Carnival’s Mardi Gras Returns to Service After Major Modernisation in France

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After spending a month out of the water for her first-ever dry dock, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is sailing once more – refreshed, modernised, and ready to welcome guests for her transatlantic journey back to Florida.

Carnival's Mardi Gras cruise ship sailing in the middle of the ocean

The 180,800-gross-ton ship, which became Carnival’s first LNG-powered vessel when she debuted in 2021, completed her extensive refit at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard in France before departing on 16th October 2025.

The updated ship is now making her way across the Atlantic on a 15-day voyage from Barcelona to Port Canaveral, with calls at Málaga, Cádiz, Tenerife, and Carnival’s new private island destination, Celebration Key.

When she arrives in Florida on 30th October, the ship will resume year-round Caribbean sailings, offering a more versatile experience for guests and families.

More Space, More Access, More Comfort

The refurbishment placed a heavy focus on improving accessibility and functionality throughout the ship. Around 100 cabins were reconfigured to include connecting doors, giving larger families and multi-generational groups more flexibility when booking their cruise holidays.

Public areas and corridors were also adjusted to be more accessible, while cabins received modern updates to fittings and furnishings.

Carnival also took the opportunity to enhance the ship’s entertainment and retail offerings. The casino was expanded and fitted with new slot machines, while several boutiques were remodelled to highlight luxury brands including Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora, and Swarovski.

The Carnival Adventures shore excursions desk was redesigned to make booking easier and faster for guests, particularly on busy embarkation days.

“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,

“These updates enhance the guest experience and reflect the exciting direction we’re taking with future fleet enhancements.”

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Subtle Refinements, Not a Reinvention

While the dry dock didn’t overhaul Mardi Gras’ signature look, it introduced a number of refinements designed to bring her in line with the style and standards of Carnival’s newer vessels.

The image shows the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship sailing through open ocean, leaving a light trail of wake behind it. The ship’s distinct red and blue hull stands out, with multiple decks featuring balconies, pools, and recreational areas. The clear blue sky and expansive sea emphasize the grandeur and luxury of the vessel on its journey.
Mardi Gras

The improvements build on the ship’s strong reputation as a modern, family-friendly flagship, while ensuring she stays fresh for years to come.

Following the transatlantic crossing, Mardi Gras will relaunch with a 9-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on 30th October 2025, calling at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key.

She will then resume her alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with highlights including Grand Turk, Roatán, Cozumel, and Nassau, depending on route.

Reaction to the upgrades from Carnival fans was mixed.

Several were pleased with the addition of more family cabin options and the expanded casino space, but others felt like the announcements were a bit of a letdown.

"It went through a complete overhaul and telling us that they added an expensive watch shop and Pandora shops? And ajoining rooms? Ohhh yeah that is definitely a plus"

A Continuing Wave of Carnival Upgrades

Carnival Cruise Line has been on a steady course of fleet-wide modernisation, and Mardi Gras’ dry dock is part of that ongoing effort.

Her refit followed work on Carnival Liberty, which was relocated to France earlier this year due to strikes in Spain.

The next ship scheduled for upgrades is Carnival Conquest, set to enter dry dock in February 2026 for scheduled maintenance and aesthetic improvements.

According to Carnival, the modernisation programme ensures consistency across its fleet and reflects guest expectations for more connected, accessible, and polished onboard experiences.

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