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March 25, 2023

Here we are at the end of the story of my fantastic experience with Carnival on board Carnival Celebration, you can read the part 1 and part 2 here, otherwise enjoy!

A second stop in Mexico

Welcome to Costa Maya! Today, we are the first ship to arrive at the dock. And once again we are lucky with our cabin position. At 7:10, I step out through the balcony door a little sleepy and I’m greeted by a beautiful sunrise and the arrival of Norwegian Prima. She turns stern and heads toward the dock at a 90-degree angle to us. As soon as the maneuver is completed, the next ship is already arriving. It is Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, which veers and moors parallel to us. What a magnificent view from our balcony. Today we prefer to take a private cab ride to the public beach at Mahahual (crew member’s suggestion) over an excursion.

Before re-boarding, we visit the huge port area of Costa Maya. There is everything a tourist’s heart desires: music, bars, restaurants, a large landscape of pools, parrots, flamingos, and swimming with dolphins is even offered. There is no shortage of souvenir stores and all kinds. We make another brief stop before returning to the pier toward the ship. Right there comes a “fun” experience that sets Carnival Cruises apart from other companies: the entertainment team has brought speakers ashore and loudly greets returning guests with music and dance performances. That’s how you imagine a good mood on a Caribbean vacation.

Back on board, a towel greets us in our cabin. These little touches make you smile. I don’t miss the second evening stateroom service, which is now abolished on Carnival. After dinner, we meet a magician who shows us tricks with cards and coins at Bar 820 and then goes on to explain the tricks in the public areas of the ship. We are now drawn to the Lido Deck, where the 80s Rock-N-Glow Party is taking place today. Bathed in classic blue light, there is already a relaxed atmosphere at the pool with classic rock and neon-colored outfits. Lee (cruise director) is dressed extremely brightly in leggings and a long wig and leads the party along with the entertainment team, also dressed in brightly colored costumes. A little later, with “We will rock you” I get carried away and start moving rhythmically following the music as well. Now I understand #chooseFUN even more, participating myself and having fun.

Mahogany Bay in Roatan

I am particularly excited about my first time in Honduras. After a hearty breakfast, we prepare for a day at the beach. Because right on the bay near the dock there is a huge bathhouse that can be used for free. We leave the shopping paradise with an array of clothing, jewelry, and local products stores on one side and head for the beach. This is where my friend and I part ways because I want to use the chairlift, which is offered as an alternative to the short walk. Slowly, I walk past Carnival Celebration up the wooded hill to the beginning of the beach-you just have to try it!

If you don’t want to swim or snorkel alone, you can rent various water sports equipment at affordable rates. Beach beds, bars, restaurants, exclusive rental cabanas, massage stations-everything is available for an enchanting day at the beach. I always wanted to swim near “my” cruise ship – here it is possible.

During the chairlift ride, I discovered something else. A zipline goes all the way to the beach. Without further ado, I am back on the boat, wearing suitable clothes and sturdy shoes, have a quick snack at Big Chicken, and rush to the zipline counter. The assumption of risk is briefly explained to me with a signature and I put on my gear and am already sitting in the open loading area of a pickup truck that, along with two guides, is leading me on an extremely rough jungle trail. I now realize that the zipline consists of several sections. When I arrive at the starting point, my heart beats faster. We stand on a wooden platform on the treetops and look out over a 20-meter-deep jungle gorge. I receive brief instructions on how to brake or turn. Gloves on, camera in hand, and off we go. Wooooow, I hiss over the treetops at speed. This releases an extra dose of adrenaline. All in a sort of circuit over a total of six sections, before arriving at the beach overjoyed, but also with a lot of muscle aches in my camera arm. The experience was worth every penny ($65 per person).

I enjoy the view from the chairlift again before buying some Roatan magnets as souvenirs in the mall. With so much action during the day today, we will start the evening very quietly and end it with a cocktail at Piano 88 Bar.

Now it’s time for the BOLT

We have two days of sailing ahead on the way back to Miami. Once again, I am one of the first on the Lanai deck and take a few laps in the aft pool. I have booked my BOLT roller coaster ride for the morning. But after the morning swim, I want to have breakfast in peace. I chose a window seat in Emeril’s Bistro 1397 and made an interesting choice for breakfast. Omelet with mushrooms, peppers, and ham on croissants with delicious mayonnaise and salad, plus sweet potato fries. This pay-as-you-go breakfast was as unique as it was delicious.

Suddenly I get a push notification via the Carnival app: my reservation for the BOLT ride has been canceled due to bad weather. It is sunny and warm, but yes, the wind is blowing sideways. I didn’t expect it and I rebook for the afternoon. My alternate plan for the morning: visit areas of the ship that I have neglected or simply not noticed yet. We start on Deck 6 with the Carnival Kitchen. There is a small cooking school here, which you can attend for a fee. On the eve of the trip, the various cooking classes were all shown to me as already full. I then tried the “Fun with Cooking” and also, a circumnavigation of the Lanai/Promenade Bridge.

I noticed the outdoor spaces of the Captain’s Kitchen and Rudi’s Seafood Grill. In the evening, unfortunately, it was too windy, otherwise, we would have liked to try this area. During this tour, I noticed for the first time that it is possible to do the entire perimeter of the ship on the Lanai Deck only from the center of the ship backward. At the front of this deck are the Havana Suites & Terraces, as well as a bar and a hot tub, which are exclusively accessible for this type of cabin category. Only the interior of the Havana Bar is freely accessible and is used for dance classes during the day, while Latin American rhythms are played in the evening and the atmosphere is engaging late into the night. The furnishings are very elegantly chosen.

