It’s time to get your thrill-seeking, cruise-loving clients ready for a trip on Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras. In another cruise industry first, this new vessel will feature the first-ever roller coaster at sea when it debuts in 2020.
Built by Munich-based Maurer Rides, BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster will offer nearly 800 ft. of twists, turns, and drops with riders reaching speeds of nearly 40 mph. This all-electric roller coaster allows two riders in a motorcycle-like vehicle to race along a track 187 ft. above sea level as they take in the 360-degree views. The ride begins with an action-packed launch where riders can achieve race car-like levels of acceleration and culminates with a high-powered hair-pin turn around Carnival’s iconic funnel. Riders’ speeds are posted after the race, and just like land-based roller coasters, guests have their photo taken during the ride for a memorable keepsake. With guests getting to choose their own speed, each ride is unique.
“Mardi Gras will be our most innovative ship ever with some truly special features and attractions, highlighted by BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in press materials. “BOLT will continue the tradition of Carnival providing exciting new ways for our guests to ‘Choose Fun.’ We are so thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind, game-changing, exhilarating attraction. Our guests are going to love it!”
Mardi Gras will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida, which will feature a new terminal. Itinerary information will be revealed early next month with additional details about Mardi Gras’ features announced throughout the year. A second XL-class ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding.
For more information, visit carnival.com. Recommend recently boarded the new Carnival Horizon; check out the full onsite review here.
