Mardi Gras, first LNG Cruise liner in the Americas docks; TCI’s Grand Turk among its ports of call

#TurksandCaicos, June 16, 2021 – Some 1500 spectators lined the shores of Port Canaveral in Florida to welcome what is the first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) powered cruise ship in the Americas and the largest liner in the Carnival Cruise fleet.

“Mardi Gras – the first cruise ship in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – refueled for the first time at its homeport of Port Canaveral which built the new Terminal 3 to accommodate this game-changing ship.   The ship made its U.S. debut docking for the first time at Port Canaveral on Friday (June 4).

In its liquefied state, LNG is odorless, colorless, more environmentally friendly and competitively priced compared to other fuels.  Among the cleanest fuels in the world, LNG significantly reduces emissions with cleaner exhaust and maintains its “liquefied” nature by being refrigerated at a very cold temperature – minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Carnival Cruise Line in a June 9 statement on the environmentally friendly features of the vessel.

The Mardi Gras got a huge showcase during the Miss Universe pageant, with Miss Dominican Republic named as its official ambassador.  And while it is not yet approved for sailing, the massive ship which will feature neighbourhoods with signature cuisine and eye popping entertainment has as one of its listed ports of call is the Grand Turk Cruise center in the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

“The company will now begin the process of ramping up Mardi Gras’ crew to a full contingent of 1,750 ready to create memorable vacations for guests who will enjoy the widest array of entertainment at sea, including the first shipboard version of the hit TV show Family Feud, and dine in more than two dozen restaurants with venues from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodiman and the line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal.

Guests can enjoy a host of culinary, bar and entertainment experiences throughout 19 decks and six distinct themed zones, as well as a wide range of outdoor attractions, including the longest ropes course and largest water park in the fleet,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival President when the world’s fifth largest cruise ship arrived in the Space Coast of Florida.

The arrival of Mardi Gras, which is registered in Nassau, Bahamas, was historic and it is likely the huge announcement from Carnival Cruise Line which was heralded by Premier Washington Misick when he brought a 100-day update to the nation on June 2. 

Its largest vessel in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, burning cleaner fuel and with plans to drop into the Grand Turk Cruise Center regularly.  Bought at $950 million dollars, the new Mardi Gras is 1,130 feet long and 138 feet in width.  The capacity 6,631 and this ship weighs in at 183,900 gross tonnes.

A report explained that when it is allowed to sail, Mardi Gras plans to take on seven-night schedules alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Eastern voyages will visit San Juan, Amber Cove and Grand Turk with Western voyages hitting Cozumel, Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay. 

Sailings are listed for a July 31 start from the home port, Port Canaveral. 

Though the plan could put Carnival in conflict with the State of Florida, when cruises resume for the world’s largest cruise company it will be for only Covid-19 vaccinated passengers. 

Carnival’s Mardi Gras lists its first sailing for Grand Turk as October 23, 2021.