THE BEST AND WORST OF CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS - A Carnival Mardi Gras Review

Carnival Mardi Gras is Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship. I was on her in October 2021 and in this episode I look at the best and worst of Carnival Mardi Gras. Carnival Mardi Gras! Let's talk about it!
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[@splatmacpuffin]

If you haven’t already you should do this exact format/show for every ship you sail on. Very informative and balanced viewpoints. Thank you Tony !

[@LaLidoLoca]

Ya I like it too. I may do that.

[@ladybugbkkinTexas]

Ooh, yes, agree!

[@dustinmarshall3494]

I agree!

[@clementkeithholt3788]

Yep, you've become my Trusted-go-to. Leaving on the Panorama next week. Would love one of this format for that one. Keep up the great work T&J.

[@ericholbrook7581]

I completely understand the way you are reporting in 2021. Enjoy the experience and the people you are with. You are able to give a more authentic experience. Thank you!

[@icare7151]

Just returned from Marti Gras. From major design flaws in safety, comfort, form to basic functionality, we are going back to the Vista Class. ❤️Vista, Horizon and Panorama: This ship is nothing more than a large cargo container ship, the economy of scale only benefiting CCL at the passengers expense. Every sing venue or feature simply doesn’t have the capacity to handle the 5300 to 6300 passengers. As a result one ends up waiting, waiting and waiting for everything or so overcrowded it’s simply NOT enjoyable. In fact, 90% of our “awake time” on the ship was waiting or giving up on the venue overcrowding, simply way too many people. As far as food quality; awful compared to our 50 years of Carnival experience. In fact, we all re-named one eating venue to “Sh*tBang”. Pictures, videos and plenty of case numbers with Guest (NO) Services documenting massive shortcomings and horrible treatment by the staff. If this is Carnival’s future, they will not be in ours and the thousands who stated the same aboard the ship. Mardi Gras is a prototype for the Excel class and unfortunately due to the pandemic the November 2022 arrival date of Celebration is a direct carbon copy of the Marti Gras, now 2 horrible dysfunctional prototypes. If there are not major redesigns to the Jubilee, all 3 ships will need major refitting’s to compete with the 3 Vista Class Ships and growing competition in the cruising industry. The CCL Excell class will destroy Carnivals loyal customer base just as it has done with us and thousands aboard our cruise stating “never again Carnival”. Both the ship and the company are NOT the Carnival we grew to ❤️ over our last 50 years with Carnival. As they say, “all good things must come to an end”, Carnival Cruise Line, sadly, is no exception to that rule.

[@elizabethmitchell6919]

Your conviction to this industry is amazing. You always focus on the positives, more so than the negatives. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I enjoy watching your videos everyday, even though I don't always agree with you. Keep doing what you do.

[@LaLidoLoca]

Thanks!

[@stephaniem839]

Mardi Gras is the first Carnival ship that has appealed to me. It looks great! They really needed to do something with their atrium. I’m surprised that they didn’t have outlets in the Java Blue area like a Starbucks would. Hmmm. I love Princess’s International Cafe. Maybe they need to add cafeteria trays to the buffet area to carry everything. Sounds like an easy fix for those that would like to use them. Thanks for sharing Tony!

[@johndodd3397]

We went on the Mardi Gras in September and it was fabulous! We liked it so much that we changed our Carnival Pride on Thanksgiving week and we’re going back on the Mardi Gras again that week, taking my son and his family as well. We sail primarily on Carnival and this ship is the best so far and we’ve been on a dozen different Carnival ships

[@lboutard]

I truly can hear the passion in your voice! Being able to be enmeshed fully in your cruise enjoying your fellow passengers. It’s awesome to get your emotional feel verses just info. Thanks always Tony for ever improving your content and style!

[@VettsTravel]

It was so good to see you in person. You truly have gotten me through this last year. You prepared me each and every day as I was counting down to this cruise! Btw, you had a huge group! 😍 I’m glad I did decide to go. It definitely felt different, but I just chose to relax. And me and Hubby loved Big Chicken! The breakfast biscuit was amazing too!

