M A R D I G R A S ™ | 2 0 2 1 C O M M E M O R AT I V E I N A U G U R A L B O O K 21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 3
2 0 2 1 C O M M E M O R AT I V E I N A U G U R A L B O O K
9/13/21 11:46 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 4
9/13/21 11:46 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 5
9/13/21 11:46 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 6
9/13/21 11:46 AM
2021 COMMEMORATIVE INAUGURAL BOOK
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_01_FOB_V2.indd 1
7/10/21 10:49 AM
CONTENTS MARDI GRAS
TM
2021 COMMEMORATIVE INAUGURAL BOOK
2 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_01_FOB_V2.indd 2
7/9/21 12:36 PM
4|
LEADERSHIP & INSPIRATION Celebrating the leaders and other visionaries steering us toward a bright future. Executive Greetings Micky Arison | Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc Arnold Donald | CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc Christine Duffy | President, Carnival Cruise Line Shaquille O'Neal | Chief Fun Officer, Carnival Cruise Line Captain and Senior Officers Our Inspiration Kimberly Jiménez | Godmother John Heald | Brand Ambassador
21 |
THE MARDI GRAS STORY A look back at the story of Carnival’s first ship; exploring the exciting new version of the ship that changed cruising. Retail Revolution: The Fun Shops Zoned Out+ Six Special Places Plus More Well-Being Spa and Staterooms Entertainment & Family: Showtime! Dining & Libation: Taste the Excitement
108 |
DESTINATIONS
118 |
TIME TO CELEBRATE!
120 |
FUN FAREWELL
Sampling the delightful ports Mardi Gras will visit in its inaugural season.
Looking forward to the next big thing in cruising, which will launch in 2022: Carnival Celebration™.
Come back again, you Very Important Fun Person!
MARDI GRAS 2021 3
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_01_FOB_V2.indd 3
7/9/21 4:05 PM
LEADERSHIP & INSPIRATION
DEAR GUEST It’s my pleasure to welcome you aboard Mardi Gras, the newest “Fun Ship” from Carnival Cruise Line. For nearly 50 years, Carnival Cruise Line has been providing fun, memorable vacations to our guests and Mardi Gras builds upon that tradition, taking the Carnival cruise experience to new heights with a host of unique features and an entirely new design from bow to stern. Mardi Gras is named after our original “Fun Ship” that introduced a new style of vacationing and launched Carnival Cruise Line in 1972. Much like her predecessor, the new Mardi Gras is a game changer, combining new onboard experiences and groundbreaking technology while maintaining the same festive atmosphere that has made Carnival Cruise Line synonymous with fun.
MICKY ARISON
Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas, a pioneering fuel system that is part of Carnival Corporation’s “green cruising” platform. In fact, Mardi Gras is one of 11 ships from Carnival Corporation powered by this eco-friendly technology, underscoring our commitment to preserving and protecting our precious natural resources. A sister ship to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, is set to debut in 2022, coinciding with Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th Birthday festivities. On behalf of everyone at Carnival Corporation, we appreciate your choosing Carnival for your vacation and look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing cruise.
Sincerely,
Micky Arison Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc
4 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 4
7/9/21 1:58 PM
LEADERSHIP & INSPIRATION
DEAR MARDI GRAS GUEST It’s my great pleasure to welcome you aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras. At Carnival Corporation, our highest responsibility and therefore our top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve and our shipboard and shoreside team members. That gives us the freedom to do what we do best — exceeding guest expectations and being the catalyst for fun, adventure and lifelong memories! Mardi Gras certainly lives up to that promise in every way. In addition to being one of the world’s most eco-friendly cruise ships, Mardi Gras offers a host of culinary, dining and entertainment choices that are designed to excite and delight and provide an unparalleled seagoing vacation experience. Whether you want to sit back and relax by the pool or experience the thrill of the first roller coaster at sea, Mardi Gras has it all. In keeping with the legacy of the original Mardi Gras ship, launched by Carnival in 1972, we take great pride in continuing the tradition of bringing people together from all backgrounds and cultures — helping us to discover what we all have in common and learning to celebrate our differences rather than to fear them. Mardi Gras is truly a game changer for the cruise industry.
ARNOLD DONALD
Again, welcome aboard. Enjoy the destinations and all they offer, enjoy the many features on this magnificent ship and, please, have a fabulous time on board.
Sincerely,
Arnold Donald CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc
MARDI GRAS 2021 5
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 5
7/9/21 1:58 PM
LEADERSHIP & INSPIRATION
DEAR GUEST Welcome aboard Mardi Gras, the newest and most innovative ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Five years in the making, Mardi Gras is a game changer, not only for our company but the cruise industry as well. She’s the first cruise ship in the Americas powered by ecofriendly liquefied natural gas, part of our “green cruising platform,” as well as the first to feature a roller coaster at sea. But the best part about Mardi Gras is her amazing crew — 1,750 dedicated individuals representing dozens of countries from around the world working as a team to provide our guests with the best vacation, land or sea. For nearly 50 years, our crew has played a huge role in our success, helping to create a truly unique experience that stands out from all the rest — they provide the FUN!
CHRISTINE DUFFY
Our team makes our onboard spaces come alive. From only-on-Mardi Gras offerings to expanded versions of longtime Carnival favorites, Mardi Gras is designed as the ultimate seagoing vacation for guests of all ages. We trust you’ll agree. From all of us here at Carnival Cruise Line, including our 40,000 shipboard and shoreside team members, we hope you enjoy your Mardi Gras vacation and we look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon.
Bon Voyage,
Christine Duffy President Carnival Cruise Line
6 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 6
7/9/21 1:59 PM
LEADERSHIP & INSPIRATION
HELLO, FUN SEEKER! As your Chief Fun Officer, it’s my job to make sure I tell you all the fun things you can do on the beautiful new Mardi Gras. For starters, there’s BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, part of the Ultimate Playground featuring the largest water park on any Carnival ship. The Ultimate Playground also features SportSquare, with the longest ropes course at sea as well as mini-golf, a basketball court, a jogging track and more. And since you’ve worked up an appetite, there are food options galore, including, of course, my first-ever Big Chicken restaurant at sea with fried chicken, sides and all the fixings based on my family’s favorite recipes. There are also lots of places just to chill and relax, like the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa — the largest in the fleet — and the exclusive Loft 19 and Serenity, an adults-only retreat. So, whether your idea of fun is enjoying a heart-racing ride on BOLT or sipping a cocktail by the pool, Mardi Gras has got you covered. And as your Chief Fun Officer, I guarantee it! Enjoy your time aboard Mardi Gras and I hope you’ll sail with Carnival again soon.
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
Sincerely,
Shaquille O'Neal CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc
Hotel Director Caroline Bourke MARDI GRAS 2021 7
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 7
7/9/21 2:00 PM
8400 NW 36th Street, Suite 500, Doral, FL 33166 Tel: (305) 673.0400 onboardmedia.com
Jeffrey Meister General Manager Yvette Sechrist Head of Operations
Editorial & Design
Video/Film Production
Kate McClare Editor
Todd Hedge Director/Executive Producer
Renee Castro Associate Editor
Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography
Beth Wood Senior Art Director
Kevin Maschke Post-Production Supervisor Iris Cegarra Editor
Carlos Suarez-Murias Associate Art Director
Cruise Revenue
Rachel Neff Ad Services Director
Bonnie Howe Manager
Advertising Sales Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales
Author Fran Golden
A NEW SHIP CELEBRATES THE PAST AND LOOKS TO THE FUTURE.
©2021 Onboard Media. No claim to original works of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE or advertisers. Ships’ registry: BAHAMAS, MALTA, PANAMA All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed in the United States of America. All articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of Onboard Media Inc. or CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media Inc. and CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk. We and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. Cover image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.
8 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 8
7/9/21 12:50 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 9
7/8/21 5:55 PM
FUN FYI
Maximize your vacation with the expanded HUB App. The most popular app in cruising is better than ever!
TAP THE APP
NEW FEATURES Virtual Reservations and Queuing: Reserve event seats – including tickets to BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea — and get an alert when it’s time to arrive.
Expanded Food Delivery: Get digital menus, order culinary and beverage offerings anywhere on board and check in at onboard dining venues. Safety Content: Submit necessary health information before departure and get a notification to complete muster check-in on board.
CLASSIC FEATURES • • • • •
Spa and shore excursion reservations Chat function Full listing of food, beverage and entertainment offerings Youth program check-in and check-out information Easy access to Sail & Sign account
“These updates build upon the convenient features that have made the HUB App the most popular app in cruising, and further enhance our guest experience on board.” — Ron Dillehay, Vice President, Guest Marketing & Technology Carnival Cruise Line
Download the HUB App at Google Play or iTunes and log in with your Carnival account.
Now sit back and relax — fun is right at your fingertips! 10 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 10
7/9/21 3:13 PM
FUN FYI
Winner, Best Ship App • Porthole Cruise Reader’s Choice Awards, 2019 and 2020
SKIP THE LINE
Rated 4.6+ out of 5 • Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Check into a virtual queue and skip the lines. We'll simply notify you when it's your turn.
The perfect cruise is right in the palm of your hand! The HUB App, Carnival’s awardwinning smartphone app, brings you an endless array of information and options to maximize your fun on board.
CHAT, VIEW EVENTS & SO MUCH MORE • Chat
No wonder it’s had more than 8 million downloads and ranks near the top of customer reviews in both app stores. Download the HUB App — it's free — and tap into all the best parts of your cruise.
• What’s Happening • Ship Maps • Food and Drinks • Account Management • Kids and Teens
“Our guests have to come to expect the best of land-based experiences on board our ships. The Carnival Hub App delivers on those expectations across our fleet and helps to greatly transform our guests’ pre-cruise and onboard experience.” — Alfredo Rojas, Senior Director, Digital Products & Guest Technology, Carnival Cruise Line
DINE IN, VIEW MENUS & ORDER FOOD • Reserve restaurants ahead of time or check-in if you’re ready to go • View food and drink menus via QR scans • Lounging by the pool? Order food for delivery!
MARDI GRAS 2021 11
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 11
7/9/21 3:15 PM
LEADERSHIP “These are some of the most talented and experienced mariners in cruising. They have overseen the final stages of construction and usher in this exciting chapter of Carnival Cruise Line’s history.” — Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
LEADING THE JOURNEY
The Captain and Senior Officers A team of highly experienced mariners has been hand-selected to lead Mardi Gras’ crew. These talented professionals will lead a team of more than 1,700 dedicated crew members:
Captain Captain Giuseppe Giusa
GIUSEPPE GIUSA
A 31-year veteran of the maritime industry, Giusa joined Carnival in 1993 after serving as a sergeant in the Italian Navy. He was named captain of Carnival Ecstasy in 2004 — the youngest officer ever appointed to this position. Most recently, he served as captain on Carnival Breeze.
Chief Engineer
FERDINANDO RUOCCO Chief Engineer Ferdinando Ruocco
A graduate of the Nino Bixio Nautical School in Piano di Sorrento, Italy, Ruocco joined Carnival in 1997 following a career in the tanker industry. He was named chief engineer of Carnival Triumph in 2010. Over the past nine years he has served in this capacity for six vessels, most recently Carnival Valor.
Hotel Director
PIERRE B. CAMILLERI
Camilleri joined the company in 2004 as hotel director after managing a variety of hotel and resort properties in his native Malta as well as Europe and Asia. He has served as hotel director on several Carnival ships and has been part of the inaugural teams for Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.
Hotel Director Pierre B. Camilleri
12 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 12
7/9/21 12:54 PM
WELCOME TO OUR GODMOTHER
GODMOTHER
SHE EMBODIES THE “SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL” When it came time to select Mardi Gras’ godmother, Carnival Cruise Line took a decidedly dif ferent approach, selecting Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jiménez, recipient of the first-ever “Spirit of Carnival” award for
Jiménez, as well as MISS UNIVERSE 2021, Miss Mexico Andrea Meza, will get the unforgettable opportunity to be among the first to sail on Mardi Gras when she begins week-long adventures from the Space Coast to the Bahamas and Caribbean – including the popular destination of Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
embodying the company’s values of fun, friendship, diversit y and inclusion during the MISS UNIVERSE competition. With a global television audience estimated at 500 million looking on, Carnival Cruise Line President
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Dominican Republic, Jiménez is a champion for at-risk youth and an advocate for adoption, volunteering for the past three years at Los Niños de Cristo orphanage, a non-profit foundation that serves abused and abandoned girls, as well as serving as a founding member of the Dominican Republic Women's Club, dedicated to providing services to indigent women suffering from breast cancer. A survivor in every sense of the word, Jimenez and her family were left homeless due to the devastation of Hurricane Maria, underscoring her incredible perseverance and a positive, can-do attitude. “Kimberly is a role model for female empowerment and has a passion for so many worthwhile causes, particularly those that assist women, children and families. It is such an honor to present Kimberly with the ‘Spirit of Carnival’ award and an even bigger thrill to announce that she’s going to be the godmother of our newest ship, Mardi Gras,” Duf f y said. “Kimberly joins a group of esteemed women who have served in this time-honored role for Carnival.”
Christine Duf f y, who ser ved as a MISS UNIVERSE judge, bestowed Kimberly with the honor of overseeing the naming ceremonies for the line’s newest and most innovative ship.
“Kimberly is a role model for female empowerment and has a passion for so many worthwhile causes, particularly those that assist women, children and families.” — Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line Kimberly Jiménez, Miss Dominican Republic,
Duffy was one of eight members of the all-female panel of judges. She said that seeing so many smart and talented women in the competition representing 74 nations was like being on board a Carnival ship, with a fleetwide team representing 120 countries from across the globe.
is the new ship’s godmother.
