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 18, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Dec 23, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsFirst TimePrivate IslandWarm WeatherEasy Getaway
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, Groups, First-time cruisers
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.

Families

Fit 90

This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras is excellent for families with its modern ship, private island visits, and short duration.

What kind of kids' activities are available on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is a newer Carnival ship and is known for its extensive family-friendly amenities, including water parks, kids' clubs for various age groups, and diverse entertainment options.
Are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, good for families with children?
Yes, both Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are designed with family fun in mind, offering beautiful beaches, water sports, and amenities suitable for all ages.
Is the duration of this cruise suitable for families with young children?
The 5-day duration is ideal for families, offering enough time to enjoy the cruise and destinations without being too long for younger children, departing from and returning to Port Canaveral.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise is a strong option for groups with its fun-focused ship, group-friendly private islands, and manageable duration allowing for coordinated fun.

Is the Mardi Gras ship well-suited for group activities and celebrations?
Absolutely, the Mardi Gras is a feature-rich ship designed for fun and entertainment, making it ideal for groups with its various dining venues, bars, and activity zones for collective enjoyment and celebration.
Are there good options for group dining or booking blocks of cabins for our group?
Yes, cruise lines like Carnival are accustomed to groups, making it possible to arrange group dining reservations and often to book blocks of cabins together, though availability depends on how far in advance you book.
Do the ports offer group-friendly excursions or activities for all of us to do together?
The private islands (Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key) and Nassau offer a range of activities from beach relaxation to water sports and sightseeing, many of which are suitable for groups to enjoy together.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers looking for a fun and easy experience.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-timers, offering enough time to experience life at sea and visit a few destinations without committing to a longer trip.
Are the ports of call easy for someone new to cruising to navigate?
The itinerary includes popular Bahamian destinations like Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key, which are generally very accessible and geared towards cruise visitors, making them easy to enjoy for first-timers.
Is the Mardi Gras ship easy to get around and understand for someone new to cruising?
Being a new and modern ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with good flow and clear signage. Carnival also focuses on a fun, straightforward experience, making it friendly for first-time cruisers to navigate and enjoy.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship with good accessibility, though one tendered port makes it a slightly mixed fit for mobility-impaired accessibility.

Does the Mardi Gras ship offer accessible cabins and amenities?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with accessible cabins and features, including wider doorways, roll-in showers, and accessible public areas, catering to guests with mobility needs.
Are all the ports of call accessible, or will there be tendering?
Half Moon Cay is a tendered port, which means guests use smaller boats to get to shore, which can be challenging or impossible for some individuals with significant mobility impairments. Nassau and Celebration Key are typically dockable.
What support is available for accessible travelers if I need assistance onboard or in port?
Carnival provides information and accommodations for guests with disabilities. It's recommended to contact Carnival directly to discuss specific needs and assistance for both onboard services and port excursions prior to booking.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and activities on a modern ship, suitable for couples seeking a fun and relatively short getaway.

Are there good dining options for a romantic meal onboard?
The Mardi Gras ship, being a newer vessel, likely offers a variety of specialty dining venues beyond the main dining rooms, which could provide a more intimate experience for couples.
Will we find adults-only areas on this ship for some quiet time?
Carnival ships typically feature adults-only areas like the Serenity Retreat, which would offer a peaceful escape for couples looking for relaxation away from the main family-oriented activities.
What kind of activities are available for couples in ports like Half Moon Cay and Nassau?
In Half Moon Cay, couples can enjoy pristine beaches and water activities. Nassau offers historical sites, local markets, and beautiful beaches, providing a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, which can be great for solo travelers, although dedicated solo cabins are not guaranteed.

Does the Mardi Gras have specific cabins or programs for solo travelers?
While the Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship with many activities, Carnival generally doesn't feature dedicated solo cabins or extensive solo-specific programs like some other cruise lines. Solo travelers usually book standard cabins.
Will I find opportunities to socialize and meet other people on this cruise?
Absolutely, the Mardi Gras is known for its lively atmosphere, bustling bars, and diverse activities, providing ample opportunities to meet other passengers, whether in common areas or during excursions.
Is the pricing for solo travelers reasonable, or is there a high single supplement?
Typically, solo travelers on Carnival cruises pay a 'single supplement,' meaning you'd pay nearly double for a cabin designed for two people, as there are no specific solo cabins mentioned for this cruise.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What specific destinations will this 5-day Bahamas cruise visit?
This 5-day cruise will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, Nassau, and Celebration Key™.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
The cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
What ship will I be sailing on for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
You will be sailing on the Mardi Gras ship for this cruise.
Is this Bahamas cruise suitable for families with children?
Given the ship Mardi Gras typically offers many family-friendly amenities, this cruise is generally suitable for families with children.
What activities are available at the private destinations like Half Moon Cay™ or Celebration Key™?
Typically, private island destinations like Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™ offer beaches, water sports, dining, and relaxation areas. Specific activities would be detailed closer to the sailing date.
When is the departure date for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
This cruise departs on 2027-12-18.