Fun ship, has its pluses and minuses
Mardi Gras Cruise Review
7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)
Sail date: May 28, 2022
Ship: Mardi Gras
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 12219
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
The cruise overall was great. Can’t blame anyone for bad weather, but we had it and Carnival took care to make sure everyone had something to do. The ship is nice but Venus are too small for the amount of people carnival plans to have on them. The extra dining options are fantastic and love that most are no charge.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Flamingo Restaurant
We started on week with late dining and we’re out into the flamingo restaurant. Not a fan of this dining room. It is dark and on the side of the ship and you can’t see outside sites very well. The service was not very good in here either, though I am guessing they were particularly understaffed here. Food was good, but the dining area left more to be desired.
Palm Restaurant
Food and service was much better here than the flamingo dining room. Servers seemed happier and food came out quicker.
The Watering Hole
A nice hidden bar that was never busy but made good quality drinks.
Piazza Piani
Pizza was very good, but seemed understaffed as was the entire ship. The two guys there though were pumping out the pizzas as quickly as they could.
Street Eats
Very neat and fun food option. Loved how it rotated everyday and was just as small quick bite.
Havana Bar
This bar was nice, not too busy so quickly served and drinks were made nicely.
Cucina del Capitano
Decent Italian food, nothing terrible nothing super amazing.
Chibang!
Loved ChiBang, the food options are fantastic. If you like spicy get the kung pow chicken, so spicy. Everything we had here was great.
BlueIguana Cantina
Burritos and tacos are always delicious for lunch. Service is great and fresh.
Big Chicken by Shaq
Great chicken and fries. I loved the honey syrup breakfast chicken biscuit. This was great from the normal eggs and pancakes on the buffet. The chicken is a bit more peppery then a lot of places but very good.
Bar della Rosa
I recommend heading here in the morning for coffee instead of Java Blue if there is a long line a Java Blur. They can make all the same items and is usually less busy.
Onboard Activities
Cherry on Top
Kids enjoyed the weigh and eat candy, a little pricey but they had fun picking out a few items.
Waterworks Aqua Park
Kids enjoyed the slides and was nice to have seating for adults around the area.
Patio Pool & Whirlpool
A very nice pool, out of the way and not too busy.
Entertainment
Mardi Gras Theater
Was a nice theater when you could find a seat. People would often save seats long before any show started so you had to get there early to find a seat. The only time on our cruise the screens were down to see out then was embarkation day and debarkation day.
BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster
Was fun, but a quick ride, 2 laps in under a minute. Price is a little high at $15 per person.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Book specialty restaurants way in advance if you want a chance to attend. If you want to get on Bolt, book early as it will probably be canceled and you’ll need to rebook. Get to shows early as the fill fast and there might not be another show.
Ports of call
Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras