👑
VSIcon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
🎪
Carnival Celebration
Carnival
Icon of the Seas vs Carnival Celebration
The ultimate megaship showdown: Royal Caribbean's world-record Icon vs Carnival's Excel Class flagship. Different experiences at different price points.
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | 👑 Icon of the Seas | 🎪 Carnival Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 GT✓ | 180,800 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 7,600 guests✓ | 5,374 guests |
| Waterslides | 6 record-breaking slides✓ | Dr. Seuss WaterWorks |
| Roller Coaster | No | BOLT - first at sea✓ |
| Average Price | $150-300/night | $80-150/night✓ |
| Included Dining | Main dining + Windjammer | More included venues✓ |
| Drink Package | $70-90/day | $60-80/day (CHEERS!)✓ |
| Ship Age | 2024✓ | 2022 |
👑Choose Icon of the Seas if you...
- •Want the biggest, newest ship in the world
- •Waterpark and pool enthusiasts
- •Budget is flexible for premium experience
- •First-timers wanting maximum impressions
🎪Choose Carnival Celebration if you...
- •Value-conscious families
- •Want BOLT roller coaster experience
- •Prefer Carnival's fun, casual atmosphere
- •Looking for more affordable drink packages
💡 The Bottom Line
Icon of the Seas wins on size and wow factor, but costs significantly more. Carnival Celebration offers excellent megaship experiences at often half the price. Best choice depends on your budget and whether maximum size matters to you.
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