Carnival Mardi Gras-What It’s Really Like
What is it really like to be aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival’s largest cruise ship? The Carnival Mardi Gras is one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest class ships in the Carnival Line, soon to be joined by the Carnival Celebration, and with so much space and ample room for all the extras you’ve come to expect from a luxury cruise, what is it really like to sail on the Carnival Mardi Gras, the ship specially designed to provide an unforgettable vacation experience. The ship features several new and improved amenities, including a water park, mini-golf course, and laser tag arena. There’s also a wide range of dining options, bars, and entertainment venues. And, of course, no Carnival cruise would be complete without a packed schedule of parties and events. The Mardi Gras is sure to provide a vacation that you will remember for years to come.
Here’s our first in a series of articles as the Mardi Gras celebrates its first anniversary and all of the amazing perks that come with vacationing on the Carnival Mardi Gras:
Staterooms:
Inspired by comfort itself, Mardi Gras’ staterooms are major innovations in the field of helping you get ready for fun, or relaxation after a long day. Design is more than just the way things look — it’s as much about how they work. The staterooms aboard Mardi Gras are packed with innovative changes to both. It’s the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready and the way the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table.
The reading lights are recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. They mean better comfort, lighting, and storage which all stem from a deep understanding that Carnival has developed around how people actually use their stateroom and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better including enough USB charging ports for all of your electronics and then some.
Thoughtful, guest-centric design is what you can expect when you sail on the Mardi Gras and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.
The Mardi Gras features a wide variety of stateroom options to suit every need and budget. There are standard inside and ocean-view rooms, as well as suites and balcony staterooms.
All staterooms are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage space, and each and every room is comfy and inviting, with a neutral modern décor that can be easily personalized with special touches just for you. You’ll have plenty of space to relax, sleep, and get ready for your next big adventure.
Dining:
There is a wide range of fine dining options available on the Mardi Gras. Guests can choose from buffet-style dining, casual eateries, and fine dining restaurants.
There are more than twenty different places to eat on the ship, so you’ll find something to your taste. And with a variety of bars and lounges, you can enjoy a refreshing drink no matter what time of day it is.
Dining options include the world’s famous chefs like Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, and so many others. With so many options, you’re sure to find something to please everyone in your group.
Onboard Activities:
The Mardi Gras offers a wide range of onboard activities to keep guests entertained. There’s a water park with slides, a mini-golf course, along with a basketball court, jogging track, and fitness center for those who want to stay active, and don’t miss the Ultimate Bolt Roller Coaster, the first coaster on any cruise ship which will leave you wanting to ride it again and again.
For those who want to relax, there are several spas and lounges including the Serenity Deck, a special haven for adults only, and the Havana Spa, where you can unwind and rejuvenate. With so many onboard activities available, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy during your cruise.
Entertainment:
The Carnival Mardi Gras offers a wide range of entertainment options to suit every taste. There are Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, live music, movies, and more. Boasting several clubs and bars where you can dance the night away or enjoy a refreshing drink and of course a casino onboard, you can try your luck at your favorite games. No matter your interests, you’re sure to find something to entertain you at the Mardi Gras.
Bar and Lounges:
Mardi Gras is the perfect place to let loose and has a good time. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a relaxing evening by the fire, there’s something for everyone.
The piano bar is a fantastic place to unwind with a drink, while the disco is perfect for dancing the night away. And if you’re feeling lucky, there’s always the casino to try your luck. Mardi Grass has everything you need, whether you’re in the mood for music, games, or simply a good time. So come on, spend time with us and enjoy the fun!
Parties and Events:
If you’re looking for a party, Mardi Gras is the right ship for you. Whether you prefer to spend the day lounging by the pool or dancing the night away, or anything and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.
For a break from all the excitement and when it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy, catch a movie or take in one of the many live performances. Of course for the competitive streak in all of us, what Carnival Cruise
would be complete without Trivia, Bingo and Deal or No Deal, The Newlywed Game, the all-new Family Feud, and other Carnival Cruise activities and events you’ve come to know and love. The best part is that with the large design comes more space to host entertainment from the multilevel theater for the Broadway-caliber Playlist Production shows as well as a performing venue in the center atrium.
You might not even understand where to start with so much to do. But don’t worry, that’s what Mardi Gras is all about: let loose and have fun. Who knows, you might even make some new friends along the way.
Spa and Fitness:
If you’re searching for ways to relax and rejuvenate during your Mardi Gras celebrations, look no further than the spa and fitness center at the Carnival Mardi Gras. With various treatments available, including massages, facials, and body wraps, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking to work up a sweat, the fitness center is fully equipped with cardio and weight-training equipment.
Plus, there are exercise classes available for an additional fee. So whether you want to pamper your body or get in shape, the Mardi Gras has you covered.
Kids and Teens:
The Mardi Gras offers a wide range of activities for kids and teens, making it a great place for a family vacation or a getaway with friends. Camp Ocean is perfect for little ones, offering supervised activities and games. Club O2 is ideal for older kids, with various sports and activities available.
