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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 19, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jun 24, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseAccessibleWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the moment you set sail from Port Canaveral, the magic of the Caribbean unfolds before you. Spend a blissful day at sea, indulging in all the Mardi Gras has to offer before discovering the private oasis of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. Here, powdery white sands meet crystal-clear waters, inviting you to swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the Bahamian sun. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nassau, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine beaches await. Explore historical sites, discover local crafts, or simply relax on the shores of this captivating capital. The adventure continues at Celebration Key™, Carnival's exclusive new private island. This lively destination promises an immersive Bahamian experience designed specifically for Carnival Cruise Line guests, with exciting activities and pristine beaches to explore. Conclude your unforgettable 5-day journey back in Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated by the beauty and excitement of the Bahamas. This cruise offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, all aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras.

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, Accessible travelers
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 95

This short, engaging cruise with familiar ports, private island fun, and a modern ship is an excellent introduction for first-time cruisers.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Absolutely, this 5-day itinerary is perfect for first-time cruisers. Its short duration, familiar Bahamian ports, and excellent private island experiences offer a great introduction to cruising without being overwhelming.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for a beginner?
Yes, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ are private islands managed by the cruise line, making them very easy to explore. Nassau is a popular and well-developed port, offering straightforward options for excursions or self-exploration.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a first-timer?
The Mardi Gras is a new, modern ship with a wide range of amenities, making it exciting and user-friendly for first-timers. It provides a comprehensive cruise experience with plenty of activities and dining options to explore.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a lively ship, private islands with activities, and a short, engaging itinerary.

What activities are available for kids on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is a new and large ship from Carnival, known for its extensive family-friendly attractions like BOLT roller coaster, water parks, and kids' clubs, ensuring constant entertainment for children and teens.
Are the private islands good for families with children?
Yes, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ and the new Celebration Key™ are designed for all ages, offering pristine beaches, water activities, and family-friendly amenities, making them perfect for a fun-filled dayashore.
Is the duration of this cruise suitable for younger children?
Absolutely, this 5-day cruise is ideal for families with younger children as it offers a good balance of shipboard fun and island excursions without being too long, minimizing potential travel fatigue.

Groups

Fit 90

With a large, lively ship, engaging private islands, and a shorter duration, this cruise is a fantastic option for various groups looking for fun and ease.

Is this cruise suitable for large groups or family reunions?
Yes, this cruise is highly suitable for groups. The Mardi Gras is a large ship designed for diverse entertainment, and the private island stops offer a variety of activities that can appeal to all ages and interests within a group.
Can groups arrange for private dining or gathering spaces?
Newer ships like the Mardi Gras often have options for group dining and designated spaces for private gatherings. While not explicitly mentioned, Carnival typically accommodates group requests for meals and meeting areas.
Are there group discount options for multiple cabins?
The cruise description does not detail specific group discount programs. However, cruise lines generally offer benefits or discounts for groups booking multiple cabins, and it would be advisable to inquire directly with Carnival.

Accessible travelers

Fit 75

The new Mardi Gras ship likely has good accessibility, and the private islands offer some ease, but tendering at Half Moon Cay could be a barrier.

Is the Mardi Gras ship accessible for guests with mobility challenges?
As a new and modern ship, the Mardi Gras is expected to have good accessibility features, including accessible cabins, elevators, and wide corridors, but specific details on every area are not provided in the cruise description.
Are the ports of call accessible for wheelchairs?
Nassau generally has accessible areas, but older parts of the city might be challenging. Half Moon Cay often uses tendering (smaller boats) to reach the island, which can be difficult or impossible for some mobility devices, while Celebration Key™ is built with accessibility in mind. The cruise description indicates Half Moon Cay as one of the stops.
Are there accessible cabins available on this particular sailing?
While the description doesn't explicitly state the availability of accessible cabins for this specific sailing, large ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer a range of ADA-compliant cabins. It's recommended to confirm availability directly with the cruise line.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers fun and relaxation with private island stops, but might lack the intimate ambiance some couples seek due to the ship's large size.

What romantic dining options are available on the Mardi Gras?
While the description doesn't detail specific romantic dining, the Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship, likely offering specialty restaurants suitable for couples. However, no intimate dining options are explicitly mentioned in this cruise's overview.
Are there adults-only areas for relaxation?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship, and Carnival typically includes adults-only areas like the Serenity Retreat, though it's not specifically highlighted in this cruise description. The private islands, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, offer opportunities for relaxation.
Can we find quiet spots for just the two of us?
With stops at private islands like RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ and the new Celebration Key™, you can find secluded spots on the beach. Onboard, while the ship is large and active, there are likely quieter lounges or deck areas, though the cruise aims for a lively atmosphere.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a relaxed pace and lovely private island destinations, but activities on the large, modern ship may be more geared towards a younger, active crowd.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed enough?
With one day at sea for relaxation and leisurely port visits to Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key™, the cruise offers a balanced pace that allows for both activity and downtime, which can be enjoyable for seniors.
Are the ports of call easily accessible?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ are private islands likely designed for easy access to beaches and facilities. Nassau offers a mix of easy-to-access attractions, but older cruisers might prefer organized excursions for comfort, though the type of docking (tender vs. pier) isn't specified for all ports.
Will the ship's activities be suitable for seniors?
The Mardi Gras is known for its modern, high-energy attractions. While it certainly offers diverse entertainment, some activities might cater more to a younger, active demographic; however, there are always lounges, shows, and dining options available for a more relaxed experience.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While offering beautiful private island stops, the ship's lively atmosphere and focus on general entertainment might not suit all honeymooners seeking an intimate and luxurious experience.

Are there any special packages or amenities for honeymooners?
No specific honeymoon packages or exclusive amenities are mentioned in the cruise description. While Carnival does offer certain celebration packages, these are not detailed as part of this particular itinerary.
Will we find private and romantic spots on this cruise?
The private islands, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™, offer picturesque beaches to find secluded spots. Onboard the large Mardi Gras ship, privacy might require seeking out specific, less-crowded areas rather than being a ship-wide focus.
Is the dining experience suitable for a romantic celebration?
The Mardi Gras likely offers specialty dining options that could be celebratory, but the cruise description does not highlight a focus on intimate, upscale dining experiences specifically for honeymooners. Expect a lively ship atmosphere.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What destinations does this 5-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral visit?
This cruise visits RelaxAway (Half Moon Cay), Nassau, and Celebration Key, returning to Port Canaveral.
Which ship operates this 5-day Bahamas itinerary?
This itinerary is operated by the Mardi Gras ship.
When does this cruise depart?
This cruise departs on June 19, 2027.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay, referred to as RelaxAway, offers powdery white sands and clear waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
What activities are available in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colonial architecture, visit bustling markets, see historical sites, and relax on beaches.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival's new exclusive private island designed for Carnival Cruise Line guests, offering various activities and beaches.
Is this a roundtrip cruise?
Yes, this is a roundtrip cruise departing from and returning to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is included in the 'from price' of $804?
The 'from price' of $804 is the starting price for this cruise. Specific inclusions would be detailed during the booking process.