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Bahamian Bliss: Mardi Gras' 5-Day Tropical Escape cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

Bahamian Bliss: Mardi Gras' 5-Day Tropical Escape

Bahamian Bliss: Mardi Gras' 5-Day Tropical Escape

The Bahamas 5 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Jul 31, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Aug 5, 2027 at 8:00 AM

Set sail on an unforgettable 5-day Bahamian cruise aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras. Your journey begins in Port Canaveral, Florida, where you'll embark on a tropical adventure designed to rejuvenate your spirit and ignite your senses. Spend your days basking in the sun at the private oasis of Half Moon Cay™, where pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to unwind. Feel the rhythm of Bahamian culture as you explore the bustling streets of Nassau, and discover the vibrant energy of Celebration Key™. Each day brings a new discovery, from the ship's exhilarating amenities to the serene beauty of the islands. Indulge in world-class dining, thrilling entertainment, and activities for every taste. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this cruise offers the perfect blend of both. Return to Port Canaveral refreshed and revitalized, with memories to last a lifetime. This Bahamian escape on the Mardi Gras is more than just a cruise; it's an experience that promises paradise found.

Mardi Gras cruise ship
About the ship
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, 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.

Page last updated: Jul 1, 2026

Itinerary

  1. 1
    This bustling port is the gateway to Orlando's theme parks and a launchpad for स्पेस exploration.
  2. 2
    At Sea
  3. 3
    Half Moon Cay, also known as Little San Salvador Island, is a private island in the Bahamas known for its crescent-shaped white sand beach. It's a serene escape with opportunities for swimming, horseback riding, and watersports.
  4. 4
    Nassau is a vibrant port with a rich history, known for its stunning turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and colorful colonial architecture.
  5. 5
    Celebration Key™ is an exclusive private destination in The Bahamas, crafted for ultimate relaxation and fun with pristine beaches and vibrant activities.
  6. 6
    Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, is a bustling gateway to the Caribbean and Bahamas, offering a perfect blend of sun, sand, and space exploration.

Who this cruise is for

AI-scored fit by traveler type, grounded in this cruise's itinerary and ship.

First-time cruisers

Fit 95

The short duration, familiar Caribbean region, clear itinerary with private islands, and large ship amenities make this an excellent choice for first-time cruisers.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers, offering a substantial taste of the cruise experience without requiring a long commitment, making it easy to see if cruising is a good fit.
Are the ports of call easy for first-timers to navigate?
The itinerary includes familiar Bahamian ports like Nassau and private islands Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are generally very accessible and easy to explore, offering a smooth introduction to port visits for first-timers.
Will the Mardi Gras ship be overwhelming or easy to get around for a newcomer?
While Mardi Gras is a large ship, it is designed with clear wayfinding and comprehensive services, making it generally easy for first-timers to navigate and discover its 'exhilarating amenities' and 'world-class dining.'

Families

Fit 90

With a large ship like Mardi Gras and destinations like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, this cruise is an excellent fit for families seeking variety and fun.

What activities are available for children on the Mardi Gras ship?
The Mardi Gras is known for its wide range of entertainment and activities, and the description promises 'thrilling entertainment, and activities for every taste,' which typically includes extensive children's programs and attractions on a ship of this size.
Are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, suitable for families with kids?
Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are described as private island destinations with 'pristine beaches' and 'vibrant activities,' which are generally very family-friendly, offering swimming, watersports, and planned fun for all ages.
Is the duration of the cruise good for families with young children?
This 5-day cruise is a great length for families, particularly those with younger children, allowing for a good taste of a cruise vacation without being too long.

Groups

Fit 85

This 5-day Bahamian cruise on the Mardi Gras with diverse activities and private island visits is well-suited for groups looking for a fun and engaging getaway.

Can the cruise accommodate group dining for a party of our size?
The Mardi Gras offers 'world-class dining' with multiple options, and large ships are typically well-equipped to accommodate group dining arrangements, which can often be pre-booked.
Are there group activities or private spaces available for our party?
With 'thrilling entertainment, and activities for every taste,' Mardi Gras has numerous venues and opportunities for groups to enjoy activities together, and private spaces might be available to reserve for special events.
Do the private islands offer good options for group fun and relaxation?
Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are described as private islands with 'vibrant activities' and 'pristine beaches,' making them ideal destinations for groups to enjoy watersports, relax, and create shared memories.

Couples

Fit 75

This short Bahamian cruise on a large ship offers a balance of relaxed private island time and vibrant port visits, suitable for couples looking for a quick getaway.

