We were invited to spend an evening on the new Carnival Celebration, a sister ship to the Mardi Gras, celebrating Carnival Cruise Line's 50th anniversary as it sails out of Miami.
The ship has six Zones — what Carnival calls themed areas. With restaurants, activities and bars spread across each, intricate details outline a luxurious experience amid the ship's intimate hallways.
We came away most impressed by those details; restaurants are uniquely themed—both in design and menu—around blends of cultures and cuisines, a roller coaster track lines one of the ship's primary stair cases (evocative of the working coaster atop the ship).
Much of the ship is lined with shades of green and dressed in gold, remarking a decadence befitting to its titular celebration. Weaving between numerous eateries and bars and the ship's casino denotes elegance and excitement, making the ship an adult-friendly destination with ample opportunity for lavish nightlife.
It is equally as impressive in its family-centric opportunities, with sizeable pools, plenty activities on the upper decks and child clubs that are as impressive as it gets. The Dr. Seuss-themed reading room was an especially impressive standout, with loads of books and a vibrant atmosphere creating something that felt like an imaginative play place more than a standard daycare.
The dedication to detail is found across the ship's decor and in the design of its restaurants and bars. An abundance in variety should match the tastes of most guests, with enough options present to see that the adventurous don't get the same experience twice.
We were treated to dinner at Festivale, where we discovered rich flavors among our pumpkin and three cheese soup, Cajun ship, filet mignon and chicken.
The rooms on board were bright and contained what we felt to be adequate, standard space for a stateroom, though the real impressiveness came with the suites. Enormous, they featured extended balconies complete with tables, seating and a fireplace. The spaciousness makes it perfect to share with family or friends, and any family should find more than enough room for living on the seas.
Though its details denote luxury and excitement, the Carnival Celebration left us with the impression that the cruise line is continuing to elevate its offerings as it turns 50, delivering a cruise ship packed with features and experiences we cannot wait to return to for a full vacation.
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