LNG Powers the Fun

Mardi Gras - You've Come a Long Way Baby

On this Earth Day 2021, Carnival Corporation released a video explaining how Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will play a role in helping them meet their sustainability goals. 

Carnival Mardi Gras will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship to home port in North America. Mardi Gras, which was to have debuted last year but due to the COVID-19 shutdown, her debut is still to come. Sister ship Carnival Celebration is set to debut out of PortMiami in 2022. 

Mardi Gras, the first of Carnival's Excel class ships, required a new terminal. Port Canaveral rebuilt Cruise Terminal 3 to support what is the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet, coming in at 1,130 feet long, 180,800 gross tons and a 5,282-passenger capacity based on double occupancy. 

 LNG creates less exhaust than commonly used cruise industry fuel. It’s an odorless, colorless fuel in its liquid state kept cold at -259 degrees Fahrenheit. The fuel will be stored in three tanks onboard the ship. While the ship will be refueled weekly, the design allows for 14 days of cruising without refueling. The fuel will power the propulsion system as well as everything else onboard the ship. 

 To operate this LNG powered ship introduces new logistic issues which Carnival has planned for. LNG isn't readily available in all ports of call. A special refueling barge will be used in Port Orlando to refuel the vessel in order to comply with necessary safety protocols. Port Canaveral also invested in additional fire training for their personnel and a new fire boat, to address safety concerns with LNG use. 

Watch this video to learn more about LNG fuel and Carnival's commitment to sustainability. You can also visit carnivalsustainability.com to learn more about their environmental goals and progress to date.

 “The introduction of new, more efficient ships, and investments in other technologies and initiatives, we intend to continue to build on our pledge and continue to reduce emissions and exceed our goals,” the video states.

 
View Mardi Gras Itineraries

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Carnival Hasbro the Game Show at Home

Images courtesy of Hasbro & Carnival Cruise Line

Fun Ship 2.0 

Carnival Cruise Line took family fun to new heights in 2012 when they introduced Fun Ship 2.0 which included Hasbro the Game Show on their ships. This all night entertainment event brought several of your favorite family games to life on stage. Families were pitted against each other on stage while the rest of the passengers watched. This took family game night to a new level. 

You can read more about their introduction in our old blog post: Hasbro The Game Show Coming Soon to Sea.

Additional ships were added to the fleet and the popular game show theme remained one of the featured entertainment options.

Fun Ship 2.0 at Home

When the pandemic locked families inside their homes, many had time to get reaquainted with the old pastime of playing board games. We are certain that some Hasbro favorites were among the games played. Carnival's ships were grounded during this time, but the imagation wheels were not idle. Earlier this year they introduced a Carnival Branded Monopoly game and now have introduced a Carnival Branded Family Feud offering. Both of these can be purchased on their Fun Shop website (individually or in a bundle).

Monopoly Carnival Fun Edition

In this cruise-themed version of the classic board game that people around the world seem to either love or hate: Monopoly Carnival Fun Edition, popular elements of the game are present with a sea-going twist. 

Mardi Gras, their latest ship, is prominently featured on the cover and throughout the game. Features highlighted include the brand-new BOLT roller coaster that will debut on Mardi Gras, the Cherry on Top ice cream and candy story, the Lido Marketplace, and JavaBlue Café — all of which will serve as landing spots for players.

Just like the traditional Monopoly game, players purchase properties when they land on them if desired. However, they pay the designated amount with money emblazoned with the cruise line’s iconic funnel. There are also Cruise Director Announcements and Funnel Chest Cards with challenges and directions for players, while game pieces (of course) include a cruise ship. Test your cruise vacation knowledge with this fun land edition of their Hasbro the Game Show Monopoly game.

Family Feud Carnival Edition

Inspired by the hit television show and in anticipation of audience participation show Family Feud Live! that’s debuting on Mardi Gras, Family Feud: Carnival Edition introduces a fun new spin on the popular game. 

Over 150 questions test players’ knowledge of ‘America’s Cruise Line’ and cruise vacations in general. Sample questions include “Name a Famous Captain” and “Name Something You’d Hate to Forget When Packing for a Cruise.” Popular game features like “Fast Money,”Pass or Play,” “What Ifs,” and “Face Offs” are all included, allowing players to recreate their favorite elements of the game at home. 

