Carnival Celebration: An Honest Full Ship Review

Overview: Excel-Class Perfection? Carnival Celebration launched in November 2022 as Carnival's tribute to its 50th anniversary. It's the second ship in the Excel class (after Mardi Gras) and nearly identical in layout, though Celebration homeports from Miami rather than Port Canaveral . At 183,521 GT and capacity for 5,374 passengers at double occupancy, it's one of the largest ships in the Carnival fleet and one of the most ambitious. The Six Zones Like Mardi Gras, Celebration is organized into six themed zones, each with its own cluster of restaurants, bars, and entertainment. This is a clever design solution to the "mega-ship" problem — instead of one giant ship with one identity, you get six mini-destinations that feel distinct even as you move between them: The French Quarter: Jazz bar, Cajun-inspired restaurant, New Orleans vibe. Excellent for evening cocktails. La Piazza: Italian square with excellent Pizzeria del Capitano (free, outstanding pizza) and coffee bar. Summer Landin…