Big, bold, and built for unforgettable fun, Carnival’s Excel Class takes cruising to a whole new level.

There’s cruising… and then there’s Excel Class cruising. Welcome to cruising at its finest. The moment you board one of Carnival’s Excel Class ships—Mardi Gras®, Carnival Celebration®, and Carnival Jubilee®—you’re in for an unforgettable vacation. These are the biggest, boldest, and most imaginative ships in the Carnival fleet, packed with features that turn every sailing into a nonstop celebration of adventure, relaxation, and connection. The fun doesn’t stop there with two new Excel Class ships—Carnival Festivale™ and Carnival Tropicale™—coming in 2027 and 2028.

Here are five irresistible reasons why Carnival’s Excel Class should be your next great vacation destination.

REASON 1: Elevated Fun for The Whole Family

Experience the first and fastest rollercoaster at sea, BOLT®—an all-electric, motorcycle-style thrill ride where you control the speed, twisting, and turning through breathtaking views. It’s heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping fun like nothing else at sea.

Family Feud™ Live brings the beloved game show straight to the high seas. Step onto a real Family Feud™ set, complete with the iconic Face-Off podium and the thrill of Fast Money.

Center Stage + Playlist Productions™ takes entertainment to a whole new level—high-energy experiences combining music, dance, acrobatics, and innovative visuals.

When it’s time to relax, Cloud 9 Spa™ offers a sanctuary of calm with indulgent massages, rejuvenating facials, and soothing thermal suites—pure bliss.

REASON 2: Six Zones of Nonstop Fun

Forget ordinary decks—each Excel Class ship is designed around six immersive zones, each with its own energy, personality, and flavors. Every zone offers something unique, giving you endless ways to make the most of your time onboard.

ZONE 1: Grand Central

The atrium sets the vacation vibes from the moment you step on board, with floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, and a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights. Enjoy live shows, ocean-view bars, and delicious dining at Bonsai Sushi™ and Bonsai Teppanyaki™.

ZONE 2: Themed Experiences

Mardi Gras®: French Quarter—authentic dining, jazz-infused cocktails, mystical drinks, and boutique shops.
Carnival Celebration®: The Gateway—international flair, themed nights, and favorites like Latitudes™ and Emeril’s Bistro 1397™.
Carnival Jubilee®: Currents™—fantastical underwater world, interactive experiences, and dining delights.
Carnival Festivale™: Studio 724—immersive audio, lighting, and animations, plus exciting new bars.

ZONE 3: Summer Landing

The greatest chill spot at sea—Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse serves up freshly smoked favorites and original Parched Pig® beers. Cool off at the pool and whirlpool, raise a glass at Heroes Tribute™ Lounge, and enjoy free soft-serve ice cream all day.

ZONE 4: Dining Delights

More than 20 unique dining options—from Italian flair at La Piazza to Miami style at 820 Biscayne, coastal charm at The Shores™, and festival fun at The Festival. Unforgettable experiences for every palate.

ZONE 5: Lido Zone

RedFrog® Tiki Bar stretches across two decks of South Pacific-inspired vibes. Street Eats offers global favorites, and classics like Shaq’s Big Chicken™, Guy’s Burger Joint™, and Seafood Shack™ keep things deliciously casual.

ZONE 6: Ultimate Playground

BOLT® rollercoaster, the largest Carnival WaterWorks™ ever, SportSquare™ mini-golf, basketball, and ropes course. On Carnival Festivale™, enjoy WaterWorks Ultra, Fairway 66 Mini Golf, adventure trail, and more. Unforgettable fun at sea for everyone.

REASON 3: Staterooms Inspired by Comfort Itself

On Carnival’s Excel Class ships, your stateroom is more than just a place to sleep—it’s designed for comfort, convenience, and style. Enjoy shadow-free ring-lit vanity mirrors, versatile ottomans, recessed reading lights, and plenty of USB ports.

Havana Staterooms & Suites: Private island vibe, extra space, luxurious touches.
Cloud 9 Spa™ Staterooms: Spa robes, Elemis toiletries, priority spa access.
Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites: Near Family Harbor Lounge, kids enjoy snacks, games, movies, and complimentary specialty dining.
Loft 19™: Lounge chairs, infinity whirlpool, drink service, and optional cabanas with concierge touches.

Comfort, convenience, and relaxation are at the heart of your cruise experience.

REASON 4: Relax, Recharge & Take in the Views

For those picture-perfect moments, Loft 19™ offers a private retreat with panoramic views and plush cabanas. Escape to the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat for ocean breezes, whirlpools, and cocktails—the ultimate “me-time.” Excel Class ships redefine relaxation.

REASON 5: Discover Paradise at Celebration Key™

Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new destination in Grand Bahama, exclusive for Carnival guests, is now open! Unlock paradise with unique island-style fun, relaxation, and adventure spread across 65 acres and five portals to explore.

Enjoy more than 30 food and beverage venues, live entertainment, Junkanoo parades, roaming musicians, DJs, and all-day beach games. Choose from a wide variety of cabanas, daybeds, and villas and the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean. Action and adventure seekers can enjoy sports courts, water activities, and shore excursions. Or simply relax on over one mile of pristine, white sand beach overlooking beautiful Bahamian waters.

Ready to experience the biggest, boldest, and most imaginative ships at sea? Carnival’s Excel Class is your ticket to unforgettable adventure, relaxation, and connection. Book your next cruise and discover why these ships are truly in a class of their own!

Contact your travel advisor for more information!