Across the globe, carnivals are celebrated during the period before Lent. They typically feature masks, a parade and a street party.
In Brazil, the city of Rio hosts a Carnival that attracts more than 2 million people each day. The parade features breath-taking floats, samba schools and revellers dressed in costumes.
Onboard
There’s plenty of fun to be had onboard a Carnival cruise. You can eat in a wide variety of restaurants, catch live shows, take a relaxing spa treatment or go on an amazing excursion.
There are also some great bars onboard. The Skybox Sports Bar, RedFrog Tiki Bar and a few specialty cocktail bars offer great drinks and entertainment.
If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, there’s the Serenity adults-only retreat that’s perfect for quiet relaxation. It has multiple hot tubs and lots of lounge chairs to lay out on.
The ship features a mix of past, present and future elements that combine “nostalgia meets innovation” throughout the ship. There are meaningful nods to Carnival’s history in places like The Golden Jubilee Bar and Gateway.
Entertainment
Carnivals are often celebrated in the United States on Fat Tuesday (known as Mardi Gras in French), a day before Lent begins, a period of fasting and sacrifice. It’s a time for fun and to get away from the daily stress of life, with parades and parties, music, dancing and more.
This year’s Carnival Celebration features a range of never-before-seen live entertainment, including new main production shows and aerialist acts. All have elevated, engaging presentations with upbeat vibes, energetic music, playful choreography, colorful scenes and tons of fun!
The most exciting of the new performances is a fully immersive circus play called “The Most Magnificent Circus.” Wire-rigged performers will soar above the audience in a theatrical circus play featuring trapeze, chair, chandelier, hoop, ladder and mirror aerial performances. Another new show is Color My World – An Indie Rock and Pop Love Story, an artistic love story that blends street jazz, hip-hop, musical theater and ballet dance with the best songs from indie rock and pop genres.
Dining
Onboard a Carnival cruise, there are a variety of dining options. Many of them are complimentary, while others charge a small fee.
The main dining room on a Carnival cruise offers a variety of menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These are fleet-wide and change each day depending on your itinerary and port of call.
Another option is the Lido Restaurant, a buffet offering extensive salads, breads and soups. There are specialty stations including the Mongolian Wok with its flavorful Indian cuisine and the Sweet Spot with its tempting desserts.
If you’re looking for something a little more special, consider the Chef’s Table. This is a higher-end experience that is perfect for a romantic evening with your special someone or as a group for a truly exceptional meal.
Activities
Carnival is a Western Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent. It typically involves public celebrations, including events such as parades and other entertainments. Elaborate costumes and masks provide a sense of social unity.
In the US, Mardi Gras is the most prominent Carnival celebration. It is a major cultural event that originated in the Gulf Coast area, but is now celebrated throughout the country and abroad.
The Cwarme of Malmedy in Belgium, for example, is a pure Walloon and Latin Carnival that takes place during the last week before Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. It involves a raucous procession of floats and dancers lampooning current events or public figures.
Carnival ships also feature a number of onboard attractions and activities. These include an IMAX theater with first-run Hollywood blockbusters, recent hit movies and IMAX documentaries.