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Bahamian Bliss: Celebration, Nassau & Half Moon Cay Escape cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

Bahamian Bliss: Celebration, Nassau & Half Moon Cay Escape

Bahamian Bliss: Celebration, Nassau & Half Moon Cay Escape

The Bahamas 5 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Jul 26, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jul 31, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseCelebrationBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Set sail on an unforgettable 5-day Bahamian escape aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras. Departing from Port Canaveral, this journey is your ticket to sun-drenched days and star-filled nights, weaving together iconic destinations and unparalleled relaxation. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of fun and luxury, promising a getaway that rejuvenates the soul and sparks the imagination. Your adventure begins anew at Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest Bahamian destination, where pristine beaches and turquoise waters invite you to unwind or dive into exhilarating activities. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Nassau. Wander through colorful markets, explore colonial architecture, or simply savor the local flavors. The journey continues to the serene Half Moon Cay, a private island paradise offering an idyllic escape with its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters—the perfect backdrop for relaxation or aquatic adventures. Between these captivating ports, the Mardi Gras offers a universe of onboard delights. Indulge in gourmet dining, thrill to Broadway-caliber shows, or find your bliss at the spa. With every detail meticulously crafted for your enjoyment, this cruise is more than just a vacation—it’s a collection of cherished moments waiting to be made, blending the thrill of discovery with the ultimate in comfort and service.

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, with its world-famous theme parks and vibrant entertainment, and the stunning beaches of Florida.
  2. 2
    Celebration Key™
    Celebration Key™ is Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination on Grand Bahama, offering a vibrant and exclusive Bahamian experience for cruisers.
  3. 3
  4. 4
    RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™
    Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise in the Bahamas, known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding, and relaxing in a cabana.
  5. 5
    At Sea
  6. 6
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    Port Canaveral is a bustling gateway to Orlando, Florida, offering seamless access to world-renowned theme parks and the Kennedy Space Center. It is also a popular cruise departure point for those looking to explore the Caribbean and Atlantic.

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, well-known brand, and engaging Bahamian itinerary with private islands.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, absolutely. This 5-day itinerary on the Mardi Gras, a well-known Carnival ship, offers an excellent introduction to cruising with a manageable duration and popular Bahamian destinations.
Are the destinations easy and enjoyable for a first-timer?
You'll visit Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, which are very popular and accessible cruise destinations. The private islands offer straightforward relaxation and activities, ideal for a first-time visitor.
What can I expect from the ship experience as a first-timer?
The Mardi Gras is described as having an atmosphere of 'fun and luxury' with 'a universe of onboard delights,' including gourmet dining and Broadway-caliber shows. You can expect a vibrant and engaging experience with plenty to do.

Families

Fit 90

Excellent fit for families with short duration, engaging private island stops, and a fun-filled ship like Mardi Gras, offering plenty for all ages.

Are there activities on board for kids of all ages?
The Mardi Gras is known for its wide array of onboard delights, implying extensive activities suitable for various age groups, making it a great choice for families with children and teens.
What are the private island destinations like for families?
You'll visit Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay. Celebration Key is Carnival's new Bahamian destination with pristine beaches and activities, while Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise perfect for beach relaxation and aquatic adventures, both ideal for family fun.
Is the cruise duration good for families with young children?
This is a 5-day cruise, which is generally an ideal duration for families with young children, offering enough time to enjoy the experience without being too long for little ones.

Groups

Fit 85

Excellent for groups with a lively ship, diverse activities, and engaging Bahamian ports, offering something for everyone to enjoy together.

Are there good opportunities for group dining and activities?
The Mardi Gras features a 'universe of onboard delights' including gourmet dining and Broadway-caliber shows, which provide excellent opportunities for groups to dine together and enjoy entertainment. Larger ships are often well-equipped for groups.
Are the ports of call suitable for a group with varied interests?
The itinerary includes Celebration Key (Carnival's new destination), Nassau (history, culture, shopping), and Half Moon Cay (beach relaxation, aquatic activities), offering a diverse range of experiences to cater to different interests within a group.
Can we easily book multiple cabins close together for our group?
While not explicitly stated, booking multiple cabins close together for a group is a common request. You would need to coordinate with the cruise line or a travel agent to ensure proximity for your group when booking.

