A collection of every news article on CruiseReport.com
WITH TWO MORE EXCEL CLASS SHIPS ON THE WAY, CARNIVAL CELEBRATES SIX MONTHS OF MARDI GRAS
More Than 110K Guests Enjoy Sailings on New Ship
MIAMI, JAN. 31, 2022 – Today marks the six-month anniversary of the ship all cruise fans were waiting for: Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, which welcomed her first guests from Port Canaveral on July 31, 2021.
The first of Carnival’s all new Excel class, Mardi Gras has been wowing guests on every cruise since July, welcoming more than 110,000 guests to date. To celebrate the six-month mark, as well as looking ahead to the arrival of her two sister ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival released a video available here.
Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas powered by a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform.Carnival Corp. pioneered the introduction of LNG fuel in the passenger cruise sector as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction. Mardi Gras is also the first ship to feature a roller coaster at sea, BOLT, which earned an engineering award from Popular Science magazine. So far, guests have enjoyed more than 30,000 invigorating BOLT rides.
The ship's innovations and stunning new features have helped to earn other honors as well. USA Today’s Reader's Choice 10Best Awards selected Mardi Gras as the Best New Cruise Ship of 2021 and Cruise Hive named it the Best Cruise Ship of 2021.
Mardi Gras is decked out with something fun for everyone -- and that includes delicious dining options with several new venues on board, like Emeril's Bistro 1396, Shaq's Big Chicken, Chibang! and Street Eats.
Since the restart of cruising, momentum continues to build across Carnival Cruise Line. Nearly one million guests have taken a cruise vacation with Carnival since the restart on more than 400 sailings.
This fall, more excitement arrives when Carnival Celebration arrives home to PortMiami. Carnival's next Excel-class ship will share all the fun guests are enjoying on Mardi Gras, like BOLT, plus some exclusive features as well.
A third Excel-class ship, Carnival Jubilee, will begin operations from its homeport in Galveston in the fall of 2023 and will also feature unique aspects all her own. Carnival Jubilee opened for sale last week.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit Carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S BOLT ROLLER COASTER RECOGNIZED WITH “BEST OF WHAT’S NEW” AWARD BY POPULAR SCIENCE MAGAZINE
MIAMI, Nov. 30, 2021 – Proving that the first roller coaster at sea is both fun and a feat of modern engineering, Popular Sciencemagazine has recognized Carnival Cruise Line with its “Best of What’s New” engineering award for the innovation and design work that resulted in the July 2021 debut of BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea on board the line’s flagship Mardi Gras.
Since 1988, Popular Science annually reviews thousands of new products and innovations and chooses the top 100 winners across 10 categories. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its category.
“Normal roller coasters use gravity to send thrill-seekers zooming and looping. But if you want to build a ride on a cruise ship—where stable, level ground is far from guaranteed—you have to get creative,” according to Popular Science.
“As you’re whipping around the Mardi Gras’ funnel while riding BOLT, I doubt many people are thinking about how we got the roller coaster built, but this recognition from Popular Science underscores the tremendous work that went into making this happen,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “While ultimately, we’re about providing new ways for our guests to have fun, we’re also honored and appreciative of this incredible recognition for our team.”
A marvel in maritime engineering, BOLT is an all-electric roller coaster encompassing an elevated track across Mardi Gras’ upper decks with 800 feet of exhilarating twists, drops and turns, including hairpin turn around the ship’s iconic funnel. Riders can achieve speeds of up to 40 miles per hour as they enjoy views to the sea 187 feet below.
Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America’s oldest and most trusted magazine brands with a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries.
Sister ships to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee will also feature BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster when they debut in late 2022 in Miami and in 2023 in Galveston, Tex., respectively.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
BAM! CELEBRITY CHEF EMERIL LAGASSE INVITES GUESTS TO JOIN HIM DURING THANKSGIVING WEEK CRUISE ABOARD CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS
BAM! CELEBRITY CHEF EMERIL LAGASSE INVITES GUESTS TO JOIN HIM DURING THANKSGIVING WEEK CRUISE ABOARD CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS
What could be better for a foodie than cruising on Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras during Thanksgiving week? Sailing with award-winning Chef Emeril Lagasse of course!
