Carnival Cruise Line’s newest mega-ship, Carnival Celebration is 19 decks of fun, food, and drinks. Similar to her sister ship, Mardi Gras, this 180K+ gross ton ship is home to 6 different zones, over a dozen bars, and 20 eateries. After having sailed on the inaugural cruise on this ship, we put together our list of the Best Things to Do on Carnival Celebration.
Free Things to Do on Carnival Celebration
Brave the ropes course
Located in SportSquare, the SkyCourse is suspended over Deck 18. This 230 foot long ropes course includes two tracks, with varying levels of easy to difficult challenges.
On the portside of the course, there is a small zip line for those looking to swing over the edge of the ship. On the starboard side, there is a plank that extends over the edge of the ship for some great selfies, if you don’t dare to look down!
The attraction is open to those 48” or taller with a weight limit of 300 lbs. Cruisers can complete multiple laps around the Course if they want. And, the best part is that it is one of the many free things to do on Carnival Celebration.
Splash down the waterslides
Central to the Ultimate Playground Zone on Deck 18 not far from the SkyCourse is Carnival Waterworks. Along with several water features for the little kids in the Splash Zone, the waterpark is home to a 150 gallon Power Drencher bucket and slides for toddlers.
For those 42” or taller, there are more thrilling slides as well. There is a traditional body slide; this yellow Carnival Twister is 265 feet long with several spiraling twists and turns. The Blue Lightning is a 312 foot long headfirst mat slide and was perhaps our favorite.
Additionally, for those 48” or taller, the 239 foot long Orange Thunder drop slide does offer the most thrilling start to any of the rides.
Putt a round of mini golf
The Ultimate Playground wouldn’t be complete without some mini golf as well. Aft on Deck 18 is the 9-hole mini-golf course on Carnival Celebration. While the course is not as well themed as we would have expected for a family oriented cruise line, it is still a lot of fun.
Further, it is complimentary and open most of the day. Thus, it is another one of the great free things to do on Carnival Celebration.
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Sample all the complimentary dining options
There are several dining options that are included in your cruise fare with Carnival. The newest ships in the fleet offer a plethora of casual fare.
Perhaps the two most popular casual spots to grab a bite to eat are Guy’s Burger Joint and Shaq’s Big Chicken. There’s also BlueIguana Cantina, Street Eats, and the Lido Marketplace buffet all located near the main pool deck.
Guy’s Burger Joint features fresh off the grill burgers and fries with a toppings bar for you to customize your meal to perfection. Shaq’s Big Chicken delivers amazing chicken sandwiches, fries, and chicken tenders. Shaq’s Chicken even offers breakfast sandwiches on buttermilk biscuits.
BlueIguana Cantina offers custom made burritos, bowls, and tacos for breakfast and lunch, complete with a fully stocked salsa bar. Nearby on the pool deck is also Street Eats with 3 food truck-like stalls serving small plates which rotate daily.
If that’s not enough, located in the vibrant 820 Biscayne zone on Carnival Celebration, Miami Slice is your go-to spot for pizza. This eatery is open daily from 9 AM to 4 AM to fulfill your cravings any time of day. Adjacent to Miami Slice, you will find Deco Deli, a counter-style sandwich shop serving up a menu of traditional deli sandwiches along with some Miami and Cuban favorites.
Let’s not forget that there are also three soft serve ice cream stations on Carnival Celebration. So, you better board this cruise ship hungry!
Indulge in a multi-course dinner in the MDR
Like most cruise lines, Carnival also offers daily sit-down meals in the main dining room. You can opt for Assigned Dining with an early or late seating or Your Time Dining for more flexibility. With this option, cruisers can dine whenever they want at various locations by joining a virtual queue in the Carnival HUB app whenever they are ready to eat.
Festivale and Carnivale are the two main dining rooms on Carnival Celebration. Each features multi-course menus that change nightly.
Additionally, Cucina del Capitano and Chibang! are complimentary on Carnival Celebration giving cruisers more options.
