Sunday, March 31, 2024

Bahamas Cruises: Award-Winning Cruises to The Bahamas

bahamas celebration cruise

And if you're seeking some sparkle, get ready for duty-free jewelry and diamond shopping. We sampled a few of Celebration's specialty restaurants, and they also impressed. Rudi's Seagrill delivered an enormous cioppino and a Dover sole that was soft and moist. Emeril's Bistro 1397 wowed my husband with a flavorful ceviche, while I enjoyed hot-from-the-oven beignets.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

If you prefer a more active day, you could hand-feed wild stingrays, swim among reef sharks, or snorkel over the wreck of the Sapona, now colonized by tropical fish. Elevate your experience to the next level at The Retreat®, with suite accommodation, access to a tranquil lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat. The Bahamas Celebration arrives on Freeport at 8 am, allowing for a full day of fun and exotic activities. The next stop for them is the shopping, beaches, a tour of the town, or the casino at Our Lucaya Golf & Beach Resort. Since Hurricane Matthew (September-October 2016) damaged Freeport, the cruise ship was diverted to Bimini Islands but resumed calling on Freeport on January 3, 2017. In April 2018, Grand Classica (fka Costa neoClassica/now Margaritaville Paradise) joined MS Grand Celebration as the 2nd ship in the fleet of the Florida-based company Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

Carnival Celebration: What we loved and what needs work on Carnival's newest, biggest ship

Reportedly, a worker at Alang revealed that the ship will be beached (tides permitting) in January's first week. However, on Nov 17, the ship's AIS continued to report "FREEPORT OPL" as next destination. On November 16, Anchor Shipbroking Inc (Greece) released a weekly report with Grand Celebration listed there for demolition. On November 22, the ship's AIS reported as next destination PORT LOUIS (Mauritius Island) where it arrived and docked on December 30, at 6 am. On January 2, 2021, the 34-years-old cruise liner arrived and anchored off Alang, and on January 14th was beached for scrapping.

New bars

The Family-Friendly Portal is perfect for kids and families… and that means teens too! Beach villas and floating cabanas are just a couple of options that let families make this their home base, and of course there's family dining with plenty of cuisine choices. One of my favorite things about Carnival is that the line's ships offer a diversity of casual, included dining venues.

Carnival Unveils Bahama-Inspired Lokono Cove on Celebration Key - Cruise Industry News

Carnival Unveils Bahama-Inspired Lokono Cove on Celebration Key.

Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The shows are stunning, with the action extending beyond the stage, including into the air. They make full use of the high-tech capabilities of the performance space. To be fair, most of Carnival Celebration's modern updates were debuted on sister vessel Mardi Gras, which launched in 2021. Carnival Celebration is now the second ship in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. It's also the biggest ship Carnival has ever sailed, along with Mardi Gras, carrying 5,282 passengers at double occupancy.

Located on Deck 8 midship, this new area is a dining mecca, featuring Rudi's Seagrill (seafood), Cucina del Capitano (Italian), Miami Slice (pizza) and Deco Deli (Latin-inspired sandwiches). The area also includes Bar 820, serving Cuban-inspired coffee drinks and cocktails. The ship is also the second Carnival vessel to bear the Celebration name. The first, known simply as Celebration, set sail for the line in 1987. It left the fleet in 2008 before ending up with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line as Grand Celebration, which was scrapped during the industry's pandemic pause in 2021. Now, Carnival Celebration resurrects the name to offer more fun to more people.

Soak up island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. During the breakfast, 35 Grand Bahama parliamentarians were presented with awards to recognize their service to the nation and their communities. Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating one of its most amazing and most popular cruise destinations with a Golden Jubilee Breakfast in honor of the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence. The Bahamas is celebrating 50 years of independence with fun hosted by Carnival Cruise Line - which has been sailing there for 50+ years. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.

Great Two Day Getaway!

bahamas celebration cruise

Celebration Cruise Line was a small cruise line that operated two-day voyages out of Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island. The company was founded in late 2008, and began operations on March 9, 2009. The company moved the ship's operations from Port Everglades to the Port of Palm Beach in March 2010. Bahamas Paradise not only offers an overall experience that's fun and affordable, but the line has found an untapped niche that caters to a specific market of drive-to passengers. Read on to see why a cruise on Grand Celebration might (or might not) be for you.

SHOP SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE

At night, video screens come down to serve as the high-tech animated backdrop for musical production shows featuring multiple aerialists and performers who dance in and out of passengers sitting closest to the stage. If you've never sailed with Carnival, you might be surprised to discover that it has some of the best sit-down dining among the big-ship lines. You’ll find live music all over the ship late into the night, whether you want to dance, listen to jazz, or attend a Broadway-quality show in the Theatre. Other short cruises include Bimini and CocoCay, or a different combination of Key West and Nassau.

