Many cruise lines are starting to become very mindful of the carbon footprint that they are leaving behind. Because of this, they are trying to have eco-friendly practices when at all possible. Carnival Cruise Line is no exception and will be debuting a ship in 2020, the Mardi Gras, that will be the first ship ever to be fueled by liquid natural gas. This is what we know about the ship so far.
Why This Cruise Ship Is A Big Deal
Liquefied natural gas is a lot cleaner of a way to power a cruise ship. It produces about 50% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than fuel oil. It also emits almost no sulfur dioxide emissions, which are considered to be very damaging to the environment. This new Carnival ship is expected to pave the way for how other cruise ships are powered in the future.
The Line’s Largest Ship
Mardi Gras will be the line’s largest ship ever. It will be in the XL class and will weigh a whopping 180,000 tons. It will be able to hold up to 5,286 passengers and will have a maximum capacity of 6,500 people. The ship is supposed to be forward thinking and will have a red, white a blue hull design. This design will represent Carnival being “America’s cruise line” and providing passengers will a truly memorable experience for almost 50 years. The design will run the entire length of this 1,130-foot ship. Mardi Gras will be based out of Port Canaveral at Terminal 3. This port is currently getting a major overhaul to accommodate it and Carnival has actually contributed $50 million towards the renovations and it is expected to be completed before the ship arrives.
More details about Mardi Gras are expected to be revealed in 2019. This includes sailings as well as what entertainment and restaurant options will be on board. So far we do know that they will be debuting the first ever roller coaster at sea. It will have a 190 track and will reach speeds up to 40 mph. A lot of thought has gone into this ship and the goal is for it to be highly innovative. Mardi Gras will be the 28th ship in Carnival’s fleet. Before it hits the water, another new Carnival ship will be setting sail in 2019, the Carnival Panorama. Another XL ship, currently unnamed, is also expected to hit the waters in 2022. Check out more ship information and rates for Carnival Cruises 2019.
