Cruise Frog guide
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a Carnival Cruise Line cruise ship of the Excel class, in service since 2021. She measures 181,808 gross tons and carries 5,282 guests with a crew of 2,000. She sails Caribbean, Bahamas itineraries. We rate her 4.0 out of 5.
About Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is the lead ship of Carnival's Excel class, part of Carnival Corporation's larger Excellence class, built by Meyer Turku in Finland and named after the line's first ship of 1972. Delivered in December 2020, she began sailing in July 2021 after pandemic delays as the first LNG-powered cruise ship based in North America. At about 181,800 gross tons with some 5,280 guests, she is organized into six themed zones and introduced BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and Emeril's Bistro 1396. A 2025 dry dock in Marseille added connecting doors to 100 staterooms. She sails year-round from Port Canaveral.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 4/5
- Dining
- 3/5
- Entertainment
- 5/5
- Service
- 4/5
- Pools & decks
- 3/5
- Value
- 5/5
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Bahamasshort trips from Florida, often with a day on a line's private island
Home port: Port Canaveral, Florida.
Flying in for your cruise?
Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. The airport is Orlando International (MCO), with 6 lounges to wait in before you board.
- Plaza Premium LoungeMCO Terminal C4.7 ★
- The Club MCO (Airside 4)MCO Terminal B4.5 ★
- American Airlines Admirals ClubMCO Terminal B4.0 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is operated by Carnival Cruise Line and belongs to its Excel class.
How big is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras measures 181,808 gross tons and 344 metres in length, with 15 decks.
How crowded does Mardi Gras feel?
Mardi Gras has a passenger space ratio of 34.4: 181,808 gross tons for 5,282 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Mardi Gras feels busy for her size.
How many passengers does Mardi Gras carry?
Mardi Gras carries 5,282 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 2,000 (about 2.6 guests per crew member).
When did Mardi Gras enter service?
Mardi Gras entered service in 2021 and was last refurbished in 2025.
Where does Mardi Gras sail?
Mardi Gras sails Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. Her home port is Port Canaveral, Florida.
Which airport should I fly into for Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. Fly into Orlando International (MCO), which has 6 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Mardi Gras?
Carnival Cruise Line publishes the deck plans for Mardi Gras; this page links to Deck plans (PDF).
How is Mardi Gras rated?
Cruise Frog rates Mardi Gras 4.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on entertainment (5/5) and lowest on pools & decks (3/5).
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