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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 14, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jun 19, 2027 at 8:00 AM

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape to The Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Your adventure begins with a day at the highly anticipated Celebration Key™, Carnival's brand-new private island oasis, tailor-made to deliver an immersive Bahamian experience like no other. Discover vibrant culture and pristine beauty in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and inviting white-sand beaches await. Delight in the idyllic tranquility of Half Moon Cay, an exclusive private island haven renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. This is your chance to relax and rejuvenate in a truly stunning setting.

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
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
    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
    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.
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    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.
  5. 5
    At Sea
  6. 6
    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 Carnival cruise to The Bahamas is perfect for first-timers, offering a popular brand, short duration, and easy-to-explore ports.

Is a 5-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers as it's long enough to experience the ship and destinations without being overwhelming, and provides a good introduction to cruising.
Are the Bahamian ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The ports of Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay are popular and well-established cruise destinations, offering clear pathways for exploration, making them easy and enjoyable for first-time cruisers.
Is Carnival Cruise Line a good choice for someone's first cruise?
Carnival is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, attractive to a wide audience and often considered a great entry-level brand for new cruisers due to its approachable style and extensive ship amenities.

Families

Fit 85

This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras with private island stops is excellent for families seeking fun and kid-friendly activities.

Is the Carnival Mardi Gras suitable for kids and teenagers?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship known for having extensive family-friendly amenities, including water parks, kids' clubs, and various entertainment options that cater to all age groups.
Are there specific activities for kids on the private islands?
Both Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are private islands designed to offer a range of activities, including beach-based fun and potentially specific zones for children, making them great for family enjoyment.
How long is the cruise and is it too short for a family trip?
This is a 5-day cruise, which is an ideal duration for families looking for a shorter getaway without requiring a long commitment, balancing relaxation with fun activities at three different island stops.

Groups

Fit 85

The Mardi Gras offers a vibrant environment and diverse activities, making it an excellent choice for groups seeking a fun short getaway.

Is the Carnival Mardi Gras suitable for large groups with varying interests?
Yes, the Carnival Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its wide array of amenities and entertainment, catering to diverse interests, which makes it ideal for groups with different preferences for activities.
Are there options for group dining or gathering spaces?
The ship likely offers various dining venues, including main dining rooms that can accommodate group seating, and a multitude of lounges and public spaces perfect for group gatherings and celebrating together.
What activities can a group enjoy together on this cruise?
Groups can enjoy shared experiences both on the ship, with options like shows, bars, and a waterpark, and during port calls to Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, which offer beaches and excursions suitable for collective enjoyment.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship with accessible features, but tendered ports like Half Moon Cay could pose challenges.

Are there accessible cabins on the Carnival Mardi Gras?
Modern cruise ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer ADA-compliant accessible cabins with features such as wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars to accommodate travelers with mobility requirements.
Are all the ports suitable for guests with mobility challenges?
While Port Canaveral and Nassau are generally dock-and-go. Half Moon Cay is often a tendered port, meaning guests transfer from the ship to shore via a smaller boat, which can pose challenges for some mobility-impaired individuals.
How accessible are the public areas on the ship?
As a newer, large capacity vessel, the Mardi Gras is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout many of its public areas.

Seniors

Fit 65

A 5-day Bahamas cruise is a generally good option for seniors, offering a relaxed pace with accessible ports, though the ship's energy might be high.

Is the pace of this 5-day cruise too fast for seniors?
A 5-day cruise offers a moderate pace with three port days and one sea day, allowing for both exploration and relaxation, which is generally suitable for seniors.
Are the ports of call easily accessible for seniors?
All listed ports—Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay—are popular cruise destinations that are typically well-equipped for cruise ship visitors, offering various levels of accessibility depending on chosen excursions. Half Moon Cay is a private island that may involve tender boats, which could be a consideration for mobility.
What kind of entertainment is available on the Mardi Gras for older guests?
Carnival's Mardi Gras offers a wide array of entertainment, often including live music, stage shows, and various lounges, providing options that can be enjoyed by senior travelers, although the overall ship atmosphere can be lively.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise offers a mix of relaxation and activity, but may lack the intimate romance typically sought by couples.

Are there good dining options for a romantic dinner on this cruise?
The cruise is aboard Carnival's Mardi Gras, which typically has a variety of dining venues, including specialty restaurants that could offer a more intimate setting for couples, though specific details are not provided.
Will we have enough time for just the two of us?
With three port days and one sea day on this 5-day cruise, there will be opportunities for together time on the ship and during island excursions to Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay. Half Moon Cay is known for relaxation.
Are there any adults-only areas on the Carnival Mardi Gras ship?
Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras usually feature adults-only areas like the Serenity Retreat, which could provide a quiet space for couples away from general ship activities.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While offering scenic stops and relaxation, this Carnival cruise might be too lively and less private for a quintessential honeymoon experience.

Does this cruise offer romantic experiences for honeymooners?
The cruise includes visits to beautiful locations like Half Moon Cay, known for its pristine beaches, which can offer romantic moments. However, Carnival ships are generally lively, and private, intimate experiences might require seeking out specific venues or booking a balcony cabin.
Are there opportunities for privacy and relaxation on this ship?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship with many activities, couples can find opportunities for relaxation on the ship and especially at Half Moon Cay, which offers a tranquil environment. Booking a balcony cabin or suite would enhance privacy.
What kind of dining options are available for special occasions?
Carnival's Mardi Gras typically offers specialty restaurants beyond the main dining rooms, which could provide a more upscale and romantic dining experience for a honeymoon celebration.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise ship will I be sailing on for this 5-day Bahamas trip?
You will be sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras for this 5-day Bahamas itinerary.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
Which destinations will I visit on this Bahamas cruise?
You will visit Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay™ on this itinerary.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival's new private island destination in The Bahamas, designed for an immersive Bahamian experience.
What can I expect in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and inviting white-sand beaches.
What are the highlights of Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ is known for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, offering a tranquil setting.
When does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart?
This cruise departs on June 14, 2027.