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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 15, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Nov 20, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Embark on a captivating 5-day escape aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras, setting sail from the vibrant shores of Port Canaveral, Orlando. Your adventure begins with the anticipation of sun-drenched days and unforgettable Bahamian experiences. Prepare to be among the first to discover the delights of Celebration Key™, Carnival's exclusive private island destination, promising a lively immersion into Bahamian culture and endless activities designed just for you. Next, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant energy of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colonial charm meets modern allure. Explore bustling markets, admire colorful architecture, and unwind on pristine white-sand beaches. This cruise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, allowing you to discover the very best of the Bahamas. Indulge in the pristine paradise of Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's idyllic private island haven, renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. This tranquil oasis is perfect for unwinding under the sun or engaging in exhilarating water activities. As you journey back towards Port Canaveral, enjoy a blissful day at sea, savoring the ship's amenities and the endless ocean views. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures a seamless blend of vibrant discoveries, exclusive island experiences, and pure relaxation, making for an unforgettable Bahamian 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

This short, easy-to-navigate Bahamian cruise from a well-known port is an excellent introduction for first-time cruisers.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for a first-time cruiser. It's a short 5-day trip, sails from a popular port (Port Canaveral), visits accessible Bahamian destinations, and features a modern ship, making it an easy introduction to cruising.
Are the ports of call easy to manage for someone new to cruising?
Absolutely. The itinerary includes two private islands (Celebration Key™, Half Moon Cay™) which are very easy to navigate as they are owned and managed by Carnival. Nassau also offers straightforward access to attractions, making for simple shore excursions.
What is the onboarding and disembarkation process like at Port Canaveral?
Port Canaveral is a major cruise hub, and Carnival has established procedures for efficient onboarding and disembarkation. As a first-timer, you can expect clear signage and staff assistance to guide you through the process, which is typically straightforward albeit busy.

Families

Fit 85

With a major ship, private islands designed for activities, and short duration, this cruise is a strong fit for families with children of various ages.

What kid-friendly activities are available on the Mardi Gras or the private islands?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for extensive onboard amenities, and Celebration Key™ is specifically designed for lively activities. Half Moon Cay™ offers clear waters and beaches ideal for family fun, suggesting plenty of kid-friendly options across the itinerary.
Are there any dedicated kids' clubs or family programs on this cruise?
As a Carnival Cruise Line vessel, the Mardi Gras is well-known for its comprehensive kids' clubs and family-friendly programming, though these specific amenities are not detailed in the provided description.
Is the itinerary manageable for families with young children?
The 5-day duration and focus on private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, both designed for easy access to activities, make this itinerary very family-friendly and manageable for those with young children.

Groups

Fit 80

This spirited 5-day Bahamian cruise on a large ship offers excellent opportunities for groups seeking fun and shared experiences.

Is the Mardi Gras equipped to handle large groups for dining and activities?
The Mardi Gras is a magnificent cruise ship, implying it's a large vessel with multiple dining venues and activity spaces designed to accommodate many guests, making it very suitable for groups seeking shared experiences.
Are there opportunities for group excursions or activities on Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™?
Both private islands, Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™, are designed with a wide array of activities, providing excellent opportunities for groups to enjoy beach lounging, water sports, and other island adventures together.
Can we arrange blocks of cabins or special group pricing for this cruise?
The description doesn't explicitly mention group pricing or cabin blocks, but cruise lines like Carnival typically offer these options for group bookings. It would be advisable to inquire directly with the cruise line or a travel agent for group rates.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a fair mix of relaxation and Bahamian exploration, but might lack the intimate, high-end romantic specifics some couples seek.

Are there any romantic or intimate dining options onboard for couples?
The cruise description does not explicitly mention romantic or intimate dining options. Carnival generally offers specialty restaurants that could provide a more refined experience compared to the main dining room, but specific couple-focused features are not detailed.
What kind of activities are available for couples on Celebration Key™ or Half Moon Cay™?
Both Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ are private island destinations offering lively activities and tranquil relaxation. You can expect opportunities for beach lounging, swimming in clear waters, and possibly watersports, which can be enjoyed as a couple, though specific romantic activities aren't highlighted.
Is a balcony cabin a good option for privacy and relaxation on this ship?
While the ship, Mardi Gras, does offer various cabin types including balconies, the general description of the cruise focuses on lively experiences. A balcony cabin would provide personal outdoor space for privacy and views, which is an excellent choice for couples seeking relaxation.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While offering a pleasant escape to beautiful destinations, the cruise may not fully cater to the premium, intimate, and exclusive experiences many honeymooners seek.

Are there special honeymoon packages or amenities offered?
The cruise description does not mention specific honeymoon packages or amenities. While Carnival generally caters to celebrations, details of exclusive honeymoon offerings are not provided for this specific sailing.
What are the opportunities for romantic and private moments on this trip?
The beautiful private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ offer picturesque settings for romantic moments on the beach. Onboard, a balcony or suite could provide privacy, though ship amenities for quiet romance are not specified.
Are there any premium dining experiences that would be suitable for a honeymoon celebration?
The Mardi Gras likely offers specialty dining venues for a more upscale meal, but the description does not explicitly detail premium dining options geared for honeymoon celebrations or intimate experiences.

Seniors

Fit 60

A 5-day cruise with private island stops and a day at sea should be a relaxed pace, but the ship's 'lively' nature might not suit all seniors.

What is the pace of the itinerary, and are there opportunities for relaxation?
The itinerary includes a day at sea and visits to tranquil private islands like Half Moon Cay, offering plenty of opportunity for relaxation and a less strenuous pace, particularly for those who enjoy beach time.
Are the shore excursions on Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay™ suitable for varying mobility levels?
Private islands typically offer a range of activities from strenuous watersports to simple beach lounging. While not explicitly stated, access to beaches is usually straightforward, but specific mobility assistance for excursions is not detailed.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a more relaxed and quiet cruise experience?
The Mardi Gras is described as a 'magnificent' ship and Celebration Key™ as a 'lively immersion.' While there are certainly areas for relaxation, the ship's overall atmosphere tends to be more energetic than tranquil, which may not suit all seniors seeking a quiet experience.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this 5-day cruise visit?
This cruise visits Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay™ in The Bahamas.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What ship will I be sailing on for this Bahamian itinerary?
You will be sailing on the Mardi Gras for this 5-day Bahamas cruise.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival Cruise Line's exclusive new private island destination in The Bahamas, offering activities and Bahamian cultural experiences.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ is known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear waters, and opportunities for relaxation or exhilarating water activities.
When does this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise to the Bahamas depart?
This cruise is scheduled to depart on November 15, 2027.