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5-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

5-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

5-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

The Bahamas 5 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Aug 14, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Aug 19, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseAccessibleCelebrationBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the bustling hub of Port Canaveral, set sail on your exquisite 5-day Bahamian escape aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras. Leave the ordinary behind and immerse yourself in a world of turquoise waters and sun-drenched shores. Spend a blissful day at sea, indulging in all the amenities and entertainment your Carnival cruise has to offer, before reaching the idyllic Half Moon Cay. Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island paradise, awaits with its pristine crescent beach, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life – perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding in the sun. Discover the captivating charm of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and inviting white-sand beaches beckon. Your tropical adventure culminates at the highly anticipated Celebration Key, Carnival's brand-new private destination promising an immersive and lively Bahamian experience designed exclusively for you.

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
    Nassau
    Nassau, the vibrant capital of the Bahamas, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Explore its colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches.
  5. 5
    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.
  6. 6
    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 5-day Bahamian cruise on the Mardi Gras is an excellent introduction to cruising, featuring popular ports, a modern ship, and a manageable duration.

Is this a good cruise for a first-timer?
Yes, this 5-day Bahamian cruise on the Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers. Its shorter duration, popular and easy-to-explore ports like Half Moon Cay and Nassau, and the modern, amenity-rich ship make for a great introduction to cruising.
Are the ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
Absolutely. Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands dedicated to cruise guests, making them very straightforward and enjoyable. Nassau is also a common and welcoming port for cruise visitors.
Is Carnival Cruise Line a good brand for beginners?
Carnival is very popular among first-time cruisers due to its fun and laid-back atmosphere, good value, and a wide variety of activities. The Mardi Gras, as one of their newest ships, offers a fantastic, modern experience.

Families

Fit 90

The Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for families, offering a short duration, exciting private islands, and a ship packed with family-friendly amenities.

Is this cruise good for kids?
Yes, absolutely! The Mardi Gras is a fantastic ship for kids, known for its extensive family-friendly features and activities, making it an ideal choice for a family vacation.
Are there enough activities to keep everyone entertained, including teens?
With a sea day, two private islands (Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key), and the vast array of attractions on Mardi Gras, including the first roller coaster at sea, there will be plenty to keep children and teens of all ages engaged and entertained throughout the 5-day cruise.
What kind of ports will we visit that are good for families?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, both private Carnival destinations designed with family fun in mind, offering pristine beaches and various activities. Nassau also provides opportunities for family excursions.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise on the Mardi Gras is excellent for groups due to its fun atmosphere, numerous activities, and diverse dining options.

Is this cruise good for a group vacation?
Yes, this 5-day cruise on the Mardi Gras is ideal for group vacations. The ship offers an abundance of activities, entertainment, and dining choices to satisfy diverse tastes within a group, and the Bahamian itinerary is broadly appealing.
Are there good options for group dining?
The Mardi Gras features many dining venues, including main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, providing ample opportunities for groups to dine together. Reservations for larger groups in specialty restaurants are advisable.
Can we book cabins close to each other for our group?
When booking as a group, it's often possible to request cabins in proximity, including connecting cabins. It is best to coordinate with your group and book early with your travel agent or Carnival directly to secure preferred arrangements.

Accessible travelers

Fit 75

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship with accessible features; however, tendering at Half Moon Cay could pose challenges for some. Celebration Key is designed for accessibility.

Are the ship and ports accessible for travelers with mobility challenges?
The Mardi Gras is a modern ship and should have good accessibility features onboard. Nassau is a docked port, making it generally accessible. However, Half Moon Cay is a tender port, which can pose challenges for guests with mobility issues.
Will getting on and off the ship be difficult at any of the stops?
Tendering to Half Moon Cay means transferring from the ship to a smaller boat, which can be difficult or impossible for some wheelchair users depending on sea conditions and specific mobility needs. Celebration Key is a docked port, offering easier access.
What accessibility features does Mardi Gras offer?
As a modern ship, Mardi Gras is designed with accessible cabins and public areas. Guests should contact Carnival directly or a travel agent to discuss specific needs and available accommodations or services.

Couples

Fit 65

This enjoyable Bahamian cruise can be a fun couples getaway, though Mardi Gras is a large, energetic ship not designed for intimate romance.

Is this cruise good for a romantic escape?
While the 5-day Bahamian itinerary offers beautiful destinations like Half Moon Cay and Nassau, the ship Mardi Gras is large and known for its vibrant, lively atmosphere, which might not be ideal for a truly intimate or romantic escape.
Are there good dining options for couples?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining options, from casual to specialty restaurants. While not all are inherently 'romantic', you can find diverse culinary experiences to enjoy together.
Will we be able to find quiet spots on the ship?
As a large Carnival ship, Mardi Gras can be quite bustling. While there are likely adult-only areas like Serenity Deck, finding truly quiet and secluded spots might require some searching during peak times.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras offers a social atmosphere for solo travelers, but specific solo cabin options or dedicated programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Is this cruise good for solo travelers?
The Mardi Gras is a lively ship with many activities, which can be great for meeting other travelers. However, the cruise details do not explicitly mention specific solo traveler cabins or dedicated social programs.
Will I feel out of place traveling alone?
Carnival cruises, especially on a ship like Mardi Gras, attract a diverse range of guests, including many ready to socialize. You will likely find opportunities to connect with others, whether at the bars, dining areas, or during activities.
Are there any solo traveler meet-ups or events?
While not explicitly stated for this particular cruise, Carnival often offers 'Fun Finder' events or daily meet-ups which can be good opportunities for solo travelers to connect. Check the daily onboard schedule upon embarkation.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is the duration of the 5-Day The Bahamas cruise aboard the Mardi Gras?
The cruise is 5 nights long, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
Which destinations will this cruise visit in The Bahamas?
This cruise visits Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island offering a pristine beach, clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and opportunities to relax in the sun.
What are the highlights of visiting Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial architecture, visit bustling markets, and enjoy white-sand beaches.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival's new private destination designed to provide an immersive Bahamian experience.
When does this particular cruise depart?
This specific cruise departs on August 14, 2027.