MARDI GRAS 2021 13
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 13
7/9/21 12:57 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 14
7/10/21 11:08 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 15
7/10/21 11:08 AM
INSPIRATION
DAYS OF FUTURE PAST:
Everything has changed since the first Mardi Gras, but not the most important things: fun and amazing service.
JOHN HEALD REMEMBERS
From the Belly Flop Contest to the finery of Formal Night, the early days of cruising set the foundation for everything Carnival does today. Carnival Cruise Line named John Heald its brand ambassador several years ago, and what a name he’s made for the brand! Since joining Carnival more than three decades ago, Heald has become one of the best-loved of its many popular cruise personalities. Thousands of friends and fans eagerly follow his daily blog and frequent social media posts, yet he somehow manages to make each person feel like he’s talking just to them.
Pillow Fighting and the Beer Drinking Competition. On formal night everyone wore tuxedos and beautiful dresses and yep, they were special times and the foundation for everything we do today.
JOHN HEALD
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Please tell us your memories of the original TSS Mardi Gras. What was it like to work on board? I started with Carnival in 1987 and served on the original Mardi Gras as assistant bar manager. She was a wonderful ship. The crew were all very close and everyone knew everyone else. The guests were called passengers back then and wow, did they have fun. Life was so simple. No bells and whistles or roller coasters. The cast of six dancers did all the activities and hosted events like the Belly Flop Contest,
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F C A R N I VA L C R U I S E L I N E S
Heald took time out to share thoughts on the evolution of the Carnival cruise experience, including his service on TSS Mardi Gras.
16 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 16
7/9/21 1:00 PM
INSPIRATION
"We have come full circle and while the old Mardi Gras cannot compare to the new ship, both have and do represent everything we have achieved on these almost 50 years. We would not have the new Mardi Gras if the original ship had not been the success she was and it is, I think, brilliant that we honor her name with this extraordinary new ship." — John Heald, Brand Ambassador, Carnival Cruise Line
What was the food like? The entertainment? How much has changed between then and now? The food for the guests was wonderful but choice was not what we know today on board. For lunch on Lido there was only hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and chocolate cake, all served on paper plates. But there were never any complaints. Dinner in the dining room was superb. Prime rib and lobster and beef Wellington and cherries jubilee and cappuccino pie were some of the most popular dishes. Entertainment was basic but massive fun. Trap shooting. Golf driving. Deck parties. The limbo contest. An eight-piece orchestra and six dancers in the show. Scenery on wheels that was pushed out into the stage and guest entertainers, comedians, singers and magicians. The ship was small — the fun was huge. How does the new Mardi Gras fit into the history of Carnival? We have come full circle and while the old Mardi Gras cannot compare to the new ship, both have and do represent everything we have achieved on these almost 50 years. We would not have the new Mardi Gras if the original ship had not been the success she was and it is, I think, brilliant that we honor her name with this extraordinary new ship. How would you define the overall guest experience on Carnival in the 1980s and 1990s, compared to today? The hair was bigger. It was a simple time. But really, nothing has changed. The moment the guests walk on the ship they are engulfed in fun and amazing service. And that is because of the crew. Throughout our history the crew has been a consistent and positive factor of the cruise experience. Their service and smiles and genuine care for the people who cruise with Carnival have never changed. What will most surprise guests about the new Mardi Gras? Well, for the many guests who have cruised with us many times before, I think the layout of the ship will be a surprise. So many people will be used to the layout of our other classes of ships and Mardi Gras is of course very different. So some will get lost and that itself is going to be fun to see. I think they will find the lobby breathtaking. The sight of a roller coaster whizzing around the open decks, sensational, and all the different bars and restaurants will be incomparable to anything we have offered before.
Follow Carnival’s cheerfully irreverent brand ambassador on Facebook: facebook.com/JohnHeald/
The cabin design and colors will be something very special for the guests as will the sheer size of the ship. And wait until they see what the shows and entertainment will offer. Wow. Double Wow and whatever comes after a Double Wow!! But what won’t have changed will be the crew who just like on the original Mardi Gras will be there smiling and making sure that the tradition of brilliant and unrivaled fun continues. When you cruise on the new Mardi Gras, what’s the first thing you want to do? Look at my photo. Surely you can guess. Yep, go to the gym, obviously. MARDI GRAS 2021 17
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 17
7/9/21 1:09 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 18
7/8/21 6:04 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_02_Leadership_and_Inspiration_v4.indd 19
7/8/21 6:05 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
20 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 20
7/8/21 6:44 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
FIVE DECADES OF BRINGING THE FUN
1972 TO
2021
A NOD TO WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND A SALUTE TO WHERE WE’RE HEADED.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN MIAMI The story of the original Mardi Gras is the story of a big dream that led to the creation of the world’s greatest cruise company. It was the vision of Ted Arison, who wanted to create the ultimate vacation for everyone at a time when pleasure cruising was mostly reserved for the wealthy. The dream came true when Arison’s company purchased Empress of Canada, which was refurbished and relaunched in Miami on March 11, 1972, as TSS Mardi Gras. And now the story continues...
MARDI GRAS 2021 21
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 21
7/8/21 6:45 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
SETTING SAIL
1972 CARNIVAL’S FIRST SHIP, TSS MARDI GRAS, MAKES HER MAIDEN VOYAGE
The first of what will become the legendary “Fun Ships,” she’s a makeover of RMS Empress of Canada, which Carnival had purchased from another cruise line.
TSS Mardi Gras
1975
CARNIVAL PURCHASES EMPRESS OF BRITAIN AND REMAKES HER AS TSS CARNIVALE
1979
1972 TED ARISON LAUNCHES CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines and chairman of the corporation until his retirement in 1990.
MICKY ARISON IS NAMED PRESIDENT OF CARNIVAL
TSS Carnivale
1978 TSS Festivale, formerly S.A. Vaal, undergoes a $30-million refurbishment and begins service for Carnival as the largest, fastest vessel sailing from Miami to the Caribbean.
22 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 22
7/8/21 6:45 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
THE ORIGINAL TSS MARDI GRAS LAUNCHED A CRUISE LINE AND A CRUISE INDUSTRY. HERE’S A LOOK BACK AT HOW IT ALL BEGAN — AND HOW FAR WE'VE COME.
MS Tropicale
1982
MS TROPICALE MAKES HER DEBUT She is the first new ship that the cruise industry has seen in many years, marking the beginning of an industry-wide, multibillion-dollar shipbuilding boom.
1984 Carnival becomes the first cruise line to advertise on national television, with the premiere of “We’ve Got the Fun,” starring Kathie Lee Johnson (later known as Kathie Lee Gifford).
1985 THE 46,000-TON HOLIDAY LAUNCHES, THE FIRST OF THREE CARNIVAL SHIPS IN THE HOLIDAY CLASS
Kathie Lee Johnson tours one of the Carnival “Fun Ships.”
MARDI GRAS 2021 23
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 23
7/9/21 12:23 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
1990 TED ARISON STEPS DOWN AS CHAIRMAN OF CARNIVAL’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS He hands the reins to his son, Micky Arison, who had learned the business from the ground up: first in the sales department, then as reservations manager and then as vice president of passenger traffic.
The 70,000-ton Carnival Fantasy enters service, the first of eight vessels in the highly successful Fantasy class.
Micky and Ted Arison, Carnival Fantasy
1987 CARNIVAL RAISES $400 MILLION FOR FUTURE EXPANSION, WITH AN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING OF STOCK Carnival earns the distinction as “Most Popular Cruise Line in the World,” carrying more passengers than any other.
Carnival Destiny
1996 CARNIVAL STARTS THE “MEGASHIP” TREND WITH THE LAUNCH OF CARNIVAL DESTINY The first passenger vessel to exceed 100,000 tons, she is the world’s largest cruise ship at the time.
2001
Carnival Spirit
CARNIVAL INTRODUCES A BRAND-NEW CLASS OF VESSEL WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE 88,000-TON CARNIVAL SPIRIT She is Carnival’s first new ship ever positioned in the Alaska and Hawaii markets.
24 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 24
7/9/21 10:13 AM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
2003
2011
WALL STREET SUCCESS Carnival Corporation & plc is formed with the acquisition of P&O UK, P&O Australia, Princess Cruises and AIDA Cruises, creating the world’s dominant player in the cruise industry.
CARNIVAL UNVEILS FUN SHIP 2.0 PROGRAM
WaterWorks, part of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fun Ship 2.0
The $500-million initiative transforms the Carnival vacation experience through innovative dining choices, unique bars and lounges, new entertainment options and more.
Closing bell, April 22, 2003
Carnival Dream
2009
THE BRAND-NEW DREAM CLASS DEBUTS Carnival Dream is the cruise line’s largest ship to date, at 130,000 tons.
2021
MARDI GRAS ARRIVES Among many firsts, she’s the first Carnival ship powered by liquefied natural gas.
2019
CARNIVAL PANORAMA DEBUTS Launching from Long Beach, California, she’s Carnival’s first new ship on the West Coast in more than 20 years.
MARDI GRAS 2021 25
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 25
7/8/21 6:51 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
THE MARDI GRAS STORY
1972
Carnival’s first ship, which entered service in 1972, introduced a whole new world of fun and exhilaration to the cruise industry. Nearly a half-century later, a new Mardi Gras brings even more excitement with thrilling recreation, mouth-watering cuisine, electrifying entertainment and trend-setting shopping.
Opposite page, inset: TSS Mardi Gras, which first set sail in 1972 with 530 passengers and 200 crew.
CRUISING THEN & NOW: BIRTH OF THE FUN When the name of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship was dramatically revealed on the signature Puzzleboard of the game show Wheel of Fortune, some people may have been transported back in time to 1972. That’s the year Israeli-American businessman Ted Arison launched Carnival’s first ship, the 906-guest TSS Mardi Gras, a 27,300-ton converted ocean liner that did no less than usher in the modern-day cruise industry.
26 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 26
7/10/21 11:33 AM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
What a difference 49 years makes! Artist’s rendering shows the two versions of Mardi Gras, the smaller introduced in 1972 and the larger launched in 2021. The 1972 ship packed plenty of fun, and the good times haven’t stopped rolling.
2021
Arison imagined a world where cruising would be an affordable mainstream vacation choice, a way for everyone to enjoy resort amenities while visiting exotic ports in the Caribbean. He built a company that would one day become the most popular and largest cruise brand in the world. But could even a visionary like Arison have imagined that, 50 years later, the company would launch its largest-ever ship, the 5,200-passenger Mardi Gras, nearly six times the size of the original and with exciting features such as six destination-themed zones for entertainment, dining and activities? And an actual roller coaster up on the top deck?
“Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand-new style of cruising to the vacationing public,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful vacation memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship’?” Neil Palomba, Carnival’s chief operating officer, calls the new ship “a game-changer,” just like its predecessor. “Carnival has made history since day one and the new Mardis Gras builds upon that legacy.” MARDI GRAS 2021 27
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 27
7/10/21 11:34 AM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
“OUR FIRST SHIP MARDI GRAS WAS A HISTORIC VESSEL, INTRODUCING A BRAND-NEW STYLE OF CRUISING TO THE VACATIONING PUBLIC.” — Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line
28 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 28
7/9/21 2:18 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
FUN FACTS REMEMBERING TSS MARDI GRAS • For the new ship, Carnival repainted the Canadian Pacific stack, changing the colors from green and white to Carnival’s red, white and blue. • TSS Mardi Gras could sail at 21 knots. • The Empress Deck on Carnival ships today stems from the original name of the ocean liner. • To give TSS Mardi Gras a modern vibe, some of the original woodwork was covered with glitzy metallic-foil wallpaper. • In addition to a large outdoor pool, TSS Mardi Gras had an indoor pool on a lower deck. • An early marketing slogan for the ship was “27,000 tons of fun.” • The ship’s two glass-enclosed promenades inspired the boulevard configuration of bars,
PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS “Mardi Gras promises to be something special,” Palomba says. “She’s truly unique and innovative and we can’t wait for our guests to experience all this fantastic ship has to offer.” Palomba is proud that the ship is the first in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas, which is part of Carnival’s commitment to serve the environment. “It embodies the future of cruise ship sustainability.” His must-see recommendations for guests include BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea; new restaurants from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodamin and Shaquille O’Neal, plus longtime Carnival favorites like Cucina del Capitano and the ship’s main dining rooms. “The new Chinese/Mexican restaurant ChiBang! is going to be awesome,” he promises. “Grand Central is amazing as well and I’m looking forward to what our entertainment team has put together to take advantage of this incredible space.” Guests are in for some exciting experiences, says Stefan Cristofferson, Carnival’s vice president of housekeeping and laundry. “Mardi Gras offers an extensive array of popular Carnival guest favorites along with new exciting experiences highlighted by six themed zones,” he says. “Throughout the ship’s 20 decks and in each of these distinctive areas, guests will find fun, memorable ways to create their own personalized vacation with dining, libation, entertainment, recreation and relaxation options. The accommodations will include more than 20 different stateroom categories and multiple levels of spacious and luxurious suites.”
eateries and entertainment on later
It’s been five years in the making, Palomba says.
Carnival ships.
“All our teams have pulled out all the stops to create this spectacular floating resort for our guests to enjoy. At Carnival, we’re all about fun and innovation and Mardi Gras lives up to that ideal.”
• The ship hosted a gala midnight buffet every night in the Flamingo Dining Room. • Guests originally paid cash for drinks. • A steel calypso band played on deck day and night, including for late-night conga lines. • TSS Mardi Gras sailed for Carnival from 1972 to 1993.
This page and opposite: Blasts from the Carnival past. Lounges, a guest stateroom, passageway and guest guidebook recall the days when the festive life of cruising was born.