Are you planning a cruise on Mardi Gras this year or next?  Maybe you need to purchase one or both of these games to sharpen your skills for the onboard versions.   However, don't count on the questions being the same onboard - we wouldn't anyone to have an advantage - would we?

click to enlarge
Search for Cruises on Mardi Gras

Introducing Mardi Gras

These games highlight features you will find on the brand new Mardi Gras. She is quite different than her name sake which debuted in 1972.

This ship introduces Zones — six themed areas packed with brand-new experiences for eating, drinking and spectacularly getting down to fun. There's BOLT™, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea, Emeril's Bistro 1396™ from yes-that-Emeril, Family Feud™ Live for everybody... plus incredible new bars like The Brass Magnolia and Fortune Teller. Everybody can enjoy Mardi Gras, sailing this year. Come on down!

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Where have you explored? 

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Grandeur Tour Deck 11

New WOWs 
Around Every Corner

Grandeur of the Seas

Revitalization

Here's your chance to see all the amazing WOWs Royal Caribbean added to the Grandeur of the Seas as we complete our WOW Button Tour.

During a recent 30-day revitalization dry-dock, part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage SM program, the Grandeur became the next ship to complete the program, which will enhance the entire fleet. See Royal Advantage Expanded for more information about the project and schedule of ship completions.

What's New on Grandeur of the Seas? 

We were fortunate to be invited to the Revitalization Debut of the Grandeur of the Seas in November.   Join us for the last two stops of the New Grandeur of the Seas WOW Button Round-Up.

Concierge Club, Viking Crown Lounge

Loyalty has its rewards!!   Hopefully you are aware that cruise lines, just like airlines, have loyalty programs that provide perks based on the number of times or nights you have sailed with them.  In some cases, the type of cabin or cruise may get you extra points towards your next level.  Royal Caribbean's program is called Crown and Anchor Society.  You can learn more about the program in our previous article: Updated Crown & Anchor Society Program.

This exclusive lounge space, on Deck 11 of the Grandeur, is for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members.   Guests in suites (except for junior suites) are also given access to this lounge area.  

Continental Breakfast is served in the Concierge Club daily from 7:00 AM until 10:00 AM.  Complimentary beverages are served in the Concierge Club from 5:00 PM until 8:30 PM as well.  Israel Sanchez, the Concierge on the Grandeur, is there to assist guests with any requests throughout the voyage.

 

Congratulations !!  

You have just collected your 

Buttons for Deck 11

Collect all  7 !!

This concludes the WOW Button tour of the newly revitalized Grandeur of the Seas.  In case you missed the other locations, here is the list of Button Stops and other related posts:

Grandeur Tour Deck 4	Grandeur Tour Deck 6	Grandeur Tour Deck 8
Grandeur Tour Deck 9	Grandeur Tour Deck 10	Grandeur Tour Deck 11
Grandeur Revitalization Debut	Oh To Be Young Again	Just For Teens
Thanksgiving Greetings from Grandeur

Be sure to check our Facebook Fan Page for more photos

  Viking Crown & Concierge Club

Grandeur Tour Deck 10

New WOWs  Around Every Corner

Grandeur of the Seas

Revitalization

Here's your chance to see all the amazing WOWs Royal Caribbean added to the Grandeur of the Seas as we continue our WOW Button Tour.

Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (more images)

During a recent 30-day revitalization dry-dock, part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage SM program, the Grandeur became the next ship to complete the program, which will enhance the entire fleet. See Royal Advantage Expanded for more information about the project and schedule of ship completions.

What's New on Grandeur of the Seas? 

We were fortunate to be invited to the Revitalization Debut of the Grandeur of the Seas in November.   Continue exploring the New Grandeur of the Seas as we take you along with us on the Grandeur WOW Button Round-Up.

Deck 10 - Nursery

At the Royal Babies and Tots^SM Nursery, available only onboard Royal Caribbean, their trained staff cares for little cruisers ages 6 to 36 months in a safe, interactive space. Babies and tots will be delighted by Fisher Price® and Crayola® programs made just for them, while parents can enjoy all the ship has to offer.  Daytime and evening drop-off is offered; hourly fee of $8 applies.

Available: Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas
Coming soon: Fleetwide

Congratulations !!  

You have just collected your 

Button for Deck 10

Collect all  7 !!

Grandeur Tour Deck 9

New WOWs 
Around Every Corner

Grandeur of the Seas

Revitalization

Here's your chance to see all the amazing WOWs Royal Caribbean added to the Grandeur of the Seas as we continue our WOW Button Tour.

