Theme park of the sea? Carnival planning roller coaster on newest ship

Mardi Gras sets sail in 2020

Carnival Cruise Lines revealed a roller coaster, Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, will be a permanent fixture on its new cruise ship coming to Port Canaveral the Mardi Gras (Image: Carnival Cruise Lines)

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – Passengers on Carnival Cruise Line's future ship Mardi Gras will experience fresh sea air in a whole new way as they whip around on the ship's electric roller coaster.

The cruise line revealed Thursday that its newest ship, to debut in 2020 at Port Canaveral, will be the first to have a permanent thrill ride on board, Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster.

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The roller coaster is being built and designed by Munich-based Maurer Rides. Riders will be paired in twos and take a motorcycle-like vehicle around a race track 187 feet above sea level, "enabling guests to experience the sea in an exciting new way with breathtaking 360-degree views," according to the cruise line news release.

Mardi Gras will be based in Port Canaveral at a new state-of-the-art terminal, according to Carnival. The cruise line will announce itinerary and more details of the ship next month.

“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,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said. “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 is one two ships coming in the next three years. Another XL-class ship will begin construction in 2020 and embark in 2022 to mark the cruise line's 50th anniversary.