MARDI GRAS 2021 29
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 29
7/9/21 2:19 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
The first voyage of TSS Mardi Gras set the standard for fun-filled vacations for all. The Carnival fleet has been known as the “Fun Ships” ever since that unforgettable launch. 30 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 30
7/9/21 2:20 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
Opposite page: Doorknob notice and Mardi Gras Directory. This page: Clockwise from top: TSS Mardi Gras’ Showboat Club casino; the “Fun Ships” vintage note card; the Grand Ballroom.
MARDI GRAS 2021 31
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 31
7/9/21 2:21 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 32
7/8/21 6:59 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 33
7/8/21 7:00 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
BOLT: THE ULTIMATE SEA COASTER
34 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 34
7/8/21 7:07 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY Is this rollicking attraction a little over the top? Well, yes — that was the whole idea. Thrill-seekers on Mardi Gras can experience the extreme “wow” of riding the world’s first roller coaster on a cruise ship. BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster is the industry’s most innovative and talked-about new feature. “We wanted to do something really special, really fun and something that has never been done before,” recalls Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s director of new build product development. “Introducing the first roller coaster at sea certainly fit the bill.” Carnival found a great partner in the visionary creators at Maurer Rides, a leading attractions company based in Munich, Germany. Maurer has been gaining buzz and winning awards for its land-based, interactive nextgeneration Spike roller coaster — a fan favorite at amusement parks in Germany and Italy. “Traditional roller coasters rely on gravity to get around the track, which doesn’t work on a moving ship,” Aprile explains.“The Spike Coaster system developed by Maurer is an electric-powered ride all the way through and the vehicle has constant traction with the track, making it a perfect fit for a roller coaster experience on a moving ship.” Even before it was installed on the top deck of Mardi Gras, 187 feet above the sea, BOLT was assembled and tested on the ground in Germany. Noise and vibration were later tested during sea trials – the No. 1 priority being the safety of guests. “Guests can expect an exhilarating, adrenaline-filled ride across nearly 800 feet of suspended track,” Aprile says, “achieving speeds of up to forty miles per hour and racecar-levels of acceleration, with a hairpin curve around the ship’s iconic funnel.” How exhilarating is it? You and a fellow rider are in a motorcycle-style car with the opportunity for many different experiences. You whirl around an 800-foot track with exciting twists, turns and drops — all on the top of the ship, in the open air, and with breathtaking 360-degree views of the sea. You choose the speed and each ride is unique. If you feel the need for more speed, a turbo-boost button lets you experience zooming at up to 40 mph — including on that hairpin turn. The photo is a memorable keepsake of the unique experience. Not to mention proof of bragging rights!
Climb aboard the two-seat car with personal controls and start zooming over 800 feet of track that doesn’t just twist, turn, dip and drop. It does all that while suspended 187 feet above the sea. The view is — well, see for yourself!
MARDI GRAS 2021 35
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 35
7/9/21 2:14 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO
Mardi Gras’ new home is ready, a spacious spot on the Space Coast of Florida. The design of Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral was inspired by nearby Kennedy Space Center.
ALL GO FOR LAUNCH Port Canaveral’s brand-new $163 million cruise terminal — known as the Launch Pad — is Mardi Gras’ home. The two-story, 187,000-square-foot terminal features a high-tech baggage processing facility and a state-of-the-art check-in and security area. The six-story parking garage accommodates 1,800 vehicles. 36 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 36
7/8/21 7:09 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
PORT CANAVERAL: HOME PORT SWEET HOME PORT Mardi Gras sails from a brand-new terminal with plenty of room and lots of high-tech tools to make guests feel even more welcome. When you set sail to the Caribbean on Mardi Gras, you do so from a shiny new two-story cruise facility at Port Canaveral, the second-most popular cruise port in the world (after Miami). The cutting-edge Cruise Terminal 3 ushers in a new era for the Space Coast port. The building’s futuristic design – with entire walls of glass— is inspired by the nearby Kennedy Space Center. At a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new “Launch Pad” in 2019, NASA’s “Spaceman” was on hand to plant a Carnival flag on a simulated lunar landscape. It was a recognition of the role Port Canaveral has played in the U.S. space program. The building of the $163 million station was the largest construction project in Port Canaveral’s 65-year history. Carnival itself has played a significant role in that history as the port’s No. 1 cruise line. With the launch of Mardi Gras, four Carnival ships call Port Canaveral home. Guests will experience the latest in terminal design at the 187,000-square-foot facility and adjacent six-story parking garage (which can accommodate 1,800 vehicles), connected by an elevated walkway. Technology assures a user-friendly experience — from the high-tech baggage processing for up to 10,000 bags on the first floor to the swift security and check-in on the second floor. When you disembark from the best vacation ever, facial recognition software will help speed you through Customs. “We began our operations from Port Canaveral nearly 30 years ago — coincidentally with our original ship of the same name,” says Carnival President Christine Duffy. “We’ve had a great relationship with Port Canaveral during that time and we’re proud, honored and excited that our newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, will sail from the new Terminal 3. We are pleased to be the port’s number one cruise line and Mardi Gras promises to be a spectacular addition to the Space Coast.”
Before or After Your Cruise There’s more to Orlando than the gynormous theme parks. Try one of these ideas: Head downtown for world-class shopping. Explore one of the area’s many parks and nature attractions. Taste the eclectic dining scene, ranging from fine French cuisine to craft breweries.
MARDI GRAS 2021 37
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 37
7/8/21 7:10 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY
CLEAN & GREEN With its innovative power source, Mardi Gras leads the way in low-impact cruising. Like its predecessor, the new Mardi Gras is a trailblazing ship. The new ship introduces a whole new era of next-generation green cruising in the U.S. and Caribbean. In a highly significant move, this is the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). In its liquefied state, LNG is odorless, colorless, more environmentally friendly and competitively priced compared to other fuels. It’s considered to be on the forefront of marine industry fuel technology. And it maintains its “liquefied” nature by being refrigerated at a very cold temperature — minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, Carnival Corporation has been the pioneer in use of the world’s cleanest-burning fossil fuel, both in port and at sea. In 2018, it became the first cruise company in the world to operate an LNG-powered cruise ship — the AIDAnova, operated by AIDA Cruises, Germany’s leading cruise brand. Since then, Carnival Corporation has debuted additional LNG ships for AIDA Cruises and Italian line Costa Cruises. Several LNG ships will arrive in coming years — including two sister ships for Mardi Gras.
38 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 38
7/8/21 7:11 PM
THE MARDIS GRAS STORY It’s not easy being the pioneer ushering in an era of low-carbon fuels. An entire infrastructure needed to be created at ports of call along the southern U.S. coast. As in Europe, Carnival worked with Shell Western LNG to develop support facilities in North America to supply fuel for Mardi Gras. The ship will be refueled with LNG at Port Canaveral using a new LNG barge, which is designed to meet cruise demand for LNG — and is the first barge of its kind in the U.S. “We are proud to be on the forefront of advancing LNG as a fuel source for the cruise industry,” says Tom Strang, senior vice president of maritime affairs for Carnival Corporation. “One of the keys to establishing LNG as a standard for powering cruise ships is building out an extensive, safe and reliable infrastructure across the globe for this clean-burning fossil fuel.” Carnival Corporation is proud of its achievements with LNG. Carnival President Christine Duffy says the company is “strongly committed to leading the way in the implementation of technology innovations to help protect the environment and support our aggressive sustainability goals.”
Custom refueling equipment is put in place at Port Canaveral, Florida. The 324-foot barge is attached to a 128-foot tug nicknamed Q4K, which was designed, engineered and certified to provide safe and reliable ship-to-ship transfers of LNG. The Q4K will provide LNG to cruise ships, starting with Mardi Gras in 2021.
“We are proud to be on the forefront of advancing LNG as a fuel source for the cruise industry.” — Tom Strang, Senior Vice President of Maritime Affairs, Carnival Corporation
MARDI GRAS 2021 39
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_03_TheMardiGrasStory_v3.indd 39
7/8/21 7:13 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION Discover your personal scent among many exquisite choices, like Chanel No. 5.
LET’S GO SHOPPING Jewelry becomes wearable art, souvenirs are true keepsakes meant to be cherished and major brands bring out their best for shoppers on the new Mardi Gras.
This bright little bag was designed exclusively for Mardi Gras guests by Miami artist Romero Britto. Below, the Fun Funnel Fan is a cool way to cool off.
WELCOME TO
CRUISING THEN & NOW: A RETAIL REVOLUTION Shopping has always been been part of the cruise experience, at least since TSS Mardi Gras first turned cruising into an experience in its own right. You could take home gifts and keepsakes, from jewelry to casual fashions and souvenirs; find the perfect finishing touch for your elegant attire on Formal Night; or pick up duty-free deals on top-shelf spirits. The shops carried an impressive assortment, and shop associates happily helped guests find the perfect gifts for family, friends or themselves. But the retail space was limited and contained only a few small shops. The sales experience was straightforward, mostly about making a purchase. Over the years, that would change steadily and dramatically. Today, the simple, no-frills shopping space has evolved into The Fun Shops, Carnival’s dazzling collection of brightly designed stores which, on Mardi Gras, covers three decks. “Shopping here is like so much else on the ship,” says Carnival Retail Director Andres Villalever. “It’s bigger, more elaborate and more like what guests have come to know on land. Here, you’ll find the latest styles from a variety of famous brands, of the caliber you would expect on Rodeo Drive or another fashionable shopping district.” Cruise shopping has become as much about the experience itself as about the items being purchased — if not more so. Today’s shops re-create the atmosphere and interactions that guests find at land-based retail stores, while adding duty-free savings and unique-to-your-experience products you can only get at sea. The Fun Shops offer exclusive Mardi Gras and destination-specific products, presented by highly trained associates who are expert in the brands they offer. But if cruise shopping has come a long way since its early days, it’s only because that’s the way guests have wanted it. Carnival takes a very deliberate approach in designing the retail space and tailoring its assortment to what guests seek. It’s a matter of stepping back and talking to guests to find out what they’re looking for and having the team members in place to create an experience that really resonates with them. Welcome to the latest era in the evolution of cruise retail!
40 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 40
7/9/21 3:21 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION The Heritage Collection
MARDI GRAS 2021 41
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 41
7/9/21 3:21 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
THAT WAS... THEN THE MARDI GRAS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE The Fun Shops on Mardi Gras were created to connect shoppers with exclusive products, innovative shopping experiences and elegant spaces that keep travelers returning multiple times throughout their voyages. For Mardi Gras, retail spaces and collections were carefully crafted to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, offering a nod to Carnival’s firstever ship by the same name that set sail in the 1970s. From details like store finishes to vintage-inspired inaugural collections, every facet of the shopping experience was carefully curated to provide shoppers with spaces that leverage technology and provide access to one-of-a-kind items, all while transporting travelers to a different era in time. Created in partnership with Heinemann Americas, the shop spaces are both upscale and inviting, drawing customers in with unique experiences, products and atmospheres. It’s all about creating moments for the guest, Villalever says. “I believe that shopping is about really becoming part of the onboard experience and merging with everything Carnival offers — from our shows, our flavors and the memories, so besides great quality products at incredible tax and duty free prices, retail is in reality an extension of the entire overall experience. We put passion into every product we create and the service we provide, and at the end of the day, our guests will be taking home something that reminds them of their memorable trip with us. And that’s exactly what we are here for.”
Bring home some souvenirs to commemorate this inaugural cruise, or something from new collections that spark joy.
42 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 42
7/9/21 3:21 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
The look has changed but the overall shopping experience has always been about bringing home memories of the ultimate vacation. Today, The Fun Shops have even more ways to help you do that.
MARDI GRAS 2021 43
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 43
7/9/21 3:23 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
THIS IS... WOW!
Carnival by Britto
44 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 44
7/9/21 3:07 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Rituals products are sold in a custom-designed space inside the HipFish™ Beauty Shop, offering different events throughout the voyage. Discover the elaborate Rituals tree and its meditations accompanied by Sutra bracelets that include representations of the guest’s wishes. Enjoy minitreatments with Rituals products that help you celebrate new beginnings.
The Heritage Collection A nostalgic assortment of apparel and accessories recalling Carnival’s classic seafaring history.
Be sure to visit The Fun Shops throughout your journey for these special experiences:
In the Port Side liquor shop, a Patron Tasting Bar offers you the opportunity to learn about the history of Patron tequila. Sample “The Boss” of tequila and receive a complimentary bottle engraved with an inscription of your choice on each exclusive Mardi Gras Patron bottle. Mardi Gras is also offering the first-ever Jack Daniel’s pop-up concept on a cruise. The shop features unique Jack Daniel’s merchandise and travel-exclusive whiskey options. Have your photo taken with a life-size sculpture of Jack himself, which greets customers as they enter the shop. Chanel joins Mardi Gras in celebrating a major milestone in 2021: the 100-year anniversary of its signature fragrance, Chanel No. 5. Stop by to visit the dedicated Chanel counter in the HipFishTM Beauty Shop, where the exclusive Chanel Beauty Advisor can share the rich heritage behind this legendary brand.
Remember your cruise every day with bags, tags and totes from the Carnival by Britto collection or a coffee mug from the Vessels Series.
