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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
May 27, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
May 31, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseCelebrationBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway
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-time cruisers with a short duration, popular destinations, and a large, amenity-rich ship from a familiar brand.

Is this a good cruise for someone new to cruising?
Yes, this 4-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral is excellent for first-timers. Its short duration, popular private island destinations, and departure from a convenient port make it an easy and accessible way to experience cruising.
What are the destinations like for a first-timer?
The itinerary includes two private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are designed for cruise guests with easy access to beaches, activities, and dining, providing a comfortable and enjoyable first experience of Bahamian ports.
Is the ship easy to navigate for someone who has never cruised before?
The Mardi Gras is a very large, modern ship. While it has many decks and features, Carnival ships are generally well-signed, and crew members are available to assist. Embarkation and disembarkation are typically streamlined for ease of use by all guests.

Families

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a large, amenity-rich ship, family-friendly private islands, and a convenient short duration.

Is the Mardi Gras ship good for kids and families?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and largest ship, packed with family-friendly amenities like the BOLT roller coaster, extensive water parks, and various kids' club programs, making it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Are the private island stops good for children?
Both Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are private islands famous for family-friendly beaches, water activities, and dedicated areas that cater to kids, ensuring plenty of fun for the whole family ashore.
What kind of activities are there for different age groups of kids?
On the Mardi Gras, you can expect diverse activities for various age groups, including supervised kids' programs, a large water park, sports courts, and entertainment options designed to keep young cruisers engaged and entertained.

Groups

Fit 80

This cruise is a strong choice for groups due to the lively ship, diverse activities, and convenient short itinerary.

Is this a good cruise for a group of friends or family?
Yes, this cruise on the Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for groups. The ship offers a wide array of activities, dining, and entertainment options that cater to diverse interests, ensuring everyone in the group has something to enjoy.
Can our group arrange to sit together for meals?
Carnival ships typically offer flexible dining arrangements, including assigned dining times, open seating options, and specialty restaurants that can accommodate group reservations. It's advisable to make arrangements in advance for larger groups.
Are there activities on board that a group can do together?
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras features numerous group-friendly activities such as the BOLT roller coaster, water slides, multiple bars and lounges, live shows, and deck parties, providing plenty of opportunities for shared experiences and fun.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamas cruise offers a reasonable getaway for couples, especially those looking for a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet escape.

Is this cruise good for a romantic getaway with my partner?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its vibrant energy and numerous activities, which can be fun for couples. While it has dining options, it might be more lively than intimately romantic, especially given the short 4-day duration to Bahamian private islands.
What kind of dining options are available for couples?
While the specific dining venues aren't detailed, Carnival's Mardi Gras typically offers a wide variety of dining, from casual to more upscale specialty restaurants (often for an additional charge), providing choices for different couple preferences during your trip.
Are there adults-only areas on the ship for relaxation?
Carnival ships usually feature adults-only areas like the Serenity Retreat, which can offer a quieter escape for couples looking for some relaxation away from the main family-centric areas on board.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The modern ship design offers accessibility, but port tendering could be a concern for some accessible travelers.

Is the Mardi Gras ship accessible for travelers with mobility needs?
As a modern and large ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with accessibility in mind, likely offering accessible cabins, elevators, and wide corridors to accommodate travelers with mobility needs. However, specific ADA cabin details would need to be confirmed directly with the cruise line.
Are the ports of call accessible for wheelchair users?
Half Moon Cay is a tender port, meaning guests transfer from the ship to the island via a smaller boat, which can be challenging or impossible for some wheelchair users depending on sea conditions and individual mobility. Celebration Key, being a private island destination, is likely designed for docking and better accessibility, but this should be verified.
What accommodations are available for accessible travelers on board?
While specific details aren't provided, modern ships like Mardi Gras typically offer accessible staterooms with wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars. Public areas usually have ramps and accessible restrooms, but it's always best to contact Carnival directly for detailed information.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise ship will I be sailing on for this 4-day Bahamas trip?
You will be sailing on the Mardi Gras ship for this 4-day Bahamas cruise.
Where does this 4-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What destinations will this 4-day Bahamas cruise visit?
This cruise will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, and Celebration Key™ in The Bahamas.
What is the duration of this Bahamas cruise?
This is a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas.
When does the 4-day Bahamas cruise depart?
The cruise is scheduled to depart on May 27, 2027.
What is included in the 'from price' for this 4-day Bahamas cruise?
The 'from price' of $664 typically includes your cabin accommodation, meals in select dining venues, and most onboard activities. It generally does not include airfare, shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks, or gratuities.
Is this a roundtrip cruise, and if so, where does it return to?
Yes, this is a roundtrip cruise, and it will return to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Are there activities on the Mardi Gras ship suitable for families with children?
The Mardi Gras ship offers a variety of activities and facilities designed for all ages, including specific programs and areas for children and teens.