Carnival Releases Details on New Groundbreaking Ship

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed some of the first details about their upcoming ship, Mardi Gras, which will debut in 2020. 

Mardi Gras’ public areas will be comprised of six distinctly themed zones, much like the seven neighborhoods that Royal Caribbean introduced on their Oasis-class ships. Accommodations will include over 20 cabin categories. Mardi Gras will also have the most expansive open decks on any Carnival ship. It will also hold the honor of being the first North American-based ship powered by liquefied natural gas.

The six zones that make up the public spaces of the vessel will have the following themes:

Grand Central

Decks 6-8, mid-ship

Grand Central takes the traditional atrium to new heights, combining an entertainment complex with three-deck-high floor-to-ceiling windows and a bar overlooking the starboard side of the ship. An expanded Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki will be only steps away, and the first-ever dedicated Punchliner Comedy Club and Piano Bar 88 will also make up this lively zone on Mardi Gras. 

French Quarter

Deck 6, aft

In a nod to New Orleans’ culture that combines upbeat entertainment with an unmatched food scene, French Quarter will be lined with new bars, music, and eateries that capture the festive spirit of the city. This zone will be linked via a two-deck-high promenade leading to a traditional New Orleans jazz club with live entertainment and hand-crafted cocktails. 

La Piazza

Deck 8, mid-ship

Travelers will be transported to Italy in La Piazza, where the heritage of Carnival’s senior officers will be celebrated with cuisine from the family-style Cucina del Capitano and Pizzeria del Capitano. There will also be an all-new Mediterranean-themed seafood restaurant and a bar where passengers can enjoy cappuccinos by day and classic Italian cocktails by night, while roaming musicians keep everyone entertained. 

Summer Landing

Deck 8, aft

Summer Landing has been designed as the ultimate spot for kicking back and relaxing, and will be home to an expanded Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse created in partnership with Guy Fieri. Here, the line’s exclusive ParchedPig craft beers will be brewed right on board. For outdoor summer fun, a pool, hot tubs, a new bar, plenty of lounging spaces, and a lunch counter for the smokehouse will make Summer Landing the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Lido

Decks 16-17, aft

Carnival is already known for their casual poolside eateries, and Mardi Gras wouldn’t be complete without them. But the cruise line is taking it to another level on this ship, with existing favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New-England inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina, as well as some new concepts that will be announced in the future. 

The Ultimate Playground

Decks 18-20, aft

The Ultimate Playground will be a family-friendly play area highlighted by the largest WaterWorks aqua park in Carnival’s fleet. Alongside that will be an expanded SportSquare and the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first roller coaster at sea where riders race along at 800-foot-long track, reaching speeds of almost 40 miles per hour. 

For those that couldn’t imagine a Carnival ship without some of the other 2.0 upgrades that the line rolled out years ago, not to worry. All of the signature favorites will also be included on Mardi Gras, such as Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat among others. Reservations for Mardi Gras’ itineraries will be announced and open for sale on January 30. Those who want to be the first to book can click here and register up until January 27 to get a “first to know” alert and special promotion when bookings open.