Carnival Mardi Gras

The 2021-built Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship is the CCL fleet's first newest and largest liner of the Carnival XL-Class, built by the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft at its Turku, Finland yard. Like all other "Fun Ships," the vessel is owned by Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest passenger shipping company.

The XL-Class shares a similar design and features with Helios-Class ships built by Meyer Werft for Carnival Corporation’s other brands—Costa and AIDA—at the Papenburg, Germany shipyard.

Other Excellence-Class ships (Mardi Gras sisterships and CCL fleetmates) include Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023), Carnival Festivale (2027), and Carnival Tropicale (2028).

The vessel (IMO number 9837444) is currently registered in Nassau and sails under the Bahamas flag (MMSI 311001049).

Carnival XL-Class ships feature a new red-white-navy-blue hull design by Bluarch Architecture (NYC). Measuring 1,130 ft (344 m) in length, the vessel accommodates 5,200 passengers (at double occupancy) and ranks among the largest passenger ships in the world, boasting advanced technologies and industry-first innovations.

On December 14, 2018, Carnival announced the first-ever roller coaster at sea—“BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster”—designed by Maurer Rides (Munich, Germany). The all-electric track stretches 244 m (800 ft), featuring high-speed twists, turns, and drops at speeds up to 64 kph (40 mph). Riders control their speed on motorbike-style vehicles, reaching a height of 57 m (187 ft) above sea level, with 360-degree top-deck views and a finale turn around the ship’s funnel.

On January 25, 2019, Carnival revealed that Mardi Gras would feature six themed zones: Grand Central, French Quarter, Lido-Pool, La Piazza, Summer Landing, and The Ultimate Playground.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Mardi Gras staterooms (2,641 total) are available in 22 categories, including duplex suites and 80 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Bathrooms feature fleet-first glass-door showers with shaving bars. Over 70% of cabins are outside-facing, and 300 pairs are connecting/family cabins.

The ship has 18 decks, with 15 accessible to passengers and 11 containing accommodations.

Balcony staterooms feature sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Lounge areas are outfitted with new-style sofabeds (with storage footstools), under-bed suitcase storage, bedside flexible reading lamps, transparent-door mini-fridges, ample power outlets, USB ports (vanity and bedside), shelving for electronics, and large wardrobes with folding shelves, sliding shoe racks, and pull-out bins.

Like Vista-class ships, Mardi Gras includes Havana staterooms with patios providing direct access to a private sundeck with loungers, bar, and pool. Family Harbor cabins (located near Camp Ocean) offer access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge. Cloud 9 Spa cabins feature upgraded amenities like plush robes, slippers, and Elemis bath products.

The ship features over 180 suites across 11 categories, including 32 premium “Carnival Excel” suites with VIP perks and exclusive access to Loft 19 (a resort-style sundeck). All suites include priority embarkation/debarkation, bottled water, priority main dining room seating, and plush robes. Additional “Carnival Excel” benefits include:

• Dedicated concierge phone line
• Unlimited access to Loft 19
• Guaranteed specialty dining times (excluding Bonsai Teppanyaki and Chef’s Table)
• Complimentary room service, laundry, and Bottomless Bubbles soda package
• Fresh fruit basket and sparkling wine on arrival
• Upgraded bathroom amenities

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The 19-deck Mardi Gras offers Carnival’s largest Atrium and open-deck spaces.

• Grand Central (midship on Decks 6–8) blends an expanded atrium with an entertainment venue (including aerial shows) and a bar lounge featuring three-deck-high windows. Nearby are Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Punchliner Comedy Club, and Piano Bar 88.
• French Quarter (aft Deck 6) offers bars and eateries, connected to a two-deck Promenade that houses the New Orleans-style “Brass Magnolia” jazz club.
• La Piazza (midship Deck 8) features 24-hour Pizzeria del Capitano, Cucina del Capitano, Bar della Rosa (café/patisserie), and Piazza Panini. Decor includes red brick walls, streetlights, murals, an original Piaggio Vespa, and a vintage 1972 Fiat 126.
• Summer Landing (aft Deck 8) includes Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, The Watering Hole (outdoor bar), ParchedPig Brewery, and Heroes Tribute Lounge. The area features two whirlpools, an infinity pool, outdoor stage, sports bar, and lounging areas.
• Heroes Tribute Lounge (partnered with Operation Homefront) honors military families with comfortable seating and large TVs showing live sports.
• Lido (Decks 16–17 aft) hosts Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, and new eateries “Street Eats” and “Big Chicken by Shaq.”
• The Ultimate Playground (Decks 18–20 aft) is an expansive family zone featuring the fleet’s largest WaterWorks aquapark, SportSquare, and the BOLT roller coaster.

