Carnival Cruise Line today revealed additional details on BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and the centerpiece of the Ultimate Playground, and expansive open-air recreation area on Mardi Gras, set to debut in August 2020.
The announcement was made at the IAAPA Expo by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy who was joined by Shaquille O’Neal, Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer. Carnival partnered with Maurer Rides to showcase BOLT at IAAPA, bringing together innovators from the world’s largest theme parks and attractions.
Duffy revealed that BOLT’s all-electric, motorcycle-inspired vehicles will be adorned with metaling red and blue stripes and an eye-catching yellow lightning bolt. Bolt is a new Maurer “Spike” Coaster, one of the first of its kind.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and a Bolt vehicle
The vehicle will also feature a digital speedometer display and speakers with new sound effects that will activate to enhance the one-of-a-kind experience.
Closer look at the Bolt ride vehicle.
Cameras will be located along the 800-foot-long track, as well as within the vehicle itself, providing riders with unique photo opportunities and memorable keepsakes as they take in 360-degrees views and race 187 feet above sea level with drops, dips and hairpin turns. The ride will reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hours. Guests can choose their own speed, so no two rides will ever be the same.
“Whether guests want to get an adrenaline rush or take it slow and enjoy the breathtaking views, BOLT will have it all,” said Duffy. “Combining the most talented designers, technicians, and attractions professionals in the industry, we’ve taken FUN to a whole new level with this amazing onboard experience that is also a true game changer in our industry.”
BOLT will take center stage in the Ultimate Playground, one of the Mardi Gras’ six themed zones, spanning decks 18-20 and home to the largest WaterWorks aqua park in the Carnival fleet, featuring three unique heart-racing slides designed for fun for all ages.
Blue Lightning will offer 312 feet of high-speed twists and turns while the 229-foot-long Orange Thunder drop-down slide will propel guests into a wet ‘n wild splash zone. Back by popular demand, Carnival’s signature Twister slide encompasses 265 feet of thrills for the young and young at heart. Other features include a splash zone just for kids with a 150-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket and numerous Water Toys.
The expanded SportSquare recreation complex features a 600-foot-long suspended ropes course – the longest in the fleet – 9 holes of miniature golf, a jogging track and outdoor fitness equipment, and a basketball court.
Currently under construction in Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe August 31, 2020, before shifting to New York, and then Port Canaveral for seven-day Caribbean Cruises starting in October 2020.
Learn more about BOLT and the Mardi Gras ship at Carnival’s official website, and if you want to learn more about how Bolt works, check out our feature on the “Spike” model of roller coaster from Maurer.
Recent Discussion