As revealed by recent photos, construction on Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras is progressing at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, as the ship is being readied for its scheduled February 2021 debut. Workers have installed nearly 800 feet (224 m) of suspended track for Bolt, a Spike coaster from Maurer Rides and the first rollercoaster at sea. It will encircle upper decks and offer guests an exhilarating ride with dips and drops with breath-taking ocean views.
Bolt’s all-electric, motorcycle-inspired vehicles will be adorned with metallic red and blue stripes and an eye-catching yellow lightning bolt. The vehicle will also feature a digital speedometer display and speakers with new sound effects that will activate to enhance the exhilarating, one-of-a-kind experience. Cameras will be located along the track, as well as within the vehicle itself, providing riders with unique photo keepsakes as they take in 360º views and race 187 feet (57 m) above the sea with drops, dips and hairpin turns achieving speeds of up to 40 mph (64 kph). Guests choose their own speed so no two rides will ever be the same.
Bolt will take centre stage in the Ultimate Playground, one of Mardi Gras’ six themed zones, spanning Decks 18-20 and home to the largest WaterWorks aqua park in the Carnival fleet featuring three unique heart-racing slides designed for all-ages fun.
Blue Lightning will offer 312 feet (95 m) of high-speed twists and turns, while the 229 foot (70 m) long Orange Thunder drop-down slide will propel guests into a wet ‘n wild splash zone. Back by popular demand, Carnival’s signature Twister slide encompasses 265 feet (81 m) of thrills for the young and young at heart. Other features will include a splash-tastic zone just for kids with a 150 gallon (568 l) PowerDrencher tipping bucket and numerous water toys.
The expanded SportSquare recreation complex features a 600 foot (183 m) long suspended ropes course – the longest in the fleet – a nine-hole miniature golf course, a jogging track and outdoor fitness equipment, and a basketball court.
All of the ship’s more than 2,600 staterooms, including 180 suites across 11 different categories, have been installed as well, with interior outfitters putting the finishing touches on these unique accommodations.