Are there romantic dining options or special experiences for couples?
The cruise description highlights 'world-class dining' and 'activities for every taste,' suggesting there will be diverse dining options to choose from that could be suited for a romantic evening.
What kind of cabin would be best for privacy and relaxation?
While specific cabin types aren't detailed, on a ship like Mardi Gras, balcony cabins or suites are typically available and would provide privacy for couples seeking a more intimate experience.
Are there any adults-only areas on the ship or private island?
The cruise visits Half Moon Cay, a private island known for its serene escape, and large ships like Mardi Gras often feature adults-only areas such as a Serenity Deck, which could be ideal for couples seeking quiet time.

Accessible travelers

Fit 75

Departing from Port Canaveral with private island stops and Nassau, this cruise has potential for accessibility but details on ship and port accessibility need verification.

Are the Mardi Gras ship and its public areas wheelchair accessible?
As a modern, large cruise ship, the Mardi Gras is generally designed to be accessible, including wide corridors, elevators, and accessible public areas, though specific details should be confirmed with the cruise line.
Are the ports of call accessible for guests with mobility challenges?
Port Canaveral is a major port generally equipped for accessibility. Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands, often designed with paths and beach access to accommodate guests, but Nassau, as a regular port city, may present more varied terrain and challenges. Tendership status for private islands would need to be checked.
Are there accessible stateroom options available on this cruise?
Most contemporary cruise ships like the Mardi Gras offer a range of accessible staterooms designed for guests with disabilities, though availability should be confirmed when booking.

Honeymooners

Fit 70

This cruise offers a quick and vibrant escape to the Bahamas, with private island visits that could appeal to honeymooners looking for fun and a bit of relaxation.

Are there intimate experiences or special packages for honeymooners?
While not explicitly stated, large ships like Mardi Gras often offer special packages or amenities for honeymooners, and the 'world-class dining' can cater to romantic evenings.
Do the private islands offer secluded spots for couples?
Half Moon Cay is highlighted as a 'serene escape' with 'pristine beaches,' and Celebration Key emphasizes 'ultimate relaxation,' both providing opportunities for honeymooners to find more secluded or tranquil spots.
What cabin options provide the most privacy for a honeymoon?
Although specific cabin types aren't mentioned, a honeymooning couple would typically seek a balcony cabin or a suite on a large ship like Mardi Gras for enhanced privacy and a personal outdoor space.

Seniors

Fit 65

This cruise offers a relaxing pace with private island visits, potentially suiting seniors who enjoy a balance of tranquility and light exploration, though the ship's energy might be high.

Is the pace of this 5-day itinerary relaxed or fast-paced?
This 5-day itinerary includes one full sea day and visits to private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key which offer serene environments, allowing for a mix of activity and relaxation suitable for a relaxed pace.
Are the ports of call easily accessible and manageable for seniors?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands designed for easy access and comfortable exploration, offering pristine beaches and various amenities that should be manageable for most seniors. Nassau offers typical port city exploration.
Will there be quiet spaces or enrichment activities for seniors on the Mardi Gras?
While Mardi Gras is a large ship known for its energy, it also offers 'activities for every taste,' which can include quieter lounges or enrichment opportunities, though these are not explicitly detailed in the description.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

While not specifically marketed to solo travelers, a large ship like Mardi Gras offers numerous activities and social opportunities, making it a reasonable choice for a solo adventurer.

Are there options for solo travelers to avoid single supplements?
The cruise description does not mention specific solo cabins or single supplement waivers, so solo travelers should inquire directly about pricing options for individual occupancy.
What opportunities are there to meet other travelers on the ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with 'thrilling entertainment, and activities for every taste,' which provides many opportunities to socialize and meet other passengers at various venues and events onboard.
Are there group excursions or activities to join in ports?
Ports like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key offer various activities and excursions that solo travelers can join, allowing them to explore and interact with others, though specific group activities are not detailed in the cruise description.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this 5-day cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key in The Bahamas.
Where does this Bahamian cruise depart from and return to?
The cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral, Florida.
What is the ship for this Bahamian Bliss tropical escape?
The ship for this tropical escape is the Mardi Gras.
What kind of activities can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
At Half Moon Cay, you can expect to enjoy pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for unwinding in a private oasis.
When does this particular 5-day cruise depart?
This specific 5-day Bahamian cruise departs on July 31, 2027.
Is this cruise suitable for families or just adults?
The Mardi Gras offers thrilling entertainment and activities for every taste, suggesting it's suitable for both adventure-seekers and those looking for relaxation, accommodating various groups.