Mardi Gras
“The world's first cruise ship with a roller coaster — and six immersive zones of fun”
Mardi Gras is the first of Carnival's Excel class and, frankly, one of the most ambitious ships the line has ever built. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), she's greener than her predecessors and bigger — at 181,808 gross tonnes she was Carnival's largest ship at launch. Six themed zones replace the traditional lido deck layout: French Quarter, La Piazza, Summer Landing, The Lido, Grand Central, and Brasserie de Paris each have a distinct character and their own food and drink offerings. And then there's BOLT — the world's first roller coaster at sea, a thrilling electric coaster on the top deck that's become Carnival's most-photographed feature.
BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster — a 40 mph electric roller coaster on the top deck. Guests ride single or tandem two-person pods along 800 feet of track, banking over the ship's edge with ocean views on both sides. It costs $15 per ride and books up fast; reserve immediately after boarding.
What’s Onboard
Thrills & Outdoor
- ✓BOLT roller coaster (extra fee)
- ✓WaterWorks aqua park — slides & splash zone
- ✓SportSquare with rope course
- ✓Mini golf
- ✓Basketball court
- ✓Top Deck jogging track
Zones & Dining
- ✓Grand Central (main dining & atrium)
- ✓French Quarter — Emeril's Bistro 1396
- ✓La Piazza — Guy's Italian Kitchen
- ✓Summer Landing — Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint
- ✓Brasserie de Paris — premium French dining
- ✓Lido Marketplace buffet
- ✓BlueIguana Cantina, Shaquille's
Bars & Entertainment
- ✓Heroes Tribute Bar
- ✓The Golden Jubilee piano bar
- ✓Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse
- ✓Emerald casino
- ✓Punchliner Comedy Club
- ✓Liquid Lounge main theater
- ✓Playlist Productions shows
Pools & Relaxation
- ✓Serenity Adults-Only Retreat
- ✓Beach Pool and Lido pool
- ✓Tides Adults Pool (Serenity)
- ✓Thermal Suite in Cloud 9 Spa
- ✓Steakhouse 955 specialty dining
Families & Kids
- ✓Camp Ocean kids club (2–17)
- ✓Circle C teen lounge
- ✓WaterWorks family splash zone
- ✓Dr. Seuss Bookville reading area
- ✓Sky Zone trampoline (Deck 20)
Video Tour
Carnival Mardi Gras Full Walkthrough Tour & Review
- ✦Carnival regulars who want the line's biggest, most modern ship
- ✦Families and groups looking for variety
- ✦Foodies — the zone concept means real restaurant diversity
- ✦Anyone curious about the roller coaster experience
Passengers who prefer quieter ships or want a traditional Carnival lido-deck experience. The zone concept can feel like a lot to navigate at first.
From ~$449 pp for 5-night Caribbean (interior); balconies from $699 pp