Mardi Gras to Feature Brand-New Celebrity Chef Restaurant

On his Facebook page, Carnival Cruise Line ambassador John Heald announced that the line has teamed up with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Emeril Lagasse for his first-ever restaurant at sea.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 will be among the specialty dining venues onboard Carnival’s newest and largest ship, Mardi Gras, which sets sail in 2020. Located in the ship’s French Quarter zone, Emeril’s Bistro 1396 will showcase the chef’s signature dishes that earned him the reputation as one of New Orleans’ most respected chefs. The “1396” number in the name is significant because that is Mardi Gras’ hull number at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

“I’ve developed restaurants all over the country, but to create my first restaurant at sea – on a ship named Mardi Gras with its own French Quarter, no less – was an opportunity I simply could not pass up,” said Lagasse. “I’m excited to be a part of this brand new ship and bring a taste of the flavors of New Orleans cuisine to the guests sailing on Mardi Gras.”

The menu will include Creole favorites and daily specials such as oyster and cochon de lait po-boys, muffaletta sandwiches, Emeril’s signature barbecue shrimp, fresh seafood ceviche, roasted duck & Andouille sausage gumbo, jambalaya, and sides like Creole potato salad with diced scallions, and red beans with “jazz-man” rice. For dessert, some choices include lemon ice box pie and a New Orleans classic — bananas foster. The venue will also be open for breakfast, serving up shrimp and grits and a shrimp Creole omelet. Menu items will be a la carte, similar to the line’s existing venue Bonsai Sushi.

The restaurant will be the center of attention in the French Quarter area, one of six themed zones across the ship. The French Quarter will bring out all the best of Louisiana with food, cocktails, and live jazz.

The vessel is currently being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland and is slated to enter service in Europe in August 2020. After that, Mardi Gras will head to New York for a short series of voyages before shifting to her home in Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises in October.