I've sailed both of Carnival's Excel-class giants multiple times, and the question I get asked most is simple: which one should you book? After spending weeks aboard both Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras in 2026, I can tell you the answer isn't as straightforward as you'd think. These sister ships are nearly identical on paper, but the devil is in the details – and those details make a huge difference in your cruise experience.
Both ships are Excel-class beauties carrying 5,374 passengers, but their personalities are distinct. Mardi Gras, launched in 2021, was Carnival's ambitious return to service with bold theming around New Orleans culture. Celebration, which debuted in 2022, refined the concept with subtle improvements based on Mardi Gras feedback.
The most obvious difference? Celebration's deck layout feels more intuitive. Carnival moved the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to Deck 16 forward, giving it better ocean views and reducing foot traffic. On Mardi Gras, this space on Deck 15 gets crowded as passengers cut through to reach other venues.
Both ships feature the game-changing BOLT roller coaster – the first at sea – but Celebration's version runs slightly smoother. I've ridden both dozens of times, and Celebration's track banking feels more refined in the tight turns around Deck 20.
Here's where the differences become significant. Both ships have identical specialty restaurant lineups: Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse ($49 per person), Cucina del Capitano Italian ($45), and Bonsai Sushi ($45). But Celebration's execution is noticeably better.
The Emeril's Bistro 1396 on Celebration consistently outperforms Mardi Gras's version. Same menu, same $49 price point, but Celebration's galley runs more efficiently. I've never waited longer than 15 minutes for entrees there, while Mardi Gras regularly hits 30+ minute waits.
For free dining, both ships suffer from the same Carnival weakness: mediocre buffet food and overcrowded Lido Marketplace during peak hours. However, Celebration's Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse serves noticeably better brisket – it's actually smoky instead of just sauced.
Pro tip: Book specialty dining on embarkation day at the guest services desk. Online prices are typically $5-10 higher, and you'll secure better time slots.
Discuss your dining experiences on both ships in our Carnival Ships forum!
This is where Mardi Gras fights back and wins. The ship's Playlist Productions shows – "Voyage," "Motor City," and "Celestial Strings" – feel more polished than Celebration's lineup. "Amor Cubano" on Celebration is gorgeous but lacks the high-energy crowd engagement that makes Mardi Gras shows memorable.
The Piano Bar 88 on Mardi Gras absolutely destroys Celebration's version. Same concept, but Mardi Gras attracts more talented pianists who actually know how to work a crowd. I've spent entire sea days there, while Celebration's piano bar often feels like background music.
Both ships feature the SkyZone trampoline park ($19 for 60 minutes), but Mardi Gras's location on Deck 18 gets better natural light. Celebration's version feels more cramped despite identical dimensions.
The WaterWorks aqua parks are virtually identical, though Celebration's PowerDrencher bucket tips slightly faster – a minor win for thrill-seekers.
Carnival learned from early Mardi Gras feedback and made small but meaningful cabin improvements on Celebration. The interior cabins ($89-129 per night) have identical layouts, but Celebration's bathroom exhaust fans are noticeably quieter.
Balcony cabins ($159-249 per night) show more significant differences. Celebration's aft balconies on Decks 9-11 have slightly deeper balconies – about 8 inches more depth. It doesn't sound like much, but it's the difference between fitting two chairs comfortably versus feeling cramped.
The Excel Presidential Suites ($800-1,200 per night) are identical in layout but Celebration's versions have better soundproofing. Mardi Gras suites suffer from noise bleed from the adjacent Serenity deck activities.
Avoid cabins 6xxx and 7xxx on both ships – they're directly below the main pool deck and you'll hear chair dragging starting at 6 AM.
Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral year-round, hitting Eastern and Western Caribbean routes. Seven-day Eastern Caribbean includes Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk. Western Caribbean hits Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay.
Celebration splits time between Miami (winter) and Barcelona (summer). The Miami sailings cover similar Caribbean routes, but the Mediterranean positioning from May through October offers something Mardi Gras can't match.
If you're considering the Mediterranean season, Celebration's Barcelona-based itineraries ($1,199-1,899 per person) visit Palma, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples. These ports showcase the ship's international capabilities, though European port fees add $150-200 per person to your total cost.
For pure value, Mardi Gras wins with more frequent sales and consistent Florida positioning that eliminates flight complications for most US cruisers.
After 12 sailings between both ships, here's my honest recommendation:
Choose Carnival Celebration if:
Choose Carnival Mardi Gras if:
Honestly, you can't go wrong with either ship. Both represent Carnival at its absolute best, with innovations that smaller ships simply can't offer. The BOLT coaster alone makes these ships worth experiencing, and both deliver the fun-first Carnival experience that keeps me coming back.
The real winner? Your wallet, because competition between these sister ships means better deals for all of us. I've seen interior cabins as low as $89 per night on both ships during wave season sales.
Which Excel-class flagship are you leaning toward? Share your thoughts and get booking advice from experienced Carnival cruisers in our Carnival Ships forum!
The Ships: Nearly Twins with Key Differences
Both ships are Excel-class beauties carrying 5,374 passengers, but their personalities are distinct. Mardi Gras, launched in 2021, was Carnival's ambitious return to service with bold theming around New Orleans culture. Celebration, which debuted in 2022, refined the concept with subtle improvements based on Mardi Gras feedback.
