carnival cruise celebration

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Carnival Celebration Cruise Guide: Photo Tour, Review, & Things to Know

Carnival Celebration marks the second Excel-class cruise ship built for Carnival’s fleet. A sister to the popular Mardi Gras, the ships mark a push from the cruise line toward vessels that are bigger than the rest of the fleet, carry more people, and offer more to do, see, and eat onboard.

And to say that Carnival Celebration is big is an understatement. At 180,000 gross tons, it’s approximately 35% larger than Vista-class ships, Carnival’s previous build of vessels. Meanwhile, it holds about 5,300 passengers at double occupancy, along with 1,800 crew members.

In short, apart from Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is like nothing else in the fleet. From the restaurants available to all-new entertainment, venues, activities, and more… it has the most of everything in the lineup.

We recently had the opportunity to sail aboard Carnival Celebration. Below, we provide a full guide to sailing on the ship, including a tour, tips, things to know, and our full thoughts.

First Impressions & Ship Highlights

If you want to win someone over, then the first impression is important. In the case of Celebration, that first impression is made as you board right into an area known as Celebration Central. This spot takes over instead of having a typical atrium like you see. It offers a three-deck performance area (complete with stage and video backdrop) where performances are held throughout the entire cruise that’s also combined with a path through the rest of the ship.

But what you quickly realize — even at first — is that there is a lot onboard. Walking through the ship is seemingly a never-ending lineup of bars, restaurants, shops, and venues. And given that Celebration is so much larger than other ships, it also means that while the favorites that are well-known across Carnival are still there, it also has a lot of offerings that aren’t on other ships.

Design/Feel Let’s start with the design and feel of Carnival Celebration. First and foremost, we felt that the design is much more contemporary than other vessels in the fleet. Frankly, we’ve always felt the design of Carnival ships was a bit more dated and wild — especially with older ships. That’s not the case here.

But while the style matches with present-day design, it’s also very comfortable. There is also lots of fun artwork and features around the ship that add to the “fun” feeling. In other words, while some cruise lines try to go toward more high-end (such as Norwegian Cruise Line), Carnival has modernized the design, but not gone away from its roots.

One thing that’s especially unique about Celebration is that it pays homage to Carnival’s history with a number of unique features. In the middle of Deck 6 you’ll see the Rolls-Royce that sailed for decades aboard Carnival Ecstasy. The Golden Jubilee bar features pieces that were part of past Carnival ships. And there is even one of the original engine telegraphs that was part of the Carnivale.

The main activity on the interior of the ship goes from Deck 6 through Deck 8. These three decks run the length of Celebration, with everything from theaters to restaurants to shops to a pool (Deck 8). We found these areas relatively easy to navigate as they run through the ship, though they do wind and weave some. However, just be ready for lots of people on these decks, which can lead to a crowded feel during busy times.

Decks 16-18 at the top of the ship are the pool/outdoor decks. Here you’ll find everything from the main pool to the buffet, an aft pool with bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, the Serenity adults-only area, and the Ultimate Playground.

The Ultimate Playground is the name for the outdoor play area on Deck 18, which includes mini-golf, the waterpark, sport court, ropes course, and the BOLT roller coaster (which is technically Deck 19).

In total, we thought Celebration simply “feels” like a Carnival ship in that it’s approachable and relaxed but also a more modern style. However, we must note that it also feels more crowded than we are used to. With so many people and so many venues, there isn’t much open space on the ship.

Activities & Entertainment One thing about a ship this large is that there is never a shortage of things to do onboard. Between the activities available around Celebration to the entertainment put on by the cruise line, if you’re bored, then it’s your own fault.

Let’s start with the outdoor decks. You have the main pool area, but then you also have the largest Serenity deck that we’ve seen. Then there are other pools at the back of the ship on both Deck 16 and Deck 8. These are all open to everyone.

For more private spots, Celebration has Loft 19 at the very top of the ship with access for suite guests… or you can pay hefty $500 a day to rent a private cabana. There’s also a private Loft 19 pool. And Havana cabins also make an appearance, with their own private pool that I actually thought offered the best views of any pool onboard.

Want something more active? The waterpark on Celebration is complete with three slides that are all fun to ride. As mentioned, there’s the ropes course, as well as a mini-golf course, and a full-sized enclosed basketball court plus the BOLT roller coaster.

Head indoors, and you get the same sort of “Carnival on steroids” vibe.

First, there are two main theaters. The Grand Spectrum sits at the front of the ship. This is your typical theater with a stage and rows of seats. Shows here include Family Feud Live, which is a legit 100% rendition of Family Feud where passengers form the teams and compete to win cruise cash for the trip.

Color My World , as you might guess from the name, is a show all about color. It is performances of songs focused on colors (Paint It Black, Purple Rain, Yellow, etc.), but all given a twist compared to the originals. Then there is the element of large video screens at the back of the stage that serve as the set background. Compared to traditional stage sets, the technology really adds another level to the performance.

But the show you have to see is at Center Stage in Celebration Central, the second theater in the middle of the ship. It is called The Most Magnificent Circus . The show is themed as an old-time eclectic circus. Hanging from the ceiling are several cables with fixtures attached to each.

During the show, performers climb on these items as they rise three decks into the air. From there, they perform all sorts of acrobatics and contortions, spin, and more. Meanwhile, the video background screen offers even more visuals, while other performers move through the crowd and on stage. There can be so much going on that you literally don’t know which area to watch at any time. 

Other things to enjoy include the Piano Bar 88, the Punchliner Comedy Club, live Deal or No Deal, and live music performed around the ship.

Food & Beverage It’s impossible to go hungry or thirsty aboard Carnival Celebration. Let’s start with the notable bars onboard.

The Golden Jubilee on Deck 6 pays homage to Carnival’s 50 years of history, complete with features that are recreated or actually part of past Carnival ships, including brass doors that were once the entrance to the Mardi Gras Nightclub on Carnivale. Just outside is the original telegraph from Carnivale.

Latitudes is another addition, with drinks from all over the world, and a travel theme complete with a flipboard like an old train station that displays changing messages. Other bars include Bar 820 in the Miami-themed 820 Biscayne neighborhood, The Watering Hole, Tropicale Bar, Havana Bar, Alchemy Bar, and more.

Then there is the food. So of course you have the main dining room and the buffet (Lido Marketplace). And the staples like BlueIguana, Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor, and Cucina Del Capitano are also there as you’d expect on a Carnival ship. But there is a ton that’s new to this class.

Here, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 is available, serving up New Orleans-style food for a small upcharge. There’s the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, and Rudi’s Seagrill, that do cost extra as well.

But the food that’s included with your cruise fare offers a lot of variety. ChiBang!, which serves both Mexican and Asian food in one location, is free for lunch and dinner. Previously mentioned Cucina Del Capitano is available if you want Italian.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ is also included. There’s Fresh Creations for salads up in the Serenity area, Street Eats out by the main pool, and Big Chicken, which serves chicken sandwiches is also new to this class of ships. There’s also Miami Slice and the Deco Deli if you want some pizza or a sandwich.

So no matter if you want a quick bite, or want to sit down and have the full meal experience, you have plenty of options.

Photo Tour of Carnival Celebration

What We Liked About Carnival Celebration

After a week on the ship, it became clear that there were a few things that really stood out about sailing on Celebration.

First, compared to other Carnival ships there is so much more to see and do. In our eyes, Royal Caribbean has always pushed to have the most things to do on a ship. Celebration brings the two lines on more even footing. Sure there are the classic cruise activities like the pool deck, casino, and bars/lounges to enjoy.

But then Carnival has put a big emphasis on things like the waterpark. The BOLT roller coaster is a big draw. The cruise line has also pushed more entertainment, including shipboard editions of shows like Family Feud and Deal or No Deal. The theater shows are also stepped up, including The Most Magnificent Circus that was mentioned earlier.

Whether you want to watch a great show or you want to do more active things like ride a roller coaster or hit the waterpark, there’s a lot going on during the entire cruise. As someone who enjoys a more active experience, this was a welcome change.

Another thing that stood out were the food options. The trend in cruising seems to be having a buffet and main dining room, along with maybe 1-2 other options included in your cruise fare. That’s not the case sailing on Celebration.

Carnival has filled the ship with different restaurants ranging from easy grab-and-go items (Street Eats, Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken, etc.) all the way to high-end dining (Rudi’s Seagrill, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse). But the big difference is that so many are included with your fare.

This includes spots like Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ, Cucina del Capitano, ChiBang!, Miami Slice, Deco Deli, Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, and BlueIguana. It’s no exaggeration that you could sail for a week and never eat in the buffet or dining room.

During our cruise, we found the food to be very good across the board. Special mention should be given to Emeril’s Bistro 1397, where we had a shrimp poboy ($7) that was fantastic. We also thought that Big Chicken could go toe-to-toe with any chicken sandwich you find on land.

That sort of variety and options is a major plus in our book.

What Could Be Improved

Not everything about Celebration is perfect. Let’s talk about the size of the ship. During our cruise, Celebration had about 5,300 passengers onboard, and this ship feels busy. It can feel crowded. And part of that isn’t just the number of people on the ship, but also the ship design.

Take the elevators. Carnival seems to have opted for smaller elevators but more of them. Either way, they are slow to arrive and when you do get on one, it’s much more cramped than usual.

Around the ship there are chokepoints like on the main pool deck. Here, because of all the people and furniture, it just feels more tight. This seemed to be a consistent theme around the ship.

The Center Stage theater in the middle of the ship is another good example. Seating is a major issue. Since it’s not set up like a normal theater, there just weren’t a ton of spots to sit down and still see the stage.

When we watched the popular circus show, we showed up 20 minutes early and there wasn’t a seat to be found. Instead, we watched from the extreme left of the stage and just stood the entire time. (In fact, they actually put on the show twice a night for two nights to accommodate everyone.) And even the cabin bathroom felt like the smallest we’ve seen on a cruise ship.

So when you sail, be ready for a little less elbow room. It’s the trade-off for packing so much onboard.

