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What Theme Parties Will Be On Your Carnival Cruise?

Last Updated on April 30, 2024

Carnival has always positioned itself as the fun cruise line, and you can usually feel that from the moment you step onboard. It just has a different energy from other cruise lines. Everyone just seems ready to have a great vacation. As part of the cruise, Carnival hosts theme parties or events.

Previously, it seemed that Carnival was trying to standardize all the events across the fleet. However, it seems that has gone by the wayside. John Heald , Carnival Brand Ambassador, recently shared the theme parties that will be occurring on each ship in the fleet, and they’re pretty varied. It comes down to a lot of factors like the Cruise Director, sailing length, and ship.

Take a look at the different parties below and how they work. 

What is a Carnival theme party?

Several nights on a Carnival cruise, they host a party with a specific theme. The parties usually take place on the main Lido pool deck or in the ship’s Atrium area. Guests are encouraged to dress to fit the theme, but it’s not required. Unfortunately, Carnival only schedules 30 minutes for most of these events, which seems way too short for an event you go out of your way to dress up for. 

What types of theme parties are there?

There’s a variety of parties, here are some of the more popular ones.

White Hot Night Party

This is the easiest party to dress for; just wear white. The more, the better. White hats, glasses, watches, accessories, go all out. Most ships with a white party are equipped with black lights to make you pop. It’s an amazing experience to see a room full of people in glowing white dancing away. 

Mega Deck Party

This “mega” party will usually take place on the deck by the main pool if the weather allows. The music will be pumping, and Carnival’s fun squad will keep the energy up. There will be limbos, choreographed dances, and more. Carnival recommends wearing red or blue to this party, but we rarely see people dress up in theme for this one. 

80’s Rock & Glow

Get ready for lots of neon, leg warmers, and high hair. The 80’s Rock and Glow party celebrates everything 80’s. Usually taking place on the Lido Deck, the party features all your favorite music from the 80’s. It seems like one of the better attended and dressed for events on the cruise ship. 

Decades Theme Parties

Some ships will also have a theme party dedicated to a specific decade. Typically, in our experience, fewer people dress for these events, but they usually have a great turnout. 

Silent Night Disco

The Silent Night Disco is a recent addition to the Carnival fleet but has been on other cruise lines for some time. In a silent disco, you get a set of headphones to listen to the music. There’s a button to change between two different live streams of music on the headsets. That means you can be dancing next to someone who’s listening to a completely different song. If you really want to have fun, go without headphones and enjoy the surreal experience of seeing people dancing in a completely silent room. Well, not completely silent; you’ll have people singing along to the different tracks at the same time, which adds to the experience.  

What theme parties are on your Carnival cruise?

John Heald provided the list below in mid-March. Keep in mind these parties can change because of weather, change of cruise director, or adjustment of the cruise itinerary. Usually, you’ll get an email a few weeks before your cruise outlining the parties so you can be prepared. It’s frustrating that Carnival can’t just post this information in the online cruise planner to make it easy for everyone. They have a listing about it on their general website, but it’s outdated and hard to find.

Carnival Breeze

• Motown Showdown – Atrium
• Decades Atrium Party – Atrium
• 80’s Rock & Glow – Lido
• Rock the Promenade – Atrium
• Silent Disco – Lido

Carnival Celebration

• Evolution Party – Atrium (Center Stage)
• Motown Showdown Party – Atrium (Center Stage)
• White Hot Party – Lido

Carnival Conquest

• 80’s & 90’s Party – Atrium
• Mega Deck Party – Lido
• Motown Party – Atrium (4-day cruises only)

Carnival Dream

• 90’s Party – Atrium
• Silent White Night Party – Lido/Nightclub

Carnival Elation

• 80’s Party – Atrium
• Motown Trivia Party – Atrium

Carnival Freedom

• Motown Showdown
• 80’s Rock & Glow Party
• Farewell Party
• Silent Disco / White Night Party Combo (4-day)
• Silent Disco (5-day)
• White Night Party (5-day)
• Decades Party – Atrium
• Motown Party – Atrium

Carnival Glory

• Getaway Island Afterparty – Atrium
• 70’s and Motown Music Party – Atrium
• White Hot Nights – Atrium

Carnival Horizon

• Farewell Music Party – Atrium
• Silent Disco Party – Lido
• White Night Party – Atrium

Carnival Jubilee

• 80’s Party- Lido
• Motown Party – Lido
• Tailgate Party – Lido
• Atrium/Center Stage parties to be announced

Carnival Legend

• Silent Party – Lido

Carnival Liberty

• 80’s Trivia Party – Atrium
• 70’s & Motown Trivia – Atrium (4-day sailings only)

Carnival Luminosa

• Backyard Bash – Lido (on sailings 8+ days)
• Decades Music Party – Ocean Plaza
• 80’s Rock & Glow Party – Lido
• Island Nights – Lido (on sailings 7+ days)
• Motown & 70’s Party – Ocean Plaza
• Silent White Night Party – Lido
• Superhero Party – Ocean Plaza

Carnival Magic

• Serenity Nights – Serenity Deck (8-night sailings)

Carnival Mardi Gras

• 90’s Party – Atrium (Center Stage)
• Tiki Fest (Hawaiian) – Lido
• Rock and Glow Party – Lido

Carnival Miracle

Schedule for 14-day journeys cruises.