Mardi Gras also features Serenity (adults-only retreat), Alchemy Bar, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Dining Options – Food and Drinks

Main dining rooms serve select steakhouse items (at an extra charge). A Lido buffet is also available. Seafood lovers can enjoy the New England-style Seafood Shack, offering indoor/outdoor seating and à la carte menu (starting at $4) with items like lobster, crab cakes, and fried shrimp.

Bonsai Teppanyaki, a Japanese restaurant within Bonsai Sushi (on the Promenade Deck), offers authentic Far East cuisine and chef-led cooking shows at 8-seat tables. Meals start with five appetizers and end with desserts like Chocolate Bento Box and Green Tea Ice Cream. Reservations are required; the cover charge includes the full meal.

Chef’s Table (available fleetwide) is a 12-guest VIP dining event with a multicourse menu prepared by the ship’s Master Chef, private cocktail reception, and galley tour. This option is priced at USD 75 per person.

Emeril Lagasse’s specialty restaurant (in the French Quarter, Deck 6 portside) serves New Orleans-inspired dishes such as muffulettas, gumbo, po’ boys, and banana foster. Breakfast options include Shrimp & Grits and Shrimp Creole Omelet. Appetizers are priced at $2, and entrées at $12.

New Mardi Gras-exclusive venues (within “Lido” and “Summer Landing” zones) include RedFrog Tiki Bar, The Watering Hole, Street Eats, and Big Chicken by Shaq.

• RedFrog Tiki Bar is a South Pacific island-themed, two-level bar inspired by Carnival’s poolside RedFrog Bar. It features vibrant, tropical décor with floral patterns and tiki heads. Located near Guy’s Burger Joint, the bar serves tropical cocktails such as Red’s Rum Runner Jumper, Jungle Bird, and Polynesian Punch, served in souvenir glasses and pineapples.
• The Watering Hole (within The Patio at Summer Landing) is an outdoor, backyard-style bar offering a wide selection of cocktails and beers, including Carnival’s own branded brews (both canned and on draft).
• Street Eats is a complimentary, open-air eatery located next to Seafood Shack. It features three themed kiosks offering grab-and-go street food: steamed, fried, and plancha (grilled). The menu rotates daily. Small plates include options like falafel and empanadas (fried), siu mai and bao buns (steamed), and satay or kebabs (plancha).

Carnival Mardi Gras is home to the fleet’s second “Big Chicken” restaurant at sea, created by Shaquille O’Neal. First debuting on Carnival Radiance in 2021, the venue is located aft on the Lido Deck. The menu includes items developed by Shaq himself, based on his personal favorite recipes.

Rudi’s Seagrill is a fleet-first specialty seafood restaurant by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin of Holland America Line. Located on Deck 8 between Summer Landing and La Piazza, it offers indoor seating for 80 guests and outdoor al fresco dining on The Lanai. The menu includes appetizers, entrées, and desserts creatively presented as food faces. Signature dishes feature Bigeye Tuna, Lemon-Stuffed Grilled Branzino, Seared Scallops, Salt-Roasted Prawns, Broiled Lobster Tails, Crab Cake, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, and Chocolate Truffle Cake. Non-seafood options are also available.

The two-deck-high Lido zone features the fleet’s largest Guy’s Burger Joint (by Guy Fieri), the BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican eatery), the New England-style Seafood Shack, and the Lido Marketplace (buffet restaurant). Notable features in this area include the Beach Pool (midship), the aft-located Tides Pool with infinity views and bar, and Dive-In Movies at the Carnival Seaside Theater.

