Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Last Zone on Its New Ship Carnival Celebration
by Dori Saltzman
Gateway Entrance. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
In keeping with the theme of celebrating everything Carnival cruise-related, Carnival Celebration will feature The Gateway, an all-new zone that pays homage to the process of getting to your Carnival cruise and exploring new destinations. The two-deck zone features design and décor inspired by what it calls the “grand terminals, transportation stations and departure points” around the world.
The heart of the zone will be a promenade off of which passengers will find bars, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The zone is highlighted by 12 high-definition multimedia virtual windows displaying unique scenes. The 9.5’ by 5’ windows and the nearly 100’ LED ceiling will be complemented by show lighting and a sound system to create an immersive experience throughout the zone.
By day, the virtual displays will feature relaxing scenes but at night the zone will take varying nightly themes, transporting people to places in Europe, the Far East, and Mexico.
“The Gateway was created to celebrate the enriching experience we all feel when traveling – not only because of the destinations we travel to, but also the world of cultures we get to explore,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We have millions of guests and team members who come from around the world to have fun together and create a welcoming and inclusive environment while sailing to new places – that is the beauty of traveling, especially on a Carnival ship, and that is what this zone will celebrate.”
The zone’s offerings will support the night’s theme – from the music played, to the drinks and food served, to the entertainment offered.
For example, on Mexico Lindo night, the window displays will feature ancient Mayan cities, beautiful beaches, and lush jungles. Themed drinks will include margaritas, Palomas, and agave tastings. On South America Night, images of sunset views over the Amazon and Machu Picchu, and moon-lit Rio de Janeiro will be accompanied by caipirinhas and Chicanos.
“When designing this innovative and transformative environment, we wanted to make sure that there was something new and exciting to see and experience every time a guest walks through the zone between day and night, and from day to day,” said Ben Clement, senior vice president of new builds, refurbishment, and product innovation.
Promenade Attractions
Latitudes: This travel-inspired bar will be reminiscent of a classic airport or train station with travel-themed chairs, menus, and a mechanical split-flap display board that harkens back to the days of the traditional “departures” board. Designed to come to life with motion and sounds, including the familiar “clack-clack” sound, the board will change to display the bar’s daily menu offerings. On the menu will be cocktails, spirits, and wines from destinations around the world. The bar will also feature a nightly Celebration Happy Hour designed for anyone to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
Emeril’s Bistro 1397: The second seagoing restaurant by world-renowned chef and restauranteur Emeril Lagasse, this eatery will feature guest favorites from Mardi Gras, but also a variety of international cuisines and flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant will have seating along the promenade’s walkways, as well as a dedicated and more intimate dining area with ocean views.
The Golden Jubilee: The Gateway will be home to The Golden Jubilee, the recently-revealed bar and lounge that celebrates 50 years of Carnival history.
Main Dining Rooms: The ship’s main dining rooms will be adjacent to The Gateway and will pay homage to Carnival’s history with the forward Carnivale Restaurant, named after Carnival’s second ship, and the aft Festivale Restaurant, named after Carnival’s third ship.
Also near or along The Gateway will be the Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Carnival Kitchen, and Limelight Lounge.
Other zones onboard the Carnival Celebration are 820 Biscayne, Celebration Central, The Ultimate Playground, Summer Landing, and Lido. Highlights of these zones include BOLT, the line’s trademark roller coaster that debuted on Mardi Gras, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, Bonsai Teppanyaki, and more.
Carnival Celebration debuts this November in Miami. It will be the second Carnival ship to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

