The whole family will love this ship but here you will find 21 cool reasons that your teen will love cruising on Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship.
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The Mardi Gras is one of Carnival’s new ships and is a sister ship to the Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. This class of ships is known as the Excel class. The Excel class is my favorite class or Carnival ships. The Vista class ships are my second favorite.
This ship has so many exciting features that the whole family will love but this post focuses on 21 reasons your teens will love this ship.
21 Reasons your teen will love the Mardi Gras cruise ship.
1. Bolt
There is no way that this can’t be mentioned first. Bolt is the very first roller coaster at sea. So innovative and so fun!
There is an extra charge for this though, the cost is currently $15USD per ride. You can read about the Bolt restrictions here.
The ride is two times around the track. It was actually more thrilling than I expected and is definitely a must-try.
2. Teen Clubs
Carnival Cruise Line has 2 separate teen clubs, one for the younger teens aged 12-14 called Circle C. You can read about Circle C activities here. Also one for the 15-17 year olds called Club O2. Find out what Carnival’s Club O2 is all about here.
Each teen club has it’s own designated cool area to hand out with new friends, watch movies, play video games, karaoke and other ativities.
There is no charge to take part in the teen clubs.
3. 3 Large Waterslides
There are 3 large twisty, spiraling waterslides that are a part of Waterworks on Carnival’s Mardi Gras. It looks like such a fun way to enjoy an afternoon in the Caribbean. No extra charge for Waterworks.
Related post: 12 Top Tips for Cruising With Teens
4. Mini Golf
Located in Sports Square which is part of the Ultimate Playground zone you will find mini golf, another activity available for no extra charge.
While the below is one I took on the Carnival Celebration, the mini golf course on the Mardi Gras will be similar.
5. Ropes Course
Also in Sports Square is a ropes course they call Sky Course. This is yet another free activity.
6. Basketball Court
A fun way to get some exercise on the cruise ship. Challenge your family or new friends to a game or shoot a few hoops yourself. This is free to use.
7. Volleyball
The basketball court converts to a volleyball court at certain times. No extra charge here either.
8. Video Arcade
There is a charge to play each game but it is a popular activity. There is even a virtual reality game.
Be sure your teen understands how much they are allowed to spend.
9. Pools
Lounging in and around the pools never gets old. Especially while sipping on a non-alcoholic mocktail.
10. Dive in Movies
Curl up in a lounge chair poolside with a blanket and popcorn while you watch a movie on the giant outdoor screen. There is an additional charge for popcorn.
11. Sky Fitness
An outdoor fitness area complete with punching bags. This area is free to use.
12. Evening Deck Parties
On one or two nights of your cruise there will be a mega deck party that the whole family will enjoy. It takes place poolside on the lido deck (weather permitting). This is a must do on your cruise.
You can read more about the different Carnival cruise deck parties here.
Cruise tip – Bring glowsticks it ups the fun of the deck parties. This one of the 9 surprising things to bring on a Carnival cruise.
13. Cherry On Top Candy Store
While it’s not much of an activity, this cute inviting candy store is popular with kids, teens, and adults. This unfortunately is not included in the cost of your cruise.
14. Zspa
Carnival’s spa service for 13-17 year olds. A fun way to make your teen’s vacation that much more memorable. They offer salon services, facials, massages, manicures and more. You can find the menu and prices here. There is a cost for these services.
My daughter had a zspa facial when she was 13 and thought it was pretty special.
Get organized before your next cruise with our Printable Ultimate Cruise Planner & Journal. For every step of the cruise process, from planning to preparing to remembering. Check it out here.
Even more reasons your teen will love cruising on Carnival’s Mardi Gras.
15. Bottomless Bubbles
Bottomless Bubbles is Carnival Cruise Line’s soft drink program. This allows you to pay upfront for soda and juice rather than them having to charge a drink each time they purchase one or have to find and ask you if they can buy one.
At the time of this update (Apr. 2024) the cost per Carnival’s website is $6.95/day USD plus 18% gratuity for kids 17 and under. It is $9.50/day plus 18% gratuity for adults. The package has to be purchased for the entire cruise.
Prices and rules can change so please check Carnival Cruise Line’s website here for the most up to date information.
16. Guy’s Burger Joint
Guy as in celebrity chef Guy Fieri. These burgers truly are amazing, and the best part is they are included in the cost of your cruise. This is a far bigger draw for my family that I would have expected. Whenever I mention cruising, the first thing my family asks is “is there Guys’ burgers?”.
17. Shaq’s Big Chicken
Big Chicken is on the Excel class ships and is a popular lunch spot. They do also serve breakfast.
18. Blue Iguana Cantina
Another free food option, what teen doesn’t like food. Here you will find tacos and burritos. They are delicious and available for breakfast and lunch.
19. Pizzeria del Capitano
Yummy pizza available until the wee hours of the morning at no extra cost. Perfect for a late night snack.
20. Swirls Soft Ice Cream
Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry soft service ice cream is available at no additional charge.
21. Lido Marketplace Buffet
Food, food, and more food. A large buffet serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another food option at no additional charge and with something for all tastes.
While this lists 21 super cool reasons your teen will love the Carnival’s Mardi Gras, there are so many more. Cruising is such a great choice for a family vacation and a sure way to make priceless memories to last a lifetime.
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