Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras has just completed its first year in service. As the first ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s XL class, the ship welcomed her first guests on July 31, 2021.
That day, he departed Port Canaveral on an inaugural Eastern Caribbean cruise.
The seven-night voyage included visits to San Juan, Amber Cove and Nassau, in addition to three full days at sea.
Continuing her debut season, the 5,200-guest ship offered additional cruises in the region over the past year, also visiting the Western Caribbean and other destinations such as Cozumel, Roatán, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay and more.
As the first LNG-powered cruise ship to homeport in the United States, Mardi Gras is considered one of the most environmentally friendly ships sailing from the country.
With several new features, the 183,900 ton ship is also the largest and one of the most innovative ships ever built for Carnival.
Among its attractions is BOLT, the industry’s first roller coaster, and a selection of new dining venues including Emeril’s Bistro 1396, Shaq’s Big Chicken, Chibang! and Street Eats.
Mardi Gras will be joined by a second XL-class ship later this year when the new Carnival Celebration enters service.
Currently under construction in Finland, the ship will debut in November, kicking off a program of Caribbean cruises departing from PortMiami.
Marking the arrival of the XL-Class in Texas, the Carnival Jubilee will be the third vessel in the series. Based in Galveston, the ship is currently scheduled to enter service in November 2023.
In addition to the XL Class ships, Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet will also receive three additional ships over the next few years.
Currently sailing for Costa, Carnival Luminosa will debut for the brand this November, with a series of cruises to Australia.
In 2023 and 2024, respectively, Carnival will also take over Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze.
The Vista-class ships will operate under the Costa by Carnival label, which combines Costa’s Italian amenities with Carnival’s service, entertainment and cuisine.
