​Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras To Features First-Ever Roller Coaster At Sea

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its new cruise ship, Mardi Gras, set to debut in 2020 will features the first-ever roller coasters at sea.
 
The ride will provide guests with unforgettable views and a unique open-air thrill ride high above the ocean waves. The industry-first ride will be built Munich-based Maurer Rides.

Named BOLT, the ride will be provide a heart-pounding rush of adrenaline offering, featuring nearly 800 feet of exhilarating twists, turns and drops with riders reaching speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour.
 
The ride is an all-electric roller coaster that will allow two riders to race along a track 187 feet above sea level in motorcycle-like vehicles. The thrill ride promises to offer guests an exciting new way to view the ocean with incredible 360-degree views.
 
BOLT will begin with an action-packed launch where riders can achieve race car-like levels of acceleration and culminates with a high-powered hair-pin turn, which will twist and turn around Carnival’s iconic funnel atop the ship. 
 
Each rider’s speed will be posted after the race, and just like land-based roller coasters, guests will have their photo taken during the ride for a memorable keepsake.  As each guest chooses their own speed, each ride is a completely unique experience!
 
Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line, said “BOLT is the cornerstone of innovations and features being designed for Mardi Gras, which will be the ultimate playground at sea for fun seekers of all ages. Mardi Gras will be our most innovative ship ever with some truly special features and attractions, highlighted by BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. BOLT will continue the tradition of Carnival providing exciting new ways for our guests to ‘Choose Fun.’  We are so thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind, game-changing, exhilarating attraction – our guests are going to love it!”
 
The new ship, which at 183,900 gross tonnes will be the largest ever built for Carnival Cruise Line, will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida, sailing from a new state-of-the-art cruise terminal.
 
Cruise itineraries are expected to be revealed in January 2019 with further details about the ship to be revealed throughout 2019.
 
 A second XL-class ship will be delivered in 2022, which will also see Carnival Cruise Line celebrate its 50th anniversary.