Carnival Mardi Gras and a Roller Coaster at Sea
It was just last week that Carnival revealed the retro-name of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, set to debut in 2020. As the dust settled over Carnival’s choice of “Mardi Gras“, the cruise line has announced that their ship will have the first-ever roller coaster at sea.
Appropriately named BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, it promises almost 800 feet of track that, brace yourself, has twists and turns and cars that go up to speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour.
BOLT explained
Built by Munich-based Maurer Rides, BOLT is an all-electric roller coaster that fits two riders in a motorcycle-like car. You’ll race along a track 187 feet above sea level that provides breathtaking 360-degree views.
BOLT 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. And since guests choose their own speed, each ride is unique.
Read More: Introducing the Carnival Mardi Gras
“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 Duffy. “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, Fla., at a new, specially-built state-of-the-art terminal. Mardi Gras will be the first ship in North America to be powered by LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) so the new terminal has to be able to accommodate this feature.
Itinerary information will be revealed in January 2019 with additional details about Mardi Gras’ amazing innovations announced in increments as they are available throughout the year. To mark Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th anniversary, a second XL-class ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022.
