Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship: Overview And Things To Do
What you need to know about the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship, with things to do, all the venues, and plenty of facts.
The much-awaited Carnival cruise ship, the lead ship in Carnivals Excel class, is currently the largest cruise ship in Carnivals fleet and, as such, is filled with all the bells and whistles, amenities, and activities that you expect from a mega-ship geared toward family fun in the sun.
If youre planning to book a cruise in the near future or are just interested in what could offer you and your traveling family keep reading. Were breaking down everything you need to know about this mammoth cruise ship.
Sea Coaster On Board Mardi Gras
The most innovative feature of the Mardi Gras cruise ship will be the BOLT sea coaster. The all-electric roller coaster will be built by Maurer Rides. It will be the first-ever roller coaster at sea to provide a unique experience to passengers.
The roller coaster will have a track length of 220m and will be placed 57m above sea level. The ride will be able to reach speeds up to 64km/h with a range of twists, turns, and drops.
BOLT will allow two riders to race with a vehicle similar to a motorcycle. It will have the capacity to handle 190 people an hour.
Grand Central Atrium Shows & Entertainment
The innovative three-deck-high Grand Central Atrium space is one of Carnival Mardi Gras six themed zones and its a winner.
The atriums huge 3,000 square-foot glass panels built into the side of the ship provide guests with beautiful sea views. Its a wonderful place to relax and listen to live music or take part in games and contests.
At night, the Grand Central Atrium transforms into a multi-story venue for spectacular shows with talented performances, aerial acrobatics, and special effects. The Grand Central Atriums 16 massive LED screens can display videos, lasers, and other unique effects providing an ever-changing backdrop.
Dont miss the ships New Orleans Celebration with its Mardi Gras-style parade and incredible Voodoo Moon performance. Its one of the most amazing entertainment experiences Ive seen at sea.
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Dining And Entertainment Facilities
The cruise ship will offer a range of dining facilities, including Guys Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse / Brewhouse, Guys Burger Joint, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Bonsai Sushi, Seafood Shack, Jiji Asian Kitchen, Cucina Del Capitano, and Blueiguana Cantina.
It will also feature two new restaurants La Piazza and Lido, which will introduce new concepts for the guests.
Entertainment facilities on board Mardi Gras will offer an extensive range of popular Carnival guest favourites along with added options such as the new sea coaster BOLT.
Cloud 9 Spa will offer traditional spa services such as massages, facials, and body wraps. Passengers on board will also be able to enjoy a variety of music at Playlist Productions.
Punchliner Comedy Club on the ship will host comedy shows and will also have the provision to host family friendly performances.
Taking Staterooms To Another Level
At launch, Carnival hyped the s staterooms and suites and now we totally see why. Turns out, luxury comes in all shapes, sizes, and décor. The launch of the marked the introduction of better comfort, storage, and lighting in their rooms.
- Snooze with Exclusive Benefits step it up a notch when you reserve your resort-style stay on the The Havana, Cloud 9 Spa, and Family Harbor staterooms and suites offer exclusive amenities, unique designs, and quick access to amazing discounts and locations like the .
- Interior Staterooms Love the affordability that inside cabins bring? The Interior Staterooms dont cut corners on comfort, even while saving you money!
- Ocean View & Balcony Staterooms Get a little more space and a way better view with these rooms. Youll love the breathing room after a big day of fun in the sun.
- Suites Ready to feel like a VIP? Then youll definitely want a suite on the Not only are these rooms the best on board, they also come packed with perks.
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Getting To Know The Mardi Gras
Everything about the says BIG fun. In fact, to accommodate the s 19 decks, 6,500 passengers, and 181,000 tons, Port Canaveral totally revamped Cruise Terminal 3 in 2018. Now, were proud to be the homeport for this awesome ship!
The has been making waves in cruising. Not only is it the largest ship in Carnivals fleet, but it is also the first cruise ship in North America that is fueled by Liquified Natural Gas ! Though the was supposed to debut in 2020, its first sailing in 2021 marked Carnivals return to cruising at Port Canaveral after COVID.
