Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Carnival taps DCA Design for new stateroom look on Mardi Gras

Carnival's Mardi Gras
Popular accommodations reprised from the Vista class include, from left, Family Harbor, Cloud 9 Spa and Havana staterooms
New architectural features and designs will enhance many aspects of the balcony, ocean-view and interior staterooms aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, arriving in late summer 2020.

The staterooms were developed in partnership with DCA Design International, a leading product design firm based in Warwick, England, that works across consumer goods, travel/transportation, commercial and science/technology sectors.

Ergonomically friendly

The staterooms will reflect innovative design that is ergonomically-friendly and maximizes visual space, clean lines, surfaces and storage.

'We took a unique approach to our stateroom design with Mardi Gras, utilizing DCA’s design experts who are well known for innovative product design and partnered them with Miami-based interior architect Studio DADO,' said Carnival's Ben Clement, SVP newbuilds. 'DCA employed a thoughtful, guest-centric approach gleaned from observations of how our guests use their space in conjunction with their vast experience in product design to make the staterooms as comfortable and functional as possible.'

Sofas that 'flip' into a bed

Distinguished by muted turquoise hues, the staterooms are enhanced by design touches that include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass sliding doors on early all verandahs, new sofas that 'flip' into a bed and footstools that open for storage.

Staterooms will have more 110V power outlets and USB connections, both on the vanity and by the bed, as well as more shelf space to accommodate electronic devices. Flexible bedside reading lamps will allow passengers to read without disturbing others.

Better storage will be provided with a larger, customizable wardrobe with two pull-out bins, a sliding shoe rack, folding shelves and storage under the bed for luggage.

Glass shower doors

Spacious bathrooms will have glass shower doors, a first for the line, along with an in-shower shaving bar.

'We’ve taken the best practices in new interior design and hotel concepts and applied them to Mardi Gras to create guest-friendly staterooms designed to make guests feel at home,' said Dom Hargreaves, sector manager for DCA Design International. 'It’s been an incredible opportunity to work with Carnival to enrich the stateroom experience by focusing on both design principles and small details, creating moments of delight for Mardi Gras guests.'

Ample connecting staterooms

Mardi Gras will offer the widest variety of accommodations of any Carnival ship with more than 70% of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony, along with 300 pairs of connecting staterooms for large families or groups.

In addition to the newly redesigned staterooms with more balcony, ocean view and interior choices than ever before, Mardi Gras will offer favorites introduced on Carnival’s Vista class including Havana staterooms with outdoor patio space and access to an exclusive open deck with sun loungers, Cuban-themed bar and pool; extra-roomy Family Harbor accommodations with access to the Family Harbor Lounge; and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with spa bathrobes and slippers, Elemis toiletries and spa privileges.

Most suites of any Fun Ship

Mardi Gras will also offer the most suites of any Carnival ship, a total of more than 180 of varying size and locations. Details about the suites and amenities will be announced in mid-April, including the premium level Carnival Excel Suites, which will include a set of exclusive features and offerings.