Carnival Ship Mardi Gras: Best Things To Do On One Of Carnival’s Flagships
I don’t know about you, but there is something amazing about standing on the deck of a cruise ship. Having the wind and salt in the air hit your skin. Feeling the whole world disappear and focus on what is ahead of you. I was fortunate to experience this feeling again on the new Carnival ship Mardi Gras.
My friends and I took a fantastic 7-day cruise out of Port Canaveral. We had three ports to stop in, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan Island.
The Carnival flagship, Mardi Gras is amazing! I was in complete awe of this ship from the moment I saw it in the distance. My first impression was that this ship was huge!
Carnival went back to its roots for this ship. Naming the ship Mardi Gras after their first cruise line ship that sailed in 1972. It was because of this cruise ship that Carnival got its name, “Fun Ships”.
One thing I always look forward to on a Carnival ship is seeing all the staff. I swear they are the nicest people in the world. It amazes me how fast they memorize your name and are so cheerful. Though Carnival is still getting back to total capacity with the crew, these guys were all amazing!
If you’re planning to enjoy the “universe of fun” with Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, you first must know what to expect. Here’s what you need to know about the Carnival Mardi Gras.
Carnival Ship Mardi Gras: An Overview
One of the first things that jumped out at me is that this ship was built for post-pandemic life. Carnival really thought about its guests on this new ship. The biggest thing, the majority of doors are non-touch. They have a sensor on the wall where you wave your hand in front of it. For some of the doors, you have to press your thumb on a sensor to open. With all the doors to the staterooms, all you need to do is touch your card on the door to unlock it. The Carnival ship Mardi Gras really did all this to perfection in my opinion.
I feel the ship is laid out in a great plan. My friends and I even talked about this while exploring the ship. The majority of restaurants are between a few decks. The fun in the Casino, comedy clubs, and everything else is the same within a few decks.
I got to see three different style rooms on this ship. The upgrades that went into the rooms were well appreciated. The biggest one that I noticed was the new and improved showers. I really enjoyed the new larger TVs in the rooms. You can access everything from the TV now. Any of your photos, your balance, and your itinerary. Mardi Gras is doing a great job at reducing waste, and it shows.
There are a lot of restaurants and activities to do on the Mardi Gras. I am going to break those all down in better detail. The Carnival ship Mardi Gras is loaded to make your experience amazing.
If you are looking for some great tips when cruising for what you should expect, check out this page by Semi Pro Cruiser for all your needs.
Dining on Carnival ship Mardi Gras
Carnival ship Mardi Gras boasts a lot of restaurants for your dining needs. With 22 different restaurants, you will always find a place to settle your appetite. Some of the restaurants are included with your cruise and a few are an extra charge. The food is one of the great reasons to take a cruise and with a list like this, you can see why.
In every dining restaurant, the menu is all done by QR code on your phone.
You will get to a point on your cruise of wanting to try every dining option and then realizing you can’t hit them all.
General Dining
Located on Decks 6 and 7
Included with price
We had our general dinner in the Palm Restaurant on the Mardi Gras. The Palm Restaurant is really nice and large. We all really enjoyed the staff. They were spot on and after the first night, remembered what drinks to get. They really go out of their way to make their guests feel like they are their only table in the restaurant. The dinner show is entertaining and very enjoyable. The menu changes every night, and you can order just about all you want.
Marketplace on Lido Deck
Located on Deck 16
Included with price
Marketplace on Lido Deck is the ship’s buffet style of food. There are a lot of different options to choose from. While we were there, you could get full breakfast items, Shawarma, Polish Dogs, and much more.
The spot has basically anything to make you happy when you are hungry. Perfect for those guests who don’t need to follow a dinner schedule. Mardi Gras’ staff cleans up tables really fast. The self-serve juice, soda, and water machines are great. The layout is amazing, there are plenty of tables with ocean views and plenty that are more interior.
Fresh Creations
Located on Serenity Deck – Deck 18
Included with price
This restaurant is straightforward to talk about. This is one of the freshest salad bars I have ever seen. Mardi Gras understands that healthy people still want to keep up their healthy eating while onboard. This restaurant is the perfect place for guests who still want to eat healthily.
