Adventure On The High Seas

Carnival Cruise Line likes to do things in a big way.

So, we weren’t surprised when we heard that the first roller coaster at sea would thrill passengers aboard the line’s Mardi Gras.

The mega-ship – under construction in Finland and set to debut in August – will feature Bolt, an 800-foot coaster offering 360-degree views 187 feet above the sea with drops, dips and hairpin turns at up to 40 mph. A novel twist allows guests to choose their own speed.

The coaster is the centerpiece of the Ultimate Playground, one of Mardi Gras’ six themed zones and home to a WaterWorks aqua park with three slides and a splash zone for kids with a 150-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket. A recreation complex features a 600-foot-long suspended ropes course, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a jogging track and a basketball court.

And there’s another milestone for Carnival: It’s the first line to be certified sensory inclusive by KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. 

“Team members, including guest services personnel and youth staff, have been trained to understand and help adults, youth and children with sensory-related questions or needs relating to conditions such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, PTSD, etc.,” notes a press release.

The cruise line also offers KultureCity sensory bags – containing items such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys and a lanyard to help staff easily identify these guests – to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload. 

 Visit carnival.com.