Carnival Celebration
Excel (XL) class · Caribbean & Bahamas
The second Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration entered service in 2022 for Carnival's 50th anniversary. It is based in Miami year-round and alternates seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Like Mardi Gras, it is divided into themed zones and features the BOLT roller coaster, a water park, and numerous specialty restaurants. Miami's convenient airport access makes flights from Japan and transfers to the port relatively easy. Itineraries often include the private Bahamian destination Celebration Key, where Carnival facilities are also available. This is a key feature of the current Carnival fleet.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9837456)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
No Japanese language support
Payment in yen not accepted
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholExtra charge
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiExtra charge
- Specialty diningExtra charge
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
Main dining, buffet meals, and many included food items are covered. Alcohol, Wi-Fi, automatic gratuities, and paid specialty restaurants require separate payment or packages such as Cheers!.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$8
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and water$3.75
- Extra chargeDrink packageCheers! beverage package: $69.95/day when purchased in advance to $74.95/day when purchased after boarding. The effective price is about $83.94-$89.94/day including the 20% automatic service charge. Available only to guests aged 21 or older; alcohol is limited to 15 drinks per 24 hours.
- Extra chargeWi‑FiSocial $20.40 (pre-purchase)/$22.00 (onboard); Value $23.80 (pre-purchase)/$26.00 (onboard); Premium $25.50 (pre-purchase)/$28.00 (onboard; 24-hour pass $35).
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)$17.00 per day ($19.00 per day for suites; raised by $1 on April 2, 2026). The service charge on food and drinks was raised from 18% to 20% in December 2025.
- Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)$199+
- Extra chargeLaundryExcel-class ships, including Carnival Celebration, have no coin-operated self-service laundry. Only paid laundry and pressing services are available.
- Shore excursionsYear-round 7-day cruises round-trip from Miami primarily visit Eastern and Western Caribbean ports such as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Philipsburg in Sint Maarten, and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shore excursions are optional and cost extra.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Miami (Florida, USA, PortMiami Terminal F/Carnival Terminal 3, year-round home port since November 2022)
- Departure ports: Miami
- All ages
- Launched in November 2022 as the second Excel-class ship to mark Carnival Cruise Line's 50th anniversary, the Golden Jubilee. The ship is organized into six zones, including The Gateway and The Ultimate Playground, with the BOLT roller coaster, a water park, and varied specialty restaurants. Commemorative touches such as The Golden Jubilee bar add to its lively, casual atmosphere.
- Mainly operates Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida. Because Miami is a major cruise port, passengers come from a wide range of U.S. regions, including Florida, the Northeast, and the Midwest. Families and casual repeaters make up the main clientele.
Like its sister ships Mardi Gras and Jubilee, Carnival Celebration uses a dual-fuel engine powered primarily by LNG (liquefied natural gas). As the second Excel-class ship, it is reportedly designed to significantly reduce SOx and particulate-matter emissions.
Ship character
- • Families
- • First-time cruisers
- • Travelers valuing Miami airport access
- • Caribbean cruise regulars
- • Travelers seeking a quiet atmosphere
- • Travelers needing Japanese-language support
- • People who prefer small-ship intimacy
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
3 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- Personal blogJapaneseameblo.jp
ameblo.jp · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishCarnival Celebration Review 2026: My Honest Cruise Experience - Sea Life with Stacy
sealifewithstacy.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishCarnival Celebration Cruise Vlog Day 1 Embarkation: Coaster Cruise Begins!
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
English text in preparation.
