Carnival’s Mardi Gras and Celebration Share Most Venues but Sail From Different Florida Ports
The Excel Class ships offer similar layouts and attractions, while differing slightly in capacity, themed zones and homeports.
Carnival says its Excel Class vessels are 40% larger than the company’s other ships. Mardi Gras, which debuted in 2021, has a listed double-occupancy capacity of 5,270 guests, measures 180,800 gross tons and is 1,130 feet long. Carnival Celebration entered service in 2022 with listed capacity for 5,362 guests at double occupancy, a gross tonnage of 183,521 and the same length.
Each ship is divided into six zones. Three shared concepts carry different names: Grand Central on Mardi Gras corresponds with Celebration Central, the French Quarter with The Gateway, and La Piazza with 820 Biscayne. Both vessels also feature Summer Landing, Lido and The Ultimate Playground.
More than 90% of Mardi Gras’ restaurants, bars and lounges are also found aboard Carnival Celebration. Their shared attractions include the BOLT roller coaster, WaterWorks, a basketball court, a ropes obstacle course and miniature golf.
The ships operate from different Florida ports, with Mardi Gras sailing from Port Canaveral and Carnival Celebration based in Miami. Mardi Gras is scheduled to add four- and five-night cruises beginning in April 2027.