Public Areas & Facilities

Similar in design and layout, these mid-size ships represent the first wave of superliner construction undertaken by Carnival Cruise Line. Amazing as it may seem, in some regards they are almost old-fashioned by today's mainstream standards.

Although smaller than their newer fleetmates, many fun ship standard features originated with the Holiday class, including spiral waterslides and indoor promenades. These ships introduced the genius of interiors by master designer Joe Farcus, whose themes tie spaces together and add interest and pizzazz to every corner of the ships. The main show lounges span two decks and are suitable venues for high-energy shows and activities that draw a crowd.

Now sailing year-round short itineraries, Holiday and Celebration offer good value and are ideal for first-time cruisers.

Restaurants

Two formal restaurants offer open seating for breakfast and lunch; dinner is served in four assigned seatings. The Lido restaurant serves buffet breakfast and lunch as well as pizza and is transformed nightly into the Seaview Bistro, a casual dinner alternative. Round-the-clock room service is available.

What Works & What Doesn't

Although there's no central atrium and the lobby is a bit blah, the surroundings along the indoor promenade deck are fun and whimsical. From there, it's easy to find your way around to all public spaces. The spa and gym are claustrophobic, and you may find that you have to arise before dawn to secure a deck chair when the ships are fully booked, which occurs nearly every sailing. Least successful of the public rooms, though, are the formal restaurants. Low ceilings and uncomfortable banquettes lend a cramped feeling. Both ships have Carnival's trademark waterslide, and it's a lot of fun to splash directly into the swimming pool.

Accommodations

Cabins: Celebration is among the first ships in Carnival's fleet to have cabins more spacious than industry standard. Though all cabins are roomy, there are a higher percentage of inside cabins than on newer ships, and only a handful of suites have balconies. Every cabin has adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. High thread-count linens and plush pillows and duvets are a luxury touch in all accommodations, but don't forget to pack your own hair dryer.

Decor: Light-wood cabinetry and simple decor are the norm for all cabins, while suites are a bit nicer with the added luxuries of a sitting area, small refrigerator, and whirlpool tub. Inside cabins have ample room, and their curtained faux windows mimic the more expensive standard ocean-view accommodations.

Bathrooms: Shampoo and bath gel are in shower-mounted dispensers, and there's also an array of sample toiletries, as well as fluffy towels. Bathrobes for use during the cruise are provided for all.

Other Features: The lack of interconnecting cabins is made up for by the large number of three- and four-berth accommodations. The larger-than-average size of all standard cabins makes them adequate, if a bit cozy, for close-knit families. Fourteen state rooms on Celebration are wheelchair-accessible.

Category	Size (square feet)
Suite	330 (average)
Ocean View	185
Interior	160-185

Favorites

Best Place to Escape the Crowd: Believe it or not, it's often the lobby! Unlike newer cruise ships, these don't have atriums, so the windowless lobby gets very little through traffic. Nicely furnished with sofas, it's often the quietest spot on board.

Best Added Value: Pizza and ice-cream stations are open around the clock, and sushi is available at no charge before dinner.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: The casino bar curves around into a portion of the indoor promenade and serves as a good spot for socializing at the end of an evening.