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Bahamas Bonanza: 4-Day Mardi Gras Escape cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

Bahamas Bonanza: 4-Day Mardi Gras Escape

Bahamas Bonanza: 4-Day Mardi Gras Escape

The Bahamas 4 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Aug 5, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Aug 9, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Set sail from Port Canaveral aboard the spectacular Mardi Gras for a 4-day Bahamian adventure that promises sun-drenched relaxation and thrilling excitement. Your journey begins with a leisurely day at sea, where you can explore the ship's incredible features, from world-class dining to exhilarating activities. Indulge in the serene beauty of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's private oasis where turquoise waters meet powdery white sands. Spend your day swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding in a private cabana. The adventure continues to the vibrant Celebration Key™, a brand new destination designed for ultimate fun and relaxation. Discover pristine beaches, exciting water sports, and delicious island flavors before returning to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Mardi Gras cruise ship
About the ship
Mardi Gras
5★
Rating
2020
Launched
5,282
Guests
180,800
Tonnage

When we launched our first ship, 1972's TSS Mardi Gras, we made cruising a lot less stuffy, a bit less fancy, the kind of fun everybody could enjoy. Nobody expected this ship to change the cruise world, but… here we are! Next year we're launching a brand-new ship with a familiar name. You guessed it: Mardi Gras. We aren't just paying homage to our first ship — in cruising circles this name suggests innovation, signals the start of something big. Oh, and this new Mardi Gras shouts “fun!” at the top of its lungs. This ship introduces Zones — six themed areas packed with brand-new experiences for eating, drinking and spectacularly getting down to fun. There's BOLT, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea, Emeril's Bistro 1396 from yes-that-Emeril, Family Feud Live for everybody... plus incredible new bars like The Brass Magnolia and Fortune Teller. Everybody can enjoy Mardi Gras, sailing in 2021. Come on down!

Gallery

Advisor take

Independent notes from a TNW Travel advisor

Best for
Families, Groups, First-time cruisers
Not ideal for
Travelers who need itineraries, cabins, or activities outside what this ship offers — confirm with your advisor.
Cabin recommendation
If pricing allows, compare balcony and midship locations before booking — they tend to offer the best comfort-per-dollar for most travelers.
Booking tip
Ask a TNW Travel advisor to confirm current fare, taxes, fees, cabin availability, and promotions before deposit.

Starting prices are estimates and can change until confirmed by the supplier. Final fare, taxes, fees, promotions, and cabin availability are confirmed by your TNW Travel advisor before booking.

Page last updated: Jun 17, 2026

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    This bustling hub on Florida's Space Coast offers a gateway to Orlando's theme parks and Kennedy Space Center, blending пляж relaxation with thrilling adventures.
  2. 2
    At Sea
  3. 3
    RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™
    Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Bahamas, a pristine paradise of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and horseback riding.
  4. 4
    Celebration Key™
    This new, private destination in The Bahamas is set to open in 2025, offering a vibrant and exclusive experience for cruise guests.
  5. 5
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    This bustling port is your gateway to the sun-soaked theme parks of Orlando and Kennedy Space Center, blending family fun with cosmic exploration.

Who this cruise is for

AI-scored fit by traveler type, grounded in this cruise's itinerary and ship.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a short duration, private island fun, and a ship known for exciting features.

What kind of activities are available for children and teens on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is known for its incredible features and exhilarating activities, making it highly suitable for families. While specific kids' clubs or water parks aren't detailed, the ship generally offers extensive family-friendly amenities.
Are the private island destinations suitable for families with young children?
Yes, destinations like Half Moon Cay and the brand new Celebration Key are designed for ultimate fun and relaxation, offering pristine beaches and exciting water sports, which typically cater well to families and children.
Is the duration of the cruise appropriate for a family vacation?
At 4 days, this Bahamian escape is a perfect short getaway for families, allowing for a taste of cruising without a long commitment, ideal for first-time family cruisers or those with busy schedules.

Groups

Fit 88

This exciting short cruise to private islands is perfectly suited for groups looking for fun and relaxation together.

