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Carnival Mardi Gras: Bahamian Bliss from Port Canaveral cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Mardi Gras: Bahamian Bliss from Port Canaveral

Carnival Mardi Gras: Bahamian Bliss from Port Canaveral

The Bahamas 4 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Jul 22, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jul 26, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesShort CruiseBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Set sail on the magnificent Carnival Mardi Gras for a 4-day Bahamian adventure that promises endless fun and relaxation. Departing from Port Canaveral, your journey begins with anticipation as you embark on one of Carnival's most innovative ships, brimming with thrilling activities, delectable dining, and vibrant entertainment. Feel the ocean breeze, soak up the sun, and leave your worries behind as you cruise towards paradise. Your escape includes a captivating day at Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's private island oasis. Sink your toes into powder-soft sands, swim in crystal-clear waters, or indulge in exhilarating shore excursions. The excitement continues at Celebration Key™, a brand-new destination designed for ultimate enjoyment, offering a vibrant atmosphere, stunning beaches, and endless ways to celebrate. With a blissful day at sea to explore all the Mardi Gras has to offer, from the Bolt roller coaster to exquisite dining, this cruise is the perfect blend of island tranquility and shipboard exhilaration. Return to Port Canaveral refreshed and rejuvenated, with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories. This 4-day Bahamian cruise aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras is more than just a vacation; it’s an invitation to experience the joy of the Caribbean, packed with laughter, discovery, and pure, unadulterated fun.

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, First-time cruisers, 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)
    Port Canaveral is a bustling gateway to Orlando's theme parks and a prime launchpad forাইলcruises to the Caribbean.
  2. 2
    At Sea
  3. 3
    RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™
    Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise in the Bahamas, known for its crescent-shaped beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It's a haven for watersports and relaxation.
  4. 4
    Celebration Key™
    This new private destination is still under development, promising a lively and luxurious Bahamian experience exclusively for cruise guests.
  5. 5
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    This bustling port is the gateway to Orlando's theme parks and sun-drenched Space Coast. From here, you can explore Kennedy Space Center or hit the beaches of Cocoa Beach.

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 with its short duration, thrilling activities on a mega-ship, and fun Bahamian private island destinations.

Is the Mardi Gras ship good for kids?
The Mardi Gras is designed with families in mind, featuring the Bolt roller coaster, various waterslides, and dedicated kids' clubs, making it an excellent choice for children and teens of all ages.
Are there activities on the private islands that my kids would enjoy?
Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and playing, along with various water sports and activities. Half Moon Cay is known for its aquatic activities, and Celebration Key is designed for ultimate enjoyment for all ages.
What is the duration of this cruise, and is it suitable for families with young children?
This is a 4-day cruise, which is an ideal duration for families with young children or those new to cruising, providing a taste of the experience without being too long.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent choice for first-timers due to its short duration, popular Bahamian itinerary, and fun-focused ship.

Is a 4-day cruise a good option for first-time cruisers?
Yes, a 4-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience cruising and its amenities but short enough to ensure you don't feel overwhelmed or get bored.
Are the ports of call easy for first-time cruisers to navigate?
The itinerary includes two private island destinations, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are designed to be easy for cruise guests to enjoy, offering clear pathways to beaches and activities without the need for independent local navigation.
Will there be plenty to do on the ship for someone new to cruising?
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras is one of Carnival's most innovative ships, packed with thrilling activities like the Bolt roller coaster, diverse dining, and vibrant entertainment, ensuring there's always something exciting to explore for a first-timer.

Groups

Fit 80

The Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for groups with varied interests, offering abundant activities and dining options on a short, fun-filled cruise.

Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a group to travel together?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for groups. Its wide array of activities, dining options, and entertainment means there's something for everyone, allowing groups to enjoy time together or pursue individual interests.
Are there suitable dining options for large groups on this ship?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining venues, from complimentary main dining rooms and casual eateries to specialty restaurants. This variety makes it easy to accommodate different tastes and arrange group dinners.
What activities are available for a group to do together?
Groups can enjoy a multitude of activities together, such as riding the Bolt roller coaster, relaxing by the pool, participating in various onboard games and shows, or exploring the beautiful beaches and water activities at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise on a vibrant mega-ship offers fun and relaxation but might lack tailored romantic intimacy for all couples.

Is this cruise good for a romantic getaway?
While the Mardi Gras focuses on fun and excitement, its private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer beautiful beaches for relaxation, which can be romantic. However, as a large, active ship, it may not be focused on intimate romantic experiences.
Are there adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras?
Yes, the Carnival Mardi Gras typically features adults-only areas like Serenity Retreat, providing a quieter space for couples to relax away from the ship's more boisterous family-friendly activities.
What dining options are available for couples looking for a special meal?
The Mardi Gras offers a variety of specialty dining options, such as steakhouses and other upscale venues, perfect for a special evening out. These are usually available for an additional charge.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

This action-packed cruise offers plenty of opportunities for meeting people, though solo-specific cabins or programs aren't highlighted.

Are there opportunities to meet other solo travelers?
On a vibrant ship like the Mardi Gras, with numerous activities, bars, and dining options, there are ample opportunities to meet other passengers. While specific solo meet-and-greets aren't listed, the ship's social atmosphere encourages interaction.
Does Carnival Mardi Gras offer solo cabins or waive single supplements?
The description does not specify solo cabins or mention a waived single supplement. Solo travelers typically pay a single supplement for a cabin designed for two, so it's advisable to check current pricing for solo occupancy.
Will I feel out of place traveling solo on this cruise?
Carnival cruises are known for their lively and inclusive atmosphere. You'll find many individuals and groups, ensuring you won't feel out of place. The short duration and varied activities make it easy to engage as much or as little as you like.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The modern Mardi Gras likely offers good ship accessibility, but tender operations to Half Moon Cay and varied port accessibility need checking.

How accessible is the Mardi Gras ship for travelers with mobility needs?
As one of Carnival's newest and most innovative ships, the Mardi Gras is generally designed with modern accessibility standards, including elevators and accessible common areas. However, specific cabin types and detailed accessibility information should be confirmed directly with the cruise line.
Are the private island destinations, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, accessible for wheelchairs?
Half Moon Cay is often accessed by tender, which can pose challenges for guests with mobility issues, and the island generally has sand-covered terrain. Celebration Key is a newer development, but detailed accessibility for island terrain and shore excursions would need direct verification.
How smooth is the embarkation and disembarkation process for guests with special needs?
Port Canaveral is a major cruise port, generally well-equipped for efficient embarkation and disembarkation. Guests requiring special assistance should notify Carnival in advance to arrange for any necessary support during these processes.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What ship will I be sailing on for this Bahamian cruise?
You will be sailing on the Carnival Mardi Gras, one of Carnival's most innovative ships.
How long is this cruise and where does it depart from?
This is a 4-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral.
Which destinations will this Bahamian Bliss cruise visit?
This cruise includes stops at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island, and Celebration Key, a new destination.
What activities are available on the Carnival Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras offers thrilling activities like the Bolt roller coaster, along with exquisite dining and vibrant entertainment.
Is Half Moon Cay a private island?
Yes, Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island oasis.
What type of experience can I expect at Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is described as a brand-new destination with a vibrant atmosphere, stunning beaches, and many ways to celebrate.
Will there be a day at sea during this cruise?
Yes, the itinerary includes a blissful day at sea to explore all the Mardi Gras has to offer.
When does this cruise depart?
This cruise departs on 2027-07-22.