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Carnival Mardi Gras

Excel Class

Year Built
|
2020
Year Refurbished
|
-
Tonnage
|
180,800 tons
Length / Beam
|
1,130 ft x 137 ft
Guest Capacity
|
6,631
Total Crew
|
1,745
Cruise Advisor Rating
|
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Welcome Aboard Carnival Mardi Gras

Introducing Carnival Mardi Gras, a groundbreaking addition to the fleet that ushers in a new era for the brand. As the lead ship of the Excellence Class, she represents a significant leap forward in innovation, size, and guest experience. Designed to balance high-energy excitement with expansive, modern public spaces, she offers a fresh take on the classic Carnival spirit of accessible, fun-filled travel for everyone on board.


The Atmosphere

The mood on board is electric, buzzing with an infectious energy that keeps guests entertained from sunrise to late into the night. Because the ship is organised into six distinct zones, the environment feels dynamic and varied, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the bustling, music-filled French Quarter to the serene, sun-soaked decks of Summer Landing. While the scale is massive, the design uses clever layout choices to ensure the space feels inclusive rather than overwhelming, fostering a sense of community among guests who are all there to celebrate and relax.


Elevated Experiences

While Carnival is known for its inclusive approach, guests looking for a more refined experience can opt for select suite categories that provide access to exclusive areas and priority services. These accommodations offer a quiet retreat from the primary excitement of the ship, allowing you to enjoy a more secluded environment when you need a break. It's the perfect way to combine the high-octane fun of the main decks with a more personal, tranquil sanctuary, ensuring you get the best of both worlds during your holiday.


Signature Highlights

  • BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, which puts you in the driver's seat for an exhilarating thrill ride high above the ocean.

  • The six distinct themed zones, including Grand Central and the French Quarter, which provide unique entertainment and social hubs.

  • A wide range of culinary options such as Emeril's Bistro 1396, which brings authentic New Orleans flavours to the open sea.

  • Family Feud Live, a hilarious, interactive game show experience hosted on an authentic television set.

  • The extensive WaterWorks aqua park, featuring high-speed slides and splash zones for guests of all ages.


What Stands Out

What makes this ship truly special is how it successfully scales up the signature Carnival fun without losing the friendly, approachable personality that loyal guests love. The introduction of the six-zone layout is a game-changer, as it helps manage the passenger flow while offering diverse environments that cater to every mood. We recommend this ship because it feels like a genuine evolution of the brand, blending cutting-edge technology, like the LNG-powered engine and the thrilling roller coaster, with the classic, heartwarming hospitality that makes a holiday at sea feel like home.


Who Is This Ship For

Carnival Mardi Gras is the ideal choice for energetic families, groups of friends, and couples who want a holiday filled with constant activity and diverse entertainment. If you are the type of traveller who loves being at the centre of the action, enjoys trying new dining concepts, and appreciates a ship that never has a dull moment, you will find this is a perfect match. You’ll especially enjoy the seamless blend of high-energy performance venues, numerous poolside retreats, and the variety of themed lounges that keep the excitement going well after the sun sets.


The Cruise Advisor's Insider Tip: Make your way to the Fortune Teller bar early in the evening to try their colour-changing cocktails, and don't hesitate to ask the bartenders about the unique stories behind each drink.

How We Rate Carnival Mardi Gras

The Cruise Advisor gives Carnival Mardi Gras a 5 out of 6. This ship is a triumph of modern engineering and thoughtful design, successfully delivering an incredible amount of variety and excitement. The introduction of themed zones creates a fantastic guest flow, and the dining options are some of the most diverse we have seen in the fleet. The only reason it stops short of a perfect score is the sheer size of the ship, which can occasionally make navigating to popular venues feel a bit busy during peak hours. If you are looking for a high-energy holiday that balances major thrills with fantastic food and a welcoming atmosphere, this is absolutely the right choice for you.

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