With the launch of Carnival Celebration, Carnival Cruise Line has given the Mardi Gras an Excel-class sister ship. Like Mardi Gras, Celebration is divided into six zones, including Celebration Central, The Gateway, 820 Biscayne, The Ultimate Playground, Summer Landing and Lido.

Celebrating its 50 Years of Fun anniversary, Carnival has dotted the Celebration with retro memorabilia reminding travelers of the original MS Celebration, built in 1987. The new ship, powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), is striving to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

The typical balcony cabin offers a king size bed, which can convert to two twins. The seating area also offers another sleeping arrangement. Due to tiered construction, the balcony might be oversized, however, all accommodate two chairs and a table. There is no shortage of storage, and the washroom includes a walk-in shower.

The retro d¨¦cor of the Golden Jubilee lounge takes one back to the golden age of cruising. Vintage cocktails are served in an art deco atmosphere offering an homage to a time of glamour. A piano sits in the corner where live entertainment takes place. You might hear classical violinists take on Beatles songs or listen to a lone pianist performing jazz interpretations.

Surrounding the Golden Jubilee are artifacts from previous ships. A Rolls Royce sits at the entrance to the lounge, taken from the decommissioned Ecstasy. Etched glass panels grace a mahogany window wall from a collection of ocean liner historian, Peter Knego. A vintage ship telegraph is showcased adjacent to the lounge.

With its three-level design, the Grand Central Atrium offers floor to ceiling windows featuring ocean views and LED screens for shows from its Center Stage. Huge graphics provide lifelike scenes while being viewed from decks 6, 7 and 8.

The Grand Central Atrium's Big Top Circus Show is offered several times during the cruise itinerary. It is a massive production using LED graphic screens as a backdrop to live performances featuring acrobats flying over the lower-level audience. Every seat offers a different experience in this space.

Several onboard comedians provide a variety of shows in three venues. You will find comics at least once a day in venues such as The Punchliner Comedy Club, Limelight Lounge and the Grand Spectrum Theater. PG and Over 18 routines are available.

Located on Decks 6 and 7 Forward, the Grand Spectrum showcases song and dance spectaculars as well as comedy and game shows. Audition for Family Feud Live at this venue or sit back and watch the graphic backdrop for the Playlist Productions' Color My World. Talented singers and dancers interact with scenes splashed with color.

Named for the original Carnival Cruise hometown address in Miami, this zone includes Bar 820, Deco Deli and Miami Slice, for pizza. The tropical, art deco d¨¦cor takes you back in time, a theme that runs throughout the ship.

This exclusive spot atop the ship is the perfect place for total relaxation. Decked out with a huge, double infinity whirlpool, you have a choice of stretching out on a lounge or renting a cabana. Concierge service offers drinks, lunch choices and chilled towels.

With a choice of five pools and five jacuzzis, you can enjoy an early morning exercise swim or just spend the afternoon cooling off. Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is the place to go for a quiet respite, while the kids can flock to Waterworks with its three twisty slides, Blue Lightning, Twister and Orange Thunder.

What better way to cure your ails than a cocktail named Pain Relief. Made with three different rums mixed with orange and pineapple juice, this "pharmacy" concoction will do the trick. Along with a full array of Passion Potions and Cocktail Therapy, your white-coated mixologist will put you in your happy place.

The first roller coaster at sea, BOLT, wraps around the funnel, over Waterworks and Putt Putt Golf. Its motorcycle-stylized car seats a driver and passenger behind with the driver having control of the speed. This experience can be as slow or as fast as you choose, with the option to give a hair-raising boost around the curves.

Located within Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse you will find the Parched Pig Brewery. Craft beer selections are brewed on site with names like Thirsty Frog Caribbean Wheat and Parched Pig Beach Lager, among others. Paid tours are available.

The exclusive Havana stateroom section of the Celebration is located forward on Deck 8 with its own infinity plunge pool and outdoor lounge area. Havana Cabana staterooms and suites enjoy larger outdoor patio space and spa shower amenities. All stateroom guests must be aged 12 or older.

Festivale, on Deck 6 and 7 Aft, and the smaller, Carnivale, also on Deck 6, provide complimentary sit-down dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the itinerary. You have a choice of dinner times: early 5:30 p.m., late 7:45 p.m., or Your Time open seating from 5:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These dining spots require a check in on the Hub app to secure a table.

Located on Deck 16 Aft, this complimentary restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Shaq's special recipe results in a most perfectly prepared chicken sandwich or tenders with freshly cut fries. Breakfast menu includes chicken or egg biscuits and three-cheese omelets. Not to be missed.

