Mardi Gras

Something new from John Heald

Time to share

BAM! EMERIL LAGASSE SPICES UP
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S MARDI GRAS WITH FIRST-EVER RESTAURANT AT SEA

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 to Showcase New Orleans, Creole-Inspired Cuisine

MIAMI (March 6, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line today announced that it has partnered with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Emeril Lagasse on his first-ever seagoing restaurant aboard Carnival’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, setting sail in summer 2020.
Located in the heart of Mardi Gras’ 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 acclaimed and respected chefs.
“Mardi Gras is designed as the ultimate vacation experience, and that extends to the food and beverage offerings,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Emeril Lagasse has brought the uniqueness and fun of New Orleans dining to foodies all over the world, and we’re thrilled that he’ll now bring that same experience to Carnival. There is no one better suited than Emeril to add a level of authenticity to the Mardi Gras experience that will give our guests another way to Choose Fun.”
“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.”
Named after Mardi Gras’ hull number at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the bistro will celebrate New Orleans’ rich culture with Creole favorites and daily specials.
The menu will include: oyster and cochon de lait po-boys, muffaletta sandwiches, Emeril’s signature barbecue shrimp, fresh seafood ceviche, roasted duck & Andouille sausage gumbo, jambalaya, and complements such as Creole potato salad with diced scallions, and red beans and “jazz-man” rice. Breakfast offerings will feature shrimp and grits and a shrimp Creole omelet. The New Orleans classic Bananas Foster and lemon ice box pie will be available for dessert.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396 will take center stage in Mardi Gras’ French Quarter, one of the ship’s six themed zones where guests will find fun, memorable ways to create their own personalized vacations. The French Quarter will capture the festive spirit of Louisiana with food, cocktails and, of course, live jazz.
Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.

Very true and the Vista does prove that point.

I'm hoping that the feedback that have be submitted by many repeat and veteran cruisers was/is taken into consideration in the planning of this ship. Just looking at the deck plans it looks like certain key elements have been added back in like a separate dance club from the either the main theater or comedy club. But who knows until we actually sail her.

Quite the ship, for sure. Is bigger, better?

It will be interesting to see how the new deck plan works. It appears that there is more space for the general population to mingle. Which is good since the capacity is so much bigger. Hope you find the perfect cabin.

We are excited about it too. Looking at booking for the NE/Canada cruise out of NYC before she heads south. Just having a hard time picking a prime cabin (for us) with the new deck configurations (like the spa on deck 5).

That’s the way to make the best of a cruise! What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday!

Wow awesome, memories to cherish!

I'm excited for this ship too! My sister & I booked the transatlantic from England to NY, it sails 7 days after my 40th birthday so this will be our celebration! This knocks of a few bucket list items for me as I've never been to England or NYC, have been wanting to do a girls trip with my sister for years 7 wanted to do a journey's cruise. Check, Check, Check & Check!

It will be an interesting to see how it all pans out! It looks beautiful!

Agreed! It takes Carnival to a new level in on board entertainment and attractions. I love the new blue hues of the cabins, serene and tranquil. I'm keeping my eyes open for the upgrades and innovations.