![Emeril's Bistro in the French Quarter neighborhood on the brand...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras turns in the...]()
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)
![Executive Chef Rudi Sodamin cuts the ribbon with Carnival executives...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Terminal 3 as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Crew are trained on casino gaming on the brand new...]()
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)
![Crew are trained on casino gaming on the brand new...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal...]()
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)
![Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new...]()
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)
![Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new...]()
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)
![The Punchliner comedy club on the brand new Carnival Cruise...]()
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)
![Host Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams performs during the grand...]()
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)
![Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as...]()
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)
![Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new...]()
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)
![Crew are trained on casino gaming on the brand new...]()
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)
![Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams (left) lets out a scream...]()
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)
![At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docks at Terminal...]()
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)
![Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras heads to Terminal...]()
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)
![Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new...]()
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)
![At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![The two-level theater on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![The living room in one of the Excel suites on...]()
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)
![The 3-story atrium features a programmable 'chandelier' on the brand...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![The stern of the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship...]()
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)
![Artwork inspired by patients from St. Jude Children's Hospital on...]()
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)
![A view of the infinity pool on the Loft 19...]()
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)
![The view from Loft 19 of the Lido deck on...]()
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)
![Fans line up at dawn at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![The Brass Magnolia bar in the French Quarter neighborhood on...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal...]()
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)
![A view of the bow of the ship from the...]()
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)
![The entrance to the ChiBang Chinese+Mexican restaurant on the brand...]()
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)
![With a traditional fire boat escort, the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Dancers perform during the grand opening ceremony onboard the brand...]()
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)
![Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal...]()
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)
![At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![Fans line up before sunrise at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![The atrium transforms its 3-story window into a 16-screen video...]()
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)
![In this view from Jetty Park, the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Crew members welcome guests aboard for the grand opening ceremony...]()
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)
![With a traditional fire boat escort, the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Crew members watch the welcoming response at Jetty Park as...]()
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)
![The atrium transforms its 3-story window into a 16-screen video...]()
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)
![A was plaque commemorates the brand new Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![The atrium features a 3-story window that transforms into a...]()
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)
![Emeril's Bistro in the French Quarter neighborhood on the brand...]()
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)
![The entrance to the Cucina Del Capitano restaurant on the...]()
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)
![A view of the Loft 19 deck on the brand...]()
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)
![With a traditional fire boat escort, the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Guests ride the new BOLT roller coaster on the brand...]()
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)
![Host Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams performs during the grand...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![Carnival executives cheer the ribbon cutting for the BOLT roller...]()
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)
![Christine Duffy (left), president of Carnival Cruise Line, mashes the...]()
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)
![The Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras docked at Terminal...]()
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)
![Guests riding the new BOLT roller coaster on the brand...]()
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)
![The casino on the brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship...]()
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)
![The brand new Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras, docked...]()
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)
![Guests ride the BOLT roller coaster on the brand new...]()
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)
![Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, reacts to being...]()
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)
![A view of the Lido deck on the brand new...]()
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)
![Executive Chef Rudi Sodamin welcomes guests with Carnival executives and...]()
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)
![A view of the bow of the ship from one...]()
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)
![Christine Duffy (left), president of Carnival Cruise Line, mashes the...]()
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)
![Fans cheer at Jetty Park as the Carnival Cruise Line...]()
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)
![At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![The 3-story atrium features a 16-screen transforming video wall that...]()
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)
![Drinks are served for the grand opening ceremony onboard the...]()
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)
![A bedroom in one of the Excel suites on the...]()
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)
![Fans line up before sunrise at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
![At dawn, fans line up at Jetty Park to see...]()
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)
Carnival Cruise Line announced it was shifting two COVID-19 policies this month, one that will require more mask wearing and another that will ask all passengers for a negative antigen test before boarding.
The mask policy, which goes into effect on Aug. 7, calls for all passengers, whether vaccinated or not, to wear a mask while on board in interior spaces aboard its ships.
