Introduction
The carnival season is in full swing, and cruise lovers everywhere are gearing up for Mardi Gras – one of the year’s most significant celebrations! Carnival cruise line has captured the spirit of this iconic festival by naming its newest and largest cruise ship, Mardi Gras. This state-of-the-art vessel promises to bring all the magic and excitement of Mardi Gras to sea.
In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the incredible Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship:
- Overview and features
- Deck plans and layout
- 2024 Itineraries and destinations
- Ship size and passenger capacity
- Reviews and traveler feedback
- Photos of ship interiors and amenities
- Frequently asked questions
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Overview and Features of the Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship
The Carnival Mardi Gras is the newest and largest ship in Carnival’s fleet and their first cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Debuting in 2020, this incredible vessel can accommodate over 5200 guests and boasts an array of exciting features and amenities.
At 1,130 feet long with a gross tonnage of 180,800, the Mardi Gras proudly takes the title of North America’s first cruise ship to be powered by LNG. This cutting-edge engine technology is both eco-friendly and high-performing.
Some of the standout features of the Mardi Gras include:
- BOLT – The first roller coaster at sea! This all-electric coaster circles the top deck.
- 6 Themed Zones – Choose from places like French Quarter, Summer Landing, and more.
- Grand Central Atrium – A stunning 3-deck high atrium with LED screens.
- Dining Rooms – Eateries range from Rudi’s Seagrill to Emeril’s Bistro.
- Liquid Lounge – A multi-level entertainment venue for shows and nightlife.
- Cloud 9 Spa – Pamper yourself with relaxing spa treatments and thermal suites.
- WaterWorks Aqua Park – Slides, fountains, splash pads, and mini golf make this a family paradise.
- Retreat Adults-Only Zone – Unwind at the exclusive havens Serenity and Retreat.
- Staterooms – Accommodations include 233 connecting rooms ideal for groups.
With so many places to explore, you’ll always have things to do aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras!
Deck Plans and Layout of the Mardi Gras
The Carnival Mardi Gras comprises 17 passenger decks, providing guests plenty of space to roam. Let’s take a closer look at the layout and features of each deck:
Deck 1 – Located at the lowest part of the ship, Deck 1 houses crew accommodations and service areas.
Deck 2 – Features various service areas and Your Time Dining on the aft end.
Deck 3 – Offers interior and oceanview staterooms and the Punchliner Comedy Club.
Deck 4 – Interior staterooms, along with the Limelight Lounge and Clubhouse Casino, can be found here.
Deck 5 – The promenade Deck 5 features an Alchemy Bar, Cherry on Top, and interior/oceanview rooms.
Deck 6 – You’ll find the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse plus interior and oceanview staterooms on this deck.
Deck 7 – Offers idyllic panoramic views from the wraparound promenade and various interior staterooms.
Deck 8 – Features many interior staterooms, the Camp Ocean kids club, and Club O2 teen hangout.
Deck 9 – The midship Liquid Lounge entertainment venue, Cloud 9 Spa, and a jogging track are on this deck.
Deck 10 – Find Havana staterooms with exclusive patios, Serenity Adult Retreat, and Emeril’s Bistro 1397.
Deck 11 – The Retreat Adult-Only zone, JiJi Asian Kitchen, and Big Chicken restaurant are on Deck 11.
Deck 12 – One of the most active decks! Features the enormous BOLT roller coaster, WaterWorks aqua park, ropes course, and mini golf.
Deck 14 – Relaxation awaits on Deck 14 with the tranquil havens of Retreat Sundeck and Havana Pool.
Deck 15 – Offers more outdoor recreation with basketball, volleyball, and the South Beach Club adult pool.
Deck 16 – An exclusive hideaway with cabanas, hot tubs, bars, and panoramic ocean views.
Deck 17 – The aptly named Sky Zone is perfect for Carnival Vista’s soaring SkyRide attraction.
With a clever zone-based layout and diverse offerings, the Mardi Gras has something exciting for cruisers of all ages and interests!
2024 Itineraries and Destinations
In 2024, the spectacular Carnival Mardi Gras will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida, and offer two thrilling 7-day itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes visits to these sunny destinations:
- Port Canaveral, Florida
- Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Grand Turk Island
- Port Canaveral, Florida
The Western Caribbean itinerary makes stops at:
- Port Canaveral, Florida
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Mahogany Bay, Honduras
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Port Canaveral, Florida
With its convenient Port Canaveral homeport, the Mardi Gras provides easy access for Florida residents and guests flying into Orlando. The 7-day sailings blend island relaxation, culture, beaches, shopping, and adventure. Both itineraries include stops at Carnival’s private destinations: Amber Cove and Mahogany Bay.
