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When Carnival launched their first ship, 1972's TSS Mardi Gras, they made cruising a lot less stuffy, a bit less fancy, the kind of fun everybody could enjoy. Nobody expected this ship to change the cruise world, but... here they are! So here’s a brand-new ship with a familiar name. With this Mardi Gras® they aren't just paying homage to their first ship — in cruising circles this name suggests innovation, signals the start of something big. Oh, and this Mardi Gras still shouts “fun!” at the top of its lungs. This ship introduces Zones — six themed areas packed with brand-new experiences for eating, drinking and spectacularly getting down to fun. There's BOLT®, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea, Emeril's Bistro 1396™ from yes-that-Emeril, Family Feud™ Live for everybody... plus incredible new bars like The Brass Magnolia and Fortune Teller. Everybody can enjoy Mardi Gras, sailing now. Come on down!
Year Built
2020Year Refurbished
Year Entered Present Fleet
Country of Registry
Tonnage (GRT)
180800PAX (basis 2)
10540Max Pax (inc. Uppers)
5282Passenger Decks
15Number of Crew
1745Officers' Nationality
Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality
Suites
175Balcony
0Oceanview
181Oceanview No Balcony
0Oceanview With Balcony
0Balconies
1467Interior
818Accessible
20Total Number of Accommodations
1000Family Ocean View Suite
Carnival Excel Corner Suite
Ocean Suite
Ocean Suite
Carnival Excel Suite
Carnival Excel Aft Suite
Cloud 9 Spa Suite
Carnival Excel Presidential Suite
Havana Cabana Suite
Havana Vista Suite
Deluxe / Suite Guarantee
Two twin beds (convert to king), double sofa bed and one upper pullman. Sofa and coffee table. Desk and seat. Full bathroom with shower plus separate washroom with sink and junior tub. Walk-in dressing area with ample closet space. Large picture window with window seat.
Exclusive Family Harbor amenities: Access to Family Harbor Lounge featuring breakfast, snacks during the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more. Kids eat free in most specialty onboard restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service.
Cove Balcony Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony Stateroom
Junior Balcony Stateroom
Junior Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Extended Balcony Stateroom
Extended Balcony Stateroom
Forward View Extended Balcony Stateroom
Aft View Extended Balcony Stateroom
Aft View Extended Balcony Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Stateroom (Forward View Extended)
Havana Cabana Stateroom
Havana Extended Cabana Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom Guarantee
Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Oceanview Stateroom
Family Harbor Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview Stateroom Guarantee
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Premium Interior Stateroom
Premium Interior Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Interior Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Interior Stateroom
Havana Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom Guarantee
Family Harbor Interior Stateroom
Deck 19
Deck 18
Deck 17
Deck 16
Deck 15
Deck 14
Deck 12
Deck 11
Deck 10
Deck 9
Deck 8
Deck 7
Deck 6
Deck 5
Deck 4
4.7
Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.
SUBMIT A REVIEWFEBRUARY
We had an awesome time. We generally stay to ourselves because that's just how we are. We did talk to a few people, we just aren't social butterflies. I would sail on the Mardi Gras again if given the chance. Our room attendant was one of the best things about our cruise. We were in room 10346 and Daniel was our attendant. He was amazing. I can't say enough good things about him.
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JANUARY
This was a phenomenal vacation. 16 of us went together. There was never a dull moment. We ranged in age from 19 to 65 and there was fun had by everyone. The Limelight lounge was a favorite hang out for the young adults in our group. Motown night was definitely a favorite for us older folks. The staff was so attentive and friendly. The ship was so clean everywhere. The balcony rooms were spacious and all of the cabins had ample closet space. We would definitely do the Mardi Gras again. There is a reason that Carnival is known as the FUN ship. The food was a 7/10. That isn't bad compared to all the good. The high points food wise were Shaq's big chicken and Guy's Burgers.
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NOVEMBER
Enjoyed the Chef’s Table! The food and presentation were fantastic!
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MAY
Having sailed on most major US lines, Carnival came in about as expected. I tried not to set my expectations too high and we did have fun. That said, if this is their “biggest and best” I probably won’t sail with them again, however the overall value for a less expensive option is good.
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NOVEMBER
Carnival always goes above and beyond our expectations. Our stateroom Stewart Komang was awesome.
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SEPTEMBER
Loved the Mardi Gras, went to see the sea lions on Nassau, went to MonkeyLand and the waterfalls in Amber Cove. Went to home sweet home in Grand Turk. The photos from the sea lions were amazing the experience was one of my favorites. Monkey land and the waterfalls in Amber Cove was super fun, the hike to the top of the waterfalls was tiring but worth it. Home sweet home in grand Turk was super clean and an amazing beach.
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JULY
I would love to experience new and more exciting ports for the new ships. This vessel seems to have more space for fewer activities, but it seems to work. I would like to see broadway-type shows return in the theater.
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JULY
<div>The overall experience was excellent..The servers in the dining hall were amazing and the food was great..I would highly recommend people cruise with Carnival and enjoy the perks of being on the Mardi Gras. THANK YOU CARNIVAL for an experience I will never forget.</div>
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JUNE
Great Ship. Very Clean, lots of great bars and restaurants. Went with 8 of us of various ages. The kids loved the water slides and the Ropes and Zipline. The Roller Coaster was enjoyed by all. Guys Burger and Shaq's Chicken were terrific, as were Chi-Bang & the Panini place. We paid for the Hibachi experience and it was also worth it. Only bad part was the Buffet was weak.. Also, the portions at the dinner, ( Flamingo ), were smaller than dinner on my last RC ship, so order more if you are a hearty eater. The Cruise director, Lee was really energetic and fun.
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JUNE
This was a fun experience for our first cruise.
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DECEMBER
The cruise itself was wonderful and this new ship is beautiful with many activities for any age group. The teenager with us loved Circle "C". Was extremely disappointed with the buffet except at breakfast. There was very little variety at lunch or dinner.
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NOVEMBER
Loved the ship, will be sailing on her again.
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