Emeril will join Mardi Gras for her Nov. 20 departure from Port Canaveral, Fla. and experience all that Carnival’s new flagship has to offer, as well as see for the first time his first restaurant at sea – the popular Emeril’s Bistro 1396 that is the hub of the ship’s French Quarter. The Bistro features Emeril’s signature New Orleans-style flavors and dishes, in addition to a few specially developed offerings just for Mardi Gras guests.
While on board, Emeril will be a special guest at the morning show in the ship’s Grand Central atrium and mingle with guests at his Bistro 1396 restaurant. Guests will also get a chance to win a spot in a special cooking class with Emeril in the Carnival Kitchen cooking studio, and he will also be a very special guest chef in one of the popular Chef’s Tables specialty dining experiences with all proceeds benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
There are still a limited number of stateroom accommodations available for sale on the Nov. 20 sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla. For additional information, please call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE CHRISTENS MARDI GRAS IN FIRST NAMING CEREMONY IN THE U.S. SINCE INDUSTRY RESTART
Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal and Ship Godmother Miss Universe, Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jimenez Help Usher in the “Universe of Fun”
PORT CANAVERAL, Oct. 23, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line today christened Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla. at a “Universe of Fun” celebration befitting of the world’s most fun cruise ship, in the first ship naming ceremony held in the U.S. since the cruise industry’s restart this summer.
Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal attended the festivities and cut the ribbon of his first Big Chicken restaurant at sea that debuted on Mardi Gras when she began cruise operations on July 31.
Miss Universe, Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jimenez served as the ship’s Godmother and officially named the ship and was joined by Miss Universe, Andrea Meza and Miss USA, Asya Branch who sang the national anthem. The event featured a “World of Nations” flag procession to highlight the diversity of the 120 nationalities of Carnival crew members, and, of course, a Mardi Gras parade with a Second Line Band.
“Today’s naming ceremony of our flagship Mardi Gras, the first in the industry since our restart of operations, signifies excitement and optimism as we look to bring our entire fleet back into guest service by spring 2022,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This ship has been amazing guests during her pre-inaugural season and the celebration today with our Chief Fun Officer Shaq, our Godmother Kimberly, and so many special guests, was extremely gratifying and emotional.”
Following remarks by Duffy and Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival friends and partners Romero Britto, Emeril Lagasse, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanna White and Guy Fieri provided their congratulations on the ship’s naming and helped bring the champagne bottle to the ship.
Godmother Jimenez blessed the ship in both English and her native Spanish and activated the traditional champagne bottle break, officially naming the ship. In a celebration of the ship’s name, a special Mardi Gras parade with Duffy, Donald and O’Neal leading it, capped off the festivities.
Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the first to feature a roller coaster. The 180,000-ton ship boasts six distinct themed zones with a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options, including dining venues from Lagasse, Fieri, O’Neal and Rudi Sodamin. Mardi Gras sails weekly from Port Canaveral on alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
MARDI GRAS MAKES FIRST-EVER CALL AT NASSAU, BAHAMAS, ON MAIDEN VOYAGE
The First Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Cruise Ship in the Americas Arrived in Nassau Today Flying the Bahamian Flag
NASSAU, BAHAMAS, August 6, 2021 – As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s highly anticipated return to guest operations, the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, arrived in Nassau, Bahamas, today, marking the ship’s third port of call on its maiden voyage. This is the first time Carnival Cruise Line has called on Nassau in 16 months.
Mardi Gras pulled into port flying the Bahamian flag, a symbol of Carnival’s commitment to The Bahamas. The seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departed Port Canaveral July 31. Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Considered the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology, LNG is among the cleanest fuels in the world, significantly reducing emissions with cleaner exhaust. The ship also features BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
“We are excited to make this inaugural call in Nassau and we are delighted to bring a new level of environmental sustainability to the many ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The restart of our cruising operations in The Bahamas calling on five different Bahamian ports has such wide-reaching economic impact and on behalf of Carnival, I would like to personally thank our partners in Nassau and The Bahamas for their hospitality in welcoming our guests.”
