Mardi Gras - Eastern Caribbean
Carnival's groundbreaking Excel-class flagship delivers the ultimate Eastern Caribbean experience with the first roller coaster at sea, six themed zones, and stops at turquoise-water paradise ports.
Price Range
$
Budget
*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Carnival Cruise Line before booking.
Ship Details — Mardi Gras
View full Mardi Gras details
Year Built
2021
Tonnage
180,800 GT
Passengers
5,270
Crew
1,745
Decks
17
Class
Excel
Itinerary & Route Map
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Where this cruise calls, day by day
5 ports and 3 sea days over 7 Nights.
- Day 1Port Canaveral, FL port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Port Canaveral, FL
United StatesDepart Day 2 · At sea
- Day 3Nassau port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Nassau
BahamasPort - Day 4Puerto Plata port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Puerto Plata
Dominican RepublicPort - Day 5Grand Turk port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos IslandsPort Day 6 · At sea
Day 7 · At sea
- Day 8Port Canaveral, FL port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Port Canaveral, FL
United StatesArrive
Onboard Amenities
Cruise Highlights
About the Ship
What Travelers Say About Mardi Gras
Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Mardi Gras sailing. Distilled from 233 traveler threads, passenger reviews and travel blogs.
Mardi Gras is the lead ship of Carnival's Excel class, debuting in July 2021 and based at Port Canaveral. It made history as the first cruise ship in North America powered by liquefied natural gas and as the first vessel to feature a roller coaster at sea, BOLT. About 35 percent larger than the class before it, the ship pioneered Carnival's six-zone layout that its sisters Celebration and Jubilee later inherited, anchored by a striking multi-deck atrium.
What People Love
- Lead ship of the Excel class and the first roller-coaster-at-sea vessel, with BOLT as its signature thrill ride
- First cruise ship in North America powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for a cleaner burn
- Six distinct themed zones spread activity across the ship, headlined by a genuinely stunning multi-deck atrium
Common Complaints
- Recurring complaints of long lines, packed venues and an overall crowded feel at peak times
- Several entertainment venues (Piano Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club) are too small to handle the rush
- Service quality is inconsistent, with some recent reviewers calling it underwhelming