Below is a full list of Carnival Mardi Gras restaurants and food venues:

• Palm Restaurant – two-level aft Main Dining Room
• Flamingo Restaurant – complimentary, dinner-only Main Dining Room with waiter service
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396 – first-at-sea venue by Emeril Lagasse, named after the ship’s hull number (1396). Offers à la carte New Orleans cuisine. Appetizers $2, entrees $12
• Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki – Japanese cuisine with live chef performances
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse – premium steak and seafood venue (reservations recommended)
• The Chef’s Table – exclusive, multi-course dinner with the Master Chef (USD 75 per guest)
• La Piazza – Italian-themed zone with Pizzeria del Capitano (24-hour), Cucina del Capitano, Bar della Rosa, and Piazza Panini
• Summer Landing – home to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and ParchedPig brewery
• Lido eateries – Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint
• Lido Marketplace – buffet-style restaurant
• Big Chicken by Shaq – specialty fried chicken venue
• Rudi’s Seagrill – specialty seafood restaurant
• RedFrog Tiki Bar – tropical-themed two-deck bar
• The Watering Hole – outdoor bar at Summer Landing
• Street Eats – grab-and-go street food kiosks
• Chibang! – a new dual-themed Chinese and Mexican restaurant on Deck 16. Offers à la carte menus with items such as Kung Pao Chicken, Singapore Chili Shrimp, Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos, Mole de Pollo, and themed cocktails

In January 2018, Carnival introduced four new craft beers brewed onboard Carnival Horizon and Mardi Gras. Developed by brewmaster Colin Presby, they are served at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse:

• ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale – light, dry finish
• ParchedPig Smoked Porter – brewed with smoked malt, hickory, and molasses
• ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale – amber color, caramel and biscuit notes
• ParchedPig West Coast IPA – bitter, pine and citrus aroma

Shipboard Entertainment – Fun and Sports

The two-deck-high Ultimate Playground includes the SkyCourse ropes course, SportSquare, and the fleet’s largest WaterWorks aquapark (three spiraling waterslides, one two-lane racing slide, tipping bucket), plus BOLT – the world’s first roller coaster at sea.

SportSquare features an indoor hangout, mini-bowling, mini-golf, Clubhouse, Ping-Pong, jogging track, arcade basketball, and interactive games.

Loft 19, located on Deck 19, is a new VIP retreat exclusive to Carnival Excel Suite guests. It includes a bar, swimming pool, cabanas, loungers, and concierge services with food and drink delivery. Cabanas are stocked with drinks, fresh fruit, plush robes, and chilled towels.

Grand Central Atrium (midship on decks 6-7-8) features 3,000-ft² (280 m²) of glass panels offering panoramic views. Venues here include:

• Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Punchliner Comedy Club, Piano Bar 88
• Mardi Gras Casino, The Fun Shops
• By day, it’s a relaxing lounge with live music, trivia, and beverages. At night, it transforms into an entertainment space with comedy, dance, acrobatics, and interactive LED panels (6x14 ft) for media and laser effects
• Deck 8: Grand View Bar with cocktails and virtual waterfall screens
• Deck 7: Center Stage Bar with theme-inspired drinks
• Deck 6: JavaBlue Cafe (coffee bar) and Cherry on Top (sweets shop)

Additional lounges and entertainment venues include:

• Family Harbor Lounge – 24-hour family space with snacks, games, movies, concierge
• Mardi Gras Theater – main show lounge with live productions and special effects
• The Brass Magnolia – French Quarter jazz lounge with live music and cocktails
• Punchliner Comedy Club – comedy shows, karaoke, brunch
• Piano Bar 88 – live music, sing-alongs, trivia nights
• JavaBlue Cafe – patisserie and specialty coffee bar
• Havana Bar – Cuban cafe with coffee, cocktails, live Latin music, transforms into a nightclub
• Cherry on Top – candy and sweets shop
• The Fun Shops – duty-free retail stores
• Special Occasions shop – Bon Voyage gifts and liquor
• Mardi Gras Casino – slot machines and table games
• Limelight Lounge – evening music, comedy, karaoke
• Lanai Promenade – outdoor seating with BBQ bar
• Alchemy Bar – vintage pharmacy-themed cocktail bar
• Dreams Studio and Pixels Photo Gallery
• Havana Outside – Havana Pool area with live palm trees
• Tides Pool – aft pool with two whirlpools and bar
• Circle C, Club O2 – youth and teen lounges
• Warehouse – video arcade
• Camp Ocean and Creative Cove – kids clubs and activities
• Dr. Seuss Bookville – family reading room with themed books and activities
• Cloud 9 Spa – wellness center with Thalassotherapy Pool
• Fitness Center – complimentary gym
• Loft 19 – VIP retreat with bar and pool
• The Ultimate Playground – WaterWorks, SportSquare, and BOLT roller coaster

Serenity is the adults-only retreat (21+) with whirlpools, massage huts, Fresh Creations salad station, Spritz Bar, hammocks, plush loungers, and sunbathing space. Open from 8 am to 10 pm (hours may vary).