[@courtneyfewell1698]

I totally agree about the rooms! We also had a balcony and we felt it was smaller and the setup was opposite of the usual (hallway, couch, bed,then view). But I totally loved the ship as a whole!

[@trudyfant3299]

Great review, we went on Marti Gras a few weeks ago. I agree with your take on the cabin door and bathroom. Loved Center Stage .The entertainment was fantastic. We totally enjoyed the ship .Hope to sail on her again ,there was so much we missed.

[@tamilynngsu01]

I agree about the charging ports outside of the cabin. I’m a student and wanted to catch my classwork. The WiFi was great, but I was sitting at the outer section of Center Stage ordering drinks and making progress…till my battery died 😂

[@armypenguin]

As someone that recently went on mardi gras. Java blue is definitely nice. The water park was above average to other cruises I've taken. Shaqs big chicken wasn't blow me out of the water good but was a very nice change of pace. The center stage shows were good some of the singing wasnt great but choreographed very well. Family feud was very entertaining. Serenity was amazing the salad bar (can't remember its name) was amazing best salad bar I've had in ages. Comedy was absolutely amazing 10/10. I concur the balcony cabin felt narrower. Even adding a foot would greatly increase comfort. Buffet was really really lack luster. Portability of food was horrendous. I like to eat in peace in my room and moving food was difficult. Specialty dining my wife and I ended up getting to almost everywhere. Unfortunately we didn't make it to chef's table, guy's pig and anchor, bonsai teppanyaki, or blue iguana cantina. Starting at most expensive. The steakhouse atmosphere was nice but they really tried to cram the tables I don't mind close dining but when the servers are almost hitting tables becuase they cant move around it needs a redesign. Food was mediocre at best we both got Australian waygu and were disappointed. Rudi's seagrill i ended up having steak which was significantly better than waygu wife got seafood and it was very good. Chi-bang yes absolute must go to hands down some of the best food I've had on a cruise ship. Cucina del capitano, I always use a chicken parmesan to measure an italian restaurant if they cant get a piece of chicken with some sauce and cheese cooked right they aren't gonna get anything right (yes I realize chicken parm isn't persay italian). Cucina did top 5 chicken parmesans I've had. Bonsai sushi was mediocre at best I'm not like a sushi snob or anything I've eaten at like 10 sushi places and unfortunately the rolls were extremely disappointing. The fish seemed almost like it was old not like unsafe old just sub par quality. Emerils bistro was great a nice rich heat without being overbearing to the level of uncomfortable. We also got the pizza from the 24 hr pizza place the four cheese was really good. The sandwich place piazza next to pizza was also quiet good with a wide variety of options. Guy's burger joint continues to be a place to get a quality burger. The last thing of note was the main dining room. I felt like main dining room food has gone down. I'm not sure if it's because there is so much specialty dining but it felt mediocre compared to when I sailed in the late 2000s. In summary definitely go to chi-bang, cucina, emerils, rudis, and the serenity salad. Other things I wanted to mention. The arcade was typical but we had issues with 3 separate machines which was rectified by staff but was disappointing.

[@ginabyrd503]

We enjoyed center stage quite a bit, great place to grab a coffee and chill! We also enjoyed the show with the greatest showman music, some incredible talent! The costume party with the La Lido Loca Fam was definitely a highlight!💗

[@jessicageriene6841]

Mardi grais is on my "must sail on" list. We are booking a family trip summer 2023 on the celebration. It's one of those ships that it will take a couple trips to do everything. Thanks for the video Tony. Glad you and Jenny had fun.

[@michelebegg5073]

I am sailing on Celebration April 2nd for my birthday. Hope they have the Bolt. You will have fun. Got my cardio on Mardi Gras, will do it again on Celebration. LOL

[@jessicageriene6841]

@@michelebegg5073 I can't wait. We are going July 2023.

[@juliamccoun6171]

Grateful for your lists and discoveries. My cruise wishes are opposite so I wouldn't sail on th Marti Gras because I love comfy cabins and choice of pillows. Its actually really being able to explore ships without spending money. Thinking we're sticking with HAL.