Two thousand twenty-three pre-inaugural sailings will also be available on the Mardi Gras starting in February 2023. These cruises will sail from Barcelona, New York, and Port Canaveral before the ship transitions to Caribbean itineraries from Florida year-round.
Ship Size and Passenger Capacity
As one of the largest cruise ships from Carnival, the Mardi Gras can accommodate 5,282 guests at double occupancy. The maximum capacity is 6,297 passengers if all berths and pull-down beds are filled.
With 180,000 gross tons and a length of 1,130 feet, the Mardi Gras ranks amongst the most giant ships in Carnival’s fleet. Her 17-passenger decks offer an expansive layout and spaces for large crowds.
Some quick facts on the ship’s size and stats:
- 5,282 guests at double occupancy
- 6,297 maximum passenger capacity
- 180,800 gross tonnage
- 1,130 feet long (345.5 meters)
- 208 feet wide (63.5 meters)
- 19 passenger decks
- 2,639 staterooms
- Space ratio of 36 guests per acre
The massive size translates into nearly endless options for dining, activities, entertainment, and amenities. Carnival has packed the Mardi Gras with exciting offerings without making the ship feel overcrowded.
Reviews and Traveler Feedback
Since debuting in 2021, the Carnival Mardi Gras has wowed guests with her staggering attractions, mouthwatering dining venues, and nonstop fun. Here’s a look at what travelers have to say:
The Mardi Gras lives up to her name as a floating festival. Reviewers rave about the liner feeling like a theme park thanks to BOLT, the roller coaster that zooms around the top deck. The double-decker Cloud 9 Spa also earns acclaim for its thermal suites and expansive fitness center.
Foodies adore having so many dining choices, from Emeril Lagasse’s first restaurant at sea to the grand aft dining room. Favorite eateries include the French Quarter’s Creole cuisine, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, and Rudi’s Seagrill.
Regarding entertainment, the high-tech Liquid Lounge dazzles guests with its massive LED screens during energetic productions like Playlist Productions. The Punchliner Comedy Club’s nightly shows are a hit, with lively piano singalongs and jazz sessions.
Conclusion:
The Carnival Mardi Gras stands in a class of her own as the cruise line’s largest and most innovative ship to date, bringing the festive spirit of New Orleans to tropical Caribbean settings. With crowd-wowing features like the first-ever seagoing rollercoaster and sustainability measures like cleaner LNG engines, this magnificent vessel sets a new standard for modern cruising. Its diverse onboard offerings and convenient Florida homeport make the Mardi Gras the ultimate choice for an unforgettable tropical vacation.
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What’s included in the cruise fare?
The cruise fare covers your stateroom accommodations, meals in the main dining rooms, and access to most onboard amenities like pools, lounges, and entertainment. You can book items like spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and specialty dining separately.
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Are drinks and WiFi included?
Beverage, Internet, and drink packages are available for an additional fee. The CHEERS! beverage package starts at $59 per person/day and includes beers, spirits, cocktails, bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees, and more. Internet is available by the day or for the whole cruise.
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What’s the difference between open seating and assigned dining times?
With open seating, you can dine at any time during operating hours. With assigned dining, you select an early or late seating time and dine with the same guests each night. Both options are available on the Mardi Gras.
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How much are gratuities?
A daily gratuity of USD 14.50 per person/per day is automatically added to shipboard accounts for adults. Gratuities can be adjusted at guest services. Usual tips are $3.50/day for dining staff and $2/day for cabin stewards.
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Can I bring alcohol on board?
Guests can only bring two standard 750 ml bottles of unopened wine or champagne on embarkation day. All other alcohol, including spirits, beer, and mini bottles, are prohibited.
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What’s the minimum age to sail?
For itineraries not calling on the U.S., the minimum age is 16. For all other sailings, guests under 21 must be accompanied by someone 21 years or older in the same stateroom.
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Does the Mardi Gras have unlimited drink packages?
Yes! The line’s CHEERS! For one flat daily rate, the beverage package provides unlimited drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water. The package must be purchased for the entire cruise duration.