While the retail space offers a wide array of products and brands, three collections take an especially innovative approach to curating and developing memorable gifts for cruise shoppers:
Carnival by Britto This engaging collection was created exclusively for Mardi Gras by Miami’s own Romero Britto. The acclaimed international artst is known for his use of vibrant imagery and fun patterns. His collection’s bright colors, warm aesthetics and abstract scenes of positivity exude what you will find on board: warmth, optimism and love. The Hull Collection Created from the same steel used to construct the ship, this one-of-a-kind jewelry line is inspired by the lively spirit of Mardi Gras. Each piece is carefully crafted with precision, featuring embellishments like tassels, mother-of-pearl stones encased in circular confetti designs, and colorful pavè crystals in Mardi Gras colors. This provides guests with the ability to relive their days onboard — and to take home the fun. Sprayground ® Taking cues from some of the most popular retail trends on land, Carnival brings exclusive Sprayground goods to Mardi Gras travelers at sea. The line’s exclusive Choose Fun backpack reimagines the iconic Carnival funnel design that is incorporated into a limited-edition product.
THE SHOPS OF THE FUN SHOPS
The home of great brands and amazing style at tax & duty free prices, Carnival’s onboard shops are located on three decks:
DECK 6 Cherry on TopTM HipFishTM Beauty & Fragrances Hip FishTM Accessories Invicta Store
DECK 7 The Carnival Store — Logo and Mardi Gras Souvenirs
DECK 8 Port Side Liquor & Tobacco Front Street Watches Effy Fine Jewelry
MARDI GRAS 2021 45
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 45
7/9/21 3:24 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
The Sprayground® Collection
Carnival partnered with Sprayground® to create innovative, dynamic designs for clothing and accessories that bring in the next wave of style.
46 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 46
7/9/21 3:25 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
The Fun Ship Speaker, winner of DFNI Americas’ 2021 award for Hero Product of the Year.
CARNIVAL LOGO AND MARDI GRAS COLLECTIONS In 2020, Carnival Panorama successfully debuted the largest logo collection any cruise line had ever launched at sea. The assortment has continued to impress, leading the Carnival Retail Team to win a prestigious DFNI Americas Award in 2021 for Hero Product of the year: a floating speaker in the shape of a Carnival ship. “The entire team is very proud of this achievement and it came at the right time to recognize the hard work my team always puts into everything they do,” says Carnival Retail Director Andres Villalever. “Our top priority is to always ensure our guests have fun while on our cruises in a safe environment. It’s all about our guests’ experience! We had a lot of fun creating this product, then promoting it and selling it, and the cherry on top was to receive the recognition of our guests and fans, crowned with the DFNI Product of the Year award. I can’t feel more thankful and blessed.” In 2021, the retail revolution brings even more fun, high-quality souvenirs, from apparel to drinkware. These logo products also feature Mardi Gras and itinerary/destination products, as well as some great partnerships complementing the already exquisite guest experience, such as the Fun editions of Monopoly and Family Feud, with twists to the classic board game.
THE BEST NAMES ON BOARD A big part of The Fun Shops’ appeal is the wide range of brands you’ll find here, from top-selling favorites you’ve dreamed of possessing and new ones to take home and start a few trends of your own. Brands listed here could change between voyages. Keep visiting The Fun Shops so you don’t miss anything!
BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE Chanel Dior Rituals Estee Lauder Lancome Clinique Tom Ford Gucci Tiffany & Co. Bath & Body Works Victoria’s Secret
TIMEPIECES Breitling TAG Heuer Tissot Longines Bulova Citizen FASHION JEWELRY Alex and Ani Kendra Scott Swarovski The Hull Jewelry Collection
Brand assortment is subject to change.
The Fun Shops are open on sea days and in the evenings when the ship is in port.
MARDI GRAS 2021 47
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 47
7/9/21 3:26 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
Effy Fine Jewelry: The Fun Shops carry a full assortment of jewelry by Effy, the brand world-renowned for exquisite craftsmanship of diamond and gemstone designs. Effy is the perfect choice for The Fun Shops; both combine classic style with a modern sensibility. The company was founded more than 30 years ago by Effy Hematian, who built his jewelry business into one of the most admired and respected in the industry. Effy is renowned for its use of colored gemstones and for the quality and craftsmanship that go into each design. Designers use more than 150,000 carats of precious gemstones each year, hand sorted at the company’s New York City factory. “From day one,” Hematian says, “I’ve been obsessed with quality and craftsmanship. If you have a true passion for what you do, anything is possible.” “We couldn’t be more excited about the great partnership we have with Effy,” Villalever says. “We wanted to bring the best fine jewelry experience to our guests and we are guaranteeing they will find quality and excellence in every design.”
Carnival Funnel and Circle Diamond Pendant from Effy
“We couldn’t be more excited about the great partnership we have with Effy. We wanted to bring the best fine jewelry experience to our guests and we are guaranteeing they will find quality and excellence in every design.” — Andres Villalever, Retail Director, Carnival Cruise Line 48 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 48
7/9/21 5:35 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
Carnival Funnel Diamond Pendant from Effy
Watercolor selections from Effy
Exclusively from Effy: Carnival and Effy have collaborated on two jewelry creations that evoke the spirit of cruising while elevating the whole notion of keepsakes. The Watercolor Collection uses multi-colored sapphires and pavé diamonds to create starfish shapes and other marine mementos. Shapes, textures and vibrant color create a one-of-akind glamour for day or night. Effy has also created a diamondencrusted pendant in the shape of the Carnival funnel. It’s a must-have for Carnival fans or anyone who wants an elegant conversation piece.
Watercolor Diamond and Gemstone Ring from Effy
All the exclusives were created with Carnival and its guests in mind: fun, casual but still stylish and modern. They’re the perfect way to celebrate returning to sea in style.
MARDI GRAS 2021 49
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 49
7/8/21 6:24 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
The Hull Collection
“We put passion into every product we create and the service we provide, and at the end of the day, our guests will be taking home something that reminds them of their memorable trip with us. And that’s exactly what we are here for.” — Andres Villalever, Retail Director, Carnival Cruise Line
Wearable Memories: The Hull Collection, a collaboration between Carnival and Effy, crafted limited-edition jewelry from the steel used to build Mardi Gras’ hull.
50 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 50
7/8/21 9:23 PM
RETAIL REVOLUTION
Indulge in delicious treats at Cherry on Top™ — the onboard candy store — where you can find your favorite confectionery goodies. Check out what else is available at this sweet spot!
HITTING THE SWEET SPOTS: The Fun Shops offer three special spots and one unique memento to make your cruise even more unforgettable.
beautifully composed and perfectly snapped images ready for your photo album or an honored space on your wall. And the unofficial family photographer finally gets to be in the picture!
Carnival Adventures has everything you need in port, from snorkeling sets or water shoes for beach trips, to sunscreen and insulated water bottles for protection. (For the best experience, be sure to book your excursions at the Carnival Adventures Desk on board or through the Carnival HUB app.)
Monopoly Carnival Fun Edition is the classic board game with landing spaces on 28 popular Carnival Cruise Line features and attractions, including the BOLT roller coaster, Cherry on TopTM , Lido Marketplace and JavaBlue Café. Money is emblazoned with an image of the line’s iconic funnel. Players get challenges from Cruise Director Announcements and Funnel Chest cards, and game pieces include, appropriately enough, a cruise ship.
Cherry on Top™ is cruising’s sweet spot. You’ll find more than 120 kinds of bulk candy, including a Carnival-branded collection of goodies. This is also the place to shop for great products for the kids and the entire family, like the Dr. Seuss at Sea Cruiser collection or the Carnival Cruising Ducks. Be sure to shop the wide selection of gifts and party goods plus great gifts to take home.
Carnival Cruise Line Monopoly is available on board the ship and at shop.carnival.com.
For other sweet memories, get your group together and strike a pose at Dream Studios.. The ship’s professional photographers will capture your time on board with
MARDI GRAS 2021 51
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 51
7/8/21 6:25 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 52
7/8/21 6:26 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_04_RetailRevolution.indd 53
7/8/21 6:27 PM
ZONED OUT
ZONED OUT+
Six unique entertainment zones — PLUS, areas for shopping, re-energizing and relaxing — guarantee you’ll always have somewhere thrilling to go and something exciting to do when you get there.
5
3
6
2
4
1
CRUISING THEN & NOW: FUN GROWS UP The original Mardi Gras debuted in 1972 as “27,000 tons of cruise fun,” and the cruise world has never been the same. With its first ship, Carnival rejected the stately ocean-liner vibe to embrace the spirit of Las Vegas, even with the limited space. Guests flocked to the shiny Grand Ballroom for shows and dancing, played pool and shuffleboard, made wagers at the casino, raced wooden horses and filled their plates at nightly midnight buffets.
1
GRAND CENTRAL
3
SUMMER LANDING
5
LIDO
2
FRENCH QUARTER
4
LA PIAZZA
6
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND
54 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 54
7/8/21 7:21 PM
ZONED OUT
From bow to stern, Mardi Gras is all about good times! Explore the new zones, each with its own distinct sense of fun, and don’t forget the classic spaces.
10
8
9
7
11
12
The new Mardi Gras, Carnival’s largest ship ever, takes that innovative spirit and commitment to fun from its namesake but ups the ante for the 21st century, combining one-of-a-kind experiences with longtime Carnival favorites to create the ultimate “Fun Ship” vacation.
fun-seekers more and easier ways to explore cutting-edge attractions — including a first-of-its-kind roller coaster, the largest water park in the fleet, a new jazz club, the Punchliner Comedy Club and restaurants helmed by Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Rudi Sodamin and Shaquille O’Neal.
For the first time on a Carnival ship, guests will find themed zones, six dining and entertainment complexes each with its own vibe. This brand-new concept for Carnival offers
That’s how Mardi Gras does fun today – more places to chill, more activities to thrill, just the way you like it.
+
7
+ LOFT 19: CABANA & POOL
9
8
+ DECK 18: SERENITY ADULTONLY RETREAT
10
+ DECK 6: CLOUD 9 SPA
11
+ DECKS 4 AND ABOVE: STATEROOMS
+ DECK 6: CHERRY ON TOP
12
+ DECKS 4 AND ABOVE: STATEROOMS
MARDI GRAS 2021 55
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 55
7/9/21 2:26 PM
ZONED OUT
1
2
3
4
56 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 56
7/8/21 7:35 PM
ZONED OUT
5
6
YOU’RE IN THE ZONES
Six uniquely designed areas offer entertainment, food, fun and relaxation for a vacation experience like no other. Fun is around every corner on Mardi Gras, where restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are divided into six unique themed zones. You’ll never be lost for places to find good food, a refreshing drink or an engaging activity. Spend time in each of the ship’s distinctive areas or return again and again to a few — a Carnival cruise lets you customize the experience for ultimate enjoyment.
SO . . . WHAT’S YOUR ZONE? 1
GRAND CENTRAL
2
FRENCH QUARTER
3
SUMMER LANDING
4
LA PIAZZA
Let’s get social
Big times in the Big Easy
Chill out and kick back
Mediterranean moods
5
LIDO
6
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND
All new, all in for fun
Get your games on
Read on for all the details of each zone.
MARDI GRAS 2021 57
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 57
7/8/21 7:36 PM
ZONED OUT
GRAND CENTRAL Decks 6-8 mid-ship
FUN BY THE NUMBERS Here’s what you’ll find at each of the six unique zones on Mardi Gras. No two guests are alike, so why should their vacations be? Mardi Gras’ six zones are all about letting guests create the perfect vacation, customized just for them. Each zone offers its own unique array of dining, libation, entertainment, recreation and relaxation options. Let’s start at the beginning: Grand Central, Mardi Gras’ atrium, is a first-of-its-kind, centrally-located zone, spanning three decks vertically. It is the first space guests arrive at when embarking, creating an exciting and dramatic first impression. A remarkable technical achievement, Grand Central is located on the side of the ship rather than in the middle as is typical on other ships. “This move allows for a transformative space that is both an innovative performance venue and a central hub with expansive ocean views through soaring three-deck-high windows and multiple dining, cocktail and retail areas,” says Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s director of new build product development.
ZONE
1
Mardi Gras has turned Carnival’s atrium concept inside out — or rather, outside in, with three-deck-high floor-to-ceiling windows bringing breathtaking ocean views into the ship’s social hub. It sits at the heart of Mardi Gras’ fabulous dining and entertainment complex. “This stunning design masterpiece provides an inspiring setting for fun daytime entertainment activities or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee or cocktail,” Aprile says. “At night, Grand Central transforms into an impressive theatrical venue with live music and an ever-changing line-up of spectacular high-energy shows, each with a different theme each night.
Zone 1: Grand Central
Swing by for a latte at JavaBlue Cafe or kick back to live music. Savor a cocktail with friends at the Center Stage Bar and watch the sun set on another fun vacation day. Flit upstairs for a Japanese feast at Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, where the foodprep show is as satisfying as the meal. After dinner, head to Piano Bar 88 for martini-fueled singalongs or catch a gutbusting act at Punchliner Comedy Club. The Mardi Gras Casino and fleet favorite Alchemy Bar are mere steps away. Day or night, this spot is always buzzing with activity.
WHAT WON’T YOU FIND IN GRAND CENTRAL? Guest services and Carnival Adventures — they’re now tucked away between Summer Landing and La Piazza on deck 8.
Here’s where you’ll find Carnival’s premier dining, entertainment, action and relaxation spaces. Each zone has its own distinct local vibe.
Punchliner Comedy Club
JavaBlue at Grand Central, the heart of the ship. Bonsai Sushi 58 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 58
7/9/21 3:40 PM
ZONED OUT
With floor-to-ceiling windows opening up breathtaking ocean views, it’s no wonder Grand Central is one of the ship’s most popular gathering spots. Make time to explore all the zones — you’re sure to find at least one that’s a perfect fit.
