TSS Mardi Gras is a Fun Ship cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. She entered service in 1972, measures 27,250 gross tons, and carries approximately 906 guests at double occupancy.
Looking for TSS Mardi Gras info? This memorial page covers the history, timeline, and legacy of TSS Mardi Gras — Carnival's founding ship that launched the Fun Ship revolution in 1972.
TSS Mardi Gras was Carnival Cruise Line's founding vessel, originally built as RMS Empress of Canada in 1961 by Vickers-Armstrongs in the United Kingdom. Purchased by Ted Arison in 1972, she was renamed Mardi Gras and famously ran aground on a sandbar leaving Miami on her inaugural cruise — March 11, 1972. At 27,284 gross tons with capacity for 1,024 guests, she served 21 years as Carnival's flagship before being sold to Epirotiki Lines as StarShip Atlantic. She was scrapped at Alang, India in 1997 after 36 total years of service.
A First Look at TSS Mardi Gras
TSS Mardi Gras wasn't just Carnival's first ship — she was the vessel that proved cruising could be fun, affordable, and accessible to ordinary Americans. Her inaugural grounding became the most famous mishap-turned-legend in cruise history.
From that inauspicious beginning, Mardi Gras launched a revolution. The Fun Ship concept she pioneered — nonstop entertainment, casual atmosphere, affordable fares — redefined an entire industry. Every Carnival ship sailing today carries her DNA.
Dining on TSS Mardi Gras
TSS Mardi Gras featured traditional ocean liner dining with a main dining room offering assigned seating and set meal times. As the ship that launched the Fun Ship concept, her dining reflected the transition from formal transatlantic service to the more relaxed Caribbean cruise experience Carnival would become known for.
The Ship That Started It All
TSS Mardi Gras wasn't just Carnival's first ship — she was the vessel that proved cruising could be fun, affordable, and accessible to ordinary Americans. When Ted Arison purchased the former RMS Empress of Canada in 1972, he wasn't just buying a ship; he was launching a revolution that would transform the cruise industry forever.
On March 11, 1972, Mardi Gras famously ran aground on a sandbar leaving Miami on her inaugural cruise. Instead of disaster, Arison turned misfortune into legend. The ship was freed, the cruise continued, and Carnival never looked back.
Ship Timeline
From the Logbook
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TSS Mardi Gras Videos
Archival footage and documentaries about Carnival's founding ship.
TSS Mardi Gras Deck Plans
Historical deck plans for TSS Mardi Gras are preserved in maritime archives. The ship featured a classic ocean liner layout converted for Caribbean cruise service.
Ship Status
TSS Mardi Gras was scrapped in 1997. Live tracking is not available for this historic vessel.
Legacy
The ship that ran aground on her inaugural voyage became the foundation of the world's largest cruise company. Mardi Gras proved that cruising could be a celebration — affordable fun for everyone, not just the wealthy elite.
Every Carnival ship sailing today carries her DNA, her spirit, and her revolutionary promise of "Fun Ships" for all. The 2020-built Mardi Gras bears her name in tribute.
Frequently Asked Questions About TSS Mardi Gras
Is TSS Mardi Gras still in service?
No. The original TSS Mardi Gras was scrapped in 1997 after 36 years of total service. However, Carnival launched a new ship named Mardi Gras in 2020 — the line's first LNG-powered vessel — as a tribute to the founding ship.
What happened on Mardi Gras's inaugural cruise?
On March 11, 1972, TSS Mardi Gras famously ran aground on a sandbar while leaving Miami on her very first Carnival cruise. The ship was freed, the cruise continued, and the incident became one of the most legendary stories in cruise history.
What was TSS Mardi Gras originally called?
Mardi Gras was originally built as RMS Empress of Canada in 1961 by Vickers-Armstrongs in the United Kingdom for Canadian Pacific's transatlantic service.
Why is TSS Mardi Gras considered historically important?
TSS Mardi Gras launched the "Fun Ship" concept that transformed cruising from an elite luxury into an affordable vacation for ordinary Americans. As Carnival's founding vessel, she is the genesis of what became the world's largest cruise company.
Is the new Mardi Gras the same ship?
No. The 2020-built Mardi Gras is a completely different, modern LNG-powered ship at 180,800 GT. She was named in tribute to the 1972 original but shares nothing but the name and the spirit of fun.
Sources & Attribution
Historical ship data from maritime records, industry archives, and Carnival Cruise Line corporate history. Photos credited where shown.
Explore Carnival's Historic Fleet
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