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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 23, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Aug 28, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape to The Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Your journey begins with the allure of Orlando's world-class attractions, setting the stage for an adventure filled with excitement and relaxation. The highlight of your voyage is an exclusive visit to Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis, tailor-made for an immersive Bahamian experience. Imagine endless fun, vibrant culture, and pristine beaches awaiting your arrival. Continue your exploration in Nassau, the captivating capital of The Bahamas. Here, colorful colonial architecture, bustling local markets, and breathtaking white-sand beaches invite you to discover the island's unique charm. Next, unwind at Half Moon Cay, a private island paradise renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life. This idyllic sanctuary offers the perfect blend of serene relaxation and exhilarating water activities. Before returning to Port Canaveral, enjoy a blissful day at sea, indulging in the Mardi Gras's exceptional amenities and savoring the panoramic ocean views.

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
    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.
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    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.
  5. 5
    At Sea
  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 Bahamas cruise on a new Carnival ship is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers looking for an easy and fun experience.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely, a 5-day itinerary is an ideal length for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience cruising fully but short enough not to feel overwhelming, allowing you to discover if cruising is for you without a long commitment.
Are the ports of call easy for a first-time cruiser to navigate and enjoy?
Yes, the itinerary includes popular and generally easy-to-navigate Bahamian ports like Nassau, and private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, which are designed for seamless guest experiences, making them perfect for first-timers.
Will I understand how everything works on the ship, or is it complicated for newbies?
Carnival Cruise Line focuses on fun and ease, making it very user-friendly for first-timers. The Mardi Gras is a modern ship with clear signage and helpful crew, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience even if you've never cruised before.

Families

Fit 90

This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras with private island visits is an excellent fit for families seeking fun and easy travel.

Is this a good cruise for kids of different ages?
Absolutely, the Mardi Gras is a large, modern Carnival ship known for its extensive family amenities and activities. The itinerary also includes private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, which offer plenty of fun for all ages.
What kind of activities are available for children on the ship?
While specific kids' club details aren't listed, the Mardi Gras is designed with families in mind, offering a multitude of activities. Carnival generally provides robust kids' clubs, water parks, and entertainment that cater to various age groups.
Are the destinations family-friendly with things for us to do together?
Yes, Nassau offers cultural experiences and beaches, while Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay are private islands specifically designed for guest enjoyment, featuring beaches and water activities that families can enjoy together.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise on a large, amenity-rich ship to the Bahamas is a great fit for groups seeking fun and diverse activities.

Is the Mardi Gras ship large enough to accommodate a group comfortably?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is a very large and modern ship, designed to accommodate a high number of guests with various public spaces, dining venues, and entertainment options, making it ideal for groups.
Are there good options for group dining or gathering spaces on board?
Carnival's Mardi Gras offers numerous dining choices and expansive public areas that can accommodate groups for meals and social gatherings, though specific reservations for large groups would be advisable.
Do the itineraries and activities offer something for everyone in a diverse group?
With calls at lively Nassau, immersive experiences at Celebration Key™, and relaxing time at Half Moon Cay, plus a full day at sea on an amenity-rich ship, this cruise offers a wide range of activities to satisfy diverse interests within a group.

Seniors

Fit 65

This cruise offers a relaxed pace with private island visits, but seniors should confirm accessibility and the ship's specific offerings.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed enough for seniors?
With 5 days, including a full day at sea and calls at private islands like Half Moon Cay known for relaxation, the pace can be as relaxed as you make it, allowing ample time to enjoy the ship or the beaches.
Are the ports of call easily accessible for those with mobility concerns?
The itinerary includes Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, which are private islands often designed for easy access from the ship. However, accessibility at Nassau would depend on individual tour choices, and seniors should confirm boarding procedures for private islands.
Are there quiet areas on the Mardi Gras ship to relax away from crowds?
The Mardi Gras is a very large and lively ship, so while there might be some quieter lounges or deck areas, it's generally known for its bustling atmosphere. You may find more tranquility on the private island stops.

Couples

Fit 60

This cruise offers some romantic appeal with private island relaxation and a lively ship, but might be too family-oriented for some couples.

Are there good options for romantic dining on this ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship, so while specific intimate dining experiences aren't detailed, it generally offers a variety of dining venues, some of which may cater to a more romantic atmosphere. You'd need to check the ship's specific offerings.
Will we find quiet places to relax just the two of us?
The cruise includes visits to Half Moon Cay, a private island known for its serene relaxation and pristine beaches, which could offer some quiet spots for couples. However, the Mardi Gras itself is a very large, active ship, so truly quiet corners might be limited.
Is the itinerary varied enough for a couple looking for adventure and relaxation?
The itinerary balances port days with a day at sea, visiting lively Nassau, the private island Celebration Key™ for immersive Bahamian experiences, and the relaxing Half Moon Cay. This offers a mix of cultural exploration, beach relaxation, and shipboard activities.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is the departure port for this 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Which destinations are included on the 5-day Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas?
The cruise includes stops at Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, along with a day at sea.
What is Celebration Key and what can I expect there?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis in The Bahamas, designed for an immersive Bahamian experience with fun, culture, and beaches.
When does this particular 5-night Bahamas cruise depart?
This cruise is scheduled to depart on August 23, 2027.
What kind of activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear waters, and marine life; it offers both relaxation and water activities.
Is transportation from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral included in the cruise fare?
The description mentions departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), but it does not specify if airport transfers are included in the cruise fare.
What can I do in Nassau, The Bahamas?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial architecture, visit bustling local markets, and enjoy white-sand beaches.
What is the Mardi Gras ship like for a day at sea?
The Mardi Gras offers exceptional amenities and panoramic ocean views for guests to enjoy during a day at sea.