“We can’t wait for our guests to experience Mardi Gras, a one-of-a-kind ship that is true game changer and continues the evolution of the Carnival vacation experience,” said Ben Clement, Carnival’s senior vice president of newbuilds.

The 5,200-passenger ship was originally set for delivery in August, but after what the shipyard in December called an “adjustment in its production schedule,” the ship is now set for delivery in October, with its entry into revenue service planned for November 14.

Following the float out, Mardi Gras was repositioned to a new location at the yard to finalize its interior and exterior outfitting, including the installation of BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea in the coming weeks, part of the Ultimate Playground outdoor recreation area.

The ship’s more than 2,600 staterooms, including 180 suites across 11 different categories, have been installed and workers will begin putting the finishing touches on these unique accommodations.

"I believe Mardi Gras will be a truly special ship. She will be the first to use our now proven LNG cruise ship propulsion system in North American," Meyer Turku CEO Jan Meyer said.

Port Canaveral is investing in infrastructure and will soon welcome a new LNG bunkering barge, the Q-LNG 4000, which will refuel the Mardi Gras - the first fully LNG-powered cruise ship in North America. 

Almost 1,000 suppliers are engaged in providing materials and complex services to fit out and complete the ship at Turku Shipyard.

The  Mardi Gras was originally scheduled to begin service in August, but delays at the shipyard led Carnival to announce that the newbuild will enter service on November 14, 2020 from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Maritime Business World