Mardi Gras - Western Caribbean

4.4(1,570 reviews)
via U.S. News · Jun 2026
|7 Nights|3 Ports|3 Sea Days

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.

FamiliesParty LoversFirst-Time CruisersAdventure Seekers

Price Range

$

Budget

DeparturePort Canaveral, FL
Dress CodeFormal Nights
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*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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Onboard Amenities

BOLT Roller Coaster
Zones Waterpark
RedFrog Tiki Bar
Guy's Burger Joint
Casino
Spa
Kids Club
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
SkyRide
Family Feud Live
Roller Coaster
WaterWorks
Water Slides

Cruise Highlights

Mahogany Bay on Roatán with its chairlift-served private beach and reef snorkeling
Full port day in Cozumel for Mayan ruins, beach clubs, and drift snorkeling
Finale stop at Celebration Key, Carnival's new Grand Bahama destination
BOLT sea coaster and Emeril's restaurant aboard Carnival's LNG-powered flagship

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Mardi Gras

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Mardi Gras sailing. Based on 1,800 discussions.

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
See the full Mardi Gras ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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