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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 30, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Oct 4, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseCelebrationBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the magic of Orlando to the idyllic shores of the Bahamas, this 4-day cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras promises an unforgettable escape. Setting sail from Port Canaveral, your adventure begins with easy access to world-class theme parks and attractions, allowing you to extend the excitement of your vacation on land before embarking on your nautical journey. A relaxing day at sea follows, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the Mardi Gras' incredible amenities, from gourmet dining to thrilling entertainment. The highlight of your Bahamian sojourn awaits at Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's private island paradise. Here, pure white sand meets crystal-clear turquoise waters – ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding under the Caribbean sun. Then, prepare for the vibrant energy of Celebration Key™, an upcoming private destination crafted exclusively for Carnival guests, where Bahamian charm meets exhilarating experiences. Concluding your voyage back at Port Canaveral, you'll carry with you memories of sun-drenched beaches, exhilarating discoveries, and the unparalleled fun of a Carnival cruise.

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 95

An excellent choice for first-timers; short duration, popular private islands, and a modern ship offer an easy and fun introduction to cruising.

Is a 4-day cruise too short for a first-time cruiser?
A 4-day cruise is an ideal length for first-time cruisers, offering a taste of the cruise experience without a long commitment. It includes a sea day to explore the ship and two private island stops.
Are the ports in the Bahamas easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
Yes, Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™ are Carnival's private island destinations, designed for ease of use with pre-arranged activities and amenities, making them very straightforward and enjoyable for first-time cruisers.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-time cruisers?
The Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and most innovative ship, offering a wide array of dining, entertainment, and activities. Its modern design and diverse offerings make it an exciting and engaging choice for first-time cruisers.

Families

Fit 90

Excellent fit for families seeking a fun, budget-friendly cruise with private island stops and a lively atmosphere on a modern ship.

What amenities for kids are available on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and largest ship, known for extensive family-friendly amenities, including Bolt roller coaster, water slides, and various kids' clubs like Camp Ocean, making it ideal for all ages.
Are the private island destinations good for families with children?
Yes, Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™ (upcoming) are private destinations designed for resort-style fun, offering beaches, water activities, and family-friendly shoreside experiences suitable for children.
Is this cruise budget-friendly for a family vacation?
With an estimated starting price of $424 for a 4-day cruise, this option can be quite budget-friendly for families, offering a good value for the amenities and destinations included on the Mardi Gras.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise offers a fantastic option for groups due to its lively ship, private island stops, and affordable short duration.

Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for groups looking for diverse activities?
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras is Carnival's largest ship, featuring a roller coaster (Bolt), multiple dining venues, various entertainment options, and lots of deck space, ensuring there's something for every member of a group to enjoy.
Are there good options for group dining or gathering spaces on board?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining establishments, including casual and specialty options, accommodating diverse preferences. There are also many public lounges and deck areas suitable for groups to gather.
Are the private island destinations suitable for group activities?
Yes, both Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™ are private islands designed for fun, offering ample space for groups to relax on the beach, participate in watersports, or enjoy island-specific activities together.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

Modern ship and private islands generally offer good accessibility, but specific tender operations to Half Moon Cay may pose challenges.

Are the ports of call accessible for wheelchair users or guests with mobility issues?
Port Canaveral and Celebration Key are typically dockable, offering good accessibility. However, Half Moon Cay is often a tender port, meaning guests transfer via smaller boats, which can pose challenges for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility issues.
Does the Mardi Gras have accessible cabins and public areas?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with accessible features, including ADA-compliant cabins and accessible public areas, gangways, and restrooms. It's recommended to confirm specific needs directly with Carnival.
How easy is it to get around the ship for someone with limited mobility?
The Mardi Gras is a very large ship, so while it has elevators and accessible pathways, covering long distances might be a factor for those with limited mobility. However, its modern design generally supports ease of movement within the ship.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise offers a fun, affordable getaway on a lively ship, though it might lack privacy or high-end romance for some couples.

