Kid-Free Options on Carnival’s Mardi Gras

When traveling with kids onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, there’s no shortage of date opportunities for parents.

From cooking classes in the Carnival Kitchen to a relaxing afternoon on the Serenity Deck or Loft 19, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you to schedule some ‘kid-free’ time onboard the new Mardi Gras.  

Take the kids over to the popular Camp Ocean, trust me they’ll be excited about it, and get ready to choose your own definition of ‘fun’ onboard the brand new Mardi Gras. 

(Note: Check hours of operation as Camp Ocean is limited or closed during restart.)

Let’s take a look at the unique ways you can enjoy a parents getaway while cruising while never being too far away from the kids.

Let’s Get Cooking

Inside the new Carnival Kitchen on Deck 6 Aft, couples can learn new skills from the culinary pros, experience some great food, and take your knowledge home with you too. 

Choose from hands-on classes focused on cupcake decorating or tailgating favorites, or step outside your comfort zone and learn how to make sushi rolls. Sign up for these lessons in advance, as the popular classes tend to book up quickly.

READ MORE: A Picky Eater’s Guide to Dining on Carnival’s Mardi Gras

Cheers to You!

For more hands-on fun, sign up early for the Alchemy Bar’s popular Martini Tasting experience. Learn about martinis and mixing drinks from the professionals behind the bar while you sample four mini-martinis.

Drinks on the menu include the popular Spicy Pineapple Chipotle Martini, the pomegranate-inspired 40 is the New 20 martini, and a Cucumber Sunrise to name a few.

At the end of the experience, choose one full-sized martini to celebrate the end of class. You’ll get to know the bartenders and fellow cruisers during this experience and you might even discover a ‘new to you’ favorite drink too!

Visit the Ultimate Playground

For those ready for outdoor fun, make your way up to Deck 18 on the Mardi Gras to the Ultimate Playground where you’ll find BOLT, the Ultimate Sea Coaster.

This wild, motorcycle-style coaster soars high above the ship and two people can ride at the same time, making it a great way to get your adrenaline running on your ‘no kids’ outing. Then, challenge your partner to a game of mini-golf or test your skills on the Ropes Course at SportSquare.

Dinner and a Movie

Camp Ocean hosts dinner for kid campers each night on the Lido deck, meaning parents can enjoy a quiet dinner on their own – so take advantage of it!

Enjoy dinner for two in the Main Dining Room or book reservations at one of the ship’s new restaurants. ChiBang! features Mexican and Chinese dishes, or make it a seafood night at Rudi’s SeaGrill.

Other popular spots for dinner include Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ($39 per guest) and Emeril’s Bistro 1396 (a la carte).

Afterward, make your way out to the Lido Deck and curl up in a blanket under the stars to enjoy the night’s Dive-In Movie.

Complete with popcorn, late-night movies typically include adult favorites and earlier timed movies are more family-friendly. Select nights on the Lido Deck include a dance party, so be sure to check the HUB app for the schedule.

Meet Up For Drinks

There’s no shortage of spots to catch up with your partner over drinks on the Mardi Gras, including quite a few new places.

Make your way over to the onboard Summer Landing zone on Deck 8 Aft where you’ll find Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse with Parched Pig craft beer brewed right on the ship. Enjoy live music at night and step outside to enjoy the views at The Watering Hole, along with a drink or two.

The Brass Magnolia and the Fortune Teller Bar located in the French Quarter zone on Deck 6 Aft are both new to Carnival Cruise Line and are quickly becoming popular with their live music scene and creative drinks, respectively.

At The Brass Magnolia, grab a drink at the bar such as the legendary Hurricane cocktail, and enjoy a performance from the live jazz trio. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot into the garden district of New Orleans.

Nearby at the Fortune Teller Bar, surround yourself with the mystery and elegance that make up the bar. Drinks here are creative and, some would say, supernatural.

Try the Golden Galaxy, made with bits of real gold or the new Abracadabra cocktail that changes colors right before your eyes. These festive cocktails make for a fun night onboard Mardi Gras.

Relax and Rejuvenate

If a quiet, afternoon with a book and maybe a nap is more your idea of the perfect ‘date day’ on Mardi Gras, make plans to reserve your own cabana (starting at $500 per day for up to eight people) at the new Loft 19. In a private cabana, guests receive exceptional service including chilled towels, fruit trays, lunch delivery right to the cabana, and attentive concierge service.

Enjoy a soak in the infinity whirlpool and spend the day relaxing while someone else is in charge. While there is an additional fee for this area, along with reserving a cabana (and they go quickly!), those in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy complimentary access to Loft 19 along with priority booking access for cabana reservations.

The Serenity Retreat, aka the adults-only deck, is another great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon with your partner. Enjoy a bite to eat at the nearby salad bar and grab a fruity umbrella drink at the Serenity bar to top off a relaxing day at sea.

For some pampering, book a couples massage at the Cloud 9 Spa for you and your partner. You’ll feel refreshed and revived after letting someone else be in charge. From hot stone massages to deep tissue massages, wrap up your spa treatment with a soak in the Cloud 9 Spa Thalassotherapy Pool. 

No matter what type of activity you choose to be your ‘fun’ onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras, you can feel thankful and happy knowing that the kids had a great time at Camp Ocean and that you enjoyed a day “off” enjoying your vacation with your partner.

What sounds like the ultimate ‘parents-only’ adventure for you onboard Mardi Gras?

READ NEXT: Carnival’s Mardi Gras: Exploring Summer Landing

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