On a Carnival cruise your vacation starts in the atrium, and on Mardi Gras that’s in the Grand Central zone. By the way… on this ship the atrium’s different. Don’t be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards. Up there are high ceilings that hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! But look around too… you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows that really bring in the ocean views. Of course you’ll be back here throughout your cruise, taking a break with a nice cup of coffee, enjoying live music up on stage, or killing time fabulously with a handcrafted cocktail in between evening shows. In Grand Central you’re never far from great dining spots like Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, plus feel-good entertainment like Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

Aboard Mardi Gras® you’ll meet BOLT®: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

On Mardi Gras® you'll find the Havana Bar ™ & Pool. Good find — the relaxation pool is an exclusive retreat to paradise, and the bar becomes a hot dance spot when the sun goes down. Grab a seat at the bar and order up a handcrafted Cuban cocktail like a traditional daiquiri or classic mojito. This bar is just steps from the pool, whose ocean view and atmosphere mingles with the bar's own, for a bit of that old-time Cuban resort flavor.

No magic spells are required to enjoy a cocktail creation at Alchemy Bar®, our unique vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy" — all you need is a willingness to be surprised, to try something new. We’ve flipped through dusty old texts to uncover enticing combinations: select spirits, fresh juices, infused syrups, spices… and other tantalizing secrets performed before your very eyes by the true mix-masters: our bartenders. Choose a remedy from the menu, or let us prescribe you a custom elixir just for you, with or without alcohol.

Tip: Now you can sip without drinking! Wait, what? Alchemy Bar features seven classic cocktails hand-made with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits — all the goodness is in the mix, with none of the alcohol.

Comedy clubs on land… well, it’s kinda funny. Nobody likes paying cover charges, and you know that two-drink minimum? They’ve gotta be joking! You won’t find either of these at The Punchliner Comedy Club aboard your Carnival cruise. Up on stage you will find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

Tip: We’ll say it again — The Punchliner Comedy Club features some shows that are family-friendly and some adult-only. You can choose which ones you attend! To help plan your evening, check the Fun Times — it’s delivered daily to your stateroom

Wanna splish — and splash — the day away? Head on over to WaterWorks™, Carnival's onboard waterpark. First up, there's the Twister Waterslide™, hundreds of feet of spiraling awesomeness that starts you off high in the air and gets you down low with one of the fastest, wettest rides you'll find anywhere. Select ships have side-by-side racing slides, which make serious competition seriously fun. Wear your speed suit for Speedway Splash, which features hundreds of feet of racing action, plus special lighting effects you'll experience on the road to victory. DrainPipe™ ends with one major swirl of a finish, while PowerDrencher™ takes soaking seriously — imagine the biggest bucket of water you've ever seen, raining down on you from above. And this isn't just kids' stuff — the young at heart are encouraged to zoom and splash around too! (WaterWorks configurations vary by ship.)

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top™ happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!

Scream for the cool stuff? Visit the ice cream counter at the Cherry On Top shops aboard Carnival Vista® and Carnival Horizon® for a signature ice cream creation, or build your own with tons of mix-ins and topping options. And if you get the urge to eat ice cream with your hands, we won’t judge… we’ll just suggest one of our ice cream cookie sandwiches. We’ll build you one by hand, and stuff it full of whatever ice cream and toppings you scream for.

Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots… and the tunes. Hey songbird — pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail and let your friendly piano player know what you’d like to hear. Then join the singalong for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don’t feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries — hummingbirds are welcome here, too. And since the bar’s open from the evening until late at night, it’s the perfect spot for an early drink or singing ‘til the wee hours.

If you love to play video games, you’re in luck. Our video arcade boasts a huge array of games, and is open to players of all ages, all night and all day. Challenge your friends to a game, or just see if you can beat the top score. After all, with the video arcade open 24 hours and an entire cruise ahead of you, you have plenty of time to try.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time at the table, we have a game for you: roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and more! We’ve even got fun variations on these, like PokerPro tables and Carnival’s own Fun 21™ to keep the games fresh. Whether you take your stakes high or low, your table’s ready. We’ve got your favorites, but if you’re ready to sit down and try something new, our friendly casino staff will be glad to show you the ropes.