• Ballroom Dancers – Atrium
• Hawaiian Appreciation Event – Atrium
• Luau Deck Party – Lido
• Sail Away Party – Lido
• Walk the Plank – Atrium

Carnival Panorama

• Farewell Party – Atrium
• Silent Night Disco – Lido
• White Night – Atrium

Carnival Paradise

• Fun Farewell – Atrium
• Rock the Promenade- Atrium

Carnival Pride

• 70’s & Motown Party – Atrium
• Silent Disco – Nightclub

Carnival Radiance

• 80’s Rock & Glow – Atrium
• White Party – Atrium

Carnival Spirit

• Silent White Party – Lido

Carnival Splendor

• Island Nights – Lido (on sailings 8+ days)
• Superhero Party – Atrium (on sailings 5+ days)
• White Hot Party – Lido (on sailings 6+ days)

Carnival Sunrise

• 80’s Rock and Glow Party – Lido
• Rock the Promenade – Atirum

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival valor.

• 90’s Trivia Party – Atrium

Carnival Venezia

• Festa Italiana – Lido
• Motown party – Atrium
• 90’s Party – Lido

Carnival Vista

• White Hot Party – Atrium

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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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Carnival Theme Nights 2024: Schedule for Every Ship!

March 15, 2024

Carnival offers some of the most entertaining themed nights and parties at sea .

Since most theme nights require specific attire , many passengers like to know the schedule in advance.

Therefore, I’ve made this article with a description of them and the complete schedule for all ships for 2024 .

Table of Contents

’70s ’80s or ’90s Night

On almost every Carnival Cruise there’s a decade-themed night that celebrates the music, culture, and fashion of the ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s .

You can expect to hear hit songs from each era and have fun while dancing to them.

What to wear? It depends on the decade but generally:

For the ’70s : bell-bottom jeans, psychedelic or floral shirts and dresses, platform shoes. Think disco glam with lots of sparkles.

For the ’80s : bright neon shirts or skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, parachute pants, bandanas, leg warmers, and headbands.

On many ships the the ’80s night is called ’80s Rock n Glow Night, remember to bring with you some neon pieces of clothing.

For the ’90s : grunge or hip-hop-inspired looks with baggy jeans, plaid mini skirts, band T-shirts, flannel shirts, and snapback caps.

• White Night

White Night is one of the most famous on Carnival ships, it can be found on almost every ship and it is very easy to dress up in theme.

My advice is: open your closet and pick every white piece of clothing that you have , it’s as simple as that.

For its total white look, a man can wear white dress shirts, pants, and shoes. For a more chic version, a white blazer over a light-colored shirt can also work well.

Women can opt for white dresses, ranging from elegant gowns to casual summer dresses. For the accessories pearl jewelry and white clutches are just perfect.

Elegant Night

One of the cruise’s highlights, Elegant Night invites guests to dress in their most formal attire. I have to say that, as time goes by, formal nights become less and less popular.

I personally still like to dress up for a few evenings on a cruise. There is no need to overdo it!

Men can wear tuxedos or dark suits , with ties or bow ties if they like it.

Women can wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses , paired with shiny jewels and evening clutches.

• Island Night

On some cruises, there can be an Island Night . The idea is to capture the spirit of tropical heavens with Caribbean music, island-inspired cocktails, and activities that celebrate beach life.

The dress code for all includes bright floral shirts or dresses featuring palm leaf, floral, or other bright prints .

It’s basically the Carnival version of the Caribbean Night that you can find among the Royal Caribbean Theme Nights 2024 .

• Motown Party

The Motown Party it’s a night dedicated to the sounds of Motown, with soulful music, classic hits, and an atmosphere that will bring you back to the golden age of rhythm and blues.

As far as I know, there’s no actual dress code for this party. To stay on topic you can opt for a ’50s or ’60s outfit .

Vintage suits, fedoras, and polished dress shoes for men. A-line dresses, sequined tops, and flared skirts for women.

2024 Schedule

Theme nights on carnival elation.

• Rock the Promenade

Theme nights on Carnival Paradise

• 80s Rock and Glow
• Rock the Prom

Theme nights on Carnival Sunshine

• Motown Showdown

Theme nights on Carnival Sunrise

• White Party

Theme nights on Carnival Radiance

Theme nights on carnival spirit.

• 70s and Motown Party

Theme nights on Carnival Pride

• Electric White Night

Theme nights on Carnival Legend

Theme nights on carnival conquest.

• 80s and 90s Party

Theme nights on Carnival Glory

Theme nights on carnival miracle.

