Mimigm

I would definitely choose the Celebration hands down . I just completed my 50th anniversary cruise with carnival. I sailed on the Mardi Gras (sister ship) for three cruises and afterwards going back on the smaller ships has been disappointing after experiencing the excel class. These excel ships are amazing. So many more dining venues. On the excel ships both cucina (Italian) chibang (asian and Mexican) and Pig and anchor(barbecue ). are free for of charge for dinner. Plus you have More specialty options Emerils ( reasonable prices) Shawshank big chicken (free). Rudis sea food ( very good sea food restaurant on par with the steakhouse ) . As far as the itinerary goes I’m not a fan of the bahama ports / not that safe. Do some research on what people have recently experienced at these ports. Key west keeps trying to ban large cruise ships . And it does get very crowded when cruise ships are in port.

FYI - At the Dover train station there is a shuttle that goes back and forth to the cruise terminal. Cost is 5 dollars or 5 euros or 5 lbs whichever one you have. we boarded the Pride on 6/19 and took a Uber from heathrow to a Dover Premier Inn hotel for 140 lbs It was difficult getting a taxi the next morning for the short ride to the port - but we finally were able to get one. Some people walked with their luggage to the port