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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 28, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jan 2, 2028 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the moment you depart Port Canaveral, your adventure begins! This bustling Florida port is just a stone's throw from Orlando's world-famous theme parks, offering an exciting prelude or grand finale to your Bahamian escape. Enjoy a relaxing "at sea" day aboard the Mardi Gras, savoring all the ship's incredible amenities as you sail toward paradise.Your first island stop is the pristine Half Moon Cay, Carnival Cruise Line's idyllic private oasis. Sink your toes into the soft, white sands of this crescent-shaped beach, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or explore the vibrant marine life just beneath the surface. Next, immerse yourself in the lively charm of Nassau, the Bahamian capital. Discover colorful colonial architecture, browse bustling markets for local treasures, and unwind on stunning white-sand beaches.Experience the innovative Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation's brand-new private island destination. Designed exclusively for Carnival guests, Celebration Key promises an immersive Bahamian experience filled with excitement and relaxation tailored to your every whim. As your unforgettable 5-day journey concludes, you'll return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and invigorated by the vibrant spirit 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 95

An excellent choice for first-timers, offering a short, action-packed cruise on a popular ship with straightforward, engaging destinations.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely! A 5-day cruise is an ideal length for first-timers, as it's long enough to experience the full cruise lifestyle but short enough to avoid feeling overwhelmed or committing to a longer trip.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for someone new to cruising, and will I need a passport?
The ports, including private islands Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, are very accessible and geared for cruise visitors. While generally recommended, for closed-loop cruises from the US, a passport is not always strictly required for US citizens, but it is highly advised.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-timers to get a full cruise experience?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is one of Carnival's newest and largest ships, offering a vast array of activities, dining, and entertainment, providing an exciting and comprehensive cruise experience for a first-timer.

Families

Fit 90

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

Are there enough activities to keep my kids entertained on the ship and at port?
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras is packed with family-friendly amenities, and the itinerary includes private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key which offer many activities for all ages.
Are there kid-friendly dining options available?
The Mardi Gras offers a wide variety of dining options suitable for families, including casual eateries where kids can find favorites and dedicated children's menus in other venues.
What kind of family-friendly shore excursions are offered in the Bahamas?
The private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, are designed with family fun in mind, featuring beaches, water sports, and protected swimming areas. Nassau also offers various family-oriented tours.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise offers a lively atmosphere and diverse activities, making it a strong fit for groups looking for fun and shared experiences.

Does the Mardi Gras have options for group dining or booking tables together?
Yes, the Mardi Gras can typically accommodate group dining requests, especially if pre-arranged. You can often request to sit together in the main dining rooms, and larger groups can explore specialty dining options.
Are there enough activities and entertainment on board to keep a diverse group engaged?
Absolutely. The Mardi Gras is celebrated for its wide array of activities, including a roller coaster at sea, live music, a casino, and various lounges, ensuring there's something for every member of your group.
What kind of group activities or shore excursions are available in the Bahamas?
The itinerary includes two private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which offer numerous group-friendly activities like beach sports, snorkeling, and relaxation areas. Nassau also has customizable group tours.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The Mardi Gras provides good onboard accessibility, but tendered ports and private island experiences should be reviewed for individual needs.

Are there accessible cabins available on the Mardi Gras for travelers with disabilities?
Yes, the Mardi Gras, being a modern vessel, features a good number of ADA-compliant accessible cabins with wider doors, roll-in showers, and grab bars to accommodate travelers with disabilities.
Will all port calls be via gangway, or will there be tendered ports where accessibility might be an issue?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, which is a tendered port, meaning guests are transported from the ship to shore via smaller boats. This can present challenges for some mobility aid users, so it's important to check specific tendering conditions.
How accessible are the main areas and amenities on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible routes to most public areas, including dining venues, theaters, and pools, ensuring a comfortable experience onboard.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a lively, energetic experience on a large ship, with private island stops making it a reasonable option for couples.

Will there be romantic dining options available for just the two of us?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship designed for a broad audience, it offers specialty dining venues which can provide a more intimate experience for couples beyond the main dining rooms.
Are there adults-only areas or activities where we can relax away from crowds?
The Mardi Gras typically features adults-only areas such as the Serenity Retreat, providing a quieter space for couples to relax and enjoy their time together.
Does this itinerary offer opportunities for romantic excursions or quiet beach time?
Yes, visits to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, both private island destinations, offer beautiful beaches and opportunities for relaxation and water activities, some of which can be enjoyed privately.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

This lively cruise on a large ship can be good for solo travelers looking to socialize, but it lacks dedicated solo cabins or programs.

Does the Mardi Gras offer solo cabins or charge a significant single supplement?
The Mardi Gras typically does not feature dedicated solo cabins. Solo travelers usually pay a single supplement, which means the cost for one person occupying a standard cabin is higher than half the double occupancy rate.
Are there organized activities or spaces where I can meet other solo travelers?
While Carnival traditionally doesn't have dedicated solo traveler programs, the Mardi Gras is a very social ship with many bars, lounges, and activities where it's easy to mingle and meet people.
Is the atmosphere on this cruise generally friendly for solo travelers looking to socialize?
Yes, Carnival ships, including the Mardi Gras, are known for their energetic and social atmosphere, making it relatively easy for solo travelers to join groups and meet new friends, especially in public venues and during activities.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is the duration of this cruise?
This is a 5-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
What destinations will this cruise visit?
The cruise will visit Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and the new private island destination, Celebration Key. There will also be a day at sea.
Which ship operates this Bahamas cruise?
This particular Bahamas cruise is on the Mardi Gras ship.
Where does this cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is unique about the private islands visited on this itinerary?
You will visit Half Moon Cay, known for its pristine crescent-shaped beach, and the brand-new Celebration Key, Carnival's exclusive immersive Bahamian destination.
Is this cruise suitable for first-time cruisers?
Yes, a 5-day itinerary to the Bahamas is often a good option for first-time cruisers to experience cruising and explore popular Caribbean destinations.