The Lido Marketplace Buffet, on Deck 16, offers buffet style dining in a more intimate setting than you might find on other ships. Tables are grouped in various arrangements, sometimes tucked away in booths. You will find everything from the typical carving station to a gelato stand.

A big change in beverages at Lido Marketplace includes the availability of automated soda machines and beer taps. You no longer need to visit a bar for a diet soda and brew or wait for your server to deliver it. Tap your Sail and Sign stateroom key card and start filling your cup. The charge will show up on your account or will be applied to your drink package.

Offering live entertainment, Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse provides smoked bar-b-que with indoor and outdoor seating. A breakfast buffet can also be found here, providing a spicy take on the usual morning menu.

Located adjacent to Guy's Pig and Anchor, sits a relaxing space dedicated to active military and veterans. Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge features large screen TVs for sports events with comfy leather sofa seating.

There is fun to be had at the RedFrog Tiki Bar, poolside on Deck 16 Midship. With a second level on Deck 17, there is plenty of room to chill among grass skirts and palm tree d¨¦cor or sip your cocktail concoction by the pool.

Remember the clickety-clack train station departure boards? Inspired by vintage railroad stations, Latitudes Bar, located on Deck 6 Midship, offers yet another take on the retro travel theme that pops up throughout the ship. Live music is also offered at this venue.

You do not have to stay in the Havana section of the ship to enjoy the Havana Bar. Open to all cruisers, this bar is reminiscent of the glory days of Cuba's capital. In addition to classic Cuban cocktails and coffee, this space includes live music and a dance floor.

The Ultimate Playground zone, on Deck 18, includes the BOLT roller coaster, Waterworks playgrounds, putt-putt golf, ropes course and pools. Taking up three levels, this area offers fun for all ages.

Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has created yet another seafood restaurant at sea with Rudi's Seagrill, on Deck 8 Aft. This specialty dining opportunity offers Lobster Mac and Cheese as a starter, just make sure you save room for an entr¨¦e. Rudi's menu includes Dover Sole, Crab-Stuffed Lobster Tail Imperial, as well as non-seafood items such as a Berkshire Pork Chop or a 14 oz. Prime New York Strip.

Another specialty restaurant, Emeril's Bistro 1397, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including all of your New Orleans cuisine favorites. Located Deck 6 Aft, you might try Bananas Foster Crepes for breakfast, a Shrimp and Oyster Poboy for lunch and Jambayala for dinner. And don't forget beignets, New Orleans' signature dessert.

Another cost-included restaurant combines Chinese and Mexican cuisine for your choice of entrees like Mole Chicken or Sweet and Sour Shrimp. The melding of these culinary menus works for any palate. Use your Hub app to secure a table and enjoy.

Obviously, steak is a priority at a restaurant named Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, but make sure someone at the table orders the Smoke and Ice Fresh Oysters. The presentation includes lifting a glass dome, letting smoke escape from a plate of oysters with caviar. It's quite the sensory experience before digging into your choice of beef.

When in the mood for sushi, the specialty restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, offers indoor and outdoor seating while enjoying your favorite rolls, rice balls, ramen or sake. Adjacent you will find Bonsai Teppanyaki, in the traditional cook-at-your-table style. This experience provides quite a show while watching your chef create amazing dishes.

Another complimentary dining option is the BlueIguana Cantina, poolside on Deck 16 Aft. Construct your own burrito from freshly prepared ingredients. Both breakfast and lunch versions are offered.

Adjacent to BlueIguana you can stroll along Street Eats to find your favorite food truck experience featuring Seafood Shack, a New England-style seafood spot. Steam Dream, featuring bao buns and potstickers, Mad Sizzle, with kabobs and satay, as well as Time Fries, loaded fries. All are cost-included. Seafood Shack charges are based on menu choice.

Adjacent to each other on Deck 6 Forward, you will find the Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center. Spa services include massages, body wraps and relaxing thermal suites. The Fitness Center provides endless treadmills, looking out to the ocean, as well as multiple opportunities for staying fit while on board.

The Carnival Celebration is family friendly with opportunities for kids and teens to gather with others or tackle the latest arcade games. Circle C, for ages 12-14, offer sports, movies, video games and more. Activities in Club O2, for ages 15-17, include basketball, movies, and karaoke. Little ones are taken care of, also, with age-appropriate activities.

Feeling lucky? The Empress Casino, on Deck 7, might be your ticket to a jackpot. Taking up a large swath of the deck, smoking is allowed on Starboard side, while actively playing. With over 180 slot machines plus multiple gaming tables, your chances of success are high.