Mardi Gras began sailing in July 2021 and was North America's first cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas. At 181,808 gross tons, she carries 5,282 guests at double occupancy and up to 6,500 at full capacity. Port Canaveral built its Terminal 3 to handle her.
The ship is organized into six zones: Grand Central, French Quarter, Summer Landing, La Piazza, Lido and the Ultimate Playground. The French Quarter brings a New Orleans flavor with Emeril's Bistro 1396 and The Brass Magnolia bar, while the top deck hosts BOLT, WaterWorks and SportSquare.
Highlights
BOLT
The first roller coaster at sea, with electric cars on a track above the top deck (extra cost).
French Quarter
A New Orleans-themed zone with Emeril's Bistro 1396 and The Brass Magnolia bar.
RedFrog Tiki Bar
A two-deck tiki bar in Summer Landing.
Havana Bar & Pool
A Cuban-themed area with its own pool.
Family Feud Live
An interactive version of the TV game show.
Best for
- Families heading to Orlando too
- First-time cruisers who want lots of free dining choice
- Groups and celebrations
Good to know before you book
- Mardi Gras has 18 decks in total and 15 guest decks.
- BOLT costs extra and may close in high winds or rain.
- Port Canaveral is about an hour from Orlando International Airport.
Where Mardi Gras sails
Deployments change by season and year. Recent and announced itineraries include:
Regions: Caribbean
Home ports: Port Canaveral
Mardi Gras questions
Where does Mardi Gras sail from?
Mardi Gras has been based at Port Canaveral, Florida, since her July 2021 debut.
Is BOLT included on Mardi Gras?
No. BOLT, the roller coaster on the top deck, is an extra-cost attraction.
How many guests does Mardi Gras carry?
Mardi Gras carries 5,282 guests at double occupancy and up to 6,500 at full capacity, with about 2,000 crew.
Sources and fact-checking (last checked October 14, 2026)
We write our own guides and check hard facts like fleet sizes, ship specs and published fees against these sources. Cruise lines change things often, so we re-confirm details in every quote. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
