Mardi Gras overview
With a maiden voyage scheduled for summer 2020, Mardi Gras will be Carnival’s newest and largest-ever ship. Sharing a name with Carnival’s first vessel launched back in 1972, Mardi Gras will continue the cruise line’s reputation for laidback fun with revolutionary new amenities, including BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea. And while the ship includes classic Carnival favorites such as Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and the Serenity adults-only retreat, brand new experiences that are still in the works haven’t even been announced yet.
Mardi Gras is divided into six themed zones, each offering passengers a unique onboard experience. For a dose of adventure, cruisers can visit the family-friendly Ultimate Playground, which boasts the fleet’s largest WaterWorks water park and Carnival’s SportSquare athletic area, while travelers looking for a cooler vibe should check out the New Orleans-inspired French quarter, which includes jazz clubs, funky boutiques, and creole cuisine at Emeril’s Bistro 1396.
Designed with family appeal, Mardi Gras offers plenty of activities for the kids. Young cruisers can enjoy supervised fun at Carnival’s Camp Ocean, while Circle C provides a hangout for tweens. For teens, Club O2 offers opportunities to socialize and even attend an onboard prom.
Carnival’s Mardi Gras will sail year-round from Florida’s Port Canaveral, offering 6- to 15-day cruises to popular Caribbean ports. Cruises will alternate between eastern and western Caribbean destinations, with additional voyages to the southern Caribbean. Ports of call on eastern Caribbean voyages may include San Juan, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove, while western Caribbean trips take cruisers to Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, and Costa Maya. Southern Caribbean cruises stop at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba, and Curacao.
Carnival Mardi Gras is best for
With its wealth of activities, entertainment, and dining options, Carnival Mardi Gras is for cruisers who crave variety and casual fun, along with families and multigenerational groups.
Carnival Mardi Gras ship highlights
- Six themed Zones: Grand Central, French Quarter, Summer Landing, La Piazza, Lido, and Ultimate Playground
- SportSquare: SkyCourse ropes course, SkyFitness gym, miniature golf, sports courts, and a jogging track
- BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster
- Kid-friendly activities: Camp Ocean, Club O2, Circle C, Dr. Seuss Bookville
- Serenity adults-only retreat
- Big Chicken by Shaq
- WaterWorks water park featuring three spiraling slides
- Cloud 9 Spa
- Punchliner Comedy Club
- Casino
- RedFrog Tiki Bar
- Emeril’s Bistro 1396
- Playlist Productions’ themed musicals
- Havana cabins with exclusive bar and pool
- Family Harbor cabins with exclusive lounge
- Carnival Excel Suites with Loft 19 sundeck access
- Five swimming pools and five whirlpools
You should know
With up to 5,282 passengers, Mardi Gras won’t appeal to cruisers looking to avoid crowded spaces and booked venues. The ship’s sheer size may also be a put-off to travelers who prefer their amenities within a short walking distance.
