In just a few days, I’ll embark on my next cruise adventure aboard the 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration for a 7-day Western Caribbean voyage, departing on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from PortMiami.

The Carnival Celebration, the newest addition to the Carnival fleet, is an Excel-class ship and the company’s flagship. It’s a sister ship to the Carnival Mardi Gras (the first in this class) and the soon-to-be-finished Carnival Jubilee.

Launched in November 2022, the Carnival Celebration boasts 19 decks, 2,641 staterooms, 18 dining choices, including three main dining rooms, a buffet, and specialty restaurants, 24 bars and lounges, two waterslides, a mini-golf course, and a roller coaster.

During this journey, I’ll be staying in an 8D Balcony Stateroom on deck 12 forward.

With online check-in completed, it’s time to purchase those essential add-ons not included in the cruise fare. Let’s explore some of these options:

Internet Access: Since I’ll be working from the ship, I require Internet access. Carnival offers three levels of Wi-Fi, which can be purchased onboard or before the cruise. By buying beforehand, you save “up to 15%.”

  • Social: Allows access to popular social media platforms and apps, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and major airline websites. However, it doesn’t include access to other websites or applications. $12.75 per person / per day.
  • Value: Browse favorite websites, including email, news, sports, weather, banking, and finance. However, it doesn’t support Skype calling or music/video streaming platforms like Spotify or Netflix. $17.00 per person / per day.
  • Premium: This plan “guarantees the fastest connection possible,” with speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. It supports various communication methods, including email and video calls, and platforms like Skype, Zoom, and Teams where coverage is available. $18.00 per person / per day.

Drink Packages: Cruise lines offer drink packages with varying prices and some restrictions. Carnival has two packages to choose from:

  • Cheers!: This all-inclusive package provides unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and soda. Purchase it online before the cruise or onboard the ship to save 10% off the $59.95 per person, per day price, which includes a 15% gratuity.
  • Bottomless Bubbles: This package offers unlimited soda and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise. Available for purchase online before the cruise or onboard the ship, it costs around $9.50 per adult and $6.95 per child, per day, including a 15% gratuity.

Note that the Cheers! package is only available to passengers 21 years or older, and all guests in a stateroom must purchase the same package. If you plan to consume more than eight alcoholic beverages daily, the Cheers! Package may be a better deal than paying per-drink without a package.

Specialty Dining: While the Carnival Celebration offers numerous complimentary food options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, you can also indulge in premium dining experiences for an additional fee at the ship’s upscale restaurants:

  • Rudi’s Seagrill: Conceived by award-winning chef Rudi Sodamin, this restaurant serves a delightful menu of seafood classics with creative presentation, as well as more traditional dishes. $48 per adult / $12.00 per child.
  • The Chef’s Table: A VIP dining experience hosted by the Master Executive Chef, this exclusive event begins with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of just 14 guests, followed by a multi-course dinner featuring unique appetizers, entrees, and desserts not available on regular dining menus. $99 per person + 18% service charge.
  • Fahrenheit 555 (Steakhouse): This signature Carnival steakhouse offers a classic menu with grilled steaks, broiled lobster tails, and other delectable dishes. $48 per adult / $13 per child when ordering from the children’s menu.
  • Bonsai Teppanyaki: Diners gather around a large shared table for a curated selection of dishes prepared by a Teppanyaki chef. The experience starts with appetizers that cover a range of flavors, followed by main course options such as filet mignon, grilled tofu, and various fish, shrimp, and lobster dishes. Choose from combos or a single dish. $38 per person for dinner, $35 per person for lunch + 18% service charge.
  • Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast: Perfect for families with kids, this themed dining experience includes iconic dishes like “Green Eggs and Ham,” towering pancake stacks, unique French toast, and “Moose Juice” ‘n’ “Goose Juice.” Additionally, you’ll get to meet beloved Dr. Seuss characters. $10 per adult / $8 per child.
  • Emeril’s Bistro 1397:  Emeril’s second restaurant at sea, Emeril’s Bistro 1397, takes a unique approach to delicious Creole dishes inspired by Emeril’s hometown of New Orleans, it also embraces a global perspective. The new eatery constantly updates its menu with international flavors, adding flair to its offerings.
  • Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse:  At Guy’s the focus is on smoke and brews. Offering a variety of smoked meats such as brisket, sausage, baby back ribs, salmon, and dry-rubbed chicken, the culinary team begins their day early to smoke these delicious options over hickory and apple wood. These mouthwatering dishes are served with classic sides, ensuring an authentic BBQ experience.
  • Cucina del Capitano: Italian dining includes a variety of courses such as antipasti, entrées, pasta, and desserts served family-style.  $18 per adult / $6 per child.

For me, Wi-Fi, a beverage package, and specialty dining are my top three priorities. Additionally, you can book shore excursions, spa services, and photo packages before boarding or while onboard. Shore excursions tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve them as early as possible.

In celebration of Carnival’s 50th birthday, they offer a limited-time promotion on cabanas at Loft 19. Designed to accommodate up to five guests, these cabanas provide a variety of luxurious amenities for the entire duration of the cruise. Perks include free lunch delivery, chilled towels, non-alcoholic frozen refreshments, a bucket of ice-cold bottled water, a bottle of sparkling wine, fresh fruit, plush bathrobes, full bar service, and a dedicated attendant.

The cost of a cabana on this specific cruise is $1,750 plus an 18% service charge, which is approximately the same amount paid for the cruise itself. Currently, only three cabanas remain available for booking.

With the cruise just a week away, consider subscribing for email updates whenever a new article is posted or check back for daily reviews of this western Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Celebration!

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