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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 28, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jul 3, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the moment you set sail from Port Canaveral, your adventure aboard the Mardi Gras begins. This bustling port, renowned as the gateway to Orlando's world-class theme parks, sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. Prepare to be enchanted by the azure waters of the Bahamas as you make your way to Celebration Key™, Carnival Cruise Line's exclusive private island oasis. Here, a vibrant Bahamian experience awaits, meticulously designed to immerse you in lively culture and unparalleled relaxation.Explore the vibrant capital of Nassau, where historical charm intertwines with modern allure. Wander through colorful colonial streets, discover bustling local markets, and sink your toes into the pristine white sands of its famous beaches. The journey continues to Half Moon Cay, an idyllic private island paradise boasting a crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life. This pristine escape offers endless opportunities for relaxation or exhilarating water activities. As you sail back to Port Canaveral, cherish the memories made and the tranquil moments at sea, promising a rejuvenating return from your tropical escapade.

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
    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.
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    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.
  5. 5
    At Sea
  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 short, fun cruise to the Bahamas from an accessible port is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers looking for an easy and enjoyable introduction to cruising.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely, a 5-day cruise is an ideal length for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience the ship and destinations without being overwhelming.
Are the ports of call easy for a first-timer to navigate?
Yes, the port calls in the Bahamas, including the private islands Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, are typically very welcoming and easy to navigate for first-time cruisers, offering clear instructions and plenty of activities.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for someone new to cruising?
The Mardi Gras is a modern Carnival ship known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of amenities. It provides an exciting and accessible introduction to cruising, with plenty to keep you entertained.

Families

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent fit for families with its short duration, private island stops, and a ship known for family-friendly amenities.

What activities are available for children on this ship or at the ports?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its family-friendly amenities, likely including kids clubs and water parks. The private islands, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, are designed with various activities for all ages.
Are there family-friendly dining options on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras, being a Carnival ship, typically offers a wide array of dining choices to suit families, from casual eateries to more formal options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Is the duration of the cruise suitable for families with young children?
Yes, this 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for families with young children, providing enough time to enjoy the experience without being overly long.

Groups

Fit 80

This 5-day Bahamas cruise is a strong fit for groups due to its short duration, lively ship, and private island destinations that offer activities for diverse interests.

Is the Mardi Gras suitable for large groups, and are there flexible dining options?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is a very large ship with numerous dining venues, making it suitable for groups of various sizes and providing flexible options for group dining.
Can our group reserve blocks of cabins or specific areas on the ship?
Typically, cruise lines like Carnival offer group booking options that may include reserving blocks of cabins and securing space for private events. You would need to contact Carnival's group sales department for details.
What kind of group activities are available on board or at the destinations?
The Mardi Gras offers a wide range of activities suitable for groups, from entertainment and bars to pools and games. The private islands, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, also provide many shared activities, from beach relaxation to water sports.

Seniors

Fit 70

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and exploration with easy access to ports, making it a reasonable fit for active seniors seeking a tropical getaway.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed, or is it very active?
This 5-day cruise includes three port days and one sea day, offering a balanced pace. You can choose to be active exploring the islands or enjoy a more relaxed pace on board and on the beaches of Half Moon Cay.
Are the ports easy to navigate for seniors?
Nassau is compact and walkable, and private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are designed for guest convenience, likely with easy access to beaches and amenities from the ship.
What kind of entertainment or enrichment options are available on the Mardi Gras?
While specific enrichment programs are not detailed, the Mardi Gras, as a modern Carnival ship, offers a variety of entertainment options, from live music to shows, catering to diverse preferences.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

With a large, modern ship and likely docked ports, this cruise offers a reasonable fit for accessible travelers, though specific accessibility for private islands may vary.

Does the Mardi Gras offer accessible cabins and public areas?
As a large, modern ship, the Mardi Gras is likely designed with accessible cabins and public areas to accommodate guests with mobility needs, but it's always best to confirm specifics with the cruise line.
Are the ports tendered or docked in the Bahamas?
Most major ports in the Bahamas like Nassau are typically docked. Private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are often designed for direct ship-to-shore access, which is generally good for accessibility.
What is the accessibility like for shore excursions in the Bahamas?
While the ship itself likely has good accessibility, shore excursion accessibility can vary by activity and operator. It's recommended to contact the cruise line or excursion providers in advance for specific details on accessibility at Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

Couples

Fit 65

This 5-day Bahamas cruise offers a reasonable fit for couples looking for a quick, fun getaway with private island stops, though it may lack intimate dining or dedicated adults-only luxury.

Are there any romantic dining options or adults-only areas on this cruise?
The cruise aboard the Mardi Gras is known for its lively atmosphere, but specific details on intimate dining or adults-only luxury areas are not provided. The private islands, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, could offer relaxing moments ashore.
What kind of cabins are available for couples seeking privacy?
The cruise details do not specify cabin types, however, typically balcony cabins are available on Mardi Gras and would offer a private outdoor space for couples.
Is this cruise more for an active couple or one looking for relaxation?
With stops at lively Celebration Key and the serene Half Moon Cay, this cruise offers a blend of activity and relaxation. You can explore the vibrant Bahamian experience or enjoy quiet time on the beaches.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

This cruise is a reasonable option for solo travelers looking for a lively environment and easy-to-explore destinations, though specific solo traveler amenities are not detailed.

Are there any single supplements or solo cabins available on this cruise?
The cruise details do not specify the availability of solo cabins or single supplement policies. It's advisable to check with Carnival Cruise Line directly for solo traveler pricing and cabin options on the Mardi Gras.
What opportunities are there to meet other travelers on board?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship, known for a lively atmosphere with many public spaces and activities, providing ample opportunities to meet other travelers.
Are the port excursions suitable for solo exploration?
Yes, ports like Nassau and the private islands Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are generally easy to explore independently, offering a range of activities from cultural sightseeing to beach relaxation.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What cruise ship will I be sailing on for this 5-day Bahamas itinerary from Port Canaveral?
You will be sailing on the Mardi Gras ship for this 5-day Bahamas cruise.
Which Bahamian destinations will this cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay. One of the days is a 'RelaxAway' day, which is likely a sea day or dedicated time on an island.
Where does this 5-night Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Florida, which is near Orlando.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival Cruise Line's private island oasis designed to offer a vibrant Bahamian experience.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is described as an idyllic private island paradise with a crescent-shaped beach, clear turquoise waters, and marine life, offering options for relaxation or water activities.
When does this particular 5-day Bahamas cruise depart?
This specific cruise departs on June 28, 2027.
What kind of activities are available in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colonial streets, visit local markets, and relax on its famous beaches.