Carnival Cruise Line reports that its first new XL-class cruise ship, the Mardi Gras, will sail with an onboard roller coaster when it makes its debut in 2020. Built by Munich-based Maurer Rides, the open-air BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster will span 800 feet of twists, turns and drops and reach speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour.
The all-electric roller coaster will seat two riders in motorcycle-like vehicles to race along a track 187 feet above sea level, providing 360-degree views of the ocean during the ride. The ride starts with a launch that delivers what the cruise line describes as “race car-like levels of acceleration,” and it ends with a hairpin turn around the ship’s Carnival funnel. Riders’ speeds will be posted after the race, and guests will also have their photos taken during the ride as well. Additionally, guests will be able to choose their own speed, which Carnival says will make each ride unique.
A number of other new features are being designed for the Mardi Gras, with more details to come at a later date.
The new ship, the first in Carnival’s XL class, will be based in Port Canaveral, FL, sailing from a new cruise terminal. With 5,200-plus lower berths, it will be the largest ship in the Carnival fleet, as well as Carnival’s first ship to be powered by cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas.
Carnival said it will announce itinerary information on Mardi Gras early next months, with more details on the ship’s amenities and features to be announced throughout the year. A second XL-class ship is set to start construction in 2020, with delivery scheduled for 2022 to coincide with the line’s 50th anniversary.
Visit goccl.com