• Hawaiian Event
• Luau Deck Party

Theme nights on Carnival Valor

Theme nights on carnival liberty, theme nights on carnival freedom.

• Decades Party

Theme nights on Carnival Splendor

• Superhero Party

Theme nights on Carnival Dream

• White Night Party

Theme nights on Carnival Magic

Theme nights on carnival breeze.

• Decades Atrium Party

Theme nights on Carnival Vista

• Rock and Glow
• White Hot Party

Theme nights on Carnival Horizon

Theme nights on carnival panorama, theme nights on mardi gras, theme nights on carnival celebration.

• Motown Part
• Evolution Party

Theme nights on Carnival Venezia

• Festa Italiana

Theme nights on Carnival Luminosa

• Island Nights
• Motown and 70s Party
• Decades Music Party

Theme nights on Carnival Jubilee

• White party

Chart of all the themed nights and parties on Carnival

6 thoughts on “Carnival Theme Nights 2024: Schedule for Every Ship!”

Will all the party’s listed happen on every cruise? Do I need to bring outfits for all then find out when I board which ones they will have or is there a way to find out beforehand so I don’t overpack?

Hello Selena, unfortunately the parties can change very often during the year so there is never 100% certainty about which ones there will be. My advice is to bring clothes that can adapt well to the different parties, but that you can also wear normally during your cruise.

What is serenity night on the magic?

as far as I know it should be a deck party at serenity, which is an adults-only area for guests ages 21 and over.

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Our cruise is at the beginning of October and I heard there will be a Halloween party. Is that true? And does it take the place of another one of the parties?

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Carnival Celebration Captures Audiences with All-New Live Entertainment

When Carnival Celebration sets sail this November 2022 on Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages from the specially redesigned Terminal F at Port Miami, guests will be treat to never-before seen live entertainment.

Offered throughout the cruise, Carnival’s exciting new live evening entertainment is something that guests just won’t want to miss.

New Aerial, Multimedia, Game Shows and More

From new main gala production shows and nail-biting aerialist acts to game shows, parties and events, the ship’s new unique offerings were designed to be as much celebrations as they are performances. 

Guests can engage in new game shows and upbeat dance parties, witness new playful choreography with colorful scenes, and tons of fun.

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Carnival Celebration Live Entertainment for All

Guests should hold on to their brand-new theater seat and get ready to soar to new heights, or rather stage heights. Carnival Celebration debuts new and unique live entertainment. 

Passengers will love the exciting, fully immersive theatrical circus experience in The Most Magnificent Circus. 

Enjoy live painting with coordinated music and choreography while performers recreate classic love stories told through jazz, hip-hip, and iconic ballads in Color My World – An Indie Rock and Pop Love Story.

Also, Celebration will feature all-new high-energy parties. Toast to the night with Happy Hour at Latitudes Bar, a captivating Evolution mega-dance party spun by the ship’s pro DJ.

“At home, when the sun goes down, normally it’s time to wind down, but not on a Carnival cruise,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment for Carnival Cruise Line. “We wanted to give our guests new reasons to celebrate nights at sea with us on Carnival Celebration and have designed a collection of new shows and other types of entertainment where eye-catching aerialists, cutting-edge technology and next-level talent will dazzle our guests every evening.”

From new theatrical performances to hilarious game shows, parties and events, Carnival Celebration is true to her name.

Each act onboard the ship is as unique as it is high-energy, high-flying, and hyped-up. Be ready to tap your feet, clap your hands, and be visually amazed while having all the fun Carnival is famous for creating. 

Performances from the new  Playlist Productions  and Center Stage entertainment include:

• The Most Magnificent Circus  – Taking talent to new heights, wire-rigged performers will showcase their skills and soar above and beyond the audience, creating action in every direction. 
• Color My World  – An Indie Rock and Pop Love Story – The artistic love story will blend fun dance styles such as street jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, and ballet with the best songs from indie rock and pop genres. Additionally, Celestial Strings and Latin rhythms in the Cuban-meets-Latin Amor Cubano shows will be performed providing a dynamic choice of musical entertainment throughout the cruise. 
• Visual Symphony Debuts in December  – This innovative show will use Celebration Central’s 16 massive moving LED screens, lasers, and classical rock music to create a high-tech visual masterpiece. 
• Rio Carnival Debuts in May 2023  – A vibrant and high-energy Brazilian extravaganza will have guests moving their hips in a parade and celebration of music and dance as the cast performs authentic Brazilian dance to some of the most famous Latin pop songs of all time.

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While Carnival still plans to keep classics like  Family Feud Live, Deal or No Deal and the Love and Marriage game shows, new interactive evening shows will now feature: 

• What’s Age Got to Do With It  – fun for everyone, this question and answer trivia show, one parent and their child will have to prove they are the best family duo.
• Cash Bash  – the casino team offers guests a chance to win real cash prizes. Compete in Fun Squad challenges and activities to win!
• Guess That Groove  – guests will show off their dance moves of classic tunes – get ready to boogie!

