fresh Creations salad station. The Serenity Bar serves drinks from 8 am to 10 pm. The area is furnished with hammocks, plush seating, shaded loungers, and decorative trees.

Carnival Celebration introduced the "Turtles" program at Camp Ocean for toddlers under age two. Activities include Turtle Playdates, Turtle Band, Baby Turtle Trek, drop-off time, and babysitting. The "Nautical Explorer" program features maritime-themed learning like cruise ship design.

The Golden Jubilee (in The Gateway) is a New Orleans-themed jazz lounge with vintage decor and artifacts from previous Carnival ships, including:

• Round windows mimicking traditional portholes.
• Recreated furniture from TSS Carnivale and Carnival Fascination.
• Original etched-glass partition wall from TSS Mardi Gras casino.
• Brass-and-glass nightclub doors and etched instrument artwork.
• Reproductions of sketches by designer Joe Farcus.
• Bronze statue of Carnival founder Ted Arison.
• A 2-deck-high ceiling with a brass chandelier and a cocktail menu highlighting Carnival's popular drinks over the decades.

The Ultimate Playground spans two decks and includes Carnival WaterWorks, SportSquare, and the BOLT rollercoaster.

Carnival partnered with Broadway and West End directors to develop new Playlist Productions shows for Celebration:

• "Celestial Strings" – classical music blended with modern pop.
• "Soulbound" – gothic and New Orleans-themed with R&B music.
• "Vintage Pop" – Gatsby-era jazz interpretations of modern songs performed by a live jazz band.
• "Amor Cubano" – Latin dance romance show featuring a 7-piece Cuban band (also on Carnival Horizon).

Carnival Celebration’s shopping includes nine collections such as the 50th Birthday line, 305 Deco Celebration (Miami-themed), customizable apparel, Romero Britto artwork, Effy jewelry, LVMH luxury brands, ICONIC London makeup, Ariana Grande perfumes, Cuervo y Sobrinos watches, destination-themed items, and Carnival-branded souvenirs. Shops are spread across all zones. The Carnival Store (Deck 8) has an interactive floor. The Luxury Vintage Retail boutique promotes sustainable fashion.

Fleet-first entertainment includes aerial performances, grand shows, parties, and themed events. New programs in Playlist Productions and Center Stage include:

• "Color My World" – indie rock and pop love story with dance and live painting.
• "Rio Carnival" – Brazilian festival with samba, forró, bossa nova, and more.
• "The Most Magnificent Circus" – aerialist show with performers flying above the audience.
• "We Are One" – music production hosted at Center Stage.

"Visual Symphony" at Center Stage features LED screen visuals, lasers, and classic rock music, directed by aerialist Jason Whicker.

In addition to favorites like "Love and Marriage," "Family Feud Live," and "Deal or No Deal," Carnival Celebration debuts new events like "Cash Bash" (casino game), "Guess That Groove" (dance contest), "What’s Age Got to Do With It" (family trivia), and "Celebration Happy Hour" (Latitudes Bar).

Itineraries

Carnival Celebration operates year-round Caribbean roundtrips from Miami, Florida, homeported at the new "Carnival Terminal 3" (CT3). Her maiden voyage departed on November 6, 2022— a 14-day "Carnival Journeys" transatlantic crossing from Southampton, UK to Miami, with stops in Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain).

Her Caribbean schedule (6- to 8-day roundtrips) began on November 21, 2022. Western Caribbean itineraries include Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya) and Honduras (Roatan). Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit Dominican Republic (Amber Cove), Puerto Rico (San Juan), St. Maarten (Philipsburg), and USVI (St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie). Southern Caribbean voyages feature the Dutch Antilles: Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire (Kralendijk), and Curacao (Willemstad).

The vessel's name—Carnival Celebration (IMO number 9837456)—was officially announced on August 21, 2020. The ship’s 2022 debut (inaugurated in November at PortMiami) coincided with Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th anniversary. Her sistership, Mardi Gras, was originally scheduled to debut on February 6, 2021, sailing from Port Canaveral. Carnival’s 50th Birthday was celebrated in March 2022 through a series of commemorative Sailabration cruises, offering special itineraries and onboard entertainment.

