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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 28, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Nov 1, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Embark on a captivating 4-day Bahamian adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. This bustling port serves as your gateway to both thrilling theme parks and the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with relaxation, adventure, and vibrant island experiences. Your voyage includes a blissful day at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island oasis in the Bahamas. Here, you'll discover a pristine crescent-shaped beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Indulge in an array of water sports or simply unwind amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of this idyllic paradise. The excitement continues at Celebration Key™, an upcoming private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests, promising an immersive Bahamian experience like no other. Return to Port Canaveral invigorated, with cherished memories of sun-drenched beaches, exhilarating activities, and the unparalleled hospitality of Carnival Cruise Line. This 4-day escape offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

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 due to its short duration, accessible departure, and engaging private island experiences.

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. Its short duration provides a perfect introduction to cruising without a major time commitment, and the departure from Port Canaveral is convenient for many travelers.
Will I feel overwhelmed on a big ship like the Mardi Gras as a first-timer?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship, but the 4-day itinerary with straightforward private island stops (Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key) means you'll have a clear schedule and plenty of space to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Are the destinations easy for a first-time cruiser to enjoy?
Yes, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private island destinations where everything is set up for Carnival guests, making it very easy to enjoy the beaches and activities without needing to plan complex excursions in foreign ports.

Families

Fit 85

This cruise is a strong fit for families with its short duration, private island destinations perfect for all ages, and departure from Orlando.

Is this a good cruise for families with kids?
Yes, this 4-day Bahamian cruise on the Carnival Mardi Gras is ideal for families. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with visits to Carnival's private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are excellent for all ages.
Are there activities available for children on the ship or islands?
The private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, are designed for guest enjoyment with water sports and beach activities. While shipboard activities aren't detailed, Carnival is known for its family-friendly amenities, and the Mardi Gras is a modern ship likely featuring many options.
What makes this cruise family-friendly from Port Canaveral?
Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando) is a huge bonus for families, as it allows for combining the cruise with a trip to world-class theme parks. The short 4-day duration is also perfect for a first family cruise or a quick getaway.

Groups

Fit 80

This 4-day cruise to private islands on the Mardi Gras is a great fit for groups seeking fun and relaxation in a lively setting.

Is this a good cruise for a group celebrating a special occasion?
Yes, this 4-day Bahamian cruise on the Carnival Mardi Gras is well-suited for groups. The ship's lively atmosphere and visits to private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer excellent opportunities for group fun and relaxation.
Are there activities on board or ashore that groups can enjoy together?
The private island destinations, Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key, provide perfect settings for group beach activities, water sports, and general relaxation together. The Mardi Gras itself offers many onboard entertainment options suitable for groups.
Can a group book cabins together or arrange group dining?
While not explicitly stated in the description, Carnival typically allows groups to book cabins in blocks and can often accommodate group dining requests, making it easy to coordinate plans for your entire party.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise offers some romantic elements with private island days, but the carnival atmosphere might not suit all couples seeking intimate luxury.

Is this a good cruise for a romantic getaway?
With visits to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, you'll find beautiful private island settings for relaxation. However, the Carnival Mardi Gras tends to attract a lively crowd, which might not be ideal for couples seeking a very quiet, intimate escape.
Are there adults-only areas on the ship?
While the specific amenities of the Mardi Gras aren't detailed, most Carnival ships offer adults-only areas like Serenity Retreat, which could provide a more tranquil space for couples.
What kind of dining options are available for couples?
The cruise description focuses on the private island experiences rather than specific dining. Carnival offers a range of dining, from casual to specialty restaurants, but intimate dining options for couples are not explicitly highlighted in this overview.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

A 4-day Bahamian adventure on a large Carnival ship offers social opportunities, but the description doesn't mention specific solo cabins or programs.

Is this a good cruise for a solo traveler?
A 4-day cruise is a good duration for solo travelers looking for a quick getaway without a long commitment. Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras are generally lively, providing ample opportunities to meet other passengers, especially on private island excursions.
Are there any solo traveler meet-ups or social events?
The cruise description does not specify social programs or meet-ups tailored for solo travelers. You would need to check Carnival's onboard schedule upon embarkation for such events.
Are there studio cabins or single supplements on this cruise?
Specific cabin types or solo traveler pricing are not mentioned in the cruise details provided. Solo travelers often pay a single supplement, so it's advisable to check pricing before booking.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

While modern ships offer accessibility, lack of specific details on port tendering and cabin types means travelers should directly confirm their needs.

How accessible is this cruise for guests with mobility challenges?
The Mardi Gras is a modern ship, so it likely has accessible features onboard. However, the description doesn't specify if the private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key require tendering, which can sometimes pose challenges for guests with mobility issues.
Are there ADA-compliant cabins available on the Mardi Gras?
While most modern cruise ships offer ADA-compliant cabins, the description does not explicitly state their availability or features for the Mardi Gras on this specific sailing. It's best to confirm directly with the cruise line.
What about accessibility at the private island destinations?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands, likely designed with guest comfort in mind. However, specific details on beach access, pathways, and availability of mobility equipment on the islands are not provided, so direct inquiry is recommended.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this 4-day cruise visit?
This cruise includes a stop at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island, and Celebration Key™, another private island destination.
What is the departure port for this Carnival cruise?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What ship will I be sailing on for this 4-day Bahamas cruise?
You will be sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras for this itinerary.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, this 4-day escape is described as an ideal getaway for families, as well as couples and solo travelers.
What can I expect to do at Half Moon Cay?
At Half Moon Cay, you can sunbathe and swim on a pristine crescent-shaped beach, or participate in various water sports.
When does this 4-day Bahamas cruise depart?
This specific cruise departs on October 28, 2027.