Don’t forget to bring your Sail & Sign Card when playing your favourite table games. You’ll get rated for your play AND earn points towards Drinks On Us!, Carnival’s free drinks program.

CARNIVAL PLAYERS CLUB®

Joining the Carnival Players Club® is easy and, best of all, free. In fact, if we’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting you at one of our onboard casinos, you may already be a member!

But if you’re just getting started, here’s how it works. Guests 18 years or older can join and earn points while playing at our table games and slots. The more points you earn, the more benefits you’ll get — like free drinks while you play and private invitations to Carnival Premier Cruises and tournaments.

To make sure you’re making the most of your play, keep your Sail & Sign® card inserted when playing slots, or present your card to the dealer when playing at a table. Once aboard, see your Casino Host for more details.

TABLE GAMES

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time at the table, we have a game for you: roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and more! We’ve even got fun variations on these, like PokerPro tables and Carnival’s own Fun 21™ to keep the games fresh. Whether you take your stakes high or low, your table’s ready. We’ve got your favourites, but if you’re ready to sit down and try something new, our friendly casino staff will be glad to show you the ropes.

Don’t forget to bring your Sail & Sign® Card when playing your favourite table games. You’ll get rated for your play AND earn points towards Drinks On Us!, Carnival’s free drinks program.

SLOTS

The wild unpredictability of the spin —those hopeful, breathless moments spent awaiting the outcome. It’s a triumph when things line up… and when they don’t, it's an opportunity to give it another go. We’re always adding new and exciting slot machines to our Carnival casinos. From thrilling slot tournaments with big payouts to penny slots — and everything in between — we invite you to go for a spin at sea.

Here’s an example of machines you may find aboard our ships:

Wheel of Fortune 3D Slot Machines
Bring the prize wheel to life like never before with true 3D reels.

999.9 Gold Wheel Legend™ and Bags of Cash™ by Aruze
Feel the excitement as you watch your riches pile up.

Sphinx 3D™ by IGT
Mysteriously cool — features amazing new Tru3D™ technology.

88 Fortunes™ by Bally
One of the most exciting progressive games in our fleet.

Fu Dao Le™ by Bally 
Try your hand at good fortune with this guest favorite!

BLACKJACK

Blackjack, the card game that’s as easy as counting up to 21, is one of the most popular table games… and it’s available on every sailing. Carnival ships feature Classic Blackjack, plus fun new twists like Fun 21™ and Face-Up Blackjack. With low buy-ins, hit the table and try your hand at big payouts.

Note: Some state laws won’t allow us to serve Drinks On Us! until we’ve reached international waters. (This includes, but isn’t limited to, Texas and New York.)

CASINO PRIZE GAMES

Try to keep your excitement under control — at least for the time being — because you're gonna need a steady hand and a little luck to win at our casino prize games. There are cash prizes and awesome electronics at stake, so when you win, you win big. At that point, feel free to go a little crazy, jump up and down if that's your thing… because you and your steady hand are winners!

POKER

You know poker. One of the most popular casino games, it’s all about holding onto some cards and letting other ones go. If that sounds simple enough, you’ll want to check out our onboard poker games. Minimum bets are nice and low, but we haven’t forgotten about you, high rollers — there’s plenty of action at high-stakes tables and tournaments. Choose your game, play it right and you could end up collecting some serious winnings.

SCRATCH-OFFS

Ask anyone — scratch-off games are just plain fun. (Winning is great too!) Pack your luckiest scratching coin and go to town on a ticket, or a whole stack during your cruise. There’s a bunch of games to choose from, prizes go all the way up to $500,000… and with the new Cruise For Life game†, you could instantly win exactly what it says on the card! (Ahh, this is the life.) Best of all, each ticket gives you more than one way to win. Check out all the action in your onboard casino — head to the casino cashier’s desk for more information.

† Terms and conditions apply. Must be 18 or older to gamble onboard Carnival Cruise Line. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER. Void in Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Utah, Ohio, and other states where prohibited.