Carnival Celebration Tips & Things to Know

During our time on the ship, we found out a few tips and things to know that could make your cruise even better.

Each Stairwell Has a Different Color to Help You Navigate Celebration is big, and there’s stuff happening all over the ship. That means you’ll be walking aft and forward and sometimes not be sure where you are on the ship. If you hit an elevator bank, check the color of the nearby stairwell. Each one has a different color wallpaper (red, green, yellow) to help you identify which area of the ship you are in.

The Lanai Is a Hidden Secret If you want to connect to the sea, check out the Lanai. It’s a small section of deck chairs hidden away on Deck 8 that overlook the water. This spot is located on the port side of the ship, and you have to pass around outdoor seating for some restaurants to get there. For that reason, seemingly no one realizes it is there. We checked it out several times during the cruise and never saw more than 3-4 people there. 

Stairs Are WAY Faster on Celebration Ok, one thing that nobody will want to hear is that the elevators on the ship are slow. It seems that Carnival opted for more elevators, but made them smaller. So even when one does arrive, it may already be full. For that reason, if you can, it’s a smart idea to just take the stairs. It will save you considerable time on getting around the ship.

Want to Ride BOLT? Don’t Wait to Book During our cruise, we had two days at sea at the end of the trip and made plans to ride the roller coaster then. Unfortunately, those two days were windy (especially with the ship underway) and BOLT never operated. The lesson? If you know what you want to ride, then go ahead and book it for as early in the cruise as possible to make sure that you get a chance. Days in port are when you’ll find the best combination of calm weather (since the ship is stationary) and shorter lines as most people are off the ship.

Don’t Miss the Details in The Golden Jubilee The Golden Jubilee is a bar with a theme dedicated to Carnival’s history. And at first you might notice only a couple of things like the blueprints of past ships adorning the ceiling. But check out the QR code at the back of the drink menu for a link to information about all the items in the bar. There are the original doors that went to the nightclub on the retired Carnivale. The tables with Al Hirschfield drawings are from Carnival Fascination, and there is even a glass-wall panel that used to be in the casino on the original Mardi Gras.

Want a Show? Order The Sakura From Latitudes One of the unique bars on Celebration is the Latitudes — and not just for the cool flipboard sign (like you’d see in an old train station) that’s above the bar. The menu is filled with drinks inspired from around the world, from a paloma (Mexico) to a bramble (England).

Be sure to try The Sakura. It’s a sake-based drink with pomegranate liqueur and other flavors. But when it’s served, the bartender puts a huge bubble on it that you pop with tiny rose petals as you make a wish. We’ve never seen anything like it.

Try’s Guy’s Pig & Anchor for an Easy Breakfast Breakfast is served in a lot of places around the ship, but if you want one of the easiest, then try Guy’s Pig & Anchor. The spot serves BBQ for lunch and dinner but for breakfast it offers the same lineup that you’ll get at the morning buffet (minus the omelet station). So instead of having to go all the way to Deck 16, you can eat on Deck 8 in a spot that’s much less busy.

The Best Pool Belongs to Havana Rooms There are a number of pools around Celebration, from the Serenity deck (adults only) to the main pool in the middle of the ship. But the best pool in our opinion is one that sits in the exclusive Havana area. Not everyone can access this area — it’s reserved for passengers staying in Havana rooms. But if you have access, then you get a great view. The pool isn’t big, but sits right over the water.

Final Thoughts on Celebration

Apart from its sister-ship Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is like nothing else in the Carnival fleet.

If you’ve sailed Carnival but haven’t sailed ships like Celebration, then you really don’t know what you’re missing . That same Carnival atmosphere is still there… but it’s definitely taken to a whole other level. From the venues onboard to the entertainment to the food and more, it’s all bigger and better than what you find on older ships in the fleet.

For some, the size and scale of Celebration may be off-putting. And yes, the crowds around the ship can be heavy. But for those that want the most options to enjoy their vacation, Carnival Celebration is it.

More on Sailing Carnival:

• Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
• 47 Best Carnival Cruise Line Tips & Tricks
• Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Package

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Take a peek at Carnival's newest ship, Celebration, which embraces the cruise line's past and future

With the launch of its newest ship, Carnival Cruise Line is looking toward the future while also embracing the company's past.

"It's a ship where nostalgia meets innovation in a way, because you're taking elements inspired by the past, but you're creating these experiences that are very innovative, very forward-looking," Glenn Aprile, Carnival's Director of New Builds Product Development, told USA TODAY.

Carnival Celebration, the second vessel in the line's Excel class,   will sail its inaugural voyage from the U.S. on Monday. The debut of the 17-deck ship, which bears the same name as an earlier Carnival vessel launched in the late 1980s, marks the culmination of the line's 50th anniversary celebration this year.

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From vintage decor to high-tech attractions, here is what guests can expect.

Where will Carnival Celebration sail?

Celebration will sail year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, visiting destinations such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk, according to a news release .

What will Carnival Celebration be like on board?

The more than 2,600-stateroom ship is made up of six zones, with festive touches and nods to its history incorporated throughout. Guests enter through the atrium in Celebration Central, with a ceiling designed to mimic a confetti cannon, courtesy of roughly 1,400 colorful light fixtures. 

The zone is also home to Aquaria Bar, which features a wall spanning two decks behind the bar that incorporates glass murals by the Italian artist Luciano Vistosi from Carnival Victory, which launched in 1998, and is now Carnival Radiance.

Bar and lounge The Golden Jubilee, located in The Gateway zone, features decor from previous Carnival vessels, including a nickel, mahogany and etched glass partition wall from its first ship, TSS Mardi Gras, and night club doors from TSS Carnivale, which sailed for the line from the 1970s to the 1990s.

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The nearby promenade also features coins for each Carnival ship built into the floor design and a porthole gallery of interactive dioramas depicting various periods in the line's history, as well as "coming attractions," Aprile said.

More modern features include the line's second BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster ride and a new children's program in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Young guests can learn about gravity and build paper rockets, among other activities, according to a news release.

The program will launch on Celebration before later being rolled out fleet-wide. The ship will also feature new food and beverage options like travel-inspired bar Latitudes and Emeril’s Bistro 1397 from Emeril Lagasse, serving international cuisine.

Learn about BOLT: Carnival readies its second 'breathtaking' cruise ship roller coaster

What else do travelers need to know?

A seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Miami on Feb. 5, 2023, starts at $479 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival's  website , though prices vary by itinerary, stateroom, and other factors. The fare includes  most food, beverages such as iced tea and regular coffee, and more.

The ship is also Carnival's second vessel powered by cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas.

Carnival ships feature accessible elevators, and accessible routes in most parts of the ship for guests with disabilities, among other accommodations, according to its website . However, the line noted that crew members do not assist with tasks such as eating or moving about the ship, and passengers must plan accordingly.

Carnival Celebration

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Carnival Celebration

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Carnival Celebration debuted in early November 2022 and boasts a Las Vegas -style theater, a casino, an arcade, a saltwater pool and a top-of-the-line rooftop rollercoaster – the first one of its kind at sea. Complete with six separate zones to explore, including a summer-themed zone and a playground-themed zone, the 1,130-foot-long cruise ship has something for everyone. Celebration can hold up to 5,374 passengers and 1,735 crew members, and it features more than 20 dining venues, including a barbecue smokehouse and a full-service sushi restaurant.

Staterooms are comfortable with plush bedding, vanity mirrors and built-in reading lights, but for additional perks, guests can opt for a room with a balcony or ocean views. If you don't mind splurging a little, the Carnival Excel Suite offers upgrades like concierge service and complimentary admission to Loft 19, the ship's exclusive lounge fitted with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

Carnival Celebration explores an array of picturesque destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten and more. It sails out of Miami . 

Pros & Cons

Boasts a first-of-its-kind rooftop rollercoaster

Not all activities are included in the base rate

• Expert Rating » 3.5
• Traveler Rating » 4.3
• Health Rating » 5.0

Carnival Celebration ranks # 4 out of 25 Carnival Cruise Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 4 in Best Carnival Cruise Line
• # 17 in Best Cruises for Families
• # 31 in Best Affordable Cruises
• # 32 in Best Cruises to the Caribbean

Carnival Celebration offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Carnival Celebration contains 15 decks. Find out which features are available on each Carnival Celebration deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 368 guests have reviewed Carnival Celebration , giving it a rating of 4.3 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Celebration Overview

An incredible innovation from Carnival,  Carnival Celebration is one of the most impressive ships in Carnival's fleet, just like her sister, Mardi Gras. Divided into six unique zones, Carnival Celebration is a part of Carnival’s XL Class, with each zone designed for maximum fun during the entirety of your cruise! The first zone, Celebration Central, sets the tone for your cruise in the atrium, highlighted by floor to ceiling windows and the rotating entertainment stage, Center Stage! With five more zones, each with its own activities and “funtertaintment”, you’ll find something for the whole family! Carnival Celebration  combines so many fan favorites from Carnival for the loyal cruiser and boasts new experiences galore. For more fun information about cruises on Carnival Celebration and everything you can do onboard, keep reading or call our Carnival experts at 1-800-377-9383!

• Passenger Capacity: 5,374 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2022
• Last Refurbished: N/A

• Celebration Central Embark on Carnival Celebration and immediately, you are enthralled with lights and sights, with windows leading from the floor to the ceiling, decked out in color-changing lights. Have a drink at the bars in this zone, highlighted by the Tropicale Bar and Aquaria Bar! There’s eats here too – enjoy some of the finest teppanyaki at sea at Bonsai before ending your night sharing laughs with your family at the Punchliner Comedy club! The Celebration Zone on Carnival Celebration is a sign that the fun and relaxation has begun!  

• Summer Landing If you love fun in the sun, Summer Landing is for you! Enjoy a chill, summertime vibe by the pool, complete with BBQ favorites at Guy’s Pig & Anchor! And since you can’t have BBQ without a beer, The Watering Hole is poolside, slinging cocktails and beers for the parents while the kids get enjoy a cone at Swirls soft serve bar!  

