Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras has been delivered in a live virtual ceremony at Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland.
The 5,200-passenger ship, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage on April 24 from Port Canaveral, Florida.
The ship features the first rollercoaster at sea, Bolt, six onboard zones, a new seafood restaurant concept by chef Rudi Sodamin and a new restaurant by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, the line said.
Mardi Gras had been slated for delivery in August but it was first announced a year ago that construction had been delayed.
Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “We have been working tirelessly this year to get to this exciting day to take delivery of this beautiful ship, and the team at Meyer Turku has been an outstanding partner throughout this process.
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“I cannot wait for our guests and crew to see and experience Mardi Gras. Notwithstanding the delays related to the pandemic, there is tremendous enthusiasm and pent-up demand for this ship.”
Preparations are now being made for the delivery of Carnival Celebration, which is due to be delivered in 2022. Duffy added: “[It] has sold very well since inventory opened in October.”
Commenting on Mardi Gras, Tim Meyer, chief executive of Meyer Turku, said: “We are delivering a beautiful and highly advanced ship with world-class technology such as LNG propulsion, to name just one.
“With these sophisticated systems, Mardi Gras will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships to sail the North American waters. I am very proud of our team of shipbuilders and would like to thank everyone involved of their dedication during the building process.”
The line also announced that agents can earn £10 per booking throughout January and February as part of its Wave campaign.
Each booking will also be entered into a prize draw where one agent and a friend could win a Carnival cruise plus flights on the line’s new vessel Mardi Gras.