Ancient Vessels
Tall Ships
Pirate Ships
Sailboats
Riverboats
Classic Boats
Classic Yachts
Modern Yachts
Ocean Liners   
Cruise Ships   
Merchantmen
Exploration
Tugboats
Civil War
Spanish War
Warships
Aircraft Carriers
Coast Guard
Metal Models
Submarines
Other Types
Large Models
Small  Models
Unique Gifts
Display cases
Repair Service
Special Models
Remote Control
COMMISSIONING

   website security

View Cart
About Us
Why Us
Contact Us
Work Opportunity
Shipping
Guarantee

Feedback

News


   256-bit encryption
 $500,000 protection

    
 

 


TSS MARDI GRAS

This Mardi Gras cruise ship model was constructed for Carnival Cruise Line in 2018. It was the second model that ModelShipMaster.com built for Carnival. There were good reasons for Carnival to choose us. For one, we posted very large photos to demonstrate that the ship's windows, doors, portholes were not black decal. The high-definition photos also showed details that other builders missed such as home port name on the stern, the little cranes for life rafts, the intricate details of the davits, the water-like pool surface, the stabilizer...

In February 1972 the former Canadian flagship, the Empress of Canada, was sold and renamed Mardi Gras.  Despite a rocky start, and one that actually began with her grounding in Miami on her Carnival maiden voyage, Mardi Gras would prove not also to be the most popular cruise ship in the American market, but form the success story of the Carnival Cruise Line dynasty.



The early years of Carnival Cruise Line were not as vibrant as it very financially weak, and overhead had to kept at bay to ensure they would remain afloat. In fact, there were not enough funds to hire someone to design a logo for their new ship.   As a result, they adapted the Canadian Pacific logo multi-mark that was actually welded onto the funnel.  All that was altered was changing the colors of green and white to red, white and blue with the angles of the mark softened more into curves.  At the request of the Canadian Pacific line, and the very similar likings of their logo, Carnival reduced the thickness of the white section.  While the "C" of the company was backwards at certain angles, the changes made at that time reflect the current “crescent” markings on all present day Carnival ship.

Due to the dire financial position of the Carnival, it was deemed necessary that she should immediately begin making money. On February 26, Mardi Gras departed Tilbury on an Atlantic crossing bound for Miami.  She was grounded.  The grounding was a result of both her deep draft.  Along with the rudder command from pilot to helmsman - that was either misunderstood or inaccurate -had resulted in her touching bottom.  The so called “Mardi Gras on the Rocks,” something of amusement and an actual cocktail on competitors vessels turned out something more serious as there was 75% damage to her hull plating and underwater segments, of which was repaired in a later refit.      

After a $1 million bond had been paid, and a mere six weeks after her purchase, on March 11, 1972, the MARDI GRAS departed Miami on her first cruise with 300 travel agency members among the passengers.  In many ways, the ship was still the EMPRESS OF CANADA.  Internally, the major changes included ensuring all cabins were fitted with a shower and toilet.  With the exception of the two forward cargo booms, all cargo handling equipment was removed as her role as a full time cruise ship no longer required them.   

As their first ship, Mardi Gras helped Carnival create what is said to be the best run cruise operator in the world, encompassing a fleet of over 40 ships to date.   Today, Carnival Cruise Lines is perhaps the most successful cruise line in the world, carrying more passengers than any other.  

This primarily wood Mardi Gras cruise ship model was constructed for Carnival Cruise Line in 2018. It was the second model that ModelShipMaster.com built for Carnival Cruise Line.  It  features:

- Superior hollow hull construction. This construction method gives accurate hulls, as artisans create the frame of the hull exactly like in drawings. The solid hull method, on the other hand, employs most guesswork on the degree of curvature.

- Windows and portholes are cutouts (not black decals), uniform, and on straight lines.  We are not shy to show the model in large photos. Nothing to hide!

36" long x 11" tall x 7" wide (including base's dimensions)
$3,500 Shipping and insurance in the contiguous USA included. Other places: $400 flat rate.

Lighting feature is included.  A ship is not an ocean liner without beautiful lighting. LED light powered by standard 9v battery for your convenience. Our model has realistic and beautiful lighting, including navigation light. Cheap model makers neither care nor able to keep up with our artistry and and engineering ability.

Model is built per commission only. We require only a small deposit (not full amount, not even half) to start the process $500  The remaining balance won't be due until the boat is completed, in several months.

"I just placed the below order, which will be a service award for one of our Chief Engineers. He started his career with Carnival Cruise Line aboard the Mardi Gras back in 1972. We were looking for a meaningful reward and couldn't think of anything better than this beautiful model. We would like to present this to him early next week, would it be possible to get this to us by Monday morning? 
Thank you so much!

Ash Spencer
Employee Experience Manager |Carnival Cruise Line
3655 NW 87th Avenue | Miami, FL 33178 
 

"Received safe and sound - what a fantastic model! I wish I could get one :)

Do you have an ETA on the display case? Just so I can let the team member know."