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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
May 22, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
May 27, 2027 at 8:00 AM

From the moment you depart Port Canaveral, a world of Bahamian bliss awaits. Your journey aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras begins with a day at sea, where you can explore the ship's incredible amenities and anticipate the adventures ahead. Your first exotic stop is Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island paradise. Sink your toes into the soft, white sands of this crescent-shaped beach, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or discover vibrant marine life while snorkeling. The idyllic setting offers a perfect escape for ultimate relaxation and exhilarating water activities. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nassau, the bustling capital of the Bahamas. Wander through its charming streets, marvel at the colorful colonial architecture, browse lively markets for local treasures, and unwind on pristine white-sand beaches. The blend of historical charm and modern amenities ensures a captivating experience for every traveler. The excitement continues at Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island destination. Designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests, this lively and immersive Bahamian experience promises endless fun and unforgettable moments before you return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and enriched by your Bahamian escapade.

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: Jul 1, 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
    At Sea
  3. 3
    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, 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™ 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
    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

Ideal for first-timers with a short duration, popular Bahamian destinations, and sailing on the well-known Mardi Gras.

Is a 5-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruise experience?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers, offering a taste of the cruise experience without a long-term commitment.
Are the destinations easy and enjoyable for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key in the Bahamas; these are popular and generally easy-to-navigate destinations with clear activities, making them ideal for first-time cruisers.
Is the Mardi Gras a suitable ship for someone who has never cruised before?
Sailing on the Mardi Gras, a large and modern ship known for diverse amenities and entertainment, provides a comprehensive and exciting introduction to cruising for first-timers.

Families

Fit 90

Excellent fit for families with short duration, child-friendly destinations, and sailing on the amenity-rich Mardi Gras.

Is the Mardi Gras ship suitable for kids and teenagers?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for extensive onboard amenities and activities, making it highly suitable for children and teenagers, though specific kids' club details are not provided.
Are there kid-friendly activities or facilities at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key?
Half Moon Cay is described as ideal for water activities, which typically includes family-friendly options, and Celebration Key is specifically designed as an 'immersive Bahamian experience' promising 'endless fun,' suggesting plenty for families.
What is the duration of this cruise, and are the ports easy for families with young children?
This is a 5-day cruise with stops at private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, and Nassau, which are generally considered very easy and enjoyable ports for families, offering beaches and cultural exploration.

Groups

Fit 85

Great for groups with a fun-focused itinerary, popular ship, and private island experiences, though group booking details are missing.

Are there dedicated spaces or activities on the Mardi Gras for groups to gather?
The Mardi Gras, being a large and modern ship, would have numerous public spaces, lounges, and dining areas that could accommodate groups, though dedicated private group spaces are not specified.
Are the shore excursions suitable for groups to enjoy together?
The shore excursions to Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key offer a variety of activities that groups can easily enjoy together, from beach relaxation and water sports to exploring local culture.
Is it possible to arrange group dining or block cabins together on this cruise?
While the description doesn't explicitly state group booking policies, most cruise lines, including Carnival, typically offer options for organized group dining and blocking cabins together, which would need to be coordinated directly with the cruise line.

Seniors

Fit 70

A relaxed pace with private island visits and a manageable duration, though the large ship may require more walking.

What is the pace of the itinerary, and is it suitable for a relaxed trip?
The itinerary includes a day at sea and visits to Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key, allowing for a mix of relaxation and exploration, which can be tailored to a relaxed pace by seniors.
Are the ports of call easily accessible and manageable for seniors?
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands designed for cruise guests, generally offering easy access to beaches and facilities. Nassau offers a mix of walking and transportation options, making it manageable.
Is the Mardi Gras ship easy to navigate for seniors with mobility concerns?
The Mardi Gras is a very large ship, which may require significant walking to get around. While accessibility features are common on modern ships, the sheer size could be a factor for those with mobility concerns.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a sunny escape with private island stops and Nassau, but aboard the large Mardi Gras, it might lack intimate romantic spaces for some couples.

What are the romantic dining options available on this cruise?
The cruise description does not detail specific intimate or romantic dining options, but larger ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer specialty restaurants beyond the main dining room that can cater to couples seeking a more upscale experience.
Are there adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras where we can relax away from crowds?
The Mardi Gras, as a large contemporary ship, likely offers adults-only retreats such as a Serenity Deck or similar, providing a quieter environment for couples, though this is not explicitly mentioned in the provided cruise details.
How private are the excursions to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key?
Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key are Carnival's private island destinations, which offer exclusive access for cruise guests. While they provide beautiful beaches and activities, calling them 'private' generally refers to their exclusive use by cruise passengers, not necessarily a guarantee of solitude, especially on busy ship days.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

Modern ship and private islands likely offer good access, but tendered ports and large ship size could be limiting.

Are the ports of Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues?
Half Moon Cay is typically a tendered port, meaning guests transfer to shore via smaller boats, which can pose challenges for wheelchair users. Celebration Key is a newer private destination designed for cruise guests and likely has better accessibility, but tendering is still a possibility depending on infrastructure.
Does the Mardi Gras ship offer ADA-compliant cabins and facilities?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is expected to have ADA-compliant cabins and accessible public areas and restrooms, though specific details are not provided in the cruise description.
Are any of the ports tendered, or does the ship dock directly at each location?
Half Moon Cay is often a tendered port. While Nassau has docking facilities, it's essential to confirm docking versus tendering for all ports, especially for accessible travelers, as tendering can limit shore access.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

Offers scenic private islands and Nassau, but the Mardi Gras is a large, lively ship which may not provide the intimate, secluded luxury some honeymooners desire.

Will this cruise offer private or secluded experiences for honeymooners?
The cruise visits private islands like Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key, which are exclusive to Carnival guests, providing beautiful beach settings. However, sailing on the large Mardi Gras and visiting bustling Nassau might mean less seclusion overall.
Are there premium dining options for a special honeymoon dinner?
The cruise description does not specify premium dining options. On a ship like the Mardi Gras, there are usually specialty restaurants available for an additional charge that could offer a more upscale and romantic dining experience.
What kind of cabin would be best for a honeymoon to ensure privacy?
While the cruise details don't specify cabin types, a balcony cabin or a suite would typically offer more privacy and personal space for honeymooners compared to interior or oceanview cabins.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key.
What is unique about Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island, known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
What activities are available in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colonial architecture, shop in local markets, and relax on white-sand beaches.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's new private island destination designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests.
Which ship operates this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
This cruise is operated by the Mardi Gras ship.
Where does this Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.