Sources
- Officialcarnival.com
- Secondary sourcecruiseindustrynews.com
- Secondary sourcecarnival-news.com
- Encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org
- Secondary sourcemaritime-executive.com
- Secondary sourcetravelagentcentral.com
- Secondary sourcecarnival-news.com (2)
- Secondary sourcecruisefever.net
- Secondary sourcehelp.goccl.com
- Officialcarnival.com (2)
- Officialcarnival.com (3)
- Officialcarnival.com (4)
- Officialcarnival.com (5)
- Secondary sourcecarnival-news.com (3)
- Officialcarnival.com (6)
- Officialcarnival.com (7)
- Officialcarnival.com (8)
- Officialcarnival.com (9)
- Officialcarnival.com (10)
- Officialcarnival.com (11)
- Officialcarnival.com (12)
- Officialcarnival.com (13)
- Officialcarnival.com (14)
- Officialcarnival.com (15)
- Officialcarnival.com (16)
- Secondary sourcegangwaze.com
- Secondary sourcegangwaze.com (2)
- Secondary sourcegangwaze.com (3)
- Secondary sourceeatsleepcruise.com
- Secondary sourcethecarnivalcruiseblog.com
- Secondary sourcethepointsguy.com
- Secondary sourceshinecruise.com
- Secondary sourceshinecruise.com (2)
- Secondary sourcecruisefever.net (2)
- Secondary sourcedeeparrival.com
- Secondary sourcecruisekick.com
- Secondary sourcetravelagewest.com
Source: Wikipedia “Carnival Celebration” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Interior Stateroom The lowest-priced category onboard, at about 160 square feet (about 15 m²) as standard. There are no windows or balconies, but a larger Premium Interior of about 200 square feet (about 19 m²) is also available. Designed like sister ship Jubilee, some rooms accommodate 4 guests with sofa beds or ceiling pull-down beds for families. 818 cabins / Widely distributed across decks 4–17 (broad range from low to high levels) | 14–17 m² (151–183 ft²) | 2-4 people Queen bed (convertible to twin beds) + sofa bed or ceiling-mounted pull-down bed; some cabins accommodate up to 4 people. | Connecting | Check the official page |
Ocean View Stateroom These rooms have no balcony but feature ocean-view windows, with about 245 square feet (about 23 m²), providing more space than Interior rooms. Some rooms accommodate up to 4 guests with an additional bed. 175 cabins / Decks 4–5 (mainly low levels) | 17–20 m² (183–215 ft²) | 2-4 people Mainly twin beds (can be joined into a queen depending on room type); some cabins accommodate up to 4 people with a sofa bed or Pullman bed. | WindowConnecting | Check the official page |
Balcony Stateroom The most numerous standard category across all rooms, totaling about 1,415 rooms: about 1,268 Standard Balconies, about 23 Junior Balconies, and about 124 Cove Balconies. Designed like sister ship Jubilee, the upper-grade Extended Balconies are 1.5 times the size of standard balconies. 1,415 cabins / Standard balconies are on decks 9–17, junior balconies on decks 9–16, and Cove balconies (lower level; budget type with partially restricted views) on Deck 5 | 18–24 m² (194–258 ft²) | 2-4 people Twin beds (can be joined into a queen) + sofa bed. Extended balcony cabins have a balcony 1.5 times the usual size. | BalconyConnecting | Check the official page |
Ocean Suite / Excel Suite / Excel Corner Suite / Excel Aft Suite Several tiers are included, centered on Ocean Suites (about 135 rooms, about 290 square feet plus balconies of about 55 square feet), with upper-tier Excel Suites (8 rooms), Excel Corner Suites (14 rooms), and Excel Aft Suites (14 rooms, some with hot tubs on wraparound balconies). There is no dedicated suite lounge like Royal Caribbean's, but benefits include free access to Loft 19 on deck 19 (a private sundeck with an infinity jacuzzi) and priority embarkation and disembarkation. 171 cabins / Ocean Suites are on decks 9–17, Excel Suites on decks 9–12, and Excel Corner/Excel Aft Suites toward the stern on decks 8–15 | 28–56 m² (301–603 ft²) | 2-5 people (varies by cabin type) King bed (convertible to twins) + sofa bed. Higher-level types have an additional pull-out or upper bed. | BalconyConcierge | Check the official page |
Excel Presidential Suite The top suite, considered the largest in the Excel class, with only 2 rooms. It offers about 475–476 square feet indoors plus a balcony of about 645–646 square feet, totaling about 1,120 square feet (about 104 m²), and is considered one of the largest suites in Carnival's history. It includes a private bedroom, living room, walk-in closet, 2 sinks, and a bow-side wraparound balcony with a hot tub, dining table, and 2 sunbeds. 2 cabins / Deck 17 forward (exclusive area, only 2 cabins) | 104 m² (1,119 ft²) | 2-4 people (official description is based on 2 people; sofa beds may allow slightly more) King bed (convertible to twins) in the bedroom, sofa bed in the living room. | BalconyConcierge | Check the official page |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Camp Ocean (feat. Space Cruisers) — A free kids program for children aged 2-11, divided by age group. Carnival Celebration was the first ship to launch the Space Cruisers space education program, created in partnership with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and featuring activities such as building Mars rovers and rockets. The program later expanded to other ships.