Guy’s Burger Joint
Located on Deck 17
Included with price
Guy’s Burger Joint is one of my favorite places to eat while on a cruise. I am a huge burger fan. Guy Fieri brings his style of burgers to the ocean. There are plenty of different burgers to choose from on the menu. This is one of the best spots for lunch. Hits the spot every time. There is even a toppings bar to personalize your burger to your own taste. Guy’s Burger Joint is a staple on most Carnival cruise line ships.
Street Eats
Located on Deck 16
Included with price
Street Eats is a small outdoor area by the pool area. This location is to represent a food truck area on the Mardi Gras for the guests. It has three different restaurants that change their menus daily.
Mad Sizzle
Mad Sizzle is a full skillet restaurant that has different types of kebabs and satay daily.
Time Fries
Loaded fries! This is a great stop. So many choices every day. This is a perfect midday snack to keep you happy.
Steam Dream
Steam Dream will load up your stomach with daily variations of potstickers and bao buns.
Seafood Shack
Located on Deck 16
Additional cost
This is the spot for all the guests that are New England seafood lovers. This place will fill you up with lobster rolls, crab cake sliders, snow crab, and so much more.
Rudi’s Seagrill
Located on Deck 8
Additional cost
All dishes are inspired by Master Chef, Rudi Sodamin. This is a dinner for all seafood fans. Rudi’s Seagrill will serve up favorites like seafood bisque, crab-stuffed lobster tail, and other delicacies from the ocean. Nothing like having seafood while sailing the sea.
Piazza Panini
Located on Deck 8
Included with price
Piazza Panini is your spin on pizza. A restaurant made specifically for panini. They have a lot of different variations of panini that will fit what you are looking for.
Pizzeria Del Capitano
Located on Deck 8
Included with price
Pizza. 24/7. Need I say more? This hits the spot after a late night of fun at the casino, a comedy show, or after a deck party on the Mardi Gras. You want a pizza, they have the kind that you like on this cruise. You can also get it delivered anywhere on the ship.
Bonsai
Bonsai Sushi
Located on Deck 8
Additional cost
The name says it all. To all the sushi lovers out there, this is your place on Mardi Gras. Sit inside or outside and enjoy all your favorite types of sushi. Get a roll or a whole sushi ship.
Bonsai Teppanyaki
Located on Deck 8
Additional cost
Bonsai Teppanyaki is your Japanese cooking show and experience. Choose from many different types of dishes for your entertainment pleasure. The Teppanyaki masters will have you talking about your meal for days while enjoying your cruise.
ChiBang!
Located on Deck 8
Additional cost – Lunch is usually free and your first dinner visit, after will be an additional cost.
Mexican or Chinese? How about both? How about both combined? Nothing like being on a vacation on a cruise to create your own idea for a perfect meal. Find your combination to make this cruise dining option your own masterpiece.
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
Located on Deck 7
Additional cost
This is my favorite restaurant on any Carnival cruise ship. A true steak experience with many different cut options. You even get to choose the type of salt that you want to have your steak cooked with. This steakhouse at sea is one of the best I have ever been to.
Carnival Kitchen
Located on Deck 6
Additional cost
Want to come back home from your Carnival cruise with the secret of cooking like the ship’s cooks? Here is your chance. Small classes are taught at this location to get an inside look at how to make some of the best meals that Carnival offers.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396
Located on Deck 7
Additional cost
Of course, you need a taste of New Orleans while on a cruise ship named, Mardi Gras. Look here for a raw bar, fried oysters, and gumbo to fulfill your New Orleans cravings. Carnival really pays tribute to this restaurant and the ship’s name.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery
Located on Deck 8
Additional cost – Lunch is usually free and your first dinner visit, after will be an additional cost.
This dining option is quickly becoming my new favorite. A smokehouse and brewery? This is the perfect combo while sailing on the sea. This is a large space with a lot of seating. From brisket to chicken, Carnival crafted IPA to Amber beer, this is heaven on a cruise.
Swirls
Multiple locations on the ship
Included with price
You are a guest on the cruise ship spending all day in the sun. What better way to cool down than by having some ice cream? These are perfect little snack stops.
Cucina Del Capitano
Located on Deck 8
Additional cost – Lunch is usually free and your first dinner visit, after will be an additional cost.