But what exactly can passengers expect from their Caribbean cruises on the ? Lets take a peek!
Health & Safety On Carnival Cruise Ship Mardi Gras
The Carnival Mardi Gras ship sails under a requirement to have 95 percent of its passengers vaccinated against COVID-19. All passengers 12 years of age or older are required to be fully vaccinated. At the time of writing, capacity on the ship is being capped at 70 percent. As protocols and requirements are constantly evolving, we recommend consulting the Carnival Cruise website for the most up-to-date information.
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Dining Establishments On Carnival Mardi Gras
Food is a big part of any cruise, and there will plenty on the Carnival Mardi Gras. You have 21 different dining options to choose from. Of those options, 12 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 9 options have an additional fee. Some of those options are a set price and some have a la cart menu pricing. 57% of the dining options are included which means if you’re watching your budget, you won’t feel like you’re missing out by not going to a lot of extra fee dining places.
| Restaurant | |
|---|---|
| Included | Dessert |
In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Carnival serves the Pepsi family of products. That means Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierrna Mist, Mug Root Beer, and Mountain Dew, although the selection can vary by ship.
There are also plenty of bars available on this ship. You can see the recent bar menus for the mardi gras at this link .
Discover Your Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise
What is a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise like?
Carnival Mardi Gras cruises are among the largest cruise lines in the world. There are a variety of different ships that take you to beautiful and fascinating destinations around the world. Youll find a variety of different experiences, including premium cabins with balconies, special dining options, and more. You can choose different lengths of stay, with the most popular being between 5 and 7 nights. Some Carnival Mardi Gras cruises also offer exclusive perks such as exclusive shore excursions or onboard discounts. Whether youre looking for an entertaining trip with fun for all ages, or a romantic getaway, there is a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise vacation thats right for you.
When is the best time to book a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise?
While there are no strict rules for when exactly to book, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to come across great cruise deals. In general, if youre travelling far away then 12 to 18 months is the best time to book your cruise. This will give you the most options to select your cabin, experience, and book any necessary flights. Most travelers usually book a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise 6 to 12 months in advance. Youll still find affordability for your destination, and you dont leave the anticipation for your vacation too long. Carnival Mardi Gras does offer last-minute cruises at a range of prices and availability depending on your destination and dates.
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Carnival Mardi Gras Restaurants Are Stellar But Venues Could Be Bigger
One downside to the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship is that while there are lots of venues, some are too small to handle a rush. The traditional theater can only seat 900 at a time, and both the popular Piano Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club are laughably small. The fitness center is also overly packed on sea days, while on Elegant Nights, the main dining rooms have long lines as people are drawn by the temptation of free lobster.
Still, the sheer number of different free places to eat is astounding there are so many breakfast and lunch venues, you might never eat in the buffet. Old favorites that used to be overly packed — such as Guy’s Burgers, the RedFrog bar on the Lido Deck and Alchemy Bar — now have plenty of real estate to handle happy crowds.
Waterworks On Carnival Mardi Gras
massive onboard waterpark is currently the largest in Carnivals entire fleet. Located in the ships Ultimate Playground zone, the waterpark is a go-to spot for fun-loving kids and families, thrill-seekers, and the young at heart.
WaterWorks features three water slides the 312-foot Blue Lightning, the 229-foot Orange Thunder, and the 265-foot spiraling Carnival Twister waterslide.
Zipping down these splash-tastic water slides definitely hits the spot on a hot day. Theres also a 150-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket and a splash zone for kids with lots of cool water elements.
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What Happened To The Original Mardi Gras Cruise Ship
Originally named the RMS Empress of Canada, the ship began service in 1960 as an ocean liner, regularly traversing the transatlantic route between Liverpool and Canada for more than a decade. Carnival Cruise Lines purchased the ship in 1972 and, after a few modifications and a change of color scheme, renamed her Carnival sold the vessel in 1993, and it was scrapped in 2003.
