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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
Jun 10, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jun 14, 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, set sail on an unforgettable 4-day escape to The Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras. Spend a relaxing day at sea, indulging in the ship's incredible amenities and world-class entertainment, before discovering the pristine beauty of Half Moon Cay. This idyllic private island paradise awaits with its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, offering the perfect setting for relaxation and exhilarating water activities. Next, immerse yourself in the lively and immersive Bahamian experience of Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests. Return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated, with memories that will last a lifetime.

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

This short, familiar cruise on a modern ship with private island visits is an excellent introduction for first-time cruisers.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Absolutely! This 4-day cruise is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers, offering a short duration, convenient departure from Port Canaveral (Orlando), and easy-to-enjoy private island destinations without overwhelming long sea days.
What's it like on the Mardi Gras ship for a first-timer?
The Mardi Gras is a brand-new, modern ship with a wide array of dining, entertainment, and activities, making it a vibrant and engaging experience. Carnival is a well-known brand, which can be reassuring for first-time cruisers.
Are the ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
This itinerary focuses on private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™, which are designed for cruise guests with clear amenities and activities, making them very easy and stress-free to enjoy for first-time cruisers.

Families

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent fit for families seeking fun, private island adventures, and a short duration on a modern ship.

What kind of activities are there for kids on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is a modern Carnival ship, known for extensive family-friendly amenities. It likely has water parks, kids clubs, and various entertainment options designed for all age groups, providing plenty of activities for children.
Are the private islands good for families with children?
Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ are private islands designed with families in mind, offering pristine beaches, clear waters, and activities suitable for all ages, making them great for family fun and relaxation.
Is a 4-day cruise long enough for a good family vacation?
A 4-day cruise is an ideal duration for families, especially those cruising for the first time or with younger children, as it offers a concentrated dose of fun without being too long.

Groups

Fit 85

This short, fun cruise on a large ship visiting private islands is ideal for groups seeking lively activities and shared experiences.

Is this cruise good for a group celebration or trip?
Yes, a 4-day cruise on the Mardi Gras to private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ is excellent for groups. It offers a lively atmosphere, plenty of shared activities, and a manageable duration for a group getaway.
Can a group easily find activities to do together on the ship and islands?
Absolutely. The Mardi Gras is packed with entertainment, dining venues, and fun zones suitable for groups. The private islands also offer group-friendly activities like beach relaxation, water sports, and shared excursions.
Is it possible for a group to get cabins close to each other?
When booking as a group, it is often possible to request cabins in close proximity or connecting cabins on a large ship like the Mardi Gras, especially if booked in advance. Always confirm these arrangements directly with the cruise line or your travel agent.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship likely offering accessibility, but private islands often use tender boats which can be challenging.

Is the Mardi Gras ship accessible for travelers with mobility needs?
As a modern Carnival ship, the Mardi Gras is generally designed with accessibility in mind, offering accessible cabins and public areas. You should confirm specific ADA cabin availability and features directly with the cruise line.
Are the private island ports accessible for guests using wheelchairs or scooters?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ are private islands, and while they have some developed areas, accessing them might involve tender boats from the ship, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to check with Carnival regarding tendering procedures and island accessibility.
What kind of support can I expect for accessibility needs on this cruise?
Carnival Cruise Line typically offers support for guests with accessibility needs once onboard, including accessible routes and assistance. However, it's crucial to communicate your specific requirements to the cruise line in advance to ensure the best experience.

Couples

Fit 65

This short cruise on the large Mardi Gras offers lively fun and private island relaxation, but may lack overt romance for couples.

Is this cruise good for a romantic getaway?
While the Mardi Gras is a large, vibrant ship with plenty to do, this 4-day cruise heavily features private islands (Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™) known for active fun rather than intimate romance. It might be better suited for couples looking for a lively, shorter escape rather than a deeply romantic one.
Are there adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras, being a large Carnival ship, typically offers adults-only serenity areas. These can provide a more relaxed environment for couples amidst the ship's general family-friendly atmosphere.
Can we find intimate dining experiences on board?
Carnival's Mardi Gras offers various dining options, including specialty restaurants that provide a more intimate setting than the main dining rooms. However, the overall vibe is generally more casual and lively.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a relaxed pace and private island relaxation suitable for seniors, but the ship's lively nature might not appeal to all.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed enough for seniors?
This 4-day cruise features a day at sea and two private island stops, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™, offering a relaxed pace where you can choose to be active or simply enjoy the beach, which can be suitable for seniors.
Are the private islands easy to navigate for seniors?
Private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ typically have good infrastructure for guests, including pathways and easy beach access, although specific mobility details are not provided. You can usually find shaded areas and seating.
What kind of entertainment is available for senior guests on the Mardi Gras?
While the Mardi Gras is a newer, lively ship, Carnival generally offers a range of entertainment that caters to various tastes, including live music, shows, and quieter spaces, ensuring there are options suitable for senior guests.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What destinations does the 4-day Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas visit?
This cruise visits Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, returning to Port Canaveral.
How long is the Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas?
It is a 4-night cruise.
When does this particular Mardi Gras cruise depart?
This specific cruise departs on June 10, 2027.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island destination exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests in The Bahamas.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay offers relaxation on its beach, swimming in clear waters, and water activities.
What port does this cruise depart from and return to?
The cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Is there a day at sea on this itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes a relaxing day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.
What type of ship is the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is a Carnival Cruise Line ship known for its various amenities and entertainment.