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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
Jun 5, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jun 10, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the bustling hub of Port Canaveral, set sail on the magnificent Mardi Gras for an unforgettable 5-day escape to the sun-drenched Bahamas. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Orlando before embarking on a journey filled with relaxation and adventure.Enjoy a blissful "at sea" day aboard the Mardi Gras, indulging in world-class amenities and entertainment. Your first Bahamian gem awaits at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's idyllic private island paradise. Sink your toes into the soft white sands, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. Continue your Bahamian adventure in Nassau, the captivating capital. Explore its charming colonial architecture, browse bustling local markets for unique souvenirs, or simply unwind on its pristine white-sand beaches.Experience the excitement of Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis, tailor-made for Carnival Cruise Line guests. This lively destination promises immersive Bahamian experiences and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation before you return to Port Canaveral.

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 90

This 5-day cruise on the Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers, offering a short duration, popular Bahamian destinations, and a modern, feature-rich ship.

Is a 5-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely, a 5-day cruise is an ideal length for first-timers as it allows you to experience cruising without committing to a longer trip, providing a good balance of relaxation and exploration.
Will the Mardi Gras be overwhelming for a first-time cruiser?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship, its modern design and clear navigation, coupled with diverse activities, make it easy to explore at your own pace. The crew is also excellent at assisting first-timers.
Are the ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes two private island destinations, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are very user-friendly and easy to navigate, making for a stress-free introduction to shore excursions for first-time cruisers.

Families

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a large ship with ample activities, private island fun, and a short duration perfect for younger travelers.

Are there enough activities to keep children of different ages entertained on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is known for its extensive family-friendly amenities, including Bolt (the first rollercoaster at sea), a large water park, and various kids' clubs catering to different age groups.
Are the private island stops, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, good for families?
Both Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are designed with families in mind, offering pristine beaches, water activities, and dedicated spaces for fun that children and adults will enjoy.
Is the duration of this cruise suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the 5-day duration is ideal for families, especially those with young children, as it offers a substantial cruise experience without being overly long, minimizing potential fatigue and maintaining excitement.

Groups

Fit 80

This 5-day Bahamian cruise on the Mardi Gras is a strong choice for groups, offering varied activities, private island fun, and a manageable duration.

Is the 5-day duration suitable for a group trip?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an ideal duration for a group trip, balancing enough time for everyone to enjoy the ship and destinations without requiring too long a commitment, making it easier for more people to join.
Are there good options for group dining and activities on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras, being a large ship, offers numerous dining venues and a wide range of activities suitable for groups, from specialty restaurants to group-friendly entertainment and deck parties.
Are the port stops appealing for diverse group interests?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key for beach and water activities, plus Nassau for culture and shopping, offering enough variety to satisfy different interests within a group.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship likely offering accessibility features, but tendering at Half Moon Cay could be a challenge, and specific cabin availability needs confirmation.

Does the Mardi Gras offer accessible cabins and public areas?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with accessible features, including ADA-compliant cabins and accessible public areas. It is recommended to book accessible cabins well in advance.
Are all ports of call accessible for mobility-impaired travelers?
Nassau generally offers accessible options. However, Half Moon Cay is a private island often accessed by tender boats, which can pose challenges for guests with mobility impairments. You should confirm specific tendering conditions with the cruise line.
Are shore excursions at the private islands suitable for accessible travelers?
Private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key typically offer some accessible pathways and beach wheelchairs may be available. However, specific shore excursions might have varying levels of accessibility, so it's best to inquire directly with Carnival for details on each activity.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers some romantic elements with private island stops and adults-only areas on Mardi Gras, but might feel less intimate due to its family-friendly nature and short duration.

Are there romantic dining options for couples?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship, it likely offers specialty dining restaurants that can provide a more intimate experience for couples beyond the main dining rooms.
Will we be able to find quiet, adults-only spaces on board?
Yes, the Mardi Gras typically features adults-only areas such as the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, providing a calmer environment for couples to relax away from families.
Are the port excursions suitable for couples looking for romantic experiences?
Half Moon Cay offers serene beach experiences, and Nassau provides opportunities for cultural exploration. Excursions can be tailored to couples seeking relaxation or adventure, depending on their preferences.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a relaxed pace with private island visits and a single sea day, but the large, active Mardi Gras might be more intense than some seniors prefer.

Is the pace of this 5-day cruise relaxed enough for seniors?
With one full sea day and two private island visits where activities can be as relaxed or active as desired, the pace of this 5-day cruise can be managed to be quite comfortable for seniors.
Are the ports easily accessible and senior-friendly?
Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private island destinations; while they generally offer good accessibility for tenders and on-island movement, specific mobility needs should be confirmed with the cruise line for shore excursions in Nassau and the private islands.
Does the Mardi Gras cater to a senior demographic with its activities and amenities?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its wide array of activities that appeal to all ages. While it has options for seniors, its overall energetic atmosphere might be more vibrant than some looking for a very quiet, traditional cruise experience.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise line operates the 5-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral?
This 5-day Bahamas cruise is operated by Carnival Cruise Line.
Which ship will I be sailing on for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
You will be sailing on the ship Mardi Gras for this cruise.
What destinations are included in the 5-day Bahamas itinerary?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key, along with an 'at sea' day.
What is Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island in the Bahamas, offering beaches and water activities.
What can I expect at Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis designed for Carnival Cruise Line guests, promising immersive Bahamian experiences.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.