TNW TravelTNW Travel
5-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL cruise ship
Back to search
Carnival Cruise Line cruise line logo

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 13, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Dec 18, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, departing from the vibrant Port Canaveral, your gateway to the magic of Orlando. Your journey begins with anticipation as you set sail towards Celebration Key™, Carnival's brand-new private island oasis, designed for the ultimate Bahamian experience with endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Discover the captivating allure of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches invite you to explore and unwind. Indulge in a day of pure bliss at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, a picturesque private island renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life. Here, you can immerse yourself in tranquility or partake in thrilling water activities. Conclude your voyage with a leisurely day at sea, savoring the ship's amenities and the endless ocean vistas, before returning to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated from your Bahamian adventure.

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 cruise is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers due to its short duration, accessible ports, and well-known brand.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, this 5-day cruise is an excellent option for first-time cruisers. Its shorter duration and visits to popular, easy-to-explore Bahamian destinations like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ make for a great introductory experience.
What are the ports like for a first-timer?
The ports include Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, which are private islands designed to be relaxing and easy to navigate directly from the ship, perfect for first-timers. Nassau is also very walkable in its main tourist areas.
Is the ship overwhelming for a first-timer?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship, but Carnival is known for its user-friendly experience and clear signage. While there's a lot to do, the short duration helps make it manageable and allows first-timers to explore without feeling rushed.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families with its short duration, private island stops, and family-friendly ship.

Are there kid-friendly activities on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship known for extensive family-friendly amenities. The itinerary includes two private island stops: Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, which are ideal for families with beaches and water activities.
How long is the cruise and is it suitable for kids?
This is a 5-day cruise, which is a great duration for families with children, offering enough time to experience a cruise without being too long for younger travelers.
What kind of port activities are available for families?
The cruise visits Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, both private islands offering beaches and various water-based activities like swimming and snorkeling. Nassau also offers beaches and cultural sites suitable for older children.

Groups

Fit 85

This 5-day cruise to fun Bahamian destinations on a large ship is well-suited for groups seeking a lively getaway.

Is this cruise good for groups wanting to celebrate?
Absolutely, this 5-day Carnival cruise on the Mardi Gras is ideal for groups. Carnival ships are known for their celebratory atmosphere, and the private island stops offer excellent venues for group fun and relaxation together.
Are there good options for group dining or gathering spaces?
The Mardi Gras is a very large ship, and Carnival typically offers a wide variety of dining venues and public spaces suitable for groups to gather and dine together, though specific reservations for large groups might be needed.
What kind of group activities are available in port?
The itinerary includes Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, both private islands with numerous group-friendly activities like beach sports, water activities, and excursions. Nassau also offers plenty of group-friendly sightseeing and beach options.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The private island stops are generally accessible, but specifics for Mardi Gras and Nassau accessibility require further investigation for travelers with specific needs.

Are the private islands accessible for wheelchairs?
Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ are private islands, and such destinations are typically designed with pathways and amenities to be accessible from the ship. However, specific accessibility features would need confirmation from Carnival for individual needs.
Are the ports tendered or docked?
Generally, large cruise ships like the Mardi Gras dock directly at ports like Nassau and the private islands Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, which makes disembarkation much easier than tendering. The description does not mention tendering.
Are accessible cabins available on this ship?
Cruise lines typically offer a variety of accessible staterooms designed for guests with mobility challenges. While the description doesn't explicitly state availability for the Mardi Gras, it's standard for modern ships to have them, and you would need to contact the cruise line directly about booking.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a lively atmosphere and private island stops, which can be fun for couples, though it might lack high-end romantic exclusivity.

Are there good options for romantic dining on board?
The cruise description does not detail specific romantic dining options. While Carnival's Mardi Gras generally has various dining venues, the focus here is on the overall Bahamian experience rather than exclusive romantic settings.
Will we have enough time to relax on the private islands?
Yes, the itinerary includes full days from 8 AM to 5 PM at Celebration Key™ and 8 AM to 4 PM at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, providing ample time to enjoy the private island amenities and serene beaches.
Is the ship too lively for a quiet couples getaway?
Carnival's Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant and fun atmosphere, which might be very lively. While there are certainly places to relax, it might not be the best choice for couples seeking a consistently quiet and intimate vacation.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

A 5-day lively cruise like this can be good for solo travelers looking to socialize, especially with private island visits.

Is this cruise good for meeting other travelers?
Carnival cruises, especially on a large ship like Mardi Gras, are known for their lively and social atmosphere, making it generally easy to meet other travelers, particularly around the ship's various amenities and entertainment options.
Are there solo cabins or will I pay a single supplement?
The cruise description does not mention specific solo cabins or single supplement policies. It's common on many cruise lines for solo travelers to pay a single supplement, so it would be important to inquire directly about pricing.
Are there organized activities for solo travelers?
While the description doesn't explicitly detail solo traveler meet-ups, the general festive environment of a Carnival cruise and the various group activities on board and at the private islands naturally facilitate interaction among passengers.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian destinations will this cruise visit?
This cruise visits Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay™.
What is the duration of this cruise?
This is a 5-night cruise.
Where does this cruise depart from and return to?
This cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
What ship will I be sailing on for this cruise?
You will be sailing on the Mardi Gras ship for this cruise.
What can I expect at Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival's new private island designed for relaxation and fun in the Bahamas.
What can I expect at Nassau?
Nassau, the Bahamian capital, offers colonial architecture, markets, and beaches to explore.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ is known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear waters, and opportunities for tranquility or thrilling water activities.