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

From the sun-kissed shores of Port Canaveral, set sail on an unforgettable 5-day Bahamian adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras. Your journey begins with the enchanting allure of Nassau, where vibrant colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches beckon. Immerse yourself in the rich history and lively culture of this Bahamian gem before continuing to the highly anticipated Celebration Key™. This exclusive private island paradise, created by Carnival, promises an unparalleled Bahamian experience, meticulously designed for endless fun and relaxation. Discover thrilling activities, serene escapes, and authentic island charm at every turn.The idyllic Half Moon Cay™ awaits, offering a pristine escape with its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life. Here, you can indulge in ultimate relaxation or dive into exciting water sports amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Spend a blissful day at sea, savoring the Mardi Gras's world-class amenities, entertainment, and culinary delights as you cruise towards your return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated by your Bahamian odyssey.

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
    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.
  3. 3
    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.
  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

An excellent choice for first-time cruisers due to its short duration, popular Bahamian itinerary featuring private islands, and a familiar cruise line.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, absolutely. This 5-day cruise is perfect for first-time cruisers due to its shorter duration, popular destinations like Nassau and private islands, and being on a well-known Carnival ship, the Mardi Gras.
Are the ports easy to navigate for a first-timer?
Nassau is a straightforward port. Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are private islands owned by Carnival, making them very easy to navigate with clear directions and organized activities specifically for cruise guests.
What is the onboarding process like?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral, a major homeport, and being on Carnival, the onboarding process is typically well-organized and simplified for all passengers, including first-time cruisers.

Families

Fit 90

Excellent fit for families due to the ship's known family-friendly features and destinations like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay.

Are there kid-friendly activities on board?
While specific kids' clubs and water parks aren't detailed, the Mardi Gras is a Carnival ship known for its extensive family-friendly amenities, entertainment, and culinary delights, making it highly suitable for children.
What can families do at the destinations?
Families will love Celebration Key™, designed for endless fun, and Half Moon Cay™ for its pristine beaches and water activities. Nassau also offers a mix of exploring and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
Are there accommodations for families with multiple children?
The cruise description doesn't specify cabin types, but large ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer connecting cabins or family staterooms to accommodate families comfortably.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise is a strong option for groups looking for a fun, energetic experience with a variety of activities and destinations.

Could a group easily book adjoining or blocks of cabins?
The Mardi Gras is a very large ship, so it should be possible for groups to book multiple cabins, including adjoining ones, depending on availability. It's best to book well in advance for group arrangements.
Are there good group dining options?
The Mardi Gras offers world-class culinary delights, meaning there will likely be various dining venues, including main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, that can accommodate group reservations for shared meals.
What group activities are available on board and ashore?
Groups can enjoy the ship's entertainment and amenities together. Ashore, they can explore Nassau, participate in thrill activities at Celebration Key, or relax on the beaches of Half Moon Cay, offering a range of shared experiences.

Couples

Fit 65

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

Are there romantic dining options for couples?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with world-class amenities and culinary delights, likely offering a variety of dining experiences suitable for couples, though specific intimate dining venues are not detailed in this description.
What kind of activities can couples enjoy together?
Couples can explore the vibrant culture of Nassau, relax on the beaches of Half Moon Cay, or enjoy the thrilling activities available at Celebration Key. The ship itself also offers various entertainment options.
Is a balcony cabin available for privacy?
The cruise description does not specify cabin types, but the Mardi Gras is a modern, large ship where balcony cabins are typically available for reservation, offering a more private experience for couples.

Seniors

Fit 60

A reasonably good fit for active seniors who enjoy a lively atmosphere and accessible ports, but may not suit those seeking very quiet relaxation.

Is the pace of the cruise relaxed, or is it very active?
This 5-day cruise includes stops in Nassau, Celebration Key, and Half Moon Cay, offering a mix of shore excursions and a full sea day, suggesting a balanced and not overly rushed pace, though the Mardi Gras can be quite lively.
Are the ports easily accessible for seniors?
Nassau is a prominent port, and private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are typically designed with good accessibility in mind, often offering pier or easy tendering access.
Will there be activities suitable for seniors?
The Mardi Gras offers world-class amenities and entertainment. Seniors can enjoy relaxing on beaches, exploring colonial Nassau, and various onboard activities tailored to a broad audience, including enrichment though not specifically detailed here.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship likely offering good accessibility, but specific details on port tendering are needed.

Are there accessible cabins available on this ship?
While not explicitly mentioned, the Mardi Gras, being a modern vessel from Carnival Cruise Line, would be expected to have ADA-compliant accessible cabins available for booking.
Are the ports of call accessible for wheelchairs?
Nassau is a large port, and private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are generally designed with some level of accessibility in mind. However, the description doesn't specify if all ports are dock-on or if tendering (boat transfer) is required, which can impact accessibility for some.
What level of ship accessibility can I expect on the Mardi Gras?
As a grand, modern ship, the Mardi Gras is likely to be highly accessible with elevators, wide corridors, and accessible public areas. However, specific details should be confirmed directly with the cruise line.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this 5-day cruise visit?
This 5-day cruise will visit Nassau, Celebration Key™, and Half Moon Cay™ in The Bahamas.
Where does this 5-day Bahamian 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 Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras ship.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is an exclusive private island paradise created by Carnival, offering activities, relaxation, and island charm.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ offers a pristine escape with a crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear waters, marine life, and opportunities for relaxation or water sports.
When does this specific 5-day cruise depart?
This particular 5-day cruise departs on December 23, 2027.