Carnival Roller Coaster Will Thrill 18 Stories Over Ocean

MIAMI, FL — If you already pack Dramamine when you take a cruise, you may not be cut out for Carnival Cruise Line's Mardis Gras when it sets sail in 2020. That's when the Miami-based company plans to thrill passengers more than 18 stories above the ocean on the industry's first-ever roller coaster at sea.

With a maximum speed of nearly 40 mph and some 800 feet of "exhilarating twists, turns and drops," the feint of heart will be better served to skip the adrenaline rush and head straight for the buffet line.

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But others will never see cruising the same.

"Buckle up for an unforgettable ride on Mardis Gras," promises Carnival President Christine Duffy as she dons a race car driver's suit in a sneak peek of the new coaster called BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster.

The ride promises an "unforgettable and unique" open-air thrill on Carnival's newest and most innovative ship.

Built by Munich-based Maurer Rides, BOLT is more than your typical heart-pounding gravity coaster; It's an all-electric ride that allows riders to control their speed.

"Our guests are going to love it," assured Duffy.

Two riders can strap in and zoom their motorcycle-style speed machines around an open-air course 187 feet above sea level.

"That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360-degree ocean views," according to company officials. "For the folks who choose to chill, go light on the pedal and this just might be the coaster for you."

The Mardi Gras will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida less than an hour away from Orlando International Airport.

Under construction in Meyer Turku, Finland, Carnival's new XL-class ship is named after the company's first cruise ship that entered service in 1972.

Carnival announced the name earlier this month during a nationwide broadcast of "Wheel of Fortune" on the show's Puzzleboard.

"Mardi Gras will be the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship ever constructed and the first in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas," said Carnival officials. "At 180,000 tons, the new Mardi Gras will be more than six times the size of its namesake."

Carnival will begin accepting reservations in January.

A second XL-class ship will start construction in 2020 and be ready for delivery in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Carnival's founding.

"BOLT begins with an action-packed launch where riders can achieve race car-like levels of acceleration and culminates with a high-powered hair-pin turn around Carnival’s iconic funnel," explained Carnival officials. "Riders’ speeds are posted after the race, and just like land-based roller coasters, guests have their photo taken during the ride for a memorable keepsake. And since guests choose their own speed, each ride is unique."

Watch a video of BOLT in action:

Visit Carnival's website for more information, or call 800-CARNIVAL.

Photo and video courtesy Carnival Cruise Line