First-time cruisers
Fit 90This 5-day Carnival cruise to The Bahamas is perfect for first-timers, offering a popular brand, short duration, and easy-to-explore ports.

5-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
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.

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!
Independent notes from a TNW Travel advisor
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
AI-scored fit by traveler type, grounded in this cruise's itinerary and ship.
This 5-day Carnival cruise to The Bahamas is perfect for first-timers, offering a popular brand, short duration, and easy-to-explore ports.
This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras with private island stops is excellent for families seeking fun and kid-friendly activities.
The Mardi Gras offers a vibrant environment and diverse activities, making it an excellent choice for groups seeking a fun short getaway.
The Mardi Gras is a modern ship with accessible features, but tendered ports like Half Moon Cay could pose challenges.
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.
This short Bahamian cruise offers a mix of relaxation and activity, but may lack the intimate romance typically sought by couples.
While offering scenic stops and relaxation, this Carnival cruise might be too lively and less private for a quintessential honeymoon experience.