La dolce vita is within reach at La Piazza... and we'd know, with all the Italian seafaring spirit that's literally driving the ship. This zone stands for atmosphere and flavor, and it starts with Cucina del Capitano®, which brings your party together for an evening of Italian favorites served family-style, while Pizzeria del Capitano makes delizioso happen for you atop a base of imported Italian flour and fresh mozzarella. Mardi Gras® debuts Piazza Panini where the handhelds are hot and pressed, plus Bar della Rosa, where you'll sip authentic espresso drinks by day and classic Italian cocktails when the sun goes down. All this flavor and flair we’ve got in here may practically transport you straight to Italy… but don’t forget that so much of it can be enjoyed outdoors, where the sea breeze is just bellissimo.

Let's recap what we know about the mysterious RedFrog so far. He's cute, he knows how to chill… and flavor is everything to the little guy. We only just found out about the years he spent soaking up the sun among the grass skirts and frangipani flowers of the South Pacific where, he would tell you, it’s easy being red. You'll find some of his favorite recipes from those days on menu at the first-ever RedFrog® Tiki Bar — sip a Polynesian Punch, try a Jungle Bird, or get a little tongue-twisted ordering a Red's Rum Jumper. This poolside bar on Mardi Gras® spans two decks and transports you right to the land of Tiki.

There’s a place in our heart for heroes… and now there’s a spot to salute them! We’re talking about the military folks you can count on to take a mission that matters and get it done. You’ll find proof of our commitment to them on board at Heroes Tribute™ Bar & Lounge, an ongoing recognition of sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families. By the way… it’s also a friendly place to grab a drink! Everybody’s welcome at this bar, so get together and raise a glass to defenders of freedom.

Tip: The glass is important! Bring home an exclusive souvenir glass and we’ll donate $1 of your purchase to Operation Homefront. (This amazing organisation provides military families with rent-free housing, helping get wounded veterans and their loved ones back on their feet.)

At Cucina del Capitano® on Mardi Gras®, who you’ve got gathered around the table is truly as important as what’s being served there. At our table you’ll enjoy delicious Italian favorites — we serve them family-style because we know that sharing large plates and sharing tales of your day’s adventures goes hand-in-hand. Speaking of which, our walls are adorned with old snapshots from our officers’ family albums, proving that the rustic Italian-farmhouse atmosphere definitely isn’t for show. 

Tip: Great news! Your first meal at Cucina del Capitano is on the house… and additional visits are just $8.

We call Mardi Gras's onboard burger spot Guy’s Burger Joint. We teamed up with Guy Fieri to design not just the burgers and fries, but to help bring in the kind of rustic atmosphere you’d find at a roadside burger shack somewhere off a coastal highway. All signs point to ambiance — and serious flavor — so try a burger dressed up the way Guy likes it, or take it off-roading… to the nearby topping bar, where you can make it your own.

So maybe you’ve had sushi before, but have you tried it at Bonsai Sushi? This is Carnival’s onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot, and we think you’ll enjoy our latest location, aboard Mardi Gras. Dine indoors or out amidst carefully-pruned bonsai trees, while enjoying a delectable menu with sit-down service. Rounding out the meal: soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking a stroll down the onboard promenade, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe order a whole sushi ship — seaborne satisfaction for two.

It’s a meal, a performance, and it’s definitely unforgettable. The Bonsai Teppanyaki™ experience is set to delight guests aboard Mardi Gras®. Take a little time out of vacation to sit down to a selection of tempting appetizers, before your chef prepares the main course featuring selections of meats, tofu, fish, shrimp or lobster… right at your table. In the teppanyaki tradition — and Carnival’s tradition of fun — expect an interactive, satisfying meal full of surprise and delicious delight.

Haute cuisine meets atmosphere at Fahrenheit 555, a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Except this one’s at sea — aboard Mardi Gras. Ours features your choice of steak cuts, lobster, lamb and more… and inside, there’s even a full bar that pours great pairings. Outside, there’s seating for dining al fresco. These are the building blocks of an amazing experience — delectable elements that combine with great service to offer an evening to remember.

Treat your taste buds to the experience of a lifetime, culminating in a sumptuous multicourse dinner hosted by the Master Executive Chef. Your VIP experience starts with a champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 12-16, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation. The evening concludes with a mind-blowing full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrées and desserts not found on our regular dining menus.

