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Unforgettable 5-Day Bahamas Escape on Mardi Gras cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

Unforgettable 5-Day Bahamas Escape on Mardi Gras

Unforgettable 5-Day Bahamas Escape on Mardi Gras

The Bahamas 5 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Aug 9, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Aug 14, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Embark on a spectacular 5-day roundtrip journey from Port Canaveral, Florida, aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras. Your Bahamian escapade begins with a day at the sensational Celebration Key™, Carnival's brand-new private destination, offering pristine beaches, thrilling water sports, and exclusive island experiences. Dive into the vibrant culture and historic charm of Nassau, with opportunities to explore bustling markets, colonial architecture, and duty-free shopping. Indulge in the blissful tranquility of Half Moon Cay™, a private island paradise where powdery white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Spend your day snorkeling, horseback riding, or simply unwinding under the Caribbean sun. A relaxing day at sea allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras experience, from its exhilarating roller coaster to gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. This unforgettable cruise promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled fun, making every moment a cherished memory.

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
Families, First-time cruisers, 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 the gateway to Orlando, Florida, offering seamless access to its world-famous theme parks and attractions. Beyond the magic, visitors can explore the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a tribute to human spaceflight.
  2. 2
    Celebration Key™
    Celebration Key™ is an exclusive, private destination in the Bahamas, offering pristine beaches, thrilling water sports, and vibrant cultural experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.
  3. 3
    Nassau
    Nassau, the vibrant capital of The Bahamas, boasts stunning beaches, colorful coral reefs, and a rich history of pirates and colonial charm.
  4. 4
    RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™
    Half Moon Cay, or Little San Salvador Island, is a private island in the Bahamas owned by Holland America Line. This crescent-shaped paradise offers pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and horseback riding along the shore.
  5. 5
    At Sea
  6. 6
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    Port Canaveral is a bustling gateway to Orlando, Florida, offering seamless access to world-renowned theme parks and stunning Atlantic beaches.

Who this cruise is for

AI-scored fit by traveler type, grounded in this cruise's itinerary and ship.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families with its action-packed ship, private island destinations, and short duration perfect for a fun getaway.

What activities are available for kids and teenagers on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is known for being a fun ship, featuring an exhilarating roller coaster and other world-class entertainment, which would appeal greatly to kids and teenagers. Specific kids' clubs are typical for a ship of this size and brand.
Are the private island stops good for families with children?
Yes, both Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ are described as offering pristine beaches and thrilling water sports, making them excellent family-friendly destinations for swimming, playing, and other activities.
Is a 5-day cruise a good duration for a family trip?
A 5-day cruise is an ideal duration for families, offering enough time to enjoy the ship's amenities and explore destinations without being too long for younger children or those with limited vacation time.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

An excellent choice for first-timers, offering a short, affordable, and engaging itinerary to popular destinations on a well-known, fun-filled ship.

Is a 5-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an ideal duration for a first-time cruiser. It's long enough to experience the ship and destinations, but short enough to avoid feeling overwhelming, with a good balance of port days and a day at sea.
Are the ports of call easy for a first-timer to navigate?
The itinerary includes popular destinations like Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay™. These are generally well-suited for first-timers, offering clear tourist areas and organized excursions. Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ are private destinations designed for easy guest experience.
What kind of onboarding experience can I expect as a first-time cruiser?
While specific onboarding details aren't provided, Carnival Cruise Line is a major operator, and they typically have streamlined processes for embarkation. The information says 'roundtrip journey from Port Canaveral,' suggesting standard procedures which are usually well-guided.

Groups

Fit 80

This cruise offers a dynamic ship and engaging private island destinations, making it a great option for diverse groups seeking fun and relaxation together.

Are there group dining options or special arrangements for groups on Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras offers gourmet dining, and as a major cruise line, Carnival typically accommodates group dining requests and reservations for main dining rooms. Specific arrangements for private events would need to be investigated.
Are there suitable activities for a diverse group of travelers?
Yes, with the ship's exhilarating roller coaster, world-class entertainment, and private island stops like Celebration Key™ offering various water sports and beach activities, there's a wide range of options to cater to diverse interests within a group.
Can we book blocks of cabins together for our group?
Cruise lines typically allow groups to book blocks of cabins together, often offering specific group rates and amenities. It would be best to contact Carnival Cruise Line directly to arrange this for your group.