Carnival's Excel-class ships offer more cabin types than ever before, with family cabins, Havana cabins with patio swings, and all kinds of suites. I stayed in a standard balcony cabin with my family of four and was impressed by how well designed the room was to accommodate four people in a small space. Let the alluring aquamarine waters and white sands seduce you on a cruise to The Bahamas with Celebrity. Coral-fringed islands scattered across turquoise seas promise snorkeling among shoals of rainbow-colored fish, fresh conch fritters, and ice-cold rum cocktails under a tropical sun. Relax on beaches of soft sand, shop for handicrafts in local markets, and explore the islands’ fascinating history.

The area was revamped and renamed Celebration Central area on this ship, decorated with color-changing lights designed to look like confetti. Guest services and shore excursions have been moved out of this central area to a more out-of-the-way spot on Deck 8 aft. The area takes the place of the RedFrog Pub, a venue I've loved on other Carnival ships.

Easy to book and easy to plan, Margaritaville at Sea invites you to climb aboard for nonstop fun, where it’s always 5 o'clock at sea. Our cruise offers are an irresistible opportunity to get a great deal on your next Caribbean escape. Margaritaville at Sea is your new off-shore resort experience, sailing from Palm Beach and Tampa to Grand Bahama Island, Mexico and Key West. On this floating island vacation, you can unwind, enjoy the endless activities and entertainment, or just relax and soak up the sun.

In addition to the main dining room, passengers who have selected the Anytime Dining plan can enjoy dinner at Cucina del Capitano or Chibang! Where they can choose dishes from the restaurant's menu or the always-available options from the main dining room menu. By day, panoramic windows offer port and ocean views to guests enjoying coffee and a snack from the JavaBlue Cafe across from Celebration Central's lower level.

What to expect from the new Carnival Celebration cruise ship

bahamas celebration cruise

Sadly (due to the Coronavirus crisis), in January 2021, the 34-year-old vessel was beached at Alang India and soon scrapped. The vessel ("MS Celebration"/ aka "Carnival Celebration") was launched on August 9, 1986, delivered to CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines (shipowner) in February 1987 and started its Inaugural Cruise on March 14, 1987. Grand Celebration was drydock renovated in 2008 to serve the Spanish source market under Carnival's brand Ibero.

Palm Beach

My husband and I spent an enjoyable hour trying a couple of the bar-specific cocktails, inspired by countries around the world. For a photogenic and tasty tipple, order the Sakura, which comes with a surprise presentation. The Excel-class ships solve that problem by spreading out the casual venues across multiple decks. Guy's Burger Joint is up on Deck 17 instead of by the midship pool; Big Chicken is outside the Lido Marketplace at the very back of Deck 16. Each is accompanied by a duo of soft-serve machines that get heavy use.

Carnival Celebration: What we loved and what needs work on Carnival's newest, biggest ship

Grand Celebration's itineraries aren't varied, but they are reliable. The ship sails exclusively to Freeport in the Bahamas, shuttling between the island and the mainland every evening. (There are no sea days.) In addition, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers two-, four- and six-night Bahamas resort stays through a partnership with the Grand Lucayan in Freeport, so you can extend your time ashore. If you dig the island lifestyle or just feel like lying on the beach for a day of sun and sand, it's a tried-and-true bet.

FIND YOUR SUN-DRENCHED PLAYGROUND

Gone is the line's iconic soaring atrium, replaced by the three-deck-high Celebration Central with panoramic windows looking out to sea. Guy Fieri is no longer the only celebrity chef in town; he's joined by Shaquille O'Neal and Emeril Lagasse. Carnival's thrilling water parks now have to make room for a top-deck roller coaster, and the RedFrog Pub has been replaced by the indoor hangout in the Summer Landing zone. In Bimini, you could relax on a pristine beach in an exclusive resort and swim in the warm, crystal-clear water.

Carnival's Celebration Key: All you need to know - The Points Guy

Carnival's Celebration Key: All you need to know.

Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise with Celebrity to The Bahamas  and you’ll come back completely revived. If thoughts of formal nights or snooty suite passengers make you cringe, you'll feel right at home on Grand Celebration. This is truly a ship for carefree relaxation and fun in the sun. Bahamas Paradise might not offer a cruise line loyalty program, but it does have a rewards system for avid gamblers. The program, which has two tiers (gold and platinum), allows passengers to earn points, which can be cashed in for complimentary game play, free photos and gratis spa treatments, among other freebies. Members of the program are also entitled to cruise discounts, express check-in, one complimentary drink per sailing and other perks.

When packing for a cruise to The Bahamas, you’ll need clothing for a warm, sometimes humid climate. Bring plenty of beachwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, coverups, water shoes if you’re visiting coral beaches, and reef-friendly sunblock. The Bahamas is the perfect short getaway, easily reached from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Tampa on a luxurious cruise of 3, 4, or 6 fun-filled nights. With three of our award-winning ships exploring the islands, we can help you find the perfect cruise to suit your tastes.

