Overview
181,808
Gross Tonnage
5,282
Guest Capacity
2020
Year Built
2025
Last Refit
2.64
Crew Ratio
Launched in 2021, the Carnival Mardi Gras stands as a testament to the evolution of cruising, perfectly blending state-of-the-art innovation with a comprehensive array of entertainment options. This spectacular vessel, with a capacity to comfortably accommodate 5,282 guests in double occupancy (and up to 6,500 at maximum capacity), is ingeniously designed within its grand construct of 181,808 GT. As the flagship of Carnival's Excel class, Mardi Gras marks a significant milestone in cruise ship design, becoming the first in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), exemplifying a commitment to eco-friendly advancements.
The Mardi Gras experience unfolds across six themed zones, each curated to offer distinct dining, entertainment, and leisure activities, seamlessly meeting the eclectic tastes of its passengers. A notable highlight is BOLT®, the sea's first roller coaster, providing an unparalleled thrill that is sure to captivate adventure-seekers. The ship does not fall short in culinary excellence, boasting more than 20 dining venues, including the exclusive Emeril's Bistro 1396™ by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Its multitude of bars and lounges, like The Brass Magnolia and Fortune Teller, along with signature entertainment features such as Family Feud™ Live, greatly enrich the onboard experience. The Ultimate Playground serves as a testament to the vessel's family-friendly allure, offering a range of activities including waterslides and sports courts, catering to guests of all ages, from families to couples and solo voyagers.
The diverse attractions on the Mardi Gras naturally attract a wide demographic, particularly appealing to families and younger couples drawn to its vibrant fun and varied recreational options. The ship offers an effortless shift from the high energy of daytime activities to the calming retreats such as Loft 19™, designed exclusively for suite guests, ensuring a serene escape for those in pursuit of relaxation.
When placed in the context of the Carnival fleet and the broader cruise industry, the Mardi Gras distinctively shines for its environmental stewardship, powered by its LNG capabilities, and its innovative "smart ship" features. Nevertheless, there's room for improvement in handling congestion in public areas and elevating the consistency across its varied dining experiences.
In summary, the Carnival Mardi Gras redefines the cruising journey, infusing traditional maritime leisure with groundbreaking features. Committed to delivering a diverse range of experiences, the ship emerges as a formidable option for travelers yearning for novelty and adventure on the ocean. While there are opportunities to refine aspects like spatial organization and dining excellence, the Mardi Gras undoubtedly charts a new course in cruising, offering a persuasive proposition for those contemplating their next vacation destination.
Pros
- Innovative ship design with themed zones offering diverse experiences.
- Numerous dining options with a variety of cuisine choices, including specialty restaurants like Guy's Burger Joint, Big Chicken, and Cucina del Capitano.
- High-quality entertainment across the ship, featuring unique shows, live music, and activities.
- Efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes, especially with the use of the Verifly app.
Cons
- Lack of a traditional grand atrium, which may disappoint some cruisers looking for that awe factor.
- Certain areas can get crowded, such as the midship elevators and popular dining venues.
- Some dining venues had inconsistency in food quality, notably undercooked items at Guy's Burgers.
- Limited sightlines in the Grand Central area during entertainment, restricting views for some guests.
Tips
- Use the Carnival app to manage your dining reservations and daily activities efficiently.
- For a quieter pool experience, visit the Serenity Adult Retreat or the less crowded aft pools.
- Explore less busy bars for a more relaxing experience, such as Brass Magnolia or the Havana Bar.
- Arrive early or choose smart seating for shows in Grand Central to ensure a good view of the entertainment.
- Try dining at less popular times or utilize the Your Time Dining option for more flexibility and shorter waits.
- Take advantage of the ship's unique offerings such as ChiBang! and Shaq's Big Chicken for unique dining experiences.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes, especially when exploring large ships like the Mardi Gras and ports of call.
- Pack a fast-charging USB adapter for more efficient charging of your devices in the cabin.
- Explore the ship early in your cruise to find hidden gems like the less known elevator to the spa or the secret seating areas.
- Bring a variety of clothing options to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor spaces comfortably, regardless of the weather.