Carnival Celebration is no shrinking violet. Big, bold and sassy, this floating resort embodies the fun ship vibe that Carnival Cruise Line’s 29-strong fleet is renowned for. At its unveiling in 2022, the 5,282-passenger leviathan was the second liquefied natural gas-powered ship from Carnival, a leader in adapting to LNG.
Overall score 8/10
Style and Character 8/10
Carnival Celebration lives up to its name as a modern party ship thanks to contemporary interiors, led by the breath-taking Celebration Central – a vast entertainment space rising three decks that provides a spectacular setting for live shows. Six different zones bring a contrasting feel to indoor spaces.
Underpinning the ship’s character is the lively vibe running from bow to stern, especially during evenings when a line-up of parties, shows, and games gets into full swing. Guests, who are largely made up of Americans, throw themselves into this social whirl with gusto, so this definitely isn’t a ship for anyone wanting a quiet sailing or an intimate boutique cruise experience. It’s full in-your-face fun or nightmare – depending on your viewpoint.
Cabins 8/10
Crisp, fresh and contemporary best sums up Carnival Celebration’s accommodation mix in a refreshing palette of ivory and blues, with compact en-suite bathrooms finished in pale oak trim and with good storage space. Design tweaks include plentiful USB charger and plug points, and innovative twists such as an ottoman cushion that flips over to become an extra table and unobtrusive reading lights.
There’s a good mix of interior, ocean view and balcony cabins, including Havana rooms with their own private deck area featuring a bar and pool. There are Cloud 9 Spa cabins plus Family Harbor ones distinguished with nautical décor and access to a dedicated lounge which serves breakfast and snacks, and also offers family movies and video games. Suites come with exclusive perks, including priority status for embarking and disembarking, plus complimentary access to Loft 19 – a private deck area.
Food and Drink 7/10
There’s an impressive choice of dining spots and cuisines, with a good proportion included in the cruise fare, while speciality venues are competitively priced. Aside from the two main restaurants and buffet, other complimentary options include the Mexican venue, BlueIguana Cantina, Miami Slice pizza counter or popular fast food outlets Big Chicken and Guy’s Burger Joint.
I was impressed with the fine fare at Steakhouse, costing $52pp, where wines were reasonably priced. My favourite was the novel Chinese and Mexican restaurant, Chibang!, which was free on my first visit and an $8pp on subsequent occasions.
Bars are many and varied, with the travel-themed Latitudes Bar, the old-style glamour of the Art Deco-style Golden Jubilee lounge and bar, and the sizzling Latin beat of the Havana Bar.
Service and Facilities 7/10
Leading Celebration’s on-board attractions is a “sea coaster” called Bolt. This small rollercoaster weaves around the top deck and looks great fun, but if you want a ride, go early as it gets booked up. In my case, it was cancelled without explanation.
There’s a large water park and ropes course, an adult-only deck retreat that is complimentary (so it fills up fast), and the Cloud 9 spa and thermal suite. I found the staff across the ship were helpful and efficient, but high guest numbers sometimes meant long queues, especially at reception.
Entertainment and Excursions 8/10
As its name suggests, Carnival Celebration knows how to throw a party for its exuberant guests with deck dance raves, movie nights, comedy club acts, excellent Latino bands in the Havana Bar (which was packed every night during my sailing), karaoke, game shows and impressive productions in the main Center Stage theatre where talent, chutzpah and attitude were rolled up with high-tech special effects.
Shore excursions on my Caribbean voyage encompassed water sports, buggy tours and boat trips, but prices mounted up with a snorkelling and stingray adventure in Grand Turk in the Caribbean costing $94.99 per adult and $84.99 per child, and a truck safari in the Dominican Republic costing $99.99 per adult and $89.99 per child.
Value for Money 8/10
Sailings are keenly priced, and Carnival Celebration gives a decent bang for your buck. Like other American lines, service fees of 20 per cent are charged on bar and spa bills, while there’s a daily gratuity of $16 in standard cabins. Drinks prices are reasonable, and there are special offers (sometimes as much as 50 per cent off), and speciality dining charges are lower than the norm. However, the headline thrill ride, Bolt, comes with a $15pp charge.
Access for guests with disabilities?
As a modern ship, Carnival Celebration has been designed to accommodate less able-bodied guests. Facilities include 82 accessible cabins, pool hoists, accessible routes around the ship, tactile controls in elevators and accessible tables in dining venues.
Family-friendly?
Carnival Celebration was made for families, including multi-generational groups, and admirably caters for them with family-oriented accommodation, age-specific kids’ clubs and a full programme of family activities and attractions.
About our expert
Sara Macefield
After finding her sea legs 20 years ago, Sara has gone on an estimated 200 voyages (and counting) across the world’s oceans and rivers, with Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands scoring as all-time favourites.