The most obvious difference? Celebration's deck layout feels more intuitive. Carnival moved the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to Deck 16 forward, giving it better ocean views and reducing foot traffic. On Mardi Gras, this space on Deck 15 gets crowded as passengers cut through to reach other venues.
Both ships feature the game-changing BOLT roller coaster – the first at sea – but Celebration's version runs slightly smoother. I've ridden both dozens of times, and Celebration's track banking feels more refined in the tight turns around Deck 20.
Dining: Where Celebration Takes a Clear Lead
Here's where the differences become significant. Both ships have identical specialty restaurant lineups: Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse ($49 per person), Cucina del Capitano Italian ($45), and Bonsai Sushi ($45). But Celebration's execution is noticeably better.
The Emeril's Bistro 1396 on Celebration consistently outperforms Mardi Gras's version. Same menu, same $49 price point, but Celebration's galley runs more efficiently. I've never waited longer than 15 minutes for entrees there, while Mardi Gras regularly hits 30+ minute waits.
For free dining, both ships suffer from the same Carnival weakness: mediocre buffet food and overcrowded Lido Marketplace during peak hours. However, Celebration's Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse serves noticeably better brisket – it's actually smoky instead of just sauced.
Pro tip: Book specialty dining on embarkation day at the guest services desk. Online prices are typically $5-10 higher, and you'll secure better time slots.
Discuss your dining experiences on both ships in our Carnival Ships forum!
Entertainment: Mardi Gras Brings the Energy
This is where Mardi Gras fights back and wins. The ship's Playlist Productions shows – "Voyage," "Motor City," and "Celestial Strings" – feel more polished than Celebration's lineup. "Amor Cubano" on Celebration is gorgeous but lacks the high-energy crowd engagement that makes Mardi Gras shows memorable.
The Piano Bar 88 on Mardi Gras absolutely destroys Celebration's version. Same concept, but Mardi Gras attracts more talented pianists who actually know how to work a crowd. I've spent entire sea days there, while Celebration's piano bar often feels like background music.
Both ships feature the SkyZone trampoline park ($19 for 60 minutes), but Mardi Gras's location on Deck 18 gets better natural light. Celebration's version feels more cramped despite identical dimensions.
The WaterWorks aqua parks are virtually identical, though Celebration's PowerDrencher bucket tips slightly faster – a minor win for thrill-seekers.
Cabins: Subtle Improvements Matter
Carnival learned from early Mardi Gras feedback and made small but meaningful cabin improvements on Celebration. The interior cabins ($89-129 per night) have identical layouts, but Celebration's bathroom exhaust fans are noticeably quieter.
Balcony cabins ($159-249 per night) show more significant differences. Celebration's aft balconies on Decks 9-11 have slightly deeper balconies – about 8 inches more depth. It doesn't sound like much, but it's the difference between fitting two chairs comfortably versus feeling cramped.
The Excel Presidential Suites ($800-1,200 per night) are identical in layout but Celebration's versions have better soundproofing. Mardi Gras suites suffer from noise bleed from the adjacent Serenity deck activities.
Avoid cabins 6xxx and 7xxx on both ships – they're directly below the main pool deck and you'll hear chair dragging starting at 6 AM.
Itineraries and Home Ports: Location Matters
Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral year-round, hitting Eastern and Western Caribbean routes. Seven-day Eastern Caribbean includes Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk. Western Caribbean hits Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay.
Celebration splits time between Miami (winter) and Barcelona (summer). The Miami sailings cover similar Caribbean routes, but the Mediterranean positioning from May through October offers something Mardi Gras can't match.
If you're considering the Mediterranean season, Celebration's Barcelona-based itineraries ($1,199-1,899 per person) visit Palma, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples. These ports showcase the ship's international capabilities, though European port fees add $150-200 per person to your total cost.
For pure value, Mardi Gras wins with more frequent sales and consistent Florida positioning that eliminates flight complications for most US cruisers.
The Verdict: Choose Based on Your Priorities
After 12 sailings between both ships, here's my honest recommendation:
Choose Carnival Celebration if:
- You prioritize refined dining experiences and smoother operations
- You want Mediterranean itinerary options
- You value the improved cabin soundproofing and layout tweaks
- You prefer a slightly more polished overall experience
Choose Carnival Mardi Gras if:
- You want the best entertainment and nightlife energy
- You prefer consistent Florida departures year-round
- You're looking for better cruise deals and promotions
- You enjoy the authentic New Orleans theming and atmosphere
Honestly, you can't go wrong with either ship. Both represent Carnival at its absolute best, with innovations that smaller ships simply can't offer. The BOLT coaster alone makes these ships worth experiencing, and both deliver the fun-first Carnival experience that keeps me coming back.
The real winner? Your wallet, because competition between these sister ships means better deals for all of us. I've seen interior cabins as low as $89 per night on both ships during wave season sales.
Which Excel-class flagship are you leaning toward? Share your thoughts and get booking advice from experienced Carnival cruisers in our Carnival Ships forum!