The original TSS Mardi Gras departed PortMiami on its inaugural cruise 49 years ago today, ushering in a new style of fun, inexpensive vacations once reserved for the very wealthy, according to Carnival.

Carnival Cruise Line's road to unprecedented success began with that inaugural voyage, which included multiple industry "firsts."

The new Mardi Gras is expected to debut this year. It boasts a range of firsts, including the first LNG-powered ship in North America and the world's first sea-based rollercoaster. The Carnival Celebration, a sister ship, is set to debut next year.

Carnival Corporation, a global vacation leader with a portfolio of nine cruise brands, has expanded to become the  “World’s Most Popular Cruise Line™” carrying more than 90 million happy guests and serving as the flagship of Carnival Corporation.

Carnival's 50th anniversary celebrations kick off in March 2022, the company's birthday month, with a series of commemorative sailings that include at-sea ship meet-ups off the coasts of the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Australia, as well as special entertainment and events that run throughout the year, culminating in the arrival of the Carnival Celebration to PortMiami in November.

Maritime Business World