My app reminds me that Bingo is about to start. I am very surprised at how popular the center-stage bingo session is. Equipped with a block of three cards, I focus on the numbers. But the game drags on for the long haul because the crew keeps playing little tricks during the draw. The time for my roller coaster ride approaches. But the view through the large windows behind the stage does not bode well. The rain clouds are thickening and my BOLT ride cannot happen again and so decided to try on the second day at sea. I consoled myself with lunch at Bonsai Sushi. Highly recommended for sushi lovers.

In search of “The Chef’s Table”

After sushi, I went in search of “The Chef’s Table” marked on the ship’s map but found nothing. After asking at the front desk, I will be given the option of a private tour at a later time. Because “The Chef’s Table” is a very exclusive specialty restaurant with only 16 seats, which is located in the middle of the ship’s main galley. If you make a reservation, you are guided as a group through the galley and can watch the activities in the kitchen through a large glass window sitting at the chef’s table while a specialty menu is prepared before your eyes via show cooking. I have never seen anything like that on a cruise ship. Great idea!

Elegant evening

We headed to the main restaurant Festivale. Surprisingly, many American guests welcome the recommendation for evening attire with elegant dresses. The Pixels Gallery-the photo service provider has a very large staff with a total of 27 photographers, which is often used by guests on board in many photo spots. From simple portraits on the catwalk to specially decorated photo spots, from restaurants to the close-up studio, the photographers have plenty to do. We end today’s evening in the Limelight Lounge, which is used for comedy in the evening and as a disco later on.

What I noticed, in particular, was that there were several security personnel on-site and age was also checked at the entrance. The DJ warms up, the party has started, and the atmosphere is exuberant. Although some people are a bit unstable because of a few too many drinks, I always feel comfortable in a crowd. Is it the presence of security? Finally, I read in web forums before the trip that the party atmosphere on board has changed and that there had been physical arguments due to the influence of alcohol. But I could never observe anything like that on board. More recently, Christine Duffy (CEO of Carnival Cruise Line) personally clarified in a video that illegal and disruptive behavior will result in swift and immediate consequences. In addition, all guests are given precise rules of behavior before the cruise, which are also enforced with sanctions and expanded security staff.

The last sailing day of the trip arrives and the weather is again cloudy and windy. In addition to the roller coaster, I also want to try the ropes course, which was also completely closed the day before. So I devote myself first to a game of miniature golf and again to the water park. In the afternoon, I let myself be persuaded by an offer from the spa by indulging in a massage and enjoying the treatment. Meanwhile, the weather, unfortunately, does not improve much for the roller coaster to come into operation.

My biggest mistake.

No, not that of not taking a roller coaster ride, but that of waiting until the last two useful days of the trip to do so. The weather is not improving. Gusty winds and rain also prevented me from the experience on the last day, much to my chagrin. But this gives me all the more reason to return to this fascinating ship or to test its sister ships as well. Carnival Jubilee is scheduled to sail in late 2023. On board, of course, is BOLT as well. Only time will tell if I will return on board for the first season from Galveston.

In the evening, I shed a few tears when the crew representatives of the various nations took the center stage with their flags at the beginning of the “We are ONE” show. What a sight. For me, this very internationality is an important pillar of the cruise’s appeal. Once again I get caught up in the singing and dancing of the cast, who perform music from all continents. Afterwards, a final espresso macchiato at the Java Blue Cafe cannot be missed. And this time I can’t resist. Right next door is the Cherry on Top candy store. Sweet lovers young and old will be delighted. The Logo Shop also sells the model ship and some magnets.

It’s time to pack up. The required labels for disembarkation times can be chosen independently. They were conveniently posted next to the elevators. At 11:30 p.m., our suitcases are ready for pickup in front of the cabin door. Happy and sad at the same time, I lie down on the bed and try to retrace this new journey, but by the time I get to thinking about the second day, I am blissfully asleep.

Beep, beep, beep… On the morning of disembarkation, the alarm clock rings abruptly, interrupting our sleep. Good morning Miami. The sun is shining again and the pier is already hectic.

Did I become a V.I.F.P. during the cruise? Yes, just register and join Carnival’s “Very Important Fun Person” loyalty program. Since we are staying in Miami Beach for an overnight stay, we chose the latest disembarkation time. Shortly after 10 a.m., it is our turn as the last group. On the way out through Celebration Central, I can personally greet the cruise director Lee and his group of entertainers. Many thanks for a great trip! It is this team that brings Carnival’s slogan #chooseFUN to life and creates a relaxed and fun vacation atmosphere on board.

Conclusion

My personal overall impression of Carnival Celebration is very good. The variety of entertainment options, activities, and restaurants is impressive. For young and old, both day and evening, there is a full program – with many FUN components. An ideal ship for families with children as well. However, there are also enough places on board to rest and relax. I still see the potential for optimization in the food (presentation and quality) in the main restaurant and table service concept.

My experience ends here, beautiful and successful! I hope to tell you a new experience soon, in the meantime tell us yours on CruisingJournal.

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Josef Eisenberger

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