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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
Oct 14, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Oct 18, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseAccessibleBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day Bahamian adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, departing from the bustling Port Canaveral, your gateway to Orlando's world-class attractions. Spend a relaxing day at sea, indulging in the ship's incredible amenities before discovering the pristine beauty of Half Moon Cay. This private island paradise, renowned for its crescent-shaped beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offers a serene escape for sun-soaked relaxation and vibrant water activities. Your journey continues to Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation's eagerly anticipated private island destination. Designed exclusively for Carnival guests, Celebration Key promises an immersive Bahamian experience filled with lively entertainment, authentic culture, and endless opportunities for fun. Return to Port Canaveral refreshed and rejuvenated, with memories of sun-drenched days and thrilling discoveries. This 4-day cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Bahamian charm, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking an exciting escape with Carnival Cruise Line.

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, Accessible travelers
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 95

This short 4-day cruise on the Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral is an ideal choice for first-time cruisers, offering a fun, easy, and memorable introduction to cruising.

Is a 4-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 4-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience the ship and destinations, but short enough to serve as a perfect introduction to cruising without committing to a longer trip.
Are the destinations easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes two 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-timers.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-time cruisers?
Absolutely. The Mardi Gras is a modern, large ship with a wide variety of amenities, dining options, and entertainment, ensuring there's always something to do and making it an exciting and engaging experience for those new to cruising.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a large ship with abundant activities and private island fun, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages.

What kind of activities are available for children on the Mardi Gras ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its family-friendly amenities, including the first roller coaster at sea (Bolt), a water park, and extensive kids' clubs designed for various age groups, ensuring plenty of entertainment.
Are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, good for families?
Absolutely. Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private destinations designed with activities for all ages, offering pristine beaches, water sports, and family-friendly entertainment, making them perfect for a fun day ashore.
Is this a good length of cruise for a family with young kids?
Yes, a 4-day cruise is often ideal for families with young children as it's short enough to prevent boredom or overstimulation, while still offering a substantial vacation experience on a ship with many amenities.

Groups

Fit 85

This short, fun-filled cruise on the Mardi Gras to private islands is an excellent choice for groups, offering varied activities and easy planning for a memorable shared experience.

Is this 4-day cruise suitable for a group celebration or gathering?
Yes, a 4-day cruise on the Mardi Gras is very suitable for group celebrations. It's short enough to accommodate various schedules, and the ship offers a vast array of activities, dining, and entertainment perfect for a group experience.
Can a group arrange for private dining or meeting spaces on the Mardi Gras?
Large ships like the Mardi Gras often have options for group dining arrangements and, depending on the size and purpose of the group, may offer private meeting or celebration spaces. It's best to discuss specific group needs directly with Carnival.
What kinds of activities can a group enjoy together on the ship and in port?
Groups can enjoy a multitude of activities together on the Mardi Gras, from the Bolt roller coaster, water park, and live entertainment to diverse dining options. At Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, they can relax on the beach, participate in water sports, or explore the island amenities designed for fun for all.

Accessible travelers

Fit 75

As a modern ship, Mardi Gras likely offers good accessibility, and the private island destinations are usually designed for ease of access, making it a reasonable option for accessible travelers.

Does the Mardi Gras ship offer accessible cabins or features for travelers with disabilities?
Modern ships like the Mardi Gras are generally designed with accessible cabins and features to accommodate travelers with disabilities. You should confirm specific ADA cabin availability and ship accessibility details directly with Carnival.
Are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, accessible for someone using a mobility aid?
While the private islands are designed for ease of access for cruise guests, the exact level of accessibility for mobility aids, especially on beaches or for tenders if applicable, would need to be verified with the cruise line. Carnival's private destinations typically aim for good accessibility.
Are tenders used to get to the private islands, and if so, are they accessible?
The description states the ship will be at the private islands from morning to late afternoon, suggesting direct docking or frequent tender service. Information about the accessibility of tender boats, if used, should be confirmed directly with Carnival Cruise Line.

Couples

Fit 65

This short and active cruise offers a vibrant experience on Mardi Gras with private island stops; it could be a fun couples' getaway, though not specifically designed for romance.

Will there be romantic dining options available on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining experiences, but the cruise description doesn't specifically highlight intimate or romantic dining. You'd likely find a variety of choices suitable for a couple.
Are there adults-only areas where we can relax without kids?
Ships like the Mardi Gras typically feature adults-only areas such as Serenity Adult-Only Retreats, which would provide a quieter space for couples to relax and enjoy the journey.
Is the itinerary suitable for a couple looking for both relaxation and some adventure?
Yes, the itinerary offers a balanced mix. You'll have a relaxing day at sea with Mardi Gras's amenities, and the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, provide options for sun-soaked relaxation and various activities.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

This cruise on the lively Mardi Gras offers a good opportunity for solo travelers to socialize and enjoy many activities, though specific solo traveler amenities are not mentioned.

Are there any single or studio cabins available on the Mardi Gras?
The cruise description does not specify the availability of single or studio cabins. It's recommended to check directly with Carnival Cruise Line for cabin options designed for solo travelers.
Will there be opportunities to meet other solo travelers?
Cruises, especially on large ships like Mardi Gras, often have social events and activities that make it easy to meet other passengers. While no specific solo traveler meetups are mentioned, the ship's lively atmosphere encourages interaction.
Is this cruise good for a solo traveler who enjoys both relaxation and lively activities?
Yes, the Mardi Gras offers a wide range of activities, from the Bolt roller coaster to more relaxed dining and lounge areas, plus the private islands provide options for both active fun and serene beach time, fitting both preferences.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise ship will I be sailing on for this 4-day Bahamas trip?
You will be sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras for this 4-day Bahamian adventure.
Where does this 4-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What destinations will this 4-day cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key after a relaxing day at sea.
What is Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise known for its crescent-shaped beach and clear waters, offering relaxation and water activities.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests, featuring entertainment, culture, and various activities.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
The description highlights lively entertainment and endless opportunities for fun at Celebration Key, suggesting it is suitable for guests seeking an exciting escape, including families.
When does this particular 4-day cruise depart?
This specific 4-day cruise departs on October 14, 2027.
What is included in the 'from price' for this cruise?
The provided information only states a 'from price' of $424; it does not detail specific inclusions.