Overview

Since 1972, Carnival has pushed themselves as a fun and family-friendly experience, and it's paid off for sure.  The largest single cruise company in the world, Carnival is itself a subsidiary of the corporation of the same name, which is the largest conglomerate of cruise lines.  Functioning rather akin to J.P. Morgan's International Mercantile Marine group, or IMM, the Carnival Corporation dominates the industry with over 50% of the total passenger berth capacity.  The cruise line took delivery of the LNG-powered Mardi Gras in 2020, although she sailed on her inaugural cruise the following year due to COVID-19.

History

First sailing from Miami in 1972, Carnival has always prided themselves on a fun cruise experience.  On their very first voyage, the original Mardi Gras, the former Canadian Pacific Empress of Canada, ran aground within sight of Miami.  In typical Carnival spirit, the bartender invented a drink on the spot: 'Mardi Gras on the rocks.'