ABOARD THE MARDI GRAS -- This is not the Carnival Mardi Gras that launched Carnival Cruise Line in 1972. It's simply the Mardi Gras which is a larger and more fun-oriented Fun Ship, arriving just before the line's 50th Anniversary.It's the largest cruise ship launched during the pandemic, carrying 6,500 passengers and 180,000 tons. It is one of the most anticipated cruise ship of the year, with its features including the environmental (engines powered using liquefied natural gases) and the passenger (a rollercoaster ringing the top deck),Carnival's shift away from pop architecture to less novelty and more zaniness in design continues with the Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras' look and feel is still fun, but not funhouse.Three of the ship's 20 decks pass through an innovative atrium that looks sideways. It has a huge 3,000-foot window that lets light in to lower areas.I rode the Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster roller coaster and it was amazing! It was great fun. Skeptics point out the $15 price, but most people will want at least one ride.First Call: Carnival's Mardi Gras Next Next With 6,500 passengers, it is the largest cruise ship to launch during the pandemic. It is a cruise ship that will be highly anticipated, with features that range from the environmental to passenger. The new Red Frog Pub, a double-decker structure overlooking the Beach Pool.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst The Mardi Gras, which can carry 6,500 passengers and is the largest cruise ship to launch during the pandemic, was launched in October. It is a cruise ship that will be highly anticipated, with features that range from the environmental to passenger. The new Red Frog Pub, a double-decker structure overlooking the Beach Pool.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst The two-story Red Frog Pub is decorated with tiki theming.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst. The Grand Central atrium hosts large-scale entertainment, games for cruise ships and passenger lounging.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst The atrium's windows can be covered with scenery panels that slide down onto tracks when there is a show.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst The Grand Central Atrium transforms into a performance space at night thanks to the giant LED screens that cover its windows.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst. Bingo is one of many daytime activities that take place in the Grand Central Atrium.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst Mardi Gras offers a variety in cabin and balcony configurations.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst The Bolt electric roller coaster is used by Mardi Gras riders.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst. The Bolt can travel at 35 miles an hour.Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst The Mardi Gras is now powered by LNG engines. They also feature a unique stack profile and the T-shaped funnel that Carnival has been known for.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst Emeril’s Bistro 1396 anchors France's Quarter.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst Steam Dream, one of the four street food restaurants that make up Street Eats.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst Key Lime pie presented in a "food face" at Rudi Sodamin's first restaurant, Rudi Seagrill.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst. A Chinese dragon entertains guests at Chibang on Mardi Gras, a restaurant that serves both Mexican- and Chinese cuisines.Photo credit: Tom Stieghorst Previous NextRed Frog Pub gets a second story with attractive tiki themes. The perfect spot for observing the scene at the Beach Pool is from the shaded perch on the top floor. This pool area is one of five onboard.The Serenity pool area was a favorite with its sunken living space feature and hot tubs with peekaboo glass sides. The Patio pool, located on Deck 6, offers a great view of the Mardi Gras LNG-powered engines.Mardi Gras foodIt's not surprising to find a New Orleans-themed area on a Mardi Gras ship, but Carnival really makes it shine. Brass Magnolia's bar, which is handsomely crafted, has a look that evokes Antoine's and Brennan's. It features white-coated waiters as well as a casual atmosphere. At the Fortune Teller bar, New Orleans' voodoo side is brought to life with spirit.Emeril's Bistro1396 serves a great selection of New Orleans cuisine, including jambalaya and muffuletta sandwiches. However, it didn't seem to have many customers during the first days of the cruise. My daughter stated that New Orleans food isn’t loved by everyone. "Everyone likes pizza," she noted. (Let's not forget that cruisers aren't just a pizza-loving bunch.)Carnival's vice president of beverage operations Eddie Allen has created a variety of outstanding craft cocktails. Cocktails may not be right for you if you don't like the cocktails at the nearby Alchemy Bar or Brass Magnolia.Dispatch, Carnival Mardi Gras - Tom Stieghorst tried a variety of dishes at new restaurants, including a huge chicken biscuit at Shaquille Ol'Neal’s The Big Chicken. Continue readingThe Mardi Gras is not as large as it seems, despite its 5,200-passenger capacity. Guy's Burger Joint, Guy's Pig & Anchor and Guy's Burger Joint get a lot more space than previous ships. They also seem a little cramped, considering the sailing's 70% capacity. The Vista class elevators are no longer as "smart", but have glass doors that allow for faster and more efficient operation. Carnival is trying to get guests away from the overcrowded Lido buffet, particularly at breakfast. It worked.Many Mardi Gras restaurants have recently opened or are close to opening in Carnival. Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken is one of these newer Mardi Gras eateries. Guy's Burger Joint has left Guy's Burger Joint. It's fried chicken done right, less guilty than the burger joint, and has a completely different personality.Rudi Sodamin is a fine dining chef who has mainly worked for Holland America Line. He made his Carnival debut with Rudi’s Seagrill on Mardi Gras. The crab cakes were excellent, and the modern design of this restaurant was a little futuristic.Street Eats is a group of four concepts that are meant to replicate the experience of a food truck. It's located in Deck 16 corner. My daughter, 24, had a spicy beef bao bun. She said that it was similar to any bao bun she would eat on land.Another favorite of hers, a rice-and-chicken burrito bowl at Chibang, where Chinese and Mexican food are combined, but not in fusion, was discovered by her.There are many configurations of balconies and cabins on the ship. Photo credit: Tom StieghorstThe sleeping environmentThe first-ever outside company designed cabins. They interlock like puzzle pieces which allows for smaller cabins. The designers came up with an innovative hinged shower door, which folds out of sight. They also included flexible folding shelves in the clothes cupboards and a handy slide-out shoe storage.The softly illuminated circle design is used in vanity mirrors and light fixtures in cabins. These areas are meant to be more peaceful, neutral, and quieter than the public areas.Twelve aft Excel corner Suites with wraparound balconies, open-air hot tubs and wraparound balconies are the first Carnival suites and are likely to be highly sought after.The Mardi Gras offers something for everyone, and more than most guests can experience in a week. It's a Shaq-sized cruiser for 21st century.