- • Dr. Seuss Bookville — A free reading space for kids recreating the world of children's author Dr. Seuss. Storytelling events and other activities are also held.
- • Casino — A casino with slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other table games. Entry is free, but play costs extra and is restricted to guests aged 21 and over.
- • Serenity Adult-Only Retreat — An adults-only retreat area on Deck 18, limited to guests aged 21 and over. In addition to a pool, a bar, and two jacuzzis, it has a salad bar called Fresh Creations (sea days, 12:00-2:30 p.m.). Lounge chairs and the pool are free to use.
- • Cloud 9 Fitness Center — A free fitness area with a gym, cardio machines, and weights (ages 18 and over). Paid group classes such as cycling and yoga are also available.
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Gratuities
- Automatic gratuities are added to your onboard Sail & Sign account for each night of the cruise. The amount can be adjusted, including reduced, at the Guest Services desk.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Both 110V (North American standard) and 220V (European style) are available at cabin outlets.
- Formal nights
- 1 "Cruise Elegant" night is scheduled on cruises of 5 nights or fewer, and 2 on cruises of 6 nights or more. Most are held on sea days (such as day 2 or the last sea day).
- Medical facilities
- Every ship has a permanent medical center, with 1 to 2 doctors and 3 to 5 nurses on board depending on ship size, available 24 hours. It follows CLIA/ACEP standards. Consultations, medication and tests are private-pay (non-insured) services charged separately, and insurance generally cannot be used at the counter; you pay first and then claim.
- Bringing items onboard
- Guests aged 21 and over may bring one unopened 750 ml bottle of wine/champagne per person in carry-on luggage, on embarkation day only (fortified wines over 15% alcohol are not allowed). A corkage fee of $15 per bottle is charged if you drink it in public areas such as the main dining room or bars, but there is no charge for drinking it in your cabin.
- Mobile and connectivity
- Through the maritime roaming partners of major carriers, you can make calls, send SMS and use data on the high seas with your own phone and phone number (displayed as "Cellular at Sea" and the like). Many flat-rate plans are excluded and billed by usage, so checking in advance is essential. To keep costs down, it is common to switch to Wi-Fi calling via a Wi-Fi package.
- Japanese support
- Staff —Menus —Announcements —
Dining
A fare-included, two-level open-plan main dining room (Decks 6-7). It serves breakfast, sea-day brunch, and dinner, and is the Celebration-specific venue corresponding to Jubilee's "Pacific Restaurant."
Hours: Breakfast 7:00 to 9:00, Sea Day Brunch 8:30 to 12:00, dinner 17:30 to 21:00
Another main dining room included in the fare (Deck 6, slightly smaller). Dinner only; it is the Celebration-specific name corresponding to Jubilee's "Atlantic Restaurant." It also hosts a limited-time breakfast event supervised by Dr. Seuss.
Hours: Dinner only. Fixed seating (17:30 or 19:45) or flexible seating (17:30 to 21:00)
A large complimentary buffet on Deck 16. It has the highest usage rate as a casual dining venue.
Hours: Breakfast 6:30 to 11:30, lunch 12:00 to 15:00, dinner 18:00 to 21:30
A cafe on Deck 6 serving coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Most items are complimentary, but some desserts may carry a small additional charge.
Hours: From early morning (around 6:00) to 21:30 (varies)
A complimentary Mexican snack stand on Deck 16. It serves burritos in the morning and tacos, bowls, and more at lunch.
