Carnival Cruise Line’s new 5,200-passenger ship Mardi Gras has officially joined the fleet during a virtual ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Mardi Gras will depart Turku, Finland, later this month to begin its voyage to North America.

It will operate seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, with the inaugural voyage scheduled for 24 April 2021.

The ship, to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), will feature Bolt, the first rollercoaster at sea.

Guests will also be able to choose from a number of dining concepts, including a new restaurant by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, the line’s first-ever Big Chicken by Shaquille O’Neal, and two dining venues led by Food Network star Guy Fieri, as well as a new restaurant concept by master chef Rudi Sodamin.

Carnival president Christine Duffy said: “We have been working tirelessly this year to get to this exciting day to take delivery of this beautiful ship. The team at Meyer Turku has been an outstanding partner throughout this process.

“I cannot wait for our guests and crew to see and experience Mardi Gras. Notwithstanding the delays related to the pandemic, there is tremendous enthusiasm and pent-up demand for this ship.

“Next we will work on the development of her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which arrives in 2022 and has sold very well since inventory opened in October.”

Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer added that the use of LNG will make Mardi Gras “one of the most environmentally friendly ships to sail the North American waters”.

“We are delivering a beautiful and highly advanced ship with world-class technology such as LNG propulsion, to name just one.

“With these sophisticated systems, she will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships to sail the North American waters. I am very proud of our team of shipbuilders and would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication during the building process.”