Carnival Mardi Gras 8-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review
As the one of the largest ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, Mardi Gras provides a unique and unmatched sea vacation experience for its guests. Launched in July 2021 after numerous delays caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, Mardi Gras currently calls Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida home.
This floating city features six distinct themed zones filled with new experiences for eating, drinking, and spectacularly getting fun. One of the highlights is the Ultimate Playground, which spans Decks 18-20 and includes the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT. BOLT offers breathtaking 360-degree views and an unforgettable ride.
Culinary options on Mardi Gras are a treat for your taste buds. With more than two dozen restaurants, eateries, and dining spots, including Emeril’s Bistro 1396, inspired by the famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse, there’s something for everyone. And of course, there’s plenty of entertainment, from Playlist Productions at the Mardi Gras Theater to comedy shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club.
Accommodations on the Mardi Gras cruise ship are designed to make you feel right at home. From budget-friendly interior cabins to lavish suites with private balconies, there’s a perfect room for every type of traveler.
Aboard Mardi Gras, sustainability is also a priority. It’s the first ship in the Americas to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology, which helps to reduce emissions and support Carnival’s overall environmental goals.
Date: May 13 – May 21, 2023
Itinerary:
Port Canaveral, FL: Port Canaveral, located on the east coast of central Florida, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. It’s a gateway to the Sunshine State and a departure point for cruises heading to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and beyond.
Now, let’s focus on the gem of the port: Terminal 3, often referred to as the ‘Launch Pad’. This $155 million facility, inaugurated in 2020, is a state-of-the-art, two-story 188,000-square-foot cruise terminal, designed with a modern and futuristic aesthetic. It’s the proud home of Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, the first LNG-powered cruise ship in the Americas.
One of the most striking features of the new terminal is its design. It’s been thoughtfully planned with inspiration from nearby Kennedy Space Center. The terminal features an impressive high-tech baggage processing facility and a check-in area that can accommodate thousands of guests efficiently.
Parking is a breeze at Terminal 3. The adjacent 1,800-vehicle parking garage ensures plenty of spaces and offers an easy and convenient access to the terminal building. The 700-foot-long pier has been specially designed to accommodate Mardi Gras and other large vessels, making embarkation and disembarkation smooth for passengers.
Inside, the terminal is bright and airy, with high ceilings and large windows that offer panoramic views of Port Canaveral. There’s plenty of comfortable seating for guests as they wait to embark on their cruise, and the terminal facilities include a variety of amenities for passenger comfort and convenience.
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos: Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a fantastic cruise destination that embodies the very essence of a Caribbean paradise. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, this island provides visitors with a blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture.
One of the main attractions here is the Grand Turk Cruise Center. This 13-acre complex, specifically designed for cruise ships, features a swimming pool, a range of shops and restaurants, and direct access to the breathtaking Governor’s Beach. You can find a number of duty-free shops selling jewelry, watches, clothing, and local crafts, providing an excellent opportunity to pick up a souvenir or two.
For those interested in history, there’s the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which holds an extensive collection of artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere. You can also learn about the island’s salt-raking past with a visit to the Salt House.
If you’re more of a nature lover, you can’t miss Gibbs Cay, where you can interact with stingrays in their natural habitat, or go snorkeling or diving in the island’s world-renowned coral reefs. Grand Turk is a part of the third-largest coral system in the world, and the diving here is phenomenal, with visibility up to 100 feet.
Lastly, a horseback ride along the beach can provide a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re interested in history, eager to shop, or ready to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, Grand Turk offers a wide range of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Amber Cove, Dominican Republic: Amber Cove, located on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, is a delightful cruise port that serves as a gateway to the country’s rich culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. The port is just a few miles from Puerto Plata, a city full of colonial charm, vibrant music and dance, and warm, welcoming people.