Carnival Celebration sets sail from PortMiami on November 21, 2022 with a 6-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. 

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There’s New Details About Carnival Celebration’s Entertainment

Carnival Cruise Line’s new vessel, Carnival Celebration , was already expected to be as big and expansive as they come but today the company exceeded expectations by revealing new groundbreaking entertainment passengers will experience on board.

Carnival Celebration will offer guests contemporary entertainment featuring newly produced shows, luxury parties, interactive game shows, and aerialist acts.

“At home, when the sun goes down, normally it’s time to wind down, but not on a Carnival cruise,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment for Carnival Cruise Line. “We wanted to give our guests new reasons to celebrate nights at sea with us on Carnival Celebration and have designed a collection of new shows and other types of entertainment where eye-catching aerialists, cutting-edge technology, and next-level talent will dazzle our guests every evening.”  

Brand-new performances guests can expect while on board include:

Color My World- An Indie Rock and Pop Love Story: Guests in attendance at this show will see an inventive performance filled with romance based on a notable artist and his assistant. The show will give the audience a front-row seat to their intimate love story by way of vivid colors and artistic pieces. The show will feature many different styles of dance like jazz, musical theater, and ballet, paired with well-known hits from indie, pop, and rock genres.  The vibrant show promises guests to live painting during the performance and an experience that will highlight the importance of artistic expression.

The Most Magnificent Circus : A big-top circus show, this performance promises its audience a plot of self-discovery and self-acceptance through an array of wire-rigged performers showcasing their talents while soaring above the audience. Carnival promises a captivating and exorbitant show highlighting the performers’ unique talents like mirror & ladder aerial and trapeze acts.

Rio Carnival : Making its debut in May 2023, Rio Carnival is a high-energy Brazilian dance show that promises guests an interactive performance filled with different dance styles. The show aims to get the audience moving their hips and letting loose. The cast will perform choreographed dances from styles like Bossa Nova, Batudada, Forro, Capoeira, Samba, Marchinha, and Caribou in tune with some of the most notable Latin songs of all time, in both English and Portuguese languages.

Visual Symphony : Starting this December, the Visual Symphony promises a revolutionary show highlighting Celebration Central’s 16 massive moving LED screens paired with classic rock hits to create a futuristic sensation. The show features modern technology and special effects in the zone’s three-deck-high space.

Aside from the already popular Family Feud Live, Deal or No Deal, and Love and Marriage game shows, Carnival is also debuting new interactive game shows.

Here are a few game shows added to the lineup:

Guess That Groove : An interactive game show where guests will showcase their knowledge of hit songs and break out their best dance moves.

What’s Age Got to Do With It : This Q&A trivia show is for all ages and features parent and child teams competing to prove they are the best family duo on the ship.

Cash Bash : Working with Carnival Celebration’s Casino, guests can win cash prizes while taking part in competitions and interactive games.

Carnival also promises their guests a few brand-new parties like a new Evolution dance party hosted by the ship’s experienced DJ and a Celebration Happy Hour located at the Latitudes Bar.

Carnival Celebration will debut this November out of the newly renovated Terminal F at Port Miami, the line’s largest in South Florida and 3rd terminal at the port. Carnival will launch several year-round 7-day cruises to the Caribbean on sale beginning on November 21.

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Deck Parties

Already known for hosting the best deck parties at sea, Carnival takes it to another level - come and join the fun outdoors, up on deck!

Sail Away Party

Join your Cruise Director to kick off your vacation in true island style .. it's time to say "Adios"... "Hello Fun!"

Following the Safety Briefing and as the ship sets sail, gather at Lido Deck midship for some fun with our cruise staff - our resident DJ gets the party started with music, dancing and drink specials!

Mega Deck Party

Looking for a party you’ll never forget? We’ve got just the thing. Join the Fun Squad for fun and dancing. Smiling ear to ear is a common side effect. The Mega Deck Party is an island inspired party that celebrates the fun and spirit of RedFrog and BlueIguana - the colorful namesake characters from our poolside watering holes. Up for some pool volleyball? The Fun Squad will get you on your feet for line dancing and Limbo - " how low can you go ?". Join in and wear red or blue clothing in honor of some of our favorite places to have a drink!  

The Mega Deck Party is featured on cruises six days and longer (that feature two deck parties). On shorter cruises, it may be featured as the only deck party or replaced with the 80s Night. 80s Night Deck Party

A totally bodacious deck party with awesome giveaways, a rad 80s themed dance contest, a tubular 80s pop concert with our onboard Rock band and of course, the Thriller dance!  

The 80s Rock-N-Glow Party is a high energy, fun and unique experience that showcases our exciting musical offerings. Whether you rock up to the party in leg warmers, neon pink shirts, big gold chains and even bigger hair, you will be welcomed to dance the night away on the open deck!

The 80s Rock-N-Glow Party is featured on cruises six days and longer (that feature two deck parties). On shorter cruises, it may be featured as the only deck party or replaced with the Mega Deck Party.  

