Mardi Gras Cruise Reviews - Reviews

My wife and I talked in detail about whether or not this Cruise was as good as past cruises. The Mardi Gras is a beautiful ship and it is huge so that is something you have to be aware of and be ready for. However there were some parts of the layout that just turned me off to cruising on that ship again. The venue is all being made so small just doesn't make sense to me. Also having the singing and dancing numbers performed on a stage in the middle of the busiest part of the ship seems almost disrespectful to the performers. They're trying to do their job while I'm interested guests are just walking through decks 6 7 and 8 and being loud and drunk and just not that theater feel that you're used to.

Plenty of restaurants, lido marketplace wasn’t fully open almost all the cruise. This created long lines to get specialty food (omelets, brats,). We was told by a few of the staff that this was the first cruise for the ramped up capacity and I think they was understaffed for the number of guest on this cruise. Overall a great time and me and my family had a enjoyable vacation.

Beautiful, but under staffed cruise. Last cruise for me

A really great experience but not sure if it waa worth the price. Been on smaller ships and had a better experience.

Ship has the feeling of being a resort first and a ship second. On many of the decks with restaurants and entertainment you would have to search out a view of the water.

Beautiful ship!!! Amazing time!!! Already booked another cruise

great time, about 45% capcity, had a wonderful time

Was our 50th anniversary cruise, everyone was wonderful about helping us celebrate this moment love the mardi gras. Hope to visit her again.

We had a great time would definitely cruise on the Mardi Gras again!!

Good cruise for the family and couples, plenty of food to choose

I just returned from Carnival’s Mardi Gras with stops in Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) and Honduras (Isla Roatan) for seven days the first week of February 2022. Overall, it was a good time mainly due to my travel companions. There were certainly some bright spots, but the disappointing ones point to a larger problem the cruise line needs to address. The bright spots included the three ladies at the Bar della Rosa who served me my morning lattes and favorite cocktail daily. They took the time to recognize me and my orders and most of the time I did not have to ask for it. Instead, they would ask me based on the time of the day if I wanted my regular drink by name. It made me smile and tip them every time. My favorite eatery was Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse. The food was flavorful, the barbeque was tender, and the drinks were spot on. I am not a Bloody Mary drinker, but with the bacon and vodka-infused veggies I almost gave it a try. I found the gym to be stocked full of equipment, and the yoga class, although very basic, was good. However, there was no real space to stretch between the cardio and weight area without going into one of the studio rooms used for yoga or spinning. As for my cabin, it was a pleasant surprise to find a comfortable bed and pillows. While I only used my balcony once, the view of ocean was wonderful. As for COVID, the passengers provided proof of vaccinations and received a negative COVID test two days before sailing. Generally, most of the passengers wore a mask inside and outside unless they were eating or drinking. I was more uncomfortable flying to Florida than I was cruising. However, when it comes to the disappointing spots, there were several that I hope Carnival will address soonest or risk losing customers. For such a large ship, the elevators were tiny, and passengers packed themselves in. I usually just took the stairs to avoid the crowd. Overall, the crew was friendly, but they seemed more robotic than genuine. I never met or saw my cabin porter, which I expected to do at least once over seven days. The food in the main dining room was inconsistent in flavor, but the presentation was great. My biggest disappointment is how they handled food allergies or medical dietary needs. One of my travel companions must avoid all things gluten and was very upfront about it. She included it in her cruise profile, notified the Maître d', servers, etc. Yet, there was no gluten-free menu or items identified on the menu as gluten-free, vegetarian, or low sugar (I’ll come back to this in a minute). She had to pre-order her meals a day in advance. Just imagine having to sort out your breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices the night before while on vacation. I don’t know what I want to get an hour in advance of meal most days. We even tried Bonsai Sushi thinking rice and fish would be safe. No, not at all. She ordered two rolls. While the rest of us started receiving our meals, the server informed her that there was only one item on the menu she could eat because of the way the prepared the other dishes with gluten products. She was left with half a dinner. We also dined at the Chef’s Table one night where you reserve in advance of the cruise, note any food allergies or limitations, and then call again when on the ship to reconfirm and once again note any allegories or food limitations. While she did that, the servers accidentally served her a gluten-filed item. Fortunately, they whisked it away before she took a bite. Not only did my friend experience all of this, so did I but for different reasons. I am a Type 1 diabetic and watch my sugar intake. I, too, noted it on my Carnival profile for the cruise prior to boarding. I notified the ship’s Maître d', told food servers, and even mentioned it again when I reconfirmed my Chef’s Table reservation. Not once during the entire cruise did anyone serving my food in the main dining room or two specialty dinners (Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse or Chef’s Table) ever offer me a low-sugar or sugar-free option. Now, I usually eat mostly meat and vegetables and try to keep carbs and desserts to a minimum rather than taking more insulin to compensate for it. I spoke to another passenger who is allergic to almonds. She did the whole notification in advance as me and my friend did only to find multiple times where she could not eat something because there were almonds in it, and it could not be prepared without almonds. I did not realize how spoiled I’ve become. Everywhere else in the world I go while not cruising offers me at the very least a menu that flags at least several items that are gluten-free, lower carbs or vegan/vegetarian. My hope is that Carnival will step up its game and get on the same level as most dining establishments across the country when it comes to dealing with food allergies and dietary restrictions. It’s a great deal of money to spend for a cruise that boasts about its many culinary offerings, which is not hitting the mark. The cruise line is leaving out a large segment of the population, and as a result, it is making me rethink whether I want to cruise with Carnival again.

No matter what it’s always great to get away. We had a fantastic time.

Book your next cruise on the Mardi Gras!!! I highly recommend this ship. Many food choices! Lots of activities for sea days! Superb crew!

Best cruise yet. I am officially spoiled, when I go again on another ship I'm fearful I will find it lacking. LOL

I’d cruise this ship again in a heart beat. To date, it’s my favorite ship.

Loved this cruise after no cruising for two years. Much needed vacation and very relaxing!

It is a beautiful ship. But It was a one and done for us. We will not sail on this ship again. IMO I think that there wasn't enough thought put into how to handle a full capacity sailing. I will feel bad for those who sail and cannot enjoy what the ship has to offer because of crowding.

Embarkation went smoothly. Our room was nice just had a small bathroom. Ate at Rudy's Sea Grill the first night which was wonderful. Got a free bottle of wine also. Ate sea day brunch the first, second and third seadays. Food was good and service was good. Shows involving the cruise director, Chris Williams, were wonderful. Ate at Cucina del Capitano and it was excellent. Ate at Chibang restaurant and the food was just okay. The service was excellent though. Disembarkation went fairly smooth just had a long ramp to walk down.

Had a wonderful time. Staff was great! Ship is beautiful, can’t wait to sail on her again!

Great Cruise, but missed San Juan due to their Covid restrictions. People generally followed the Cruise line's Covid rules, but there are always a few who ignored them. Ride the Bolt!!!