Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

4 7 The Brass Magnolia bar will enable Mardi Gras’s guests to immerse themselves in New Orleans’ famous jazz scene ship will now debut from Port Canaveral in Florida on 6 February 2021, while her yet-to-be-named sister ship is scheduled to enter service from Miami in November 2022, in conjunction with Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday that year. “While the most talked-about feature on Mardi Gras is Bolt, the first rollercoaster at sea, I’m equally excited about some of the fantastic new dining options that will be offered, including new restaurants from Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodamin and Shaquille O’Neal,” says Duffy. “Mardi Gras will of course feature offerings from Guy Fieri, including his popular Burger Joint and Smokehouse Brewhouse, both of which will be in expanded locations.” The enforced pause in operations has also allowed the line to plan for the future. “We have developed additional protocols and procedures to protect the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve,” says Duffy. “There are obviously going to be changes once we start sailing again,” she adds. “We continue to discuss our plans internally and with government officials and public health experts, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as we build new operational protocols, enhanced health and sanitation measures and service offering.” 2022 marks the 50th birthday of Carnival Cruise Line. “We have planned a fun celebration to commemorate this milestone,” adds Duffy. “The celebration kicks off in March 2022 – our birthday month – with a series of commemorative sailings that will feature special entertainment and itineraries – and then continue all year long, culminating with the arrival of our next Excel-class ship in November 2022.” C&F “Travel is one of those things people are missing the most during this period of isolation” INTERV IEW