Hours: Breakfast (approximately 7:00 to 10:30); lunch (approximately 12:00 to 15:00)
A fried chicken specialty venue from Shaquille O'Neal's restaurant brand. It is offered as complimentary quick service on Deck 16.
Hours: Breakfast (approximately 7:00 to 11:00); lunch (11:00 to 17:00)
A complimentary burger stand on Deck 17, supervised by popular chef Guy Fieri. Grilled burgers and french fries are the staples.
Hours: Noon to evening (approximately 12:00 to 18:00)
A complimentary stand serving handmade thin-crust pizza (Deck 8). It is the Celebration-specific name corresponding to Jubilee's "Coastal Slice."
Hours: 9:00 to 4:00 the following day (almost all day)
A complimentary deli themed on Miami's Art Deco style. It serves several sandwiches and hot dogs, including Cuban-style sandwiches such as pan con lechon (pulled pork) and croquetas. A dining venue found only on Carnival Celebration (Deck 8, 820 Biscayne zone).
Hours: 12:00 to 22:00
A complimentary dining venue on Deck 8 serving BBQ and ship-brewed beer. Some premium cuts, such as prime rib, may incur an additional charge.
Hours: Breakfast 6:30 or 7:30 to 9:00 or 10:30, lunch 12:00 to 14:30 (Sea Day), dinner 17:30 to 21:30
A free quick-service area themed around food trucks (Deck 16). Three booths—dim sum-style Steam Dream, kebab and satay-focused Mad Sizzle, and loaded fries-focused Time Fries—operate on alternating days.
Hours: 11:30 to around 17:00 (varies by port-call day)
Complimentary soft-serve ice cream stands on Decks 8, 16, and 17.
Hours: Varies by deck (some venues serve food all day)
A fusion dining venue unique to the Excel class (Deck 8), combining Cantonese and Mexican cuisine. Lunch is complimentary; dinner is complimentary on the first visit, and return visits carry a small additional charge.
Hours: Lunch (Sea Day 12:00 to 14:00, free); dinner 17:30 to 21:30 (first visit free, paid from the second visit onward)
An Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, chicken parmesan, and more (Deck 8). The first visit is free, while dinner visits from the second onward may incur a small additional charge.
Hours: Lunch (Sea Day 12:00 to 14:00, free); dinner 17:30 to 21:30 (first visit free, paid from the second visit onward)
24-hour room service. The early-morning light breakfast menu is complimentary, but at other times item-by-item charges and a delivery fee apply.
Hours: 24 hours
A New Orleans restaurant supervised by Chef Emeril Lagasse (Deck 6). Its name is specific to Celebration and refers to the ship's hull number, 1397 (the sister ships use 1396 on Mardi Gras and 717 on Jubilee). Ordering is a la carte with no cover charge.
- Appetizer-focused cuisine (boudin balls, etc.)Around $6
- Main dishes including po'boysAround $3–10
- The Taste of the World (daily special menu featuring flavors from around the world)Around $4–15
A steakhouse focused on premium beef dishes (Deck 7). The prix fixe menu includes an appetizer, main course, side, and dessert. The cover charge reflects the level after the December 2025 service charge increase (18% to 20%).
- Appetizer + main + up to 2 side dishes + dessert course set
- Wine pairing (add-on option)Around +$23 (temporarily using Jubilee pricing because it is common across Excel-class ships)
A prix fixe restaurant on Deck 8 where guests can enjoy teppanyaki performances in front of them. Teppanyaki tables are few, so early reservations are recommended.
- Soup or salad + 3 appetizers + main (choice) + dessert course set$46.02 (lunch)/$57.82 (dinner; service charge included in both)
A Japanese restaurant on Deck 8 serving sushi, sashimi, ramen, and other dishes for an additional charge. There is no cover charge; items are charged individually.
- California rollAround $9
- Spicy rollAround $10
- RamenAround $8
A seafood restaurant supervised by Chef Rudi Sodamin (Deck 8). Exclusive dining for Excel-class ships (Celebration, Jubilee, and Mardi Gras). The cover charge reflects the level after the December 2025 service charge increase.
