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New Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras makes US debut

Carnival Cruise Line relaxes testing protocols

New Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrived in Port Canaveral on 4 June, marking its official debut in the US.

The ship docked at Cruise Terminal 3, which has been specifically built for the LNG-powered vessel.

Mardi Gras is scheduled to sail year-round from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Carnival said in a statement that it will now “begin the process of ramping up Mardi Gras’ crew to a full contingent of 1,750″.

Carnival president Christine Duffy said: “Mardi Gras has been five years in the making and today’s arrival is a historic milestone for our company not to mention a truly emotional moment for everyone here at Carnival Cruise Line.

“This ship offers so many innovations and ways for our guests to choose fun that we are certain that she will quickly become a guest favourite. And as we look forward to our restart in guest operations, Mardi Gras’ arrival is symbolic of the excitement and anticipation we have about the future at Carnival Cruise Line.”

Canaveral Port Authority CEO Captain John Murray added: “For nearly four years we have been working hard to prepare for Mardi Gras. As we welcome home this magnificent ship to Port Canaveral, we are filled with pride to see her at berth at our beautiful Cruise Terminal 3.”

Mardi Gras features the first roller coaster at sea and is divided into six distinct themed zones. Carnival said it has a “wide range of outdoor attractions, including the longest ropes course and largest water park in the fleet”.

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