BOLT is Carnival Cruise Line’s roller coaster at sea, the first of its kind on any cruise ship. It runs on a 800-foot track around the top deck of Carnival’s Excellence-class ships, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph at over 187 feet above sea level. If you’re considering a Carnival cruise on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration or Carnival Jubilee, this guide covers what to expect, who can ride, what it costs, and whether it’s worth the add-on.
Last updated: 27 May 2026.
30-second view: who BOLT suits
BOLT suits travellers who actively enjoy theme-park rides and want a big-ship Carnival cruise with onboard thrill features. Families with teens 12 and over often book it as a highlight. If you’re nervous about heights, motion sickness, or roller coasters generally, BOLT is comfortably skippable, the rest of the ship has plenty to do without it.
How BOLT works
BOLT is a two-seater motorcycle-style coaster. Riders straddle the seat, hands on the handlebars, and accelerate around a stainless-steel track on the highest deck of the ship. The track is roughly 800 feet long, includes elevation changes and tight bends, and finishes with a sweep past Carnival’s iconic red funnel. The ride uses electric propulsion, so it’s quieter than a traditional roller coaster.
Which Carnival ships have BOLT?
- Mardi Gras (debuted July 2021) — the first ship to feature BOLT
- Carnival Celebration (debuted November 2022)
- Carnival Jubilee (debuted December 2023)
All three are Excellence-class ships sailing predominantly from US homeports (Port Canaveral, Miami and Galveston respectively). UK travellers will need a fly-cruise to combine BOLT with a Caribbean itinerary.
Cost, age and height restrictions
- Cost: approximately US$15 per rider, per ride, charged to your onboard account. Confirm the current rate when booking.
- Minimum age: Carnival’s published minimum is normally 7 years old.
- Height: typically 48 inches (122 cm) minimum.
- Weight: there is a combined-weight limit per car, confirmed at the platform.
- Health restrictions: not suitable for pregnant guests or guests with heart, neck, back or balance conditions.
Is BOLT worth the add-on?
For most travellers booking a Carnival Excellence-class cruise specifically because they want a thrill-focused ship, BOLT is the headline reason. At around US$15 per ride, it’s a low-cost novelty that most riders only do once or twice across a seven-night sailing. If you’re sailing Carnival for the family rooms, dining and entertainment, BOLT is an optional extra, not the main event.
“Carnival’s Excellence-class ships are the right pick for families who want a big-ship cruise with onboard thrill features. BOLT is the headline but the WaterWorks aqua park, the SportSquare and Carnival’s casual dining lineup are what makes the ship work as a holiday for a family group with mixed ages.”
Josh Harris, Cruise Specialist, Paramount Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does BOLT go?
BOLT reaches a top speed of around 40 mph (64 km/h). It uses electric propulsion rather than gravity, so the speed is controlled rather than fluctuating like a traditional gravity coaster.
How long is the BOLT ride?
The track is roughly 800 feet long. A full ride takes about 30 to 45 seconds from launch to return to the platform.
Can children ride BOLT?
Yes, from approximately age 7 and a minimum height of around 48 inches (122 cm). A taller adult must accompany younger riders in the front seat. Confirm current age and height rules with Carnival at booking.
How much does BOLT cost on Carnival?
BOLT typically costs around US$15 per rider, per ride, charged to your onboard account. The ride is not included in the cruise fare or in any of the Carnival drinks or dining packages.
Is BOLT on the new Carnival Festivale?
Carnival has not confirmed whether the next Excellence-class ship, Carnival Festivale, will feature BOLT. Confirm with your Paramount Cruises specialist at booking if BOLT is a deciding factor for your sailing.
Does BOLT operate in rough seas?
BOLT is closed in heavy weather, high winds, or rough seas at the ship’s captain’s discretion. The ride is also closed at night and during embarkation/disembarkation days. Plan to ride on a calm sea-day morning for the best chance of operation.
Book a Carnival cruise with BOLT through Paramount Cruises
If you’d like to plan a Carnival Excellence-class cruise to experience BOLT for yourself, the team at Paramount Cruises can match you to the right ship, itinerary and US fly-cruise package.
Browse our Carnival cruises · Call our cruise experts on 020 7947 0270
By Josh Harris. Last updated: 27 May 2026.