Tip: Reserve early because this once-in-a-lifetime experience has limited seating. Reservations can be made online after booking your cruise.

A good seafood dish… mmm, quite the catch. However you like yours — roll, bowl or platter — Seafood Shack™ is Mardi Gras's place for you to cast your net. Imagine a seaside spot in New England, where the locals gather for great meals served with a bit of a breeze and a lot of a view. (That said, nowhere on land will you get 360-degree ocean views like ours!) Look to Seafood Shack for rustic favorites like Crab Cake Sliders, Lobster BLT, Fried Buffalo Shrimp, Snow Crab and more. Steer a course for Mardi Gras®... that’s where you’ll find this little shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

Featuring an amazing variety of casual dining spots, each just a few flip-flopped steps from the last, Lido Marketplace always has a special something ready to satisfy your latest craving spectacularly. Here we do it with dozens of what-to-eat options... great choices like BBQ, a deli counter, salad bar, an Asian station and a pasta bar... plus one spot where the chef serves up a different surprise daily! At Lido Marketplace, there’s tons of indoor and outdoor seating made for gathering around, so you can enjoy your personal faves in your favorite company for lunch or dinner, or even breakfast! Lido’s also where you can find soft serve, frozen yogurt and fresh pizza... which so far seems to be enough to satisfy everybody.

BlueIguana Cantina is Mardi Gras’s onboard taco-and-burrito place, featuring freshly-made Mexican faves. Because BlueIguana is all about you, we’ll make it with the ingredients you choose — tell us which meat, veggies, rice and beans you’re in the mood for — and then we’ll hand it over to you for the finishing touches. Here, that means a detour to the salsa bar to fire it up... or if you’re not feeling the heat, that’s cool too. Any way you dress it, expect a meal that’s suited up to satisfy.

When Shaq tells you to build a chicken joint on board, you start warming up immediately. The big guy brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken™ on Mardi Gras®. Just like Shaq’s a multitalented entertainer, his restaurant is no one-trick chick. Step up to the counter for lunch or dinner and walk away with your choice of chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips or juicy fried chicken baskets... plus side dishes like potato salad and jalapeño slaw. Early-morning buzzer-beaters are invited to enjoy a breakfast of classics like chicken biscuits, a three-cheese omelet or our biscuit/egg combo featuring bacon or sausage. Snoozers are invited, too — breakfast is served until 3!

Maybe you take your coffee straight-up, or perhaps you prefer your pick-me-up with an upgrade. From the simply caffeinated to the simply sublime, nothing satisfies your coffee craving like JavaBlue™ Café, featuring fun twists on the hot and cold drinks you enjoy. While the coffee is the main event here, there’s more to JavaBlue — enjoy the baked treats we like to call “comfort snacks”… which you’ll call “delicious!”

Rudi’s Seagrill™ is the brainchild of cookbook author and master chef Rudi Sodamin. He has years of experience pleasing palates of vacationers… and this guy loves serving up a smile as much as Carnival does! But he’s serious about seafood, and an evening at Rudi’s proves it through the courses. Enjoy selections like seafood bisque and crab-stuffed lobster tail imperial — all served with an elegant flair that pays proper tribute to the beauty of the ocean from which so much fun, and flavor, arises.

Some of the world’s favorite flavors aren’t found in restaurants, but on the street in trucks, stalls and carts where flavor, convenience... and quality matter. That’s right, when you’re just feet from the chef, you know they’re cooking to impress! Street Eats is Carnival’s tribute to this food phenomenon, debuting aboard Mardi Gras® with three ever-changing open-air stations. The first, Steam Dream, specializes in the steamiest stuff this side of the spa, featuring favorites like bao buns and pot stickers. Then there’s Mad Sizzle, which puts the “skill” in skillet with the likes of kebab and satay. And we’re definitely not about to forget Time Fries, which serves up every cruiser’s dream: fries loaded up with culinary creations from our chefs, like cheesesteak fries! On Mardi Gras you may be far from the street, but flavor’s right around the corner.