Carnival · Excel Class
Mardi Gras
Carnival's Mardi Gras debuted in 2021 as the first Excel-class ship, weighing in at 180,800 gross tons. It was the first cruise ship in North America powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and introduced BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
Ship specs
- Cruise line: Carnival
- Ship class: Excel
- Year launched: 2021
- Gross tonnage: 180,800 GT
- Length: 1,130 ft
- Passengers (double occupancy): 5,282
- Passengers (max): 6,631
About Mardi Gras
Carnival's Mardi Gras debuted in 2021 as the first Excel-class ship, weighing in at 180,800 gross tons. It was the first cruise ship in North America powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and introduced BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. The ship sails year-round from Port Canaveral with six themed zones that completely reimagined what a Carnival ship could be.
Best for: Families and thrill-seekers who want the biggest, most feature-packed Carnival experience with a roller coaster, water park, and tons of dining variety.
Key features and highlights
- ▸ BOLT is the first roller coaster at sea, an all-electric coaster on an 800-foot track reaching speeds up to 40 mph.
- ▸ Six themed zones include Grand Central, French Quarter, La Piazza, Summer Landing, Lido, and The Ultimate Playground.
- ▸ Emeril's Bistro 1396 brings celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans-inspired cuisine onboard.
- ▸ The French Quarter zone features The Brass Magnolia bar and Fortune Teller bar for a taste of New Orleans nightlife.
- ▸ Loft 19 is an exclusive sun deck retreat for suite guests with its own infinity whirlpool.
What to know before you book
Cabin tips
The Havana staterooms give you access to a private pool area with a Cuban-themed bar, which is worth the upgrade. If you're traveling with kids, the Family Harbor cabins include access to a private lounge with free breakfast and snacks.
Dining
Mardi Gras has over 20 dining options across its six zones, including Emeril's Bistro 1396, Rudi's Seagrill, Chibang!, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and the complimentary Guy's Burger Joint and Big Chicken by Shaq.
Entertainment
Beyond BOLT, the ship offers Family Feud Live, Playlist Productions theater shows, the Punchliner Comedy Club, and Piano Bar 88. The WaterWorks water park has three spiraling slides, and SportSquare features mini-golf, a ropes course, and basketball.
Cabin sizes by category
Interior
| Subcategory | Cabin size | Balcony | Max guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Interior, Premium Interior | 158-205 sq ft | Not published | 4 |
Oceanview
| Subcategory | Cabin size | Balcony | Max guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanview, Deluxe Oceanview | 243-312 sq ft | Not published | 4 |
Balcony
| Subcategory | Cabin size | Balcony | Max guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Balcony, Cove Balcony, Standard Balcony, Havana Cabana | 172-205 sq ft | 44-82 sq ft | 4 |
Suite
| Subcategory | Cabin size | Balcony | Max guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabana Suite, Ocean Suite, Excel Suite, Excel Aft Suite, Cabana Corner Suite, Excel Corner Suite, Presidential Suite | 205-474 sq ft | up to 646 sq ft | 5 |
Cabin sizes are sourced from deck plan databases and may vary by specific stateroom number. Always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is approximately 180,800 gross tons, 1,130 feet long, and carries approximately 5,282 passengers at double occupancy (up to 6,631 at full capacity).
What are the cabin sizes on Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras offers 4 cabin subcategories across 4 main types. Interior: 158-205 sq ft. Oceanview: 243-312 sq ft. Balcony: 172-205 sq ft. Suite: 205-474 sq ft.
What class is the Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a Excel class ship operated by Carnival. It launched in 2021.
More on Carnival
Other Carnival ships
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Sources & verification
- ship-specs: https://www.carnival-news.com/ship/mardi-gras-fact-sheet
- staterooms: https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships/mardi-gras/staterooms
- cabin-dimensions: https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/ships/Mardi-Gras/staterooms
Verified 2026-04-18. Ship specs and cabin sizes can change with refurbishments and reconfiguration. Confirm with the cruise line before booking.