Carnival’s Mardi Gras Departs from Port Canaveral 

Carnival Cruise Line's maiden voyage of its newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, came true Saturday as the vessel left Port Canaveral in Florida.

Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship to set sail with guests from Port Canaveral since the industry-wide pause in operations 16 months ago.

As the line's newest flagship, Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the first to feature a roller coaster.  The 180,000-ton ship boasts six distinct themed zones with a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options, including dining venues from Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Rudi Sodamin and its Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal.

Mardi Gras set sail Saturday at 6 p.m. from Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 3 for a weeklong cruise with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Nassau, The Bahamas.

Mardi Gras is the fifth Carnival Cruise Line ship to resume service with additional vessels set to restart operations soon. By October, 15 Carnival ships will be sailing – more than half its fleet.

Carnival Cruise Line has been sailing from Port Canaveral for more than 30 years and during that time the line has carried millions of satisfied guests.