Everlasting Memories Vacations
Winter Break 2024
Carnival Mardi Gras
February 17 - 24, 2024
No vaccination or testing required
Pack your bags (and your swimsuit) because beach waves and fun-filled days are calling! Please join us as we board the Carnival Mardi Gras for a memorable vacation during this year's Winter Break. Book your vacation on this page or contact Larry Field for more information.
We have only done all-inclusive resorts for our Winter Break group in the past few years, but we are excited to add a cruise option for 2024. All Covid restrictions have been lifted and prices are great, so we decided it was time for us to return to the sea!
This group, as always, is an open promotion for all families in the WNY area and beyond. This yearly vacation takes place during the February school break.
SATURDAY: PORT CANAVERAL (ORLANDO), FL 7:00AM
Balcony Staterooms
Rooms Assigned
prices from
2 guests: $2320.40
3 guests: $2805.60
4 guests: $3130.80
Interior Staterooms
Limited Rooms Available
prices from
2 guests: $1750.40
3 guests: $2095.60
4 guests: $2430.80
Gratuities extra. Carnival recommends $112 per guest.
Airfare is not included. Many people fly in and book a hotel in the Orlando/Port Canaveral area the day before the cruise (2/16). This gives you a safety net if there are weather issues or delays. If you choose to fly in on the same day, be sure to get a flight that arrives before 12 noon (the earlier the better). For flights home, the earliest flight we recommend is 12 noon.
Note: we held several different balcony categories. Prices will increase slightly if you wish a higher floor or center-ship room placement.
EM Winter Break Group Bonus
$100 USD per cabin onboard credit
Champagne and Chocolates
After completing this form, Larry will send a quote with room options as requested and link to pay deposit.
About Carnival Mardi Gras
This is a new experience, unlike any of our Carnival groups of the past. Carnival pays homage to the line's very first ship, 1972's TSS Mardi Gras, with the innovative Carnival Mardi Gras! Named for the original ship that took Carnival to the seas, Carnival Mardi Gras is an XL-Class ship that accommodates over 6,500 passengers. This ship boasts the very first roller coaster at sea, named BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster. For the first time ever, Carnival guests can speed down a track at over 40 miles per hours, twisting and turning high above the sea, with turns extending over the side of Mardi Gras. But, if adrenaline isn't your thing, feel free to just kick back and relax on the pool deck - there are FIVE pools onboard Mardi Gras. There is only one requirement on Carnival's ships: have fun! The delicious food that you'll find on Carnival Mardi Gras at restaurants like Bonsai Teppenyaki, Cucina del Capitano, and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse offers plenty of variety for even the most picky eater in your family! If you want to take the kids to Mardi Gras, this one is definitely more family-friendly. Trust us - a Carnival Mardi Gras vacation is the perfect family getaway!
Before you dive into all the highlights of Mardi Gras - stop! For the first time aboard Mardi Gras, Carnival has divided their ship into 6 distinct zones, each offering new and unique experiences! When you first embark on your vacation on Mardi Gras, you enter the ship in the iconic Grand Central Zone, highlighted by the atrium with towering ceilings, a norm when sailing on Carnival, the Grand View Bar and the JavaBlue Cafe! The next featured zone onboard Mardi Gras is the French Quarter, inspired by New Orleans. Spending time here will help define your vacation as "Big" and "Easy", especially if you spend time at the Fortune Teller Bar on Mardi Gras. Your next zone is located at the aft of the ship and a favorite for sunbathers, but you can read more about Summer Landing on Mardi Gras below! Just like the French Quarter, the La Piazza Zone aboard Carnival garners inspiration from lands afar with an entire portion of the Mardi Gras ship dripping in Italian culture - mostly food and drink in places like the all-new to Mardi Gras Piazza Panini and the Bar della Rosa. The Lido Zone is all about relaxation - featuring a relaxing pool, nearby snacks and plenty of lounge chairs for the whole family. Speaking of the family, our bet is that the kids will spend most of their cruise on Mardi Gras in the Ultimate Playground Zone home to a rollercoaster and waterpark - more details below! Six zones equals SIX TIMES THE FUN when you're sailing on Mardi Gras! Below, you'll find just a couple of our very favorite things to do while sailing on Mardi Gras:
BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster on Carnival Mardi Gras
The first ever roller coaster on a cruise ship, guests can throttle through the air at speeds of 40+ miles per hour, twisting and turning around Carnival’s signature funnel. This exciting experience is the very first rollercoaster at sea - onboard Mardi Gras! $15 extra.
Carnival WaterWorks
The largest and most elaborate aquapark is onboard Mardi Gras! Part of The Ultimate Playground, your children can slip and slide their way to the best vacation ever while Mom and Dad enjoy a few drinks at the nearby pool.
