Carnival Celebration Cruises

| Last updated: January 11, 2026

Ship Overview

Carnival Celebration debuted in November 2022 as the second Excel-class ship, sailing from Miami with BOLT roller coaster, six themed zones, and Carnival's signature fun atmosphere. Sister to Mardi Gras and featuring essentially identical layouts, Celebration delivers the ultimate Carnival experience.

The ship features six distinct zones: Celebration Central (atrium and entertainment), The Ultimate Playground (sports and attractions), 820 Biscayne (Miami-inspired dining), Summer Landing (family-focused relaxation), Lido (classic pool deck), and The Gateway (specialty dining and shopping). Each zone creates unique atmospheres while maintaining Carnival's casual vibe.

BOLT roller coaster remains the star attraction - the first roller coaster at sea sends riders on an 800-foot track 187 feet above the ocean at speeds up to 40 mph. Combined with extensive water features, outstanding dining partnerships, and Carnival's value pricing, Celebration represents the pinnacle of fun ship cruising.

Ship Specifications

Carnival Celebration Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 183,521 GT
- Length: 1,130 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 5,374 (double) / 6,500+ (max)
- Crew: 1,735
- Decks: 17
- Zones: 6 themed neighborhoods
- Home Port: Miami, Florida
- Maiden Voyage: November 2022
- Class: Excel Class

Accommodations

Carnival Celebration Accommodations:
- Excel Suites with exclusive Loft 19 access
- Havana Cabins with private pool access
- Family Harbor cabins with exclusive lounge
- Cove Balcony close to water
- Cloud 9 Spa cabins with thermal suite access
- Standard interior, ocean view, and balcony

Dining Venues

Carnival Celebration Dining:
- Latitudes and Horizons main dining
- Lido Marketplace
- Guy's Burger Joint (free)
- BlueIguana Cantina (free)
- Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
- Bonsai Sushi
- Bonsai Teppanyaki
- Cucina del Capitano Italian
- Rudi's Seagrill
- JiJi Asian Kitchen
- Emeril's Bistro 1396-2
- Shaq's Big Chicken

Entertainment & Activities

Carnival Celebration Entertainment:
- BOLT roller coaster (first at sea)
- Serenity adults-only retreat
- WaterWorks aqua park
- Main pool and entertainment deck
- Playlist Productions shows
- Punchliner Comedy Club
- Piano Bar 88
- Casino
- RedFrog Tiki Bar
- Sports Square

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOLT worth riding?

Absolutely! At $15 per ride, BOLT delivers unique thrills 187 feet above the ocean. The experience includes acceleration, banking turns, and stunning views. Consider unlimited ride packages for multiple experiences.

What's the difference between Celebration and Mardi Gras?

The ships are nearly identical with the same layout, BOLT coaster, and zones. Main differences are minor dining venue variations and decorative themes. Choose based on itinerary and dates rather than ship differences.

Guest Reviews

The Rodriguez Family - Florida ★★★★★
BOLT was worth every penny

Our kids rode BOLT six times and would have done more. Guy's Burger Joint became daily habit. The zones kept everyone exploring. Havana cabins were perfect for late nights by the exclusive pool. Best Carnival cruise ever.

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