White Hot Night Party

The fun on a Carnival cruise may start at sunrise, but that doesn’t mean it comes to an end when the sun goes down. On one night of your cruise, your cruise director will be throwing a White Hot Night Party… and you’re invited! So when packing for your cruise, remember what an amazing photo op this will be and bring your favorite, most fun… even quirkiest white clothing and matching accessories. Keep the theme going head to toe, if you can. We’re counting on you to help us heat up this amazing night of dancing, giveaways, fun and more!

The White Hot Night Party is featured on cruises six days and longer; on some shorter cruises, it may be featured.  

Lone Star Tailgate Party

A Texas-sized deck party, will take over the Carnival Jubilee's Lido Deck. Celebrating the spirit of all-things Texas, the three-hour tailgate is divided into four quarters – much like a football game – with the energy of a country fairground and rodeo, with games and giveaways that promise fun for guests of all ages. This isn’t just a party – it’s a celebration of family, fierce competition and crowd-pleasing fun!

The Lone Star Tailgate Party is featured on the Carnival Jubilee. 

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Carnival Celebration: What we loved and what needs work on Carnival's newest, biggest ship

For its 50th birthday, Carnival Cruise Line gave itself a celebration — specifically, the just-unveiled Carnival Celebration, the second ship in the line's Excel class. And it's clear that Celebration isn't your mother's, or grandmother's, Carnival cruise ship, taking the company into its next half-century with a more modern, updated version of Carnival's "Fun Ship" style. Carnival referenced this evolution when it chose Cassidy Gifford, daughter of Carnival's original spokeswoman Kathie Lee Gifford, as godmother of the ship, closing the books on the old era and welcoming in the new.

To be fair, most of Carnival Celebration's modern updates were debuted on sister vessel Mardi Gras , which launched in 2021. Carnival Celebration is now the second ship in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. It's also the biggest ship Carnival has ever sailed, along with Mardi Gras, carrying 5,282 passengers at double occupancy.

Gone is the line's iconic soaring atrium, replaced by the three-deck-high Celebration Central with panoramic windows looking out to sea. Guy Fieri is no longer the only celebrity chef in town; he's joined by Shaquille O'Neal and Emeril Lagasse. Carnival's thrilling water parks now have to make room for a top-deck roller coaster, and the RedFrog Pub has been replaced by the indoor hangout in the Summer Landing zone.

The ship is also the second Carnival vessel to bear the Celebration name. The first, known simply as Celebration, set sail for the line in 1987. It left the fleet in 2008 before ending up with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line as Grand Celebration, which was scrapped during the industry's pandemic pause in 2021. Now, Carnival Celebration resurrects the name to offer more fun to more people.

TPG was on board Carnival Celebration's second sailing and the first from its Miami home port to the Caribbean. Here, I'll outline what's new, what we loved and what could use some tweaks.

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

Things to know about Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration is divided into six themed zones, three of which are different from the zones on Mardi Gras. Some zones feel more distinct and self-contained than others. The zones are:

Celebration Central

Celebration Central incorporates the atrium/performance area of the same name, JavaBlue Cafe, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Piano Bar 88 and the Punchliner Comedy Club. You'll also find the new Aquaria Bar, featuring two-deck glass murals rescued from Carnival Victory, and the Tropicale Bar on Deck 6, named after former ship Tropicale, which was the first ship in Carnival's fleet to have the brand's well-known whale-tail funnel. Look for the vintage blue 1934 Rolls-Royce, brought over from Carnival Ecstasy before that ship was scrapped, and the Golden Jubilee Bar, named in honor of the line's 50th anniversary and decorated with pieces formerly found on past Carnival ships.

Related: Why I'm sad Carnival is retiring its oldest ship

820 Biscayne

A nod to the address where Carnival Cruise Line was born 50 years ago, Carnival Celebration's 820 Biscayne zone is designed with a purposeful Miami vibe. Located on Deck 8 midship, this new area is a dining mecca, featuring Rudi's Seagrill (seafood), Cucina del Capitano (Italian), Miami Slice (pizza) and Deco Deli (Latin-inspired sandwiches). The area also includes Bar 820, serving Cuban-inspired coffee drinks and cocktails.

The Gateway

The new travel-inspired neighborhood The Gateway on decks 6 and 7 midship is most noticeable for its LED "windows" that display scenes from countries around the world, depending on the evening's theme. The new train station-inspired Latitudes Bar and returning Emeril's Bistro 1397 anchor this area, with the popular pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar above. Emeril's serves Louisiana-style breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as three evening specials based on the day's international theme.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival ship

Also in this area are the Carnivale Restaurant and Festivale Restaurant, main dining rooms that pay homage to the second and third ships to sail for the brand, as well as the Limelight Lounge nightclub, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and Carnival Kitchen (a demo kitchen for cooking classes).

