About Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras launched in 2021 as Carnival's first Excel-class ship and the first cruise ship with a roller coaster. At 180,000 gross tons, Mardi Gras introduced the BOLT roller coaster and six themed zones that revolutionized Carnival's offerings.
The ship features six distinct neighborhoods including Grand Central, French Quarter, Summer Landing, and La Piazza. Dining reaches new heights with Emeril's Bistro 1396, Shaq's Big Chicken, and Guy Fieri concepts throughout.
Mardi Gras appeals to thrill-seekers and food lovers who want Carnival's newest innovations. Based in Port Canaveral, the ship offers Caribbean itineraries with stops at Carnival's Celebration Key (opening 2025).
Ship Highlights
Mardi Gras Specifications
180,800
Gross Tonnage
1,130 ft
Length
2,641
Staterooms
Where Mardi Gras Sails
Over the next 12 months, Mardi Gras has 53 scheduled sailings to Caribbean, Bahamas, typically 7- and 5-night itineraries.
Departure ports:
Best Cruise Deals on Mardi Gras
4-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
4 nights • Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
FROM / PERSON
$408
The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
4 nights • Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
FROM / PERSON
$416
The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
4 nights • Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
FROM / PERSON
$416
The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
4 nights • Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
FROM / PERSON
$417
The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
4 nights • Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
FROM / PERSON
$417
The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
5 nights • Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
FROM / PERSON
$418
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We almost booked with Costco for Royal Caribbean. They offered a small rebate card, but Zipsea added $400 in OBC...
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..My party and I can actually utilize the credit for our excursions. What a seamless experience.
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Great OBC offers and comparable price to other sites. Had no issues with the booking or getting the OBC credited to my account. Customer service has been very responsive to my questions and needs.
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Zipsea was able to give me onboard credit that Celebrity or other agents couldn't match. When the price dropped, I texted Mario and within 5 minutes he repriced my booking and saved me almost $1000.
Jean
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Why Zipsea
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Popular Departure Ports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BOLT on Mardi Gras?
BOLT is the first roller coaster at sea, featuring a 187-foot tall track where riders in motorcycle-like vehicles reach speeds up to 40 mph. Guests control their own speed during the ride.
What are the zones on Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras features six themed zones: Grand Central (main atrium), French Quarter (New Orleans-inspired), Summer Landing (poolside), La Piazza (Italian), Lido (casual dining), and The Ultimate Playground (activities).
What celebrity restaurants are on Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras features Emeril Lagasse's Bistro 1396, Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken, and multiple Guy Fieri concepts including Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.
What is onboard credit (OBC)?
Onboard credit is ship money you can use during your cruise—like a prepaid gift card. Spend it on drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, excursions, or onboard shopping.
How does Zipsea give me more onboard credit than others?
Travel agents earn commission on every booking, and most keep it. We don't—we pass back the maximum onboard credit the cruise line allows, every time.
Do I pay more to book with Zipsea?
No. You pay the same published fare you'd see on the cruise line's website—except we give you back the maximum onboard credit on top.
How much onboard credit will I actually get?
It depends on your fare and the cruise line's rules. As a ballpark, shorter cruises usually allow $50–$100 and longer cruises $150–$500+. When you search a sailing, we show you the exact amount.