[@penelopepitstop762]

I’ve been waiting for this video! We cruise on the Mardi Gras next April and I am beyond excited!! From what little I’ve seen it looks so nice. I’m sure it’ll be the nicest ship I’ve ever been on.

[@bartdaw6681]

Try going on HAL , you don’t pay for food unless it is one of two pay restaurants and you don’t pay for coffee either unless it is at the special coffee bar. You do pay for soda based drinks though. Our day starts at 6AM and we are in the gym/fitness area riding stationary bikes for at least half an hour and then hit the showers and head to the lido. HAL does have older guests but they cater to their guests very nicely and you don’t get nickeled and dimed every time you want to eat something or drink something.

[@marybarnum437]

Thank you for your review of your time on the Mardi Gras..it was also nice see you in person. We are booked on the Mardi Gras for the their SAIL A THON. not sure I I spelled that correctly..it's celebrating carnival's 50 years of sailing, we meet up( sort of) with 3 other carnival ships in the gulf and they doing a throw back to the 80's , I think..

[@cindyhinz2844]

It's great you just " enjoyed" and and was in the moment during your cruise!!! An actual vacation that you enjoyed. Great video and perspective about the ship!!!!

[@Miki-cv5sf]

Agree on the Backyard band. They made the cruise for me. Agree on the street eats and strange “plates”. We had a square interior that was thankfully wider than the regular interior rooms that were just “thin”. Our friends had an aft extended balcony and that was also smaller than other Carnival ships. Grand Central area was a favorite of mine as well. Grab a coffee and watch the sea or a rehearsal.

[@californiacruisers-jimstac305]

The Miracle has a great Serenity deck. We loved the Mardi Gras! I agree the cabin was smaller. The bathroom was smaller, loved the shower! We barely ate in the buffet and did not make the MDR even once. So many bar and food options! We found embarkation was crowded but moved very quickly. The one area that was a huge disappointment was the Havana area. So small and only a tiny pool and no jacuzzi’s. We are sailing on her again in 2022……can’t wait. Sailing Panorama this Saturday. Thanks for all you do for the cruising community. 🛳💯

[@worthyones]

You cruise like me! My day starts in the afternoon and I’m up til the wee hours. I’m glad Carnival has upped their game!

[@dawndelgado9803]

We did a b2b on Mardi Gras in September and still didn’t get everything in. We did take advantage of the specialty restaurants and they are amazing. We also did brunch in the MDR, because I agree, the buffet was just ok. We had a balcony as well, had bruises on my knees because I kept bumping into the corners of the bed coming in and out of the balcony. But overall, wow, what an amazing ship. We’re already booked for Celebration.

[@kathyerickson9402]

Oh Tony, Tony, Tony...you make me very happy with your list! My husband is a Craps player and this sounds fabulous! And, yes...we are the kind of folks who actually do book our cruises with internet performance on the table. We both work while at sea (sometimes with the drink of the day at hand) and reliable internet is a big deal for us. We've taken our laptops ashore and spent hours in port bars with internet service "working".

[@wyawn]

Nice to hear about your favorite typical cruise day. We all go on a cruise to relax. But we all have a ritual that makes us happy.

[@joearmor3098]

Ill be on the MardiGra in 4 days! Thanks for the overview...always informative. We have been on 12 cruises in 2021... looking forward to MardiGra

[@glendagrubbs4211]

Thanks for the updates, especially the food venues. We leave this Saturday on the Mardi Gras and look forward to trying the chicken sandwich!!

[@candkadventures-cp6409]

I was just talking to someone about how I really enjoyed the cold pool in the Serenity area on the Sunshine! I am glad that the Mardi Gras has one and hopefully something that Carnival will take into consideration for the future!

[@susankerchner3843]

I never really enjoyed the Serenity areas because they lacked a pool. I was happy to see this addition on Mardi Gras. Sailing on her December 2022x

[@jasonbroadbelt]

I agree on most of your points. We were on the 3rd sailing in August. We also had a balcony room and it was so tight (with 2 teens). I agree about the buffet being odd. We had most of our lunches at the blue iguana, shaqs chicken, or guys burger. We loved the cover band in pig and anchor. They were amazing.

