Mardi Gras - Western Caribbean
A week-long Western Caribbean rotation from Port Canaveral that pairs two deep-Caribbean calls — Roatán's Mahogany Bay and Cozumel — with a finale at Carnival's private Celebration Key on Grand Bahama. Three sea days give plenty of time for Mardi Gras's six themed zones and BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
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 3 · At sea
- Day 4Roatán port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Roatán
HondurasPort - Day 5Cozumel port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Cozumel
MexicoPort Day 6 · At sea
- Day 7Celebration Key port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Celebration Key
BahamasPort - 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, Cruise Critic member 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