Carnival to open first-ever rollercoaster at sea

Carnival Cruise Line will open the world’s first-ever rollercoaster at sea aboard its newest ship, Mardi Gras, in 2020.

The ride, BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, will reach exhilarating speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Built by Munich-based Maurer Rides, all-electric coaster BOLT offers almost 800 feet of twists, turns and drops. Two riders sit in motorcycle-like vehicles to race along a track 187 feet above sea level, giving guests 360-degree views from up high.

Riders’ speeds are posted after the race, and a photo taken during the ride is available as a holiday memento. With guests choosing their own speed, each ride is unique.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said that BOLT is the cornerstone of innovations and features being designed for Mardi Gras.

“Mardi Gras will be our most innovative ship ever with some truly special features and attractions, highlighted by BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea,” said Duffy. “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, Florida, which will feature a new state-of-the-art terminal. Itinerary information will be revealed early next month with additional details about new features aboard Mardi Gras announced throughout the year.

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.