Are there options for group dining or booking blocks of cabins together?
While not explicitly stated, cruise lines, especially on larger ships like Mardi Gras, typically offer options for groups to arrange block bookings for cabins and facilitate group dining experiences. It's best to contact the cruise line for group rates and arrangements.
Are there planned group activities or spaces available for groups to socialize?
The Mardi Gras is known for its 'incredible features' and 'exhilarating activities,' offering ample opportunities for groups to enjoy together, from ship features to water sports at the private islands. The ship provides many public spaces where groups can socialize.
Is this 4-day itinerary a good choice for a diverse group with varied interests?
Yes, this 4-day Bahamian escape offers a balanced itinerary with a day at sea to explore ship amenities and two days at private islands for beach relaxation and water sports. This variety is likely to appeal to a diverse group with different preferences for fun and relaxation.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

This short, fun cruise with private island stops and a well-known ship is ideal for first-time cruisers to get a taste of cruising.

Is a 4-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely, a 4-day Bahamian adventure is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers, offering a taste of the cruise experience without a long commitment. It's enough time to explore the ship and enjoy the destinations without feeling overwhelming.
Are the ports of call easy for beginners to navigate?
The itinerary includes private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are designed for cruise guests and typically very easy to navigate with organized activities and amenities close to the tender/docking areas. This makes for a stress-free shore experience for first-timers.
Will the Mardi Gras ship be easy to get around for someone new to cruising?
The Mardi Gras is a large and modern ship with incredible features. While it might take a little time to learn your way around, cruise lines design these ships to be intuitive, and staff are always available to assist first-time cruisers.

Couples

Fit 65

This short cruise offers private island escapes suitable for couples, but the focus on family-friendly activities might overshadow romantic experiences.

Are there romantic dining options for couples?
The cruise description highlights world-class dining, but it doesn't specifically mention intimate or couples-focused romantic dining venues. You would need to research the Mardi Gras's specific restaurant options for details.
Will we be able to find quiet, adults-only spaces on board or at the destinations?
The itinerary includes a full day at sea and visits to private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which often have quieter spots or adult-only sections, though the primary description emphasizes fun and relaxation broadly. The ship Mardi Gras is a large, activity-focused vessel, so specific adults-only areas would need to be confirmed directly with the cruise line.
Are there good opportunities for relaxation and privacy?
The cruise offers 'sun-drenched relaxation' and unwinding in private cabanas at Half Moon Cay. While the ship itself is large, these private island stops provide good opportunities for couples to relax together.

Seniors

Fit 60

A short itinerary and private island relaxation are positives, but the lively Mardi Gras ship might be too energetic for some seniors.

Is the pace of this 4-day cruise relaxed or fast-paced?
This 4-day cruise offers a mix, with a leisurely day at sea and opportunities for 'sun-drenched relaxation' at Half Moon Cay, allowing for a relaxed pace. However, the Mardi Gras is a large ship known for 'thrilling excitement,' so some areas will be lively.
What kind of enrichment or cultural activities are available on board or at the ports?
The cruise description highlights relaxation and excitement at private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are primarily focused on beach activities and water sports. It does not mention specific enrichment programs or extensive cultural experiences, which might be a factor for some seniors.
Are the shore excursions at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key manageable for travelers with mobility concerns?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer pristine beaches and opportunities for relaxation, but some activities might involve walking on sand or water sports. Seniors with mobility concerns should inquire about transportation options and accessibility at these private island destinations directly with the cruise line.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What ship is used for the 4-day Bahamas Bonanza cruise?
The cruise is aboard the Mardi Gras ship.
How long is the Bahamas Bonanza cruise?
The cruise duration is 4 nights.
Where does the Bahamas Bonanza cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral.
What destinations are visited on the 4-day Mardi Gras escape to The Bahamas?
The cruise visits Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key.
What activities can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
At Half Moon Cay, you can swim, snorkel, or relax in a private cabana on the beach.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is a new destination offering beaches, water sports, and island flavors.