Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise: 4 of the Best Spots to Hang Out At

So, you’re thinking about taking a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise, and you’re not sure what’s in store for you. Afterall, looking at one of the massive ships can feel a bit daunting. With so many attractions and restaurants, where do you even start? Well fear not, intrepid traveler. There are a few spots that every cruiser should check out during a voyage on Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship, and we’ve got the skinny on the best ones. From the first roller coaster to ever operate on the open ocean, to an extravagant three-story atrium, here are the best spots to visit during a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise.

The Ultimate Playground

When you first take a look at the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship, the first thing you’ll notice is the colorful tracks and tubes protruding out on top of it. This is The Ultimate Playground, which takes up the top deck of the Mardi Gras ship and is the type of park that every kid dreams of. With the thrilling Bolt Seacoaster, Carnival offers their guests a roller coaster ride that reaches speeds of 40 mph on the first roller coaster at sea. This thing is the star of the show, featuring a hilltop launch, hairpin turns, and breathtaking views of the ocean. For those looking for a more mellow experience, the mini-golf course provides a relaxing activity as well as fun competition for the entire family. The basketball court is a popular spot for guests to practice their skills, and the ropes course is always a hit with daredevils looking for a challenge. And of course, we can’t forget the multitude of water slides that twist and turn around each other!

Summer Landing

Next up, we’ve got Summer Landing, which might just have the chillest vibe of any spot on the Mardi Gras ship. Here you will find a relaxing pool deck that looks like it’s ripped straight from a country club, complete with an infinity pool hanging off the back of the shift. Around the pool are lounge chairs galore, making this the perfect spot to soak up some sun while you’re waiting to arrive at your next destination. Just inside, you’ll find Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse. Brought to you by Guy Fieri, this place has more than just amazing American BBQ. They’ve got foosball for the kids, a full bar so you can grab a drink, and plenty of TVs so you won’t miss the big game. When you take a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise, your days are sure to be packed with excitement and adventure, so be sure to take some time to chill out and recover from all the activity!

Grand Central

Grand Central is a remarkable entertainment venue and arguably the centerpiece on the whole Mardi Gras ship. It is a large, multi-level atrium complete with an impressive, three-story grand staircase and it serves as a hub of activity and entertainment. The magnificent stage with three levels of seating is at the heart of it, and this is where you will see all kinds of shows put on each night. Floor to ceiling windows act as a backdrop for the stage, and offer amazing ocean views even when no show is being put on. You can also grab a bite to eat at Bonsai Sushi or Bonsai Teppanyaki, or get a coffee at Java Blue Café, so you won’t have to go far if you get hungry. With its stunning design and vibrant colors, it’s easy to see why this is one of the top spots to visit on a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise.

La Piazza

Finally, we’ve got one last spot to check out during your Carnival Mardi Gras cruise. For a little taste of Italy head to La Piazza, the Italian themed zone that offers up a whole host of authentic cuisine to sink your teeth into. Even if you aren’t too keen on Italian food, it’s worth taking a walk through here just to admire the atmosphere and décor, as they have designed this little section of the Mardi Gras ship to have the look and feel of a street corner in Italy. Of course, if you are into rich sauces and heavy carbs, then this place will feel like heaven and you may just not want to leave. For the full experience, head to Cucina Del Capitano and try the Pollo Parmigiana Della Cucina (it’s to die for!). If you’re just passing through, stop at the 24-hour pizzeria and grab a slice. Or you can just come for a cocktail and do a little people watching. Any way you “slice” it, this place is a must during any Carnival Mardi Gras cruise!

Are you ready to check out all of the discount Mardi Gras cruise itineraries? Visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line: 5 Reasons to Cruise with Carnival