- Set course of appetizer + main (choice of lobster, scallops, crab-stuffed lobster tail, steak, etc.) + dessert
A casual seafood venue on Deck 16, next to the Lido Deck, serving lobster rolls, crab cakes, fried clams, and other items ordered individually. Every item is paid, on an a la carte basis.
- Lobster rollWithin the $5–22 price range (official prices by specific item unconfirmed)
- Crab cakeWithin the $5–22 price range (official prices by specific item unconfirmed)
- Fried clamsWithin the $5–22 price range (official prices by specific item unconfirmed)
A premium dining experience for a small group, open to guests aged 12 and over (held near the ship's galley, deck not specified). The multi-course dinner includes a galley (kitchen) tour, and early reservations are recommended because it is popular.
- Multi-course chef's choice menu (contents vary by date)
A character breakfast event inspired by the popular works of picture-book author Dr. Seuss. This paid children's themed event is held twice on one designated day during the cruise at the Carnivale Restaurant.
- Tasting course inspired by Green Eggs and Ham (contents vary almost daily)
Facilities and activities
A paid attraction: an electric roller coaster said to be the first at sea, with a top speed of about 40 mph (about 64 km/h). It runs on a dedicated elevated track in the Ultimate Playground zone (Decks 18-19).
A free water park with three spiral slides, tipping buckets, racing slides, and other features. It is located in the Ultimate Playground zone (Decks 18-19).
A casino with slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other table games. Entry is free, but play costs extra and is restricted to guests aged 21 and over.
A free kids program for children aged 2-11, divided by age group. Carnival Celebration was the first ship to launch the Space Cruisers space education program, created in partnership with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and featuring activities such as building Mars rovers and rockets. The program later expanded to other ships.
A paid spa offering thermal suites, massages, and facials. Thermal suite use is included at no charge for the full itinerary in designated Cloud 9 Spa staterooms.
An adults-only retreat area on Deck 18, limited to guests aged 21 and over. In addition to a pool, a bar, and two jacuzzis, it has a salad bar called Fresh Creations (sea days, 12:00-2:30 p.m.). Lounge chairs and the pool are free to use.
A Cuban-themed pool and bar area. Daytime pool access is limited to Havana stateroom guests and others, a distinction not found on Jubilee, and a feature shared by Celebration and Mardi Gras as the first two Excel-class ships. The bar serves Cuban-style cocktails and coffee and is open to all guests.
A free ropes course in the Ultimate Playground zone (Decks 18-19). Guests cross while wearing a harness and looking down over the sea.
A free sports area with mini golf, basketball courts, and other facilities. It is located in the Ultimate Playground zone (Decks 18-19).
An outdoor theater with a large poolside LED screen showing movies and sports broadcasts for free (shared across Excel-class ships; it is not an indoor movie theater).
A free fitness area with a gym, cardio machines, and weights (ages 18 and over). Paid group classes such as cycling and yoga are also available.
A free reading space for kids recreating the world of children's author Dr. Seuss. Storytelling events and other activities are also held.
A commemorative bar celebrating Carnival Cruise Line's 50th anniversary, the Golden Jubilee (Deck 6 midship). It displays artifacts from historic ships and is known for vintage cocktails and live music. The name Jubilee is unrelated to the sister ship Jubilee and refers to Celebration's own 50th-anniversary concept.
An open-air bar serving tropical cocktails and Cuban coffee (Deck 8 midship, with a sister bar outdoors serving the same menu). Suitable for a drink before or after a meal.
A cocktail bar with a distinctive retro pharmacy-style interior. Drinks cost extra.
A bar where guests make requests and sing along to live piano music (Deck 6, open from evening until late night). The show is free, but drinks cost extra. Restricted to guests aged 21 and over after 10 p.m.
A private sundeck on Deck 19 for guests staying in Excel suites and above. Infinity whirlpools and lounge chairs are free to use, while cabanas are available for paid rental with priority booking. It is a shared Excel-class facility also found on Jubilee, but is listed as a Celebration-specific version of the same facility.
A main theater presenting grand-style production shows with full stage direction and lighting. Free performances of original shows by Playlist Productions and others are held.