Summer Landing

Aft of 820 Biscayne, Summer Landing makes a comeback on Carnival Celebration. This area is your living room and backyard. Inside, the Heroes Tribute Bar, with its comfy couches and giant TV, spills into Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse; you'll find soft-serve machines in a military truck, a game room for foosball and table shuffleboard and a stage for live music. Outside, a small pool, two hot tubs and the Watering Hole provide an inviting spot to hang out on a hot day.

The Ultimate Playground

Thrill chasers will flock to the Ultimate Playground to get their hearts pounding. Here, the Bolt roller coaster , the second in the fleet, zooms over the mini-golf course and around the water park and ship's funnel. A packed basketball course and an elevated ropes course keep the fun going; foosball, ping pong and bean bag toss offer an easier form of competition. A jogging track encircles the entire Deck 18 playground.

For all other outdoor pursuits, the Lido is your go-to spot. The midship pool brings back Dive-In Movies on a giant LED screen and is surrounded by a two-deck RedFrog Tiki Bar, Street Eats, BlueIguana Cantina, Seafood Shack and, one deck up, Guy's Burger Joint. Aft of the Lido Marketplace buffet is another pool, plus Shaq's Big Chicken . All the way forward on Deck 18 is the adults-only Serenity Deck, with a pool, two hot tubs and the Fresh Creations custom salad bar. Above is the Loft 19 sun deck exclusive to suite guests.

What we loved

I've seen ships from other lines where the top-deck attractions take up so much space, the pools and lounging space get short shrift. Carnival Celebration manages to pack a lot into the Deck 18 playground, leaving plenty of real estate for the sun worshippers. The Bolt roller coaster is a worthy thrill ride — my only complaint is that for $15, it could be a bit longer. The ropes course manages to be both scary and completely manageable; you might feel like you'll fall, but the obstacles are easier than they appear. Definitely try the short zip line and "walk the plank" over the edge of the ship.

Related: The 8 types of Carnival ships, explained

The water park has three different slides to suit all tastes plus a splash park, and the mini-golf course is a fun time and actually tricky. I saw everyone from little kids to adults enjoying the basketball court, and Carnival lost the ridiculous outdoor exercise equipment from its Vista-class ships and kept only the games cruisers actually play.

Casual dining

One of my favorite things about Carnival is that the line's ships offer a diversity of casual, included dining venues. Carnival Celebration continues this tradition. New with the Excel class is Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken venue serving variations on the fried-chicken-and-biscuit theme from breakfast through the late afternoon. The slightly spicy tenders are delicious. Carnival's pizza is some of the best in the biz, and the customizable tacos and burritos at BlueIguana offer something for everyone.

However, I've been on older Carnival ships where all the casual venues are on the lido deck, and the area gets incredibly busy at lunchtime. Too many people crowd into the same spaces, lines snake around corners and bumps and spills are unavoidable.

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

The Excel-class ships solve that problem by spreading out the casual venues across multiple decks. Guy's Burger Joint is up on Deck 17 instead of by the midship pool; Big Chicken is outside the Lido Marketplace at the very back of Deck 16. Each is accompanied by a duo of soft-serve machines that get heavy use.

The deli, pizza and Guy's barbecue eateries are all on Deck 8, with a third ice cream outlet in the Heroes Tribute Bar. The only issue with this arrangement is that neither of these spots are big on vegetables; you can no longer get a salad at the pizza venue. If you want some greens with your pizza or turkey sandwich, you have to travel seven decks to the Lido Marketplace.

Sit-down dining

If you've never sailed with Carnival, you might be surprised to discover that it has some of the best sit-down dining among the big-ship lines. I have always enjoyed the main dining room, and Carnival Celebration continued the tradition of expansive breakfast menus, delicious Indian food, daring appetizers (where else can you order frog legs?) and the best molten chocolate cake on the high seas.

We sampled a few of Celebration's specialty restaurants, and they also impressed. Rudi's Seagrill delivered an enormous cioppino and a Dover sole that was soft and moist. Emeril's Bistro 1397 wowed my husband with a flavorful ceviche, while I enjoyed hot-from-the-oven beignets. We dined at Chibang! twice to try both its Asian and Mexican specialties. Both were delicious but we agreed that the Mexican menu stole the show. My kids slurped up pasta at Cucina del Capitano at lunch, and I heard others rave that the steakhouse was as good as I remember from other ships.

Carnival's Excel-class ships offer more cabin types than ever before, with family cabins, Havana cabins with patio swings, and all kinds of suites. I stayed in a standard balcony cabin with my family of four and was impressed by how well designed the room was to accommodate four people in a small space.

I'm always talking about cabin storage and Carnival nailed it. Its four-section closet had it all: tall and short hanging spaces, shelves and three pullout drawers. The desk area has two deep drawers and one shallow drawer, two shelves and an ottoman stool with storage inside. I had to ask for extra hangers (quickly delivered), but all our stuff found a home.