“Carnival has enjoyed a very close relationship with The Bahamas for nearly half a century,” said Domenico Rognoni, Carnival’s senior vice president, ethics and compliance officer who also serves as the Deputy Chair of The Bahamas Shipowner Association. “Our first-ever ship was the original Mardi Gras, and its maiden voyage was to the Bahamas, so we believe that rekindling history in this way and registering the new Mardi Gras with the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), is a fitting demonstration of both the value of this relationship for Carnival and our ongoing commitment to the country.”
“We are proud of our close collaboration and relationship with Carnival Cruise Line, and we thank them for making the Bahamas its flag of choice for this innovative vessel,” said Captain Dwain Hutchinson, BMA managing director and CEO. “As the world’s largest flag for passenger ships, we have a deep understanding and extensive knowledge of this sector, and we continue to take a proactive stance and advocacy on passenger ship matters on the international regulatory stage.”
“The tourism and shipping sectors are two of the major financial contributors to the Bahamas’ economic development, and our longstanding relationship with Carnival, the world’s largest cruise line, embodies both of these,” said BMA chair Denise Lewis-Johnson. “We value the continued trust that Carnival has shown to the Registry by flagging its newest ship, Mardi Gras, the first LNG-powered cruise ship to operate in the Americas and Caribbean, with The Bahamas. This choice is testament to the quality and expertise of the BMA team. We look forward to continuing to welcome the ship, its crew and passengers to our shores and sharing our world-renowned Bahamian hospitality and customer service.”
Mardi Gras guests can enjoy a host of entertainment experiences throughout the ship’s 19 decks and six distinct themed zones, including the first shipboard version of the hit TV show Family Feud, and more than two dozen restaurants with venues from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodiman and the line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. Mardi Gras sails year-round from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
MARDI GRAS MAKES FIRST-EVER CALL AT AMBER COVE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, ON MAIDEN VOYAGE
AMBER COVE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, August 4, 2021 – As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s highly anticipated return to guest operations, the line’s newest and most innovative ship Mardi Gras arrived in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, today, marking the ship’s second port of call on its maiden voyage.
Mardi Gras’ leadership team joined local government officials for a ceremonial plaque exchange to commemorate the arrival of the line’s flagship. The seven-day Caribbean cruise departed Port Canaveral July 31.
“We are delighted to begin our Mardi Gras sailings and offer guests an opportunity to experience all of the beauty of Amber Cove while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The restart of cruising in Amber Cove has such a wide-reaching impact and on behalf of Carnival, I would like to personally thank our partners at Amber Cove for their hospitality in welcoming our guests.”
Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and features BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. Guests can enjoy a host of entertainment experiences throughout the ship’s 19 decks and six distinct themed zones, including the first shipboard version of the hit TV show Family Feud, and more than two dozen restaurants with venues from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodiman and the line’s Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O’Neal. Mardi Gras will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE WELCOMES VISITORS TO SEE THEIR BEAUTIFUL NEW BABY MARDI GRAS AHEAD OF MAIDEN VOYAGE ON SATURDAY
‘Sip & Sea’ Event Kicks Off Weekend Festivities Prior to Mardi Gras’ First Departure with Guests from Port Canaveral’s New Cruise Terminal 3
PORT CANAVERAL, FLA., July 30, 2021 – It was a historic day of fun as Carnival Cruise Line welcomed visitors on Mardi Gras for the first time today, with local officials, travel advisors and media enjoying an afternoon on the line’s newest and most innovative ship. Mardi Gras is scheduled to set sail on her maiden voyage on Saturday, July 31, which will also be the first cruise from Port Canaveral with guests since the industry-wide pause 16 months ago.