Chibang! is an eclectic restaurant that mixes up Chinese and Mexican favorites for one diverse and delicious meal. Chibang is open for lunch on sea days and dinner nightly.
Cucina del Capitano serves a small menu of appetizers, soups, and pizza, along with a create your own pasta bowl section for lunch. At dinner, cruisers can enjoy favorites like Nonna’s meatball, chicken parm, short rib, and tiramisu.
Relax by the pools
Carnival Celebration has a pool to fit every mood. So, relaxing by the pool is almost mandatory during your cruise.
The Beach Pool is the central attraction of the Lido Deck and a hub of activity during the day. The Fun Squad regularly hosts events here, like sing a longs and the sail away party. There’s also a DJ and other musicians to keep the fun vibe going. There are plenty of loungers surrounding the pool as well.
Aft on Deck 16 is the Tides Pool. This pool offers some amazing aft views and is surrounded by several loungers and two whirlpools. If you are looking for a quieter Lido Deck vibe, you should head to this pool.
In the Summer Landing zone on Deck 8, cruisers can find an infinity pool overlooking the wake. With loungers, and even a few in-pool seats, this is a perfect escape from the often loud and busy Lido deck. On the starboard side, you will even find whirlpools overlooking the side of the ship and the Watering Hole Bar.
Score some adult time in the Serenity Retreat
On Deck 18 forward, there is the massive Serenity Retreat. This adults only space is one of the largest 18+ pool decks we have ever seen. It is also one of the most thoughtfully designed.
With two whirlpools, one on each side of the ship, the space includes a mix of loungers, day beds, oversized seabeds, and more. Encompassing close to a third of the front of the ship, there is plenty of shade and sun.
Central to the Serenity Adults Only retreat is a pool, the Serenity Bar, and Fresh Creations. The Serenity Bar features its own specialty drink menu, while Fresh Creations is a small salad bar open on sea days.
With everything that you could possibly need, spending a sea day in the Serenity Retreat on Carnival Celebration is a must.
Attend the Playlist Productions
Carnival Cruise line is known for its Playlist Productions. On Carnival Celebration, these shows are performed in both the Grand Spectrum Theater and on Center Stage in Celebration Central. They consist of Amor Cubano, Color My World, Celestial Strings, and The Most Magnificent Circus.
These theater shows are your typical cruise ship revue shows with singing and dancing, but still fun to watch. Center Stage does feature the more dynamic shows, but seating fills up very quickly here. So, make sure to show up extremely early if you even want a chance at securing prime seats.
Laugh it up at Punchliner Comedy Club
The Punchliner Comedy Club is home to several comedians throughout the week. The club is typically only open in the evenings for adult comedy shows. The small theater consists of a stage with cozy booths and plenty of other additional seating near the stage. So, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
Before the show, you can grab a drink from the small themed menu. With cocktails like the signature Punchliner and the Jokester, it’s sure to be a good night.
On multiple nights, there were comedy shows in the Limelight Lounge and main theater as well.
Enjoy live music around the ship
On Carnival Celebration, there is no shortage of entertainment. One of our favorite evening activities is always enjoying the live music around a ship.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse features all your BBQ favorites and signature brews with a side of live country rock music. There’s also musicians in the Deck 6 Latitudes Bar and Golden Jubilee Bar, including guitarists and a string trio.
Not to mention, there’s sing-a-long piano tunes in Piano88 Bar and Latin hits in the Havana Bar.
No matter your preference, you are sure to find a spot to settle in and enjoy the live music.
Check out the new bars
When it comes to bars, Carnival Celebration has all the favorites like the 2-story RedFrog Tiki Bar, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Brewhouse, and the Alchemy Bar with handcrafted elixirs. However, there are also plenty of new bars to check out on this ship. That’s why a bar crawl is certainly one of the best things to do on Carnival Celebration.
Yes, the drinks will cost you extra money. But, Carnival has the reasonably priced Cheers package so you don’t have to worry about the bar tab at the end of your cruise.
A few of the new must-visit spots are Bar 820, the Latitudes Bar, and the Golden Jubilee Bar.
