Carnival Mardi Gras Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review for First-Time Cruisers
Cruises were never really on my radar. I always thought they were more for retirees or families with kids, not for a young couple in our early 30s. But when my husband and I booked the Carnival Mardi Gras 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, we discovered just how wrong I was. From the moment we stepped onboard, we were hooked—and by the end of the week, we’d already booked our next one as a family trip.
Safe to say, cruises are truly for all ages. The Mardi Gras felt like a floating all-inclusive hotel, with everything we could possibly need—dining, entertainment, pools, bars, and activities—all just steps away. You unpack once, and every morning you wake up in a new destination. It’s travel made simple, and honestly, I loved every second.
Note: On our sailing, Day 2 stopped at Perfect Day at CocoCay, but starting in summer 2025, Carnival Mardi Gras now sails to its brand-new private island, Celebration Key.
Why We Chose Carnival Mardi Gras
When we started planning our anniversary trip, we had three main priorities: a mid-sized ship that offered plenty to do without feeling overwhelming, a reasonable price point that gave us value for money, and great dining options for vegetarians (with choices for vegans and gluten-free diets too). Carnival Mardi Gras checked every single box. It offered endless fun, delicious food, and a balanced Eastern Caribbean itinerary that gave us both beach days and cultural experiences.
Our Interior Room Experience
As first-time cruisers, I wasn’t sure if seasickness would be an issue. To be safe, we booked an interior stateroom mid-ship on a lower level, which is one of the best spots for minimizing motion. This choice also helped us save money compared to a balcony. And honestly, we didn’t feel like we missed out—we spent plenty of time on the public decks enjoying sweeping ocean views. Some of my favorite memories were standing together on deck as the ship sailed into port, watching a brand-new country slowly appear on the horizon. For anyone new to cruising, this is a smart, budget-friendly way to start.
Dining on Carnival Mardi Gras
Food was truly one of the highlights of our Carnival Mardi Gras cruise. With so many dining venues onboard, it felt like we were trying a different restaurant every single day. From casual poolside bites to elegant specialty dining, the variety kept meals exciting and never repetitive. What impressed me most was how well Carnival caters to different dietary needs—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options were clearly labeled across menus, making it easy to find something delicious no matter your preference.
Complimentary Dining Options (Included in Your Fare):
- Shaq’s Big Chicken – Created by Carnival’s Brand Ambassador Shaquille O’Neal, serving crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sides.
- Street Eats – Rotating food stalls with global street food like dumplings, kebabs, and loaded fries.
- Guy’s Burger Joint – A Carnival staple from celebrity chef Guy Fieri with burgers, fries, and a toppings bar.
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse – Another Guy Fieri creation serving brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and sides. Complimentary for lunch, and a lively brewhouse at night.
- Lido Marketplace – The main buffet with breakfast, lunch, and dinner stations offering a wide range of cuisines.
- BlueIguana Cantina – Freshly made tacos and burritos with customizable toppings.
- Pizzeria del Capitano – Open late into the night with hand-tossed pizzas made fresh to order.
- Fresh Creations – A salad bar for lighter meals and fresh options.
- Main Dining Rooms (Palm and Flamingo) – Full-service dining for breakfast, sea day brunch, and dinner with rotating menus.
- Coffee Shops, Dessert Counters, and Ice Cream Machines – Sweet treats, specialty coffees, and unlimited soft-serve available throughout the ship.
Specialty Restaurants (Additional Cost):
- The Steakhouse – An upscale dining venue with premium steaks, seafood, and refined sides. Perfect for special occasions.
- Emeril’s Bistro 1396 – Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse brings New Orleans-inspired cuisine to sea.
- JiJi Asian Kitchen – Flavorful Asian dishes in a stylish specialty restaurant.
- Cucina del Capitano – Homestyle Italian dining with pasta, antipasti, and hearty mains. Lunch is sometimes complimentary, while dinner typically carries a small fee.
- Bonsai Sushi – Fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese appetizers available à la carte.
What Costs Extra on a Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise
While so much is included in your fare—like meals in the main dining room and buffet, pools, shows, and entertainment—there are a few extras that you may want to budget for. These optional add-ons can enhance your experience, but they do come at an additional cost.
