Sefton Monk

My Kind of Cruise

Carnival Mardi Gras is Here! (and her sister ships are coming!)

Carnival's newest and most innovative flagship, the Mardi Gras, brings 180,000 tons of FUN to the ocean waves, including six themed zones, their biggest aquapark and of course the first roller coaster at sea- BOLT!

Continuing the evolution of Carnival's fleet this is the biggest and best ship, with the biggest and best entertainment, all powered by the new more environmentally friendly LNG engines- ticking all the right boxes for FUN!

In 1972 Carnival brought a new concept to cruising: FUN! Their first ever ship, the Mardi Gras, revolutionised the way people saw cruise holidays, bringing fun, relaxed cruising to everyone! Now, for the 21st Century, Carnival is re-inventing cruising once again- and what better way to do it than to bring back the name, with their biggest and best ship so far - The Carnival Mardi Gras! This is the first of three mind blowing Excel Class ships that are on their way, so read on for more info...

Carnival are everything that's Fun about cruising- and if you're new to cruising, everything you hoped cruising would be- and the Carnival Mardi Gras brings fifty years of Fun Expertise to the waves! Not only that, but in late 2022 and 2023 her sister ships the Celebration and Jubilee will be joining her for an incredible trio of triumphs!

Forget stuffy ships and set dining times, black tie balls and afternoon tea- this is laid back, chilled out cruising, where you can relax as hard as you like and where you make the rules! The only real requirement when you get on board is to Choose Fun! In fact, Carnival have recruited Shaquille O'Neil to be their Chief Fun Officer - serious stuff (and he even brought his own restaurant - Shaq's Big Chicken)!

In fact, the new Mardi Gras shouts “fun!” at the top of its lungs. This is the first Carnival ship to introduce innovative Zones, which open up their biggest ship yet into six different themed areas to explore: The French Quarter, Grand Central, La Piazza, Summer Landing, the Ultimate Playground and the Lido, all jam-packed with experiences to personalise your holiday!

Across 20 decks of the ship you can truly awaken your senses: tickle taste buds with different dining and drinking choices like the new Brass Magnolia bar and the Fortune Teller, take in the sights and sounds of the entertainment, music, shows and theatre, try your luck in the casino, hit the Adrenaline Button on the aerial ropeway or the Bolt Roller Coaster, get down to spectacular fun in the Aquapark, or relax and drift away in the Cloud 9 spa.

There is literally something for everyone- from the multi generational family that loves fun, to the 'Let's All Get Away' friends looking for a different type of holiday, for the fun couples and the 'I'll do whatever I want' singles- when you come aboard the Mardi Gras with Carnival the choice is yours, so Let's Take a Look!

Some ships have an Atrium, but Mardi Gras has Grand Central, with a bar and entertainment space three decks high overlooking the ocean, through floor to ceiling windows! Sing along in Piano Bar 88, or join the fun at the Punchliner Comedy Club, then enjoy the Asian fusion with Teppanyaki and Sushi at Bonsai...

With it's own Jazz Club, this zone really gives you the New Orleans vibe, where you can promenade along the two deck high walkway towards the laid back bars, eateries and lounges for a relaxed, special evening, Mardi Gras style!

Roaming musicians entertain in the Italian Piazza, where you can search out pasta, seafood and of course pizza at the 'Del Capitano' eateries, people watch with a cappucino at the cafe-bar, or sip on a cocktail as night falls and the ship comes alive!

Your main area to soak up the sun and relax is the Summer Landing, with access to the Brewhouse, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and craft brews created right onboard! Sun lounging, pools, hot tubs and long summer days are 'de-rigueur' here... and of course FUN!

Here it is- the largest Aquapark Carnival has ever built is waiting for you! Carnival WaterWorks brings the FUN to life, with amazing water slides and a splash park for the little ones, then on to the Crazy Golf course, a quick trick shot on the Sports Court and dry off on BOLT- the only cruise roller coaster at sea! This zone really keeps you going and the adrenaline flowing before you start looking for somewhere to relax...

So why not head on over to The Lido to grab something to eat from Guy's burger Joint, Blue Iguana Mexican or the Seafood Shack, then lie back and chill around the Lido pool and hot tubs as you let the sun soak slowly into every pore and thoughts turn to the evening's entertainment... Where to go next?

The good news is, right now you can get a slice of the action (and the pizza) aboard Carnival Mardi Gras on weekly sailings from Miami! And better still, Carnival are bringing the Celebration and the Jubilee to the fleet in 2022 and 2023, with both ships paying a brief visit to the UK!

Everybody can enjoy Mardi Gras, so Choose Fun- download the My Kind of Cruise app and search Carnival by ship to find out when you can jump on board!