Ship Comparison
Carnival Celebration vs Carnival Festivale
Carnival Celebration delivers high-octane fun for all ages, though its popularity can lead to crowds, while the upcoming Carnival Festivale promises enhanced family harmony and innovative new experiences with a focus on sustainable cruising from Port Canaveral.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Celebration and the forthcoming Carnival Festivale comes down to a few key differentiators. Celebration, already sailing, offers a robust, high-energy experience with a vast array of dining and entertainment options, including the unique BOLT roller coaster. However, its immense popularity often results in crowded public spaces and service challenges in complimentary venues. Festivale, launching in 2027, is designed as an evolution, emphasizing family harmony with a significant increase in interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark. While many specific details are still to be revealed for Festivale, its commitment to sustainability with LNG power and a dedicated family-centric design suggests a more streamlined and perhaps less congested experience for large family groups. If you value immediate availability and a proven, bustling fun-ship atmosphere, Celebration is your pick. If you prioritize cutting-edge family accommodations, a brand-new experience, and a greener footprint, Festivale is worth the wait.
Choose Carnival Celebration if…
Multigenerational families seeking a high-energy, activity-packed cruise with a vast array of dining and entertainment options, and those who enjoy being on a lively, bustling ship.
Best for
- Multigenerational Fun-Seekers
- Thrill-Seeking Adventurers (especially for BOLT)
- Culinary Explorers seeking diverse dining options
- Social & Entertainment Enthusiasts who thrive in bustling environments
- Modern Comfort Seekers (especially in Excel suites)
Avoid if
- Those sensitive to crowds and long waits
- Guests prioritizing quiet, intimate spaces
- Travelers who prefer highly personalized, non-stop service in complimentary venues
- Budget-conscious cruisers who find specialty dining costs add up quickly
Choose Carnival Festivale if…
Families and groups prioritizing interconnecting cabins and innovative, dedicated youth facilities, eco-conscious cruisers, and those eager to experience Carnival's newest Excel-class ship with a fresh take on family fun.
Best for
- Families requiring interconnecting cabins
- Innovation Enthusiasts eager for new ship experiences and waterparks
- Eco-Conscious Cruisers seeking LNG-powered ships
- Caribbean Explorers looking for Port Canaveral departures and private island visits
- Families with infants and toddlers, due to dedicated programming
Avoid if
- Travelers seeking immediate bookings (as it launches in 2027)
- Those preferring a smaller, more intimate cruise experience
- Guests who dislike high-energy, family-centric environments
- Cruisers who prefer a broader range of global itineraries beyond the Caribbean
Overall Vibe
Carnival Celebration
The Carnival Celebration, launched in 2022, is a vibrant Excel-class mega-ship, designed to honor Carnival's 50-year history while pushing forward with modern innovations. Powered by clean LNG fuel, it features 19 decks bustling with activity. Its core philosophy is "Great Fun Together," evident in its six themed zones like Celebration Central and The Gateway, which integrate dining, entertainment, and social spaces. The ship feels energetic and lively, a true floating resort that offers a diverse range of experiences for all ages, though its popularity can sometimes lead to a very bustling environment.
Carnival Festivale
As Carnival's fourth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Festivale is set to launch in 2027, also powered by sustainable LNG. This new vessel, spanning 19 decks, is being crafted with a distinct focus on "family harmony" and immersive, music-inspired experiences across its six themed zones, including Studio 724 and Sunsation Point. While details are still emerging, it promises to be an innovative evolution within the Excel class, aiming to deliver a fresh, unforgettable vacation experience that builds upon the successes of its predecessors, with a keen eye on modern family needs.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Celebration
With a capacity for 5,374 passengers and a crew of 1,735, Carnival Celebration buzzes with high-energy fun. The atmosphere is undeniably lively and family-friendly, catering to multi-generational groups. However, this popularity occasionally translates into a bustling environment, with public areas sometimes feeling overwhelmed. Guests might encounter noticeable queues for elevators, dining, and popular shows, and navigating certain deck areas can become a bit of a chokepoint, requiring a patient and flexible approach to enjoy the vibrant onboard energy.
Carnival Festivale
The Carnival Festivale is designed to accommodate 5,270 passengers with a crew of 926, indicating a deliberate approach to streamlined service, though it might challenge crew-to-guest ratios. The ship's atmosphere is expected to be intensely family-focused and high-energy, with a strong emphasis on "family harmony" through its innovative design. Its new zones and expanded youth programming suggest a lively, engaging environment where families can connect and enjoy a multitude of activities together. The aim is a fun-filled, modern experience for all onboard.
