Carnival Cruise Line unveils additional details on Maurer roller coaster at sea

During IAAPA Expo 2019 Carnival Cruise Line revealed additional details on BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, a Spike coaster from Maurer Rides. It will be the centrepiece of the Ultimate Playground, an expansive open-air recreation area on Mardi Gras, set to debut in August 2020. The announcement was made by Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy who was joined by the line’s ‘Chief Fun Officer’ Shaquille O’Neal. Carnival partnered with industry leader, Maurer Rides at their booth at IAAPA Expo to showcase BOLT.

Duffy revealed that BOLT’s all-electric, motorcycle-inspired vehicles will be adorned with metallic red and blue stripes and an eye-catching yellow lightning bolt. The vehicle will also feature a digital speedometer display and speakers with new sound effects that will activate to enhance the exhilarating, one-of-a-kind experience.

Cameras will be located along the 800 foot (244 m) long track, as well as within the vehicle itself, providing riders with unique photo keepsakes as they take in 360º views and race 187 feet (57 m) above the sea with drops, dips and hairpin turns achieving speeds of up to 40 mph (64 kph). Guests 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 centre stage in the Ultimate Playground, one of 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 all-ages fun.

Blue Lightning will offer 312 feet (95 m) of high-speed twists and turns, while the 229 foot (70 m) 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 (81 m) of thrills for the young and young at heart. Other features will include a splash-tastic zone just for kids with a 150 gallon (568 l) PowerDrencher tipping bucket and numerous water toys.

The expanded SportSquare recreation complex features a 600 foot (183 m) long suspended ropes course – the longest in the fleet – a nine-hole miniature golf course, a jogging track and outdoor fitness equipment, and a basketball court.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe August 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in October 2020.