First Roller Coaster At Sea
One of the most talked-about features aboard is the first roller coaster at sea, dubbed BOLT and part of the ships open-air recreation area, called the Ultimate Playground.
BOLT, with its all-electric, motorcycle-style vehicles, features an electric bolt theme . It traverses an 800-foot track that climbs and crawls, dips and swings over the deck at up to 40 miles per hour, sometimes reaching as much as 187 feet above the ocean. A unique feature allows guests to choose their own ride speed, allowing for greater personalization of the experience.
But below BOLT, cruisers will find the Ultimate Playground, which is one of the six themed zones on the ship .
The Ultimate Playground will include the largest WaterWorks water park in the entire Carnival fleet, with three water slides, including the 312-foot Blue Lightning, the 229-foot Orange Thunder, and the well-known Carnival Twister water slide.
The Ultimate Playground also includes a SportSquare sports complex, a 600-foot ropes course , a mini-golf course, basketball court, and outdoor fitness areas.
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Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster
BOLT is the first roller coaster at sea and its quite a ride. Its unlike anything youve ever experienced on a cruise ship, so dont miss it. I rode BOLT three times on my cruise and its addictive.
BOLT is a top-deck electric-powered roller coaster located in Ultimate Playground zone. This innovative roller coaster recently won a Best of Whats New engineering award granted by Popular Science magazine.
The rides elevated track spans across the cruise ships upper decks and features 800 feet of thrilling twists, dips, and turns including a zooming hairpin loop around tri-colored funnel. Riders on BOLTs motorcycle-inspired vehicles can go as fast as 40 miles per hour while taking in 360-degree views of the sea 187 feet below.
Frequent BOLT riders with the need for speed recommend going full throttle throughout the entire session and using your vehicles boost on the tracks straight sections as well as right before a dip. Its good to leave a few seconds between each boost for maximum effect.
As of December 2021, BOLT is priced at $15 per person for a two-lap ride. Try to make reservations for a time during the first part of your cruise in case you need to reschedule due to weather.
The Carnival Mardi Gras Casino And Serenity Deck Pool Are Standouts
Other highlights include the casino, which is by far the largest on Carnival, taking up a significant portion of Deck 7. The Havana Pool is exclusive to Havana stateroom guests, but is more of a hot tub than a pool. The adults-only Serenity Deck now has a full pool, as well as two hot tubs, a bar and a salad bar.
What it all adds up to is a Carnival cruise experience that delivers the affordable Fun Ship experience that people love, with a dash of sophistication that never crosses the line into snooty.
Behind the scenes, Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in North America powered by liquified natural gas , making it a cleaner burn .
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Six Distinct Themed Zones
But, the Ultimate Playground is only one of six themed areas found on In Carnivals words, the ship is our first with distinctive zones that offer mini-onboard excursions to different worlds and experiences.
six zones include:
- Grand Central, the mid-ship atrium with expansive views and plenty of activity, regardless of the hour
- French Quarter, a New Orleans-inspired zone with live music and plenty of restaurants, including the all-new Emerils Bistro 1396.
- La Piazza, the Italian-inspired zone, with more restaurants and live music
- Summer Landing, your spot for outdoor summer fun, including al fresco dining, pools, hot tubs, Guys Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse, The Watering Hole, and Swirls soft serve.
- Lido, the place to go for all of your classic Carnival restaurants and the debuting RedFrog Tiki Bar
- The Ultimate Playground, spanning decks 18-20, will find the ropes course, WaterWorks, SportsSquare, and the BOLT Roller Coaster.
Bolt The First Roller Coaster At Sea
One of Carnivals proudest achievements on is the first-ever roller coaster at sea.
BOLT features self-propelled, all-electric, motorcycle-style vehicles that propel thrill-seekers to 40 mph along its 800-foot track. At its peak, passengers will get a view as high as 187 feet above the ocean as the ride climbs, dips, and swings around the track.