Solo travelers

Fit 70

A good option for solo travelers looking for a lively atmosphere and easy ports of call, with plenty of onboard activities to keep busy.

Will there be opportunities to meet other travelers?
The Mardi Gras promotes an atmosphere of fun, which suggests many opportunities to socialize through its onboard delights, shows, and dining experiences, making it quite conducive to meeting other travelers.
Are there specific activities or programs for solo travelers?
While the description doesn't explicitly mention solo traveler programs, large ships like Mardi Gras often have organized events or meet-ups. The general lively atmosphere ensures many opportunities to engage with others.
Are there any single supplement fees for solo cruisers?
The cruise data doesn't specify single supplement fees or dedicated studio cabins. You would need to check directly with Carnival Cruise Line for pricing related to solo occupancy.

Couples

Fit 65

This lively cruise offers fun Bahamian stops and onboard activities, but might lack the intimate, romance-focused experiences some couples seek.

Are there good dining options for a romantic meal?
The Mardi Gras offers gourmet dining experiences which can be a great option for a romantic meal, though specific specialty restaurants for couples are not detailed here. You can likely find suitable choices for a nice dinner together.
What kind of cabin would be best for privacy and a good view?
While the description doesn't specify cabin types, a balcony cabin would generally offer the most privacy and scenic views for a couple. You would need to check Carnival's Mardi Gras deck plans for availability and pricing.
Will there be adults-only areas to relax away from crowds?
Most large cruise ships like the Mardi Gras have adults-only areas such as Serenity Decks. While not explicitly mentioned, it's highly probable that you'll find designated spaces for relaxation away from general crowds.

Seniors

Fit 65

A reasonable option for seniors who enjoy a lively atmosphere and easily accessible Bahamian destinations, though a more relaxed pace might be preferred by some.

Is the pace of this cruise suitable for seniors?
This is a 5-day cruise with stops at three ports and a day at sea, offering a balanced pace. The private islands and Nassau allow for both relaxation and exploration at your own speed.
Are the ports of call easily accessible and manageable?
The cruise visits Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay. Private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay often provide direct tenders or docking, making them relatively easy to navigate, and Nassau is a well-established cruise port.
What kind of onboard activities are available for a more relaxed experience?
The Mardi Gras offers a universe of onboard delights, including finding your bliss at the spa, which caters to a more relaxed experience. There are likely other laid-back options available beyond the more energetic activities.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

A fun, lively cruise with private island stops and gourmet dining. While not exclusively romance-focused, it offers a great setting for a memorable honeymoon.

Are there private or romantic experiences available for honeymooners?
The cruise offers gourmet dining and visits to scenic private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which can provide romantic backdrops. While not marketed specifically for romance, you can certainly carve out private, cherished moments.
What kind of cabins offer the most privacy for a honeymoon?
To ensure maximum privacy for your honeymoon, a balcony cabin or suite would be recommended. These provide private outdoor space where you can enjoy the ocean views together.
Will this cruise be too lively for a romantic getaway?
The Mardi Gras is known for its atmosphere of 'fun and luxury,' suggesting a vibrant ship. While there are likely quieter areas, if you're seeking a very secluded and tranquil honeymoon, you might find it more lively than expected in general areas.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise ship will I be sailing on for the Bahamian Bliss escape?
You will be sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras for this 5-night Bahamian escape.
Where does the Bahamian Bliss cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral.
Which destinations will I visit on this 5-night Bahamian cruise?
You will visit Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay during this 5-night cruise.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival’s newest Bahamian destination, featuring pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
What activities are available on Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is a private island offering relaxation on white sands and aquatic activities in crystal-clear waters.
What can I expect to do onboard the Mardi Gras?
Onboard the Mardi Gras, you can enjoy gourmet dining, Broadway-caliber shows, and spa services, among other delights.
When does this Bahamian Bliss cruise depart?
This specific Bahamian Bliss cruise departs on July 26, 2027.
Is the Bahamian Bliss cruise suitable for families?
The Mardi Gras offers a universe of onboard delights, suggesting it is well-suited for a variety of guests, including families.