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CHRISTMAS CHEER: The World's Largest Gingerbread Ship Is Here!

Gingerbread lovers get excited because Atlanta culinary artist and baker, Karen Portaleo, has created a massive 23-foot-long gingerbread replica of Carnival’s new Mardi Gras, set to debut next year.

Gingerbread lovers get excited because Atlanta culinary artist and baker, Karen Portaleo, has created a massive 23-foot-long gingerbread replica of Carnival’s new Mardi Gras, set to debut next year.

This delicious ginger-snap ship is on display at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta and will be displayed until Christmas eve, 24 December.

“What better way to ring in the season and bring fun to holiday shoppers than with the world’s largest gingerbread ship!”

Hugo Castillo, Carnival’s creative director

 

The gingerbread cruise ship

Karry On - Gingerbread Carnival

“I’ve created hundreds of cakes during my career but a 1,500-pound gingerbread cruise ship is certainly a first for me,”

Karen Portaleo, Culinary Artist and Baker

The replica ship weights around 1500 pounds (680kg) and is made from 130 pounds of flour, 10 pounds of cinnamon, and 50 gallons of icing.

The structure is complete with a waterpark and working replica of Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea.

Karry On - Gingerbread Carnival

“As a baker, I’m always looking for a challenge and creating a gingerbread replica of Mardi Gras was an amazing experience as it serves as a fun conversation piece for thousands of holiday shoppers. I can’t wait to see the real Mardi Gras when it debuts next year.”

Karen Portaleo, Culinary Artist and Baker

Karry On - Gingerbread Carnival

Carnival also made a $10,000 donation to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Portaleo’s charity of choice which is dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of those with primary immunodeficiencies.

 

Carnival’s Mardi Gras

Karry On - Gingerbread Carnival

The real Mardi Gras is set to debut in Europe in August 2020 and, after several sailings in New York, will reposition to Port Canaveral for year-round Caribbean departures beginning in October 2020.

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