Opened in 2015, Amber Cove itself is a 25-acre complex boasting a wide range of amenities, including a massive pool area, bars, restaurants, and shops selling both local and international goods. It’s not uncommon to see passengers simply enjoying the facilities right in Amber Cove, relaxing by the pool or sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
However, the real magic of this destination lies in exploring the surrounding areas. Puerto Plata, with its historic Victorian architecture and the impressive San Felipe Fortress, offers a glimpse into the Dominican Republic’s past. The city is also home to the Amber Museum, which showcases stunning amber specimens, some of which contain prehistoric fossils.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, a visit to Damajagua Waterfalls is a must. This natural wonder consists of 27 cascading waterfalls and pools tucked away in the forest, and you can spend your day hiking, swimming, and even sliding down the falls.
For those who enjoy aquatic adventures, Sosua Bay offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with its clear waters and vibrant marine life. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, you can visit a local rum factory, learn to roll your own cigars, or take a dance lesson to learn the Merengue or Bachata, both of which originated in the Dominican Republic.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: San Juan marries the old and the new in a truly unique way. Steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, it’s a destination that will leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
The city is divided into two main areas: Old San Juan and the modern San Juan. Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully preserved colonial district dating back to the 16th century. It’s a delight to explore with its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and historic sites like El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, two massive Spanish fortresses with panoramic views of the city and sea. It’s also home to the oldest cathedral in the U.S., San Juan Bautista, which holds the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.
Modern San Juan, on the other hand, offers upscale neighborhoods like Condado and Isla Verde, where you’ll find luxurious resorts, trendy restaurants, and lively nightlife. It’s also where you’ll find the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and the Plaza Las Américas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean.
One can’t talk about San Juan without mentioning its stunning beaches. Condado Beach is a popular choice for its golden sands and calm, crystal clear waters, while Ocean Park Beach is loved by locals and visitors alike for its laid-back atmosphere.
The city is also the gateway to the rest of the island’s attractions. El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is just a short drive away, and so are the magical bioluminescent bays, where you can kayak at night and watch the water glow beneath your paddles.
St. Thomas, USVI: St. Thomas is one of the three U.S. Virgin Islands and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s a haven for vacationers, especially for those arriving via cruise ships, as it’s a major port of call in the Caribbean cruise circuit.
The capital of St. Thomas is Charlotte Amalie, known for its historic buildings, bustling shops, and bustling restaurants. The city’s Danish colonial architecture is a visual treat, with Fort Christian being a notable historical landmark. Shopping enthusiasts will love the duty-free shops selling jewelry, electronics, liquor, and local crafts in the downtown area and Havensight Mall, which is located directly across from the cruise port.
St. Thomas is famous for its magnificent beaches. Magens Bay, often listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches, is a must-visit. It’s a heart-shaped bay with calm waters and soft white sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Coki Beach, meanwhile, is a favorite spot for snorkeling due to its abundant marine life.
For an unparalleled view of the island, head up to the Skyride to Paradise Point. This aerial cable car takes you 700 feet above sea level to a viewpoint where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding islands.
Also worth a visit is Coral World Ocean Park, where you can get up close and personal with the island’s marine life. Here, you can walk through an underwater tunnel, touch starfish and sea cucumbers in the touch pool, or even go helmet diving.
Carnival Mardi Gras Accommodations:
For this cruise, I am staying in an interior stateroom on Deck 12 (12272). The interior staterooms on Mardi Gras are designed to maximize space and provide a comfortable stay. They typically accommodate two guests, but options for three or four guests are available with the use of pull-down beds. The rooms are equipped with two twin beds that can convert to a king, ensuring a flexible arrangement to suit guests’ needs.
Even though the rooms are classified as interior, meaning they lack windows to the outside, they come with clever design features to make the space feel open and airy. This includes mirrors and light color schemes that give a sense of spaciousness.
The amenities in these staterooms are well thought out. Each room comes with a private bathroom, complete with shower, toilet, and vanity area. The rooms also feature a flat-screen TV for your entertainment, a desk space, and plenty of storage options including closets and drawers.
In terms of service, guests in interior staterooms receive the same attentive service as those in more upscale stateroom categories. This includes daily housekeeping and 24-hour room service, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.