“In line with other major corporations such as Disney, McDonald’s and Las Vegas and all the other places, we have to be careful, and we have to get this right, and we will continue to make whatever changes we need to in order for the fun to continue,” said Carnival brand ambassador John Heald, who is on the line’s new ship Mardi Gras that left Port Canaveral on Saturday for its debut voyage.
He said the company will require all guests age 2 and older to wear masks in interior public areas like the elevators, the casino, standing in line for dinner and while shopping, for instance.
“Of course if you’re outdoors in the sun, or using the slides and all that kind of stuff, of course not, but these are things that we have to do,” Heald said during a Facebook live video. “This is a time to be careful. It’s a time to be cautious.”
The testing policy, which will go into effect on Aug. 14, requires a negative antigen test, which is a rapid test, within three days of sailing in order to board the ship. A negative PCR test will suffice as well, but the antigen test is easier to get within the three-day requirement.
“I know that this is something that possibly is going to be a little displeasing. Of course it is,” Heald said. “What you’re all thinking of course is, ‘Why are we doing this?’ Well we’re doing it very simply because we have to keep cruising going, and this is what we have to do, and we’re going to ask for your understanding. We are going to ask for you to protect yourself, and to protect other people.”
The cruise industry was shut down as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in early 2020, and only within the last six weeks have cruise lines begun to sail again from U.S. ports.
Mardi Gras became the first ship with paying customers to sail from Port Canaveral with three more ships on tap this weekend while other ships have sailed from Miami and Port Everglades as well as Texas and Alaska.
Lines such as Carnival that have earned their conditional sailing certificate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by attesting that they will sail with at least 95% vaccinated customers face a growing dilemma from the more infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 that is expanding its reach around the world.
The variant can be spread by those who have been vaccinated, and the CDC recently recommended that those living in high-infection areas, whether vaccinated or not, wear masks in an effort to stem its spread.
The recommendation has led to places such as Disney to shift their mask-wearing policy.
Since the CDC’s rules for mostly vaccinated cruises did not require the lines’ vaccinated passengers to prove they were free of COVID-19 ahead of the cruise, but only prove they had been vaccinated, the cruise line’s implementation of the antigen test may help stem some of the potential spread that could take place on board.
Unvaccinated guests are allowed on Carnival ships to some degree, such as children under 12 who aren’t eligible for the vaccine, but the cruise line limits the number to stay within the CDC parameters. For any unvaccinated person that is eligible for the vaccine, the line requires they pay for the testing both before the sailing and before disembarking as well as a travel insurance requirement.
“It is not forever. This is just now so we can keep cruising going,” Heald said. “We’re going to do everything we can to get this right and we need your help.”
![From Amelia Island on the northeast tip of Florida to Alligator Reef in the Keys. From the pink sands of Eleuthera in the Bahamas to the slopes of Mount Scenery on the Dutch island of Saba in the Lesser Antilles. The May 2024 issue of our Explore Florida & the Caribbean takes you places – by land, sea and air. The new issue that will appear in digital format on Sunday, May 5, features stories on Florida’s lighthouses, cruise-line dining, a return to ultra-luxe Little Palm Island in the Keys, a camping trip to Peanut Island in Palm Beach County, a […]](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Explore-Florida-cover-May-2024.jpg?w=620 "From Amelia Island on the northeast tip of Florida to Alligator Reef in the Keys. From the pink sands of Eleuthera in the Bahamas to the slopes of Mount Scenery on the Dutch island of Saba in the Lesser Antilles. The May 2024 issue of our Explore Florida & the Caribbean takes you places – by land, sea and air. The new issue that will appear in digital format on Sunday, May 5, features stories on Florida’s lighthouses, cruise-line dining, a return to ultra-luxe Little Palm Island in the Keys, a camping trip to Peanut Island in Palm Beach County, a […]")