- Drinks Packages: Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees are not included. Carnival offers CHEERS! (alcoholic + non-alcoholic drinks) and Bottomless Bubbles (soda only). Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you plan to drink.
- Wi-Fi Packages: Internet access isn’t free. Packages range from basic social media plans to premium Wi-Fi that supports streaming.
- Specialty Dining: While many restaurants are included, some like Rudi’s Seagrill or Emeril’s Bistro have à la carte pricing or fixed cover charges. These are nice for a splurge night but not required.
- Shore Excursions: Activities at ports, such as snorkeling, tours, or beach club passes, are paid separately. You can book through Carnival or arrange independently.
- Spa & Salon Services: Massages, facials, and treatments are extra but can be a great way to relax at sea.
- Photos & Souvenirs: Carnival photographers capture your trip throughout the cruise, but buying the prints or digital packages adds to your costs.
- Onboard Activities: Most activities are free, but some special experiences (like certain cooking classes or arcade games) may cost extra.
Pro Tip: Decide before sailing which extras matter most to you. Booking packages like Wi-Fi or drinks in advance online often saves money compared to purchasing once on board.
Entertainment on Board
The entertainment on Carnival Mardi Gras is one of the biggest reasons this ship stands out. Sea days were just as exciting as port days thanks to a mix of high-energy attractions, Broadway-style shows, themed parties, and plenty of places to relax. Whether you’re looking for thrills, nightlife, or downtime, the Mardi Gras has something for everyone.
Signature Attractions
- BOLT® Ultimate Sea Coaster – Carnival’s first roller coaster at sea, with customizable speeds and 360-degree ocean views.
- WaterWorks – The largest water park on any Carnival ship, featuring waterslides, splash areas, and family-friendly fun.
- SkyCourse – An elevated ropes course with balance challenges and a mini zip line.
- Family Feud Live – A live version of the classic game show where guests compete on stage while the audience gets to play along.
Live Shows & Entertainment Venues
- Mardi Gras Theater – Hosting big productions, including musicals, dance shows, acrobatics, and themed performances.
- Grand Central – A multi-level atrium that doubles as a theater space, with panoramic ocean views during the day and live entertainment at night.
- Punchliner Comedy Club – Nightly stand-up comedy shows featuring a rotating lineup of comedians.
- The Golden Jubilee – A nostalgic lounge celebrating Carnival’s history with live music and cocktails.
Themed Parties & Parades
- Mardi Gras Parade – A vibrant, ship-wide parade filled with music, costumes, and Carnival fun.
- White Hot Night Party – A high-energy deck party where guests wear all white and dance under the stars.
Pools and Hot Tubs
Carnival Mardi Gras has multiple pools for every vibe, including the Beach Pool on the Lido Deck, the Tides Pool at the aft, and the Infinity Pool at Summer Landing. Guests can also enjoy several whirlpools and hot tubs located around the ship, including exclusive ones in the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Whether you want to relax with a cocktail or join the action poolside, there’s always a spot to unwind.
Casino, Spa, and Shopping
- Casino – A full-service casino with slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette, offering tournaments and lively late-night action.
- Cloud 9 Spa – A luxury spa with massages, facials, thermal suites, and beauty treatments designed for total relaxation.
- Shops & Boutiques – Duty-free shopping with jewelry, watches, perfume, clothing, and Carnival-branded souvenirs, giving the ship a boutique mall feel at sea.
Daily Activities & How to Find Them
- Carnival Hub App – The easiest way to track daily events, showtimes, dining schedules, and activities.
- FunTimes Newsletter – Delivered to your stateroom each evening with next-day schedules and port information.
- Daily Fun – Trivia contests, karaoke, bingo, dance classes, and poolside games keep the ship buzzing with energy.
Carnival Mardi Gras entertainment truly offers something for every type of cruiser. From thrill rides and comedy shows to spa days and shopping, you can make your sea days as exciting—or as relaxing—as you want.
Day-by-Day Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Port Canaveral, Florida
Boarding was smooth and surprisingly quick, leaving us with plenty of time to start exploring. We wandered the ship in awe, taking in its sheer size and energy. By sail-away, we were out on deck with music pumping, a drink in hand, and the ocean breeze on our faces. As Florida slipped into the distance, it finally hit us—we were officially on our Caribbean adventure.