[@christineanderly4603]

We sail on her February 26! Love this post! Thank you! Now I'm even more excited!

[@judysylvester2479]

What could be better,Mardi Gras on Mardi Gras😀 I'll be there!

[@johnhicks7198]

Tony great list and thanks so much for the review. I’m booked next year on it and was looking forward to hear what your thoughts about it. And you are pretty on point to what I have heard on other channels. The only other constant bad thing I have heard was the piano bar and punchline club was too small for that size of ship. Again great thanks so much!

[@richardsandford1607]

Great show and thank you for your perspective!! Looking forward to go !!

[@shondiaevans12]

Taking the family for our first family cruise, on the Carnival Mardi Gras June 2023. Thanks for the info- I’ll be binging on your videos tonight!

[@bubbascruise]

I find myself watching this type of reviews more then the vlogs. I can turn this on while I work in the background or why I'm playing a game. If its the vlog type coverage I need to be sitting in front of my TV to really get everything out of it. Plus at this point I've already watched countless of videos of the ship.

[@jackschroeder1864]

We sailed the Mardi Gras on 21 Aug. loved the ship. Agree with you, we were a bit disappointed with buffet. They seemed to not vary the menu that much. We loved grand central, and spent a lot of time there. Loved the bar staff at grand central.

[@tonyawilliams1615]

Loved meeting you and Jenny for the first time. I really did not want to take up much of your time. I understand it can be overwhelming splitting your time. Great job and wonderful to meet you both!

[@arikirsch8168]

Thank you so much for telling us what you liked (and liked not so much) about the Mardi Gras.. We'll be cruising on it at the end of January! Excited about Street Eats and Big Chicken.. Also, Carnival Sunrise has an enclosed Java Blue which we really loved, especially the Lavazza coffee..

[@sherrimcclow188]

We just got off the Panorama WOW what a beautiful ship. Decor was awesome and staff was amazing. Cruise director was the best I've ever seen. Towel animals filled the entire pool bar area. I could right a book about how wonderful this ship is. We are going on the Mardi Gras in January can't wait.

[@johnl0715]

I to just got off the Panorama. And I agree. We where in the Havana suites and it was outstanding

[@joycedebolt5233]

CD Lee Mason! The BEST CD!

[@missybrown4346]

You're going to love MG. I had been on the Horizon (same class as Panorama) in July and was blown away by how beautiful she was and MG is so much MORE!!!!

[@Skyhawk1987Turbo]

I really miss the old La Lido Loca cruise videos, but I’m still still here for y’all.

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Thanks for the info Tony. Thinking Mardi Gras will be the next trip following our return to cruising on Vista in December. Glad you are taking the time to enjoy cruising. I know its your gig. But it's good to take in the expirience as well. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kimberlyharris1210]

Didn't care for the buffet or the street eats area. The entertainment was amazing!!!!

[@debmele48]

We loved our time on the Mardi Gras! It was cruise #18 and our very first time experiencing the Steakhouse and Tempeniaki sushi restaurant (extra pay)! We enjoyed both but loved the experience more at the Tempeniaki. We too loved the shows, and saw 5 out of the 6 comedians, for sure enjoyed the center stage. 😀

[@randyharden5149]

Going on the Mardi Gras in October I cannot wait !!! My wife and I are taking our two daughters who have never cruised before I’m sure they will be impressed by the Mardi Gras . And as always another good video 👍👍

[@geno5169]

Thank you so much you’re cruising in the Mardi Gras.. pro’s and con’s. My wife and I are looking forward to our cruise in the Mardi Gras. This really helps us. My wife just booked our reservation for 555. I’m looking forward for my coffee everyday. Where going to celebrate for my wife’s nursing graduation and our Christmas gift together

[@jeanniebelew]

We are going on the Mardi Gras 1/29/22 and we can't wait!! Thanks for the heads up.....we were lucky enough to get an aft suite with a wrap around deck....we can t wait!!!