FRENCH QUARTER Deck 6 aft
ZONE
2
The good times roll in the French Quarter, where the festive spirit of New Orleans takes over the high seas. Get back to the bayou at celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s first-ever sea-going restaurant. At Emeril’s Bistro 1396, you can dine on Creole classics like jambalaya, po-boys and gumbo.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396
It wouldn’t be the Big Easy if you couldn’t slip into a bar to hear some hot jazz. The Brass Magnolia looks like an elegant Southern home, where guests can enjoy Crescent City cocktail specials and fast riffs by a jazz trio, NOLA-style. Ask the bartender to set you right with a fruity Hurricane or the locally loved Brandy Crusta. If you prefer a voodoo vibe, seek out the spirits at the Fortune Teller, an unassuming bar where the mixologists don’t need tarot cards to intuit your drink of choice. The color-changing Abracadabra could be the magic elixir you need, or perhaps the all-black New Moon suits the mood of midnight hauntings. Choose a seat wisely — we heard a French Quarter ghost might have stowed away on board.
Fortune Teller Bar
Left: Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s Bistro 1396 and the Fortune Teller bar.
MARDI GRAS 2021 59
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 59
7/9/21 3:40 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 60
7/8/21 7:39 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 61
7/8/21 7:39 PM
ZONED OUT
SUMMER LANDING Deck 8, aft
ZONE
3
Summer Landing is the place to go for the best of summer R&R — pools, beer, BBQ, live music, beanbag toss games and ice cream. You’ll get the best wake views cooling off in the infinity pool on deck 8 aft. Quench your thirst and your need for vitamin D at the al fresco Watering Hole bar. Grab a refreshing Watermelon Cooler or Tequila Sunset and find a lounge chair or patio table to call home. If the weather isn’t summery enough, slip into two hot tubs — they’re only steps away. So is a Swirls soft-serve ice cream station, because somehow it’s never too cold for ice cream.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokhouse | Brewhouse
If you want to chill indoors, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers the perfect hangout spot, complete with a bar serving Carnival’s line of craft beers brewed on board.
HOW DO THEY DO THAT? Take a brewery tour to find out! Get tickets to Flavortown with Guy Fieri’s smoked-on board BBQ dishes and enjoy live music performances while you lick those fingers clean.
Have a sip, have a seat, have an amazing time at Summer Landing! Watering Hole bar
Summer Landing 62 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 62
7/8/21 7:40 PM
ZONED OUT La Piazza
LA PIAZZA Deck 8 mid-ship
ZONE
4
When you’re craving the flavor of the Mediterranean, head to La Piazza. It’s designed to resemble an Italian courtyard, and also displays a Vespa scooter and a Fiat automobile – both from 1972, the year of Carnival’s founding.
Pizzeria del Capitano Cucina del Capitano
Looking for a casual meal? Follow the roving musicians through La Piazza to Cucina del Capitano, a family-style restaurant that pays homage to Carnival’s senior officers and the authentic cuisine of their heritage with photos, framed uniforms and other memorabilia. You’ll celebrate amore amid red-and-white checked tablecloths and Italian dishes such as arancini, pork chops and spaghetti with handmade meatballs. The captains also give their stamp of approval to the popular Pizzeria del Capitano. When you crave fresh mozzarella, crisp oven-fresh dough and rich tomato sauce at any time, day or night, stroll down to La Piazza for a Neapolitan pizza fix.
MARDI GRAS 2021 63
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 63
7/8/21 7:41 PM
ZONED OUT Guy’s Burger Joint
LIDO Decks 16 – 17, mid-ship and aft
Big Chicken
ZONE
5
If your vacation centers on poolside fun and relaxation, you’ll love the reimagined Lido on Mardi Gras. It’s got it all: pools and hot tubs, Dive-In Movies to watch from lounge chairs, BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch tacos, late-night deck parties, ocean vistas and an endless supply of ice cream. All that sun got you hungry? Mardi Gras sports the largest Guy’s Burger Joint at sea, a Seafood Shack for New Englandstyle “lobstah” rolls and Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant, the first one at sea. The new Street Eats venue is a food truck festival at sea. Choose from an international selection of graband-go dishes: steamed (bao buns), grilled (kebabs and satay) or fried.
Blue Iguana Cantina
No Lido lounge session is complete without a fruity rum-based concoction. The Red Frog has gone Polynesian with a twodeck RedFrog Tiki Bar. Belly up to the thatched roof bar to procure a Polynesian Punch or Jungle Bird.
Lido Deck 64 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 64
7/9/21 2:38 PM
ZONED OUT
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND Decks 18 – 20 aft
ZONE
6
This playground is part amusement park, part water park and part sports pavilion. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, head straight for BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster. Unlike on land-based roller coasters, here you’re in the driver’s seat, controlling the speed as you dip and curve along an 800-foot-long track. Put the pedal to the metal to race up to 40 mph. Prefer to get wet? Cool off at the largest Carnival WaterWorks in the fleet. Here, you can race friends down twin slides, splash down three spiral waterslides or get doused from a giant tipping bucket. Let your competitive spirit out at SportSquare, with a fast-paced game of hoops at the basketball court or a more leisurely game of mini-golf. If you dare, strap on a harness and traverse the ropes course more than 18 decks above the ocean. Enjoy a short zip-line ride at the end – just don’t look down!
Come out and play! Get wet, get up to speed and get game at The Ultimate Playground. MARDI GRAS 2021 65
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_05_Zone_Out_V2.indd 65
7/8/21 7:54 PM
PLAY TIME!
DIVE INTO FUN
EVERYBODY IN THE POOLS!
Infinity Tides Pool on the Lido Deck
Water Worlds
From kids to grownups, there’s something for everyone to splash about in the pools of Mardi Gras. Beach Pool
66 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_10_Pools.indd 66
7/9/21 12:27 PM
Serenity Pool
Summer Landing
Havana Pool
WaterWorks
You’ll enjoy waves full of adventure on Mardi Gras, where you can try a different pool for each day of your cruise. Come on in — the water’s fun! MARDI GRAS 2021 67
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_10_Pools.indd 67
7/8/21 8:01 PM
WELL-BEING
WELL-BEING INSIDE & OUT Everything to make you feel brand-new.
68 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 68
7/8/21 8:15 PM
WELL-BEING
SPOILER ALERT An indulgent spa, state-of-the art fitness center and cozy accommodations — get ready to be spoiled.
CRUISING THEN & NOW: THE EVOLUTION OF REJUVENATION When TSS Mardi Gras debuted, it wowed the cruise world with its classic cabins and indoor pool and sauna. The new ship introduces a whole new, ergonomically friendly stateroom design and Carnival’s signature spa and fitness center with ocean views. The new ship offers more suites than any other before it — 180 in total. It’s the first in the fleet to offer the new premium-level Carnival Excel Suites, which include amenities such as a dedicated concierge phone line, guaranteed specialty dining reservations, complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda package, upgraded bathroom amenities, room service and laundry. Excel guests also get access to Loft 19, a secluded retreat modeled after the world’s finest resorts with full bar service, a private whirlpool surrounded by sun loungers and spacious cabanas available for rent. “We wanted to make sure that our newest ship had more choices to stay and more choices to play,” says Glenn Aprile, director of new build product development. “All our accommodations have been designed to exceed guests’ expectations, and the suite offerings will kick that up a notch or two for those who want an extra-special Choose Fun vacation.” Cloud 9 Spa offers many soothing ways to relax and get some “you” time.
Relax and plan your next adventure or your next cocktail. It’s all up to you.
MARDI GRAS 2021 69
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 69
7/9/21 2:41 PM
WELL-BEING The ultimate feel-good place to relax on Mardi Gras is within the soothing ambience of the Cloud 9 Spa, where you can de-stress and forget the world. While the whole vacation is a treat, this is where you can truly feel spoiled — and beautified. You’ll feel pampered from the moment you arrive. De-stress with a hands-on, expertly delivered wellness treatment such as a soothing hot stone massage, aromatherapy, full-body wrap (try the seaweed for detox!) or other indulgences from a full menu — which also includes energy boosting treatments. A new VIP Suite comes with its own massage room and whirlpool bath, the perfect place to forget the world as a couple. Visit the hair and beauty salon for a whole new you — with rejuvenating facials, the latest hairstyles, nail treatments, waxing and even barber services (including close shaves!) for men. The spa team has the goal of making you both look and feel good. If you’ve always wanted to try acupuncture, here’s your opportunity. The ship’s licensed acupuncturist can soothe what ails you using ancient methods — and lots of pins (it doesn’t hurt) — to focus on areas of concern from back pain to digestive problems. Go full-throttle on a new you with cosmetics treatments that nip wrinkles without surgery — such as Botox or Dermal fillers. They’re delivered by a Medi-Spa physician, a licensed medical doctor. In the largest Thermal Suite on any Carnival ship, you can turn to mush while relaxing on one of the heavenly heated ceramic loungers. Or dip in the warm water of the Thalassotherapy Pool with its soothing jets. More opportunities to clear your mind come in wellness spaces such as the dry-heat Laconium or the Hamman (Turkish bath), where steam soothes the soul.
hairstyles, pedicures and mother/ daughter or father/son massages. Teens are sure to ooh and ahh at the opportunity to try a Fabulously Fruity Facial or Magical Manicure. Head up a deck and you can work out in the largest ocean-view fitness center in the fleet, packed with state-of-the-art equipment and with sparkling studios for fitness classes — such as yoga, Pilates, Flywheel cycling and Carnival’s famous boot camp. Work off those evening indulgences or work on a new you — the fitness center’s personal trainers can tailor a program that you can practice on the ship and at home.
The spa serves a full menu of indulgent face and body treatments, while the fitness center offers the latest cardio and weighttraining equipment.
Top left: The reception area for the Cloud 9 Spa leads to a world of ultimate rejuvenation. Center left: The largest fitness center in the Carnival fleet has everything you need to get in top shape.
Bottom left: The Serenity AdultOnly Retreat is for guests 21 and older. It’s the perfect perch from which to contemplate the amazing vacation you’re enjoying!
Carnival hasn’t forgotten about the parental thrill of indulging a tween or teen on vacation. Zspa delivers trendy
70 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 70
7/9/21 2:44 PM
WELL-BEING
Cloud 9 Spa Treatment Room
Cloud 9 Spa Suite with Balcony
De-stress, detox and delight at the spa and fitness center and in your stateroom or suite. MARDI GRAS 2021 71
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 71
7/8/21 8:20 PM
WELL-BEING
72 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 72
7/8/21 8:21 PM
WELL-BEING
WARM UP AND CHILL OUT Discover your perfect setting in the largest Thermal Suite on any Carnival ship. The suite features several environments thoughtfully designed by Carnival’s master climate artists. Whether you prefer to lounge in dry heat or favor soothing moisture, you can relax and reinvigorate just the way you like.
Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite MARDI GRAS 2021 73
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 73
7/8/21 8:21 PM
WELL-BEING
HOW SUITE IT IS The most luxurious amenity of all: Room to relax.
What’s new about the accommodations on Mardi Gras? Everything. They’re the most innovative in the fleet. Developed in partnership with DCA Design International, a leading product design firm based in Warwick, England, they reflect new, innovative design practices that are ergonomically friendly and maximize visual space, clean lines, surfaces and storage.
Havana Cabana Stateroom
Stefan Christofferson, vice president, housekeeping and laundry, says Carnival partnered with DCA Design International and Miami-based interior architects Studio Dado to create new and innovative practices that are ergonomically-friendly and maximize visual space, clean lines, surfaces and storage. “This thoughtful, guest-centric approach means more comfortable staterooms to make our guests feel right at home during their cruise.” The new look features spectacular updates, from round lighted vanity mirrors to sofas that easily convert to a single bed. Ottomans double as hampers (with hidden storage) and you can see what’s in the mini-fridge thanks to clear-glass doors. Bedside reading lights are adjustable, so you won’t disturb your roommate. And you won’t have to decide which device to plug in — there are lots of USB and power outlets. When you head outdoors onto the balcony, it’s through stunning floor-to-ceiling glass doors. And can we talk about the bathrooms? Those glass shower doors downright sparkle, the sinks are huge and notice, too, the addition of an in-shower leg-shaving bar.
Carnival Excel Suite
Suite guests are uber-pampered. You’ll find all the favorite offerings including the popular Cloud 9 Spa Suites, roomy Family Harbor Suites and vibrantly colored Havana Suites. Carnival also went really big on Mardi Gras with four brand-new categories of ultra-premium Carnival Excel Suites. These big, ultra-luxurious oases come with expansive balconies with room for lounging and dining. The pinnacle is two Excel Presidential Suites, both on Deck 17, with spacious living, dining and sleeping areas and the biggest balconies in the fleet. Here, guests can indulge in sea views while lounging on large sunbeds, dining alfresco, relaxing in private soaking pools or enjoying an outdoor shower.
Newly redesigned staterooms offer more balcony, ocean view and interior choices than ever before. Prefer a suite? You have more than 180 to choose from, the most on any Carnival ship. Cloud 9 Spa Suite 74 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 74
7/9/21 2:44 PM
WELL-BEING
Carnival Excel Presidential Suite
Carnival Excel Presidential Suite
Carnival Excel Presidential Suite Balcony MARDI GRAS 2021 75
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 75
7/8/21 8:26 PM
WELL-BEING
Ocean Suite
Carnival Excel Aft Suite Balcony in the Evening
Family Harbor
76 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 76
7/8/21 8:31 PM
WELL-BEING
Carnival Excel Aft Suite Balcony in the Daytime
“This thoughtful, guest-centric approach means more comfortable staterooms to make our guests feel right at home during their cruise.” — Stefan Christofferson, Vice President, Housekeeping and Laundry Carnival Cruise Line
A dozen huge Carnival Excel Corner Suites have expansive wraparound balconies with private openair hot tubs — a real “wow”. In addition to the extra pampering and perks that all suite guests receive, Excel Suites offer exclusive, unlimited access to Loft 19, a private, upper-deck resort-style whirlpool surrounded by cushy loungers and luxurious cabanas. It’s found exclusively on Mardi Gras.
