Carnival Mardi Gras

From the whimsical and always wonderful world of Dr. Seuss comes Cats in Hats, Fish Red and Blue, and both kinds of Things — 1 and 2. And they’re all coming to a Carnival cruise near you as the world of Dr. Seuss leaps off the page and onto Seuss at Sea.

Dr. Seuss’s timeless stories are the kind kids memorize, and this is the kind of cruise you’ll remember for a lifetime. The whole family will still enjoy all the classic Carnival activities, but the littlest ones, and their families, will also enjoy an all-new, extra-special experience as the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss comes to life around them.

Enjoy a special onboard character parade, interactive story time, arts & crafts activities, character breakfast featuring their favorite Dr. Seuss friends and more. Seuss at Sea truly brings your child’s favorite books to life.

Mardi Gras is going to be a huge deal when she sets sail in 2020. Plenty of folks will come ready to chill, but if it’s a thrill you’re seeking, this is also definitely the ship for you!

Aboard the Mardi Gras you’ll meet BOLT™: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

BOLT has a minimum height requirement of 43 inches, and a maximum height of 76 inches.

Wanna splish — and splash — the day away? Head on over to WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark. First up, there's the Twister Waterslide, hundreds of feet of spiraling awesomeness that starts you off high in the air and gets you down low with one of the fastest, wettest rides you'll find anywhere. Select ships have side-by-side racing slides, which make serious competition seriously fun. Wear your speed suit for Speedway Splash, which features hundreds of feet of racing action, plus special lighting effects you'll experience on the road to victory. DrainPipe ends with one major swirl of a finish, while PowerDrencher takes soaking seriously — imagine the biggest bucket of water you've ever seen, raining down on you from above. And this isn't just kids' stuff — the young at heart are encouraged to zoom and splash around too! (WaterWorks configurations vary by ship.)

The chance to complete an awesome challenge, high above it all… now that's what you want in a good ropes course. An awesome ropes course, however, will let you do all that with a cool sea breeze and a view to match! Not sure that navigating a high-up-there challenge is for you? Did we mention that on SkyCourse you'll be safely strapped in, emboldening you to take on the kinds of challenges you may not normally feel up to? Here everyone — even kids — become thrill-seekers, testing their ability to make their way around the course. The course features two levels of challenge, and you can increase or decrease the toughness as you go. So take to the sky... SkyCourse that is.

Comedy clubs on land… well, it’s kinda funny. Nobody likes paying cover charges, and you know that two-drink minimum? They’ve gotta be joking! You won’t find either of these at The Punchliner Comedy Club aboard your Carnival cruise. Up on stage you will find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

Tip: We’ll say it again — The Punchliner Comedy Club features some shows that are family-friendly and some adult-only. You can choose which ones you attend! To help plan your evening, check the Fun Times — it’s delivered daily to your stateroom

Experience Dr. Seuss books like never before at Seuss-a-palooza Story Time. Watch as your favorite stories come to life in a setting that’s as one-of-a-kind as the Dr. Seuss classics themselves. But don’t just take this one sitting down — as an audience member at Seuss-a-palooza Story Time you’ll find chances to interact as the story unfolds… and perhaps even become a part of the story, yourself! Also, be sure to keep an eye open for unexpected, delightfully costumed guests who may very well be stopping by to make a special appearance…

Ready to see stars? Park yourself in front of the big screen — the really big screen — and settle in for some real stars at Carnival Seaside Theater™. From the comfort of your poolside lounge chair, or even the pool itself, you'll enjoy sporting events and recent blockbuster movies… think Comedy, Action & Adventure and Date Night. But don't think that being in the middle of the sea means going without the usual comforts. There's not only popcorn — who could forget that? — but blankets! So lounge around, snuggle up and try to remember the last time you truly enjoyed a night at the movies.

If a deck party has the power to bring together friendly rivals BlueIguana and RedFrog, you can imagine what the Mega Deck Party can do for vacationers like you! Show up to the open-air Lido Deck pool area ready to have a good time under the stars. The ship’s DJ, cruise director and entertainment staff will be on-hand to get things going… and keep everyone moving. And when we say “everyone,” that means guests of all ages are welcome at this party! Make the most of your evening with games, giveaways, line dances — and more — well into the night.

No magic spells are required to enjoy a cocktail creation at Alchemy Bar, our unique vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy" — all you need is a willingness to be surprised, to try something new. We’ve flipped through dusty old texts to uncover enticing combinations: select spirits, fresh juices, infused syrups, spices… and other tantalizing secrets performed before your very eyes by the true mix-masters: our bartenders. Choose a remedy from the menu, or let us prescribe you a custom elixir just for you, with or without alcohol.