[@gladecornelius339]

Completely agree with your buffet review. On a ship that will hold 6K passengers someday… that buffet was inadequate.

[@merrylarsen1451]

I pretty much agree with your best and worst lists. To me the bathroom was the worst. I’m not a big person but my husband is 6’5” and 330lbs so needless to say it was tight in there for him. Really enjoyed the Mardi Gras!

[@darleneeastburn7639]

Loved your explaining ur being AWAY for a few days ….. lol. U deserve being with ur LA LIDO LOCA FAM …. . Wish I could have been with all of u .. another time !!

[@jimkearns1258]

Glad to see you trying to strike a balance between cruise vlogger and just plain cruiser. I was always curious how cruise vloggers could both enjoy the cruise and basically work the whole time too. One quick question, how often are you recognized by other cruisers? Is it only seldom or is it more like every time you are out of your cabin? Keep up the great work Tony!

[@LaLidoLoca]

Every time I am out of the cabin has been the norm. It’s wild.

[@carolatchley3797]

@@LaLidoLoca I saw you on the last full day walking on deck 6 towards Center Stage. I called out to you, but you didn't hear me. I was surprised that it's the only time I caught sight of you. Glad you enjoyed the cruise, and thanks for your review.

[@pinkey6772]

I love Mardi Gras. Was on inaugural and will be on sailabration. I agree with you Tony. The rooms are tight. Theres a you tube video explaining how the rooms were designed (not by Carnival) They fit like a puzzle piece which allows for more cabins. It's really a beautiful ship. Next time you go be sure to eat at Rudy's Seagrill and Chabang. They're awesome!

[@sharonh2172]

I'm sailing her on December 11th. I love your review and now I'm even more excited than before!

[@angiechance7004]

Grateful for all you do!! Just watched you and Emma live. Best ever!! Yes, you should be in #1 #2 & #3 in all everyone has done live with Emma!!! Please do more often. Maybe once a month?'

[@evilestpilot]

I got back from the Mardi Gras last Saturday with my family. I agree about the buffet being weird. They would only have like one of the buffet stations open at a time. When it got crowded, I would have to find a different station to get my food. I also could never find when the street eats was open. Every time I would walk by, it would be closed. My sister didn't like the central stage because unless we left dinner early, you couldn't find a good seat that wasn't obstructed. The cabins did seem smaller, and with 3 people it was hard to get around. I do like the extra plugs they added, which meant everyone could charge their devices. We are taking the Carnival Spirit a year from now, so it will be vastly different from the Mardi Gras.

[@pegeggeggleston4315]

Hi Tony - Great video. I was sorry I missed you on the Mardi Gras, but am so glad you had a great time. I totally agreed with your pluses, my only complaint was that the Central Area did not hold more folks. We always found it hard to find a seat. Because it was a bar area also, some folks came and spent the night. As for the bathrooms in our rooms. What MAN designed those thing. I've been on many cruise ships and never seen such a small toilet area. I'm a big gal, and it was awful. I would say to my hubby, "honey, I'm going into the MRI (those horrifying Magnetic Res Machines - black holes). Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving. Love PegEgg

[@paulacarson8327]

We cruz on this beauty in Feb!!! So excited!!! Love the simple things, can’t wait for coffee in Grand Central!!! And the cold pool sounds amazing!! 🥰🎯💥👍

[@HOlsen-xe1xy]

We like how you give us a synopsis of things you like and things you're don't and how things have changed. It would be great if you did this for each cruise.

[@Dangic23]

Have been waiting for this….. The real review of the Mardi Gras on all of KZbin.

[@sonyastokes9800]

Looking forward to my cruise. Will be on the Mardi Gras in February. Sounds good!!

[@abbylea2359]

The bands were the best I’ve ever experienced on a cruise! Enjoyed meeting you.