• 820 Biscayne Named for Carnival’s original headquarters in sunny Miami, Florida, 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration brings the eclectic culture of the city onboard, decked out with neon art and overflowing with local favorites. Enjoy a fruity drink or Cuban coffee from the 820 Bar and grab a sandwich at the Deco Deli! No Miami-inspired zone would be complete without 5-star seafood, served up fresh at Rudi’s Seagrill on Carnival Celebration .  

• Lido Another spot for sun, the Lido zone is familiar to past Carnival cruisers and is a family-friendly pool zone with plenty of delectable dining and drinks close by. Fan favorites like Red Frog Tiki Bar and the Blue Iguana Cantina can be found in the Lido zone, but the real game-changer is the all new Street Eats, dishing out famous street foods from around the world, like bao buns and varieties of loaded French fries.  

• The Ultimate Playground Experts agree – from 9 to 90, The Ultimate Playground is bound to bring out the kid in you! Carnival Celebration is home to the largest onboard waterpark in Carnival history, capped off with 3 twisting waterslides for all ages! The eye-catcher, though, is BOLT, a rollercoaster at sea! Twisting and turning, even off the side of the ship, you won’t believe the thrills you can have on the open ocean!  

Carnival Celebration Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Carnival Celebration Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Carnival Celebration Deck Plans

Carnival celebration staterooms.

Balcony (6J)

Balcony (7a), balcony (fm), balcony (fo), balcony (hl), balcony (hm).

Balcony (8A)

Balcony (8b), balcony (8c), balcony (8d), balcony (8e), balcony (8f), balcony (8g), balcony (8j), balcony (8k), balcony (8l), balcony (8m), balcony (8n), balcony (bl).

Balcony (8P)

Balcony (8s), balcony (8t), balcony (8v).

Balcony (HE)

Balcony (7C)

Balcony (9a), balcony (9b), balcony (9c).

Balcony (HG)

Balcony (hi).

Balcony (7X)

Balcony (7y).

Balcony (7S)

Inside (4J)

Inside (4k), inside (pt).

Inside (4S)

Inside (4t).

Inside (FA)

Inside (HA)

Inside (1A)

Inside (4a), inside (4b), inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g), inside (4h), inside (4i), inside (4n), inside (4o), inside (is).

Oceanview (6K)

Oceanview (6l), oceanview (6m), oceanview (6n).

Oceanview (6S)

Oceanview (6t).

Oceanview (FE)

Oceanview (fj).

Oceanview (6A)

Oceanview (6b), oceanview (6c), oceanview (6d), oceanview (6e), oceanview (ov).

Photo Gallery for Carnival Celebration Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Bolt Coaster & Waterworks on Carnival Celebration

Summer's Landing Sundeck on Carnival Celebration

Lounge chairs at Summer's Landing on Celebration

Carnival Celebration's Beach Pool

The Atrium onboard Carnival Celebration

Gateway Promenade Entryway on Carnival Celebration

Carnival celebration's main dining room.

Camp Ocean Kid's Club on Carnival Celebration

Top 10 Carnival Celebration Cruises

• Carnival Celebration 6-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Miami, Florida (Jul 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Carnival Celebration 7-day Western Caribbean Departing From Miami, Florida (Sep 2024 - Apr 2026)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

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Carnival Celebration Review: What You Need to Know [PHOTOS]

Doug Parker

• April 14, 2023

Our Carnival Celebration review and an overview of Carnival Cruise Line’s second Excel class ship. If you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise experience, Carnival Celebration may be what you’re looking for.

But before you put down a big cruise deposit, make sure you read this review and watch the tour in its entirety to make sure the vessel isn’t too large for you.

This ship offers a wide range of amenities and activities, making it perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at everything Carnival Celebration has to offer.

Carnival Celebration Quick Facts

Highlights:

• BOLT Roller Coaster
• Ropes course with a zip line
• Gateway Zone with Carnival artifacts
• Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

Carnival Celebration Review

Carnival Celebration is Carnival’s second Excel-class ship, and she’s almost a twin of her older sister, Mardi Gras.

As with Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration feels light years removed from some of the line’s earlier ships, with a mega ship vibe and interior design that gives it the feel of a beachside resort as opposed to the New York New York hotel on the Vegas strip.

This class ushered in a lot of firsts for Carnival Cruise Line, including designing a mega-ship to keep 6,400 people occupied while avoiding crowds at the same time.

The vessel relies heavily on technology, and the HUB app is almost always required for dining, spa, and shore excursion reservations, along with checking in for any dining time.

When designing the Excel class (the third of which, Carnival Jubilee, will be introduced in December 2023), Carnival set out to reinforce the connection between passengers and the ocean.

Using the zone concept that was first introduced on Mardi Gras and akin to Royal Caribbean’s neighborhood concept on its Oasis-class vessels, the ship doesn’t have deck names but rather zones and deck numbers. Once you get the hang of it, it’s quite easy.

The six zones of Carnival Celebration include Celebration Central, Gateway, Summer Landing, Lido, The Ultimate Playground, and 820 Biscayne.

Wherever possible, Celebration offers spectacular views and plenty of outdoor seating. Whether zipping around on the BOLT roller coaster or kicking back in Summer Landing, this is a ship that practically demands that you take in the view wherever you go.

Celebration makes an amazing first impression thanks to the fact that upon embarking, passengers are greeted by the three-deck Celebration Central side-facing atrium.

This space is the beating heart of the ship, as it houses not only the Tropicale on deck six but also the Aquaria Bar on deck seven. Anchored around the atrium across decks six, seven, and eight are dining options, shopping, and bars.

If you’ve sailed on other Carnival ships, walking onboard, you may recognize something you’ve seen from a past Carnival ship: the Rolls Royce taken off of Carnival Ecstasy before it was decommissioned in October 2022.

It now sits prominently on deck six, right outside Cherry on Top, the line’s specialty candy shop.

Activities Found on Carnival Celebration

While you could easily spend your vacation doing nothing but relaxing, you might actually have to work hard at it because there’s a lot going on at all hours of the day and night.

Up on deck 18, The Ultimate Playground will keep you busy with thrills. The BOLT roller coaster is a major draw at $15 for two laps around the track.

It has certain regulations like a 300-pound weight limit per rider, no cameras or phones (even a GoPro), close-toed shoes only, and a reservation requirement. There’s also the ropes course that’s perfect for your inner adventurer.

Feeling only semi-daring? The course offers a separate path for those who aren’t keen to hang 180 feet above sea level.

The ship also features the obligatory jogging track, basketball court, and mini-golf course. But you’ll also find unusual offerings like Twister, foosball, and even a selection of outdoor workout equipment.

Want to take in an evening film? The Seaside Theater screens movies beneath the stars and offers different themes each evening. It may have one of the best sound systems of any cruise line I’ve been on — the bass really hits, and you can easily get lost in the movie.

Decks 8 and 16 are where you’ll find a few different pools. Deck 8 has the aft pool and a couple of rectangular pools on the starboard side of the ship.

The Lido Zone has the Beach Pool, located midship, which is the one that tends to get the most crowded, although the Tides Pool — perched as it is on the back of the ship — is the place to be. It’s quieter and features two hot tubs.

What’s extra nice about this pool is that there’s plenty of teak seating around it just to stick your feet in the water, as well as a pool shelf if you’d like to sit in the water without actually getting all the way into the pool.

Adults looking for a little peace and quiet should head forward to Serenity on deck 18, which is reserved for the 21+ crowd.

Some of the most comfortable loungers, daybeds, and clamshells will be found here, as will hammocks, hot tubs, a full-service bar, and the Fresh Creations salad bar on sea days.

Unlike on some ships, the staff does a good job of ensuring kids are kept out of this adults-only haven. A quick tip: keep in mind that because of Serenity’s spot on the ship, it can get very windy — especially at nighttime.

If you’re looking to splash around, the WaterWorks aqua park is wildly popular with the younger set thanks to features like a drop slide where the bottom falls out, a 500-gallon dumping bucket, and a kids splash park.

There’s an almost never-ending series of events — from Bingo and trivia to karaoke and dance classes — on decks six, seven, and eight.

And finally, if all this activity has left you worn out and in need of a little pampering, the Cloud 9 Spa offers a variety of massages, treatments, and more.

RELATED: 9 Things To Know About Carnival Celebration Before Boarding

Carnival Celebration Entertainment

Carnival Celebration not only has the four Playlist Production shows, three of which are brand new, but it also has new shows added to the Celebration Central atrium, including The Most Magnificent Circus, which takes guests on a journey using trapeze acts, singing, dancing, and other stunts.

If you’re looking to attend this show (or any evening production show in Celebration Central), get there at least 30+ minutes prior to showtime, as seating fills up very quickly.

The Punchliner Comedy Club runs family-friendly and adults-only shows throughout the cruise, and like on Mardi Gras; it finally has its own venue located on deck six forward.

The previous Punchliner home, the Limelight Lounge, is used for karaoke and presentations, and the space has also transformed into a nightclub with a DJ and a lot of dancing.

Deck eight’s Havana Bar really comes alive at night thanks to live Latin music that keeps people moving until the early morning hours.

The travel-themed Gateway zone on deck six features virtual “windows,” which periodically spring to life during a 15-minute time travel-themed show that involves lighting, sound effects, and even the departure board above the Latitudes bar.

And speaking of the Latitudes Bar, this is the place to be if you want to try interesting cocktails inspired by destinations around the world.

There’s also the Golden Jubilee Bar. You’ll find history and relics of Carnival’s past with sketches of previous Carnival ships on the wall and even artifacts dating back to Carnival’s very first ship, Mardi Gras, in 1972.

Live music is also a big after-dinner draw at the Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse, which replaces the popular RedFrog Pub on the Carnival Celebration. The house band has a range from classic rock to chart-topping songs across all genres.

Carnival favorites Serenity Bar, Alchemy Bar, Piano Bar, and atrium bars are also found onboard.

Carnival Celebration Dining

In addition to the two main dining rooms, Festivale and Carnivale, which are located mid-ship and aft, respectively, there’s a plethora of places to eat to suit every palate.

