. Spooky Family Ghost Tour If you come here with the whole family and would like to spend 2 hours with them, visiting a spooky city is an excellent idea. Thank you for your generous recognition of Carnival's onboard team. They are also great city tours available, but book them in advance, as its a high touristic season. You should be able to find a room with a view of Poydras street and admire the parade through your window. I love the culture, food, history, and unique beauty. The Krewe of Druids will follow St. Charles all the way to Lee Circle, around the circle and back on St. Charles northward to Canal Street. The couple must have proof of marriage at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund. Carnival Excel Suite passengers enjoy priority cabana reservations. We have already mentioned the best time to visit New Orleans its February 2023, when Mardi Gras happens in the city. And if you are traveling by car, expect a parking problem. Grab a seat at the bar and order up a handcrafted Cuban cocktail like a traditional daiquiri or classic mojito. New (Mardi Gras only) drinking and dining venues are within the themed zones "Lido" (deck 16) and "Summer Landing" (Lanai/promenade deck 8 aft). So the next time you're taking a stroll down . CCL announced on May 17th that the vessel will change flag-state to Bahamas (MMSI tba) and registered in Nassau. But also it will be more usually more expensive than other parts of the city. When Is Carnival In Brazil? Year founded: 1972 Owned by: Carnival Corporation & plc. Margarit, Smokey Mezcal Negroni, Green Tea Martini). La Piazza (midship on Deck 8) is an Italy-themed area housing the 24-hour complimentary Pizzeria del Capitano and Cucina del Capitano (seafood restaurant). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Havana Outside is the Havana complex's pool area (1 swimming pool /Havana Pool, live palm trees). French Quarter, Cemetery, and Voodoo Tour You can do it yourself or go for an organized tour. We were definitely not prepared for the weather. More frequent sanitizing of tables, chairs, menus and other surfaces in restaurants and bars before use. Summer Landing houses Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Carnival's complimentary smoked-on-board BBQ food by Guy Fieri) and ParchedPig (onboard-brewed craft beers). New Orleans looks like such a fun place to visit. Planned route of the parade is shown below (please be aware that it can be changed without notice): Lafayette Hotel ($$) Our favorite hotel for watching Mardi Gras parade without moving far from your room. See Carnival Mardi Gras's 2023 to 2024 schedule and. In 2020 they will be launching a brand-new ship with a familiar name. One thing to consider before selecting the place to stay in New Orleans is your safety. Welcome to The Van Escape! A roster of guest communications detailing proper hand-washing techniques are visible throughout the ships and reiterated by staff and officers onboard. Moreover, watching parades from the street is free. "Emerils Bistro 1396" is the first-at-sea restaurant by chef Emeril Lagasse (celebrity chef and owner of 11 different restaurants in the USA). "Celestial Strings" show is themed on classical music mixed with modern pop. In 2004, the Vickers brand became defunct. The cons are less interaction with the celebrating people. The French Quarter, Cemetery, and Voodoo Tour would be a must. Events. A-la-carte menu appetizers cost US$2 each, entrees are priced at US$12. Mardi Gras also has a Lido buffet. Ill definitely use this in the future if I ever get to see Mardi Gras. If you are visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2023, its also a good idea to extend your stay and take two trips to unique places near New Orleans: swamps and plantations. Audubon Zoo & Audubon Aquarium of the Americas There is plenty of attractions for kids in the city. Transportation from the airport to the city 50 USD (in the city we recommend walking it doesnt make sense to rent a car). All photos are also ours. Its better to take a taxi or Uber from the airport to the New Orleans city center. It offers free breakfast and drinks. All guest corridors including handrails and stateroom door handles are frequently sanitized. It is customary for our guests to extend gratuities to the shipboard staff in appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service. Also in this neighborhood are located a lunch counter (for the Smokehouse-Brewhouse), an expansive outdoor deck area with two whirlpools and an infinity pool, a stage for live music, a sports bar featuring indoor and outdoor TV screens, hang-out space with trivia, dance classes, arts and crafts. A gratuity may be extended to room service staff as service is rendered. Mardi Gras is the first excel-class cruise ship built for Carnival Cruise Line and the first in the fleet fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). A total of 11x itineraries (departures planned for the period November 14 through and including January 30) were canceled. Its not the first time Mardi Gras has come out on top in the annual Cruise Ship Awards. (repositioning) 9-day "maiden voyage" from, (repositioning) 14-day Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to, 6-day "inaugural Caribbean cruise" (September 24-30, 2020) roundtrip from NYC to, (repositioning) 15-day "Carnival Journeys" itinerary one-way from NYC to. Signature dishes include Bigeye Tuna, Lemon-Stuffed Grilled Branzino, Seared Scallops, Salt-Roasted Prawns, Broiled Lobster Tails, Crab Cake, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Chocolate Truffle Cake. On Atrium's top-level (deck 8) is the Grand View Bar which offers floor-ceiling views and custom-made cocktails amidst new design features - such as a virtual waterfall displayed on translucent panels. Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd (1927-1977) was an engineering-design and shipbuilding company formed in 1927 as a merger of two British companies - Vickers Ltd (engineering) and Armstrong Whitworth (manufacturing - armaments, ships, locomotives, automobiles, planes). It has a charm that is hard to describe. Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union minor couple - The booking must be documented that the couple are legal Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union. Prices go crazy at the beginning of the year, and getting a hotel room during Mardi Gras may not be possible. is a new (introduced on the ship Mardi Gras) restaurant for signature Chinese and Mexican dishes (a la carte-priced), with two separate food menus plus a beverage menu (including specialty cocktails, like Chibang! There were also smaller luxury vessels, including Viking Sea, Star Breeze, and Silver Dawn. Each meal ends with the specialty desserts "Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream". The itinerary starts on 25 Feb, 2023 and ends on 04 Mar, 2023. I love complete guides like this as it makes planning so very easy. TRIP TIP: If you dream of watching Mardi Gras Parades from a balcony, hotel, or restaurant along the route, booking several months in advance is essential. Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District ($$$) However, located in Garden District, it is an excellent choice for watching Mardi Gras parade from your window. Book your seats here. Wherever possible, staff is serving guests at food stations, including the Lido buffet and ice cream machines. If you are going to Mardi Gras with kids, below are some suggestions for spending time with them. The Krewe of Rex will follow St. Charles all the way to Lee Circle, around the circle and back on St. Charles northward to Canal Street. The new Mardi Gras ship also has Carnival's signature facilities Serenity (adults-only resort), Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Where not possible due to layout restrictions or other locations such as condiment set-ups and salsa bars, dedicated personnel are posted to monitor these stations and service and ensure they are cleaned and sanitized in a timely manner. La Piazza (Italy-themed zone) houses Pizzeria del Capitano (complimentary 24-hour pizzeria restaurant), Cucina del Capitano (seafood restaurant) as well as fleet's first/new venues Bar della Rosa (cafe/patisserie/Lavazza-coffee bar, cocktails) and Piazza Panini (hand-pressed sandwiches/Deli food and desserts bar). The vessel (IMO number 9837444) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001049) and registered in Nassau. We include both watching exciting parades and visiting the city and its surroundings. If you are heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you plan to see at least one parade. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. In the 1960-1970s, most of Vickers-Armstrongs was nationalized, with the remainder of the company's private assets divested in 1977 as Vickers plc. For beverage purchases, an 18% service charge will be added to the bill. The 2021-built Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship is CCL-fleet's first newest and largest liner of the Carnival XL-Class. Located only one block from Bourbon Street, it also offers a charming rooftop pool and fantastic Carousel Bar and serves tasty food in Criollo Restaurant. Trust us - a Carnival Mardi Gras vacation is the perfect family getaway! 10 Wild Carnival Mardi Gras Facts and Customs February 22 2023 5:00 . Cruise outlook provides custom weather forecasts for many cruise sailings as well as other information about your trip. PRO TIP: The earlier you book your accommodation and flight, the better prices you will get. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hand-washing sinks and/or hand sanitizing applications are available at the entrances to all dining rooms and the Lido buffet. Among the world's largest passenger ships, the new liner has length 1130 ft (344 m), passenger capacity 5200 (lower berths) and boasts the most advanced maritime technologies as well as various fleet-first and industry-first innovations. Readers were only allowed to put forward a single cruise ship once, and any suspicious votes were not counted. Travelogue. Passengers in "Carnival Excel" suites receive as additional amenities: The 19-decks high new Mardi Gras vessel also features Carnival's largest Atrium and open-deck areas. The Celebrity Cruises-operated Celebrity Solstice came in with the third-highest number of votes. Three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more you know, the works are all practically overflowing for your hydro-delight. Mardi Gras is the first excel-class cruise ship built for Carnival Cruise Line and the first in the fleet fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). After midnight, the bar transforms into Latin disco/nightclub. December 16 2022 3:10 PM. At night, a deep cleaning and disinfection process is conducted utilizing electro-static applications through specialized machines in highly-trafficked public areas (including all restaurants, the fitness center, spa, lido deck areas, promenade, casino, medical center, public restrooms, lounges, bars, lobbies, elevators, atrium, youth activity centers, arcade and all crew public areas). Track Another Ship If you know another ship you want to track, enter the ship name or ship line name in the search box below. And it shouts fun!. In 2001, the ship (renamed "Apollon") re-entered service for short-breaks (3-4-day) roundtrips from homeport Piraeus. Lido (aft on Decks 16-17) houses Carnival's complimentary Pool Deck eateries Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, and Guy's Burger Joint, plus the new venues "Street Eats" (grab-and-go eatery) and "Big Chicken by Shaq" (lunch and dinner take-away food bar). Tip: Come by and check out the free menu at lun. On tour, you will learn burial customs and see the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveaus tomb. The name for the newbuild (yard/hull number 1396) was officially revealed on December 6, 2018, at the Puzzleboard of the US TV game show "Wheel of Fortune" - at the very end of the broadcast. The restaurant offers New Orleans cuisine, including muffuletta sandwiches, side dishes (Creole potato salad with diced scallions, red beans, jazz-man rice), desserts (Bananas Foster, lemon icebox pie). Always been entranced by New Orleans. You can also read the Latest Cruise News, Download Ship Itinerary, or take peak at the Crew Galleries. PRO TIP: In 2023, Mardi Gras Day is February 21st. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website.