For anyone who thought cruising was a stale industry with no more tricks up its sleeve, you haven’t been paying attention. With new, eco-friendly ships rolling out, larger vessels built each year and more impressive itineraries added, Carnival Cruise Line’s new vessel Mardi Gras, debuting in 2020, is just another thing to watch for. Families especially will love its roller coaster, the first ever at sea.
Known as BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, a fitting title as it’s the only sea coaster, Munich-based company Maurer Rides partnered with Carnival to create the nearly 800-foot-tall ride, featuring a slew of speeding turns, twists and heart-pounding drops. Maybe not speeding, but 40 mph at sea sounds like a pretty thrilling ride.
In addition to being the only ride of its kind, BOLT sets a new standard in the industry as an all-electric roller coaster. Two riders can sit at a time 9picture a motorcycle-style seat), while racing 187 feet above sea level on a track. While offering thrills for cruise guests and roller coaster fans, the ride also offers the unique experience to see the ship and its beautiful surroundings with a panoramic view — even if it is just for a few moments before the ride begins.
Perfect for riders and guests of all levels of adrenaline seeking, BOLT allows passengers to choose their own speed. This not only lends well to the more nervous roller coaster riders of the bunch, but also guarantees each ride is unique.
As the ride begins to accelerate, passengers feel the track turn on a pin and set into high-powered motion. Just like at the theme parks your family may be used to, passengers have photos taken on the ride and get to keep them after as a keepsake. Stick around at the end to see your speed posted for other riders to see and maybe even set up a friendly competition with the kids.
The term Mardi Gras is synonymous with party and outrageous fun, so guests will expect the vessel of the same name to be no different. Expected at Port Canaveral, Florida, by 2020, more details and highly anticipated features of Mardi Gras are still to be announced, so keep up with Carnival Cruise news to know more.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 23, 2024Where to Tiptoe Through Tulips in the United States
First brought to the United States by Dutch immigrants in the late 1600s, tulips have become a colorful symbol of spring throughout the country and a popular spring and summer spot for family travelers. You don’t need to travel far to find them blooming in front yards and, in spring, displays of tulips paint parks and botanic gardens from Maine to Texas. A few places go all out with annual tulip festivals that are perfect spring trips for families.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / Caribbean
Apr 23, 2024Family Fun Awaits at Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
Celebrate the warm weather with family travel to the sun-kissed shores of Aruba. Here, you’ll find Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, a family-friendly resort filled with endless activities for all ages. This property features 10 all-inclusive dining options, four freshwater pools, eight bars and more.
Destinations / Asia
Apr 22, 2024Inside Japan Delivers Theme Park Fun for Families
Japan is quickly becoming one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, and all types of travelers, from solo to multigen families, are finding unique ways to experience the country. Inside Japan, a leader in curating authentic Japanese experiences for visitors, has a unique way to see the country that appeals to families with kids of all ages.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Multigenerational
Apr 22, 2024Travel Sustainably with BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels invites family travelers to experience sustainable practices across its global portfolio. The brand prioritizes sustainable and responsible tourism through its Because We Care program and various partnerships with eco-friendly brands.
ShareThis