Poolside, you’ll still find Carnival’s Lido Marketplace, which has typical buffet fare, a hot dog stand, shwarma, and homemade gelato. I was pleased with the quality of the food in the buffet as well as its design and layout — the crowds move smoothly throughout this space.

Food and drink venues are where Carnival Celebration really comes to life, especially with its string of celebrity partnerships. You can still grab a quick bite from Guy’s Burger Joint, which has been moved to deck 17 (one above the lido pool), or a burrito from the BlueIguana Cantina.

However, some new concepts that were previously introduced on Mardi Gras have also carried over, like the Street Eats food stalls that are poolside with different daily offerings of fries, steamed Asian dumplings, and Greek food.

I highly recommend checking these out — they’re great little snacks and can also serve as side dishes to other foods on and around Lido.

Seafood Shack is also located in the Street Eats section, but you have to pay for this one.

Big Chicken is on the very back of 16, a complimentary fried chicken counter-service venue with different types of fried chicken sandwiches and chicken strips. In the morning, they serve to-order omelets and a killer honey chicken biscuit sandwich.

Down on deck 8, Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que offers a mouthwatering BBQ during lunchtime.

At dinner, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse offers different menu items like brisket, smoked barbecue salmon, the Pig & Anchor melt sandwich, and banana pudding.

Unlike the Vista-class ships, which run an a la carte menu at dinner, it is complimentary on both Mardi Gras and Celebration.

Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki are both onboard Celebration. Taken from the Japanese hibachi steakhouse experience, this is lunch/dinner and a show combined thanks to the chefs whose flying cutlery and witty banter keep passengers entertained while their meal is being prepared.

Be warned: The for-fee venue does two seatings a night, with 10 guests at each of the three tables, so if this hot spot is a must-do for your squad, make a reservation. If you can’t find a dinner reservation, they sometimes open up lunch seatings on select days at two different times, noon and 1:45 p.m.

First introduced on Carnival Magic in 2011, Cucina del Capitano is the Italian restaurant that continues to be a staple on Carnival’s newbuilds with delicious foods and huge portions. Some staples are the chicken and eggplant Parmesan, mozzarella and tomato salad, and tiramisu.

Cucina is also complimentary for lunch and dinner. On previous classes of ships, there is still an $18 fee to dine here (and it’s well worth it — just bring your appetite).

Within an eyeshot of Cucina are Miami Slice and Deco Deli, the pizza joint, and the panini shop.

Chibang was also introduced in the Excel class and offers both Mexican and Chinese food. You can dine here for both lunch and dinner, with two different menus served at each seat.

You may be asking yourself why they’re free on the larger ships but not on the Vista or Dream-class vessels. With the ship carrying just over 6,000 guests at full capacity, there must be plenty of places to dine without causing a complete log jam at the main dining room.

To alleviate the crowds, Carnival made three venues complimentary instead of charging.

Last but not least is Emeril’s Bistro 1397 , located on deck 6, which features everything in New Orleans. The a la carte counter service venue has everything you’d find if you were spending some pre-cruise time in The Big Easy.

Barbecue shrimp, oysters, crawfish, jambalaya, crab, Cajun steamed shrimp, and beignets are all on the menu. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here.

RELATED: Carnival Celebration Dining Guide: Which Restaurants Are Complimentary?

Carnival Celebration Cabins and Suites

Carnival knows that it caters to more families than any other cruise line, and it’s one of the reasons the line offers such staterooms ranging from a simple interior to Excel Suites, with a pricing range to match.

The Excel Suites are the top-tier one-bedroom suites on the ship, some of which have a hot tub on the balcony.

Guests staying in an Excel suite also have access to the Loft 19 area, a dedicated and restricted area on deck 19 only available to those staying in the cabins or paying for a cabana for the day or week.

Having proven popular on the Carnival Mardi Gras, the Family Harbor staterooms — complete with a shared lounge offering a breakfast buffet, ice cream, video games, and more — have been replicated on deck 4 midship.

Although in a different location than the Vista class, the Havana staterooms are located on the port side on deck eight. These cabins include your own lanai (if in a lanai category stateroom) and access to the exclusive Havana Retreat area that includes its own pool and bar.

Be advised that Family Harbor and Havana staterooms, which come in a variety of categories, book quickly. If you’re looking to book one, don’t drag your feet.

Kids & Teens

With all those kids on board, Carnival works hard to keep them entertained. Camp Ocean offers a variety of supervised, age-based group activities for kids 2-11, all of which have a nautical theme. For the 12-14 year-old set, there’s Circle C, while Club 02 is where the 15-17 year olds can be found.

The teens have a trendy patio on deck 17 that’s located behind Guy’s Burger Joint and is a quick walk from the ice cream machines.

And proving that fun truly knows no age limit, the whole family will enjoy hanging out at Dr. Seuss Bookville, which is almost as colorful and unique as the creations found in the author’s books, around which the space is designed.

Carnival Celebration Review: Final Thoughts

After spending over 20 days onboard Carnival Celebration, I can say the large and small changes are very welcome. The number of food options included in your cruise fare seems endless, and the food is of high quality.

I would suggest doing your research before sailing because the average Carnival cruiser who hasn’t sailed an Excel class ship could get lost.

With great food, entertainment, and plenty of adult spaces (both included and paid), I wouldn’t hesitate to sail Carnival Celebration again once the prices drop.

Carnival Celebration Review and Cruise Ship Tour

READ NEXT: 11 Top Deck Cruise Ship Attractions

Sarah Bretz and Doug Parker both contributed to this article.

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Let the 'Celebration' begin: Cruise giant Carnival's biggest ship ever debuts this weekend

It's celebration time for Carnival Cruise Line fans. Literally.

The maiden voyage of the line's much-awaited Carnival Celebration will take place Sunday as the vessel departs Southampton, England, on a two-week transatlantic cruise to Miami.

Recently completed at a shipyard in Finland, the 15-deck-high ship is a sister vessel to Carnival's giant, 1-year-old Mardi Gras . Mardi Gras made waves in 2021 for its huge size and what may be the most unusual attraction on a cruise ship: a decktop roller coaster .

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The two ships both measure 181,808 tons, putting them in a tie for the position of biggest ship ever to sail for Carnival.

Both Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras are a whopping 35% bigger than the next-biggest Carnival ship currently afloat, the 3-year-old Carnival Panorama ; they are also bigger than all but 11 other cruise vessels in the world.

Like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration has a roller coaster on its top deck. Dubbed Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, it's similar to the roller coaster on Mardi Gras, with an 800-foot-long track. Its vehicles will reach speeds of 40 miles per hour — give or take.

Both of the ships are designed to hold up to 6,630 passengers. That's just a tad below the 7,084 passengers that can fit aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — the world's largest cruise ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Also like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration will have a giant water park on its top deck and a far broader array of suites than earlier Carnival ships. However, the vessel won't be a carbon copy of its sister.

It'll offer several new features, including a revamped main interior area called Celebration Central. Known as Grand Central on Mardi Gras, the ocean-facing atrium area on Carnival Celebration will span three decks and provide access to multiple food and entertainment venues.

It'll offer daytime ocean views and nighttime shows on its stage, which has been enhanced as compared to the one on Mardi Gras and has more color-changing lights than the original — 1,400, to be exact. Designed to look like confetti, they'll be one of the first things passengers see when they board the ship.

The development of ships on the scale of Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras has been a big deal for Carnival. Until recently, the line had resisted the trend among major brands to build ever-bigger vessels that offer a supersized megaresort-at-sea experience.

Carnival's last new vessel, Carnival Panorama, didn't even crack the top 40 list of biggest ships when it debuted in 2019.

The vessel is scheduled to sail six- to eight-day voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean out of Miami. Fares start at $449 per person, not including taxes and fees.

Carnival Celebration is debuting just four weeks after Carnival retired its oldest and smallest ship , Carnival Ecstasy.

Related: Another Carnival ship heads for the scrappers

Carnival is also adding a second ship to its fleet this month with the arrival of Carnival Luminosa , a 13-year-old vessel that until recently was in the fleet of Carnival's sister brand Costa Cruises. The ship formerly was known as Costa Luminosa.

With the arrival of Carnival Celebration and Carnival Luminosa as well as the departure of Carnival Ecstasy, the line's fleet is increasing by one ship to 24 ships in all.

Carnival also will absorb two more Costa ships into its fleet in 2023 and 2024 as parent company Carnival Corp. pulls back on cruises in China, where Costa had been a major player.

A third ship in the same series as Carnival Celebration, to be called Carnival Jubilee, is on order from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The shipyard is owned by the same company that built Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras.

TPG will be reporting live from Carnival Celebration's first sailing out of Miami, starting Nov. 21.

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Carnival Cruise Line 2024 Drink Menus and Pricing

Last Updated on June 9, 2024

In the past, embarking on a cruise meant encountering the same routine selection of beverages across all venues. Your options typically included classics like daiquiris, pina coladas, and, if the menu dared to be bold, perhaps a mojito. Today, the drink landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Cruise ship bars now boast a diverse array of choices, featuring craft beers, premium spirits, and meticulously concocted cocktails. It’s an entirely new experience.

Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, has taken this evolution to heart, revolutionizing its drink offerings with a tailored menu for almost every bar on their ships. This accomplishment is noteworthy, especially when considering that a single ship can host between 10 and 15 bars.

In January through March 2024, Carnival rolled out new prices across the menu with increases of about $0.25 per $1.50 per drink.

See a new menu on your ship? Email it to us so we can share with everyone, [email protected]

Below you’ll find the bar menus found on the Carnival Cruise Line’s ships. Carnival has a pretty robust beverage program and usually has different drinks available at nearly every bar on a ship, so you’ll see a ton of drink options below. For drinks offered at multiple venues, the prices are consistent (i.e., a Coors Light and the Atrium Bar will cost the same as a Coors Light at the Pool Bar). When looking at the prices, remember to consider gratuities. Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity added to all beverage purchases.

Want to see just the menus for one ship?

