Things had gotten very quiet surrounding the last and final area to be fully revealed on Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Celebration. That all changed today! The Gateway has been formally announced as the new space to take over for the French Quarter from the Mardi Gras. Gone is our beloved Fortune Teller’s Bar, but let me take you on a journey to discover the new areas, which I think you’re going to love!

This whole area has been redesigned to embody to spirit of travel. On the ceiling, two decks overhead, you’ll see simulated skylights that will offer daytime views of sunny skies with the occasional cloud rolling by. At night, it could be a star-lit sky dashed with fireworks to celebrate the excitement of the cruise. Rather than having traditional, open viewing windows on the side walls, there will be large LED screens that will showcase a different famous land each day of the cruise. The theming will be heavy and consistent and the entire area will look and feel like the areas portrayed. Live music in the Gateway will offer the same theme, further immersing cruisers in the experience. The theme nights will include places Abroad in Europe, Far East Voyage and Mexico Lindo.

Latitudes

Designed to look like an old transportation terminal, Latitudes Bar will feature a split-flap sign with flappers, and all, that will showcase the drink specials for the day, among other unique and fun messages. The daily drink offerings will coincide with the theme from that day, to encourage sailors to stop by daily to find out and try the new concoctions.

The entertainment crew will be in the area nightly to celebrate fun occasions with guests. The area will exude a party atmosphere where each day there’s a new experience.

Emeril’s Bistro 1397

Walking towards the Festivale Restaurant at the aft of the ship, you’ll pass by the redesigned Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant, Emeril’s Bistro 1397. The restaurant has been shifted across the aisle to open up for more seating areas across the way. The number at the end of the name signifies the ship-build number from the shipyard at Meyer-Turku in Finland. On the Carnival Celebration, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 will not only serve up French-inspired bites to eat throughout the afternoon and evening, but will have a more international-menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The rest

As you make your way back towards the Golden Jubilee Bar, you’ll find an active map which displays the current location of all ships in Carnival’s fleet at any given moment. Continuing with the homage being paid to the Carnival brand, the forward dining room is being named Carnivale Restaurant, after the second named ship that sailed, with newly expanded seating areas. Also, as mentioned before, there’s the aft dining room named after Carnival’s third ship, Festivale Restaurant.

Upstairs from the action of Latitudes and Emeril’s Bistro 1397, you’ll find the lab-coat wearing bartenders serving up your favorites at Alchemy with a newly expanded seating area, sure to reduce the major pinch-points from the Mardi Gras.

In all, this ship looks to be amazing! I am happy to say that we are booked for two sailings on the Carnival Celebration as I don’t think 7-days will be enough time to take in all of the amazing details that Carnival is putting into the design. So many areas of this ship are exciting and different from Mardi Gras. What are your favorite developments?