Our first cruise.. Any experience with this ship? Is it likely to be smooth sailing? Safety concerns about a ship this old? Opinions if you have been to Cozumel/Playa del Carmen...What excursions are worthwhile?
Our cabin is on the Empress Deck (outside) E 56. Is this a good place to be? any information or tips will be appreciated.

While I haven't sailed the Celebration, I wouldn't be too concerned with safety based on the ship's age--injury accidents are extremely rare on any cruise ship.

As to Cozumel, it depends on what you're interested in. There is a ship's excursion to Tulum that I've heard good things about (it's a long day and involved 2 ferries and 2 busses, but I hear it's worth it).

Otherwise, there are some neat beach breaks and catamaran/snorkel tours--and of course Carlos n Charlie's if you're up for a drunken party.

Cheers!

What is Tulum, and about how much does it cost?

I was on the Celebration in 2000 over my spring break and had a great time! I was traveling alone and met up with a great bunch of women ONLY at my dining table. We all had a lot of fun, and we shared addresses before parting company.

I visited Tulum on the ship's tour. This is a Mayan ruins site on the Mexico mainland, sort of near Cancun. I found it interesting, but very hot, even in spring. We were dropped off at Playa Del Carmen for the trip to Tulum, and then traveled by bus to the ruins. We were taken on a shuttle boat to Cozumel Island to catch up with the ship later in the day. The ship did not dock at Playa del Carmen.

Carnival cabins are larger than most of the other ships I've sailed on. An outside cabin is always better for me as I need the daylight streaming in! I'm sure you will be fine in E56. I was in E147 (same deck as you).

The Celebration had the BEST cruise director I've encountered, in 8 cruises over the years since 1997. I don't know if he is still with the ship or not. If he is, you'll enjoy him. Wish I could remember his name. Maybe Paul?

You might visit travelocity and plug in the ship's name to get deck plans and cabin photos.

Have fun!

Carol

Thanks so much for your positive comments. I had read some very negative things, and you were very helpful. I was beginning to feel a little nervous about this trip.

I've been on a number of cruise lines. Each one has its own ups and downs. Carnival, remember, is called the "fun ships" and for a reason. They are a lot of FUN. I always enjoy the games, the shows, the pools, (and there is a tops optional one where only adults are allowed...)

I always travel with the attitude that "travel is an adventure" and I usually come home refreshed and having had a wonderful time. You must go with the flow and expect the unexpected. Don't sweat the small stuff! Don't let the negative comments slant your view! I really think you'll have a good time.

I'm really excited about taking the Carnival Fantasy to the Bahamas for the New Years Eve cruise in just a few weeks!
Carol

I've been on the Celebration and Jubilee (sister ship), several times and having sailed the original Carnivale- they are hardly "old" ships. Wonderful size in my opinion. If you are interested in snorkling- Chankanaab Park is a great place to go, easy cab ride.

I agree 100% on the previous post. The size of a ship makes a difference to me. So many of the new ships have soooooo many passengers. It's a bit overwhelming at times. The Celebration was docked beside the Voyager of the Seas (or one of those huge mega ships) and I took photos. People thought my camera was playing tricks but I said the photos were REAL. The Voyager was really THAT HUGE and the Celebration looked like a little sailboat parked next to it.

Guess what... I like the Celebration because its size allows it to go into places that the mega ships can't go.

Just my opinion...
Carol

(again, taking the Fantasy... another "smaller" ship... over the New Year and can't wait!)

I have been on the Celebration cruise, a few years ago over Christmas. It was the worst: dirty, horrible inside decor (very garish colors). I just didn't have a good time at all. Maybe it's changed, but our experience was so bad that we decided never to sail Carnival again. At the time the only line we had to compare Carnival with was Celebrity ... very big difference.

txchic: I have sailed this and most other ships in the Carnival fleet. Don't worry! If it's your first cruise you'll have fun. I've sailed other lines too, and since Carnival is the largest line and the most budget friendly it is not top of the line, but IS a good all around value.
Most people who give negative comments have sailed other lines and want more services, higher quality meals, etc. And that's fine, but you're not going to get 5 star services at a budget friendly line like Carnival.
Carnival is like the WalMart of cruise lines, you get a lot for your money and will have fun if you don't expect to be getting Macy's.
I have never had a bad cruise on this line. It amazes me when I go on a cruise and see people who seem to want to find things to complain about. I've had table mates who ate the same meals I did and sent every meal back complaining about how terrible everything is (was) while I was enjoying every bite.
So don't fear, make up your mind that you are going to relax and have fund and Carnival will be enjoyable as your first cruise.
After you've sailed and found out how cruise vacations can be fun you can always look for another ship, or another line that is more closely suited to your specific tastes for your NEXT cruise!

Since this is your first cruise you may wish to stick with the tours the ship offers and you'll learn all about them once on board, or, you may just wish to take a cab or walking tour of each port, which is inexpensive and fun while you learn about the island, shop, etc.

Finally, I remember my first cruise and how concerned I was before going. The outside cabin is a good choice, you'll understand why once you go. If you have any specific questions about this ship, just post them here and I'll try to respond soon.
Now, just go and enjoy yourself!

Hold said it very well. Carnival is not the top of the line, but it is a FUN cruise line. You will have a great time! Enjoy it! I'm sure you will want to cruise again.

I also have sailed with Royal Carib and Princess and Norwegian. Each cruise line has its own ups and downs. Yes, some are more luxurious than others. But Carnival had the best cruise director of any ships I've sailed! Bar none! He made the experience on board so much fun.

Carol