The “Sip & Sea” preview allowed guests to tour staterooms and entertainment venues, sample food and beverages and take the first rides on BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, which anchors Mardi Gras’ stunning top deck. The ship’s first guest cruise includes visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, The Bahamas.
Guests enjoyed samples from Mardi Gras’ vast array of restaurants and eateries, including first seagoing version of Big Chicken by Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, Emeril’s Bistro 1396, the first shipboard restaurant created famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse, and a new international street food venue called Street Eats, along with libations from the new Polynesian-inspired RedFrog Tiki Bar, New Orleans-themed Brass Magnolia and others.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held for the new Rudi’s Seagrill developed by celebrated chef Rudi Sodamin, the Heroes Tribute Bar with representatives from the military families support organization Operation Homefront that Carnival partners with, and a colorful new floral statue inspired by a young artist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the cruise line’s longtime charitable cause.
“Today’s event was five years in the making and it was simply amazing watching everyone enjoy all that this game-changing ship has to offer – live and in-person!” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Tomorrow is going to be even more exciting as it will be our honor to welcome our first guests on this highly anticipated ship. Our crew is the best in the business, and they are more than ready to provide our guests with the vacation of a lifetime.”
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE CONFIRMS FIRST SAILING FOR MARDI GRAS; ANNOUNCES MORE SHIPS RETURNING IN AUGUST
MIAMI, June 10, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line today laid out plans for its next wave of the summer restart of guest operations, including the first cruise for Mardi Gras and the return of additional ships in August. Highlights of the plan include:
Mardi Gras will start operating her seven-day cruises from Port Canaveral on Saturday, July 31, with pre-inaugural sailings to the eastern and western Caribbean.
Carnival Magic will return from her dry dock – and with her new hull design – and homeport from Port Canaveral where she will pick up four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean that were previously scheduled for Carnival Elation, effective Aug. 7 through Oct. 7. Guests already booked on Carnival Elation will be re-accommodated on Carnival Magic, and because she is a larger ship, additional stateroom inventory is being made available on Carnival.com and other sales channels. Carnival Magic will also operate three new six-day cruises and one new eight-day cruise from Port Canaveral between Oct. 11-31.
Carnival Sunrise will enter service from Miami, effective Aug. 14, sailing four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean.
Carnival Panorama will enter service from Long Beach on Aug. 21, sailing her seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises.
Carnival Vista and Breeze (from Galveston), Carnival Horizon (from Miami) and Carnival Miracle (from Seattle to Alaska) will continue with their cruises through August that are part of the line’s restart plans in July.
Given the above plans, Carnival has extended its pause for other ships through Aug. 31, 2021, as follows: Carnival Pride (Baltimore), Carnival Sunshine (Charleston), Carnival Dream (Galveston), Carnival Ecstasy (Jacksonville), Carnival Liberty (Port Canaveral), Carnival Conquest (Miami), Carnival Sensation (Mobile) and Carnival Glory (New Orleans).
Guests and travel agents are being advised of the August schedule plans and Carnival will be providing more details directly to them next week on guidelines and protocols. Carnival plans to operate these August sailings with vaccinated guests.
“We are very excited to finally welcome guests on Mardi Gras,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With our desire to preserve summer vacations for our Mardi Gras guests, we are going to find a later date to formally christen her so that we can operate these pre-inaugural sailings just as soon as we can.”
Duffy also noted that Carnival intends to expand its initial restart from Florida, Texas and Washington to California, with the return of Carnival Panorama from Long Beach in late August. “We are excited to resume our West Coast operations and intend to sail Carnival Panorama with vaccinated guests starting August 21. We are working with state and local officials to finalize the necessary plans,” Duffy said.
Carnival will continue to ramp up more ships and homeports in September and beyond, bringing hundreds of crew on board each week to be vaccinated, complete CDC-mandated quarantine and then begin work to prepare for guests and the return to guest operations.
“Our focus remains on the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve and visit,” said Duffy. “We are taking a deliberate approach so we can execute with excellence and deliver a fun experience to our guests, who have been tremendously patient and supportive throughout this pause.”
