Kris Kringle Spotted on Carnival Cruise Line's BOLT Roller Coaster

The one and only Santa Claus took a break from his busy holiday season to stop by the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland where Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras will be delivered later this week. His mission: take a test run of BOLT - the first-ever roller coaster at sea. 

According to an announcement from Carnival, with enthusiastic shrieks of delight and hearty "ho-ho-ho's", Santa zipped along the 800-foot-long track which features hairpin curves around the ship's iconic funnel, all while achieving speeds of up to 40 miles an hour.  

Read More: 15 Mardi Gras Renderings from Carnival

"Never in my wildest dreams would I think a roller coaster could be on a cruise ship.  It's something we'll be talking about at the North Pole for a long time,” said Santa in an official statement to Carnival. 

Built by Carnival in partnership with Germany-based Mauer Rides, BOLT is a first-of-its-kind open-air attraction. The all-electric coaster can accommodate two riders in motorcycle-like vehicles that race 187 feet above the waterline. 

Video by Carnival Cruise Line

BOLT will take cruise industry innovation to new heights when Mardi Gras enters service out of Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship is currently slated for its inaugural sailing on April 24, 2021, and will make stops in San Juan, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk Island. 

Read More: Carnival Unveils New Design Details for Mardi Gras Grand Central Atrium

Explore All Mardi Gras Cruises