Embark on a spectacular 5-day journey to the Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Line's flagship, Mardi Gras. Departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, your adventure begins the moment you step onboard, promising endless entertainment, delectable dining, and rejuvenating relaxation. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures a perfect blend of sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and authentic Caribbean charm, making every moment an unforgettable memory.
The heart of your Bahamian escape lies in our exclusive destinations. Discover the vibrant energy of Celebration Key™, Carnival's brand-new private island paradise, offering pristine beaches, thrilling water sports, and unique cultural experiences. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling streets and rich history of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, where duty-free shopping, exquisite cuisine, and charming colonial architecture await. Conclude your island hopping with a serene visit to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's award-winning private island, renowned for its spectacular snorkeling, horseback riding, and untouched natural beauty, providing the ultimate sanctuary for relaxation.
Between these captivating ports, indulge in a full day at sea, where the Mardi Gras truly shines. From the exhilaration of the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster to the tranquil Cloud 9 Spa, and a diverse array of dining experiences, there's something to delight every passenger. As your journey concludes back in Port Canaveral, you'll carry with you not just souvenirs, but a treasure trove of cherished memories from an unforgettable Bahamian escape.
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!
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Advisor take
Independent notes from a TNW Travel advisor
Best for
Families, First-time cruisers, Groups, Couples
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.
This bustling port is your gateway to the magic of Orlando, where theme parks and rocket launches await. Sun-drenched beaches and nature preserves are also just a stone's throw away.
Celebration Key™ is Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination on Grand Bahama, offering pristine beaches and a vibrant Bahamian atmosphere.
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a pristine private island paradise, where white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering an idyllic escape for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts alike.
Port Canaveral is the gateway to Orlando, Florida, and its world-famous theme parks, but also offers its own attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and beautiful stretches of beach.
Who this cruise is for
AI-scored fit by traveler type, grounded in this cruise's itinerary and ship.
Families
Fit 90
The Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for families, packed with activities like a sea coaster and private islands with water-based fun.
What kind of activities are available for kids and teenagers on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is packed with family-friendly fun, highlighted by the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster. Private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ offer pristine beaches and thrilling water sports, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
Are there family-friendly dining options and diverse food choices for picky eaters?
The cruise boasts a diverse array of dining experiences onboard the Mardi Gras, catering to various tastes. This typically includes casual eateries, buffets, and specialty restaurants suitable for families with different preferences.
How long is the cruise, and are the ports easy to navigate with children?
This is a 5-day cruise, a great duration for families. The itinerary includes private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, which are designed to be easily accessible and offer controlled environments for family enjoyment, alongside the bustling streets of Nassau.
First-time cruisers
Fit 85
An excellent choice for first-timers, offering a short, action-packed cruise on a modern ship to accessible, fun-filled destinations.
Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, this 5-day Bahamas escape on the Mardi Gras is an excellent option for first-time cruisers. It's a relatively short duration, features a modern flagship ship with plentiful amenities, and visits easy-to-enjoy destinations like private islands.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate, and what activities are available for beginners?
The itinerary includes Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, both private islands designed for easy visitor experience with clear activity options like beaches and water sports. Nassau offers a cultural taste of the Bahamas. Onboard, the Mardi Gras has endless entertainment suitable for all.
How complicated is the boarding and disembarkation process?
While the description doesn't detail the process, Carnival Cruise Line aims for a straightforward experience, especially departing from a major hub like Port Canaveral. Being a flagship, the Mardi Gras is expected to have efficient operations, which is beneficial for first-timers.
Groups
Fit 80
A 5-day Bahamas cruise on a large, activity-rich ship is ideal for groups seeking shared fun and diverse options.
Are there options for group dining or booking multiple cabins close together?
The Mardi Gras, a large ship with a diverse array of dining experiences, typically offers options for groups to dine together. Booking multiple cabins close to each other is generally possible, especially when making reservations in advance through a group booking agent.
What kind of group activities or celebration spaces are available on the ship?
The Mardi Gras is packed with entertainment, including the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster and various entertainment venues, providing ample opportunities for group activities and celebrations. The private island stops also offer group-friendly beach and water-based fun.
Is the itinerary suitable for a group with varied interests, from relaxation to adventure?
Yes, this itinerary perfectly blends adventure and relaxation. The Mardi Gras offers thrills like the sea coaster, while the private islands provide opportunities for water sports or serene beach time. Nassau also offers shopping and cultural exploration, catering to diverse group interests.
Couples
Fit 75
This cruise offers a good blend of entertainment and relaxation, with private island stops and varied dining, appealing to couples looking for a fun escape.
