Shaq’s ‘Big Chicken’ Restaurant Is Hitting the Sea with New Carnival Cruise Ship, Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line was in NYC to give guests a preview at some of the exciting new food, beverage, and entertainment offerings that will debut in the Summer Landing and Lido Zones on its newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, which will hit the water in 2020.

Carnival's Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal was on hand to announce that Mardi Gras will be home to his “Big Chicken” restaurant — the second ship to bring his fried chicken cuisine to the sea.

O'Neal shared, “Big Chicken is a labor of love featuring all of my favorite fried chicken recipes developed in tandem with my mom. Carnival is a great partner, and I am very excited to bring the largest Big Chicken at sea aboard the spectacular new Mardi Gras.”

“Extra” chatted with the NBA Hall of Famer and Carnival's president Christine Duffy, who gave us the inside scoop on the new food and drink venues opening on the Mardi Gras. Take a look!

Mardi Gras makes her maiden voyage in August 2020 and will feature an extensive array of new exciting experiences, including the first roller coaster at sea — BOLT; a new partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse; an at-sea version of the popular game show "Family Feud"; a new class of suites for guests to book, and so much more.