Carnival Mardi Gras: Refreshing Pool Deck Experiences at Sea

Carnival Mardi Gras pool and deck with Life Floor

When Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras launched in 2020, it quickly became one of the most innovative ships in the fleet, featuring multiple pool decks, immersive guest experiences, and dynamic water attractions. To support these environments, Life Floor aquatic safety surfacing was installed across key aquatic areas, delivering slip-resistant comfort for barefoot guests exploring the ship's pool decks and WaterWorks attractions.

In October 2025, several high-traffic areas aboard Mardi Gras were refreshed with new Life Floor surfacing to maintain the high standards of safety, durability, and visual cohesion expected on modern cruise ships. The update was completed by Registered Aquatic Partner, Aquatec Worldwide, a division of Full Sail Marine, who managed both the removal of the previous surfacing and the installation of the new Life Floor system.

The result is a renewed pool deck experience that continues to support safe, comfortable movement for guests enjoying the ship's pools, whirlpools, and splash areas as they sail to destinations around the world.


Carnival Mardi Gras birds eye view of pool and hot tub with Life Floor surrounding pool.

Strategic Pool Deck Refresh Across Multiple Guest Spaces

The 2025 update focused on several of the ship's most popular aquatic environments. Aquatec Worldwide installed 5,642 sq ft (524 m²) of Life Floor surfacing across multiple decks to ensure consistent performance and aesthetics throughout the vessel's pool areas.


WaterWorks Waterpark - Deck 18

The WaterWorks waterpark features 2,952 sq ft (275 m²) of Life Floor surfacing in Ocean, Aviator, and Iceberg, providing comfortable, slip-resistant footing throughout the splash zones and attraction areas. Life Floor surfacing was installed on the stairs and slide tower platforms for WaterWorks and the Mini Racers slides, using Ocean and Sunshine to create clear visual pathways while supporting safe access to elevated slide structures. These installations help guests move confidently between slides, splash features, and tower platforms while maintaining the vibrant energy of the ship’s onboard waterpark.

Beach Pool – Deck 8

Located on the Beach Deck, the Patio Pool and Whirlpool area received 1,034 sq ft (96 m²) of Life Floor in Ocean and Aviator, refreshing the aft pool space where guests relax with ocean views.

Tides Pool Area – Deck 16

This family-friendly pool deck received 614 sq ft (57 m²) of Life Floor in Ocean and Aviator, enhanced with starfish Inlays that add playful visual interest while maintaining the safety surfacing's performance.

Ocean Plaza Pool – Deck 16

The vibrant midship pool area was refreshed with 862 sq ft (80 m²) of Life Floor surfacing in Ocean, Aviator, and Iceberg, supporting one of the ship’s most active guest gathering spaces.

Serenity Beach Pool Area – Deck 18

The adults-only Serenity deck received 162 sq ft (15 m²) of new Life Floor surfacing in Ocean and Aviator, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience in this elevated relaxation zone.


Carnival Mardi Gras view from pool, deck, Life Floor

Designed for Performance in Marine Environments

Cruise ship pool decks present unique challenges, including continuous exposure to water, salt air, and heavy barefoot traffic. Life Floor's Ripple texture provides enhanced slip resistance under wet conditions while maintaining a comfortable walking surface for guests throughout the day.

The 3/8” (10 mm) thick tiles installed across the Mardi Gras pool decks help provide impact attenuation and durability while maintaining a clean, cohesive aesthetic across multiple decks and pool environments.


Carnival Mardi Gras Pool Deck with people, pool, Life Floor

Collaboration at Sea

Projects aboard cruise ships require precise coordination between designers, installers, and ship operators. For the Mardi Gras refresh, Life Floor Studio collaborated closely with Aquatec Worldwide’s project team, whose expertise in marine aquatic installations ensured the project was executed efficiently and safely while the ship remained operational.

As a Life Floor Registered Aquatic Partner, Aquatec Worldwide brings specialized experience in the removal and installation of aquatic safety surfacing in complex marine environments.

Together, the teams delivered a refreshed pool deck experience that continues to support safe, enjoyable aquatic environments for thousands of guests sailing aboard Carnival Mardi Gras.


Project Details

Facility: Carnival Mardi Gras
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Install Date: October 2025
Area: 5,642 sq ft (524 m²) 
Amenities with Life Floor Onboard: Waterworks Waterpark Pool, Tides Pool, Beach Pool, Ocean Plaza Pool, + Serenity Pool
Colors: Ocean, Bluebird, Aviator, Iceberg
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Installer: Aquatec Worldwide, a division of Full Sail Marine
Photography Credits: Carnival Cruise Line and Aquatec Worldwide, a division of Full Sail Marine