See a ship’s drink menus: Breeze Celebration Conquest Dream Elation Firenze Freedom Glory Horizon Jubilee Liberty Luminosa Magic Mardi Gras Miracle Paradise Panorama Pride Radiance Splendor Spirit Sunrise Sunshine Valor Venezia Vista

Carnival Cruise Line Bar Menus

Alchemy bar drink menu, amari bar drink menu, atrium bar drink menu.

• Bar 820 Drink Menu

Bar Della Rosa

• Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
• Bonsai Sushi
• Brass Magnolia Bar Drink Menu

Carnevale Bar & Lounge Drink Menu

• Casino Bar Menu
• ChiBang Drink Menu
• Cucina Del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List
• Dr Inks PHD
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396
• Fahrenheit 555 / Steakhouse Wine List and Cocktail Menu
• Fortune Teller Bar Drink Menu

Frizzante Bar Drink Menu

• Golden Jubilee Bar Menu
• Golden Mermaid Bar Menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Drink Menu

Havana bar drink menu.

• Heroes Tribute Bar Menu
• Il Viaggio Drink Menu
• Java Blue Cafe Menu

Latitudes Bar Menu

Main dining room wine list.

• Night Club Cocktail Menu

Ocean Plaza Bar Drink Menu

Piano bar 88 drink menu, punchliner comedy club drink menu, redfrog pub.

• RedFrog Rum Bar

RedFrog Tiki Bar

Rudi’s seagrill drink menu, serenity bar, skybox sports bar, watering hole.

Carnival Drink Package Carnival has a drink package available called “Cheers.” It will cover most of the drinks you see below. You can read more about the program here: All You Need To Know About Carnival’s Cheers Package . Is the drink package worth it for you? Figure out how much you’d save (or overpay) with our Drink Package Calculator .

Alchemy Bar is Carnival’s signature high-end cocktail bar. It’s an excellent place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Here, experienced bartenders whip up some delicious, hand-crafted cocktails. This bar is on almost every Carnival ship (except the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze). Our favorite cocktails here are the  Cucumber Sunrise  and the  Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee December 2023.

The Amari Bar is an elevated, Italian-themed cocktail bar currently only available on the Carnival Venezia . Amari Bar replaces the popular Alchemy Bar and but still features 5 of that bar’s more popular cocktails.

Menus are from Carnival Venezia February2023.

This bar is available on most Carnival cruise ships. While it has different names, this menu is typically found at the bar in the ship’s lobby or atrium. You can also find this menu in most of the dining rooms.

Bar 820 is the indoor/outdoor bar located on the Carnival Celebration (it replaces the Bar Della Rosa on Mardi Gras). They specialize in cocktails with a distinct Miami twist and are made with Miami-sourced ingredients.

Bar Della Rosa can be found exclusively on the Carnival Mardi Gras . It’s an inside/outside bar with Italian-themed cocktails.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar Menu

The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar is a pool-side bar located by the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship except for the Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee, Firenze, and Venezia.

Bonsai Sushi Cocktail Menu

Bonsai Sushi is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh sushi on a Carnival cruise. While you’re there, have one of these specialty cocktails. Unfortunately, cocktails are unavailable on Ecstasy, Elation, Freedom, and Miracle as they have a Bonsai Sushi Express, not a dedicated restaurant.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance January 2024.

Brass Magnolia Bar Menu

Brass Magnolia is a New Orleans-themed themed bar located in the French Quarter Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Carnevale Bar & Lounge replaces the Havana Bar found on the Vista-class ships. It’s inspired by the Carnevale di Venezia, an annual festival held in Venice. Guests will find live music and fine Italian wines and cocktails. It’s currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Casino Bar Drink Menu

The Casino Bar can currently be found on most Carnival ships except for the Horizon, Vista, and Panorama where they were removed ( learn more here ).

ChiBang Wine List and Cocktail Menu

ChiBang is an included specialty restaurant on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebra tion and Carnival Jubilee . It serves Chinese and Mexican dishes, so you’ll see some interesting cocktail choices here.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024.

Cucina del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List

Cucina del Capitano is Carnival’s signature Italian specialty restaurant. It’s available on many ships across the fleet ( see here for full list ).

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

Dr Ink’s PH D

This cleverly named bar serves unique underwater concoctions. You can find it in the Currents zone only on the Carnival Jubilee.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 Drink Menu

Emerils Bistro 1396 is a quick-service restaurant located in the French Quarter of the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Fahrenheit 555 Wine List and Cocktail Menu

The steakhouse is a staple on almost every Carnival cruise ship. On the newer ships, it’s called Fahrenheit 555 . On older ships, it may have a different name, like “David’s Steakhouse,” but the drink menus are similar.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance February 2024.

Golden Jubilee Bar

The Golden Jubilee is a new bar that pays tribute to Carnival’s 50 years of sailing. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Celebration in the 820 Biscayne zone.

Golden Mermaid Bar

The Golden Mermaid is a new bar which features cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals are made with edible glitter, as well as drinks presented in pretty glassware and adorned with graceful garnishes for an elevated experience. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Jubilee in the Currents zone. It is located where the Brass Magnolia bar is on the Mardi Gras and Golden Jubilee on the Celebration.

Fortune Teller Bar

The Fortune Teller Bar is beautifully themed with some truly unique and out-of-this-world cocktails. It’s available exclusively on the  Carnival Mardi Gras  in the French Quarter zone.

Frizzante is a new bar that specializes in bubble drinks and beverages on the Carnival Venezia . It’s located outside the new specialty restaurant and around the corner from the Gondola Lounge (Ocean Plaza on Vista-class ships). It offers bubbles, spritzes, and draft beers. Throughout the day, it also offer specialty coffees and biscotti. 

This bar may be confusing because Carnival uses odd naming for their venues. While many ships have “Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ,” few have the actual Smokehouse and Brewhouse, which has cocktails. The Smokehouse/Brewhouse is a sit-down restaurant with a large bar serving some great cocktails. They even have a brewery right inside this bar where they make their own beer! You can find it on the  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon , Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras , and  Carnival Panorama .

If you’re a beer fan, I highly recommend the Brewery Tour for $30 a person. You can read more about the Carnival Pig & Anchor Brewery Tour here .

The Havana Bar is a Cuban-themed bar located on  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras ,  Ca r nival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista . The inside of the bar is home to lively music most evenings. This bar also has an exterior section, but it’s only accessible to guests staying in the Havana area.   

Menu is from the Carnival Mardi Gras February 2024.

Heroes Tribute Bar Drink Menu

The Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is a new venue from Carnival that honors the men and women that have served our country. You’ll find this menu on the Carnival Freedom , Carnival Firenze , Carnival Panorama , Carnival Pride , Carnival Radiance , and Carnival Venezia where the Heroes Tribute Bar replaces the SkyBox Sports Bar.

There is also a Heroes Lounge on the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee but they don’t have a dedicated bar; you use the bar from Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse (above).

Il Viaggio is a new “elevated” dining experience currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Java Blue Drink Menu

JavaBlue Cafe is the premier coffee place that’s on board about half of the Carnival ships. Ships that don’t currently have JavaBlue still have a stand-alone coffee shop under a different name but prices and beverage selection will vary. On Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee), Java Blue Cafe also offers sandwiches and snacks throughout the day.

Menu seen on the Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

The Latitudes Bar is dedicated to cocktails found around the world. It’s found exclusively on the Carnival Celebration in The Gateway zone.

This menu is the wine list you’ll find in most of the main dining rooms across the Carnival fleet. If you prefer a cocktail, you can usually use the  Atrium Bar Menu .

Marina Bar Menu

Marina Bar is in the Shores Zone on the Carnival Jubilee. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Nightclub Cocktail Menu

Not all Carnival ships have a dedicated nightclub anymore. On some of the newer ships, the nightclub takes place in the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge or Limelight Lounge. You’ll usually find this menu out during the nightclub/dancing portion of the evening, after 10 pm.

Ocean Plaza is located on the main promenade and is a great place to grab a drink before an activity happening in Ocean Plaza or if you’d like to grab a drink and sit outside on the Lanai. This bar is on the  Carnival Breeze ,  Carnival Dream ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Magic ,  Carnival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista .

Every Carnival ship has a piano bar that’s hopping every night. While it might not always be named Piano Bar 88, it will have a similar drink menu to the one below.

If you’re going to a Comedy Show on a Carnival ship, you have some specialty cocktails to choose from. Some ships have a dedicated “Punchliner Comedy Club” venue. On the other ones, the comedy club will take place in the Limelight Lounge or another venue with “Lounge” in its name.

Menu is from Carnival Glory May 2024.

The RedFrog Pub is the Caribbean-themed indoor bar that’s located on the lower level of many Carnival ships. It’s different than the RedFrog Rum Bar which is found in the Lido Pool Deck Area. You can find it on the Breeze , Freedom , Legend , Magic , Miracle , Pride , Radiance , Splendor , Spirit , Sunshine , Sunrise , and Valor .

Menus are from the Carnival Glory May 2024.

RedFrog Rum Bar Menu

You can find the RedFrog Rum Bar next to the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship (except the Venezia and Firenze). It is different from the RedFrog Pub, which is usually an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship.

On the Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee, it’s been upgraded to a two-story pool-side venue called the RedFrog Tiki bar with a slightly different menu (see below).

Menu is from the Carnival Liberty April 2024.

The RedFrog Tiki Bar is a supersized version of the RedFrog Rum Bar that’s on most other Carnival ships. You can find this two-story venue on the  Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Menus from Carnival Jubilee December 2023

Rococo Bar Menu

The Rococo Bar is the poolside bar on the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. It takes the place of Red Frog Rum Bar on most other Carnival ships.

Menu is from the Carnival Venezia February 2024.

Rudi’s Seagrill is a high-end seafood restaurant found on Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee . They also have a dedicated cocktail menu so you can pair a special drink with your entree.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024

The Serenity Area is the adults-only (21+) area that’s found on every Carnival ship ( you can learn more about it here ). This area is also home to this bar which serves some special cocktails that are great to sip while enjoying some peace and quiet.