Dining
Carnival Celebration
Guests on Carnival Celebration can explore 21 distinct dining options, a culinary journey ranging from complimentary favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint and Shaq’s Big Chicken to diverse choices at The Lido Marketplace and innovative StreetEats. Specialty venues, such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Rudi’s SeaGrill, offer refined experiences, while Emeril’s Bistro 1397 brings Creole flair. Though specialty dining provides excellent service, complimentary venues can experience longer waits and less attentive service due to high demand, a common point for guests to note.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale will feature a mix of beloved and new dining experiences. Guests can enjoy complimentary options like the Main Dining Room, Guy's Burger Joint, Big Chicken, and Street Eats, alongside the popular Swirls soft-serve. Specialty venues will include Bonsai Teppanyaki, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. A new, currently unnamed venue will replace Chibang!, promising fresh culinary offerings. While specific service details are yet to be seen, the focus remains on diverse, enjoyable meals for families.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Celebration
Entertainment on Carnival Celebration is dynamic and varied, centered around two main show spaces: Celebration Central and the Grand Spectrum Theater, hosting high-tech Playlist Productions and Cirque-style acrobatics. Nightlife thrives with numerous themed bars like the historical Golden Jubilee and the lively Havana Bar, alongside the Empress Casino with 18 gaming tables and 180 slots. However, the sheer volume of 5,374 passengers means popular shows and venues often reach capacity, necessitating early arrival to secure a good seat and avoid significant crowding.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale promises an immersive entertainment lineup, notably featuring the new Carnival Waterworks Ultra with six slides, evening illuminations, and a DJ, perfect for family fun. Adults can look forward to new music-inspired venues like The Spark and Mix, an expanded Alchemy Bar with live music, and the Festivale Casino, boasting the fleet's largest gaming floor, including a $1 Million Slot Progressive Jackpot. Family Feud Live and The Punchliner Comedy Club ensure laughter, offering a vibrant blend of active and relaxed entertainment for all.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration offers a wide array of 2,687 cabins, designed with a modern aesthetic featuring light blues, sea foam greens, and crisp white linens. Staterooms are equipped with practical amenities like abundant USB and electrical outlets. The Excel-class suites, including Presidential and Aft Suites, are particularly spacious, offering exclusive access to Loft 19. While suites boast deluxe bathrooms, standard interior and ocean view cabins feature noticeably smaller, sometimes cramped bathrooms, which is a common observation for guests in these categories.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is setting a new standard for family accommodations with 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a 70% increase over previous Excel-class ships, replacing the traditional Family Harbor staterooms. This design facilitates seamless travel for larger families and groups. The ship will offer a comprehensive range of staterooms, including various Suites (Excel, Presidential), Havana Staterooms and Suites with unique décor and exclusive pool access, Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms with spa perks, Balcony, Ocean View, and Interior options, all prioritizing modern comfort and family convenience.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Celebration
The onboard style of Carnival Celebration is undeniably modern and vibrant, reflecting a continuous party atmosphere. While the ship's 1,735 crew members strive to deliver the "Fun Ship" experience, the high passenger capacity often strains service, particularly in complimentary dining and bar areas, leading to "indifferent" service and frequent waits. Conversely, guests in Excel suites benefit from a dedicated concierge, and specialty dining venues generally offer "above reproach" service. The Carnival Hub app and Wi-Fi are reliable, aiding guest navigation and communication.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale's onboard style is anticipated to blend modern design with a strong emphasis on "family harmony" and immersive experiences. While specific service reviews are not yet available for this upcoming ship, its design, including an impressive 926 crew members for 5,270 passengers, suggests a focus on efficient service in a lively environment. The ship's innovative zones and enhanced youth programming will likely drive a vibrant, engaging atmosphere, where Personalized attention, especially for families, is a key objective of its new offerings.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration primarily sails Caribbean itineraries, offering guests opportunities to explore sun-drenched destinations. A highlight of these voyages includes visits to Carnival's exclusive private destinations, such as the vibrant Celebration Key and the serene Half Moon Cay. These itineraries are tailored for those seeking classic tropical escapes, combining lively days at sea with relaxing beach experiences and a variety of shore excursions, making it an ideal choice for cruisers eager to soak up the Caribbean sun and enjoy dedicated private island offerings.
Carnival Festivale
Upon its launch, Carnival Festivale will homeport from Port Canaveral, focusing on diverse Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. These sailings are expected to feature calls at Carnival's popular private destinations, Half Moon Cay and the newly developed Celebration Key, offering exclusive beach days and a wealth of activities. The ship's design, with its emphasis on family and innovation, aligns perfectly with these tropical routes, providing an ideal backdrop for a fun-filled, sun-soaked vacation experience for all ages in the heart of the Caribbean.
What reviewers say
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration offers a vibrant, feature-rich experience, particularly excelling for multigenerational families seeking fun. However, its innovative design struggles with crowd management, leading to frequent waits and a sometimes overwhelming atmosphere.
Carnival Festivale
As a forthcoming Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale is poised to redefine family cruising with an unprecedented number of interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark. While specific itineraries and full dining details are still emerging, it promises a fun-filled, sustainable vacation experience.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Festivale
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Ship Guide
Carnival Celebration: Fun for Multigenerational Families
Discover a feature-rich experience designed for all ages, making every family member's cruise unforgettable.
Ship Guide
Carnival Festivale: Redefining Family Cruising Adventures
Discover unprecedented interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark for all ages.
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