Carnival Mardi Gras

Carnival Mardi Gras Overview and AP Status 2026

Mardi Gras is operated by Carnival Cruise Line and is the lead ship of the brand’s Excel class. She was built by Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland, delivered to Carnival on December 18, 2020, and entered revenue service on July 31, 2021. Carnival lists the ship as entering service in 2021 and registering in the Bahamas.

In terms of size, Mardi Gras comes in at about 180,800 gross tons, stretches 1,130 feet (344.5 meters) long, and has a beam of 42 meters. At double occupancy she carries 5,270 guests, with a maximum of up to 6,500, and a crew of around 1,735–2,000 depending on the sailing.

Dining is a major highlight: the ship offers roughly 22 places to eat, from included spots like Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the Lido Marketplace to specialty venues such as Emeril’s Bistro 1396, Bonsai Teppanyaki, and Chibang!. Exact offerings can vary, but the “about 22 venues” count is a good guide to the breadth of options onboard.

Beyond restaurants, Mardi Gras is known for six themed “zones” filled with bars, eateries, and entertainment, plus headline features like BOLT—the first roller coaster at sea—Family Feud Live, the expansive WaterWorks aquapark, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and the Havana Bar & Pool. The ship is also LNG-powered, making it the first cruise ship to operate in North America using liquefied natural gas, a cleaner-burning fuel.