About half of the Carnival fleet has a SkyBox sports bar where you can watch the game on the big screen and sample one of these cocktails. You can find the SkyBox Sports Bar on the Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Liberty, Miracle, Pride, Spirit, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, and Vista.

Tides Bar Menu

The Tides Bar is the outdoor bar on the aft, or back, of the ship. It may have a different name on some ships, but it’ll be the same menu.

The Watering Hole Bar is located in the Summer Landing Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Don’t want to pay for each individual drink?

For those who don’t want to pay a ‘la carte for drinks, Carnival has an unlimited drink package, called Cheers. Try our Drink Package Calculator to see if it’s worth it financially for you.

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Related posts:

• Carnival Adding 5th Excel-Class Ship in 2028
• Norwegian is Making the Viva More Kid-friendly

Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 19 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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Breaking news, my family was scammed out of a $15k carnival cruise — here’s how i’m fighting to get it back.

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A woman went viral sharing how her family was scammed out of her $15,000 Carnival Cruise . She claims that the cruise line won’t refund her or admit fault but has changed its website and policy.

Tiffany Banks was stunned when she realized that the trip she had been planning for a year was canceled without her knowledge and only a day before her family’s flight to catch the boat, she explained in a series of TikToks.

She shared that although the company won’t refund her money or “admit guilt” directly to her, they’ve updated their website and policy to better protect customers from having the same issue — which she insists is “admitting guilt without having to admit guilt.”

“Unfortunately, this guest failed to heed well-documented and very common travel safety and security advice,” a representative from Carnival told The Post.

The Kentucky woman was supposed to board the Carnival Celebration ship with her husband and their four kids to stay in the $12,000 Excel Presidential Suite — the ship’s largest room — and enjoy a whole schedule of excursions.

She claims she discovered that her vacation, which had been paid in full, was a wash after receiving a cancellation confirmation about an off-ship excursion, and she called to investigate.

That was when she learned that her trip had been canceled through the cruise line’s online system, which Banks insisted was not her doing.

Carnival allegedly told her the room they had booked was now reserved by another customer and offered the family two interior rooms — the cheapest on the ship — instead, but the mom denied the change feeling it was an inadequate replacement.

She also said that Carnival refused to offer a full refund; their cancellation policy states that no money will be returned within 15 days of the cruise date.

The family flew to Miami and tried to board the ship anyway, hoping for a last-minute solution, but were forced to watch the ship sail off without them, Banks said in a teary follow-up video.

A few days later, Carnival called Banks back to explain that she was the “victim of a form of identity theft” — but that there was no security breach on Carnival’s part, according to a recording of the call she shared on TikTok.

That was when she learned that she and her husband had accidentally shared their cruise booking reference number when posting a screenshot of an email with the countdown to their vacation on Facebook a few weeks out, she continued in a recent clip.

The same day they posted the booking number on Facebook, someone created an online Carnival account and added the number to their profile.

Then, 48 hours before the cruise sail date, the person canceled the family’s entire cabin booking, the Carnival rep told Banks in the recording.

Banks said Carnival told her that it believes the IP address of the person who canceled was in British Columbia but it was unable to get the identity of the fraudster.

The company offered her future cruise credit for $10,404 contingent on the mom posting on social media “something to the effect of Carnival has now resolved the issue.”

But Banks said she wasn’t interested and questioned the ease with which someone was able to take over her booking with no verification process.

“We’re not sailing with Carnival ever again,” she said.

Banks claims that the attorney general of Florida has reached out to her as she’s now begun looking into taking legal action against Carnival claiming that she’s fighting for everyone who’s been “screwed” over by Carnival

“This is no longer just about me,” Banks said in a video. “This is me now wanting to really make a company change their policies and do what is right.”

“I would love for this to be a class action because big corporations should not be allowed to just take people’s money.”

In her most recent update, she claimed that people have messaged her and let her know that Carnival has updated their website and emailed people reminding them not to share their booking number in bold letters.

A move she believes is practically an admission of guilt.

“With a busy summer travel season underway, we are reminding our guests about several things to make their travel go smoothly,” a representative from Carnival told The Post.

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Family’s $15K cruise canceled due to Facebook post: ‘People need to know’

• Updated: Jun. 14, 2024, 12:19 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 13, 2024, 12:55 p.m.

The family reportedly tried boarding anyway. (photo by Josiah Weiss via Unsplash) Josiah Weiss

• Claudia Dimuro | [email protected]

This post has been updated to explain why the Banks’ cruise was canceled by the identity thief.

A woman and her family spent a year planning — and looking forward to — a luxurious Carnival Celebration cruise , as run by Carnival Cruise Line.

And the morning of their flight, they were informed their cruise had been cancelled.

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Business Insider reports how Tiffany Banks of Kentucky took to TikTok the other day to inform the public about what had happened to her and her family 48 hours before they were supposed to set sail.

After getting two emails that informed her how two of their excursions had been cancelled, Banks received quite the shock after calling a Carnival employee who informed her the entire trip had been nixed.

“Full-blown panic,” says Banks during the video. “We’d been planning this vacation for a year, we booked on the Presidential Excel Suite [the biggest room on the ship, according to Banks].”

Banks continues to claim that she hadn’t been informed at all of this cancellation, and she later learned that this happens to people quite frequently.

“People need to know,” she adds.

The New York post continues to report how Banks began to muse on whether this cancelation was simply a glitch in the system. Regardless, the Banks family headed down to Miami, Fla., — where the ship was docked — and attempted to board anyway to no avail.

Then the pieces of the puzzle fell together: According to the same Insider article, Banks, in an update, explains how her and her family had been “victims of identity theft” — turns out they had posted their booking information for the cruise on Facebook.

A recently posted Post article explains how this unknown identity thief then created their own online Carnival account, adding the Banks’ booking information to their profile instead.

While the Post states how Carnival’s cancellation policy explains that no money will be returned within 15 days of the cruise date, Insider confirms how the company offered Banks $10,000 in onboard credit for her troubles.

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$15,000 family cruise canceled after a post went out on Facebook

A Kentucky family's $15,000 Carnival Cruise vacation they had been planning for a year was canceled just two days before the ship was set to sail after they accidentally shared their booking number online in a case of identity theft.

Tiffany Banks was devastated to learn that her trip aboard the Carnival Celebration ship with her husband and their four kids was canceled without her knowledge the day before the family was going to fly to Florida to leave on the boat.

Banks said in a series of TikTok videos that she had no idea their vacation, for which they had already paid in full, was trashed until she got an email about off-ship excursion cancellations and called to investigate.

A Carnival customer service representative told her that she had canceled her $12,000 reservation for the ship's largest room - the Excel Presidential Suite - through the online system.

The mom and nurse practitioner said she went into "a full-blown panic" and she and her four kids were all in tears.

"We have nearly $15,000 tied up in for this vacation including excursions. The room itself was I think $12,000 or $13,000, and then we've got a few grand tied up in excursions, and actually with almost $2,000 for flights," she said in a May 12 TikTok video.

Banks said she never canceled the trip and wondered if it was a system glitch.

Carnival said the room they had booked was now reserved by another customer and offered the family two interior rooms - the cheapest on the ship - instead, but the mom did not feel it was an adequate replacement.

Carnival also refused to offer a full refund as its cancellation policy states that no money will be returned within 15 days of the cruise date.

The family flew to Miami and tried to board the ship anyway, hoping for a last-minute solution, but were unable to get on and the ship sailed off without them, Banks said in a teary follow-up video.

They instead stayed at an Airbnb in the Sunshine State, hoping to make the best of their change of plans while the mom shared frustrating updates on TikTok.

In one clip, she responded to "haters" who accused her of hiding things or not sharing the full story.

"I'm an open book. I talk too much. I give out too much information - that's just me naturally," she said in remarks that would become an ironic prediction of what was to come in the saga.

A few days later, Carnival called Banks back with an explanation of how her long-awaited cruise trip was canned.

The cruise line told Banks that she was the "victim of a form of identity theft" but that there was no security breach on Carnival's part, according to a recording of the call she shared on TikTok.

Banks and her husband accidentally shared their cruise booking reference number when posting a screenshot of an email with the countdown to their vacation on Facebook a few weeks out, according to the clip.

The same day they posted the booking number on Facebook, someone created an online Carnival account and added the number to their profile.

Then, 48 hours before the cruise sail date, the person canceled the family's entire cabin booking, the Carnival rep told Banks in the recording.

Banks said Carnival told her that it believes the IP address of the person who canceled was in British Columbia but it was unable to get an identity of the fraudster.

The company offered her future cruise credit for $10,404 contingent on the mom posting on social media "something to the effect of Carnival has now resolved the issue."

But Banks said she wasn't interested and questioned the ease with which someone was able to take over her booking with no verification process.

"We're not sailing with Carnival ever again," she said.

The Post reached out to Carnival but did not immediately receive a response.

Written By:   Allie Griffin.

This article was originally published on New York Post.

The post $15,000 family cruise canceled after a post went out on Facebook appeared first on The Amazing Times .

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Carnival Cruise Alcohol Drinks Prices

This is CruiseMapper's review of the company's alcohol policy and beverage policy rules. It answers the question "Can I bring alcohol on board" and also gives some insights on sneaking alcohol on Carnival cruises. Next short links jump down directly to the answers of h ow much are drinks on Carnival cruises (non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water) and what is the cost of alcohol ( beer , cabin minibars , American Table cocktails prices (signature cocktails from port-inspired onboard dining concept).

Here are also listed Carnival FUN SHOPS liquor menu with prices . Fun Shop menu also includes Cruise Cash (bar/photo credits), flowers, cakes, fruit baskets, cookies, Special Occasions gifts (Wedding-Honeymoon-Birthday-Anniversary packages), bags, T-shirts, hats, Stateroom Decoration kits.

