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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
Sep 2, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Sep 6, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the magic of Orlando to the sun-kissed shores of the Bahamas, prepare for an unforgettable 4-day escape aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras. Your journey begins in Port Canaveral, your gateway to world-class theme parks and attractions, offering thrilling pre-cruise adventures. Then, set sail for a day at sea, indulging in the ship's spectacular amenities and entertainment, from exhilarating activities to blissful relaxation. The highlight of your voyage awaits at Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's private island paradise. Sink your toes into the powdery white sands, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or discover vibrant marine life while snorkeling. This idyllic oasis promises a pristine escape for ultimate relaxation and exhilarating water activities. Continue your Bahamian adventure at Celebration Key™, an exciting new private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests. Anticipate a lively and immersive experience, filled with unique Bahamian culture, delicious cuisine, and endless fun under the Caribbean sun. Finally, return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated, with memories to last a lifetime. This cruise offers the perfect blend of thrilling adventures, serene beach days, and vibrant island experiences, all wrapped in Carnival's signature fun-filled atmosphere.

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: Jul 1, 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

An excellent choice for first-time cruisers due to its short duration, easy ports, and fun, accessible brand experience.

Is a 4-day cruise a good length for a first-timer?
Yes, a 4-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers as it offers a great taste of the cruise experience without being too long or overwhelming. You get to visit two private islands and enjoy a day at sea.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The cruise visits Carnival's private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are designed to be easy and enjoyable for guests, offering clear activities and amenities without overwhelming port logistics.
Is Carnival Cruise Line a good choice for someone's first cruise?
Carnival is known for its 'signature fun-filled atmosphere' and accessible price points, making it a very popular and welcoming brand for first-time cruisers looking for an enjoyable and straightforward vacation experience.

Families

Fit 90

Excellent fit for families with kids of all ages, offering a short duration, private islands with activities, and a fun-filled ship.

What activities are there for kids on the Mardi Gras and at the private islands?
The Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and most amenity-rich ship, implied by 'spectacular amenities and entertainment' and 'thrilling adventures'. Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are designed for 'exhilarating water activities' and 'endless fun', making them ideal for families.
Is the duration of the cruise suitable for families with young children?
Yes, this is a 4-day cruise, which is an ideal duration for families with young children or those new to cruising, providing a good taste of the experience without being too long.
Are there family-friendly dining options and accommodations?
The cruise highlights 'Carnival's signature fun-filled atmosphere', which traditionally includes a wide array of family-friendly dining and cabin options, though specific details about connecting cabins or kids' menus are not given.

Groups

Fit 85

Great for groups seeking fun and variety with two private island stops and a vibrant ship atmosphere.

Does the Mardi Gras offer group dining options or special event spaces?
As a large, modern ship known for its 'spectacular amenities and entertainment', the Mardi Gras is well-equipped to accommodate groups with various dining venues and spaces suitable for gatherings, though specifics are not detailed.
Are there activities on board and at the islands that cater to diverse group interests?
The ship offers 'thrilling adventures' and 'spectacular amenities and entertainment', while both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key promise 'exhilarating water activities' and 'endless fun', ensuring a wide range of options for diverse group interests.
Can we book blocks of cabins together for our group?
The description does not explicitly state options for booking cabin blocks. However, cruise lines generally offer this service for groups, which would need to be arranged through a cruise agent or Carnival directly.

Couples

Fit 70

This cruise offers a good blend of relaxation at private islands and ship amenities for couples, though it might lack high-end romance.

What romantic dining options are available on the Mardi Gras?
The cruise description highlights the Mardi Gras ship's 'spectacular amenities and entertainment', which generally include diverse dining choices, but doesn't specify intimate, romantic-focused restaurants for couples.
Are there adults-only areas for couples to relax?
While the description touts 'blissful relaxation' on the ship, it does not explicitly mention adults-only areas. Carnival ships typically offer Serenity Adult Only Retreat areas which would cater to this.
Are the private islands suitable for a romantic getaway?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer 'pristine escape for ultimate relaxation and exhilarating water activities' and 'lively and immersive experience,' which can certainly be enjoyed by couples seeking romantic beach days.

Honeymooners

Fit 65

A good option for a casual, fun honeymoon with private island experiences, but may lack high-end luxury or intimate romance found on other lines.

Are there special honeymoon packages or amenities available?
The cruise description focuses on the ship's general amenities and private island experiences, without explicitly mentioning specific honeymoon packages or exclusive amenities for newlyweds.
How private are the staterooms and dining experiences?
The description highlights the ship's 'spectacular amenities', but does not detail specific stateroom categories for privacy or intimate dining experiences explicitly geared towards honeymooners, beyond what a typical cruise offers.
Do the private islands offer romantic or secluded spots for us?
Half Moon Cay is described as a 'pristine escape for ultimate relaxation and exhilarating water activities', and Celebration Key offers an 'immersive Bahamian experience'. While not explicitly romantic, these private islands can offer secluded beach time for honeymooners.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The large, new ship is generally accessible, and private islands are often wheelchair-friendly, but specific ADA details are not provided.

Are there accessible cabins available, and how do I book one?
The cruise description does not specify details on accessible cabins. Most modern ships, especially a newer one like the Mardi Gras, are built with ADA-compliant cabins, but availability would need to be confirmed directly.
How accessible are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, for wheelchair users?
Both Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are Carnival's private islands, and frequently, these are designed with greater accessibility than public ports, often featuring accessible pathways and beach access. However, specific details are not provided.
Will I board using a gangway, or will I be tendered to any ports?
Private islands like Half Moon Cay are often accessed by tender boats, which can pose challenges for guests with mobility restrictions. Further research would be needed to confirm whether tendering or direct docking is used for these particular calls and the accessibility of each.

Seniors

Fit 60

A lively cruise with private island relaxation, but the 'fun-filled atmosphere' and potentially active excursions may not suit all seniors.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed, or is it very active?
The cruise description balances 'blissful relaxation' on the ship and 'pristine escape' at Half Moon Cay with 'thrilling adventures' and 'lively and immersive experience' at Celebration Key, offering a mix of paces.
Are there accessible options for older travelers on the ship and during excursions?
The description mentions 'spectacular amenities' but does not specify details on ship accessibility such as elevators or scooter access. The private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, are typically accessible.
What kind of entertainment is available for seniors who prefer a calmer atmosphere?
While the overall theme is 'fun-filled', the Mardi Gras offers 'spectacular amenities and entertainment', which usually includes a variety of options, from quiet lounges to shows, catering to different preferences.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, both private island destinations exclusively for Carnival guests.
Where does this 4-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is the ship for this cruise to the Bahamas?
You will be sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras for this cruise.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ offers powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters for swimming, and opportunities for snorkeling.
What can I expect at Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is a new private island destination designed for Carnival guests, offering a lively and immersive experience with Bahamian culture, cuisine, and activities.
Is there a day at sea included in this itinerary?
Yes, following departure from Port Canaveral, there will be a day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities before reaching the Bahamian islands.