The month of July started off big for the cruise industry with the restart from Florida ports with two Carnival ships sailing with passengers. Well, the month will end with two brand new ships sailing for the first time ever with passengers.
On July 31, both the Carnival Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas will make their debuts. Mardi Gras will sail a seven night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral. Odyssey will sail an eight night Southern Caribbean itinerary from Port Everglades in Ft Lauderdale. Both ships are heavily anticipated and passengers who would have just been on a regular cruise are now on the inaugurals.
Mardi Gras from Carnival
Mardi Gras is the first in the XL Class of ships and has features never seen on a Carnival ship. The addition of dining venues like Rudy's Sea Grill from Rudy Sodamin Street Eats, Bistro 1396 from Emeril Lagasse and Big Chicken from Shaquille O'Neil. Plus your favorites like Bonsai Sushi and Guys Pig and Anchor. New bars and entertainment venues will be scattered around the ship in Fun Zones/ From New Orleans themed French Quarter to Summer Landing and Grand Central. One of the anticipated areas on the ship is Grand Central. This will be the lobby featuring floor to ceiling windows climbing several decks giving you a you a fantastic ocean view. Another highly anticipated part of this ship is Bolt, the roller coaster. This will be the first of a kind on a ship and will be located in The Ultimate Playground. From what I have heard, there will be a cost but have not heard the amount yet. There is so much more on this ship to explore. Mardi Gras will alternate between Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay and Eastern Caribbean itineraries to the San Juan PR, Amber Cove and Grand Turk. Check out some of the pictures from this brand new ship. 
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey will be the first the in Ultra Quantum Class ships from Royal Caribbean to sail from Florida. Odyssey features the Sealex where you might be beating each other up with the bumper cars, shooting hoops on the basketball court or roller skating. The Seaplex is designed for a multi use venue for these activities and more. One of the iconic features of the Quantum class ships and is on Odyssey is the North Star Observation Capsule. The North Star rises 300 Feet about the sea and provides you incredible 360 degree views. There may be a cost for the ride depending on the destination you are sailing. Other features include IFly, the skydiving simulator, FlowRider, the Vitality Spa and the adult only Solarium with a pool to get away from the kids. You will find plenty of oppurtunity for adventure or relaxation on this ship. Odyssey will alternate between 6 Night Western Caribbean itinerary with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Perfect Day. And the 8 Night Southern Caribbean itinerary with stops in Aruba, Curacao and Perfect Day.
With the sailing of these ships, you can see cruising is back. If you are interested in getting back to cruising, contact me at the info below and I will be happy to get you started.
Mike Miller
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