By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival Cruise Line is to pay homage to its first-ever cruise ship and its “rich history as America’s Cruise Line” by naming its new LNG-powered vessel Mardi Gras when she debuts in 2020.
Currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, the 180,000gt Mardi Gras will be Carnival’s largest-ever ship and the first LNG-powered vessel in North America. She will be more than six times the size of her 27,000gt namesake, a converted transatlantic ocean liner that kick-started Carnival’s cruise business when she started service in 1972. The new Mardi Gras will accommodate more than 5,200 guests and will offer various onboard innovations. Once in service, the XL-class ship will homeport at Port Canaveral in Florida, US in a new terminal.
“Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand new style of cruising to the holidaying public,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful holiday memories than by naming this ground-breaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship? The new Mardi Gras will follow the trailblazing lead of her predecessor, introducing features and technological innovations that have never been seen before on a cruise ship, while setting a new standard for seagoing holidays.”
The second XL ship will be delivered in 2022, which coincides with Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th anniversary.