Carnival Mardi Gras deck 7 plan (Casino-Shops2)

Deck layout and review

Review of Carnival Mardi Gras deck 7 (Casino-Shops2)

Mardi Gras Theater (upper level 2 of 2) is the ship's main show lounge for grand style show productions featuring live performances (tribute acts - singing and dancing) combined with sound and lighting special effects. The evening shows are 30 minutes. The music is backed by high-definition graphics (photos and videos) projected on large-size LED screens. The evening entertainment program also offers popular family game shows (like "Love and Marriage") and guest performers (stand-up comedy acts, magicians, musicians). The large lounge also hosts the "Playlist Productions" (live stage musical revues) and "Hasbro The Game Show" (interactive board games).

  • The daily program includes seminars, expert lectures, multimedia presentations, workshops and classes, bingo sessions. Carnival Panorama ship offers an exclusive program with 3 production shows (at 7 pm, 8:45 pm, 10:30 pm) followed by after-show parties allowing guests to interact with the performers. The three Panorama ship-exclusive production shows are named "Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance" (7-piece band mixing contemporary and classic Latin songs), "America Rocks" (rock music-themed tribute show) and "Flick - The Power of Motion Pictures" (movie songs-themed).
  • The ship's theater lounge is designed as a multi-purpose venue, so instead of traditional stadium seating (bench-style), all chairs are individual allowing different configurations. The theater also hosts pre-scheduled daily events - port talks, Carnival shore excursions meetings, land tours-related media presentations, etc.

Mardi Gras Casino is a Vegas-style gambling casino equipped with various slot machines ("Coinless Fun Slot Machines") and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Black Jack 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker tables). The Casino also provides complimentary gambling lessons and hosts regularly gambling tournaments. Guests can pay in cash or with their S&S cards ("sign and sail" /backed by the credit card given at check-in). Travelers' checks can be cashed at the Cashier's Window (casino cage). Passengers may present their cabin card and charge any amount to their ship's account for table games, as well. Slot machines are S&S cards only (coinless). The opening hours on sea days are - slots (9 am), select tables (10 am), all games (12 noon - 3 am), but may vary depending on itinerary port times. The Casino is closed when the ship is in port and opens 30-60 min after the ship leaves port. On Carnival ships calling overnight on Nassau Bahamas, the Casino stays open. On Carnival ships in Half Moon Cay (the line's private island) the Casino opens at management's discretion. Smoking is allowed only on designated slot machines and gaming tables. Carnival chips are fleet-transferable and generic. MegaCash is the world's largest jackpot that can be won on a cruise ship - over USD 1 million.

The Fun Shops is named the ship's duty-free shopping complex of stores (mid-level 2 of 3, open between 8 am - 12 midnight) selling Carnival Cruise Lines logo merchandise (ship models, fun wear-apparel), Special Occasions (gifts, souvenirs, packages), name-brand boutique merchandise (luxury jewelry-watches, designer bags-hats-shoes-fashion-accessories-sunglasses, perfumes-cosmetics-beauty products), also liquor-tobaccos and conveniences.

Limelight Lounge offers live evening entertainment by vocalists, musicians, comedians, karaoke.

Alchemy Bar is a vintage-themed cocktail bar ("pharmacy") where professional mixologists (dressed in lab coats) serve handcrafted cocktails and made-to-order drinks from unique ingredients.

Dreams Studio (photo sessions studio)

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (indoor/outdoor seating, open between 6-9:30 pm/menu) is a premium steakhouse-seafood restaurant at a surcharge (reservations recommended). Cover charge fee of $35 pp (adults/kids) includes 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert, and gratuity. Steakhouse's menu has starters (escargots, grilled mushroom, tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, crab cake, lobster bisque, onion soup), salads (Caesar, spinach/mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, beefsteak tomato), sides (Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach, Steamed Broccoli), entrees (prime-aged beef steaks - 14oz NY strip loin, 18oz rib and 18oz ribeye, 9oz filet mignon, lamb chops, chicken, Maine lobster, fish fillet from the market /itinerary based), desserts (cheesecake, caramelized apples, chocolate sampler, fresh fruits, selections of cheeses, sherbets and ice creams). The Steakhouse also serves beverages (bar prices apply) - fresh coffee/tea, dessert wines and after-dinner drinks. The food is wheeled on a cart to your table for examination. A cooking demonstration offers an hour-long presentation from a team of chefs. Dress code is "Elegant" (jeans permitted). At the steakhouse can also be made reservations (bookings) for the "Chef's Table" (private dinner package).

Palm Restaurant (Dining Room / upper level 2 of 2)

Grand Central Atrium

Grand Central (mid-level 2 of 3) is a large open-floor-designed Atrium space (midship on decks 6-7-8) that combines an entertainment complex with a bar lounge overlooking the ship's starboard side) with 3-decks high floor-ceiling windows.

Grand Central features 3000-ft2 (280-m2) glass panels (built into the vessel's superstructure) to provide passengers with unobstructed views as they relax in comfortable seating. From the Atrium are accessible 3 dining venues (Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Punchliner Comedy Club) as well as Piano Bar 88 (themed venue for sing-a-longs), Mardi Gras Casino (gaming lounge), The Fun Shops (retail shops).

Carnival Cruise Line EXCEL-class (new ships) Atrium Grand Central

During the day, Grand Central Atrium serves as a relaxing space for enjoying beverages, light food, live music performances or participate in trivia contests and leisurely pursuits. At night, the Atrium transforms into an intimate venue with live performances (stand-up comedy acts, dancing, acrobatics) and quality media as guests can interact with 16 individually controlled LED screens (sized 6x14 ft / 1,8x4,3 m each) displaying video and special effects, along with aerial feats and lasers.

On Atrium's top-level (deck 8) is the Grand View Bar which offers floor-ceiling views and custom-made cocktails amidst new design features - such as a virtual waterfall displayed on translucent panels. The Atrium's mid-level (deck 7) is served by the Center Stage Bar. Both Atrium bar lounges offer specialty cocktails inspired by the evening's themed entertainment.

On Atrium's low-level (deck 6) are JavaBlue Cafe (a coffee bar serving lattes, coffees, cappuccinos, fresh bakery items, salads and light food throughout the day) and Cherry on Top (sweets shop).