Carnival Cruise Line Names Next Excel-Class Ship
by Daniel McCarthy
Carnival's partners, including Kathie Lee Gifford, Guy Fieri and Shaquille O’Neal, announcing the ship's name on Friday. Photo: CCL.
Carnival Cruise Line’s next Excel-class ship, set to debut in 2022, will be called Carnival Celebration, the cruise line announced on Friday.
The name is a nod to one of the cruise line’s previous ships and Carnival’s 50th birthday celebration, which will happen the same year that the ship debuts. The ship will debut from PortMiami in November 2022. Carnival said it will announce details of its itineraries over the coming weeks.
“The name Carnival Celebration couldn’t be more perfect for a ship that will be a key component of our 50th Birthday festivities,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“Many thanks to our celebrity partners who helped us officially ‘unbox the fun’ and reveal the name of a ship that promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet. Carnival Celebration is our 50th Birthday present to our guests!”
Celebration, a sister ship to the upcoming Mardi Gras, will feature a lot of the same details that has created a lot of anticipation for Mardi Gras, including the roller coaster BOLT and more. Earlier, Carnival said it expects to open up bookings for Celebration this fall.

