1st sailing of Carnival’s Mardi Gras highlights Port Canaveral’s busy week

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Emeril's Bistro in the French Quarter neighborhood on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras turns in the basin after arriving at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. In the background, left, the Disney Cruise Lines' ship Fantasy. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Executive Chef Rudi Sodamin cuts the ribbon with Carnival executives and culinary team during the opening ceremony for Rudi's Seagrill on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Terminal 3 as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docks at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew are trained on casino gaming on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew are trained on casino gaming on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Christine Duffy (left), president of Carnival Cruise Line, mashes the launch button during the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Punchliner comedy club on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Host Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams performs during the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew are trained on casino gaming on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams (left) lets out a scream while taking a ride on the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docks at Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras heads to Terminal 3 after arriving at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. In the background, left, the Disney Cruise Lines' ship Fantasy. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The two-level theater on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The living room in one of the Excel suites on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The 3-story atrium features a programmable 'chandelier' on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The stern of the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artwork inspired by patients from St. Jude Children's Hospital on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A view of the infinity pool on the Loft 19 deck on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The view from Loft 19 of the Lido deck on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans line up at dawn at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Brass Magnolia bar in the French Quarter neighborhood on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A view of the bow of the ship from the Loft 19 deck on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The entrance to the ChiBang Chinese+Mexican restaurant on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With a traditional fire boat escort, the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Dancers perform during the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans line up before sunrise at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The atrium transforms its 3-story window into a 16-screen video wall on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
In this view from Jetty Park, the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The 3-story atrium features a 16-screen transforming video wall that reveals a view on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020.
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew members welcome guests aboard for the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With a traditional fire boat escort, the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The atrium transforms its 3-story window into a 16-screen video wall on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A was plaque commemorates the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The atrium features a 3-story window that transforms into a 16-screen video wall on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Emeril's Bistro in the French Quarter neighborhood on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The entrance to the Cucina Del Capitano restaurant on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A view of the Loft 19 deck on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With a traditional fire boat escort, the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras heads to Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the new BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Host Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams performs during the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Carnival executives cheer the ribbon cutting for the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Christine Duffy (left), president of Carnival Cruise Line, mashes the launch button during the grand opening ceremony, with encouragement from host Chris Williams (right) onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests riding the new BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras creates a surreal scene with a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the background at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The casino on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The Mardi Gras sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, reacts to being presented a key to the port after the new Mardi Gras ship arrived at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A view of the Lido deck on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Executive Chef Rudi Sodamin welcomes guests with Carnival executives and culinary team during the ribbon cutting for Rudi's Seagrill on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A view of the bow of the ship from one of the Excel suites on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Christine Duffy (left), president of Carnival Cruise Line, mashes the launch button during the grand opening ceremony, with encouragement from host Chris Williams (right) onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., early Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The 3-story atrium features a 16-screen transforming video wall that reveals a view on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Drinks are served for the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A bedroom in one of the Excel suites on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, July 30, 2021. The ship sails Saturday, marking the first official passenger cruise from Port Canaveral since the pandemic began in 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Fans line up before sunrise at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., Friday morning, June 4, 2021. The brand new ship has a capacity of 6,500 passengers and 20 decks, making it the eighth largest cruise ship in the world. The Mardi Gras is also the first ship in North America powered entirely by liquefied natural gas. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

By Richard Tribou | rtribou@orlandosentinel.com | Orlando Sentinel

PUBLISHED: July 30, 2021 at 5:30 a.m. | UPDATED: July 30, 2021 at 10:57 p.m.

Port Canaveral has already joined the return-to-sailing party with volunteer passengers, but is set to welcome its first paying customers on board a cruise ship when Carnival’s Mardi Gras sets sail this Saturday.

After the industry shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, the port’s cruise business has been at a standstill. It wasn’t until July 18 that any passengers returned to Port Canaveral. That’s when Disney Cruise Line sailed Disney Magic with about 300 volunteers, primarily employees, sailing for free so the ship could earn a conditional sailing certificate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas then departed this past Tuesday with its own volunteers.

“It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for our port,” said Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray after Allure of the Seas’ departure. “We’ve worked very hard with all of our cruise partners, and now it’s time to get our cruise business back and running. Port Canaveral is ready to help our partners provide a safe, healthy and fun guest experience.”

Both Disney and Royal Caribbean have opted to perform test sailings before rolling out revenue voyages, citing the large number of children who would be on board. The CDC has given the green light to ships that sail with at least 95% vaccinated passengers, and children 11 and under do not have an option for vaccinations.

Carnival Cruise Line, though, made the choice at least for its July and August sailings, to sail with mostly vaccinated passengers.

That’s why Carnival’s Mardi Gras, which first arrived to Port Canaveral on June 4, but has yet to welcome passengers, will be able to skip the simulated sailing and be the first sailing with paying customers from Port Canaveral when it sails Saturday on a seven-night voyage with about 70% of its normal 5,282-passenger capacity based on double occupancy.

At a media preview Friday, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said the debut sailing has been a long time coming.

“Today’s event has been named our ‘Sip & Sea’ preview. I understand that some of you southerners may know that a ‘sip and see’ is what a family hosts when they have a new baby they want to show off to their friends and family,” she said. “Well Mardi Gras is our new baby and we have been waiting a lot longer than nine months to deliver her.”

She thanked local officials for the efforts to finally get the ship underway, which was originally supposed to begin sailing last summer, but was sidelined by the pandemic.

“We’ve really been in this together. We’ve fought hard and here we are cruising from our beautiful new terminal here in Canaveral,” Duffy said.

The port, which relies on the cruise industry for most of its revenue, has endured millions in losses since the shutdown. For fiscal year 2021, which runs from October 2020-September 2021, cruise lines have only contributed about $1.8 million to the port’s budget, which has seen more than a $30 million loss for the year so far.

In comparison, the port earned nearly $34 million from cruise business in FY2020, which was short more than two full months of activity. In FY2019, the port saw more than $40 million.

For FY2021, the port’s revised budget plan made in January, which assumed a more robust summer restart than what the port has actually seen, only projected about $10 million in cruise revenue for the entire year.

Port Canaveral has lagged slightly behind Florida’s other two largest ports, in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, along with ships in Galveston, Texas, that have already been sailing with paying customers for several weeks.

Celebrity Cruises was the first line to sail with paying customers from the U.S. in more than 15 months when Celebrity Edge departed on June 26 from Port Everglades. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean sailed for the first time over the Fourth of July weekend from PortMiami, and some lines have begun to sail from Seattle on Alaska cruises in the last week as well.

Now Port Canaveral is set to get back to business. Mardi Gras could be followed by four ships in short order in August with more set in September.

Carnival Magic, also with mostly vaccinated passengers, will sail Aug. 7, followed by Allure of the Seas on Aug. 8, and then Disney Dream on Aug. 9.

Later in August, Royal will begin sailing a second ship from the port with Mariner of the Seas set to return on Aug. 23.

According to Disney Cruise Line, Disney Fantasy will undergo its test sailing from Aug. 12-14, which would line it up for its first revenue sailing, a seven-night voyage departing Sept. 4.

Also in September, MSC Cruises aims to make its Port Canaveral debut with a Sept. 16 sailing of MSC Divina. Norwegian Cruise Line does not plan to return to the port until the fall with a Nov. 13 sailing of Norwegian Escape.