Carnival Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship that entered service in 2021, with capacity for up to 6,500 passengers. Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, she is part of Carnival's Excellence class and was designed around a series of distinct onboard zones, each with its own mix of dining, entertainment, activities and places to relax.

The ship is divided into six zones, giving different parts of the vessel their own character. The Grand Central atrium is one of the main gathering spaces, with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows looking out over the ocean. During the day it provides a bright place to meet, eat or have a drink, while in the evening it becomes a show venue. Bars and lounges are spread throughout the ship, ranging from casual places to more specialised cocktail venues.

Dining covers a broad range of styles, with themed areas and choices that move from casual meals to more refined settings. The variety means there are plenty of options when different members of a group want something different, while the ship's zones make it easy to combine meals with entertainment or time outdoors.

For active days, the Ultimate Playground occupies the top decks. Its main attraction is Bolt, described as the world's first shipboard roller coaster. The ride uses self propelled cars on an 800 foot track and reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. A water park and sports centre add more options for passengers who would rather spend their time moving than sitting by the pool.

Accommodation includes interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms, along with traditional suites. Mardi Gras also introduced Excel Suites, which come with additional suite amenities and access to Loft 19, an open air space with a dedicated concierge phone line, priority dining time assignments and upgraded bathroom amenities.

The ship's name is a nod to Carnival's early history. Carnival announced the name in 2018 in honour of TSS Mardi Gras, the company's first ship, which sailed for the line from 1972 to 1993. Mardi Gras was christened at Port Canaveral in October 2021 by Kimberly Jiménez, Miss Dominican Republic.