By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
When I was growing up, my great aunt was traveling the world by cruise ship. This was in the 60s, mind you, before most people even learned about cruising with “The Love Boat” in the 70s. We would go see her off in New York City on the Cunard line, and there would be bon voyage parties in her cabin, since the world was less security-minded back then. I was hooked from that experience alone.
Fast forward to 2023. I’ve been a travel advisor since 2013 and cruised on 72 sailings, on 15 ocean cruise lines and five river cruise lines. But until this week during my annual conference cruise, I had not sailed on the newest Carnival cruise ship since there are so many choices these days.
Carnival Celebration is an amazing ship, and so much more than I remembered from my last Carnival cruise in 2016. There are places on the ship that I am still finding after five days on board.
And the ship lives up to its name, as there are many ways to celebrate onboard. From iced champagne in Loft 19 adults-only outdoor terrace to celebrating Carnival’s 50-year heritage with memorabilia and vintage travel posters in the Golden Jubilee Bar and Heroe’s Tribute Lounge.
The centerpiece for me is aptly named Carnival Center Stage, and it’s literally in the middle of the atrium entertainment space – on three floors – that can be seen and accessed by anyone walking through the atrium on their way to dinner, casino or wherever. During the day, it has huge windows and seating where it stages game shows like Family Feud.
At night, it literally stops you in your tracks when the multi-deck windows transform into a production space. You encounter a beautiful, creative production event that is part Cirque du Soleil, part Broadway and partly a work of art based on the set design, costumes and production quality.
Speaking of celebrating, specialty restaurant highlights include Fahrenheit 555, one of the best steakhouses at sea; Emeril’s Bistro 1397, which features some of the finest beignets and jambalaya outside of New Orleans; and Bonsai Teppanyaki, with singing teppanyaki chefs who present a wonderful meal with only eight to a grill. There are more lounges than you can get to on a short cruise, and no fewer than seven different venues with different music genres. Shopping includes pre-owned Louis Vuitton and Gucci handbags.
But I can’t forget the families. For young kids, the Dr. Seuss entertainment is superb, and the staff sets up adorable towel animals on all the pool lounge chairs early in the morning. It’s a wonderful discovery for kids and kids at heart. There are eight complimentary restaurants, including Guy’s Burger Joint and Miami Slice, so fussy kids are no problem for mom and dad. And Carnival’s Seaside Theatre features family films outdoors under the stars.
This ship packs a great celebration for multi-gen families who appreciate great variety and value.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.