MARDI GRAS, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S NEWEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE SHIP, MAKES U.S. DEBUT, DOCKING IN PORT CANAVERAL FOR THE FIRST TIME
PORT CANAVERAL, FLA., June 4, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, made her U.S. debut this morning, docking for the first time at Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 3, built specifically for this vessel which is the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and features the first roller coaster at sea.
Port Canaveral-based Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty joined Mardi Gras as she made her way down the cruise channel, creating a truly grand and memorable entrance befitting this innovative, game-changing ship.
More than 1,500 fans lined Jetty Park, located adjacent to the terminal, to welcome Mardi Gras to the Space Coast, while Carnival President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corp. Chairman Micky Arison, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival Corporation COO Josh Weinstein, and Canaveral Port Authority CEO Captain John Murray, along with 300 travel advisors, partners, dignitaries and guests, participated in a welcome reception highlighting the excitement for Mardi Gras’ arrival and its impact on the local economy.
A video highlighting the journey of Mardi Gras from construction to today’s arrival in Port Canaveral can be viewed here.
“Mardi Gras has been five years in the making and today’s arrival is a historic milestone for our company not to mention a truly emotional moment for everyone here at Carnival Cruise Line,” said Duffy. “This ship offers so many innovations and ways for our guests to choose fun that we are certain that she will quickly become a guest favorite. And as we look forward to our restart in guest operations, Mardi Gras’ arrival is symbolic of the excitement and anticipation we have about the future at Carnival Cruise Line.”
“For nearly four years we have been working hard to prepare for Mardi Gras,” said Capt. Murray. “As we welcome home this magnificent ship to Port Canaveral, we are filled with pride to see her at berth at our beautiful Cruise Terminal 3.”
The company will now begin the process of ramping up Mardi Gras’ crew to a full contingent of 1,750 ready to create memorable vacations for guests who will enjoy the widest array of entertainment at sea, including the first shipboard version of the hit TV show Family Feud, and dine in more than two dozen restaurants with venues from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodiman and the line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal.
Guests can enjoy a host of culinary, bar and entertainment experiences throughout 19 decks and six distinct themed zones, as well as a wide range of outdoor attractions, including the longest ropes course and largest water park in the fleet.
Mardi Gras will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE REFLAGS MARDI GRAS TO BAHAMIAN REGISTRY
First LNG-Powered Ship in North America to Arrive at Port Canaveral on June 4
MIAMI, May 17, 2021 – When Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Mardi Gras, arrives to her new home in Port Canaveral, Fla. on June 4, she will be flying the Bahamian flag to designate the new ship registry for the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ship to operate in North America.
Mardi Gras has been the most highly anticipated new ship in the cruise industry for more than a year, with her arrival and inaugural impacted by the extended pause in cruise operations from U.S. ports. But with more and more hopeful signs of a return to guest operations and constructive discussions between the industry and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Carnival is moving the ship to Port Canaveral to get her ready for sailing. The ship will depart from Barcelona on May 21 to start her transatlantic voyage and eventual arrival.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, thanked the Panama Maritime Authority for their support during the ship’s construction and registration process but said that the move to the Bahamas Maritime Authority made business sense for a number of reasons. “The Bahamas will be a frequent destination forMardi Gras, and we are pleased to bring this new level of environmental sustainability to the many ports in the Bahamas and the Caribbean that the ship and our guests and crew will be visiting,” she said.
Upon arrival to Port Canaveral, Mardi Gras will continue to bring joining crew members on board, train them on new equipment, technology and procedures, and get ready to welcome guests for her inaugural sailing. On Sunday evening during the global broadcast of the MISS UNIVERSE competition, Carnival named Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez as the Mardi Gras godmother. The Dominican Republic destination of Amber Cove will be among the destinations the ship will regularly visit on seven-day itineraries. Along with the new LNG technology, Mardi Gras will boast many other firsts, including the first cruise ship with a roller coaster.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.