If you’ve ever considered a cruise for your next family vacation but hesitated because of the mixed reviews on Carnival Cruise Line—this one’s for you.
I recently returned from a week-long adventure aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras with my two kids, and I’m here to tell you: this trip was packed with fun, filled with unforgettable moments, and absolutely made for families. In fact, it may just be our favorite vacation yet.
Let’s start with the logistics—because as parents, we know travel planning isn’t just about the destination. It’s also about how smoothly you get there. We chose to sail out of Port Canaveral, and it was a game-changer. Compared to the heavy traffic and hustle of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the drive to Port Canaveral was surprisingly stress-free. We avoided major city congestion and enjoyed scenic stretches along the way.
Once we arrived at the port, everything from parking to check-in felt organized and efficient. Plus it was a super quick process! And then? The magic began.
The Carnival Mardi Gras isn’t just a ship—it’s a floating resort. With its bold design, endless amenities, and creative layout, it’s built to entertain all ages. My kids were in awe from the moment we stepped on board. And honestly? So was I.
Built for Fun (and Kids!)
The Mardi Gras isn’t just a cruise ship—it’s a mega ship with six themed zones, each offering its own vibe, dining experiences, and activities. Everything is laid out in a way that encourages both exploration and ease. As a parent, I appreciated how accessible everything felt—yet the ship still had that exciting “wow” factor around every corner. There’s a reason Carnival calls itself the “Fun Ship” line—and while some might assume that means it’s all about nightlife or adult activities, our experience proved otherwise. Carnival’s brand of fun is incredibly kid-focused.
One of the biggest hits for my kids? The Ultimate Playground area. Picture a massive water park with racing slides, splash zones, and mini water dumps—right in the middle of the ship. Add in BOLT, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea (yes, seriously!) and you’ve got a recipe for excitement that kids—and their thrill-seeking moms—can’t get enough of.
The ship also features SportsSquare, an active outdoor area with ropes courses, mini-golf, basketball, and more. They spent hours challenging each other and laughing together. It was screen-free family time at its finest.
Spaces Just for Kids
Carnival knows that kids need their own space—and that parents sometimes need a breather too. The Camp Ocean kids’ club offered age-appropriate activities, arts and crafts. My kids are older and found their group at the Circle “C” lounge, filled with games, music, and social time (without mom hovering, of course). They even made some friends the first night that the kept hanging out with throughout the week!
Dining for Everyone
Let’s talk about food because it’s a big part of any vacation, especially when you’re traveling with kids who have strong opinions and interesting appetites.
Carnival Mardi Gras knocked it out of the park with a fabulous variety of options. From Shaq’s Big Chicken (which became my daughter’s go-to lunch spot), Guy’s Burger Joint with the best fries at sea, the pizza, panini and taco stands to the large Lido buffet- there were so many casual, kid-approved options. And there were traditional sit down restaurant options from the formal dining room to contemporary options like ChaBang!
There’s also something magical about dressing up for dinner on a cruise. Even my kids looked forward to “fancy night,” where we all got dressed up, took photos, and dined on a delicious over-the-top three course meal!
Entertainment & Shows: More Than Just a Bonus
If you’ve ever cruised before, you know that entertainment can vary widely by ship. But on the Mardi Gras, it’s a major feature—and truly impressive.
Every night brought something new, and we never once felt bored. Here are just a few of the standout experiences:
- Family Feud Live – Carnival’s hit game show experience brings the classic show onboard, and it’s every bit as fun as the original. Families can even audition to participate!
- Deal or No Deal – A high-energy, audience-participation show that got everyone involved. My kids loved shouting out which briefcase to pick!
- Vegas Nights – One of Carnival’s signature Productions shows, blending some cool stunts, beautiful costumes and vegas-style performances. It was a fun experience that kept even my teen interested.
- Comedy Club – With both family-friendly and adult-only shows, there’s something for everyone. We all enjoyed the early clean comedy shows, which were genuinely funny without crossing the line.
- Dive-In Movies – Watching movies on the big screen by the pool at night was a favorite for all of us. Carnival provides popcorn, lounge chairs, and blankets on cooler nights.
Plus, live music, themed nights (like 80’s on the pool deck), and pop-up performances kept the energy high throughout the cruise. Whether you wanted to laugh, dance, or simply be entertained, Carnival had you covered on this sailing.
Big Ship, Big Smiles
I know Carnival has occasionally gotten a bad rap in some circles, but our experience on the Mardi Gras couldn’t have been more positive. The crew was kind and attentive, the ship was clean and well-maintained, and the entire vibe was welcoming. Not once did I feel like this wasn’t a safe or enjoyable space for my family. Quite the opposite.
In fact, what I saw on this ship were hundreds of families just like ours, laughing, exploring, and making memories together. Carnival makes cruising affordable for families, and they deliver fun in a way that’s approachable, inclusive, and full of heart.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you’re planning summer travel or thinking ahead to a fall break getaway, don’t overlook cruising, especially with Carnival. The Mardi Gras offers something for everyone and gives your kids a chance to try new things, see new places, and spend meaningful time with you, away from the noise of everyday life.
For us, the trip wasn’t just about sunshine and sea views. It was about reconnecting. Laughing. Adventuring. It was a week where I didn’t have to say “no” as much, and instead got to say “yes” to ziplining over the ocean, staying up past bedtime for the dive-in movie, and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic! Carnival made it easy. And unforgettable.
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