Solo travelers

Fit 70

The Mardi Gras offers a vibrant environment and diverse activities ideal for solo travelers to socialize and explore, though information on single supplements isn't provided.

Will there be opportunities to meet other solo travelers?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship known for its world-class entertainment and a variety of activities, making it a great environment for solo travelers to engage and potentially meet others during onboard events or at destinations like Celebration Key™.
Are there activities on board that are good for solo participation?
Absolutely, the ship's exhilarating roller coaster, gourmet dining options, and various entertainment choices provide plenty of activities that can be enjoyed individually, allowing solo travelers to set their own pace.
Are there any single supplements for this cruise?
The provided information does not specify details regarding single supplements for solo travelers. You would need to check with the cruise line directly for pricing options for individuals.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and activities with private island visits, though the ship's focus might lean more towards high-energy fun than intimate romance.

Are there romantic dining options for couples?
The Mardi Gras ship offers gourmet dining, which would include options suitable for couples looking for a special meal. Specific intimate dining experiences would depend on the onboard restaurants available.
Will we find quiet spots for relaxation on this cruise, or is it mostly high-energy?
While the Mardi Gras is known for exhilarating attractions like its roller coaster, the itinerary includes tranquil stops like Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™ which offer pristine beaches for relaxation, balancing the ship's more energetic atmosphere.
Are there balcony cabins available for a more private experience?
The description mentions 'magnificent Mardi Gras,' implying a contemporary ship that typically offers a range of cabin types, including balcony cabins. These would provide a more private setting for couples.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a mix of relaxation and exploration with private island visits, but the high-energy ship and short duration might not suit all seniors preferring a slower pace.

Is the pace of this 5-day cruise too fast for seniors?
The 5-day duration is relatively short, with multiple port calls and a busy ship like the Mardi Gras. While there's a day at sea for relaxation, the overall pace might feel brisk for those preferring a slower, more extended journey.
Are the private island excursions accessible and easy to navigate for seniors?
Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ offer pristine beaches, which generally involve walking on sand. While specific accessibility details aren't provided, private islands often have options for various activity levels.
Does the Mardi Gras offer quiet areas for relaxation for seniors?
Despite the ship's lively attractions, modern cruise ships typically include various lounges, deck areas, and potentially adults-only zones that offer quieter environments for relaxation, complementing the more active entertainment.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

This cruise provides a good blend of romantic private island escapes and fun activities, but the ship's lively atmosphere might not suit all honeymoon preferences for quiet intimacy.

Are there private or secluded areas on the ship or islands for honeymooners?
The private island destinations, Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, offer pristine beaches and the opportunity for quiet relaxation under the Caribbean sun, providing secluded moments away from the main crowds.
Will this cruise offer special amenities or experiences for honeymooners?
While the description doesn't explicitly mention honeymoon packages, the ship offers gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, which could be part of a special experience. You'd need to inquire about specific premium dining or romantic upgrades.
Is the Mardi Gras ship too lively for a romantic honeymoon?
The Mardi Gras is known for its exhilarating roller coaster and active fun, which might be lively. However, the itinerary includes relaxing days at sea and tranquil private island visits, offering a balance to the ship's energy.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What dates are available for this 5-day Bahamas cruise on Mardi Gras?
This specific 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras departs on August 9, 2027.
Where does the 5-day Mardi Gras Bahamas cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral, Florida.
What destinations will I visit on the 5-day Mardi Gras Bahamas cruise?
You will visit Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
What is Celebration Key and what can I do there?
Celebration Key is Carnival's new private destination offering pristine beaches, water sports, and exclusive island experiences.
What activities are available on Half Moon Cay?
On Half Moon Cay, you can enjoy snorkeling, horseback riding, or relaxing on the white sand beaches.
What can I expect during a 'day at sea' on the Mardi Gras?
A day at sea allows you to experience the ship's amenities, such as the roller coaster, gourmet dining, and entertainment.
Is this cruise suitable for first-time cruisers or families?
Yes, with its blend of adventure and relaxation, and diverse activities on a large ship like Mardi Gras, it's suitable for various travelers including families and first-timers.
What is the starting price for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
The cruise starts from $524.