[@lindalaliberte8704]

Tony, this was a great video. You described things really well along with some photos. Don just mentioned on his video, along with a pic., that his room was narrow too. Between the wal,l with the TV, and the bed he had to side step. Not good. Yours and Jenny's costumes were great. I laughed out loud when you said " I couldn't look any bigger!". Being fluffy, I know just what you mean.👍🙂

[@sybilallen8495]

We're going on the Mardi Gras May 2023, even more excited after listening to your review. This is our 4th cruise with Carnival since 2019(Horizon x1and Panarama x2)

[@douglasbray3563]

I missed the option of being able to wash my clothes on the ship as I have been able to do on every other Carnival ship that I have been on. The Mardi Gras has no self service laundry and only a few ironing rooms

[@andrewleeadkins93]

Love the sunshine because of the pool. So excited for MG!

[@latoooriab]

Loved meeting you and Jenny. You guys were so nice.

[@cruiserdude16]

Yup I'll tell my dad what you said about the casino with the craps tables, he'll definitely be convinced to take me on it for my graduation gift. That man gets so dang lucky on those craps tables I swear

[@diannesmothers2171]

I'm just subscribed...I appreciate your thoughtfulness for the friends with you...loving your channel!

[@LaLidoLoca]

Thanks and welcome

[@dianastebbins8015]

I went on my very first cruise in April (I’m 63). We were on a 7day Eastern Caribbean on the Mardi Gras. Having nothing to compare it to I was in love. I’m in agreement on both your pros and your cons lists. The shows were phenomenal. I didn’t care for the buffet either. There was no variety. I think I would add the elevators to the cons list. They were always crowded and as a scooter user it would take an eternity to get anywhere.

[@sheilajordan3602]

The Mardi Gras was an amazing ship. As a handicapped person, the bathroom was awesome. We decided to get a balcony which I loved and spent quite a bit of time on. Being handicapped and a senior, the one thing I hadn't taken into consideration was the size of the ship vs. capacity. We've been on the older Carnival ships and loved them so I wanted to try this new mega ship, not considering the extra people, I was very unhappy. It is a beautiful ship for the young and families, but my hubby and I decided that one and done was sufficient for us. I fulfilled my Mardi Gras Dream.

[@captainstablemdr113]

Hey Tony,,,, once had to look for outlets myself and found one after watching an employee vacuuming carpet and waited for him to get done. If that helps. Great review!

[@MegsnSeas]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I keep hearing disappointment about street eats, and honestly that's what I was most excited about 🤣😂

[@eddiefish2508]

As Always Awsome job!

[@ronaldbittleman277]

Going on MardiGras November 13-20, will let you know if they made any changes, other wise just looking forward to our first cruise , since pandemic shut down. Your group cruise, looked like everybody had a great time, very impressive costumes.

[@HeatherTravels]

I think you are right on about the size of the cabins. The Travel Scouts did tours of every type of cabin on Mardi Gras, and I just kept thinking, "Boy, that room looks tight."

[@yvonneharper8912]

Well Tony I heard a lot of people say they loved the Mardi Gras Ship! However, many agreed with you about the room and how small the room is. I will be on the Mardi Gras in August and I will let you know. Thank you sharing the Pros and Cons!

[@debp5983]

I enjoyed the Mardi Gras and agree with your assessment. I hope the fix the public lavatory door also. Great specialty restaurants, so delicious 😋

[@kathrynsparkes2163]

The outdoor infinity type pools were the best we have experienced. The high ropes course was fun and pleased there was no extra cost. The Java cafe closes a bit early so couldn’t get a late night cuppa from there. The comedy shows could be crowded, will be worse when the ship is at full capacity. Buffet and street eats not brilliant. Always something happening. We have to work on board a few hours a day but found the desk in the cabin was a good size. Amount of outlets can be lacking so have to bring a power board. Fun squad live up to their name!

[@clarencemarquez8134]

Tony. I totally agree with you. I loved the "Casino" on Carnival Mardi Gras. I was oneone of those "Carnival Players Club Premier Cruises" invitees that was comped the Cruise based on my prior loyalty to Carnival. There were Tournaments throughout the Casino and "Free giveaways" every 30 minutes for a 2-hour period. Loved the "Non-Smoking and Smoking Areas" completely separated! I loved the entertainment, i.e., "Backyard Band" absolutely was Awesome! They did a 45 minute tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn! The Band and Dancers in Center Stage "Show all in White" were great! The fresh Salmon in the Palm Main dinning room was awesome! Several pools and Hot tubes including the free Adult Area Serenity. NCL charges you to get into the Adult only area. 😎👍🍸🍹🍺🍰

[@BradPSr]

Tony, I, personally, want to watch what you do on the cruises. I know it makes a lot of work but I feel like I am on the cruise with you.