MARDI GRAS 2021 77
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 77
7/9/21 3:44 PM
WELL-BEING
DETAILS MATTER Whatever style of accommodations you choose, you’ll find guest-centric design that gets it right. From clever storage solutions to thoughtful lighting, it’s the little things that mean a lot.
Premium Balcony Stateroom
Premium Balcony Stateroom 78 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 78
7/9/21 5:32 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_07_Relaxation_v2.indd 79
7/9/21 5:32 PM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
IT’S SHOWTIME! The stage is set: Musical acts, game show antics and more, including a whole world of fun just for young cruisers.
CRUISING THEN & NOW: FROM GLITZ TO PURE PIZZAZZ Entertainment has always been part of Carnival’s DNA, even as it’s changed and grown over the years. The original Mardi Gras debuted with a calypso band on deck, a Las Vegasstyle review featuring glitzy costumes in the theater and a two-deck indoor cinema — plus notorious late-night conga lines and parties out on deck. Good times for all on board! Today’s Mardi Gras presents the next chapter in Carnival’s entertainment story: name-brand acts, including the exclusive Family Feud Live! game show, plus a never-ending repertoire of music, dance, Broadway-quality production shows, exciting nightlife and pop-up parties, games and contests throughout your cruise. Through it all, families, kids, tweens and teens get their own lineup of exclusive fun. “For years we have been developing new ideas that our guests have never seen,” says Christopher Nelson, Carnival’s vice president, entertainment. “Mardi Gras created an entirely new class of ship. We built entertainment the same way.”
IMAGINATION TAKES CENTER STAGE Mardi Gras is a ship filled with big ideas, and Carnival’s entertainment designers unleashed their creativity like never before. Perhaps their boldest idea is Center Stage, a magnificent space where performers include singers, dancers and musicians, all powered by an advanced production studio on the cutting edge of technology.
THE PRESENT: CENTER STAGE, ATRIUM
Center Stage is the star of the ship's Atrium. It's situated to keep the main pathways clear, but you'll want to stop and stay awhile.
“Mardi Gras created an entirely new class of ship. We built entertainment the same way.” — Christopher Nelson, Vice President, Entertainment, Carnival Cruise Line
80 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 80
7/9/21 9:22 AM
THE PAST: FUN TIMES 1972's TSS Mardi Gras presented the ultimate in cruise entertainment for its time. What mattered: Everyone had a blast!
MARDI GRAS 2021 81
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 81
7/9/21 3:51 PM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
Rock Revolution in The Mardi Gras Theater
The Mardi Gras Theater
Talented entertainers dazzle audiences in several grand spaces. Besides Center Stage, performance venues include The Mardi Gras Theater, the ship's main stage; and a second comedy club, The Limelight Lounge.
82 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 82
The Limelight Lounge
7/9/21 3:51 PM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
FOR MORNING-TO-MIDNIGHT THRILLS “For years,” Nelson says, "we have been developing new ideas that our guests have never seen. The concepts require large spaces, extensive technology and incredibly talented performers, and Mardi Gras gives us the opportunity to bring these ideas to life.” It's larger than life, actually, on a stage three decks high. Located on the starboard side of the Atrium, Center Stage is a technological wonder designed for morning-to-midnight thrills. During the day, ocean views fill the windows behind the stage and guests can enjoy parties and games or just meet up for coffee or drinks. In the evening, it converts to a live performance area. Enormous high-resolution LED monitors — each measuring 70 feet wide by 23 feet high — swivel down in front of the windows to transmit live broadcasts of Center Stage events. The studio also will produce satellite TV broadcasts, in-stateroom programming, Seaside Theater content scheduling and ship-wide live events. Each night is themed to a different experience, from the magic of New Orleans to the glitz of Las Vegas. The cruise director leads a merry band of entertainers called the Fun Squad, and the good times just keep rolling. Even more rousing entertainment is on stage in the 902-seat Mardi Gras Theater.
Celestial Strings
Rock Revolution
Celestial Strings
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 83
MARDI GRAS 2021 83
7/9/21 9:24 AM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY DJs play your favorite tunes.
Live music of every popular style is here to keep toes tapping and smiles brightening.
SOUNDS OF MUSIC AND LAUGHTER Comedy fans will be thrilled to discover the laughs on board are bigger than ever. Carnival is the world’s largest employer of comics in the world, hosting thousands of live performances a year, and the new ship continues that tradition. Not one, but two dedicated comedy venues are on board: The Limelight Lounge and The Punchliner Comedy Club, featuring a total of six comics. Live music is all around Mardi Gras, everything from classical works to classic rock. “Just like the original Mardi Gras, music plays an important role on the new ship," Nelson says. "We have curated music specific to each location and have live music throughout the ship. If you're looking for a romantic evening or an energetic party band, we have the variety for you.”
Piano Bar 88
When evening falls, get everyone together for a sing-along at the Piano Bar and then head to the nightclub to tunes spun by DJs. Besides the Latin quartet and string and horn trios that Carnival guests have grown to love, there are three new ways to hear live music:
• Jazz: At The Brass Magnolia in the French Quarter, a trio plays traditional jazz and New Orleans-influenced blues, plus smooth jazz in the style of David Sanborn, George Benson, Grover Washington and Sade.
The Punchliner Comedy Club
• Backyard Band: During the day at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, it’s a backyard summer party as a four-piece cover band plays country, rock and blues as you chow down on Guy Fieri’s succulent menu. At night, the tables are cleared for a dance party with classic rock, funk and pop. • Center Stage Band: The new performance space in the Atrium gets a four-piece residency band performing a variety of shows and events complete with themed sets. Horn and string trios will sit in sometimes. 84 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 84
The Brass Magnolia
7/9/21 9:27 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 85
7/9/21 9:28 AM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
AS THE CURTAIN RISES In the beautiful main-stage theater, Playlist Productions shows present beloved music in a whole new way, performed by a talented international team of singers and dancers. Carnival’s own in-house creative team comes up with these high-energy shows, and it’s not uncommon for audiences to stand up and exuberantly applaud after witnessing their extraordinary talents:
Broadway Beats
• Broadway Beats takes an imaginative, exhilarating trip through the city with brand new interpretations of some of Broadway’s greatest hits. • Celestial Strings merges the beauty of classical music with modern pop beats. It’s a multi-sensory symphony for the soul that takes place in an enchanted garden. • Rock Revolution: Summer of ’69 re-creates the psychedelic 1960s with a modern twist, inspired by the most famous festival in rock history: Woodstock.
Broadway Beats
• Stay tuned for your chance to star in the live version of Family Feud, one of TV’s longest-running and most-watched game shows. (See “Let’s Start the Feud.”)
TIME FOR FUN AND GAMES There’s plenty more happening on the sea. Try games like Wheely Big Trivia and Wheely Big Challenge; Carnival Caper, a comedy whodunnit; or the challenging Walk the Plank. Show your pop-music cred with Finish the Lyric, go for mo’money at Cash Bash and have a blast at Backyard Bash and Tiki Fest. Sunset Reset, a twilight toast at the back of the ship, is the perfect way to end the day and start the night. Catch a movie under the stars at the giant Dive-In Movies screen up on Lido, where you can snuggle in a lounge chair or even relax in the pool as you watch movie heroes in action. Settle in for blockbuster movies, classic screen gems, romantic comedies, adventure flicks, even live sporting events. And there’s popcorn! Dive-in movies are fun for singles and families alike. Families also get their own special spaces, proving once again why Carnival is the No. 1 cruise line for parents and kids.
Playlist Productions brings Broadway-quality shows to sea. Broadway Beats
86 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 86
7/9/21 9:29 AM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
CELESTIAL STRINGS (left, from top) is a symphonic rock and pop experience that reimagines contemporary hits with electrifying strings.
THE RHYTHMS OF THE NIGHT ROCK REVOLUTION: SUMMER OF '69 (right, from top) delivers an electrifying, immersive experience in a celebration of the psychedelic Sixties and the legendary Woodstock music festival.
MARDI GRAS 2021 87
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 87
7/9/21 9:33 AM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
THAT'S FUNNY! Professional stand-ups bring the laughter at two comedy clubs, The Punchliner and The Limelight Lounge.
88 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 88
7/9/21 9:35 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 89
7/9/21 9:35 AM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
Carnival is the No. 1 family cruise line, and it’s easy to see why!
FUN FOR ALL THE KIDS AT SEA
Families get their own special spaces, proving once again why Carnival is the No. 1 cruise line for parents and kids. In fact, Carnival hosts nearly a million kids a year with award-winning youth programs, supervised by experienced and enthusiastic youth counselors, that ensures the kids are well-occupied while parents enjoy some much-needed grownup time. If you have little ones, don’t miss Seuss at Sea, where they can discover the unforgettable characters of Dr. Seuss. They’ll have a blast getting to know popular characters such as The Cat in The Hat during fun events like Seuss-a-palooza Story Time and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. Mardi Gras also features Dr. Seuss Bookville, where families can gather for book readings. And get ready to welcome a new character: Captain Cat, who has some cool nautical training activities planned! With all the newness, reliable favorites are still part of Carnival’s youth programming, including Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea and Zumbini movement and music classes. The fleetwide Camp Ocean program for ages 2-11 is like summer camp (but even more fun) and on Mardi Gras, in a new location on Deck 4, it’s bigger and better than ever.
Right and below: Young cruisers get into all kinds of fun at sea, from enjoying age-appropriate camp activities to interacting with characters from the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss.
KIDS CORNER Two of the many engaging youth programs on board; Build-A- Bear Workshop At Sea (top) and Seuss at Sea (above). Dr. Seuss Properties TM & © Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.
90 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 90
7/9/21 3:54 PM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
TEEN SPACES Teens now get fresh spaces all their own. Left, from top: Circle "C" gaming area; Club O2 lounge; Club O2 teen outdoor deck 2.
Groups of Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11) have a blast with ageappropriate activities, including some designed to educate kids about the ocean. The kids will be so busy with arts and crafts, toys, games, movies, video games, music and dancing, you may have a hard time getting them to leave. The programming includes family afternoons when parents can come play with their kids. Later, the Night Owls program assures parents can enjoy some alone time on the town. Camp Ocean is adjacent to both Dr. Seuss Bookville and Family Harbor Lounge, open exclusively to guests in Family Harbor staterooms and suites. High up on Deck 17, Circle “C” is a dedicated space where those ages 12-14 can socialize, with dance parties, outdoor movies, games and other awesome activities getting everyone involved. The club is equipped with a high-tech sound system, specialty lighting, dance floor, dedicated gaming area and more, and for Mardi Gras it got a fresh new design with a craft studio and hang-out nooks. Nearby Club O2 also got a sophisticated new design with a video gaming cove, jukebox and photobooth and a teens-only outdoor deck. This is the place for guests ages 15-17 to listen to music, sing karaoke, watch movies and otherwise chill. Also on Deck 17 and open 24 hours a day to kids and adults alike is The Warehouse video arcade. Here, attractions include everything from virtual car racing to good old-fashioned foosball and including a fun photo kiosk plus skeeball and other games of skill.
In the youth programs on Mardi Gras, young travelers get to hang out with others in their age group: CAMP OCEAN: Ages 2-11 CIRCLE “C”: Ages 12-14 CLUB 02: Ages 15-17 MARDI GRAS 2021 91
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 91
7/9/21 9:37 AM
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
DYNAMIC DUO Two of Carnival’s most popular personalities lead the fun in Mardi Gras’ debut season.
DOUBLE YOUR FUN With entertainment such an important part of the Mardi Gras experience, it takes some special talent to stay on top of it all. Making sure guests have the most fun, entertaining time ever are Mike Pack as cruise director and Hugo Hidalgo as entertainment director.
Cruise Director: Mike Pack Mike Pack has been with Carnival Cruise Line for almost a decade. He is great at warmly welcoming guests on board and loves to be out and about, spending a lot of his free time out on Promenade Deck connecting and striking up conversations with both team members and guests. Mike’s enthusiasm is contagious. His music trivia parties in the Atrium are legendary and some of his favorite activities to host on board include the Military Appreciation and Groove for St. Jude events. Mike had previously been fleet entertainment trainer, nurturing Carnival’s future cruise directors. He is proud that the majority of his inaugural Carnival Horizon Fun Squad team moved on to leadership roles. During his career with Carnival, Mike has been cruise director for every class of ship in the fleet. Over the last five years, he was the inaugural cruise director of Carnival Horizon, married the love of his life (Emma, inaugural cruise director of Carnival Panorama) and now brings out the highly anticipated Mardi Gras. Mike is very excited about this next step and is driven to continue to perform and take the guest experience to the next level. Mike Pack, Cruise Director
Entertainment Director: Hugo Hidalgo Hugo Hidalgo started his career in hospitality at the young age of 18, working for various well-known resorts in Mexico. His passion for entertainment and desire to travel the world brought him to the Carnival family nine years ago. Hugo has held many different positions within the Entertainment Department, giving him a thorough understanding of what it takes to deliver the "wow" factor to guests. Hugo takes pride in his job, is very-detail oriented and encourages his team to go the extra mile to ensure everyone has a memorable cruising experience. He has a positive attitude and is well-respected by his peers because of his hands-on leadership approach. His recent accomplishments include recognition for his team's outstanding effort in raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, being named Entertainment Director of the Year and helping to lead a very successful startup of Carnival Horizon. With experience as entertainment director onboard since 2015, Hugo looks forward to bringing Mardi Gras' entertainment to the next level and creating a fun, memorable vacation for guests sailing on her.
Hugo Hidalgo, Entertainment Director
92 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 92
7/9/21 9:38 AM
LET’S START THE FEUD!
ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY
A TV Classic Heads to Sea
“Carnival Cruise Line is all about fun, family and friends, just like Family Feud.” — Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
Prepare for laughs, groans and hoots of joy and lots of “Good answer!” responses. The latest amazing entertainment attraction stages classic TV game shows — live! We’re talking about the actual set and format of Family Feud, with two five-person teams competing for exciting prizes. Just like on TV, the show is played by guessing the most popular answers to survey questions — and you just never know what the contestants will come up with. Expect the unexpected — and to laugh until you cry, with the cruise director leading the fun as emcee. Family Feud, of course, has been delighting TV viewers for generations; the show has been on the air for more than 40 years, but this is the first time ever that teams will have a chance to buzz in from a cruise ship. Mardi Gras will offer four unique version of the game:
• Classic Feud: Sign up with family or friends to audition for a chance to play the game live on stage. Can't get enough of the Feud — or Carnival cruising? Get them both in a special edition of the game show. Buy the board game online at shop.carnival.com and get the mobile version at your favorite app store.
• Insta-Family: Join a team created by producers from individual members of the audience. • Youth Feud: Teens get to test their knowledge in a game just for them. • After Hours: Say good-night to the kids in Night Owls and enjoy this game for grownups only. MARDI GRAS 2021 93
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_08_Entertainment_v3.indd 93
7/9/21 5:43 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
FLAVORS OF THE CRUISE
Classic menus and adventurous new flavors — plus the culinary stylings of four celebrated chefs – make dining delightful on Mardi Gras. It’s a whole new culinary world on Mardi Gras, one of the most satisfying signs of how cruising has evolved since Carnival launched the fi rst of what would become the “Fun Ships.”
CRUISING THEN & NOW: THE FLAVORS OF THE CRUISE TSS Mardi Gras debuted with hamburgers and hot dogs out on deck at sailaway, a Lido buffet and multi-course meals with continental cuisine served in the one-level Flamingo Restaurant — at first adorned with velvet banquettes and chairs in gold and red, and later modernized in hip 1980s style. Everyone looked forward to the once-a-week Baked Alaska parade where the waiters danced with the dessert on their heads, sparklers blazing — a precursor to the fabulous singing and dancing waitstaff of today. In tribute to the original ship, the new Mardi Gras also has its own Flamingo Dining Room — plus an expansive, two-deck Palm Restaurant.
Palm Restaurant
The new Mardi Gras features the widest variety of culinary outlets in the fleet, with more than two dozen different venues. They offer a wealth of familiar and adventurous tastes, including international cuisines, to satisfy every palate. “The sheer variety of food and beverage venues on board Mardi Gras is unlike anything we’ve ever offered before,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our culinary and beverage teams continue to innovate, ensuring that we have an array of new and exciting options in addition to longtime Carnival favorites our guests love.”
“This is going to be taking diners’ satisfaction to a whole new level.” — Cyrus Marfatia, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Carnival Cruise Line
94 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 94
THE PAST: SIMPLE TASTES
1972's TSS Mardi Gras (above) sailed with only a single dining room and a buffet or two.
7/8/21 10:25 PM
THE PRESENT: FRESH FLAVOR Dining rooms have doubled (top and right) and today’s cruise cuisine is a feast of choices.
Flamingo Restaurant MARDI GRAS 2021 95
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 95
7/8/21 9:58 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
MORE CHOICES FOR MORE APPETITES Carnival’s dining scene gets richer and more flavorful with each ship, and Mardi Gras serves a whole new course of unforgettable cuisine. The evolution of Carnival dining comes down to one word: Choice. “In the beginning, we only had one dining room and everyone had to go there, and we had a minimal offering for lunch,” says Cyrus Marfatia, Carnival’s vice president of food and beverage. Over the years, the cruise line has whipped up a literal feast of choices, not only in number but in variety. Fresh takes include Street Foods, inspired by urban food trucks; the brand-new Chinese-Mexican combo concept ChiBang! and, best of all, more inclusive (free) dining options than ever. “This is going to be taking diners’ satisfaction to a whole new level,” Marfatia says. The Lido Marketplace takes casual dining to the next level. Out on deck, you’ll find Food Network Star Guy Fieri’s famously “righteous” handmade burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint and award-winning “real deal” barbecue at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. And you can’t miss the fried chicken at NBA Hall of Famer and Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken. With an astounding array of specialty dining choices, guests can further travel the culinary circuit from Asia to Italy. For the perfect date night, dine indoors or under the stars at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Other stars come out exclusively on Mardi Gras: Take a culinary trip to New Orleans to sample the cuisine of none other than legendary New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse, or head to Rudi’s Seagrill, where culinary great Rudi Sodamin serves up exquisitely prepared seafood in elegant and memorable surroundings.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
Guy’s Burger Joint
ChiBang!
The ship has the largest Guy’s Burger Joint in the fleet and an expanded Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, developed by Food Network personality Guy Fieri.
96 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 96
7/8/21 10:02 PM
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
EAT!
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse MARDI GRAS 2021 97
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 97
7/9/21 4:00 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
Emeril Lagasse’s famous barbecue shrimp
“I’ve developed restaurants all over the country, but to create my first restaurant at sea — on a ship named Mardi Gras with its own French Quarter, no less — was an opportunity I simply could not pass up.” — Emeril Lagasse
FOUR-STAR DINING COMES ABOARD Restaurants presented by three celebrity chefs and one larger-than-life star create pure culinary delight.
A Taste of the Big Easy: Emeril’s Bistro 1396 Acclaimed Chef Emeril Lagasse brings his “kick it up a notch” cuisine to his first-ever seagoing restaurant, a casual spot exclusively in the heart of the French Quarter on Mardi Gras. The festive bistro’s name comes from ship’s hull number at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The menu is all about New Orleans and authentic Creole tastes. It’s a festive culinary trip to the Big Easy. Start the day with a “BAM!” Breakfast choices include shrimp and grits, shrimp creole omelet and decadent Bananas Foster crepes. For lunch or dinner, you can dive into such New Orleans headliners as fried oysters; Emeril’s signature barbecue shrimp; roasted duck and Andouille sausage gumbo; oyster and cochon de lait (suckling pig) po’boys; layered muffuletta sandwiches; and jambalaya; plus daily specials. Make new friends at the raw bar, accompanying a perfectly paired cocktail or glass of champagne with fresh oysters and shellfish. Make sure to save room for the delightful desserts including classic lemon ice box pie. À la carte pricing applies. Chef Emeril Lagasse
Emeril’s Bistro 1396 98 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 98
7/9/21 4:02 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
Guy Fieri
Guy’s Burger Joint
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers smoked-on-board favorites and an assortment of Carnival’s craft beers brewed on site and developed by the line’s in-house beverage team, as well as a large stage for live music.
Burgers, Beer and BBQ: Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse A hit on Carnival ships, Food Network star Guy Fieri is back on Mardi Gras with his biggest-ever surfer-themed Guy’s Burger Joint up on Deck 18 (near the top level of the all-new RedFrog Tiki Bar) and biggest-ever Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse in the all-new Summer Landing zone, aft on Deck 8. Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 99
At Guy’s Burger Joint on Deck 18, dive into awesome, decadent, fresh-off-the-grill handcrafted burgers and hand-cut fries, with innovative toppings. Go with the Plain Jane or jazz things up with the insane Piggy Patty: two patties, one made entirely of bacon. You can also order a burger topped with an onion ring or chili or other toppings. With their super melty cheese and secret “donkey sauce,” these are simply the best burgers at sea, served in a classic burger shack — except this one comes with sea views! All are complimentary and we’ll say it before Guy does: “That’s craazzzyy.” Luscious barbeque is on the menu at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, along with live music, a social atmosphere – and BEER! You’ll know what you’re in for when you see the giant, glowing FLAVORTOWN sign above the bar. Guy is a BBQ Hall of Famer and on the menu are his baby back ribs along with brisket, pulled pork, sausage, dry-rubbed chicken and salmon. The meat is done just right in customdesigned smokers over hickory and apple wood — which is a feat on a cruise ship! The perfect accompaniment, custom craft beers are created on board Mardi Gras by Carnival’s amazing brew master (if you want to see how he does it, book a brewery tour). If you like what you drink — and we know you will — pick up a refillable growler. Pig & Anchor is about good eats and good times for all.
MARDI GRAS 2021 99
7/8/21 10:05 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
Big Chicken
Big Flavor: Big Chicken NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is Carnival’s CFO, as in Chief Fun Officer, has got some amazing family recipes up his sleeve — which he’s showcasing at Big Chicken eatery, a seagoing adaptation of his popular landside eateries. Check out this free-of-charge outdoor feature of the expanded Lido Marketplace which is located near the Tides Pool. Stop by for breakfast and enjoy such classics as chicken and biscuits served with chill honey glaze syrup, three-cheese omelet or a biscuit/ egg combo with bacon or sausage. For late risers (you party animals!), breakfast is available until 3 p.m.
“Big Chicken is a labor of love featuring all of my favorite fried chicken recipes developed in tandem with my mom.” — Shaquille O’Neal
For lunch or dinner, order fried chicken sandwiches such as the M.D.E. (the Most Dominant Ever) with special Shaq sauce and pickles; or the Shaq Daddy (with ham and Carolina honey mustard BBQ sauce). Or go with the fried chicken basket served with fried pickles and fries or the hand-breaded chicken strips. You can choose white or dark meat, with grilled chicken also an option. All the chicken is premium, preservative-free and humanely raised — no cages, no hormones, no antibiotics. For chickenlovers, Big Chicken is a guaranteed slam dunk.
Left: Shaquille O’Neal serves big flavor at Big Chicken. Opposite: Rudi Sodamin brings his passion for playful cuisine on board.
100 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 100
7/8/21 10:06 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
Seafood Celebration: Rudi’s Seagrill Master Chef Rudi Sodamin is well-known by fans of Carnival’s sister brand, Holland America Line, where he chairs the line’s multi-chef Culinary Council. Exclusively for Mardi Gras, he created Rudi’s Seagrill, a dinner experience that combines extraordinary seafood and a philosophy that food should be both delicious and fun. Creatively crafted with a keen attention to detail, the menu at Rudi’s Seagrill offers a full selection of dishes including crab cakes, salt-roasted prawns, broiled lobster tail and chocolate truffle cake. For guests who prefer non-seafood options, there are plenty of alternatives. We can all come together over decadent desserts such as apple cheesecake and chocolate truffle cake. Prepare to be amazed. Added fee per person. Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
“I believe the quality of a restaurant starts on the plate, so with Rudi’s Seagrill, I want guests to enjoy the food and feel connected to their meals in a fun and engaging way.” — Rudi Sodamin
Rudi’s Seagrill MARDI GRAS 2021 101
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 101
7/8/21 10:07 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
MOUTHWATERING WORLD FLAVORS Global cuisine in a reimagined Carnival classic Complimentary, casual dining reaches into the stratosphere on Mardi Gras, as you sail around a world of taste sensations. In a nod to the popular food truck phenomenon, Carnival introduces a Mardi Gras exclusive: the complimentary grab-andgo venue, Street Eats, where global cuisine is the focus. Think of these three open-air kiosks as food trucks at sea. Located by the Beach Pool, they offer menus of extraordinary hot and cold tastes.
Street Eats
Indoors at the Lido Marketplace you can choose from a variety of food stations, including deli classics; an eye-popping array of choices from the Fresh Creations salad bar; a choice of ingredients for chefs to prepare at the Mongolian Wok; a taste of India at the Tandoor; or pizza, the all-American comfort food. Satisfy a sweet tooth at the Sweet Spot with desserts such as fresh gelato with all the toppings. Brand-new to the fleet is ChiBang! which offers both Chinese and Mexican cuisine. It was created in response to guest feedback for more diverse dining choices. It’s also part of an expanded list of all-inclusive dining options that includes complimentary evening meals in Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse and Cucina del Capitano.
Lido Marketplace
ChiBang! serves Asian delicacies like Singapore Chili Shrimp, Slow-Braised Pork Belly and Kung Pao Chicken, as well as Mexican creations including Carnitas Tacos, Pollo en Mole and Pescado. The beverage selection will be just as varied, including the Chibang! Margarita, the Smokey Mezcal Negroni and a Green Tea Martini made with Shochu.
BlueIguana Cantina
Emeril’s Bistro 1396: Oysters
Chefs Table
102 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 102
7/8/21 10:09 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
WHAT’S ON THE MENU? A full rundown of Mardi Gras’ mouth-watering dining venues. Mardi Gras offers more dining choices than any other Carnival ship. From casual eats to romantic date-night spots, there’s always something delicious cooking. Carnival Kitchen
Big Chicken
COMPLIMENTARY EATS
SPECIALTY DINING
(No charge; included in the fare)
(For a fee or with a la carte pricing)
BIG CHICKEN serves Shaquille O’Neal’s flavorful fried chicken at breakfast and lunch.
BONSAI TEPPANYAKI serves filet mignon,
BLUEIGUANA CANTINA is the source for fresh Mexican fare at breakfast and lunch. CHIBANG! serves both Chinese and
sushi, sashimi, rolls and bento boxes — or splurge on a sushi boat.
CUCINA DEL CAPITANO is a top family choice,
CHEF’S TABLE presents a one-of-a-kind
FLAMINGO RESTAURANT AND PALM RESTAURANT are the main dining rooms,
culinary experience that includes a private tour of the kitchen and exclusive multicourse meal served by our chefs (in a new location on Deck 5).
with over-the-top daily menus and a waitstaff who know how to make you smile.
EMERIL’S BISTRO 1396 takes Emeril Lagasse’s kickin’ New Orleans cuisine to sea for the first time.