Day 2: Fun Day at Sea
The first full day onboard was all about settling into cruise life. We explored different restaurants, lounged on the sun deck, and dipped into the pools. With no port to rush to, we had time to truly enjoy the rhythm of the ship, from morning lattes to late-night entertainment.
Day 3: Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau greeted us with bold colors and nonstop energy. The markets buzzed with music, chatter, and souvenirs, while the turquoise waters shimmered under the sun. We strolled through lively streets, sampled island bites, and soaked up the Bahamian vibe that was both warm and unforgettable.
Day 4: Onboard Fun
This day was a highlight of ship experiences. We tried BOLT, the roller coaster at sea—an adrenaline rush unlike anything else. Afterward, we lounged by the pool, watched the horizon roll by, and capped the day with laughter at a comedy show. The cherry on top? A couples spa treatment that left us completely relaxed as we sailed into the night.
Day 5: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Amber Cove felt like a hidden gem, surrounded by stunning hills and sparkling water. While many guests enjoyed the sprawling pool complex right at port, we chose to explore further inland. From scenic drives to local flavors, we got a small taste of Dominican culture that gave the day a sense of authenticity.
Day 6: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
If paradise has a postcard cover, it’s Grand Turk. Just steps from the cruise dock, we found soft white sand and calm, clear water that begged us to stay all day. No excursion was needed—the beauty of this island was right there, making it one of our favorite stops of the entire trip.
Day 7: Final Sea Day
Our last sea day was equal parts fun and nostalgia. We revisited our favorite hangouts, tried a few new dishes we’d been eyeing, and soaked up every last bit of sun. That night, we ended on a high note—dancing late at the Havana Bar, celebrating a trip we didn’t want to end.
Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral
Disembarkation came too soon, but we stepped off the ship with full hearts, incredible memories, and a newfound love for cruising. What started as a curiosity turned into an unforgettable adventure—and we were already dreaming about our next sailing.
FAQs About Carnival Mardi Gras
Is Carnival Mardi Gras good for young couples?
Yes! As a young couple in our early 30s, we found plenty to do—from nightlife and live music to relaxing spa treatments.
Do you need a balcony room?
Not at all. We booked an interior room mid-ship to avoid seasickness and save money. Public decks offer stunning views.
What’s included on Carnival Mardi Gras?
Most dining, shows, pools, and entertainment are included. Specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, and spa treatments cost extra.
Is the food good for vegetarians or special diets?
Yes, Carnival marks vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes across menus, making it easy to find great options.
Do you need to book excursions?
Not always. Some ports, like Grand Turk, have beaches steps from the ship. Others are best explored with excursions.
Is Carnival Mardi Gras family-friendly?
Definitely. Families enjoy kids’ clubs, water parks, and casual dining. It truly caters to all ages.
Does Carnival Mardi Gras have a roller coaster?
Yes—BOLT® Ultimate Sea Coaster is the first roller coaster at sea.
How many pools are on Carnival Mardi Gras?
Three main pools: Beach Pool, Tides Pool, and Infinity Pool, plus multiple hot tubs.
Is there a casino on Carnival Mardi Gras?
Yes, with slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and tournaments.
Does Carnival Mardi Gras have live shows?
Absolutely. Guests enjoy Broadway-style productions, comedy, live music, and themed parties.
Is there a spa on Carnival Mardi Gras?
Yes, Cloud 9 Spa offers massages, facials, and thermal suites.
What kind of daily activities are offered?
Trivia, bingo, karaoke, singalongs, dance classes, and poolside contests, all listed in the Carnival Hub App and FunTimes newsletter.
Final Thoughts
The Carnival Mardi Gras 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise was everything we wanted for our first anniversary trip—and more. It was easy, fun, and gave us the chance to visit multiple countries without the stress of planning every detail. Cruising really is for all ages. Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends, there’s something for everyone. Think of it as a floating all-inclusive resort—you unpack once, and the world comes to you.
We went in unsure if cruising was for us, but by the end of the week, we were completely converted. Now, we can’t wait to set sail again—this time with family in tow.
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