August 4, 2021, 9:26 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Delayed delivery and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic: Almost a year later than planned, the “Mardi Gras” embarked on its maiden voyage last weekend. The 24th ship of the U.S. cruise line “Carnival Cruise Line” will initially operate in the eastern and western Caribbean–the starting and ending port for each cruise is Port Canaveral in Florida. The highlight: On board is the world’s first high-seas roller coaster.
The “Mardi Gras” is the largest ship to date from “Carnival Cruise Line” and accommodates nearly 5,300 passengers and more than 1,700 crew members. On its Caribbean cruises, it will be the first U.S. cruise ship fully powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). “Bolt”–the world’s first roller coaster on a cruise ship–is the main attraction of the “Mardi Gras.”
First Cruise Ship with Roller Coaster–Pure Thrill
On 220 meters of track, the first high-seas roller coaster lets its passengers “fly” around the ship. With speeds of up to 60 km/h, “Bolt” delivers adrenaline–57 meters above the sea.
The video gives you an impression of what that feels like:
“The main challenge compared to a roller coaster on land is that the cruise ship, and thus the roller coaster itself, is always in motion,” says Georg Irgmaier, Senior Account Manager for “Carnival Cruise Line,” to TRAVELBOOK. Therefore, the Munich company “Maurer Rides”, which designed the roller coaster and assembled it at the “Meyer Weft” in Finland, used a few tricks: “The driver can determine speed and acceleration during the ride,” Irgmaier continues. So, while you usually just sit in a roller coaster and are automatically transported, on the “Bolt,” the front passenger in the two-seater controls it. He can accelerate the motorcycle-like vehicle like a race car. Additionally, the various ports and landscapes guarantee exciting views and pure variety.
Also interesting: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will soon only cater to vaccinated passengers
The Coronavirus Measures on the “Mardi Gras”
In pandemic times, many cruise lines are relying on vaccination–including “Carnival Cruise Line”: “For departures until the end of October 2021, there is a vaccination requirement for 95 percent of guests on board, in coordination with American health authorities. This mandate makes it possible to offer a cruise experience with almost no restrictions,” Irgmaier told TRAVELBOOK.