Looking for a Cuban coffee or a mojito? Bar 820 is the place to go for a pre-dinner or post dinner drink. At the Golden Jubilee Bar, cruisers can take a step back to the golden age of cruising. From the historical pieces from the cruise line’s history to live classical music, this martini bar was one of our favorite spots on the ship.
The Latitudes Bar, in the heart of the Gateway Zone, is meant to resemble a classic railway station. Complete with a flickering sign, it offers a signature cocktail menu featuring classic drinks from around the world.
People watch in Celebration Central
At the center of the ship on Decks 6, 7, and 8, you will find the three-story zone known as Celebration Central. Celebration Central showcases floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, and a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights. This multi-purpose space hosts a variety of activities day and night.
Further, this zone features a variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges. With the nearby Java Blue Café and Tropicale Bar on Deck 6 or the Aquaria Bar on Deck 7, this area makes for the ideal people-watching spot.
You can grab a coffee or a drink and settle into the comfy furniture located here to admire the views on a sea day. Or, you can take part in all the activities that occur here. From game shows, to productions, to dance parties, there’s never a dull moment.
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Make it a game night
Speaking of activities, the FUN squad on Carnival Celebration hosts several game shows throughout the cruise. Many of them are free to participate, while a few do cost extra money like Deal or No Deal and Bingo.
Perhaps the most popular game show is Family Feud. This television show is brought to life in the Grand Spectrum Theater and is certainly one of the best free things to do on Carnival Celebration. Whether you audition to actually play the game or are a spectator in the audience, survey says this game show is a fun night out.
Of course, there are also other cruise staples like trivia, the Love and Marriage game show, Majority Rules, and more.
Attend the parties
If that’s not enough, the FUN squad also hosts a variety of parties throughout the cruise. From the lively Sail Away party on embarkation day to the Mega Deck Party, the pool deck on Carnival Celebration is one of the most happening spots on the ship.
There’s also the Evolution mega dance party led by the DJ spinning club hits which is sure to get you up on your feet.
Of course, there are plenty of other opportunities for some dancing while onboard. From dance classes, to live music, karaoke, and a DJ spinning hits nightly, get ready to party on Carnival Celebration.
Savor some Sea Day Brunch
With all the late night parties and dancing, you might find yourself sleeping in a bit, especially on sea days. When you do decide to roll out of bed, Carnival features an amazing Sea Day Brunch in the main dining room that is not to be missed.
This Sea Day Brunch is completely free for all guests and features a number of your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes. With classics like eggs benedict and omelets, to fried chicken or steak and eggs, there’s plenty of options to enjoy.
There are also some signature specials like the skillet cake and 12 hour French toast. With whipped ricotta, guava preserve, marshmallow, and maple butter, we highly recommend the skillet cake.
Spend some family time at Dr. Suess Bookville
If you are cruising with the kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities as well. If you are looking for a little educational fun, head to Dr. Suess Bookville.
Dr. Seuss Bookville is a unique and dedicated Seuss-themed family reading and play space featuring iconic décor, colors, and funky furniture inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.
Kids can read one of many available Dr. Seuss books or enjoy the other family-fun activities including Dr. Seuss board games and puzzles.
Watch a movie on the Lido Deck
Looking for more family fun? How about a movie on the Lido Deck. Perched above the pool is the ship’s seaside theater where family-friendly films are shown day and night. All showtimes can be found in the Carnival HUB app or in the print copy of the daily schedule.
There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a movie under the stars with the family. The best part is that these movies don’t cost a dime. They are just another one of the many free things to do on Carnival Celebration.
Be sure to bring some snacks along to enjoy during the flick.
Embark on a journey in the Gateway
New to Carnival Celebration is the Gateway Zone. This area is your starting point to international destinations and flavors with a variety of restaurants and bars.
With inspiration from locations around the world, the Gateway features digital enhancements that transport cruisers to destinations across the globe. Cruisers will find a rotating selection of vistas brilliantly displayed on the LED windows. There are even themed nights like Abroad in Europe, Far East Voyage, and Mexico Lindo.