Here’s where you come in! The Atrium — the entrance to the ship and to vacation itself — is your first impression of all the fun to come. We make sure that this, the very heart of the ship, screams “welcome aboard the fun!” With multi-level panoramic views, the Atrium gives you the perfect place to enjoy all the hustle and bustle. There’s always music playing here, whether it’s a live band or a party-pumping DJ, plus enjoy events throughout the day or a drink at the bar, anytime. This 360-degree funspot is also home to the Guest Services desk, the place you go if you have questions for one of our certified fun experts… about just about anything that’s on your mind.

SkyRide is a bit like riding a bike — you’ll never forget it. But SkyRide is also completely unlike riding a bike, because when was the last time you biked around a ship, high above the deck and even higher above the sparkling blue sea? Zip safely around our two-lane suspended course in a pedal-powered go-mobile, in search of your biggest racing victory, a lower-body workout… or simply the greatest view.

A spot that's intriguing by night and friendly anytime, step into the Havana Bar and be transported to antebellum Cuba preserved today in old postcards, vintage literature… and classic delicacies. Take in great ocean views as you try something authentically Cuban, like café Cubano (that’s Cuban coffee!) or handcrafted Cuban cocktails (think daiquiris, mojitos and more). And this spot definitely doesn’t cool down when the sun goes down, with music and dancing keeping things hot well into the night.

Everyone has those perfect songs that never fail to get them moving. Playlist Productions brings lists like yours to life! Your favorites become full-blown musical productions featuring singers and dancers bringing down the house. Shows vary by ship, but there’s a playlist for every music lover. Need a few examples? How about the spicy sounds of Amor Cubano, the movie-magic soundtrack of FLICK, or Vintage Pop with its 20s-jazz-meets-modern-hits? Release your inner rock-n-roll patriot during America Rocks! Enter the center of groove with the passionate Heart of Soul. Feel the arena-shaking sounds of Epic Rock, the piano-pounding sounds of 88 Keys, the totally bad-meaning-good 80s Pop to the Max, plus the funky, sophisticated... and not-at-all exclusive Studio VIP, where everyone’s welcome to come and get down!

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!

Scream for the cool stuff? Visit the ice cream counter at the Cherry On Top shops aboard Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon for a signature ice cream creation, or build your own with tons of mix-ins and topping options. And if you get the urge to eat ice cream with your hands, we won’t judge… we’ll just suggest one of our all-new ice cream cookie sandwiches. We’ll build you one by hand, and stuff it full of whatever ice cream and toppings you scream for.

Our stage shows are designed to razzle and dazzle. Illusionists and Magicians will thrill and confound you with their mysterious feats. With shows featuring talented singers, musicians and dancers performing crowd-thrilling numbers in extravagant costumes with awesome sets and scenery, it's like catching one of the best shows on land. All performances are created to ensure that every night feels like opening night. And best of all, since shows are included in your fare, it's like having top-dollar tickets to the hottest show in town, absolutely free.

With more ways to win than ever before, bingo on a cruise ship is like no other. Get ready to play some crazy-exciting, hoot-and-holler-if-you-win-big bingo! The prizes are bigger, the packages are more fun and there are even souvenir daubers to mark your numbers… so bring your friends because the more people who play, the more money there is up for grabs. That next B-6 could be the lucky call that lands you a whopping $5,000 jackpot!

Even if you don’t “know” much about art, of course you can still tell when you like something — who needs a refined palette to know when a piece is good? Carnival leaves snobbish cultural pretensions ashore, and makes art something that everyone can enjoy with a series of events designed to bring great art where it belongs — to the people. Take part in an art-themed battle of the sexes or check out showcases highlighting the best of, say, European artists or world-famous pop artist Peter Max. You can’t get any closer to great art… without buying it.

Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots… and the tunes. Hey songbird — pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail and let your friendly piano player know what you’d like to hear. Then join the singalong for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don’t feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries — hummingbirds are welcome here, too. And since the bar’s open from the evening until late at night, it’s the perfect spot for an early drink or singing ‘til the wee hours.

If you love to play video games, you’re in luck. Our video arcade boasts a huge array of games, and is open to players of all ages, all night and all day. So get some tokens from the vending machine and let the fun times begin. Challenge your friends to a game, or just see if you can beat the top score. After all, with the video arcade open 24 hours and an entire cruise ahead of you, you have plenty of time to try.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time at the table, we have a game for you: roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and more! We’ve even got fun variations on these, like PokerPro tables and Carnival’s own Fun 21™ to keep the games fresh. Whether you take your stakes high or low, your table’s ready. We’ve got your favorites, but if you’re ready to sit down and try something new, our friendly casino staff will be glad to show you the ropes.

Don’t forget to bring your Sail & Sign Card when playing your favorite table games. You’ll get rated for your play AND earn points towards Drinks On Us!, Carnival’s free drinks program.

