Carnival Cruise Line Announces Name of Largest Ship Ever

In a nod to their history as America’s Cruise Line, Carnival announced yesterday that their new XL-class ship debuting in 2020 will be named Mardi Gras. This is special since that was the name of the line’s very first ship that entered service in 1972, starting a wave of popularity with cruising in the United States.

Carnival revealed the name on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune last night on the television series’ signature Puzzleboard at the end of the broadcast. Mardi Gras will be Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ship ever, and the first in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas. Weighing in at 180,000 gross tons, the vessel will be over six times the size of its namesake.

The original 27,000 gross ton Mardi Gras was a converted transatlantic ocean liner purchased by Carnival founder Ted Arison. “Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand new style of cruising to the vacationing public. What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful vacation memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship,’” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The new Mardi Gras will follow the trailblazing lead of her predecessor, introducing features and technological innovations that have never been seen before on a cruise ship while setting a new standard for seagoing vacations.”

Mardi Gras will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida at a brand new terminal. Construction on a second XL ship will begin in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark Carnival’s 50th anniversary. Itineraries for Mardi Gras will be announced in January, and go on sale later that month. Excited cruisers eager to book can register to receive a “first to know” alert and special promotional offer.