Terry Declare's 150+ Cruises Led to This Game-Changing Ship

With over 150 cruises under my belt, I consider myself someone who truly knows the ins and outs of life at sea. So when I boarded the Carnival Celebration for a Seminar at Sea, I expected to learn a few new things about the ship and move on. What I discovered instead completely shifted my understanding of what Carnival has become.

I needed to see the Excel class ships firsthand because my clients trust me to know the difference between marketing promises and actual experiences. The Celebration is one of three Excel class vessels (alongside the Mardi Gras and Jubilee), and stepping aboard felt like meeting a whole new cruise line. This isn't the Carnival of ten years ago. This is something elevated, more sophisticated, while still holding onto that signature fun.

Entertainment That Never Stops

The entertainment options genuinely surprised me. Yes, you still have your main theater at the front of the ship, which is standard for Carnival. But now there's Center Stage, a main stage area with almost nightly performances. I found myself bouncing between Punchliners Comedy Club, the piano bar, and the new Havana Bar without ever feeling like I'd exhausted my options. The diversity of music alone spans everything from country to 50s and 60s classics right through to today's hits. There really is something for everyone, and I don't say that lightly.

Staterooms That Redefine Comfort

Carnival has seriously upped their game in the stateroom category. The new Family Harbor staterooms sit in a dedicated family zone and include access to the Family Harbor Lounge, sleeping up to five people comfortably. The Havana staterooms offer Cuban-themed decor with resort-style vibes, and here's the insider detail: you can walk through your balcony directly onto a patio area with its own pool at the aft of the ship. For spa lovers, the Cloud Nine spa staterooms come with unlimited thermal suite access and priority spa reservations. These aren't small upgrades. They represent a fundamental shift in how Carnival approaches the onboard experience.

Food That Defies Expectations

Let me talk about the dining because this is where I was truly impressed. The complimentary options alone could keep you eating somewhere different every meal for days. Guy's Burgers Joint serves what I'd argue are the best burgers at sea. There's Big Chicken by Shaquille O'Neal, Blue Iguana Cantina for tacos and burritos, and two restaurants (Shebang and Cucina Del Capitano) where your first dinner is included exclusively on the Excel class ships. Add in Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse, Streets Eats for food truck-style fare with loaded fries and skewers, and Miami Slice for pizza with the Deco Deli right beside it. The Lido Marketplace buffet offers everything from carving stations to comfort food to desserts. And yes, the soft serve ice cream is still free and still wonderful.

For specialty dining with cover charges, options include Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Emeril's Bistro 1397, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, Rudi's Seagrill, and the Seafood Shack. You could sail multiple times and still discover new flavors.

Who This Ship Is Perfect For

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see multiple destinations (we visited Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Nassau) without the hassle of packing and unpacking at each stop. Grand Turk especially stands out because you dock right at the beach. You're swimming within minutes, the ship visible right behind you against beautiful scenery. However, I'm honest with my clients: the Celebration is a very large ship. While it's designed so you don't feel crowded, there are a lot of people onboard. Some of my clients prefer smaller ships for that reason, and that's a valid preference I always discuss upfront.

One insider tip I now share with everyone: unless you have an excursion that requires you to leave at a specific time, wait 30 minutes to an hour after docking before disembarking. By then, the initial rush has cleared and you simply walk off without the crowds.

After experiencing the Celebration myself, I understand why the Excel class represents a new chapter for Carnival. It brings more sophistication and an elevated experience while maintaining the fun that made them famous. I cannot wait to send my clients aboard these ships because I know exactly what they'll find when they arrive.