Carnival gives construction update on Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise's New build the Mardi Gras.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is on schedule for a February 2021 debut, the line said on Monday.

Photos from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, where the vessel is under construction, show the suspended track for the Bolt rollercoaster has been installed. The track will eventually encircle the ship’s upper decks and offer passengers a ride on the first rollercoaster at sea, with views from 187 feet above the water. 

The ship’s 2,600-plus cabins (including 180 suites) have been built and interiors are being outfitted. There are 11 stateroom categories.

The 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras will be Carnival’s largest ship and powered by liquefied natural gas. It will have six themed zones that include dining, beverage and entertainment options, including restaurants from Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri and Shaquille O’Neal. The 21-deck vessel will feature the Grand Central atrium with three-deck-high windows overlooking the sea.

The ship has twice been delayed. Last December, Carnival postponed the ship’s debut from Aug. 31 to Nov. 14 because of a construction delay at the shipyard in Finland. More recently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the line rescheduled its maiden cruise until Feb. 6, 2021.  The ship will sail out of Florida’s Port Canaveral.