CCL President Christine Duffy remarked, “The name Carnival Celebration couldn’t be more perfect for a ship that will be a key component of our 50th Birthday festivities... Carnival Celebration is our 50th Birthday present to our guests!”

Like many other large and modern newbuilds, Carnival Celebration is LNG-powered. The ship is equipped with four Caterpillar Marine LNG engines (MaK 16M-46DF) generating a total output of 57.2 MW. Propulsion is provided by two azimuth thrusters with a combined output of 37 MW. The vessel features three cryogenic steel LNG tanks with a total capacity of approximately 3,200 m³—two large tanks (35 m long, 8 m diameter, 1,525 m³ each) and one smaller tank (28 m long, 5 m diameter, 520 m³). Bunkering takes around 8 hours, and the LNG supply is sufficient for approximately 14 days of operation.

For LNG bunkering in Florida (at PortMiami and Port Canaveral), Carnival partnered with Royal Dutch Shell plc as the fuel supplier.

The shipbuilding order (Meyer Turku yard/hull number 1397) was placed on September 6, 2016. Construction at Turku Shipyard, Finland officially began on January 13, 2021, with a steel-cutting ceremony attended by Ben Clement (CCL Senior VP of Newbuilds, Refurbishments and Product Innovation) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku CEO).

The ship was floated out from drydock on February 11, 2022. The float-out event was attended by Tim Meyer and Ben Clement. The coin ceremony (June 15, 2022) was attended by Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Chief Engineer Fabien Gervaise, Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri, and representatives from CCL’s New Build team and Meyer Turku.

On November 2, 2022, Carnival Celebration was officially delivered from Meyer Turku to Carnival Cruise Line. The ceremony was attended by Tim Meyer and Christine Duffy. The maiden voyage departed from Southampton on November 6, 2022.

Senior officers of the ship include Captain Vincenzo Alcaras (with CCL since 1996, captain since 2006), Chief Engineer Fabien Gervaise (with CCL since 2000, chief engineer since 2013), and Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri (with CCL since 2004).

On June 16, 2022, at Port Mobile (Alabama), a vintage 1934 Rolls Royce Saloon was offloaded from Carnival Ecstasy. The car, which had been displayed outside Ecstasy’s Rolls Royce Café, was later shipped to Finland and placed onboard Carnival Celebration at Meyer Turku. In February 2022, Carnival announced the retirement of Carnival Ecstasy (1991-built) and Carnival Sensation (1993-built).

Sea trials for Carnival Celebration began on September 5, 2022, in the Archipelago Sea (Turku Archipelago, northeastern Baltic Sea). During the trials, ship officers, engineers, and technicians conducted thorough tests of the vessel’s technical, mechanical, and navigational systems, including maneuvering, speed, thrusters, and steering. The trials were overseen by Captain Vincenzo Alcaras.

The ship’s name honors the legacy of MS Celebration (1987-built, scrapped in 2021 as Grand Celebration), the last of Carnival’s Holiday-class liners. Sisterships included MS Jubilee (1986-built, scrapped in 2017 as "Henna") and MS Holiday (1985-built, scrapped in 2021 as CMV Magellan).

The official naming ceremony was held on November 20, 2022, at PortMiami and was led by godmother Cassidy Gifford. Cassidy Erin Gifford (born 1993) is an American actress and model, daughter of former NFL player and broadcaster Frank Gifford and TV host Kathie Lee Gifford. Kathie Lee Gifford was the godmother of the original MS Celebration and served as Carnival’s TV spokesperson between 1984 and 2002. Cassidy Gifford began her acting career in 2005 and is known for her roles in “God’s Not Dead” (2014) and “The Gallows” (2015).

Inaugural Cruise Itineraries 2022

In December 2020, Carnival Cruise Line announced the inaugural schedule for the new Carnival Celebration. Below is an overview of the maiden voyage and early Caribbean itineraries:

Maiden Voyage: 14-day Transatlantic crossing from the UK to the USA

• Route: Southampton to Miami
• Operator: RepositionCruises.com
• Fare: from $1140 per person (double occupancy)

Inaugural 6-day Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary ($740 pp)

Inaugural 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary ($690 pp)

Inaugural 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary ($670 pp)

Inaugural 8-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary ($750 pp)

(2023) Inaugural 5-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary ($430 pp)

Godspeed!