U.S. Carnival’s mega-ship Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Excel-class vessel will accommodate more than 5,200 guests and a crew of 2,000


Port Canaveral: Homeport for Mardi Gras
New Orleans
Tampa
Miami
FLORIDA
200km 125 miles


Gross tonnage:	180,000
Length:		340 metres
Beam:		42 metres
Decks: 		19 
Built by Meyer Turku shipyard, Finland

Playground: Waterslides, mini-golf, ropes course, basketball court

LNG: Four engines reduce particular matter by more than 95 percent and eliminate up to 20 percent of carbon emissions, compared to marine diesel fuel

Bolt: 244-metre roller-coaster

Accommodation: Choice of more than 2,600 staterooms and 180 suites

Excel Suites: Open onto private sundeck with plunge pool-style hot tub

Bow thrusters

Azipod propulsion system: Twin Azipod electric drive motors rotate 360 degrees to provide both thrust and steering in any direction. Cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent

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1. Grand Central: Atrium features three decks of floor-to-ceiling glass showcasing ocean views. At night it transforms into theatre venue (below)

2. French Quarter: Inspired by New Orleans. Has live jazz club and Bistro 1396 by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse (inset), offering raw oysters, jambalaya, and cochon de lait po’ boys

3. Excel Suites: Staterooms with best views on ship. Presidential Suite features separate living, dining and bedrooms. Wraparound balcony provides seating for over 12 friends, plus al fresco dining

4. Ultimate Sea Coaster: Bolt – first rollercoaster at sea. Built by Germany-based Mauer Rides, Bolt carries two passengers in motorcycle-style cars around ship’s giant funnel, 57 metres – or 19 storeys above sea. Throttle lets rider boost speed to 64km/h


Pictures: Associated Press, Carnival Cruise Line
Sources: ABB, Associated Press, Bloomberg, Carnival Cruise Line
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