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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last updated: 27 May 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “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.”<\/p>Josh Harris<\/a>, Cruise Specialist, Paramount Cruises<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The track is roughly 800 feet long. A full ride takes about 30 to 45 seconds from launch to return to the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Browse our Carnival cruises<\/a> \u00b7 Call our cruise experts on 020 7947 0270<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n By Josh Harris<\/a>. Last updated: 27 May 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n30-second view: who BOLT suits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How BOLT works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which Carnival ships have BOLT?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Cost, age and height restrictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is BOLT worth the add-on?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How fast does BOLT go?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long is the BOLT ride?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can children ride BOLT?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much does BOLT cost on Carnival?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is BOLT on the new Carnival Festivale?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does BOLT operate in rough seas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Book a Carnival cruise with BOLT through Paramount Cruises<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n