However, on November 21, 2014 (the day before the vessel's scheduled departure on the Maiden Voyage for Costa) was announced that the ship had been purchased by an unnamed buyer. On December 23 was revealed the new shipowner - Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Ltd. At the Ocean View Buffet, you’ll find options for every meal of the day. Enjoy a selection of breakfast foods or ask our chefs to customize an omelet. Come back and mix it up with dishes from our salad, pasta, or carving stations, as well as made to order pizza! Stay up for our late-night buffet, serving Mediterranean mezze on the first night and Mexican favorites the second.

bahamas celebration cruise

All the way forward on Deck 18 is the adults-only Serenity Deck, with a pool, two hot tubs and the Fresh Creations custom salad bar. For its 50th birthday, Carnival Cruise Line gave itself a celebration — specifically, the just-unveiled Carnival Celebration, the second ship in the line's Excel class. And it's clear that Celebration isn't your mother's, or grandmother's, Carnival cruise ship, taking the company into its next half-century with a more modern, updated version of Carnival's "Fun Ship" style.

Margaritaville At Sea Paradise

In 2017, Bahamas Paradise had booked ~250,000 passengers, around half of whom were from South Florida. The liner was last drydock refurbished in 2017 (at Freeport's Grand Bahama Shipyard). In mid-November 2020 was unofficially announced that the ship Grand Celebration has been sold for scrap metal (for an undisclosed sale price). The vessel left Freeport Bahamas on November 15, allegedly heading to India's Alang Shipbreaking Yard (world's largest), with estimated arrival on January 3.

The cruise ship had 7 musical venues, multiple lounges, 5 swimming pools and whirlpools, wellness center, 3 shops, 3 kids' areas. Legends Theater (850-seat show lounge) features a large stage and rotating cocktail chairs with tables for drinks. It spreads across 2 decks and has large porthole windows covered by curtains.

Carnival's private Bahamas destination Celebration Key opening in 2025 - USA TODAY

Carnival's private Bahamas destination Celebration Key opening in 2025.

Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The onboard Par-A-Dice Casino isn't extensive, but it provides hassle-free gaming, and the trip is a good deal compared with other destination casinos with accommodations, meals and other entertainment included in the cruise fare. Several regulars join the ship monthly -- or even weekly -- to try their luck at the tables and slot machines. In 2017, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) chartered the cruise ship for 90 days for a total of USD 25,75 million (daily charter rate USD 286,100).

Carnival referenced this evolution when it chose Cassidy Gifford, daughter of Carnival's original spokeswoman Kathie Lee Gifford, as godmother of the ship, closing the books on the old era and welcoming in the new. Grand Celebration staterooms (751 total) are accessed via plastic (hotel-style) punch cards. Room service is complimentary, soaps and towels are provided in the cabins' ensuite bathrooms. The ship doesn't offer family or connecting cabins but has 18 wheelchair-accessible cabins, 2 of which Suites.

Bring your appetite because you will have lots of places to dine, including a stunning main restaurant where you can savor delicious cuisine in a lovely setting. Delight your taste buds at various specialty restaurants and enjoy grilled fare and an amazing selection at the seemingly endless buffet. You won't want to miss the delicious offerings at the midnight buffet and you can also satisfy your cravings at anytime with a simple call as room-service is available 24/7. As a professional traveler, it's not a huge surprise that one of my favorite public areas on the ship is the travel-themed The Gateway. The Latitudes Bar called my name with its seatbacks decorated with faux passport stamps and split-flap departure board signage.

The new port development will include a nature reserve, food and beverage vendors, Bahamian-operated retail, a white-sand beach, ground transportation hub, an indoor pool, and more. It will be able to host two Excel-class ships, such as Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, or Carnival Jubilee simultaneously, and is expected to open in late 2024. The Summer Landing zone on Carnival Celebration is the ship's living room, and my family found ourselves there often. My son was a big fan of the foosball and table shuffleboard, and my daughter loved the aft pool, with its loungers in the shallows. We swung by Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse for breakfast and barbecue dinner, played trivia, sampled beers brewed right on board and watched other people watch sports at the Heroes Tribute Bar. I was bummed that I never got to hear the band that played here after-hours because the setting is perfect for kicking back with a drink and listening to live music.

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The breakfast was hosted aboard the Spirit-class Carnival Legend on Friday, June 23, as the ship was docked in Freeport during the current 7-night cruise, which set sail from Baltimore on Sunday, June 18. I appreciate what Carnival has tried to do on this ship to make flexible dining more accessible.

Before leaving home, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Our award-winning service continues seamlessly as you venture ashore, with imaginative excursions ranging from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries. There’s no better way to discover The Bahamas than with Celebrity. West Palm is an easy drive from most places in Florida, making Grand Celebration accessible for many residents who take advantage of the line's modest pricing and the fact that no flights are needed.

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