Mardi Gras Update

Mardi Gras Update
By Mike Miller

Fans of Carnival Cruise Line were excited yesterday as they released new information about Mardi Gras set to sail in 2020. First, let me back up a little. Mardi Gras is a new cruise ship from Carnival that will sail from Port Canaveral This will be the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Plus, they announced back in December it will have a roller coaster called Bolt. So .If the name sounds familiar, it should, the first cruise ship Carnival operated was called the Mardi Gras in 1973.

Yesterday we learned a little more about what features the Mardi Gras will have for the guest. A little bit of new and little bit of the old or should I say current. First, the ship will be divided into zones. Grand Central, French Quarter, La Piazza, Summer Landing, Lido Deck and the The Ultimate Playground. 

the Atrium in Grand Central Courtesy Carnival

Grand Central  (Decks 6-8 Midship)
I am pretty excited about this area because of the views. Grand Central will consist of the atrium so of course it will be the entrance to the ship. Spanning 3 decks with floor to ceiling windows, you will have a fantastic ocean view. In this area you will also find some fan favorites, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki and a dedicated Punchliner Comedy Club. This will be a place you can sit at the bar, socialize and enjoy the great views.

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The French Quarter Jazz Club Courtesy Carnival

French Quarter (Deck 4, aft)
The next area I will talk about is the French Quarter which I believe is a great fit for a ship called Mardi Gras. Here you will find new bars and eateries, a two deck high promenade and close by, a jazz club. Plus in the coming months there will be a collaboration with a Celebrity named. 

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La Piazza Courtesy Carnival

La Piazza (Deck 8, Midship)
La Piazza brings Italy to the ship with cuisine from Cucina del Capitano, 24 hour pizza from Pizzeria del Capitano and a new Mediterranean Seafood dining venue to be named later. This area will also feature a cappuccino bar during the day and a bar serving Italian cocktails at night. Reminds me a little of the Piazza on the Regal Princess. 

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Summer Landing Courtesy Carnival

Summer Landing (Deck 8, Aft)​
According to Carnival, this is designed to be the ulitamte chill spot. Plenty of loungers, a pool and if you get hungry a poplular food option. Summer Landing will feature the Guys Pig & Anchor smokehouse and brew house and they have added the lunch counter so you can enjoy the barbaque for lunch or dinner. They will also continue to offer the ParchedPig creft beers brewed right on board. 

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Lido Deck Courtesy Carnival

Lido Deck (Deck 16,17,Aft
This expanded Lido will feature favorite food venues like Blue Iguana Cantina, Guys Burgers and the Seafood Shack but will add some new concepts to be announced at a later date. To note, it does not mention the Red Frog Rum Bar or Blue Igana Tequlla Bar which are staples on Lido now for Carnival so maybe something new or just not a mention, we will see. 

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The Ultimate Playground Courtesy Carnival

The Ultimate Playground (Deck 18-20, Aft)
Here Mardi Gras will feature an expanded WaterWorks Aqua Park, an expanded SportsSquare plus the first roller coaster at sea, Bolt. 

Gotta be honest, I am really excited about the debut of this ship. At the time of writing this, there was no information on when the itineraries and bookings would be available but I am surely anticipating it. I will keep you informed as soon as I hear. 

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