Ever wondered if those massive cruise ships are worth the hype? After spending seven unforgettable days aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras, I can tell you: absolutely yes. From snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters to jamming pool parties and entertainment, this cruise exceeded all expectations. Let me break down the best parts of our spring break adventure with this list of the top 10 best things about our Carnival cruise.
1. Snorkeling in Grand Turk: A Caribbean Dream Come True
One of the main reasons why we chose this itinerary is because the first stop was Grand Turk in Turks & Caicos. The moment we stepped into those turquoise waters, I knew we’d made the right choice. The island’s western coast offers some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular snorkeling spots. We opted not to sign up for any excursions (we spent that budget on the drink package, hehe) but I brought masks and snorkels with us for this spot. It was incredible. Just off the shore there were tons of fish and sealife. For the kid’s first snorkel experience it was definitely a highlight. And I could not get enough of the water, it was amazing.
2. The Food: A Culinary Journey at Sea
Forget everything you’ve heard about cruise ship food. The Mardi Gras takes dining to another level with over 22 different dining options. We found ourselves rotating between Guy’s Burger Joint (yes, those burgers are as good as everyone says), Shaq’s Big Chicken (the best chicken sandwiches at sea), fresh tacos at Blue Iguana, and Chibang—a fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisines, and complementary for the first visit. The main dining room really surprised us as well with their quality and variety, and the menu on formal night—lobster tail and prime rib—did not disappoint.
3. The Entertainment: Broadway Meets the High Seas
Every night brought something new. From full-scale production shows to comedy clubs that had us laughing until our sides hurt, the entertainment team knows how to keep things fresh. The talent on board was top notch. From Broadway level musicals, to a piano bar that filled up every night, to amazing live music like our personal favorites the Celestial Strings, a group of three talented female artists playing string instruments. And our kids will not stop talking about how funny the Family Feud show was. Our cruise director Rainier knew how to keep the party going.
4. The Free Ice Cream: Sweet Treats 24/7
Of course when I asked the kids what their top 10 best memory from the cruise was, ice cream was high on the list. It might seem silly to list ice cream as a highlight, but hear me out. There’s something magical about having access to unlimited soft-serve ice cream at any hour. Not only were the ice cream machines conveniently located, but the flavors were so delicious and refreshing on a hot day.
5. The Pools: Oases for Every Mood
The Mardi Gras doesn’t just have pools – it has water experiences. The main pool deck buzzes with energy and music, while the adults-only Serenity area offers a peaceful retreat with infinity pools and hot tubs overlooking the ocean. (If you can get the kids in the kids club, or hanging with grandparents, the hot tubs are the hottest in the Serenity area and spacious, too.) Other than the main pool and serenity pools, there were two other pools at the back of the ship, and when sailing or in port the views were amazing.
6. The Ultimate Playground: BOLT and Beyond
Let’s talk about the Ultimate Playground at sea. Keeping the kids entertained with ropes courses, mini golf, multiple slides, a water playground and BOLT—the first roller coaster at sea. At $15 per ride, it’s a little pricey but it’s definitely an exciting ride for adventure seekers. For our family, sitting on the photo opp version was enough. We really loved the mini golf area and played three times during our trip. We are a pretty competitive family!
7. The Bars: Craft Cocktails with Ocean Views
Each bar has its own personality, and there are so many to choose from. The Fortune Teller Bar mixes up mystical concoctions, while the Alchemy Bar’s “pharmacy-themed” cocktails are crafted by mixologists in lab coats. The Havana Bar came alive at night when the live Latin music began and the mojitos started flowing. Our favorite spot became the Brass Magnolia, with deliciously crafted beverages, a beautiful luxury ambiance with a tropical theme that created the perfect evening vibe. After grabbing a drink, we sat in the lounge where we listened to live music every night before dinner. For Happy Hour beverages, I got hooked on the Planter’s Punch, only available at the Watering Hole bar on one of the outdoor prominades.
8. The Room: Our Home Away From Home
We stayed in a standard balcony cabin, but there was nothing standard about it. Smart design made the most of every inch, with plenty of storage space and a comfortable bed that rivaled high-end hotels. The couch turned into bunk beds for the kids, which of course they loved, trading off who got top bunk each night. The balcony became our favorite spot for morning coffee and sunset views.
9. The Views: Nature’s Best Show
Whether sailing through the Caribbean or watching the sunset from our balcony, the views never disappointed. The ship’s design maximizes ocean vistas with floor-to-ceiling windows in public areas and plenty of outdoor spaces to soak in the scenery. While we were docked at the Dominican Republic, we took advantage of the less crowded pool decks and posted up with this amazing view of the island.
10. The Company: Family Makes the Difference
What truly set this cruise apart was the company we shared the experience with. It was a full family affair with both sets of grandparents and my brother and his wife. Cruises are such an amazing experience with a big group because there is something for everyone and easy for everyone to get around. It was such a great memory with the family! And we have to give a shout out to the Mardi Gras crew. From our room steward who knew our names from day one, to the waiters who remembered our favorite drinks, the level of service was exceptional. They turned a great vacation into an unforgettable one.
Top 10 Best Things About Our Carnival Cruise
The Carnival Mardi Gras proves that Carnival has upped its game significantly. This ship represents the best of modern cruising – innovative attractions, excellent dining options, and comfortable accommodations, all while maintaining the fun, casual atmosphere Carnival is known for. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the Mardi Gras offers something for everyone.
Planning Tips:
- Download the Carnival HUB app before your cruise
- Consider booking a balcony room – the views and fresh aire are totally worth it
- Pack your appetite – the food options are endless
- Don’t miss the sunset sail-away parties – they’re so much fun
Have you sailed on the Mardi Gras or are you planning to? Drop a comment below with your experiences or questions. Here’s to smooth sailing and unforgettable memories!
For other family-friendly travel ideas, check out this round up post of some of our most memorable trips!