How much are drinks on Carnival cruise (drink prices)

Carnival alcohol and mixed drink prices on cruises are considered "moderate" for moderate drinking only. And the opinion of common folks is these prices do not contain much of the onboard fun. Still, they are pretty decent compared to other major cruise lines. Additional info and tips:

• the service charge for opening a personal bottle of wine not bought on the premises (Carnival corkage fee) is $10 per bottle (if the wine is consumed in one of the main dining restaurants) and $14 if consumed in a specialty restaurant. All beverage prices include the 15% gratuity. However, Carnival's drink gratuity was increased to 18% (since December 2018).
• check regularly the "Drinks of the Day" page (the ship's "Fun Times" newspaper) for daily discounted beverages. The "Early Bird Specials" (alcoholic beverages ordered before noon) are at pretty special prices. A "Bloody Mary" is only $3,95 - but only from 9 till 11am.
• The list of Carnival free alcohol offers includes the Captain's cocktail party, the farewell party, art auctions, Past Guest receptions and free alcohol testing at the onboard duty-free shops (usually on the first day).

Note: All cruise drinks prices are in USD (dollars), tips-inclusive. Also listed is the cost of non-alcoholic beverages and mixed drinks from the "Blue Iguana" and "RedFrog" bar menus.

Bottled WATER prices

Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, soft drinks, juices, mixers, energy drinks) prices.

Note: Bottled and canned beverages in packs can be purchased at the Fun Shops (on the ships and prior departures (upon booking).

"REFRESHING FROZENS" (alcoholic beverages) prices

Note: There is an option to upgrade to a higher brand liquor ($2 per drink).

COCKTAILS, MARGARITAS (drinks with alcohol) prices

Carnival cruise beer prices.

The new "Thirsty Red Frog" ale is offered in 3 sizes: pint (20oz), pitcher (60oz) and beer tubes (101oz) - see below for the prices. It's a private-label freshly onboard-brewed draft beer (brewed by Budweiser) available only on CCL ships.

Originally brewed exclusively for the RedFrog Pub, the "frog-beer" is now served in select ship bars/lounges and it has a taste similar to Killian's Red. As to The Red Frog Pub, the 100-seat indoor/outdoor bar is on the newest liners and also on all Fun Ship 2.0 upgraded ships . Along with Thirsty Red Frog, the pub serves top-rated Caribbean rums and a "best beers Caribbean" collection. Next, are listed Carnival's Draft Beers prices:

• $5,50 (16oz) and $28,95 (tube of 101oz) for the beers "Modelo Especial", "Dos Equis", "Presidente", "FROG'S PINT" (20oz)
• Thirsty Red Frog beer price is: $5,50 (20oz), $16,95 (60oz), $27,95 (101oz).

Draft beers on Carnival cruise ships

In May 2017 was introduced a tropical-flavored draft beer via a partnership with the Miami-based Concrete Beach Brewery. The special beer is served exclusively at the "RedFrog Pub & Brewery" on Carnival Vista - the first brewery found on a North America-based cruise liner. The new "Miami Guava Wheat Beer" was hand-crafted by Colin Presby (brewmaster on the shipboard brewery) and made with the best ingredients.

• Miami Guava beer has a light body and its primary ingredient is pink guava, also used in Miami's popular guava pastries. The new beer is available on a limited basis, and joins the 3 other original draft beers brewed on the Carnival Vista ship - ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin' IPA (floral flavor, with passion fruit and citrus overtones), ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat (unfiltered lager with banana aroma and spices) and FriskyFrog Java Stout (with hints of coffee).
• Concrete Beach Brewery is an "Alchemy & Science" beer brand, operating as an independent subsidiary of "The Boston Beer Company". Other "Alchemy & Science" breweries in the USA include Angel City Brewery (Los Angeles) and Coney Island Brewing Co (Brooklyn, NYC New York). Their most popular draft beers are named "Tropic of Passion" (Miami), Angel City IPA (LA), and Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner (NYC).
• US-homeported Carnival ships serve the Concrete Beach Brewery's Rica Wheat IPA, Angel City Brewery's Pilsner, Coney Island's Hard Root Beer, and 1609 Amber. On a regional basis, Carnival ships leaving from Miami offer Concrete Beach Brewery's Stiltsville Pilsner, ships from Long Beach (Los Angeles) offer Angel City Brewery IPA, and ships departing from NYC offer Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner.
• Carnival Cruise Line also offers draft beers brewed either locally (in homeports) or within the homeport state. Such beers are offered on cruise ships leaving from NOLA New Orleans, Galveston TX, Baltimore MD, and Tampa FL, as well as on ships to Alaska and Hawaii.

In October 2019, Carnival introduced fleetwide the seasonal brew "ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale" (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, gingerbread, herbs, caramel, brown sugar). The beer is offered in both bottles (22-oz) and on draft, and in 3 variations - West Coast IPA, Toasted Amber, and Beach Lager.

Carnival Beer Package

Carnival beer bucket prices are discounted - for 4 bottled beers in a bucket (plastic or aluminum bottles), purchased on the ship, domestic brands from the menu. You save $2 on the bucket ($0,50 a beer) plus you save the 18% gratuity on the $2 ($0,30 additional savings).

By purchasing the "Island Hopper" beer bucket (at the Red Frog bar) you'll save $3 on every 4 beers. The cost of a beer bucket depends on the brand, you can also mix and match beers, sometimes there are specials

if you buy 4 beers you get the 5th one for free in the bucket. It's exactly what the beer bucket says: "Fewer trips to the bar - more lounge chair time"! Now about Bon Voyage / Fun Shop beer-packages (4-pack prices):

Carnival cruise alcohol prices

See what is the cost of liquor on Carnival cruises (Fun Shops alcohol prices by the glass and by the bottle).

Souvenir glasses prices

Note: All (cruise long) refills with frozen cocktails in Carnival souvenir glasses are at discounted prices.

Alcoholic beverages prices

Note: As types, these beverages include COCKTAILS, FROZENS, SHOOTERS, DAIQUIRIS, MOJITOS, CORDIALS, LIQUEURS.

Alcohol prices

Note: Alcohol prices are per glass plus Fun Shop prices (per bottle). As types, these include VODKAS, GINS, LIQUEURS, RUMS, TEQUILAS, BRANDY-COGNAC and BLENDS-SCOTCH-WHISKEY-BOURBON-SINGLE MALT.

Stateroom Mini-Bar drinks prices of liquor, beer, soft drinks

Note: All prices are not inclusive of the 18% gratuity.

AMERICAN TABLE cocktail prices

Carnival cruise martini tasting.

• The Carnival's "Martini Tasting" deal will cost you $17 per person.
• The list of all favorite martinis with Finlandia Vodka in your booze fun package/tour includes: "Berry Melody", "Mangotini", "Florida Squeeze", "Spicy Chipote", "Pomegranate Breeze", "Jack Julep", "Melon Crush" and the "Classic Cosmo" (for their exact ingredients - see the recipes link below).
• Martini Tasting is available fleet-wide, but depending on ship/itinerary they offer it from twice a cruise to every night. To be sure when and where - check the "FunTimes" (onboard newspaper), it should be listed there.

Carnival Fun Shops liquor prices (alcohol, beer, drink packages)

Bon Voyage is open for business from Monday through Friday (9 AM to 6 PM EST) and closed on Memorial-Independence-Labor days, Thanksgiving, Christmas-New Years days.

• Bon Voyage/Fun Shop orders are accepted up to 1-week prior to departure.
• If an item is not available at the sailing time, an item of equal value will be substituted.
• Fun Shop purchases will not show up on your booking info (meant to be a surprise after all). Carnival sends confirmation emails. If you didn't receive the email (sometimes it just happens) - send a request for confirmation.
• All prices below are per bottle and don't include tax.
• Alcohol brands are occasionally changed.
• Tips: Fresh lemon and lime you can order via 24-hour room service (complimentary). If you buy souvenir glass, you can mix your "Bon Voyage" drinks in it and carry them wherever you want on the ship.

Fun Shop drink packages (beer, soda, bottled water, juices/mixers, energy drinks)

Tip: Fun Shops water cost is pretty high. Instead, you can buy a gallon (3,8 L) of distilled water from your cabin steward for US$3. Or use for free tap water on the boat - it is perfectly fine for drinking.

Carnival Bon Voyage alcohol policy rules

• Any alcohol purchased through Fun Shops is delivered to staterooms (not to dining room tables).
• If you buy wine through Bon Voyage, you don't pay a corkage fee.
• There's a limit of max 2 bottles per cabin when ordering liquor (until recently it was 4 btls).
• In the above list if you don't see something be sure to call/ask.
• Due to Alabama and Texas alcohol laws, Carnival ships departing from Mobile AL and Galveston TX can't deliver alcoholic drinks to staterooms until the ship is in international waters (delivery may even be delayed until the following day).

Bon Voyage/Fun Shops prices updates

In January 2018, Carnival added a 15% delivery fee to any items pre-purchased from Fun Shops (prior departure). However, it doesn't apply to all purchases. The list of not charged items include packages ( Bottomless Bubbles , Cheers , Cruise Cash , Internet, water packages). The new delivery fee doesn't apply also to any liquor packages bought onboard with intent to carry home at the end of the voyage. The charge is added when, after having made Fun Shops selections, passengers make an actual purchase.

Carnival regularly makes "price corrections" on its Bon Voyage/Fun Shop liquor. While 12-year scotch from $75 now is $80, it's still way cheaper than $7-8 a drink at ship's bars.

• In March 2013, CCL renamed its retail section from "Bon Voyage" to "The Fun Shops". Along with the name, they changed prices as well.
• On most items prices were increased from 20 to 40%. Some of the "most expensive" examples are 9" BV Cakes ($9,95 to $14), "Fruit Supreme" basket ($39 to $50), and most of the liquor (up by 10-15% on average).
• In June 2013, liquor prices were souring up again - the most "extravagant" cases showed up to a 25% increase.
• Carnival Bon Voyage liquor prices are in US dollars, both per bottle and per glass (1,5 fl oz, 45 ml). The list of services (besides ordering liquor and fine wines) also includes special offers and various Carnival branded merchandise.
• Fun Shop alcohol prices are about 2-3 times higher compared to your local liquor store. However, the savings you'll make onboard with this option make them well worth the purchase. While these prices may somehow seem a little bit over the edge, this service is a very convenient option to start your vacation.
• Bon Voyage alcohol ordering saves good money. Most liquor brands are in 33,8 fl oz (1L) bottles, which makes these "alcohol packages" great deals.
• And remember, the limit is 2 bottles per cabin.

