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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
Nov 6, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Nov 11, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the moment you depart Port Canaveral, a vibrant gateway to Orlando's theme parks and attractions, your 5-day Bahamian adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras begins. Prepare to be enchanted by the lively and immersive Bahamian experience awaiting you at Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis. Immerse yourself in the colorful charm of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, with its historic architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches. This delightful blend of culture and relaxation promises an unforgettable day of exploration. Continuing your journey, discover the serene beauty of Half Moon Cay, an idyllic private island escape renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Here, you can unwind in paradise or engage in thrilling water activities. Indulge in days of pure relaxation and enjoyment as you cruise through the azure waters of the Bahamas. The Mardi Gras offers an array of onboard activities and amenities to ensure every moment is filled with fun and excitement. As your memorable cruise concludes, you'll return to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated, with cherished memories of your Bahamian escape.

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
Families, First-time cruisers, 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.

Families

Fit 90

This 5-day Bahamian cruise on Mardi Gras is an excellent fit for families with its private island stops, diverse activities, and family-friendly ship.

What activities are there for kids and teens on the Mardi Gras ship?
The Mardi Gras is known for its array of onboard activities and amenities, designed to ensure every moment is filled with fun and excitement, making it very family-friendly, though specific kids' club details are not provided here.
Are the private island stops good for families with children?
Yes, both Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay offer beautiful beaches and water activities, making them ideal for families looking for fun and relaxation in the Bahamas.
Is the duration of this cruise suitable for families with young children?
This is a 5-day cruise, which is a good duration for families with young children as it's long enough to experience the Bahamas but not so long as to cause fatigue.

First-time cruisers

Fit 90

A 5-day cruise on the Mardi Gras to popular Bahamian islands is an excellent, accessible choice for first-time cruisers looking for fun.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers, offering a substantial taste of the cruise experience and multiple destinations without being too long.
Are the Bahamian ports easy to navigate for a first-timer?
Visiting Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, these ports are popular and generally easy to navigate, with plenty of excursion options and clear visitor areas, making them ideal for first-timers.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for someone new to cruising?
The Mardi Gras is a modern and vibrant ship from a well-known brand, Carnival Cruise Line, which is known for its fun atmosphere and array of activities, making it a great and exciting choice for first-time cruisers.

Groups

Fit 85

With its lively ship and diverse Bahamian stops, this 5-day cruise is a fantastic option for groups looking for fun and varied experiences.

Does the Mardi Gras offer good options for group dining?
The Mardi Gras offers an array of onboard activities and amenities. Carnival ships typically have multiple dining venues, including main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, which can accommodate group reservations.
Are there activities on the ship that groups can enjoy together?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is known for its wide array of onboard activities and entertainment, ensuring every moment is filled with fun and excitement, which is ideal for groups looking for shared experiences.
Are the private island stops suitable for group outings?
Both Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay are private island destinations offering beaches and water activities, perfect for groups to relax, swim, and enjoy island excursions together.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise on the lively Mardi Gras offers a fun, affordable getaway for couples, though it's less focused on intimate romance.

Are there good dining options for a romantic meal onboard?
The Mardi Gras offers an array of onboard activities and amenities. While specific intimate dining options aren't detailed, Carnival ships typically have specialty restaurants suitable for romantic dinners beyond the main dining room.
Will we find quieter spaces away from crowds on this ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large, lively ship known for its activities and entertainment, which means it can be busy. While there may be some adult-only areas, it's generally not focused on quiet, secluded experiences.
How does this cruise balance relaxation with activities for couples?
This 5-day cruise includes two private island stops, Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, offering opportunities for relaxation on the beach, alongside lively activities on the Mardi Gras ship and exploration in Nassau.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a balance of relaxation and exploration with convenient Bahamian stops, but the Mardi Gras is a very active ship.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed enough for seniors?
This 5-day cruise offers a blend of port days in Nassau, Celebration Key™, and Half Moon Cay for exploration and beach time, plus a full day at sea, allowing for both activity and relaxation at your own pace.
Will there be accessible options for getting on and off the ship at ports?
The ports include Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay. Half Moon Cay is often tendered, which can sometimes pose challenges for mobility, while the other ports are typically docked.
What kind of enrichment or leisurely activities are available onboard?
The Mardi Gras offers an array of onboard activities and amenities. While Carnival ships are known for lively entertainment, specific enrichment programs or quiet, classic leisure activities are not detailed for this particular sailing.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras offers a social and activity-filled environment for solo travelers, although specific solo cabins or programs are not listed.

Are there opportunities to meet other solo travelers?
The Mardi Gras offers an array of onboard activities and amenities designed for fun and excitement, which generally provides many opportunities for solo travelers to mingle and meet other guests.
Are there any solo traveler-specific cabins or programs?
The cruise description does not mention specific studio cabins or dedicated solo traveler programs on the Mardi Gras ship. You would need to check Carnival's specific offerings.
Is this a good cruise for a solo traveler on a budget?
With an estimated price from $424, this 5-day Bahamian cruise can be a relatively affordable option. However, without knowing potential single supplements, it's hard to definitively say it's budget-friendly for solo bookings.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Caribbean islands does this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise from Port Canaveral visit?
This 5-day cruise visits Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.
Where does the 5-day Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is Celebration Key and what can I do there?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis, offering a lively and immersive Bahamian experience.
What activities are available in Nassau during this cruise?
In Nassau, you can explore historic architecture, visit bustling markets, and relax on pristine white-sand beaches.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, offering opportunities for relaxation or water activities.
Is the Mardi Gras ship suitable for families?
The Mardi Gras offers an array of onboard activities and amenities designed to provide fun and excitement for all guests.
What is the duration of this Bahamas cruise?
This is a 5-night cruise to The Bahamas.
When does this particular 5-day Bahamas cruise depart?
This cruise departs on November 6, 2027.