Carnival Cruise Line's newest vessel Mardi Gras will boast with Grand Central Atrium when the ship debuts from Port Canaveral FL on February 6, 2021, operating week-long Caribbean roundtrips. The transformational 3-deck-high open-floor designed area is one of 6 themed zones onboard the newbuild ship.
Grand Central (spanning decks 6-7-8 / midship) features 3000-ft2 (280-m2) glass panels built into the superstructure's starboard side to provide passengers with unobstructed views as they relax in comfortable seating.
Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s director of newbuild product development and part of the team that developed the venue, said that the idea was to create a functional and eye-catching space while providing guests with a “take your breath away” moment when they board Mardi Gras.
During the day, the unique Grand Central Atrium serves as a relaxing space for vacationers to enjoy drinks, coffees, light fare, live music performances or participate in trivia contests and leisurely pursuits. At night, the area transforms into an intimate venue with a rotation of soon-to-be-revealed experiences. Talented performers are expected to interact with 16 individually controlled LED screens (6x14 ft) displaying special effects and video, along with aerial feats and lasers to create an unforgettable entertainment experience.
Overlooking Grand Central is the cruise liner's multi-level Grand View Bar which offers guests an opportunity to enjoy floor-to-ceiling ocean views as they taste custom-made cocktails amidst awe-inspiring design features such as a virtual waterfall on translucent panels. The Center Stage Bar is on the Atrium's main level. Both venues offer specialty cocktails inspired by the theme of the evening’s entertainment.
Java Blue is steps away. In addition to serving lattes, coffees, and cappuccinos, like other Carnival cruise ships, it offers fresh bakery items, salads, wraps, and another light fare throughout the day.
Also nearby is Cherry on Top (sweets shop) for those who wish to enjoy decadent treats, as are the casino and retail shops, providing various fun options.
Connecting all of the spaces are a series of spacious promenades and bridges serving as convenient thoroughfares to other areas while allowing passengers to see all the other happenings onboard.