TNW TravelTNW Travel
5-Day The Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL cruise ship
Back to search
Carnival Cruise Line cruise line logo

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 31, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Jun 5, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway
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

Excellent fit for first-time cruisers; short duration, popular ports, and a well-known ship make for an easy and enjoyable introduction.

Is a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas a good first cruise?
Absolutely, a 5-day cruise is an ideal duration for first-timers, providing enough time to experience cruising without being too long. The Bahamas is a popular and accessible destination, perfect for a first taste of international travel.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
Yes, Nassau and the private islands (Celebration Key™, Half Moon Cay™) are very cruiser-friendly. They offer clear pathways for exploration, organized excursions, and easy access to beaches and activities, making them simple to enjoy.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-time cruisers?
The Mardi Gras is a fantastic choice for first-timers; it's a large, modern ship packed with amenities, entertainment, and dining options, ensuring there's always something exciting to do. Its vibrant atmosphere gives a full cruise experience.

Families

Fit 85

Excellent fit for families; the Mardi Gras is known for its family-friendly attractions, great for a fun-filled 5-day Bahamas trip.

Does the Mardi Gras have a water park or fun activities for kids?
The Mardi Gras is a top-tier family ship, likely featuring Carnival's signature WaterWorks aqua park, ropes courses, mini-golf, and extensive kids' clubs for various age groups, making it very suitable for families.
Are there kid-friendly ports of call on this Bahamas itinerary?
Yes, ports like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ are private island destinations designed for fun in the sun with plenty of family-friendly beach activities and shore excursions. Nassau also offers various family options.
Are connecting cabins or family-friendly staterooms available?
The Mardi Gras, being a newer and larger ship, typically offers a good selection of family-friendly staterooms, including connecting options, to accommodate families of different sizes.

Groups

Fit 80

Strong fit for groups; the Mardi Gras provides ample space and activities, with a short itinerary perfect for diverse group interests.

Is the Mardi Gras suitable for large group dining?
Yes, the Mardi Gras, with multiple main dining rooms and various specialty restaurants, can accommodate large groups for dining, often with advance reservations or by arranging specific tables.
Are there good options for group activities and entertainment on board?
The Mardi Gras is known for its extensive entertainment and activity options, including shows, live music, a casino, and unique attractions like Bolt roller coaster, providing a wide array of choices for groups with varied interests.
Can our group pre-book cabins together or get adjacent rooms?
Yes, when booking as a group, cruise lines typically offer options to reserve blocks of cabins, allowing groups to secure adjacent or nearby staterooms, which should be arranged directly with the cruise line or a travel agent.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

Reasonable fit for accessible travelers due to the modern ship; however, tendered ports require checking specific accessibility details.

Does the Mardi Gras offer accessible cabins?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is required to offer a range of accessible cabins designed for guests with mobility challenges, featuring wider doorways and roll-in showers. Availability should be confirmed at booking.
Are all the ports of call accessible for wheelchair users?
Nassau is a docked port, generally offering good accessibility. However, private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ are often tendered, which can present challenges with tendering or beach access for mobility-impaired guests. It's crucial to check with Carnival directly for specific port accessibility details prior to booking.
What is the general accessibility of public areas on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras, being a modern vessel, is designed with wide corridors, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout its public areas, making most parts of the ship navigable for guests with mobility aids.

Couples

Fit 65

Reasonable for couples seeking a short, active getaway with options for both relaxation and lively experiences aboard and ashore.

Are there good options for romantic dining on this cruise?
While specific dining options aren't provided, the Mardi Gras generally offers a variety of specialty restaurants that can provide a more intimate setting for couples, in addition to main dining rooms.
Will we find adults-only areas for some quiet time?
Carnival ships typically feature adults-only areas like the Serenity Retreat, which is a great place for couples to relax away from the main family-oriented activities. The Mardi Gras is likely to have similar spaces.
Is a balcony cabin worth it for a romantic escape on this ship?
A balcony cabin enhances any cruise experience, offering private outdoor space. On a 5-day Bahamas cruise, it provides a lovely spot for couples to enjoy sea views and intimate moments, especially considering the scenic ports of call.

Seniors

Fit 60

Reasonable fit for active seniors; offers a relaxed pace but some activities might be geared towards a younger crowd.

Is this a relaxed pace cruise suitable for seniors?
This 5-day itinerary includes three port days and one sea day, offering a balance. While the Mardi Gras can be lively, you can choose a more relaxed pace by enjoying the ship's quieter areas or choosing less strenuous shore excursions.
Are the activities on the Mardi Gras suitable for all age groups, including seniors?
The Mardi Gras offers a wide range of activities, from high-energy options to more laid-back entertainment like shows, live music, and lounges. There should be something to appeal to different preferences and activity levels.
Are there easy-to-access excursions in the ports of call?
Ports like Nassau and the private islands Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™ typically offer a variety of excursions, including those with minimal walking or direct transportation, making them accessible. However, specifics would need to be confirmed with excursion details.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian ports will this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise from Port Canaveral visit?
This cruise will visit Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay™.
What is the duration of this Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas?
This is a 5-night cruise.
Where does this 5-day Bahamian cruise on the Mardi Gras depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
What is included in the 'from price' for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
The 'from price' typically includes your cabin, meals in complimentary dining venues, basic beverages, and most onboard entertainment. It does not usually include gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, or alcoholic beverages.
What kind of activities are available for families on the Mardi Gras during this Bahamas cruise?
The Mardi Gras is known for family-friendly amenities like BOLT, the onboard roller coaster, WaterWorks aqua park, and various kids' clubs and entertainment options suitable for all ages.
When is the earliest departure date for this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral?
The earliest specified departure date for this cruise is May 31, 2027.
Is this 5-day Bahamas cruise suitable for first-time cruisers?
Yes, a 5-day cruise to The Bahamas is often ideal for first-time cruisers due to its shorter duration and variety of destinations, offering a good introduction to cruising.
What should I pack for a 5-day cruise to The Bahamas?
You should pack light casual clothing for warm weather, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, and one or two slightly dressier outfits for dinner in select venues.
What currency should I plan to use in the ports of call in The Bahamas?
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted throughout the islands.