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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
Dec 4, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Dec 9, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape to The Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Your adventure begins with the captivating allure of Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's exquisite private island paradise. Here, you'll discover a pristine crescent beach, embraced by the clearest turquoise waters, teeming with vibrant marine life – an idyllic sanctuary for relaxation and thrilling water sports alike. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where historic charm intertwines with modern delights. Wander through colorful colonial streets, haggle for treasures in bustling markets, and surrender to the allure of pristine white-sand beaches. This journey promises golden memories in the heart of the Caribbean. Next, get ready to experience the excitement of Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's brand-new private island destination, crafted exclusively for an immersive Bahamian experience for Carnival guests. This lively port promises to be a highlight, offering unique attractions, entertainment, and authentic island flavors. Concluding your adventure, you'll return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated by the beauty and excitement of The Bahamas.

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
    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 90

This cruise is an excellent choice for first-timers with its short duration, accessible ports, and familiar brand like Carnival.

Is a 5-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an ideal length for first-time cruisers as it provides a good taste of the cruise experience without being too long.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, which are Carnival's private destinations designed for easy guest experience, and Nassau, a popular and accessible port.
Is Carnival Cruise Line a good choice for first-time cruisers?
Carnival is a very popular and recognizable cruise line known for its fun and lively atmosphere, making it a great option for first-time cruisers looking for an enjoyable introduction to cruising.

Families

Fit 85

This cruise is a strong fit for families with its private island destinations offering activities and a family-friendly ship like the Mardi Gras.

What kind of activities are available for kids on the private islands?
Half Moon Cay™ offers water sports and a pristine beach, while Celebration Key™ is a new private island with unique attractions and entertainment designed for Carnival guests, likely including family-friendly options.
Is the Mardi Gras ship suitable for families with children?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern Carnival ship known for extensive family-friendly amenities, though the description itself focuses on the itinerary.
Are there good options for family excursions in Nassau?
Nassau offers historical charm, bustling markets for exploring, and pristine white-sand beaches, providing a variety of family-friendly activities, from cultural exploration to beach day fun.

Groups

Fit 75

This cruise is a good fit for groups with its private island experiences and a fun-focused ship like the Mardi Gras.

Are there good opportunities for group activities on the cruise or during port calls?
Yes, destinations like Half Moon Cay™ and the new Celebration Key™ offer various activities for groups, from water sports to entertainment, and Nassau provides opportunities for group exploration.
Can we arrange group dining together on the Mardi Gras ship?
While not explicitly stated, Carnival typically accommodates group dining requests, and a large ship like the Mardi Gras would have multiple dining venues suitable for groups.
Are there any special spaces on the ship for private group gatherings or celebrations?
The cruise description focuses on the itinerary, but a ship of the Mardi Gras's size generally offers various lounges and public spaces that could be utilized for group gatherings, potentially with prior arrangement.

Seniors

Fit 65

This cruise offers a relaxing pace with private island visits, suitable for seniors who enjoy a balance of relaxation and exploration.

Is the pace of the itinerary relaxed enough for senior travelers?
With two private island stops and one sea day on a 5-day cruise, the itinerary offers a comfortable pace with opportunities for relaxation and exploration without being overly rushed.
Are the private islands easily accessible for those with mobility concerns?
Half Moon Cay™ is a pristine beach destination and Celebration Key™ is a new private island; accessibility features would depend on the specific infrastructure provided at these locations, which is not detailed here.
Are there enrichment activities on board or during port calls?
The description focuses on the destinations, such as exploring Nassau's charm and the unique offerings of Celebration Key™. Onboard enrichment activities are not specified but Carnival generally has diverse options.

Couples

Fit 60

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and activities with private island stops, suitable for couples looking for a quick getaway.

Are there romantic dining options available on this cruise?
The cruise description focuses on the destinations rather than specific ship amenities, but Carnival's Mardi Gras generally offers a variety of dining options, some of which can be more intimate.
Will there be adults-only areas for relaxation?
While the description doesn't explicitly mention adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras, Carnival ships typically feature Serenity Adult-Only Retreats, which provide a quieter environment.
Are there opportunities for quiet, private moments on the private islands?
Half Moon Cay is described as an 'idyllic sanctuary for relaxation', suggesting opportunities for couples to find more private spots amidst the natural beauty, and Celebration Key™ offers various attractions.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What dates are available for the 5-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral on the Mardi Gras?
This specific 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras departs on 2027-12-04.
Which ports will this 5-day Bahamas cruise visit?
This cruise visits Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key. It also lists RelaxAway, which is likely a placeholder or internal term for a sea day or dedicated relaxation time.
What activities can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay offers a pristine beach, clear turquoise waters, and opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
What kinds of experiences does Nassau offer?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial streets, shop in bustling markets, and relax on white-sand beaches.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's new private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests, offering unique attractions and entertainment.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from and return to?
The cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a Bahamas cruise?
The Mardi Gras is Carnival Cruise Line's ship for this 5-day Bahamas voyage, suggesting it is well-suited for this itinerary.