Nothing like being a guest on a ship and still feeling like family. That is what you get while sitting around a table at Cucina Del Capitano. Carnival’s Italian restaurant is inspired by family-themed Italian dishes. The dishes come from Carnival’s Italian officer’s family recipes.
Shaq’s Big Chicken
Located on Deck 16
Included with price
Carnival’s Chief Officer of Fun brought his restaurant to you. This option is another perfect place to get lunch. They serve chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fried chicken baskets with some of the best sauces. Check out Shaq’s for breakfast as well to get a tasty chicken basket while on your cruise.
Fun Activities on Carnival ShipMardi Gras
If you are looking for activities to do while aboard the Mardi Gras, they have you covered as a guest. Carnival has you covered from live shows, performances, parties, outdoor activities, and even ways to relax.
With all the different types of activities, as a guest, you can make your cruise experience truly your own. The activities are scheduled really well so that you will get plenty of chances to see what you want. All these activities will make your Carnival ship Mardi Gras the best experience.
Carnival also did away with handing out a paper every day for your itinerary. Now, all your news is on the Carnival Hub App. Everything you need to know about the ship and the activities can be found on this app just by searching it.
Game Shows
Carnival Mardi Gras features two game shows on their cruise. Take your family or friends and try out for Family Feud. The great game show comes to your cruise for everyone to enjoy. Take your team all the way for the win!
Or take your chance as a single passenger on the ship to play Deal or No Deal! See if you can guess the correct briefcase to win money or a free cruise from Carnival.
The Atrium – Grand Central
Located on Deck 7
The atrium will feature all types of shows. The majority of the shows will take place here. While onboard the cruise, the guests were blessed with a performance by Celestial Strings. This was by far, the best live show I have seen in these live event-style shows.
Every night Mardi Gras puts on a different show to entertain its guests. Show from Broadway-style to magic will make your cruise experience spectacular.
Lido
Located on Deck 16
On any Carnival cruise ship, Lido is the central location where everything happens outside. Here you can lay out in the sun on all the deck chairs. Take a dip in the main pool. Get a drink at the Red Frog Tiki Bar. Watch a movie on the big screen. Grab a bite to eat at some of the restaurants next to the pool area. The staff will put on deck parties all cruise long at Lido. No matter what time of the year it is, it is always summer on Lido.
One of the best times on Lido is right when you board the ship in Port Canaveral. The main deck party with everyone dancing and having the time of their lives is happening.
The Ultimate Playground
Located on Deck 18
This is a spot for kids of all ages. If you are searching for some outdoor exercise, Carnival has it for you. Play basketball, shoot pool, or play a game of foosball.
If you are looking to get wet while having fun, take a trip down one of the three water slides that Carnival has. There is also a huge water bucket that dumps gallons of water on everyone in the area.
Carnival cruise line went even higher in stakes for those looking for a little thrill. Tackle the ropes course that is 150ft above the water. Search for your courage and try Bolt, the first-ever rollercoaster on a cruise ship.
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
As a guest, sometimes you just want to be around other adults. Carnival has just what you are looking for. Serenity is an adult-only area with its own pools, deck chairs, and cabanas to rent. This spot is quiet and relaxing, which is perfect sometimes after a long night of fun.
Cloud 9 Spa
Relax on the sea with a total spa treatment. Mardi Gras has a thermal chamber with two saunas and two steam rooms. As a guest, you can have wellness therapies, which include, hot stone massages, aromatherapy, or full-body wraps. One of the members of our party visited the spa every day. He said it was one of the best spa experiences he has had.
For the kids on Carnival Ship Mardi Gras
Carnival cruise line carries roughly 650,000 children a year aboard their cruise line ships. They have created 3 great programs so that children can enjoy a great cruising experience. The programs are designed by age group so that even the newest of little sailors will enjoy their time.
Camp Ocean
Camp Ocean is designed for the youngest guests on board. It will feel like a summer camp and family vacation wrapped up as one. This youth program is for 2-11-year-olds.
- “Penguins” are 2-5-year-olds
- “Stingrays” are 6-8-year-olds
- “Sharks” are 9-11-year-olds
Circle C
The hours vary by ship for Circle C. Circle C is located on Deck 17. This program is designed for 12-14-year-olds. The teens are welcome to go as they please, but they must be registered by a parent ahead of time.
