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Carnival Mardi Gras Excel: Elevated Carnival Fun

Premium suites with exclusive perks on Carnival's flagship from Cape Liberty

Ship
Carnival Mardi Gras
Neighborhood
Excel
Decks
16, 17, 18
Departure Port
Cape Liberty
Private Excel sundeck
Priority embarkation
Exclusive suite perks
Premium Carnival experience

About Excel on Carnival Mardi Gras

Excel suites on Carnival Mardi Gras represent Carnival's premium accommodation tier on their flagship LNG-powered vessel. Located on the highest decks (16-18), Excel guests enjoy spacious suites with Priority Check-In, exclusive Excel sundeck with private pool, complimentary specialty dining, and expedited debarkation. Essex County families sailing from Cape Liberty find Excel suites provide enhanced Carnival fun with added luxury touches, perfect for those wanting premium experiences while maintaining Carnival's signature fun-ship atmosphere. Excel bridges the gap between standard cabins and ultra-luxury, offering significant upgrades at reasonable premiums over regular balconies.

Best For

  • Families wanting premium Carnival
  • Repeat Carnival fans upgrading
  • Those wanting extra space
  • Priority access seekers

Not Ideal For

  • Ultra-luxury seekers
  • Quiet retreat seekers
  • Budget travelers
  • Small families

πŸ’° Price Comparison: Excel suites $3,500-$5,500 per cabin, 50-80% premium over balconies but includes priority perks and specialty dining

Cabin Categories in Excel

Cabin TypeDecksPrice RangeSizeOccupancyKey Perks
Excel Suite
16, 17, 18
$3,800-$4,800 per cabin
345 sq ft + 60 sq ft balcony
Up to 5 guests
  • β€’Priority embarkation
  • β€’Excel sundeck access
  • +2 more perks
Excel Presidential Suite
17
$5,000-$5,500 per cabin
570 sq ft + 85 sq ft balcony
Up to 6 guests
  • β€’Separate bedroom
  • β€’Dual bathrooms
  • +2 more perks

Deck Plan & Navigation

Excel suites occupy forward and aft sections of upper decks 16-18 with sundeck access

Neighborhood Deck Layout

Deck 16
← Cabin locations β†’
ForwardAft
Deck 17
← Cabin locations β†’
ForwardAft
Deck 18
← Cabin locations β†’
ForwardAft

Key Locations

1
Excel Private Sundeck
Deck 17
Exclusive pool area for Excel

🧭 Navigation Tips for Carnival Mardi Gras

  • Forward elevators fastest to Excel areas
  • Priority tender access at ports
  • Express walk-off at debarkation

Nearby Amenities & Walking Distances

Excel Sundeck

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Direct access
Deck 17

Private pool for Excel guests

Loft 19

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ 2 decks up
Deck 19

Adults-only retreat

Emeril's Bistro

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ 4 minutes via elevator
Deck 6

Complimentary for Excel (once per cruise)

Pros & Cons of Excel

Advantages

Enhanced Carnival experience

All Carnival fun plus priority access and exclusive perks

Family-friendly luxury

Premium accommodations without losing Carnival's fun atmosphere

Considerations

Not true luxury
Mitigation: Excel is premium Carnival, not ultra-luxury like Haven/Retreat
Limited exclusivity
Mitigation: More Excel suites than other lines' luxury tiers

Noise Levels & Cabin Selection

πŸ”‡ Quietest Cabins

  • β€’ Forward Excel suites away from sundeck
  • β€’ Deck 18 highest and quietest

Best for Sleep:

  • β€’ 18201 - Forward, top deck
  • β€’ 17401 - Aft, away from pool

πŸ”Š Noisier Areas

  • β€’ Directly above or below Excel sundeck

Cabins to Avoid:

  • β€’ Below Excel sundeck (noise from chairs)

Insider Booking Tips for Excel

Excel suites popular with families for spring/summer sailings

πŸ’‘
Insider Tip: Presidents Week and Spring Break book 14+ months ahead

Ready to Book Your Perfect Cabin?

Our Cape Liberty cruise specialists know exactly which cabins offer the best value and experience in each neighborhood.

Call 833-874-1019 for Expert Advice

Cape Liberty Departure Information

Embarkation Tips

  • β–ΈExcel guests priority check-in line at Cape Liberty
  • β–ΈArrive by 12 PM for earliest boarding
  • β–ΈExcel sundeck usually open embarkation afternoon
  • β–ΈPriority gangway access at embarkation

Nearby Hotels

Bayonne area hotels
2-5 miles

Parking Information

Cape Liberty parking $35/day. Excel guests no special parking rate but priority drop-off zone available.

Tips for Essex County Cruisers

  • πŸ’‘Essex County Carnival fans love Excel upgrade
  • πŸ’‘Newark families find Excel perfect for special occasions
  • πŸ’‘Montclair cruisers recommend Excel for multigenerational trips
  • πŸ’‘Local Excel veterans suggest aft suites for better views
  • πŸ’‘Excel sundeck less crowded than main pools - perfect for families

Frequently Asked Questions About Excel

Priority Check-In, Priority boarding, Excel sundeck access, one complimentary specialty dining meal, premium bathroom amenities, priority debarkation, express walk-off. Gratuities and drinks NOT included.

Have more questions? Our Cape Liberty cruise experts are available 7 days a week to help you choose the perfect neighborhood and cabin for your cruise.

Ready to Book Your Excel Cabin?

Let our Cape Liberty cruise specialists secure your perfect cabin on Carnival Mardi Gras

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