What Was the First Carnival Cruise Ship?

By Robert Palmer

The original Carnival Cruise Lines vessel, the Mardi Gras, was a former trans-Atlantic passenger ship that was converted into a cruise ship for the purpose of offering low-cost vacations to the masses. The Mardi Gras was the first Carnival Cruise Lines vessel, and it launched in 1972.

The Mardi Gras was initially owned by Chandris Line and was named the “Fantasy”. She underwent an extensive refit in 1972, including the addition of three new decks and two new swimming pools.

She was then renamed “Mardi Gras” by Carnival Cruise Lines and set sail on her maiden voyage from Miami to Nassau.

The Mardi Gras had a capacity of 1,700 passengers with 998 cabins spread across eight passenger decks. She also featured a casino, three restaurants, six bars and lounges, two outdoor swimming pools and four jacuzzis. The ship was known for its lively atmosphere, with a mix of live music and comedy acts in her lounges.

The Legacy of The Mardi Gras

The success of the Mardi Gras encouraged Carnival Cruise Lines to acquire other ships in order to expand their fleet. Within five years of launching the first vessel, they had acquired eight more ships and eventually added more than 25 vessels over time. This allowed them to become one of the world’s largest cruise companies.

The popularity of cruising has grown exponentially since Carnival Cruise Lines launched its first ship in 1972. Today there are hundreds of ships offering cruises all over the world, catering to different budgets and interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Mardi Gras” was the first carnival cruise ship that launched in 1972 by Carnival Cruise Lines which later expanded to become one of World’s largest cruise companies over time due to its immense popularity among people all over the world.