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4-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

4-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

4-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

The Bahamas 4 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Aug 19, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Aug 23, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the vibrant energy of Port Canaveral, your gateway to Orlando's theme park magic, set sail on an unforgettable 4-day Bahamian adventure aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras. Indulge in a glorious day at sea, where endless possibilities for relaxation and excitement await. \n\nDiscover the pristine beauty of Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island paradise. Sink your toes into the powdery white sand of its crescent-shaped beach, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, or explore the vibrant marine life thriving beneath the surface. This idyllic escape promises pure relaxation and exhilarating water activities. \n\nContinue your Bahamian bliss at Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island destination. Prepare for an immersive and lively experience tailored exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests, promising a culmination of Bahamian charm and endless fun before you return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and filled with cherished memories.

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
First-time cruisers, Families, Groups
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 port is your gateway to the magic of Orlando, boasting world-class theme parks and thrilling attractions just a short drive away.
  2. 2
    At Sea
  3. 3
    RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™
    Half Moon Cay is an idyllic private island in the Bahamas, renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, offering a pristine escape for relaxation and water activities.
  4. 4
    Celebration Key™
    Celebration Key™ is an upcoming private island destination owned by Carnival Corporation, promising a lively and immersive Bahamian experience designed specifically for Carnival Cruise Line guests.
  5. 5
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    This bustling port is your gateway to the magic of Orlando, boasting world-class theme parks and thrilling attractions just a short drive away.

Who this cruise is for

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

First-time cruisers

Fit 90

An excellent choice for first-timers; short duration, single sea day, easy-to-navigate private islands, and a popular cruise line.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
This 4-day Bahamian cruise is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers. Its short duration, easy ports of call at private islands, and the popular ship Mardi Gras make for a very accessible and enjoyable first cruise experience.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for beginners?
Yes, Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are private island destinations, which are designed to be very easy to navigate with clear paths to beaches, activities, and dining, making them ideal for first-timers.
What can I expect on the day at sea?
The full day at sea on Mardi Gras will give you ample opportunity to explore the ship's many amenities, try different dining options, or simply relax by the pool, allowing you to experience onboard cruising without feeling rushed.

Families

Fit 85

Excellent fit for families due to the short duration, theme park gateway, and private island stops, promising ample activities.

Is this a good cruise for families with kids?
Absolutely, this 4-day cruise is an excellent choice for families. Departing from Port Canaveral, it's a perfect add-on to an Orlando theme park vacation, and the Mardi Gras is known for its family-friendly amenities.
What kind of activities are there for children on the private islands?
Both Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are geared to offer extensive water activities and beach fun for all ages, with Half Moon Cay specifically highlighting crystal-clear waters for swimming and exploring.
Are there kid-friendly dining options available onboard?
While specific dining options aren't detailed, the Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship, which typically features a wide array of casual and family-friendly dining options to accommodate diverse tastes.

Groups

Fit 80

A short, lively cruise to private islands, ideal for groups seeking fun and relaxation with easy planning.

Is this cruise a good option for group travel?
Yes, this 4-day Bahamian cruise on the Mardi Gras is an excellent option for groups. Its short duration, lively ship atmosphere, and fun private island stops make it easy to organize and enjoyable for diverse groups.
Can my group book cabins close together?
Booking cabins in proximity for a group is generally possible, especially if done well in advance. You would need to coordinate with the cruise line or a travel agent specializing in group bookings to arrange this.
Are there activities on board or on the islands that groups can do together?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous onboard activities suitable for groups, and both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key provide a wide range of beach and water-based activities perfect for friends or family to enjoy collectively.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

Private islands simplify accessibility, while the modern Mardi Gras ship likely offers good ADA compliance, but tender operations need confirmation.

Is this cruise suitable for travelers with mobility challenges?
The Mardi Gras is a modern ship, likely offering good accessibility features. However, it's crucial to confirm if Half Moon Cay, one of the private island stops, uses tender boats, as this can affect accessibility for some.
Are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, accessible?
Private islands like Half Moon Cay often provide beach wheelchairs and accessible pathways. Celebration Key, as a new Carnival destination, is expected to be designed with accessibility in mind, but specific amenities should be verified.
How can I check for ADA cabins on this ship?
You would need to contact the cruise line directly or your travel agent to inquire about the availability of ADA-compliant cabins and their features on the Mardi Gras for this specific sailing.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise offers some romantic elements with private islands, but the ship and duration are better suited for a lively, less intimate experience.

Is this cruise good for a romantic getaway?
While the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, offer beautiful settings for couples, the 4-day duration and the large Mardi Gras ship might lean more towards a lively, fun experience rather than an intimate, romantic escape.
What kind of dining options are available for couples?
The cruise description does not detail specific dining options, however, cruises on the Mardi Gras typically offer a variety of dining venues, including specialty restaurants that might provide a more intimate setting for couples.
Are there adults-only areas on the ship?
The cruise on Mardi Gras generally features adults-only areas like Serenity Retreat, perfect for couples looking for a quieter space to relax away from the main activities.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

The lively ship and resort-style private islands offer social opportunities, but a short cruise might not cater specifically to solo travelers.

Is this cruise good for meeting other solo travelers?
The Mardi Gras is a large and lively ship, which typically provides many opportunities to socialize and meet new people through various onboard activities and public spaces, making it a decent option for solo travelers.
Are there solo cabins or specific programs for solo cruisers?
The cruise description does not mention solo cabins or dedicated social programs for solo travelers. You would likely need to book a standard cabin, potentially incurring a single supplement.
What kind of activities can I do by myself on this cruise?
You can enjoy the day at sea with various ship amenities, and the private islands Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer plenty of activities like swimming, beach relaxation, and water sports that can be enjoyed independently.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is the duration of this Bahamas cruise?
This is a 4-day, 4-night cruise to The Bahamas.
What ship will I be sailing on for this cruise?
You will be sailing aboard the Mardi Gras.
Which ports will this cruise visit in The Bahamas?
This cruise will visit Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™.
Where does this cruise depart from and return to?
This cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
When is the departure date for this cruise?
The departure date for this cruise is August 19, 2027.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island with white sand beaches, clear waters for swimming, and opportunities for water activities.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests, offering a lively Bahamian experience.
Does this cruise include a day at sea?
Yes, this itinerary includes a glorious full day at sea.