So, be sure to embark on a journey in the Gateway during your time on Carnival Celebration.
Best Things to Do on Carnival Celebration That Will Cost Extra
Ride the only coaster at sea
Bolt is an all electric rollercoaster suspended high above Carnival Celebration. This coaster is 800 feet long and offers some stunning views as it circles the open aft deck. While this activity is an up-charge, we can attest that it is certainly one of the best things to do on Carnival Celebration.
During our cruise on Celebration, the price for Bolt was $15 for one ride which included two loops. There are two cars, each accommodating two guests, that are launched at the same time.
Cruisers can control the speed of the car and even use the 15 seconds of boost to speed their way around the track.
Dine at a specialty restaurant
While Carnival Celebration does have a number of complimentary dining options, certainly more than most mega-ships of today, the ship also features some specialty restaurants that shouldn’t be overlooked.
On Carnival Celebration, you will find the popular Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, along with Rudi’s Seagrill, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Emeril’s Bistro 1397. If you plan to dine at any of these Carnival Celebration restaurants, you should make reservations pre-cruise, as popular dining times do fill up quickly.
Emeril’s Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving New Orleans themed cuisine at a la carte prices. The beignets are a must-try!
The menu at Fahrenheit 555 features upscale offerings like shrimp cocktail and premium cuts of beef, making it a great option for an elegant night out. If you’re a seafood lover, Chef Rudi Sodamin brings his creations to life at Rudi’s Seagrill.
Spend a day at the spa
If you like to pamper yourself while on vacation, then a spa day is definitely one of the best things to do on Carnival Celebration. Yes, the spa services will cost you extra money, but sometimes it’s worth paying for some rejuvenation.
At the Cloud 9 Spa and Thermal Suite, will find your typical treatment rooms, where you can book massages, facials, and other beauty treatments. There is also a thermal suite with heated loungers, a sauna, steam room, salt room, hydro-pool, and more.
Don’t you feel more relaxed just thinking about it?
Take a cooking class
For cruisers looking to up their cooking skills, the Carnival Kitchen offers signature cooking classes lead by the chefs onboard Carnival Celebration. These small, intimate classes range from cupcake decorating to learning how to host the perfect tailgate.
The venue looks like the stage of a cooking show that you might see on the Food Network. Let’s hope whatever you create is equally appealing. After all, cruisers get to dine on their creations after each class!
If you are interested in booking one of these cooking classes in Carnival Kitchen, you should refer to your online cruise planner or make a reservation as soon as you board the ship on embarkation day.
Join in the fun at the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
If you are cruising with the kids, the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast is a fun family activity. This Dr. Seuss themed event is an up-charge but a lot of fun. With appearances from Thing 1, Thing 2, and The Cat in the Hat, it’s a truly fantastical feast.
The Green Eggs and Ham breakfast is offered one day of the cruise at 8:30 and 9:45 AM in the Carnivale restaurant. This special breakfast features menu items like Horton’s cereal crusted French toast, pancake stacks, steak and eggs, and of course, green eggs and ham.
Get creative at the Build-a-Bear Workshop
The popular Build-a-Bear Workshop can also be found at sea onboard Carnival ships. Your little ones will love this hands-on activity where they can use their creativity to bring a stuffed animal to life.
They can customize their own furry creation by choosing the animal, clothes, accessories, and more during the workshop. There are even Carnival exclusive designs, making this a great souvenir from the family vacation.
The Build-a-Bear Workshop is offered on sea days for an additional fee.
Upgrade to the Havana
All the way forward on deck 8 are the Havana cabins. Featuring its own unique décor and private sun deck, the Havana is an exclusive area of the ship reserved just for guests staying in these select cabins.
The Havana sundeck is on the starboard side and features loungers, some oversized furniture, as well as a pool, whirlpool, and bar. Passengers staying in the Havana receive wrist bands which provide them access to this private area.
If you want all the amenities of a megaship, but still want to be able to escape the crowds, you should consider upgrading to a Havana cabin. The Havana offers a variety of cabin categories from interior, to cabana, to suite.
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