[@juliebolduc802]

Carnival Fantasy was our first cruise in 1997. Honeymoon cruise! Still our best memories of any cruise. We liked the ship so much, we cruised in it 3 times! Heading on the Mardi Gras in 13 days. Did the Havana cabin on the Vista. That was awesome.

[@cmpj519]

Yes, was on carnival Mardi Gras, and agree with most of your opinions on the ship. Embarkation was easier this time than it was in August.

[@amandamoore3470]

My family of 5 are booked for the Mardi Gras on January 22! Cannot wait!

[@darlenehenry3248]

I went on the Mardi Gras last month. I agree with most of your points Tony. The cabins are definitely smaller in width. The places I enjoyed eating the most were Shaq’s chicken (so good!) and the Pig n’ Anchor. The Asian food at Chibang’s was good but the Mexican food not so much. I enjoyed all the shows I went to and The Bolt was a lot of fun. The buffet was definitely not good. I’m very glad there were alternatives. I don’t like dressing up so I usually go to the buffet but it wasn’t good every time I tried it. I liked all the little bar areas…great for enjoying a drink, music, and people watching. However the smaller venues weren’t big enough for a lot of activities such as karaoke, trivia, dancing class, etc.. People were not able to enjoy them many times and there were often people in the doorway just to try to enjoy whatever was going on. I heard we were sailing at 80% capacity ( no sure if that’s accurate) on that cruise so I can only imagine it getting worse for activities at full capacity. All that being said, it was amazing just to be cruising again!

[@VisosTravel]

Great review. I did have a great time at the street eats but only try it one day. I wanted to work on my computer but as you know I was not able to do it so I decided to wait till I got back to start my editing and upload so I was not looking for an outlet. One thing I hated was the stupid doors with the stupid green circles sometimes you had to touch it sometimes you did not sometimes will open sometimes will not. I remember one day I got my hand food with pizza and drinks and Amanda had a table outside and I could not open the outside door tried with my thumb my elbow my nose my ear finally had to scream her name and finally she realize I was locked out lol. Overall great cruise and I am wondering if the celebration will have the new Orleans area or they will try something different .

[@andyanna690]

You've elevated the show in my opinion. I see growth not fallback. Keep up with the changing times.

[@bobbydunaway5864]

I agree with you about the cabin doors, they would not open all the way. I somewhat disagree with the Center Stage, I was difficult to find a seat unless you were an hour or more early. Also there was too much going on and the activities of passengers roaming around looking for a seat or just passing through was a distraction. The entertainers were absolutely first class and the shows were great. The ship is beautiful.

[@patmitchell9428]

I agree the room was smaller, the bathroom tiny. Center Stage was always so crowed there were no seats, on my cruise in August there wasn’t all the shows you mentioned. Big ship, difficult to walk the length of the ship, enjoyed the cruise but would opt for a smaller ship

[@sarahgreen7704]

We loved Mardi Gras. The entertainment was fabulous and we loved everywhere we ate except we didn't like the main dining room food. The only other surprise I didn't like was no plug by the bed for my cpap. This surprised me because of how new the ship is. We loved Java Blue. I would get a coffee and then sit and watch the Center Stage shows.

[@carolatchley3797]

I was also surprised that there was no electric outlet by the beds. We used the twin bed configuration and couldn't find a plug.

[@mikesbackyardmechanic]

So were you able to use your CPAP??? I can not sleep without it, this could be a deal breaker. Please let us know. Thanks.

[@sarahgreen7704]

Yes. I had to get an extension cord but I was able to use my cpap.

