Port Canaveral Celebrates Mardi Gras

June 4, 2021 – In normal times, Port Canaveral is a busy destination for cruise travelers. With the arrival of Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras on Friday, June 4, the industry is preparing to get back to business. The largest ship in Carnival’s roster, the Mardi Gras weighs in at 180,800 tons, is 1,130 feet long and has 17 passenger decks.

The mood was festive Friday morning when the ship sailed into Port Canaveral for the first time. Several hundred people were on hand to welcome the Mardi Gras and they made it clear that they were ready to return to the seas.

Although the schedule for sailing has not been finalized, the Mardi Gras will soon launch multiple Caribbean itineraries. Powered by clean energy liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Mardi Gras is a floating entertainment powerhouse, with an on-board roller coaster, six themed zones and dining opportunities under the guidance of Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse and Shaquille O’Neal.

This is why they call it the Fun Ship. The zones include Grand Central, a multi-story atrium with ocean views that transforms into an entertainment venue at night, French Quarter that will give travelers a taste of New Orleans, Summer Landings where BBQ and chilling by the pool go together, La Piazza with the atmosphere and flavor of Italy, Lida for relaxing by the pool, and the Ultimate Playground which features BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea.  This zone also includes an entire mini-golf course, a full-court basketball court and a ropes course.

Advance planning pays off in the futuristic design of new Cruise Terminal 3 (called The Launch Pad), already taking into consideration passenger safety and convenience enhancements. Carnival already has plans to sail from Miami and Galveston in July and will announce plans for Port Canaveral soon. Because the Mardi Gras is a new ship, and offers many never before offered options for passengers, final preparations continue.

The cruise industry is working with the CDC and Port Canaveral to make sure the procedures are in place to make cruising as safe as possible, while creating a plan to handle any COVID-19 problems that may happen.

Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 (called The Launch Pad).

Home port advantage is a reality at Port Canaveral, with easy access and parking options, and fun in port while you wait to embark. 

Get maps at the Welcome Center, and pick up the 3-Day Itinerary which features places to go and things to see in Port Canaveral, even if you are not sailing away.  Or download it here.

Great adventures #LaunchFromHere.

Sources: Travel Weekly
Florida Today