On 31JUL, Carnival President Christine Duffy and 'Mardi Gras’ Captain Giuseppe Giusa led a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially welcoming guests on board Carnival Cruises’ newest ship.
The departure also marked the first sailing from Port Canaveral since the beginning of the pandemic.
Carnival Cruises’ newest flagship is also the first in the Americas to be powered with liquid natural gas (LNG). It’s also the first to feature a rollercoaster!
The 180,000-ton ship boasts six distinct themed zones with a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options, including dining venues from Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Rudi Sodamin and its “Chief Fun Officer” Shaquille O'Neal.
"Mardi Gras has been five years in the making so to finally welcome guests on board to experience this one-of-a-kind ship is something that we've been looking forward to for a very long time," Duffy said.
"Not only is Mardi Gras providing a truly unique vacation experience to our guests, it's so gratifying to be able to play a role helping the local community by providing much-needed jobs and a boost to the economy."
The ship’s week-long maiden voyage calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Nassau, The Bahamas.
"Today was a truly emotional moment for our entire Mardi Gras team,” added Guisa. “Having the distinction as the flagship of Carnival Cruise Line is a great honor and our entire team is ready to provide our guests with the vacation they have been so patiently waiting for. We are ready to get back to fun!"
Duffy’s previously announced, as covered by Open Jaw, that the entire Carnival fleet will sail with a fully vaccinated crew. The pax are also 95 per cent vaccinated. This measure will be in place through at least OCT.
“It’s important to note that this approach is being well received by the dozens of destinations that we sail to,” said Duffy in her video statement at the time.
Looking ahead to the company’s 50th anniversary, ‘Carnival Celebration,’ sister ship to ‘Mardi Gras,’ is scheduled to debut in late 2022 from Port Miami, along with an as-yet-unnamed vessel in 2023.
