Carnival Excel Class Ships
Carnival’s most innovative ships. The BOLT roller coaster, six distinct zones, and over 20 dining options. The best Carnival has ever built.
The Excel Class Ships
- Mardi Gras — Homeport: Port Canaveral. Launched 2021.
- Carnival Celebration — Homeport: Miami. Launched 2022.
- Carnival Jubilee — Homeport: Galveston. Launched 2023.
About the Excel Class
The Excel class ships represent Carnival’s biggest leap forward in ship design. Mardi Gras was the first North American cruise ship to feature a roller coaster at sea, the BOLT, which sends riders on a winding track around the upper deck at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. These ships are organized into six distinct zones, each with its own personality, dining, and entertainment, a concept that borrows from Royal Caribbean’s neighborhood model and executes it with Carnival’s signature fun-first approach. At over 180,000 gross tons, they are by far the largest ships Carnival has ever operated.
The Six Zones
- Grand Central — The social hub of the ship, featuring the atrium, bars, live entertainment, and the main gathering spaces
- La Piazza — An Italian-inspired zone with specialty dining and a relaxed piazza atmosphere
- The French Quarter — New Orleans inspired, featuring Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants on Celebration and Jubilee, live jazz, and Southern-style energy
- Lido — The outdoor pool deck zone with waterslides, pools, and casual dining including Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina
- Summer Landing — A laid-back outdoor zone at the aft of the ship featuring fireside s’mores, Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant, and a relaxed vibe
- 820 Biscayne — Named after Carnival’s Miami headquarters, this zone features the BOLT roller coaster, Dr. Seuss Waterworks, the RedFrog Tiki Bar, and family-focused activities
Dining
Excel class ships feature over 20 dining venues. The main dining room and Lido buffet are included. Celebrity partnership restaurants include Emeril’s Bistro (Celebration and Jubilee), Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, and more. Specialty dining options include Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, and Bonsai Sushi among others.
Entertainment
The Punchliner Comedy Club, the main theater with production shows, the Havana Bar for adults, outdoor movies under the stars, and the BOLT roller coaster provide entertainment from morning through late night. The Excel class ships are among the most entertainment-dense ships Carnival has ever built.
Best For
Families who want the full Carnival experience on the newest and most feature-rich ships, travelers who want to try the BOLT roller coaster, and anyone departing from Port Canaveral, Miami, or Galveston who wants Carnival’s top product.
Ready to sail Excel Class? Fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 48 to 72 hours.