Along with building their largest cruise ship ever, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that their new ship, Carnival Mardi Gras, will feature a roller coaster. Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster will feature an 800 foot track, 187 feet above the ocean, that winds around the iconic Carnival funnel. Carnival Cruise Line has stated that the roller coaster will reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Built by Munich-based Maurer Rides, BOLT™: Ultimate Sea Coaster™, is an all-electric roller coaster that allows two riders in a motorcycle-like vehicle to race along the track, enabling guests to experience the sea in an exciting new way with breathtaking 360-degree views.
BOLT begins with an action-packed launch where riders can achieve race car-like levels of acceleration and culminates with a high-powered hair-pin turn around Carnival’s iconic funnel. Riders’ speeds are posted after the race, and just like land-based roller coasters, guests have their photo taken during the ride for a memorable keepsake. And since guests choose their own speed, each ride is unique.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
“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,”
“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!”
Carnival Cruise Line said Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster will be an included activity onboard, but they may need to impose a fee to help manage demand. Mardi Gras will debut from Port Canaveral, Florida featuring a new state-of-the-art terminal in 2020.