Circle C is perfect for tweens, with a range of arts and crafts activities. And for teens, there’s the teen lounge, where they can hang out and socialize. Plus, there are plenty of waterslides and other fun activities to enjoy. So whether you’re looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing break, the Mardi Gras has something for everyone.
Six Zones:
One of the best parts of the Mardi Gras is the addition of six distinct zones each with unique activities, events, and themes to make your cruise more memorable than ever before. The zones include:
LIDO
If you’ve cruised with Carnival before then you’re already familiar with the Lido deck but aboard Mardi Gras, this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun experiences among the familiar flavors. Evolving the classic poolside rum bar was a tall order, but RedFrog Tiki Bar will be serving up the good stuff across two decks’ worth of South Pacific atmosphere.
Also, first-time-fresh is Street Eats, bringing together highlights from the world’s fast-good cuisine like kebab, bao buns, and seriously upgraded fries. Shaq’s latest Big Chicken restaurant is here, and fan-fave spots like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina taco spot aren’t done with your taste buds yet.
And for folks that sail with Carnival just for the free ice cream anytime you want it, yes, Lido is absolutely home to one of two Swirls locations, the free 24-hour soft-serve spot!
SUMMER LANDING
The Summer Landing is ‘the greatest chill spot at sea’ any time of year! What’s three letters long and goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so building a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse is one of the highlights of this zone so it always tastes like summer with freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri and original Parched Pig beers brewed just feet away. If you’re wondering where the pool and whirlpool and The Watering Hole the new poolside bar is just a few steps away.
In tribute to the military as only Carnival can d— or folks who just want to raise a glass to them — it’s all about the Heroes Tribute Lounge for great service. And if it couldn’t get any better, here you’ll find Swirls — one of two! At Summer Landing, fun this cool is literally always in season.
LA PIAZZA
La Piazza transports you to your Italian favorites and is the zone that stands for atmosphere and flavor, and it starts with Cucina del Capitano, which brings your party together for an evening of Italian favorites served family-style.
Pizzeria del Capitano makes delicious happen 24 hours a day atop a base of imported Italian flour and fresh mozzarella. New to the Carnival Mardi Gras is the debut of Piazza Panini where the handheld sandwiches are hot and pressed.
Bar Della Rosa, is the place if you’re looking to sip authentic espresso drinks by day and classic Italian cocktails when the sun goes down. All this flavor and flair we’ve got in here may practically transport you straight to Italy… but don’t forget that so much of it can be enjoyed outdoors, where the sea breeze is just Bellissimo.
FRENCH QUARTER
If “big” and “easy” sounds about right for your vacation, then the French Quarter on Mardi Gras is your home zone. What inspired this area is no less than New Orleans itself and if all this talk of NOLA has you craving those flavors that are synonymous with New Orleans, here in the French Quarter you’ll find the one-of-a-kind zone lined with bars and eateries worthy of their namesake. There’s the spectacularly, authentically delicious Emeril’s Bistro 1396, developed in partnership with yes-that-Emeril.
Just steps away is entertainment clearly influenced by the world-renowned Crescent City nightlife — and The Brass Magnolia bar features not only great drinks but also hot jazz, live. What’s more, you’re just steps away from sipping mystically at the Fortune Teller bar, and definitely save time to browse some funky little shops.
GRAND CENTRAL:
On a Carnival cruise, your vacation starts in the atrium, and on Mardi Gras, that’s in the Grand Central zone. The Carnival Mardi Gras atrium is like nothing you have ever experienced on any other ship. Don’t be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards and notice the high ceilings that hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! But don’t forget to take in all that you’ll find here too including floor-to-ceiling windows that really bring in the ocean views.
Grand Central is the one place on the ship where you’ll come back to throughout your cruise, taking a break with a nice cup of coffee or a menu of great food choices at JavaBlue Café, enjoying performances up on stage, or killing time fabulously at the Grand View Bar. When the sun goes down and the space slips into an evening dress feel, it transforms into an amazing show venue after dark!
In Grand Central, you’re never far from great dining spots like Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, plus feel-good entertainment like Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club..
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND
Don’t let the name fool you — this zone is for everyone no matter what your age. Those that are young or young at heart love experiencing all this zone has to offer. And adults, the playground has grown up with you.
The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT®, the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that’s only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball, and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?
The Carnival Mardi Gras is a ship that has something for everyone. There’s something to suit every taste with a wide range of onboard activities, dining options, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a getaway with friends, the Carnival Mardi Gras is the perfect ship for you where you are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Come on board and enjoy the ride of your life onboard the Carnival Mardi Gras. Stay tuned when we take you for a closer look inside the wide variety of staterooms followed by the one-of-a-kind dining that you’ll be treated to as you sail on the Carnival Mardi Gras.
I had a blast at the Carnival Mardi Gras! It was so much fun to dress up and get into the festive mood. I can’t wait to do it again next year!
I totally agree with you. From all of the different restaurants and options on board to the boat roller coaster to just the fabulous fabulous staff. I can’t wait to see you on the Mardi Gras again. I’m also looking forward to trying out the new Jubilee.