Related: Everything to know about Carnival cabins and suites

The bathroom was also impressive. I'm not sure two people could stand next to each other without someone stepping into the shower, but the shower itself is roomy for a bathroom that small. I never banged my elbows or kicked open the door in an attempt to pick a bottle off the floor. Plus, it has an adjustable shower head with a removable wand and a shave bar in one corner — thoughtful touches.

As a professional traveler, it's not a huge surprise that one of my favorite public areas on the ship is the travel-themed The Gateway. The Latitudes Bar called my name with its seatbacks decorated with faux passport stamps and split-flap departure board signage. My husband and I spent an enjoyable hour trying a couple of the bar-specific cocktails, inspired by countries around the world. For a photogenic and tasty tipple, order the Sakura, which comes with a surprise presentation.

And as a cruise buff, I also loved the new Golden Jubilee Bar, decorated with doors, glass, tabletops and other pieces from previous Carnival ships. It serves classic cocktails and takes up its own space, rather than spanning a public thoroughfare. It's the perfect place for a drink before a meal in the Carnivale main dining room next door.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival cruising

The Summer Landing zone on Carnival Celebration is the ship's living room, and my family found ourselves there often. My son was a big fan of the foosball and table shuffleboard, and my daughter loved the aft pool, with its loungers in the shallows. Both loved the easy-access soft-serve machine. We swung by Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse for breakfast and barbecue dinner, played trivia, sampled beers brewed right on board and watched other people watch sports at the Heroes Tribute Bar. I was bummed that I never got to hear the band that played here after-hours because the setting is perfect for kicking back with a drink and listening to live music.

The area takes the place of the RedFrog Pub, a venue I've loved on other Carnival ships. The decor here is a little darker, but the expanded size and proximity to a pool, hot tubs and outdoor seating are a definite plus.

Unlike their fleetmates, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras both skip the soaring, multi-deck-high central atrium and replace it with a three-deck-high ocean-facing atrium along the ship's starboard (right-hand) side. The area was revamped and renamed Celebration Central area on this ship, decorated with color-changing lights designed to look like confetti. Guest services and shore excursions have been moved out of this central area to a more out-of-the-way spot on Deck 8 aft.

By day, panoramic windows offer port and ocean views to guests enjoying coffee and a snack from the JavaBlue Cafe across from Celebration Central's lower level. At night, video screens come down to serve as the high-tech animated backdrop for musical production shows featuring multiple aerialists and performers who dance in and out of passengers sitting closest to the stage.

Related: How to make the most of Carnival's loyalty program

I loved how the atrium area is now more incorporated into the daily flow of the ship, rather than an area you pass by to get somewhere else. The shows are stunning, with the action extending beyond the stage, including into the air. They make full use of the high-tech capabilities of the performance space.

However, the area lacks seating with full sightlines of both the stagebound singers and the aerialists. My family arrived at a show 40 minutes early and only by luck found close-up seats with obstructed views. At another show I attended solo, I found a lone seat in the stadium-style section of banquettes between decks 7 and 8. Even in this area clearly meant for show watching, I could not see all the action, and the noise from passengers wandering around Deck 8 and coming in and out of Bonsai Sushi was loud and distracting.

The hotel director assures me his team will find ways to schedule shows so fewer people show up, but I'm not convinced that enough seats in Celebration Central have full sight of the stage or that putting a theater in a public space is the best idea for focusing on a show.

Dining times

I appreciate what Carnival has tried to do on this ship to make flexible dining more accessible. In addition to the main dining room, passengers who have selected the Anytime Dining plan can enjoy dinner at Cucina del Capitano or Chibang! where they can choose dishes from the restaurant's menu or the always-available options from the main dining room menu.

You can request a table at a specific venue or choose the first available among all three.

The problem is that guests on the early or late assigned dining plan cannot access those restaurants before 7:45 p.m. We were assigned early dining, so the night we wanted to try Chibang! we requested a table exactly at 7:45 p.m — but there was a 50-to-60-minute wait, which led to a very late dinner for our kids.

And that wasn't the only restaurant with a wait. You can't request a table in advance for Bonsai Sushi, but when my husband and son came for dinner at 8:20 p.m., the hostess wasn't sure she could get them a table until close to 10 p.m.

It's likely that many of these dining issues are startup problems. The hotel director told me that it takes around six months for a new ship to be running like clockwork. So if you're on an early sailing, my advice is to dine early or request tables half an hour to an hour before you want to eat. If you like to try out different restaurants for dinner, choose the flexible dining option so you get earlier access to Chibang! and Cucina del Capitano for dinner.

Bottom line

Carnival Celebration, like Mardi Gras, takes the Carnival Fun Ship concept to the next level with a bigger ship and an updated layout that still hold true to the line's core values of dining variety, plentiful bars, entertainment for all interests and a focus on fun. Loyalists will find many of their favorite places and spaces and come to develop new beloved hangouts, while first-timers will be wowed by the nonstop options, livable cabins across all price points and the always-friendly and helpful crew members.

