Carnival Cruise Line returns flagship Mardi Gras to service following major refit

Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras has returned to service after completing an extensive dry dock in Marseille, France, that introduced new interconnecting staterooms, redesigned public areas, and a range of upgrades improving accessibility and guest experience.

The 6,400-passenger Excel-class ship has departed Barcelona on a 15-day transatlantic sailing to Port Canaveral, Florida, where it will resume year-round Caribbean itineraries. The voyage includes stops in Málaga and Cádiz (Seville), Spain; Tenerife in the Canary Islands; and Carnival’s private destination, Celebration Key.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the refit reinforces Mardi Gras’ position as a leader within the fleet. 

“Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock,” she said. “These updates not only enhance the onboard experience for families and groups but also signal the exciting direction we’re heading in with future fleet enhancements.”

Among the most notable changes are 100 new interconnecting cabins, designed to give families and larger groups greater flexibility in accommodation. The ship’s shore excursion hub, Carnival Adventures, has been redesigned to streamline the booking process and improve flow for guests.

The casino has been expanded with additional slot machines, while retail spaces featuring brands such as Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora, and Swarovski have been refreshed. Carnival also implemented a series of accessibility upgrades, including improved walkways and enhanced features in public areas and cabins.

Mardi Gras, introduced in 2021, was the first ship in Carnival’s Excel class and the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship will continue to homeport in Port Canaveral, operating seven- to nine-day Caribbean cruises throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Carnival confirmed that in 2027, Mardi Gras will become the first Excel-class vessel to operate shorter four- and five-day itineraries, further expanding options for guests seeking shorter cruise holidays aboard one of the line’s largest and most advanced ships.

The refit of Mardi Gras forms part of Carnival Cruise Line’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, which includes refurbishments, technical upgrades, and sustainability improvements across its existing ships. 

Recent projects have included upgrades to Carnival Liberty and Carnival Valor, both of which received refreshed interiors, updated public spaces, and new waterpark features earlier in 2025.