Since the announcement of BOLT, I got excited about Roller Coasters and Cruises together. With two past trips on cruises and 137+ roller coasters credits, I can’t wait for more. I have been following the cruises update lately and figure I will go ahead and share some latest updates of what’s going on with Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Overview
Mardi Gras will be the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship ever constructed and the first in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), part of the Carnival’s green program. It was announced that the new XL-class ship will be delivered in Fall 2020. While it’s currently under construction in Finland at Meyer Turku, it’s set to debut from Europe before sailing 14-days trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise to New York. Then from there, Mardi Gras will operate six-day voyage to the Canadian Maritimes and finally a 15-day Carnival Journey cruise from New York to Port Canaveral.
“Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand new style of cruising to the vacationing public. What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful vacation memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship,’” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The new Mardi Gras will follow the trailblazing lead of her predecessor, introducing features and technological innovations that have never been seen before on a cruise ship while setting a new standard for seagoing vacations.”
Mardi Gras has many different operations already plan such as two distinctly different three-port, seven-day itineraries will be offered, departing Saturdays and alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit San Juan, Amber Cove and Grand Turk, while the western Caribbean route will stop in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan).
Mardi Gras will also operate two special eight-day cruises from Port Canaveral featuring Grand Turk, Amber Cove, San Juan and St. Thomas – one departing Oct. 16, 2020 and another Dec. 18, 2021, as well as a one-time six-day Caribbean voyage calling at Nassau, Amber Cove, Grand Turk departing Jan. 2, 2022.
Mardi Gras Ship Delivery being Delay
In December 2019, Officials at Meyer Turks has announced that the delivery of Mardi Gras will be delayed and advice the first sailing of the ship will be November 2020. With this being said, the first sailing will be taking place on November 14, 2020 instead of the original date starting August. 31st.
The guests who already made the reservations in one of the 8 weeks got a full refund and offering 25 percent future cruise credit along with help with non-refundable reservations such as airline and hotels that’s already booked. This is a definitely a nice gestures since this is really out of their hand. Carnival Cruise Line is working closely with Meyer Turku to keep the delivery on schedule.
Mardi Gras Gets Her Funnel
This is the cherry on the top! Mardi Gras just got their iconic winged funnel! This funnel was installed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland before the ship relocate to go on the next phase by completing the interior and exterior work as well installation of BOLT. It’s still currently on scheduled. This is exciting phase as we know it’s getting closer. Check out the photo updates.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras ‘Floated Out’ at Meyer Turku
Four days after Mardi Gras got her funnel, the ship was relocated to finalize the interior and exterior outfitting, to install the first roller coaster at sea called BOLT, to finish the Ultimate Playground outdoor recreation area.
The ship will have more than 2,600 staterooms including 180 suites as the worker will begin putting the finishing touches on these unique accommodations.
Mardi Gras will have six themed zones which will be a one-of-a-kind ship that is a game changer for Carnival vacation experience.
Stay tune for more update on Mardi Gras as time goes. Who’s ready to ride the first roller coaster at sea?
