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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
Jul 3, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jul 8, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the moment you depart Port Canaveral (Orlando), a world of extraordinary experiences awaits. Your journey begins with a relaxing day at sea, allowing you to discover the exciting amenities of the Mardi Gras before arriving at Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's private island oasis. Here, immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Bahamas, where crescent-shaped beaches meet crystal-clear turquoise waters – perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding under the Caribbean sun. The adventure continues in Nassau, the vibrant Bahamian capital, where colorful colonial architecture and bustling markets invite exploration. Stroll through historic streets, uncover duty-free treasures, and soak up the lively atmosphere. The excitement builds with a visit to the brand-new Celebration Key™, Carnival's exclusive private destination designed for ultimate fun and relaxation. Experience lively entertainment, delectable dining, and unique Bahamian-inspired activities, all crafted to deliver unforgettable memories. Before returning to Port Canaveral, reflect on the incredible moments and stunning vistas of your Bahamian escape. This cruise offers a perfect blend of tranquil island retreats, cultural discoveries, and exhilarating fun, all aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras.

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

This cruise is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers due to its short duration, easy-to-navigate ports, and modern ship.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers. It's a short 5-day duration, departs from a convenient port, visits private islands, and is on the modern 'magnificent Mardi Gras', offering a taste of cruising without being overwhelming.
Will I feel overwhelmed on a big ship like the Mardi Gras?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship, its design focuses on intuitive navigation and varied experiences. The 'relaxing day at sea' at the start allows you to explore and get comfortable with the ship at your own pace.
Are the ports easy to navigate for a first-timer?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, Carnival's private islands, which are designed to be easy and enjoyable for guests, offering a comfortable introduction to port visits. Nassau is also a common and generally straightforward port.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a short duration, engaging ship amenities, and private island fun.

Is this a good cruise for families with kids?
Yes, this cruise is excellent for families due to the 'magnificent Mardi Gras' which is a known modern ship with extensive family-friendly amenities, and visits to Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, both private islands designed for fun.
What kind of activities are available for children on this cruise?
Children can enjoy 'exciting amenities' on the Mardi Gras, along with swimming and water activities at Half Moon Cay™ and 'lively entertainment' and 'unique Bahamian-inspired activities' at Celebration Key™.
What are the ports like for families?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, both Carnival's private islands, offering controlled, family-friendly environments with plenty of activities, alongside Nassau for cultural exploration.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent choice for groups, offering varied activities, a lively ship, and a convenient short duration.

Is this cruise good for a group trip?
Yes, this cruise is an excellent choice for groups. The 'magnificent Mardi Gras' offers diverse activities for various interests, and the itinerary includes private islands and Nassau, providing fun experiences for everyone in a group.
Are there options for group dining or gathering spaces on the ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its extensive dining venues and public spaces, making it highly suitable for groups to dine together or find gathering spots, though specifics are not in the description.
What kind of group activities are available at the ports?
Groups can enjoy a multitude of activities, from relaxing on the beaches of Half Moon Cay™ to exploring Nassau's cultural sites and participating in the 'lively entertainment' and 'unique Bahamian-inspired activities' at Celebration Key™.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a lively, fun atmosphere but might lack dedicated romantic amenities, though private island stops offer quality time.

Is this cruise good for couples looking for a romantic getaway?
While the Mardi Gras offers a fun atmosphere and private island visits, it's a large, lively ship known for its entertainment, which might not be ideal for couples seeking a quiet, intimate romantic escape.
Are there any special dining options for couples?
The cruise description mentions 'delectable dining' on Celebration Key™ and onboard the Mardi Gras, but it doesn't specify unique, intimate dining experiences exclusively for couples.
What activities can couples enjoy together?
Couples can enjoy relaxing on Half Moon Cay™'s pristine beaches, exploring the vibrant culture of Nassau, and experiencing the entertainment and activities on Celebration Key™ and the Mardi Gras.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras offers ample opportunities for socialization and fun, but it's unclear if there are dedicated solo traveler programs or cabin types.

Is this cruise good for solo travelers to meet people?
The 'exciting amenities' on the Mardi Gras and 'lively entertainment' at Celebration Key™ suggest a social atmosphere where solo travelers could meet others, particularly given the ship's size.
Are there solo cabins or amenities for single cruisers?
The cruise description does not mention specific solo cabins or amenities designed for single cruisers, which might mean standard pricing applies without single supplement waivers.
What activities can a solo traveler enjoy on this cruise?
A solo traveler can enjoy exploring Half Moon Cay™'s beaches, delving into Nassau's culture, and participating in the various entertainment and activities offered on the Mardi Gras and at Celebration Key™.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What unique destinations will I visit on this 5-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral?
This cruise visits Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island, the Bahamian capital of Nassau, and the new private destination Celebration Key. You will also have a relaxing day at sea.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay offers pristine crescent-shaped beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or unwinding under the Caribbean sun.
What can I expect in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial architecture, browse bustling markets for duty-free treasures, and soak up the lively Bahamian atmosphere.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival's exclusive private destination, offering lively entertainment, delectable dining, and unique Bahamian-inspired activities.
Which ship will I be sailing on for this itinerary?
You will be sailing aboard the Mardi Gras for this 5-day Bahamas cruise.
When does this particular 5-day Bahamas cruise depart?
This specific cruise departs on July 3, 2027.
Where does this cruise depart from?
This cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
With private islands featuring beaches and a new exclusive destination designed for fun, this cruise offers activities and relaxation suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families.