by Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival's flagship features the first roller coaster at sea, 6 themed zones, Guy Fieri's burger joint, and the fun-loving atmosphere Carnival is famous for - all at incredible value.
Quick Answer
Carnival Mardi Gras is the 2021 flagship Excel-class ship, sailing 7-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral for about $700-$1,200 per person. It introduced BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and delivers mega-ship features at 40-50% below Icon of the Seas pricing.
Year Launched
2021
Passengers
5,282
Tonnage
180,800 GT
Decks
17
Length
1,130 ft
Class
Excel Class
Carnival Mardi Gras is the first Excel-class ship, sailing year-round from Port Canaveral on 7-night Caribbean itineraries with BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
Carnival Mardi Gras changed the game for Carnival Cruise Line. As the first Excel-class ship, she introduced BOLT - the first roller coaster at sea - and proved that Carnival could deliver a mega-ship experience while keeping prices accessible.
The ship is organized into 6 themed zones, each offering a distinct vibe: from the French Quarter's jazz clubs to the La Piazza Italian dining. She sails year-round from Port Canaveral on 7-night Caribbean itineraries.
Mardi Gras is Carnival's answer to Royal Caribbean's mega-ships - offering comparable thrills at a significantly lower price point, making her one of the best value propositions in cruising today.
Mardi Gras is split into six themed zones, headlined by BOLT and the family-focused Zone Zero with WaterWorks and Camp Ocean.
Mardi Gras offers over 20 dining options, with Guy's Burger Joint and Emeril's Bistro 1396 among the standouts.
Mardi Gras features over 20 dining options. Included dining spans two main restaurants, the Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican), and JavaBlue Café.
Specialty dining (additional cost) includes Emeril's Bistro 1396 (New Orleans), Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Cucina del Capitano (Italian family-style), and Rudi's Seagrill.
Guy's Burger Joint (by Guy Fieri) is included and consistently rated one of the best burgers at sea. The Shaquille O'Neal Big Chicken restaurant is also a fan favorite.
The main theater runs full-scale production shows, while Punchliner Comedy Club and the French Quarter's nightly jazz round out the entertainment.
The main theater hosts full-scale production shows with Carnival's signature high-energy style. The Punchliner Comedy Club is one of the best comedy venues at sea with nightly shows.
Family Feud Live, Lip Sync Battle, and Love & Marriage Show are interactive crowd favorites. The WaterWorks park features multiple water slides including the AquaDrop - a freefall slide.
The French Quarter zone comes alive at night with live jazz, street performer-style entertainment, and the signature Carnival late-night party atmosphere.
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Get a Free QuoteMardi Gras sails 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean routes from Port Canaveral, with select sailings visiting Celebration Key.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean: Port Canaveral → Amber Cove, Dominican Republic → San Juan, Puerto Rico → St. Thomas → Port Canaveral
7-Night Western Caribbean: Port Canaveral → Cozumel, Mexico → Mahogany Bay, Honduras → Costa Maya, Mexico → Port Canaveral
Select sailings also visit Celebration Key, Carnival's new private destination in the Bahamas, opening 2025.
Interior cabins run $700-$1,200 per person for 7 nights, roughly 40-50% less than a comparable Icon of the Seas sailing.
Mardi Gras offers exceptional value for a mega-ship experience:
That's roughly 40-50% less than Icon of the Seas for a comparable mega-ship experience. See our cruise pricing guide for detailed budgeting tips, or request a free quote.
Comparing Carnival's two Excel-class ships? Read Carnival Mardi Gras vs Celebration for a head-to-head on price, itineraries, and onboard features.
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