With 20 decks and enough space for 6500 guests, Carnival's Mardi Gras offers many fun attractions and innovative features. This includes Carnival Cruise Line's first-ever roller coaster at sea In addition to all your fan-favorite Carnival features, you can choose even more fun on Mardi Gras. Fun fact: this ship was our first to introduce distinctive onboard zones where you can take mini-onboard excursions to different “worlds” and experiences! Here are some of the fun highlights you’ll find across Mardi Gras’ zones: Grand Central Of all the American cities to throw one last celebration before Lent, New Orleans is the best known, thanks to its full-throated carnival on “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras. Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana is an iconic celebration that welcomes nearly 1.5 million visitors each year, so it’s no surprise that planning your first visit to this world-famous holiday can be quite the daunting task. We had the joy of visiting our first Mardi Gras in 2023 and came up with a list of the top things that we think every Mardi Gras goer could benefit from knowing before Mardi Gras in New Orleans is arguably the best party you'll find in the United States. Every year over a million people travel to New Orleans to join in the fun during Carnival season, which begins on January 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, and lasts until Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." Technically, Mardi Gras is the last Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and ushers in 40 days Lenten practices, while Carnival is the season that begins on the Feast of Epiphany, January 6. A krewe (pronounced the same way as "crew") is an organization that puts on a parade and/or a ball for the Carnival season. Bonus Fun Fact: Mardi Gras is a legal The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here. Where in New Orleans can I experience Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras is known for its indulgence—and no food is more ubiquitous in New Orleans during Carnival season than the king cake. This ring-shaped, yellow, green, and white-colored cake is baked Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras, is a celebration in its own right. The Krewe of Red Beans (krewe costumes are made from the city’s iconic legume) marches through the Marigny and Bywater Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, which takes place March 4, marks the party’s climax and the end of Carnival Season on the Gulf Coast. The conclusion falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is seen as a final day of feasting and revelry before the solemnity of Lent. The Best 2025 Mardi Gras Parades What is a Krewe? Mardi Gras in New Orleans revolves around the Krewes — the organizations that create the parades and events that define the season. There are hundreds of Krewes in New Orleans, each with its own history, traditions, themes, parade types, and signature “throws.” Meant to be more advanced and modern than anything before, Carnival launched Mardi Gras in 2021 with much excitement from the cruise industry. As such, you’ll be sailing on the best-of-the-best if you book Carnival Mardi Gras with more space for eating, drinking, entertainment and overall relaxation. 2. Do you know any secrets or hidden details about the Carnival Mardi Gras? Join us as we show you our top 15 Carnival Mardi Gras Secrets and Hidden Details! Each Krewe spends a whole year planning their mardi gras floats and parade themes. They work hard to make sure everything is perfect. “A Krewe is more than an organization – it’s a family of celebration and tradition” – New Orleans Carnival Expert. Exploring mardi gras krewe traditions shows a world of social networking and pride See what cruise experts had to say about Carnival Mardi Gras Activities, Entertainment & Amenities for Kids & Adults on Cruise Critic activities, onboard entertainment, and whether the ship is kid Bolt Rollercoaster is offered on Carnival’s Excel-class cruise ships (Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee), and it is the most incredible attraction at sea. The idea of a rollercoaster on a cruise ship is truly amazing, and the ride was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The name is a callback to Carnival’s first ship, TSS Mardi Gras. After the episode aired, Carnival issued a press release clarifying that the ship’s name would be simply Mari Gras. Delays caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a small shipyard fire, resulted in the late final delivery of the new Mardi Gras. I recently returned from a seven-night sailing onboard one of Carnival’s newest ships, Mardi Gras. This modern, innovative cruise ship is one of the best in The original Mardi Gras ship was launched under a different name in 1960, before becoming a Carnival ship and gaining the Mardi Gras name in 1972. Carnival sold the ship in 1993, after which the Im going on Mardi Gras next February. Really looking forward to it. When we sailed on Mariner of the Seas at the start of the month, Mardi Gras was leaving Port Canaveral at the same time. Everyone in our group was jealous, though mostly because of the roller coaster. The roller coast looks cool, but im not excited about spending $15/ride.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |