MIAMI — A roller coaster at sea? Sure, why not?
Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras has plans to debut the first-ever roller coaster at sea in 2020, featuring nearly 800 feet of twists, turns and drops at speeds of approximately 40 miles per hour.
Dubbed the BOLT, this new all-electric coaster will allow two riders to choose their preferred speed while strapped in a motorcycle-like vehicle suspended 187 feet above sea level. It will begin with an action-packed launch where riders can achieve race car-like levels of acceleration, and culminates with a high-powered hairpin turn around Carnival’s iconic funnel.
Riders’ speeds will be posted after the race, and just like land-based roller coasters, guests will have their photo taken during the ride for a memorable keepsake.
“Mardi Gras will be our most innovative ship ever with some truly special features and attractions, highlighted by BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “BOLT will continue the tradition of Carnival providing exciting new ways for our guests to ‘Choose Fun.’ We are so thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind, game-changing, exhilarating attraction – our guests are going to love it!”
Mardi Gras will be based in Port Canaveral where a new state-of-the-art terminal is located. Itinerary information will be revealed early next month with additional details about the ship.
A second XL-class ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding.