Carnival partnered with directors from LA and London to create four Playlist Productions shows:

• “Celestial Strings” – classical and modern pop fusion
• “Soulbound” – New Orleans-themed gothic/R&B show
• “Vintage Pop” – Gatsby-style jazz remixes with live band
• “Amor Cubano” – Latin dance show with Cuban band

Itineraries

Mardi Gras sails Caribbean roundtrips from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida), using the new “Carnival Terminal 3” (CT3). The original 2020 schedule (later canceled) included:

• 9-day Europe maiden voyage (Copenhagen to Southampton)
• 14-day Transatlantic cruise (Southampton to NYC)
• 6-day Caribbean from NYC (to Portland ME, Saint John NB)
• 15-day Carnival Journeys from NYC to Port Canaveral
• 7-day alternating Eastern/Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral

The revised Maiden Voyage was rescheduled multiple times and eventually set for October 2, 2021. The 7-day Western Caribbean cruise departs from Port Canaveral and visits Cozumel and Costa Maya (Mexico) and Roatan Island (Honduras).

Like most large-sized newbuilds, Carnival Mardi Gras is LNG-powered, fitted with four Caterpillar Marine LNG engines (model MaK 16M-46DF) producing a combined output of 57.2 MW. Her propulsion system features two Azimuthing thrusters with a combined output of 37 MW. The vessel carries three cryogenic steel LNG tanks with a total capacity of ~3,200 m³. Two larger tanks measure 35 m (115 ft) in length, 8 m (26 ft) in diameter, and store 1,525 m³ each, while the third tank measures 28 m (92 ft) in length, 5 m (16 ft) in diameter, and holds 520 m³. Bunkering takes approximately 8 hours, and the LNG capacity supports up to 14 days of operations (both propulsion and onboard electricity).

The shipbuilding order (Meyer Turku yard/hull number 1396) was placed on September 6, 2016. The steel-cutting ceremony took place on November 15, 2018, officially commencing construction at Meyer Turku Shipyard, Finland. The keel-laying ceremony was held on June 18, 2019. Mardi Gras was launched (floated out) on January 24, 2020, with delivery originally scheduled for October 2020. The launch was attended by Ben Clement (Carnival Cruise Line’s Senior VP of Newbuilds) and Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku’s CEO).

The vessel was officially delivered on December 18, 2020, at Meyer Turku Shipyard. The handover ceremony was attended by Christine Duffy (Carnival Cruise Line President) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku CEO).

The second XL-class sistership, Carnival Celebration, was scheduled for delivery in 2022, with construction beginning in 2020. In March 2022, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The ship’s name (hull number 1396) was officially revealed on December 6, 2018, during a segment of the US TV game show "Wheel of Fortune". The name honors Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever "Fun Ship"—MARDI GRAS. The original vessel was launched in 1961 as "Empress of Canada" and last sailed as "Apollon" before being scrapped in 2003.

For LNG bunkering in Florida homeports (PortMiami and Port Canaveral), Carnival partnered with Royal Dutch Shell plc as the fuel supplier.

In June 2019, the ship's senior officers were announced: Giuseppe Giusa (Captain, 31 years of maritime service, former Italian Navy sergeant, with Carnival since 1993, previously Master of Ecstasy and Breeze), Ferdinando Ruocco (Chief Engineer, former tanker officer, with Carnival since 1997, previously Chief Engineer of Triumph and Valor), and Pierre Camilleri (Hotel Director, with Carnival since 2004, previously Hotel Director of Breeze, Vista, and Horizon).

The keel-laying and coin ceremony was held on June 18, 2019, marking the official start of construction at the Turku Shipyard. Traditionally, specially minted coins were placed beneath the first hull block for good luck during construction and sailing.

Mardi Gras was originally Panama-flagged (MMSI 352049000) and began sea trials in the Baltic Sea on September 28, 2020, spending 10 days at sea for machinery and navigation testing. From January to May 2021, the ship remained berthed in Barcelona, Spain. On May 21, the ship departed on a Transatlantic repositioning voyage to Port Canaveral, Florida, arriving on June 4. On May 17, Carnival announced a flag-state change to the Bahamas (new MMSI TBA), with registration in Nassau.

