Photo: Jack Adamenko / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons (resized)
Excel (XL) class · Caribbean & Bahamas
Carnival's first LNG-powered ship, launched in 2021 as the first Excel-class (XL) vessel. Its signature feature is BOLT, an electric roller coaster running above the ship. The interior is divided into six themed zones, with restaurants and bars lining an open promenade through the center. Despite its capacity of about 5,000 guests, the detailed zoning makes it easy to move between the lively pool deck and calmer adults-oriented areas. Based at Port Canaveral, it mainly operates seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises; from the 2027/28 season, four- to five-night Bahamas itineraries will also be offered, broadening the choices for first-time cruisers.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9837444)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Pitta.
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Confirmed services
No Japanese language support
Payment in yen not accepted
Formal nights
Line-wide details: 1 "Cruise Elegant" night is scheduled on cruises of 5 nights or fewer, and 2 on cruises of 6 nights or more. Most are held on sea days (such as day 2 or the last sea day).
Plug types: B, F
Line-wide details: Both 110V (North American standard) and 220V (European style) are available at cabin outlets.
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Pitta / Not stated: no information found in official sources
Main dining and buffet meals are included. Alcohol, Wi-Fi, automatic gratuities, and paid specialty restaurants require separate payment or package purchase.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Mardi Gras uses a dual-fuel engine powered primarily by LNG (liquefied natural gas), designed to significantly reduce SOx and particulate-matter emissions.
These are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Pitta. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
alojapan.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
barelycruising.blogspot.com · Sailed Jan 8, 2022 · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
cruisereport.com · Sailed Oct 23, 2021 · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
Source: Wikipedia “Mardi Gras (ship)” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The lowest-priced category onboard, at about 160 square feet (about 15 m²) as standard. It follows the same layout as sister ships and also offers a Premium Interior option.
Distributed across decks 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, and 14–17 (mainly low to mid levels)
These rooms have no balcony but feature ocean-view windows, with about 245 square feet (about 23 m²), providing more space than Interior rooms.
Decks 4–5 (mainly low levels)
The most numerous standard category across all rooms. As on sister ships, the lineup includes Standard, Junior, and Cove variations.
Decks 9–12 and 14–17 (mainly mid to high levels). Some are Cove balconies on Deck 8 (lower level; budget type with partially restricted views)
Several tiers are included, centered on Ocean Suites and extending to Excel Suites, Excel Corner Suites, and Excel Aft Suites with hot tubs. Benefits and layouts are equivalent to those on sister ships.
Decks 9–12 and 14–17 (seaside suite area)
The largest top-tier suite in the Excel class. It offers about 474–476 square feet indoors plus a balcony of about 645–646 square feet, totaling about 1,120 square feet (about 104 m²), with a living room, dining area, and wraparound balcony with a hot tub.
2 cabins Deck 17 forward (top-tier area, only 2 cabins)
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Interior Stateroom The lowest-priced category onboard, at about 160 square feet (about 15 m²) as standard. It follows the same layout as sister ships and also offers a Premium Interior option. Distributed across decks 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, and 14–17 (mainly low to mid levels) | 14–17 m² (151–183 ft²) | 2-4 people Queen bed (convertible to twin beds) + sofa bed or ceiling-mounted pull-down bed; some cabins accommodate up to 4 people. | Connecting: Yes | Mardi Gras cabin information |
Ocean View Stateroom These rooms have no balcony but feature ocean-view windows, with about 245 square feet (about 23 m²), providing more space than Interior rooms. Decks 4–5 (mainly low levels) | 17–20 m² (183–215 ft²) | 2-4 people Mainly twin beds (can be joined into a queen depending on room type); some cabins accommodate up to 4 people with a sofa bed or Pullman bed. | Window: YesConnecting: Yes | Mardi Gras cabin information |
Balcony Stateroom The most numerous standard category across all rooms. As on sister ships, the lineup includes Standard, Junior, and Cove variations. Decks 9–12 and 14–17 (mainly mid to high levels). Some are Cove balconies on Deck 8 (lower level; budget type with partially restricted views) | 18–24 m² (194–258 ft²) | 2-4 people Twin beds (can be joined into a queen) + sofa bed. Extended balcony types are also available. | Balcony: YesWindow: YesConnecting: Yes | Mardi Gras cabin information |
Ocean Suite / Excel Suite / Excel Corner Suite / Excel Aft Suite Several tiers are included, centered on Ocean Suites and extending to Excel Suites, Excel Corner Suites, and Excel Aft Suites with hot tubs. Benefits and layouts are equivalent to those on sister ships. Decks 9–12 and 14–17 (seaside suite area) | 28–56 m² (301–603 ft²) | 2-5 people (varies by cabin type) King bed (convertible to twins) + sofa bed. Higher-level types have an additional pull-out or upper bed. | Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes | Mardi Gras cabin information |
Excel Presidential Suite The largest top-tier suite in the Excel class. It offers about 474–476 square feet indoors plus a balcony of about 645–646 square feet, totaling about 1,120 square feet (about 104 m²), with a living room, dining area, and wraparound balcony with a hot tub. 2 cabins / Deck 17 forward (top-tier area, only 2 cabins) | 104 m² (1,119 ft²) | 2-4 people King bed (convertible to twins) in the bedroom, sofa bed in the living room. | Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes | Mardi Gras cabin information |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
One of the main dining rooms included in the fare. Guests can choose either fixed seating or flexible dining times when booking.
Hours: Breakfast, sea-day brunch, and dinner (fixed or open seating)
Another main dining room included in the fare. Mardi Gras's first main dining room, named Expression onboard, with the same rotation setup as on its sister ships.
Hours: Breakfast and dinner centered
A large, complimentary buffet. It has the highest usage rate as a casual dining venue.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (open most of the day)
A complimentary Guy Fieri supervised burger stand.
Hours: Lunch through afternoon
A complimentary Mexican casual dining stand.
Hours: Breakfast and lunch
A Japanese restaurant where guests can enjoy sushi, sashimi, ramen, and more à la carte. Offered on all Excel-class ships.
A steakhouse centered on high-quality beef dishes. Offered on all Excel-class ships.
A seafood restaurant supervised by chef Rudi Sodamin. Exclusive to Excel-class ships (Celebration, Jubilee, and Mardi Gras).
A New Orleans restaurant supervised by Emeril Lagasse. Since Mardi Gras is based in Galveston, this venue name is the most suitable.
An electric roller coaster said to be the first at sea. Installed on all Excel-class ships. Riders must be about 132-196 cm tall and weigh 136 kg or less.
A casino with slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other games, limited to guests aged 21 and over.
A free kids program for children aged 2-11, divided by age group. Late-night care is available for an additional fee.
A paid spa offering thermal suites, massages, and facials.
Main theater offering free original shows and live performances.
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