Carnival Cruise Lines alcohol policy

The company's alcohol policy is mostly about bringing wine on Carnival ships . The allowance is one 750ml bottle of wine/Champagne per 21+yo passenger, only once (on embarkation day) and only in carry-on luggage.

Bringing alcohol on Carnival ships

Follows the list of "not allowed" alcohol-related rules.

• selling/serving alcohol to passengers under 21 yo. Carnival reserves the right to refuse to sell alcohol to anyone.
• buying alcohol for under-aged passengers
• The legal drinking age on Carnival ships is 21 years of age - both for purchasing and consumption of alcoholic beverages at all bars-lounges-shops.
• purchasing alcohol in seaports and onboard (duty-free) shops - your liquor is retained and stored until the end of the voyage.
• Carnival's corkage fee (additional wine/Champagne serving charge when the wine wasn't bought on the premises) is $10 per bottle (if consumed in Main Dining Room) and $14 per bottle (specialty restaurants / at a fee).
• "All you can drink" cruise deals are offered also on ship-charters and as a bonus on party-themed cruises .
• Free alcohol on Carnival ships is offered at Captain's Welcome and Farewell cocktail parties, Past Guests receptions, art auctions, alcohol testings (at duty-free shops, usually on the first day), Steakhouse reservations (free wine on first-night promotions).

Carnival beverage policy

Carnival's alcohol and beverage policy rules were implemented (as officially stated) "to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed that lead to the disruptive behavior of others on board" - meaning to avoid shenanigans at sea.

Bringing water/soda on Carnival cruises

According to the old beverage policy:

• the allowance was max 12 bottles/cans (max 20oz each, sealed) of non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, bottled water, juice, milk, iced tea, etc.
• It allowed bringing soda on Carnival ships, but - only in carry-on luggage, in original and sealed containers (meaning not opened) and on each embarkation.
• "Each embarkation" meant you can do so at each port of call. It was an unwritten rule and one of the coolest "tips and tricks"). However, purchasing sodas at call ports is rather expensive.

(NEW) Carnival drink policy changes

Starting July 9, 2015, Carnival Cruise Lines changed radically its beverage policy, implementing new rules on bringing water on Carnival ships. Signs with beverage policy changes were posted at all homeports.

• Passengers are no longer allowed to bring their own bottled drinks on the ships. The main goal (as officially announced) is to lower the number of attempts by customers to smuggle alcohol using PVC bottles. Checking PVC bottles for liquor smuggling slows down the embarkation process, as security staff checks each bottle.
• Passengers are allowed to bring max 12 unopened cans (volume 12-oz) or cartons per person. The list of canned drinks includes soda, juices, milk, sparkling water - stored in carry-on luggage.
• Large coolers are not allowed, but you can take small coolers (max size 12x12x12 inches, or 30x30x30 cm) as carry-on luggage. These are used for non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications.

Since October 2015, in all call ports, Carnival passengers are allowed to bring nonalcoholic drinks on the ship. The allowance is only if the drinks are canned (or in cartons 12 ounces / 0,35 L or less). The enforced limit per person is 12 cans/cartons. Previously, the allowance for boarding the ship with beverages was for homeports only. The new rule didn't affect the ban on bottled beverages (enforced in July).

Carnival's wine policy remained unchanged, allowing passengers to bring 1 bottle of wine/champagne per person (750 ml, unopened, in carry-on luggage). No other liquor is allowed on board. Also unchanged is the rule about bringing distilled water onboard, excluding only passengers who need it for babies or CPAP machines ("continuous positive airway pressure").

(NEW) Bottled water prices

Carnival Cruise Line's bottled water prices were USD 2,99 (plus tax) for a 12-pack. The pricing is if you buy it before the voyage. The pack will be delivered to your cabin before departure. Onboard water price was USD 4.99 (plus tax).

However, In March 2016, bottled water prices were raised by over 30%. The price for 12-pack of water was USD 3.99, (up from USD 2.99, or 33 cents per 17-oz bottle). In December 2016, Carnival raised water prices again. The current bottled water price for 12-pack (16,9 fluid oz bottles) is USD 4.50 (plus 18% gratuity if ordered onboard) or over 10% increase.

Sneaking alcohol on Carnival cruise

This is a "cruise alcohol policy" of "cheap fun" people - read why some do it anyway. With Carnival, besides the thrill of sneaking something (alcohol or whatever), most smugglers do it because ships' alcohol prices are not cheap. Even if you order liquor through Fun Shops (prior departure) it's 2-3 times more expensive than in your local store. Some do it simply because Carnival doesn't supply their favorite brand.

The Fun Shops service allows pre-purchasing liquor to be delivered to staterooms the second day of the voyage. Online purchases' deadline is 1-week prior departure. Two useful "bringing alcohol on ships" tips:

• If you purchase your alcohol from Fun Shops, you're allowed to put your booze in a stainless steel flask (or Carnival tumbler) and carry it around the ship. Be sure not to take it with you while disembarking in ports. If security personnel find it, they will confiscate the flask when you re-board the ship. Of course, only if there's alcohol in it.
• Pack your empty flask in the carry-on bag. If you pack it in checked baggage, you'll most probably get called to the "naughty guys room" to open luggage for inspection.

How to smuggle alcohol on Carnival cruises?

This is the smuggler's know-how for sneaking alcohol on cruise ships in general. The question of how to smuggle alcohol on ships is one of the industry's oldest. Smuggling alcohol is against cruise lines policy rules. This practice is forbidden, illegal, emotionally dangerous - don't do it! Ship's personnel check passengers' luggage - if you get caught, the hooch will be confiscated (basically that's all).

• The confiscated bottle(s)/cans are stored for safekeeping until the morning of the voyage's last day). The "illegal" beverages (liquor/water/soda/wine) must be in original, manufacturer-sealed containers - other containers won't be returned. All unsealed liquids are discarded, without any compensation.
• "Rum Runner flask" (costs around $10) has the best chance to go through security checks. These flasks are usually smuggled in checked baggage and are almost undetectable. However, if the security checks your bags for another reason and sees them, flasks will be taken and not returned.
• "Wine Rack" is the latest booze-smuggling device. This boob enhancing, alcohol-filled bra contains over 25oz/750ml of your chosen liquid. They are absolutely right by saying this is way better than a regular boob job, and way cheaper too. Women look beautiful and save money on overpriced cruise drinks. The sneaking alcohol tool price is only US$30. The same price is the "BeerBelly" (capacity up to 80oz/2,4L).
• Adults with a record of sneaking alcohol on Carnival ships, adults buying liquor for underage passengers and adults with other regular violations of the company's beverage policy may end up even with "early" (no-compensation) disembarkation or get banned for life.

The following links are to CruiseMapper's Carnival drinks related articles:

• Wine Prices (by the glass and by the bottle) and wine packages
• Carnival Fun Shops liquor prices
• Bar menu drinks prices
• Cheers unlimited alcohol package - about the "Carnival All-Inclusive Cruise Alcohol Included" option by the new "Cheers" Bar Program.
• Carnival drink packages - all about them (with info on the wine packages).
• Only the very best of all Carnival Drinks Recipes of the most famous cocktails at sea, ever! Learn how to make onshore the best of the best Carnival drinks - at much better prices!
• Our hub with all about the Carnival cruise information/ prices in general (Spa, Internet, etc).
• Carnival vs Royal Caribbean - compare Carnival with the Royal Caribbean drinks prices .
• Tips and tricks on cruise ship food and drinks and alcohol .

Mother says $15,000 family cruise was canceled after she posted booking details on Facebook

• A Kentucky woman said her family's cruise was canceled after they fell victim to identity theft.
• Tiffany Banks said the incident occurred after she shared booking information on Facebook.
• Banks and her family spent a year planning a trip on the Carnival Celebration ship.

A Kentucky mother said her family's booking on a cruise was canceled just 48 hours before the ship was due to set sail after they fell victim to identity theft .

Tiffany Banks, her husband, and their children had spent a year planning their trip on the Carnival Celebration ship , which Carnival Cruise Line operates.

But in a post on Tiffany's TikTok account, she said she received an email from Carnival saying that two excursions she had booked had been canceled.

When she called the company to find out more, she said she was told that her entire cabin had been canceled.

"Full-blown panic," Tiffany Banks says in the video. "We'd been planning this vacation for a year, we booked on the Presidential Excel Suite," which she says is the biggest room on the Celebration ship.

Banks said a "lead" at the company told her the "online system had been logged into and it had been canceled."

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She said that after talking with the employee for almost two-and-a-half hours, they offered two interior rooms in place of the suite.

"I just can't even fathom how that they think that that's right," Banks said, adding that the family had invested almost $15,000 into the vacation — $12,000 to $13,000 for the room and the rest for flights and excursions.

Nevertheless, the family decided to head to the port on the day the ship set sail, but they had to rent an Airbnb in Miami as the booking was still canceled.

Banks later posted an update to TikTok in which she said the family had been "victims of identity theft" after an apparent scammer targeted one of their Facebook posts that contained booking information.

She said the person opened a fake Carnival profile, added the family's booking to their account, and then canceled the family's cruise.

Banks said that Carnival offered her $10,000 in onboard credit.

She said that she refused the offer and that the family was not interested in booking with Carnival again while also sharing what she claimed to be audio clips of conversations with a Carnival employee.

Business Insider approached Banks for comment but received no response.

In a statement to BI, a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson said: "While we are not going to comment about any specific incident, most cyber and consumer experts consistently advise that it is never a good idea to post personal information about your travel plans, including a confirmation number for a booking, which could allow a bad actor or identify thief to use that information in inappropriate or even illegal ways."

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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