On May 17, 2021, Carnival announced the ship’s godmother—Kimberly Jimenez (Kimberly Marie Jimenez Rodriguez), born in 1997 in Puerto Rico and raised in the Dominican Republic. She resides in La Romana.

• Kimberly Jimenez was crowned "Miss Dominican Republic 2020" (held on August 18, 2019, in Santo Domingo) and placed 4th Runner-Up at "Miss Universe 2020" (held in Hollywood, Florida, on May 16, 2021).
• She is a passionate advocate for at-risk youth and adoption, volunteering at Los Ninos de Cristo orphanage and co-founding IWC Santo Domingo, supporting women with breast cancer.
• During the Maiden Voyage, she was joined by Andrea Meza (Miss Universe 2020, also Miss Mexico 2017 and 1st Runner-Up at Miss World 2017).

The christening ceremony took place on October 23, 2021, at Port Canaveral. It was attended by godmother Kimberly Jimenez, Andrea Meza, Asya Branch (Miss USA 2020), Arnold Donald (Carnival Corporation President & CEO), Christine Duffy (CCL President), Shaquille O'Neal (CCL Chief Fun Officer), and several VIPs including Romero Britto, Emeril Lagasse, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanna White, and Guy Fieri.

Carnival Mardi Gras Refurbishment

The ship’s first drydock is scheduled for September 27 through October 16, 2025, at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. The scope includes general maintenance, safety inspections, machinery overhaul, and hull cleaning/repainting.

Inaugural Itineraries 2021

Due to construction delays, the ship’s first eight scheduled cruises in 2020 were canceled. These included the inaugural voyage in Europe (Copenhagen to Southampton), the Transatlantic crossing (Southampton to NYC), two NYC departures, and four roundtrips from Port Canaveral. For details, visit the vessel’s CruiseMinus (accidents) page.

On July 6, 2020, Carnival announced that Mardi Gras would debut in 2021, with the maiden voyage originally scheduled for February 6. Eleven departures (planned between November 14 and January 30) were canceled.

• On December 3, 2020, Carnival canceled 11 more cruises (departures from February 6 through April 17), rescheduling the maiden voyage to April 24.
• In January 2021, five more sailings were canceled (April 24 through May 22), pushing the maiden voyage to May 29. In April, the June 19 and 26 departures were canceled, rescheduling the debut to July 3.
• In May, ten additional cruises (July 3 through September 25) were canceled. The maiden voyage was finally set for October 2.
• In total, Carnival canceled 42 cruises on Mardi Gras before her debut.

Below are the revised inaugural itineraries with port calls and starting prices per person (Inside cabin, double occupancy):

MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021 - 7-day "Western Caribbean" itinerary (from USD 690 pp)

Eastern Caribbean Itinerary - 7 days (from USD 720 pp)

Godspeed!

The Original Mardi Gras Ship

The original TSS Mardi Gras had IMO number 5103936, a length of 198 m (650 ft), beam of 26 m (87 ft), draft of 9 m (29 ft), and GT tonnage of 27,300 (originally 18,261 GT). The vessel carried up to 1,240 passengers (originally 1,048) and 470 crew.

The ship was built by Vickers-Armstrongs at its shipyard in Newcastle, UK (Walker suburb). Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd was an engineering and shipbuilding company founded in 1927 and eventually absorbed into Rolls-Royce plc by 2004.

Launched on May 10, 1960, the vessel was delivered to Canadian Pacific in March 1961 and began service on April 24, 1961, from Liverpool to Montreal. Originally named "Empress of Canada", the liner offered regular UK–Canada crossings and was UK-flagged. After completing 121 Transatlantic voyages and 82 Canadian cruises, the ship ended service on November 23, 1971, and was laid up in Port Tilbury-London.

In January 1972, the ship was sold to Carnival Cruise Lines, renamed "TSS Mardi Gras", and re-flagged to Panama. The maiden voyage under Carnival departed from London to Miami on February 26, 1972. She remained in service with Carnival until 1993, when she was sold to Epirotiki Line (Greece).

In 1995, Royal Olympic Cruise Lines was formed from a merger between Epirotiki and Sun Line. The vessel (then named Apollon) was laid up in 2000, returned to service in 2001 for short cruises from Piraeus-Athens, then permanently retired and scrapped in 2003.