Preview: Design Details on Carnival's New Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line has released the first look at design details for the Mardi Gras, the line’s new cruise ship set to debut in 2020 and the first cruise ship in North America powered by LNG. Mardi Gras will offer an array of returning Carnival amenities, along with new experiences highlighted by six themed zones over the ship's 20 decks. 

The accommodations on Mardi Gras will include more than 20 different stateroom categories and multiple levels of suites. Mardi Gras will also include the most expansive open decks on any Carnival ship, the cruise line said, as well as an atrium that will serve as the hub of the ship as well as a focal point where guests will be welcomed on board.

The Six Themed Zones

The six zones of Mardi Gras’ design will invite guests to stroll throughout the ship to enjoy new only-on-Mardi Gras features, along with signature Carnival brand elements, The six areas will be themed around Grand Central, French Quarter, La Piazza, Summer Landing, Lido and The Ultimate Playground. Highlights include:

Grand Central (Decks 6-8, mid-ship): Aiming to create a sense of wonder as guests step on board, Grand Central is a take on the traditional atrium concept that combines a day-to-night entertainment complex with three-deck-high floor-to-ceiling windows and a bar overlooking the starboard side of the ship that will offer a venue for socializing and people watching amid sweeping ocean vistas. Steps away are Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, which are being expanded from designs on existing ships to reflect their popularity with guests. There’s also the first-ever dedicated Punchliner Comedy Club, where guests can enjoy nightly shows, and the popular Piano Bar 88 for sing-a-longs that bring guests together in an intimate feel-good setting.

French Quarter (Deck 6, aft): In a nod to the New Orleans’ culture, French Quarter will be lined with new bars, music and eateries that aim to capture the festive spirit of the Big Easy. And since the spirit of New Orleans is so closely tied to the jazz scene, this neighborhood is linked via a two-deck-high promenade leading to a traditional New Orleans jazz club with live entertainment and hand-crafted libations. More details on these new dining and entertainment choices, and the introduction of a new Carnival celebrity partnership, will be announced this spring.

La Piazza (Deck 8, mid-ship): At La Piazza, guests are transported to Italy, where they celebrate the rich heritage of Carnival’s senior officers with cuisine from the casual family-style Cucina del Capitano and 24/7 Pizzeria del Capitano to a new Mediterranean-themed seafood restaurant. There’s also a bar where guests can savor cappuccino by day or classic Italian cocktails at night, while roaming musicians keep everyone entertained.

Summer Landing (Deck 8, aft): Designed as the ultimate chill spot, Summer Landing will be home to an expanded Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse with smoked-on-board barbecue favorites created by longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri, along with the line’s exclusive ParchedPig craft beers brewed on board. For outdoor summer-inspired fun, there will be a pool and whirlpools, a new bar, the lunch counter for the Smokehouse Brewhouse along with ample lounging spaces and hang outs.

Lido (Deck 16-17, aft): Mardi Gras’ expanded Lido will incorporate existing Carnival favorites, like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery, along with some new concepts to be announced at a later date.

The Ultimate Playground (Decks 18-20, aft): The Ultimate Playground will span Decks 18-20 and offer guests sea vistas as they soak up the sun in this family-friendly play area highlighted by the largest and most elaborate Carnival WaterWorks aqua park in the fleet, along with an expanded SportSquare. The Ultimate Playground is also where guests will find the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first rollercoaster at sea announced in December 2018, where riders race along an 800-foot-long track achieving speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour.

Mardi Gras will also incorporate all of the line’s most popular signature features from its nearly completed $2 billion fleet enhancement program, such as Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and the Serenity adults-only retreat, among others – many of which will offer a new twist, along with a variety of new innovations exclusive to this vessel.

Additional information on Mardi Gras, along with specifics on each of the six themed areas, will be announced in the coming months.

Reservations for Mardi Gras’ itineraries will be announced and open for booking on January 30, 2019.

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