Are there any romantic or intimate dining options onboard or at the destinations?
The Mardi Gras offers a diverse array of dining experiences, which includes options like specialty restaurants that can provide a more intimate setting for couples. Off the ship, destinations like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ offer beautiful beaches for romantic strolls.
What activities are available for couples looking for relaxation or adventure?
Couples can find both adventure on the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster and relaxation in the Cloud 9 Spa onboard. The private island stops at Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ also provide opportunities for water sports, pristine beaches, and serene escapes.
Are there adults-only areas or quiet spaces on the ship where we can relax together?
While the description doesn't explicitly mention adults-only areas, larger Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras typically feature areas such as a Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. The Cloud 9 Spa also offers a peaceful environment for relaxation away from the main hubbub.
Honeymooners
Fit 70
This cruise offers a lively atmosphere and beautiful private island stops ideal for celebrating, though intimate romance might require seeking out specific spaces.
Are there any special packages or amenities for honeymooners?
While the description doesn't explicitly state specific honeymoon packages, the cruise offers premium experiences like the Cloud 9 Spa and diverse dining options that honeymooners can enjoy. The private island destinations provide a romantic backdrop for special moments.
Do the dining options include a variety of specialty restaurants for romantic dinners?
The Mardi Gras provides a diverse array of dining experiences, which generally includes several specialty restaurants. These venues typically offer a more upscale and intimate setting, perfect for romantic dinners for honeymooners.
Are balcony cabins or suites available for a more private experience?
The description implies a range of accommodations, and the Mardi Gras, being a flagship vessel, would almost certainly offer balcony cabins and suites. These would provide enhanced privacy and ocean views, ideal for a honeymoon escape.
Solo travelers
Fit 65
With a vibrant ship and social private islands, a solo traveler can find engagement, though no specific solo cabins or programs are mentioned.
Are there any single supplements or solo traveler cabin options?
The description does not specify solo traveler cabin options or discuss single supplements. It's recommended to inquire directly about pricing for solo cruisers, as cabins are typically priced based on double occupancy.
What opportunities are there to meet other travelers on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is known for its energetic atmosphere and a diverse array of entertainment and dining options, providing many opportunities for solo travelers to mingle. The private island stops offer social environments for interaction as well.
Is the ship easy to navigate as a solo traveler, and are there activities suitable for individuals?
Absolutely, the ship offers something to delight every passenger, from the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster to the Cloud 9 Spa, ensuring plenty of activities for individuals. The onboard experience and port excursions are designed to be enjoyable whether you're with a group or exploring alone.
Seniors
Fit 60
This cruise offers relaxation and entertainment but might be too high-energy for some seniors, while still providing enjoyable private island visits.
Is the pace of the itinerary relaxed, or is it very active with many excursions?
The 5-day itinerary includes three port days with options ranging from bustling Nassau to serene Half Moon Cay™, plus a full day at sea. This allows for a mix of activity and relaxation, though Mardi Gras itself is known for being an active ship.
What kind of entertainment and dining options are suitable for seniors?
The Mardi Gras offers a diverse array of dining experiences, catering to various tastes. While it features high-energy attractions like the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster, there are also more relaxed options such as the Cloud 9 Spa and various shows and lounges typically found on large ships.
Are the ports of call easily accessible, and are there options for those with mobility concerns?
The cruise visits Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, both private islands, which are generally well-equipped for guest access. Nassau is a more bustling port. Accessibility details for specific excursions would need to be confirmed directly with the cruise line.
Frequently asked about this cruise
What cruise ship will I be sailing on for this Bahamas escape?
You will be sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's flagship, Mardi Gras, known for its endless entertainment and diverse dining options.
How long is this Bahamas cruise?
This is a 5-day, 5-night cruise to the Bahamas.
When does this cruise depart?
The cruise departs on July 12, 2027.
From what port does this cruise depart and return?
The cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral, Florida.
What destinations will I visit on this Bahamas cruise?
You will visit Celebration Key™, Nassau, and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™.
What activities are available on the Mardi Gras ship?
Onboard the Mardi Gras, you can experience the Bolt™ Ultimate Sea Coaster, the Cloud 9 Spa, and a diverse array of dining experiences.
Are there any private island stops on this itinerary?
Yes, this itinerary includes stops at Celebration Key™, Carnival's brand-new private island, and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's award-winning private island.
What can I expect to do at Celebration Key™?
At Celebration Key™, you can enjoy pristine beaches, thrilling water sports, and unique cultural experiences.