French Quarter
You can’t have Mardi Gras without New Orleans! Check out Deck 6 on Carnival Mardi Gras, where you’ll find all the Cajun-spiced fun you want.
Summer Landing on Mardi Gras
This is a place to just chill and enjoy some classic cookout food from Guy’s Pig & Anchor and a cold beer from ParchedPig while lounging by the pool or whirlpool on the aft of the beautiful Mardi Gras ship
Grand Central
On this ship the atrium's different. Don't be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards. Up there are high ceilings that hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! But look around down here too... you'll find floor-to-ceiling windows that really bring in the ocean views. Of course you'll be back here throughout your cruise enjoying performances up on stage, or killing time fabulously at the Grand View Bar. Just wait until the sun goes down and the space slips into evening dress, transforming into an amazing show venue after dark!
Guy's Burger Joint + Pig & Anchor
You know what they say: where there's smoke, there's great beers too! Enjoy BBQ faves freshly-smoked right there... and exclusive craft beers. Plus don't miss Guy's Burger Joint for arguably the best burgers in the world!
SportsSquare
At SportsSquare, there's a game for you... and champion inside of you.
The Punchliner Comedy Club
Hope you packed your funny bone - Our onboard comedy performances are designed to tickle-em just right. Family, and adults only performances.
Kids and Teen Clubs
Camp Ocean (2-11 yrs old), Circle C (12 to 14 yrs old) and Club O2 (teens) are a prefect way for the kids in your life to meet new friends and have a blast!
Pools
For a fun day at sea, make it pool day at sea!
Dive-In Movies
Settle in to a poolside lounge chair - or even the pool itself - as you take in a big-name movie under the stars. Movie snacks includes.
Family Game Night
Everyone enjoys a family game night! Lots of family friendly games now including Family Feud!
Mini Golf
Like real golf, only smaller... and packed with delightful obstacles.
Playlist Productions
How about a show, to go? Our theater full of amazing musicals cruises along with you.
Drink Packages
Drinks such as lemonade, juices, coffee, tea, water are always included. However, bottomless bubbles (soda) and Cheers (alcohol drinks) can be added at a reasonable price. Of course, you can buy drinks individually if you wish not to purchase a package.
What is included? All-Inclusive?
For you newbies, cruising is kind of like an all-inclusive resort. Unlimited dining is included at the buffet and main dining room. Some specialty restaurants (Guy's Burger Joint, Chibang!, Street Eats, Big Chicken, Blue Iguana Cantina, Pizzeria Del Capitano) are also included. Don't forget about unlimited soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt at Swirls. Guy's Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que is also available for lunch for free. Others, like Emirl's Bistro 1396, Bonzai Teppanyaki, Guys Pig & Anchor, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse come at an additional fee. Note from Larry: The included dining is great, there is no need to pay for the specialty restaurants unless you want to change it up. I rarely eat at the extra-fee restaurants.
Drinks such as water, juices, lemonade, milk, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, and coffee are included for free. Soda's and beer/cocktails come at an additional cost. Drink packages are available to add on if you wish.
Bottomless Bubbles (unlimited soda):
$6.95 per day child
$9.50 per day adult
Cheers (adults only)
Includes:
- All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price
- Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
- Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants
- 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00
- 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
- 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes
$59.95 per person per day (note: all adults in the room must purchase)
Stateroom Types
For the group we have held Oceanview Balcony Rooms. If you would prefer an Oceanview, Interior, or Suite instead, please let Larry know and he will quote you a price.
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony staterooms are proof that while it’s great to be cruisey… on vacation, breeziness is a virtue too. And any time you’re in your well-appointed Balcony stateroom aboard Mardi Gras®, you’re just steps away from the outdoors by way of your private open-air oasis. Designed for kicking back al fresco, you’re in for some amazing ocean views… views so stunning you’ll just have to feel ‘em to believe ‘em.
Staterooms include 1 queen or 2 single beds. A sofa bed (converted to a single bed), and bunks are also available.
After completing this form, Larry will send a quote with room options as requested and link to pay deposit.
Balcony Staterooms
Rooms Assigned
prices from
2 guests: $2320.40
3 guests: $2805.60
4 guests: $3130.80
Interior Staterooms
Limited Rooms Available
prices from
2 guests: $1750.40
3 guests: $2095.60
4 guests: $2430.80
Gratuities extra. Carnival recommends $112 per guest.
Note: we held several different categories. Prices will increase slightly if you wish a higher floor or center-ship room placement.
EM Winter Break Group Bonus
$100 USD per cabin onboard credit
(in addition to any Early Saver credits)
Champagne and Chocolates'
Do you prefer to speak with a travel advisor? No problem. Contact the group Travel Advisor today!
Larry Field
Award Winning Travel Advisor
WNY: 716-833-7777
Nationwide: 1-800-838-3725
E-mail: [email protected]