Carnival reveals features of Mardi Gras’ La Piazza

La Piazza, Carnival Cruise Line’s Italian-themed zone on its new ship the Mardi Gras, will feature a new cafe and panini shop as well as the line’s largest Italian restaurant.

It is one of six themed zones on the Mardi Gras, which will debut in May. Other are the French Quarter, Grand Central, the Lido, Summer Landing and the Ultimate Playground, home to Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea.

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La Piazza is designed to resemble an Italian courtyard, with red brick, streetlights and iron and tile work as well as murals of famous piazzas in Rome, Venice and other Italian cities. It will also have touches like a Vespa scooter and a Fiat automobile — both from 1972, the year of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding with the original Mardi Gras ship — positioned along its promenade. It will be home to new food and beverage outlets as well as expanded versions of Carnival mainstays.

New spaces include Bar Della Rosa, inspired by the country’s charming cafes and serving classic Italian cocktails such as the Aperol spritz, Italian wines sourced from regions across the country and Italian beers as well as espresso and cappuccino made with Lavazza coffee, and Piazza Panini, with hand-pressed sandwiches featuring Italian meats and cheeses. Carnival fans will recognize the largest Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant in the fleet, with decor featuring historical photos and memorabilia from Carnival’s officers, and an expanded Pizzeria del Capitano, offering pies or slices 24 hours a day.

La Piazza’s culinary offerings will be offered at tables both inside and al fresco on the promenade or the lanai.

The Mardi Gras, the first ship in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas, is scheduled to debut from Port Canaveral, Fla., on May 29.