[@jayocean4724]

I've gotta wait until 2023 to board her but I so appreciate hearing the pros and cons of Mardi Gras. Overall the food options, entertainment and sections like Summer Landings and Grand Central and New Orleans is enough alone for me to book her.. Loved your feedback though.

[@Danrarbc]

I had no idea what AIDA ships looked like. I saw a photo of one of their Theatriums and was blown away that back in 2007 they already had done something just like Grand Central. Interesting to see something from one of Carnival's other lines feed into the main line experience.

[@johndantzman3935]

The entertainment sounds appealing. I'm glad that you found more pluses versus negatives. I have not been on Mardi Gras. Maybe in the future.

[@salliestewart4713]

Thanks. I go Jan 22 w a friend who is a virgin cruiser. Excited!!

[@nancyt2539]

Great, informative review Tony. I find it odd that they skimped on Havana but finally added a pool to serenity.... Where you don't have to pay extra (like you do for Havana). There should have been some 220v euro outlets for their vacuums. Just bring a euro adaptor. I did that for my cabin to have more USB plugs on older ships.

[@TraciLH]

Mardi Gras is absolutely beautiful and my new favorite ship!! Definitely getting back on this ship before March.

[@thomaskunath4321]

My wife and I loved the buffet. Unique layout. Food was great and never had to wait. A refreshing change.

[@klbxmas]

I loved this ship, my only complaint was the bed was small and the buffet/drink section closed down to early. Hope to sail on it again next year.

[@Dr.PrettyProfessor]

Thanks for this review of this ship... And working on a cruise (depending on what you do) doesn't seem to be so bad. I'm a college professor and I will be working on my next cruise. Classes won't be over yet so I'll be reading and responding to emails, grading, and discussion posting. BUT, it wont' be to much. I'll just be dedicating about 20 minutes every other day...

[@Lealelan]

Great list. Considering a cruise on Mardi Gras soon. Interestingly, and I kept thinking it was me (and still may be), on the Panorama in the Fall, there never seemed to be much in the buffet. I often went at weird hours (end of a meal) and also thought maybe stuff was closed/offerings were limited as passengers were limited, but one lunch, the deli was open and one other station. It was just weird. Having just gotten off RC, their buffet no matter what time, always had multiple stations/areas open - lots to choose from. It was just something that surprised me on my first Carnival cruise!

[@kathleenm5307]

Awesome video! Your comments were 💯! I couldn’t agree more about the buffet. This is usually our favorite option on ships. But it was so weirdly laid out and nothing looked appetizing. Could anyone even find stuff like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza in the buffet? Lol. Not a spot for picky eaters!!

[@mrpeanut1421]

Tony, I was on the cruise right before yours and I 100% agree with many of the likes you mentioned. I too found the buffet to be odd, but I rather enjoyed the Street Eats portion. My biggest gripe in the cabins were the bathrooms. Outside of being so small, it seemed like the TP was in an awkward place altogether.... should have been where the tissue was in my opinion. All in al I absolutely LOVED Mardi Gras, and even though it's not the closet homeport I will definitely sail on her or Celebration in the future.

[@teresabrooks37620]

I was on this cruise as well. It was my second time sailing. I was sad to hear that the Backyard Band (the current members) will no longer be on the ship as of Dec 11. They are all going their separate ways. It will be hard for CCL to find another band that will even compare. They were absolutely wonderful!!!

[@jacquelineprimack1543]

Thanks for sharing your experience on the Mardi Gras. Our countdown is on!! I’m wondering what type of cabin you were in that you felt was too small? We have a cat 8C balcony and I’m second guessing myself. Thank you so much.

[@carolelaughlin]

We were on Mardi Gras a year ago and loved it. We were really impressed as we always traveled on Royal or Norwegian. Carnival has now given us wonderful offers and we have two cruises scheduled. We found the food better than other cruise lines. Royal is now only giving us minor discounts on a cruise where Carnival is comping us Jr. Suites and drinks everywhere on the ship. We are casino players ......not huge......but enough to have attracted the attention of Carnival. Carnival is now a first class cruise line.

[@cumbeel]

Definitely agree on the cabin and bathroom size. This ship reminded me very much ofRoyal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Sea.