GUY’S BURGER JOINT is where you go for
RUDI’S SEAGRILL serves the extraordinary
crazy-good burgers and more.
GUY’S PIG & ANCHOR SMOKEHOUSE | BREWHOUSE serves sides of live music Bonsai Teppanyaki
BONSAI SUSHI is the place to indulge in
Mexican dishes.
featuring an extensive custom pasta bar for lunch as well as authentic Italian dishes presented by a singing waitstaff for dinner. Emeril’s Bistro 1396
seafood and other dishes prepared before your eyes on hibachi grills by chefs who know how to entertain.
with a lunchtime buffet, full-service BBQ for dinner and a variety of brewedon-board beers.
LIDO MARKETPLACE is the go-to place for an array of cuisines from around the world, along with the new Street Eats experience. PIZZERIA DEL CAPITANO is in a new location on Deck 8 and open 24-hours for pizza when you want it (you can also have pies delivered for a fee).
seafood of celebrated chef Rudi Sodamin, who believes food should be both delicious and fun.
SEAFOOD SHACK re-creates the joys of a New England summer with lobster rolls and other seafood delights to enjoy in the open air. FAHRENHEIT 555 STEAKHOUSE is where fine dining means premium steaks and seafood such as Maine lobster, and you can dine indoors or under the stars.
Guy Fieri’s Blue Ribbon Chicken
MARDI GRAS 2021 103
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 103
7/8/21 10:10 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
RedFrog Tiki Bar
GET IN THE SPIRITS
Before or after dinner, join friends at these sublime sipping spots. Relax with a flavorful craft beer or a cocktail made with your favorite spirits. Don’t forget the most important ingredient: good friends to share the moment!
Mardi Gras has Carnival’s best bar scene ever, now with exciting new places to sip and get social. Outdoors, the two-deck RedFrog Tiki Bar is a whole new twist on the popular poolside bar. Immerse yourself in a colorful South Pacific paradise complete with island-inspired tiki heads and flowers. Indulge in playful rum drinks such as Polynesian Punch, Red’s Rum Runner Jumper and Jungle Bird, which you can enjoy served in real pineapples or souvenir tiki glasses. Head to The Watering Hole on The Patio at Summer Landing and choose from the wide selection of Carnival’s own canned or draft brews or refresh with drinks such as the Watermelon Cooler or Tequila Sunset. The atmosphere is a backyard party, but with sea views. In the French Quarter, the classy Brass Magnolia bar, with its golden bar and lush greenery, evokes a New Orleans garden. Here, classic cocktails are served with live jazz music. Or head over to Fortune Teller, where tribute is paid to the Big Easy with hand-crafted cocktails with a twist — the drink may change color or even bubble and shimmer.
Far more than places to hang out waiting for the evening to begin, the bars on Mardi Gras are destinations in their own rights. Here’s to good times wherever you go!
104 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 104
7/9/21 12:16 PM
DINING AND LIBATION
The Brass Magnolia is Carnival’s tribute to New Orleans’ lively culture, complete with a live jazz trio.
The Brass Magnolia
Nightlife on Mardi Gras has a real sense of place, whisking you away to the vibrant magic of New Orleans or the romantic charm of Old Havana.
Havana Bar
Anything’s possible at Fortune Teller, which conjures the spirit of New Orleans with talented bartenders who craft amazing cocktails.
Fortune Teller MARDI GRAS 2021 105
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 105
7/9/21 4:03 PM
ENGAGING GUESTS, DRIVING SUCCESS FOR OUR PARTNERS Bonjour, Mardi Gras! Onboard Media is proud to join Carnival Cruise Line, our longtime partner in creating unforgettable vacations, on this exciting new ship that celebrates the past as it looks to the future.
Carnival has been redefining the cruise experience for nearly five decades. And like Carnival, we too have been expanding our horizons and adding innovative ideas and new approaches to our industry. Founded in 1989, we continue to lead the way as a fullservice agency and premier provider of custom media solutions to the global travel industry. We help to drive our partners’ sales with engaging content that brings brands to life for the guest. Onboard Media is honored to be part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, world leader in luxury, which gives us added power to leverage leading-edge retail insights as well as access to the some of the world’s most prestigious brands. We congratulate our partner on the launch of Mardi Gras and we look forward to reaching new horizons once again.
WE BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE
We offer customized options in video, digital, print and promotional packages, targeted to our partners’ desired markets. We know travel.
An LVMH Company Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton 8400 NW 36th Street, Suite 520 Doral, FL 33166 (305) 673-0400 onboardmedia.com
We know content. We know luxury. We know how to bring them all together in one compelling package.
22, Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris – France +33 (0)1 44 13 22 22 lvmh.com
VIDEO PRODUCTION
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 106
CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS
SALES PROMOTION
DIGITAL MEDIA
7/9/21 4:07 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_06_Dining_and_Libation.indd 107
7/10/21 11:45 AM
DESTINATIONS
CARIBBEAN
ARE WE THERE YET?
Soon we will be. The special magic of the Caribbean is getting closer and closer, brought to you by this amazing ship. You can feel it already, can’t you?
READY TO EXPLORE?
Your perfect seat on the Caribbean.
To experience the best of the Caribbean, book your shore excursions at the Carnival Adventures Desk on board. Be sure to visit the Carnival Adventures store to pick up all the essential gear for your explorations in port.
108 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 108
7/8/21 8:56 PM
Just for the fun of it.
The Caribbean offers so many different things to so many different people. Dive or snorkel on colorful reefs or watch the action with a fruity cocktail on the beach. Zipline across a jungle canopy or zip down the street shopping for keepsakes of your journey. Soak up some sun or soak up some history; neither is ever far away. Turn the page for a quick guide on the ports you’ll be visiting, and and consult your Carnival Insider for even more ideas.
SHOPPING TIP The Caribbean is the world’s best source for jewelry and watches, especially when you’re in search of diamonds, gemstones and Swissmade timepieces. Not only are the quality and selection incredible, but with tax and duty free pricing you can save significantly — at both The Fun Shops on board and at retail stores in port. Ask your Carnival Insider for the best advice on finding the perfect gift for friends, family and, of course, yourself.
MARDI GRAS 2021 109
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 109
7/8/21 9:00 PM
DESTINATIONS
PORT PLANNER LET’S GO!
(AMBER COVE) PETER GONZALEZ)/CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES.
In its first season, Mardi Gras will visit some of the most popular ports of the Caribbean. Read on for highlights of your destinations, with recommendations for the top excursions. See you ashore!
AMBER COVE This idyllic spot is in the heart of the breathtaking Amber Coast in the northern region of the Dominican Republic and just five miles from historic Puerto Plata. Its name is a nod to the amber that comes from the region’s amber mines. TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS To book, visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on board. Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-Road Buggy Combo Waterfalls of Damajagua – Adrenaline Adventure Deluxe Catamaran Sail & Snorkel w/Lunch & Drinks Mega Truck Country Ride and Culture with Lunch All-Inclusive Coconut Cove Beach Break
110 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 110
7/8/21 9:02 PM
(DANCE OF THE OWL) GTS PRODUCTIONS/CSHUTTERSTOCK.COM
DESTINATIONS
COSTA MAYA Situated on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula near Mexico’s border with Belize, Costa Maya leads to the peninsula’s lush interior and stirring Mayan ruins. It also boasts the world’s second-largest coral-reef system, home to more than 60 types of coral and some 500 species of fish. TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS To book, visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on board.
This lovely stop on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is known for its amazing dive sites and for well-preserved archaeological remnants of the Maya. It was once a sacred destination for that ancient civilization, making it a top attraction for history lovers. TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS To book, visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on board. Thrill & Chill: Zip Line, Snorkeling & Beach Dolphin Swim with Unlimited Food & Drinks VIP La Casa Beach Retreat – Adults Only All-Inclusive Chankanaab Beach Day & Sea Lion Show Adventure Jeep, Snorkel & Tequila at Punta Sur
(COZUMEL) (MAYAN RUINS TOUR) CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Exclusive VIP Chacchoben Drive Lost Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park Dune Buggy & Beach Safari Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
COZUMEL
MARDI GRAS 2021 111
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 111
7/8/21 9:03 PM
DESTINATIONS
GRAND TURK Famed for its exceptional diving opportunities, Grand Turk boasts an outstanding protected coral reef and the steep wall of the continental shelf. Those not dive-certified can still take in the aquatic sights by snorkeling in the clear aquamarine waters offshore. TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS To book, visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on board.
(GRAND TURK) PHOTO BY: (VIEW) RAMUNAS BRUZAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Island Exploration Local Conch Recipes Sightseeing Museum & Lunch Snorkeling & Stingray Adventure All-Inclusive Private Beach Break Grand Turk FlowRider Deluxe
112 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 112
7/8/21 9:06 PM
(MAHOGANY BAY) IGOR KOPTILIN/CSHUTTERSTOCK.COM
DESTINATIONS
MAHOGANY BAY You’ll find all you’re seeking on this corner of the serene isle of Roatán. Visitors can spend the day on the sparkling sand beaches and go for a swim in the glistening blue seas off West Bay. Private beach cabanas offer the perfect slice of paradise.
NASSAU The harbor has always been the focal point of Nassau, luring wily adventurers over the years. Beyond the harbor are brightly painted buildings, intriguing history and alluring shopping on Bay Street, from duty-free jewelry to the vibrant work of local artists. TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS To book, visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on board.
(MDENIS MOSKVINOV) IGOR KOPTILIN/CSHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Private Island Dolphin Swim & Beach Day Private Van Your Way Your Day – Full Day Blue Lagoon Island Segway Adventure & Beach Dolphins, Stingrays, Sea Lions & Blue Lagoon Beach Family Beach Day with Lunch at Blue Lagoon Island
MARDI GRAS 2021 113
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 113
7/8/21 9:08 PM
(SAN JUAN) MARIDAV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
DESTINATIONS
SAN JUAN The heart and soul of Puerto Rico is historic Old San Juan, which dates to the 1500s. Visitors explore historical and cultural attractions throughout the cobblestoned and walled city, strolling by the ramparts where Spanish soldiers once held watch.
114 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 114
7/8/21 9:12 PM
(ST. THOMAS) MPERORCOSAR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
DESTINATIONS
ST. THOMAS Once the home of notorious pirates such as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, St. Thomas still offers plenty of treasure in its duty-free shops. It has a rich history. St. Thomas’ many historic attractions include Fort Christian, with its landmark clock tower dating to 1671.
MARDI GRAS 2021 115
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 115
7/8/21 9:14 PM
STATE OF MIND
ALL FOR FUN Get ready to soak up the sun. On your Carnival cruise make sure to do more of what you love. Book an adventure, relax on the beach or shop ‘til you drop. It’s your fun — your way.
116 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 116
7/8/21 9:25 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_09_Destinations_1_Caribbean.indd 117
7/8/21 9:25 PM
CELEBRATION
TIME TO CELEBRATE!
NEW THRILLS
CLASSIC FAVORITES
Carnival CelebrationTM will offer the unique fun zones first introduced on Mardi Gras, letting guests customize their cruise experience.
Bonsai Teppanyaki™ RedFrog® Tiki Bar Family Feud™ Live! Havana Bar™ Seuss at Sea™ Playlist Productions™
We’re wrapping up the perfect birthday present.
What do you get the cruise line that has everything? How about a brand-new ship? Carnival CelebrationtTM is the next big thing for Carnival, launching in — well, in celebration of our 50th birthday. The ship is named after ms Celebration, a classic that debuted in 1987 and left our fleet in 2008.
“Carnival Celebration is our 50th birthday present to our guests!” — Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line Carnival CelebrationTM will set sail Nov. 6, 2022, from Southampton, England, on an unforgettable Carnival Journeys cruise exploring some of Europe’s most delightful ports. Guests will have the opportunity to sample local cuisine, entertainment and cultural opportunities on their 14-day seagoing adventure. The arrival in Miami will be followed by the launch of year-round service to the Caribbean. The new ship will maintain Miami’s position as Carnival’s top embarkation port. It will also cap several months of birthday celebrations starting in March 2022, which is Carnival’s birthday month. A series of commemorative sailings will feature special entertainment and itineraries and continuing all year long. “The name Carnival CelebrationTM couldn’t be more perfect for a ship that will be a key component of our 50th birthday festivities,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival CelebrationTM is our 50th birthday present to our guests!”
Join us on a Sailabration cruise! Visit carnival.com/carnival-sailabration-cruises.
118 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_11_Celebration.indd 118
7/9/21 2:48 PM
FACTS, FIGURES & MORE FUN TO COME 181,800 GROSS TONS
5,374 GUEST CAPACITY
1,130 FEET LONG
1,735 ONBOARD CREW
Reservations are open for Carnival Celebration™, arriving in November 2022. To book your journey, contact any travel agent, call 800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.
HELP US CELEBRATE OUR 50 BIRTHDAY th
MARDI GRAS 2021 119
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_11_Celebration.indd 119
7/9/21 2:48 PM
THE END
FUN FAREWELL
120 MARDI GRAS 2021
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_12_FunFarewell.indd 120
You look like a Very Important Fun Person — so be sure to join the VIFP Club and start earning points for members only: perks like priority boarding, gifts, upgrades and other ways to make a few waves. To join, see Guest Services on board or visit www.carnival.com/vifp.
7/10/21 12:10 PM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 7
9/13/21 11:46 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 6
9/13/21 11:46 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 7
9/13/21 11:46 AM
M A R D I G R A S ™ | 2 0 2 1 C O M M E M O R AT I V E I N A U G U R A L B O O K
9/13/21 11:45 AM
21CCL_MARDI_GRAS_00_FlyPage_ToMatchCVR_converted.indd 2