Club O2
Club O2 is designed specifically for 15-17-year-olds. No one 18 years or older are allowed to join. The guests can come and go as they please but have to be registered ahead of time by a parent. Club O2 is located on Deck 17.
Nightlife on Carnival Ship Mardi Gras
Nightlife is on a different level on Carnival ship Mardi Gras. There are so many activities to do. Besides standard locations, Carnival will throw themed parties, have auctions, and have tons of more events. Carnival Cruise Line took it upon themselves to give you a cruise that never sleeps.
The Punchliner Comedy Club
Located on Deck 6
Sit back with a few drinks laughing as hard as you can. The Punchliner Comedy Club hosts many different comedians daily. There are usually two different shows, one early in the evening that is family-friendly. The other is made for adults and will be dirty, risky, and vulgar.
Piano Bar 88
Located on Deck 6
As a passenger, sometimes you just want to sit back with a drink and enjoy some great songs. The Piano Bar is a perfect place to do this. The always talented singers will take requests from the audience to play. This location has its own bar to make it easy to get drinks. I have always enjoyed this part of a cruise by listening to the singer’s own spin on some of the best songs ever made.
Limelight Lounge
Located on Deck 7
This location is a mixture of all different things happening. As a cruise line passenger, if you are looking for variety, this is your location. While on Mardi Gras, this lounge was used as a karaoke room, dance club, and a comedian spot.
Casino
Located on Deck 7
Do you feel lucky? This is one of my favorite places on the ship. Carnival has many different types of slot machines, card games, and other classic casino games. Mardi Gras did a great job of separating the smoking side from the non-smoking side. There is a great bar and lots of wait staff to help you get your drinks. The casino does not open up though until the cruise ship is in international waters.
If you are looking to make a bit bet on the game, you are in luck. You are able to place wagers on many sports games with sports betting. Best of luck to everyone!
Bars on Carnival Ship Mardi Gras
You are on vacation and should have a drink in your hand. There are plenty of places to get a great cocktail all over the ship. I highly recommend that you purchase the Cheers! Package for your vacation while at sea.
Red Frog Tiki Bar
Located on Decks 16 and 17
As a guest soaking up the sun during the day, this is going to be your go-to bar. Red Frog Tiki Bar is located on Lido deck right by the pool. This is a two-story bar that makes you all your Caribbean-inspired drinks.
Alchemy Bar
Located on Deck 7
This is a mixed-drink drinkers’ dream spot. Watch as the mix-masters create epic drinks with combinations of types of spirits. They have many drinks to choose from or can create their own recipes. This is always one of the more popular bars on Carnival ships.
Fortune Teller
Located on Deck 6
Fortune Teller can be found in the French Quarter part of Mardi Gras. This bar has the feel of the old-school Victorian era of New Orleans. The bartenders are serving up many great new cocktails. There is an all-black drink called New Moon. Try the color-changing Abracadabra. Or, try the Golden Galaxy which is made with real gold. As a guest, you have to check out this bar on Mardi Gras.
Havana Bar
Located on Deck 8
The Havana Bar really takes after its name. When you walk into the bar, you feel like you have been transported into Cuba. You will be able to hear live music while you have some authentic Cuban drinks. There are cruise packages that are made specifically for the Havana Bar.
Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge
Located on Deck 8
Heroes Tribute Bar is attached to Guy’s Pig and Anchor. This is a bar that is set up to tribute Armed Services personnel and their families. The bar includes 2 large screen televisions for guests to relax and have a beer. Take home a souvenir glass and Carnival will donate $1 of your purchase to Operation Homefront.
Walking around the cruise ship as a passenger, you will notice that most places have a bar attached to them. There is never a hard way to find a great drink aboard the Mardi Gras.
Carnival Ship Mardi Gras: Review
The new Carnival Ship Mardi Gras is amazing! I have never been in so much awe as a passenger before. This is the perfect ship to leave from Port Canaveral.
As you can see, there is a lot of everything to do on this cruise ship. There is so much food to make any and everyone happy. Plenty of activities, day and night, for all ages to enjoy.
As a guest of Carnival, if you get a chance to take a vacation on this ship, please do not pass it up!
Carnival Cruise Lines keeps upping their game year by year. I can not wait to see what the future holds with him on future cruises.
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