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Starlink dominates Cruise industry

May 17, 2024

Elon Musk’s Starlink broadband-by-satellite system has now equipped the entire Carnival Corporation cruise fleet of more than 90 ships with its equipment. Carnival operates its ships under its own name and also AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard.

Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein said Starlink’s availability has been a “game-changer” in onboard connectivity. Carnival said Starlink’s availability improved the customer experience with connectivity that “rivals on-land” experience. It has also made a material difference in improved operational and communications capabilities for each vessel’s crew and managers.

“We’ve already seen a surge in guest satisfaction and positive feedback from the super-fast and reliable Wi-Fi service we provide onboard,” Weinstein said. “We see this technology as a win-win-win – it provides our guests with more flexibility to stay as connected as they’d like on vacation, it allows our crew to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and it enhances our onboard operational systems.”

A typical installation costs a reported $5,000 per month plus a one-time fee of $5,000 for the on-board equipment. Each vessel can typically enjoy a 350 Mb/s download.

Carnival’s fees to passengers start at $15.30 per person per day rising to $21.25 per person per day. The higher fee allows for higher speed downloads and supports Skype, Zoom and Teams video calling.

The installation on Carnival’s ships is the latest move in what is seen as a digital revolution at sea. One report suggests that Starlink, in less than two years, has captured a 25 per cent market share penetration of vessels.

Elon Musk claims that Starlink is now serving more than 200 cruise vessels.

There’s more. For example, Starlink is supplying the more traditional maritime market. Seaspan Chas also recently completed the installation of Starlink across its full fleet, positioning Seaspan as one of the first major owner-operators of containerships to fully integrate Starlink’s high bandwidth, low latency service into its operations.

As of March 31st 2024, Seaspan’s operating fleet consisted of 165 vessels, with an additional 23 vessels also under construction, expected to be delivered by December 2024.

“Enhanced connectivity on board our vessels will translate to increased efficiency, safety, and seafarer welfare across our fleet,” said Torsten Holst Pedersen, Seaspan’s COO. Garret Wong, VP/Information Technology at Seaspan said: “With the implementation of Starlink on all our vessels, we are now well-positioned to take advantage of the latest emerging state-of-the-art technologies in the maritime industry.”

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• SpaceX’s Starlink suffers global outage

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Tags: cruise , elon musk , starlink

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Best Carnival cruise ships: Here’s which ship you should sail, based on your travel style

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Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising. As one of the largest cruise brands in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, and destination — can shape the way you make your choice.

So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? Here are my picks for the top options in several categories.

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Mardi Gras: Best Carnival cruise ship for families

The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras . Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest vessels, but it’s also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers. Beyond the dedicated kids facilities, the ship has a massive arcade and many top-deck diversions. One of these is the Ultimate Playground — a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea . (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra.)

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families  

Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line’s Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order off special menus in the complimentary main dining rooms and join in their waiters’ rollicking dance performances just when they start to get antsy sitting still.

The ship also does a nice job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Many of Mardi Gras’ standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting cabins.

Its Family Harbor staterooms provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Breakfast is offered there each morning, and snacks and drinks — including free soda — are provided throughout the day. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people.

Mardi Gras’ new sister ship, Carnival Celebration, is also a fantastic option in this category, offering a nearly identical experience (with just a few changes in the names and themes of specific venues).

Carnival Horizon: Best ship for luxury lovers

Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands’ high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service.

With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon — the second vessel in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class. It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings.

If you’re into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

If exclusive stateroom enclaves are what you seek, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. With a suite booking, you’ll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation.

If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms are nearly five times that size.

The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the line’s newest: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which house Presidential Suites. Those accommodations offer 1,120 square feet of space with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships — part of the line’s Excel Class — are so large and attract so many families that I’ve ruled them out as the most luxurious.

Carnival Conquest: Best ship for budget travelers

If you’re on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise , the less expensive it will be.

Plus, it sails from Miami, one of the world’s largest cruise hubs. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, passengers enjoy spending time around the pool and grabbing free burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.

It’s also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights.

At the time of publication, prices started from $47 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Carnival Sunrise: Best Carnival cruise ship for singles

Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one.

Because all staterooms are designed for double occupancy, it’s generally a rule that a person traveling alone must pay both fares. This means they would pay twice as much per person as two people sharing a room.

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

In order to make the single supplement as affordable as possible, solo Carnival cruisers will want to balance finding an inexpensive vessel with choosing one that sails short itineraries. They’ll also probably want one that’s a bit livelier (read: not the oldest in the fleet).

A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Although it originally debuted in 1999, it feels fresh and nearly new. It offers the line’s signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.

Combine that with short, affordable voyages from Miami, and you can sail to the Bahamas or Caribbean for four or five nights from as little as $104 per night if you’re solo. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees

Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice.

In particular, Carnival Pride’s voyages consist of nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on a regular cadence. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. (Take note if you’re thinking of bringing your grandkids.)

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. That actually works in its favor if you’re a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design — in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus.

In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sun deck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages.

Bottom line

So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preferences. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget.

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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.