Are there romantic dining options on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining venues, including specialty restaurants that could provide a more intimate experience for couples; however, specific details on dedicated 'romantic' options were not provided.
Does the Mardi Gras offer adults-only areas for relaxation?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship designed for a broad audience, Carnival ships typically feature adults-only retreats like Serenity Adult-Only Retreats, which could offer a quieter space for couples.
Is this cruise too short for a romantic getaway?
This is a 4-day cruise, which provides a brief escape to the Bahamas. While short, it could be a fun and affordable option for a quick romantic trip, especially with the private island stops.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers an accessible and fun Bahamian escape, though the energetic Mardi Gras might be too lively for those preferring a quieter pace.

Is the Mardi Gras ship easy to navigate for seniors or those with mobility concerns?
The Mardi Gras is a modern ship with accessible design features. However, its large size means there will be a fair amount of walking, and seniors seeking a very relaxed pace might find the ship's energy levels quite high.
What kind of activities are available for seniors on this cruise?
While the Mardi Gras is known for its energetic atmosphere, it also offers diverse activities, including pools, various dining options, and shows. The private island stops provide opportunities for relaxation on the beach.
Are the port excursions at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key easily accessible?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key (upcoming) are private islands designed for ease of access, generally offering accessible paths and facilities. Guests can enjoy beach time, often with options for water sports or simply relaxing near the ship.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

A lively ship and accessible private island stops make this a decent choice, but check for potential single supplement costs and specific solo events.

Does the Mardi Gras have dedicated solo cabins or events for solo travelers?
The cruise description does not specify dedicated solo cabins or organized solo traveler events on the Mardi Gras. Solo travelers should inquire directly with the cruise line regarding single supplement policies and social programs.
Is this a good cruise for meeting other people?
The Mardi Gras is a large and popular ship known for its lively atmosphere and numerous communal spaces and activities, which could provide many opportunities for solo travelers to meet other cruisers.
Are the private islands safe and easy to explore alone?
Both Half Moon Cay™ and the upcoming Celebration Key™ are private destinations managed by Carnival, offering a safe and contained environment with various organized activities and easy access to beaches, making them suitable for solo exploration.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is the typical age range or demographic for this 4-day Bahamas cruise on Mardi Gras?
This cruise is well-suited for families, couples, and friends looking for a short getaway with a mix of relaxation and activities, appealing to a broad demographic due to the Mardi Gras' diverse amenities and private island stops.
What activities are available for families with young children on the Mardi Gras ship?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous family-friendly amenities, including dedicated kids' clubs, water parks, and entertainment options suitable for various age groups.
What distinguishes Celebration Key™ from Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ is known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty, offering classic private island relaxation. Celebration Key™ is a new private destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests, promising a blend of Bahamian charm with diverse and exhilarating experiences.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of beyond the 'from price' of $424?
The 'from price' typically covers the cruise fare, accommodation, most meals, and select onboard entertainment. Additional costs often include gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and personal expenses.
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on the Mardi Gras ship?
The Mardi Gras offers a wide array of dining options, from complimentary casual and main dining room venues to specialty restaurants that may incur an extra charge.
What accessibility features are available on the Mardi Gras for guests with mobility concerns?
The Mardi Gras is designed with accessibility in mind, offering accessible staterooms and common areas. Guests with specific mobility concerns should contact the cruise line directly for detailed information and to confirm suitable accommodations.
What is the best way to get to Port Canaveral from Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
Guests can arrange for shuttle services, taxis, ride-sharing, or private car services to travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral, which is approximately a 45-minute to an hour's drive.
How far in advance should I book this 4-day Bahamas cruise for departures in 2027?
Booking well in advance, especially for popular itineraries and ship like Mardi Gras, is recommended to secure preferred stateroom categories and potentially better pricing, often 12-18 months prior to departure.