During a recent 30-day revitalization dry-dock, part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage SM program, the Grandeur became the next ship to complete the program, which will enhance the entire fleet. See Royal Advantage Expanded for more information about the project and schedule of ship completions.

What's New on Grandeur of the Seas? 

We were fortunate to be invited to the Revitalization Debut of the Grandeur of the Seas in November.   Continue exploring the New Grandeur of the Seas as we take you along with us on the Grandeur WOW Button Round-Up.

Outdoor Movie Screen

Most of the major cruise lines have been adding big screen movie screens to their pool deck area for some time.   With the Grandeur's revitalization, it joins sister ships that have already had the popular feature added.  Whether it is during the day at sea or at night going between destinations, you'll be able to enjoy special features on the big screen.   There's no need to miss a big game even when you are at sea.

Congratulations !!  

You have just collected your 

Button for Deck 9

Collect all  7 !!

Grandeur Tour Deck 8

New WOWs Around Every Corner

Grandeur of the Seas

Revitalization

Here's your chance to see all the amazing WOWs Royal Caribbean added to the Grandeur of the Seas as we continue our WOW Button Tour.

During a recent 30-day revitalization dry-dock, part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage SM program, the Grandeur became the next ship to complete the program, which will enhance the entire fleet. See Royal Advantage Expanded for more information about the project and schedule of ship completions.

What's New on Grandeur of the Seas? 

We were fortunate to be invited to the Revitalization Debut of the Grandeur of the Seas in November.   Continue exploring the New Grandeur of the Seas as we take you along with us on the Grandeur WOW Button Round-Up.

New Family Suite

Royal Caribbean cruises are the ultimate family vacation, so it makes sense that they are adding new Family Suite accommodations that sleeps several guests comfortably to Grandeur of the Seas.

The main part of the cabin can be divided into two sections with a queen bed in one part and sleeper sofa in the other.   Around the corner are two twin beds for the youngsters in the family.

For larger families, there are also pull down beds in that same room.


Looking out the window of your Family Suite on Deck 8, you can see the bridge.   Because of the bridge, they were unable to add a balcony, but the cabin is still ideal for families.

We have posted some additional pictures on our Facebook Fan Page;  New Staterooms - Grandeur of the Seas

 

 

Congratulations !!  

You have just collected your second Button for Deck 8

Collect all  7 !!

Grandeur Tour Deck 6

New WOWs Around Every Corner

Grandeur of the Seas

Revitalization

Here's your chance to see all the amazing WOWs Royal Caribbean added to the Grandeur of the Seas during a recent 30-day revitalization dry-dock.   This is part of  Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage SM program which enhances the entire fleet. See Royal Advantage Expanded for more information about the project and schedule of ship completions.

What's New on Grandeur of the Seas? 

We were fortunate to be invited to the Revitalization Debut of the Grandeur of the Seas in November.   Continue exploring the New Grandeur of the Seas as we take you along with us on the Grandeur WOW Button Round-Up.
 

DECK 6 - GIOVANNI'S TABLE & CHOPS GRILLE

Following the WOW Button trail, we arrived outside Chops Grille where we received our button for Deck 6 dining options.  We would next explore two of our favorite restaurants that are now available on the revitalized Grandeur.

Chops Grille


Chops is an elegant restaurant serving juicy steaks, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes, and delicious desserts.   There is a $30 cover charge as of this writing.  The only other expense would be any extra gratuity you chose to leave and your beverages from the bar.

Chops Grille is an old time favorite of loyal Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Members; try it on your next Royal cruise.



See our Grandeur of the Seas Dining photo album for more images from these two dining options and more.

Whether you want a romantic dinner with your significant other several of your new sailing friends, Chops Grille can accommodate your reservation request.   You can see that several tables can be combined for larger groups.


Giovanni's Table

Enjoy an Italian trattoria serving family-style rustic Tuscany dishes with a contemporary flair.  On the Grandeur, dine with your family and friends while enjoying the view out the expansive wall of floor to ceiling windows.

Make sure to leave room for your favorite Italian desserts like tiramisu. There is a $20 cover charge for this venue.  Of course, you'll probably want to pair your meal with a nice glass of red wine.

Be sure to click the photo album link above for more images of both of these fabulous restaurant favorites retrofitted into the Grandeur of the Seas from the Allure and Oasis of the Seas.

Congratulations !!  

You have just collected your second Button for Deck 6

Collect all  7 !!