One unique feature of the roller coaster allows passengers to choose the rides speed, allowing for greater personalization.
Located directly below BOLT is the Ultimate Playground one of six themed zones around the ship. The Ultimate Playground features Carnivals fleets largest WaterWorks water park, complete with three water slides, including the 312-foot Blue Lightning.
This zone also includes a SportSquare sports complex for active-minded passengers. The SportSquare features a 600-foot ropes course, mini-golf course, outdoor fitness area, and a basketball court. This section of the ship is great for staying active, meeting new people, and engaging in a little friendly competition.
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How Big Is Carnivals Mardi Gras Cruise Ship
At the time of writing, is the ninth-largest cruise ship in the world. The vessel is over 180,000 gross tons with a length of 1,130 feet, a beam of 137 feet, and a height of 19 decks. The 2,641 onboard staterooms can carry a maximum of 6,500 passengers at maximum capacity and a crew of 1,745 individuals.
Cruise With Carnival At Port Canaveral
Getting back to cruising? Then its time to check the off your bucket list.
Whether youre a Carnival Cruise Line aficionado or taking your first cruise, the has something for everyone and were not even counting the off-ship excursions. Cruising is one of the most fun, relaxing, and enjoyable ways to vacation, and the latest addition to the Carnival fleet really shows us why. Bring fabulous food, fantastic entertainment, and around-the-clock fun to your next cruise trip with the !
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Carnival Mardi Gras Ship Highlights
- Six themed Zones: Grand Central, French Quarter, Summer Landing, La Piazza, Lido, and Ultimate Playground
- SportSquare: SkyCourse ropes course, SkyFitness gym, miniature golf, sports courts, and a jogging track
- BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster
- Kid-friendly activities: Camp Ocean, Club O2, Circle C, Dr. Seuss Bookville
- Serenity adults-only retreat
- WaterWorks water park featuring three spiraling slides
- Havana cabins with exclusive bar and pool
- Family Harbor cabins with exclusive lounge
- Carnival Excel Suites with Loft 19 sundeck access
- Five swimming pools and five whirlpools
Things To Do On Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival debuted in summer 2021 as the flagship of Carnival Cruise Line and is spending her inaugural season sailing from Port Canaveral.
Carnivals biggest cruise ship is divided into six themed zones and offers a number of fun attractions and innovative features, including the first-ever roller coaster at sea.
With more than 20 dining options and nearly the same number of bars and lounges, its easy to let the good times roll on this new Carnival Fun Ship.
Theres so much to experience on Carnival Mardi Gras, so weve rounded up a series of must dos for those planning their cruise.
While sailing on in late October, I asked Carnival executives, journalists, crew members, and dozens of guests to name one or two dont miss experiences on board.
Here are 21 things to do on Carnival Mardi Gras that were named most often, along with some insider tips:
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Bar Crawl On Carnival Mardi Gras
offers guests close to 20 awesome bars and lounges onboard, which is perfect for a Fun Ship named after New Orleans most epic party of the year.
There are ton of new specialty drinks and bars to try on this ship. Head out on a fun Bar Crawl and discover some fabulous new bars and cocktails as well as old favorites.
Youll find two cant-miss spots in French Quarter. The Brass Magnolia has a New Orleans-inspired atmosphere, serving up strong Hurricanes and live jazz music.
The Fortune Teller Bar, another brand new bar for Carnival Cruise Line, is located here as well. Make sure to order a Crystal Ball cocktail here its as potent as it is Insta-worthy.
Bar Della Rosa, another new Carnival bar located in the Italian-themed La Piazza zone, serves espresso drinks during the day and Italian cocktails and wine at night. The Grand Central atrium is home to two bars, making it easy for those watching a show to get a drink.
The Carnival Mardi Gras bar line-up also features popular favorites including the Alchemy Bar, Havana Bar, Guys Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, and Piano Bar 88.
Carnival cruise lovers will be happy to know that the RedFrog Rum Bar has been expanded into the two-story RedFrog Tiki Bar on .