For a while now, I’ve predicted that it was only a matter of time before a full-fledged roller coaster would be attempted on a passenger ship — and now Carnival Cruise Line has done just that.
Though the brand-new Mardi Gras pays homage to its namesake predecessor (the brand’s first-ever vessel, from 1972) with a sculpted wall panel and ceremonial coin display, Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster and many other outstanding features prove the similarities between the two ships end there. In other words, this is no longer your grandparents’ Carnival.
Mardi Gras’ Unique Deck Plan
Guests will first recognize a dramatic departure from the line’s traditional ship layout. The preceding Vista class did away with the ship-height atriums of the line’s past, but Mardi Gras returns them to their former glory — not by reinstating deck volume, but rather by repositioning the whole three-story space asymmetrically to the starboard side of the ship.
Behind its Center Stage atrium is an expansive sea-view glass wall with multiple drop-down LED screens that convert the outdoor scenery into an indoor backdrop for excellent live music or the line’s signature Playlist Productions. The resulting hybrid space — with its own bar and close proximity to JavaBlue Cafe and the Cherry On Top candy shop, as well as loads of tabletop and theater seating — is a spectacularly designed area. It’s also only steps away from the popular Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club, which is now its own venue.
Comparatively, the typical main theater, home to most staged shows and the fun new Family Feud Live, plays second fiddle as a sparser, double-deck equivalent. That’s because the two venues essentially split showtime duties, more evenly spreading crowds around.
(What’s more, the adjacent casino is fully enclosed to ensure secondhand cigarette smoke is kept at bay.) In fact, the ship as a whole does this marvelously by grouping venues by theme.
Loyalists can still find favorites such as Pizzeria Del Capitano, though this time around, the eatery is next to the classic Cucina Del Capitano and new Piazza Panini and Bar Della Rosa, complete with a Fiat and a Vespa parked alongside for playful photo-ops. Collectively, they comprise the aptly named La Piazza zone.
Behind it is Summer Landing, where Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse sits adjacent to the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge and a publicly accessible alfresco pool and whirlpool deck. The Havana Pool, exclusive to guests in Havana accommodations, has been relocated to the forward side of the ship. Suite guests similarly get complimentary access to the otherwise added-cost Loft 19 retreat, as well as priority cabana reservations. The new upper relaxation area, which features an infinity-style pool, overlooks the adults-only Serenity deck (available to all guests).
Speaking of cabins, standard configurations are perhaps the only downside to an otherwise massively upgraded experience. Carnival Excel Presidential Suites are undoubtedly impressive, with lots of space and even private hot tubs, but entry-level staterooms are generally narrower than the line’s usual. However, there is still enough space for a bed, sofa, vanity desk, ottoman seat and ample storage, although there is no longer the width to accommodate an additional coffee table.
Carnival once featured bathrooms that were considerably larger than average, but on Mardi Gras, they are very small overall. Showers are an improvement over past iterations, thanks largely to a proper door with an articulated hinge that pivots out of the way (versus an encroaching shower curtain), but the sink and toilet compartment is uncomfortably slim.
Inversely, since Vista class, the thalassotherapy pool at the Cloud 9 Spa thermal suite has grown from its formerly too-small size. Elsewhere, some venues have been eliminated entirely from previous ships, such as a dedicated nightclub space and the underutilized Library Bar, but even more have been reprised or added, including an especially impressive list of dining and drinking options.
More of Mardi Gras’ Restaurants and Bars
Favorites such as Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and RedFrog Tiki Bar — which has gone from a single poolside rum bar to a two-deck tiki bar — have all returned, and many others are brand new. Poolside, adjacent to the returning Seafood Shack, is Street Eats, a collection of three windows serving various complimentary small bites, including loaded fries, pot stickers, kebabs and more, reminiscent of the Taste Bar onboard earlier ships.
Taking full advantage of Shaquille O'Neal as Carnival’s newly appointed CFO, or “chief fun officer,” the ship features his new Big Chicken eatery. The tender fried chicken sandwiches — either light or dark meat, mild or spicy — are a perfect complement to the burgers from Guy Fieri’s onboard restaurant.
Two other celebrity chefs have also introduced new eateries onboard: Emeril’s Bistro 1396 and Rudi’s Seagrill, from Rudi Sodamin of corporate cousin Holland America Line’s culinary council. The former is a tasty New Orleans-style option from Emeril Lagasse that anchors the new French Quarter stretch of the ship and plates breakfast, lunch and dinner at a la carte prices. (Clients should also try the new Brass Magnolia and Fortune Teller bars nearby.) And the latter is a delicious seafood-forward specialty restaurant for a flat cover charge.
Surprisingly, though, it was actually a complimentary dining room that impressed me the most. The fresh Chibang! displaces JiJi Asian Kitchen as a venue specializing in a mix of traditional and contemporary Chinese and Mexican dishes. As the one restaurant my cousin (who is a chef and culinary instructor) and I opted to dine at twice for dinner, it’s definitely not to be missed.
Coming full circle, Bolt is a real thrill that I found worth the $15 per ride (I rode it twice). Although the whole attraction is over in under 30 seconds, its rapid acceleration, steep banked turns and speeds approaching 40 miles per hour — all while perched on the top deck of a ship — are sure to garner the attention of travelers who might be considering higher-priced competitors.
With so much still offered complimentarily, Carnival remains a remarkable cruise value overall, and Mardi Gras makes the line an even more viable contender.
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Carnival Cruise Line
