Carnival’s largest ship, Carnival Celebration, has begun her transatlantic voyage to Miami. She departed Southampton, England on Sunday for a 14-day transatlantic cruise to Miami, Florida.
Carnival Celebration arrived in Southampton Sunday morning where she was toured by local officials, travel partners, and members of the media. Carnival President Christine Duffy hosted “Let’s Celebrate,” an event in the cruise terminal for the ceremonial ribbon cutting before welcoming guests aboard the ship.
“I can’t tell you how exciting this day has been, finally giving our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship. Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th Birthday gift and is a key part of a very unique and exciting period of growth for us. It’s been a wonderful 50 years, and we kicked off the next 50 with a bang today! Next up – Miami!” -Carnival President Christine Duffy
Carnival Celebration can hold 6,630 passengers, has six unique zones, and an 800-foot decktop roller coaster, BOLT that reaches speeds of 40mph. Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to use a Liquefied Natural Gas propulsion system.
The first zone you will see aboard Carnival Celebration is Celebration Central. It includes an ocean-facing atrium that covers three decks and gives access to multiple food and entertainment spots. The main stage has 1,400 color-changing lights that are designed to mirror confetti. There are five other zones where cruisers can find food and entertainment – 820 Biscayne, The Gateway, Summer Landing, Lido, and The Ultimate Playground.
820 Biscayne is a tribute to Carnival Celebration’s homeport, Miami. You will find Miami favorites like Cuban coffee, frozen cocktails, and Cubano sandwiches. The Gateway is dedicated to international flavors and themes. Summer Landing and Lido are classic cruise decks where you can relax by the pool and indulge in some favorite foods and treats. The Ultimate Playground is as it sounds–a playground for the thrill seeker. You will find waterslides, mini-golf, a basketball court, a ropes course, and more.
Voyages from Miami will be six to eight-day voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean with its first trip beginning November 21.
Carnival is adding four more ships to its fleet over the next two years with Carnival Luminosa in Australia, a third Excel class ship, Carnival Jubilee, currently under construction, and two “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ships, Carnival Venezia in 2023 and Carnival Firenze in 2024.
What a way for Carnival to begin year 51!