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

Bahamas Bliss: 4-Day Escape on Mardi Gras

Bahamas Bliss: 4-Day Escape on Mardi Gras

The Bahamas 4 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Jul 8, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jul 12, 2027 at 8:00 AM

Chart a course for excitement and relaxation aboard Carnival’s magnificent Mardi Gras, embarking on a 4-day Bahamian escapade from Port Canaveral. This journey is a symphony of sun, sea, and unforgettable moments, designed to whisk you away from the everyday. Your adventure unfolds with idyllic calls at RelaxAway, a serene paradise where you can truly unwind, and Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island oasis, renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The crown jewel of your voyage is an immersive visit to Celebration Key, a vibrant new destination crafted for endless revelry and relaxation. Each port offers a unique flavor of the Bahamas, from tranquil retreats to exhilarating activities. Onboard, the Mardi Gras promises a world-class experience with its innovative zones, diverse dining, and thrilling entertainment. From the moment you set sail to your return to Port Canaveral, every day is a celebration, making this 4-day cruise the ultimate blend of island charm and shipboard splendor.

Mardi Gras cruise ship
About the ship
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
    This bustling Florida port is the gateway to Orlando's theme parks and a hub for space exploration at nearby Cape Canaveral.
  2. 2
    At Sea
  3. 3
    Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise in the Bahamas, known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It offers a secluded escape with various water activities and lush natural beauty.
  4. 4
    Experience the untouched beauty of Celebration Key™, a private slice of paradise in The Bahamas, where turquoise waters meet pristine sands. This exclusive destination offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure amidst a vibrant tropical setting.
  5. 5
    Port Canaveral is the bustling gateway to Florida's Space Coast, where ships launch and rockets soar. It's the perfect spot for pre- or post-cruise adventures to Orlando's famous theme parks.

Who this cruise is for

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

Families

Fit 90

The Mardi Gras is a fantastic choice for families with its innovative zones, diverse dining, thrilling entertainment, and visits to fun private islands.

Are there good activities for kids on the Mardi Gras?
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras is a top-tier family ship, promising a 'world-class experience with its innovative zones, diverse dining, and thrilling entertainment.' This suggests a wide array of activities designed to keep children of all ages engaged and entertained.
What are the port stops like for families with children?
The cruise visits private islands like RelaxAway and Half Moon Cay, known for 'pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters' perfect for family-friendly water activities. Celebration Key is also described as a 'vibrant new destination designed for endless revelry and relaxation,' ideal for families.
Is the ship too big or overwhelming for families?
While Mardi Gras is a large ship, its design with 'innovative zones' helps break down the ship into manageable areas, making it easier for families to navigate and find age-appropriate entertainment and dining without feeling overwhelmed.

Groups

Fit 88

This 4-day lively cruise on Mardi Gras with fun private island stops is ideal for groups looking for an enjoyable, high-energy getaway.

Is this a good cruise for a group celebrating a special occasion?
With its focus on 'excitement and relaxation,' a 'symphony of sun, sea, and unforgettable moments,' and a stop at Celebration Key designed for 'endless revelry,' this cruise on Mardi Gras is perfectly suited for groups celebrating special occasions.
Are there group dining options or spaces for us to gather?
The Mardi Gras offers 'diverse dining' and 'innovative zones,' which typically include a variety of restaurants and public spaces that can accommodate group dining arrangements and provide areas for groups to gather and socialize together.
What activities can our group do together on this cruise?
Groups can enjoy the 'thrilling entertainment' and 'innovative zones' on Mardi Gras. The private island stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key also offer excellent opportunities for group water activities, beach relaxation, and shared experiences.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

This 4-day Bahamas cruise on Mardi Gras is excellent for first-timers, offering a short duration, simple itinerary, and a very popular, amenity-rich ship.

Is a 4-day cruise good for a first-time experience?
Yes, a 4-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience all the ship has to offer but short enough to avoid feeling overwhelmed, making it a perfect introduction to cruising.
Are the ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
This cruise visits private islands like RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. These destinations are often very straightforward for first-timers, offering clear directions, organized activities, and a safe, controlled environment, making port days easy to enjoy.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-time cruisers?
Absolutely. The Mardi Gras is a modern, 'magnificent' ship with 'diverse dining, and thrilling entertainment,' making it an exciting and amenity-rich choice. Its popularity and wide array of options ensure there's something for everyone, which is great for a first cruise.

Couples

Fit 65

This short, fun cruise offers plenty of entertainment onboard Mardi Gras and some relaxing private island stops, suitable for a lively couple looking for a quick getaway.

Are there romantic dining options for couples?
The Mardi Gras is known for its diverse dining experiences. While not explicitly mentioned as 'romantic,' the ship's 'world-class experience' and 'diverse dining' suggest there will be various options to enjoy together.
What kind of activities can couples do together on this cruise?
Couples can explore the 'innovative zones' and 'thrilling entertainment' onboard Mardi Gras. The itinerary also includes stops at private islands like RelaxAway and Half Moon Cay, offering opportunities for relaxation and water activities.
Are there private or adults-only areas on the ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship, which typically features adults-only areas such as Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, providing a quieter space for couples to relax away from the main activities and families.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

The lively Mardi Gras offers plenty of activities and social opportunities, but dedicated solo cabins or social programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Are there any single supplements for this cruise?
The cruise description does not mention specific single supplement policies or dedicated solo cabins. Solo travelers would likely pay the per-person double occupancy rate, which can increase the cost for an individual.
Will I find it easy to meet other people on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is known for its 'thrilling entertainment' and 'vibrant' atmosphere, suggesting a lively environment where it can be easy to meet others, especially on a shorter 4-day cruise to fun destinations like Celebration Key.
What activities are good for solo cruisers?
With 'innovative zones' and 'diverse dining,' Mardi Gras offers many options for solo cruisers to explore at their own pace. The private island stops also provide opportunities for independent relaxation or participation in group excursions.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The modern Mardi Gras should offer good accessibility on board, but the private island tender ports may present challenges for some travelers.

Is the ship, Mardi Gras, accessible for guests with mobility challenges?
As a modern and 'magnificent' ship, the Mardi Gras is expected to have good onboard accessibility features, including elevators and accessible routes throughout its 'innovative zones,' though specific details would need to be confirmed with the cruise line.
Are the ports of call accessible for wheelchair users?
The itinerary includes visits to private islands such as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. These destinations typically involve tendering (transferring via smaller boats) to shore, which can present accessibility challenges for wheelchair users.
Are accessible cabins available on this ship?
Given the 'world-class' and modern nature of the Mardi Gras, it is highly likely that accessible cabins are available to accommodate travelers with specific needs, though booking early to secure these would be advisable.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise ship will I be sailing on for the Bahamas Bliss: 4-Day Escape?
You will be sailing on Carnival's Mardi Gras ship for this 4-day Bahamian cruise.
How long is the 'Bahamas Bliss' cruise and what dates does it depart?
This is a 4-night cruise departing on 2027-07-08.
What Bahamian islands or ports will the cruise visit?
This cruise will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (Carnival’s private island), and Celebration Key.
Where does the 'Bahamas Bliss: 4-Day Escape' cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral.
What kind of experience can I expect on the Mardi Gras ship?
The Mardi Gras offers a world-class experience with innovative zones, diverse dining options, and thrilling entertainment.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
While not explicitly stated, Mardi Gras has diverse entertainment and zones, making it generally suitable for a wide range of travelers including families.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is a new, vibrant destination in the Bahamas crafted for revelry and relaxation.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, suggesting beach and water-based activities.