On a Carnival cruise your vacation starts in the atrium, and on Mardi Gras that’s in the Grand Central zone. By the way… on this ship the atrium’s different. Don’t be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards. Up there are high ceilings that hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! But look around too… you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows that really bring in the ocean views. Of course you’ll be back here throughout your cruise, taking a break with a nice cup of coffee, enjoying live music up on stage, or killing time fabulously with a handcrafted cocktail in between evening shows. In Grand Central you’re never far from great dining spots like Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, plus feel-good entertainment like Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

If “big” and “easy” sound about right for your vacation, you might just make the French Quarter on Mardi Gras your home zone. What inspired this place is no less than New Orleans itself… and if all this talk of NOLA has you half as hungry as we are, you’ll be pleased to hear that The French Quarter is lined with bars and eateries worthy of their namesake, spots serving up everything from small plates to classic Hurricane cocktails straight from the bayou. Just steps away there’s entertainment inspired by the world-renowned Crescent City nightlife — yep, there’s a hot jazz club in this zone — plus you’re not far from more bars, lounges and some funky little shops. And while we’re not one to brag about our friends, one of these spots is being designed in partnership with a name you definitely know!

Go ahead and call Summer Landing “the greatest chill spot at sea” … and we’ll be right there with you, any time of year! Know what goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so we’re building a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse into this zone to make sure it always tastes like summer here, courtesy of freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri. You wouldn’t be surprised that the pool and whirlpool aren’t far, but would you have guessed that there’s even original Parched Pig™ beers brewing just a few feet from the tap? Expect the funexpected — at Summer Landing, this kind of fun’s in season literally all the time.

La dolce vita is within reach at La Piazza… and we’d know, with all the Italian seafaring spirit that’s literally driving the ship. This zone stands for flavor, and it starts with Cucina del Capitano, which brings your party together for an evening of Italian favorites served family-style, while Pizzeria del Capitano makes delizioso happen for you 24 hours a day atop a base of imported Italian flour and fresh mozzarella. Atmosphere is everything here, so roaming musicians provide an authentic soundtrack to your time in La Piazza. Mardi Gras debuts a new Mediterranean spot specializing in seafood, plus there’s even a bar where you’ll sip authentic espresso drinks by day and classic Italian cocktails when the sun goes down.

If you’ve cruised with us before, you know Lido… but aboard Mardi Gras this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun ways to spend a day. Everybody looks to Lido for variety, and with tons of casual dining spots you’ll discover new experiences among the flavors that keep our guests coming back. Take in a Dive-In Movie at the pool and you’re not far from signature Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina taco spot. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to fan-favorite Swirls, the free soft-serve spot cranking out the cool 24 hours a day!

Don’t let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Kids, you’re going to love this. And adults, the playground has grown up with you. So yay for play! Of course The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT™, the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that’s only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?

When you’re on a Carnival cruise, there are plenty of places to bust out your moves when the mood strikes: in the dance club, at a deck party, in line for tandoori. Some people are born with all the right moves, but the rest of us need a little instruction to smooth the sharp edges off. That’s why you’ll find a host of free dance classes that sail along with you, helping you make the most of your cruise… which is perfect because a cruise is just the kind of vacation that puts you in the dancing mood!

Are you known back home as the cocktail captain; raising spirits, mixing it up and pouring it over ice… pleasing the palates of friends and family, alike? Come cruise and show them what you’ve got. The onboard competition may be stiff, but don’t let that shake you — stir up your signature concoction and make flavour worth a savour using spirits from all over the map. Throughout the cruise, everyone will be able to enjoy this winning cocktail at bars throughout the ship.  

They've hand selected the best local providers at every port of call so you can relax and focus on having fun on your shore excursions. They take care of all the details and wait for all excursions to return before departing. A detailed list of relevant excursions can be given by your travel operator.

Go from ‘normal vacationer’ to ‘world-traveling art whiz’ in one cruise flat — Carnival offers such a variety of educational and enlightening seminars that we should hand out Art History degrees at the end of each cruise! We may not be an accredited university, but your cruise features an ‘Art 101’ lecture series designed to be your entrance into this vibrant world. We’ll go from the earliest cave paintings to the modern masters — with stops at topics like the Renaissance, Baroque, Surrealism and Pop Art — and cover both theory and technique. You’ll walk away with a spectrum of knowledge to use at your next art auction… or to elevate your cocktail party chatter.

Learn to cook, Steakhouse-style from our team of chefs as they demonstrate the tricks of the trade used to make those multi-course dinners everyone loves so much. We take the joy of cooking and transform it into a delightful hour-long presentation of kitchen skill and ingenuity… where taste tests are always included.

Tip: This fun-for-the-whole-family event fills up fast, so get there early.

Take a quick break from the splashing and sun… and make creativity happen with onboard arts and crafts! Join us for special scheduled sessions throughout your cruise and enjoy hands-on fun for all ages. Everybody’s welcome to come and learn how to make a variety of easy projects, all expertly designed by the creative minds at Michaels®. These projects may include bracelets, key chains, or even picture frames. You’ll always end up with a fun souvenir — bring your own creative spirit and leave with a unique vacation keepsake!

Note: Parent or guardian must remain with young children for duration of activity.