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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 20, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Nov 25, 2027 at 8:00 AM

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape to the dazzling Bahamas aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), your gateway to adventure. This journey promises an enchanting blend of vibrant culture, thrilling new experiences, and serene island relaxation. Your first stop takes you to the highly anticipated Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's private island oasis, where Bahamian charm meets exhilarating custom-designed activities exclusively for Carnival guests. Get ready to immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere and discover the heart of the Bahamas. Next, explore the captivating capital of Nassau, a harmonious blend of historical grandeur and contemporary allure. Wander through charming colonial streets, browse bustling local markets for unique treasures, and unwind on pristine white-sand beaches. As your adventure continues, discover the secluded paradise of Half Moon Cay, a private island renowned for its breathtaking crescent-shaped shore, translucent turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Here, you can indulge in ultimate relaxation or dive into exciting water sports. Before returning to Port Canaveral, enjoy a full day at sea, savoring the Mardi Gras's world-class amenities and endless entertainment. This cruise is a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility, offering something for every traveler seeking Caribbean bliss.

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: Jun 17, 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
    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, 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
    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
    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

An excellent choice for first-timers; short duration, popular ports, and a large, modern ship ensure a fun and easy introduction to cruising.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely, a 5-day cruise is an ideal duration for first-time cruisers as it offers a great taste of the cruise experience without being too long, allowing you to gauge your enjoyment for future voyages.
Are the ports of call easy for a first-timer to navigate?
Yes, ports like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are private islands offering managed experiences, and Nassau is a popular, well-trafficked port, making all destinations very accessible and straightforward for first-time visitors.
Will the 'Mardi Gras' ship be too overwhelming for a new cruiser?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship known for its diverse offerings; while it has many amenities, it's designed to be user-friendly with clear navigation and plenty of staff, making it enjoyable rather than overwhelming for new cruisers.

Families

Fit 85

Excellent fit for families with lively private islands, a short duration, and a large ship like Mardi Gras known for family-friendly activities.

What kind of activities are there for children on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship, typically featuring extensive family-friendly amenities such as water parks and kids' clubs, perfect for keeping children engaged throughout the 5-day journey. The private islands, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, also offer exciting custom-designed activities.
Are the shore excursions suitable for all ages?
The destinations, including the private islands Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, are designed for broad appeal, likely offering family-friendly beach activities and water sports, while Nassau provides cultural experiences.
Is the duration of the cruise appropriate for families with young children?
At 5 days, this cruise offers a good balance, being long enough to feel like a vacation but short enough to prevent younger children from getting restless, making it an ideal choice for families.

Groups

Fit 80

This cruise is a good fit for groups, offering a fun ship, diverse activities, and enjoyable destinations, with multiple dining and gathering options.

Are there good options for group dining?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with numerous dining venues, including main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, providing ample flexibility for groups to dine together, whether casually or for formal celebrations.
What activities are available on the ship and in port that groups can enjoy together?
Onboard, groups can enjoy diverse activities offered on the Mardi Gras. In port, the private islands of Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay offer beach days and water activities suitable for groups, while Nassau provides cultural exploration and shopping.
Can we book cabins close to each other for our group?
While booking, you can request cabins in close proximity or connecting cabins, subject to availability. Booking early is recommended to secure preferred arrangements for your group.

Seniors

Fit 70

This cruise offers a relaxed pace with private island days and a large ship, suitable for seniors looking for relaxation and easy exploration.

What is the pace of this cruise, and are there options for a more relaxed experience?
This 5-day cruise includes two private island stops (Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay) and one full sea day, offering a relaxed pace with ample opportunities to unwind on beaches or enjoy the ship's amenities without constant rushing.
Are the shore excursions physically demanding?
While specific excursion details aren't provided, destinations like Half Moon Cay are known for beach relaxation, implying less strenuous options are available. Nassau offers both walking tours and more relaxed beach visits, catering to various activity levels.
Are there quiet areas on the ship away from crowds?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship, so it likely has areas designed for relaxation, potentially including adults-only spaces or quieter lounges where seniors can enjoy a more serene environment away from the main activities.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

A large, modern ship offers good accessibility, and some ports are docked, but specific details on accessible cabins or tender vs. docked for Half Moon Cay are missing.

Are accessible cabins available on the Mardi Gras?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras would undoubtedly offer ADA-compliant accessible cabins. It's recommended to book these well in advance due to limited availability.
Are the ports of call wheelchair accessible?
Port Canaveral, Celebration Key, and Nassau are generally accessible ports. Half Moon Cay is a private island often reached by tender, which can pose accessibility challenges, so it's advised to check with Carnival directly regarding specific conditions on debarkation days.
Is the ship easy to move around for someone with mobility issues?
The Mardi Gras is a new, large ship with modern design, typically featuring elevators, wide corridors, and accessible public areas, making it generally easy to navigate for guests with mobility challenges.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a balance of activities and relaxation, which can appeal to couples, but might lack truly intimate, romance-focused amenities.

Will there be romantic dining options available?
The Mardi Gras is known for its wide array of dining, which likely includes specialty restaurants that can offer a more intimate experience suitable for couples, though specific details aren't provided in the cruise data.
Are there adults-only areas on the ship for relaxation?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship, potentially offering adults-only areas like a Serenity Deck, specific information about these amenities is not detailed in the cruise description. However, the private island stops at Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay offer varied options for relaxation.
Is a balcony cabin worth it for extra privacy and views?
A balcony cabin would certainly enhance the experience for couples seeking privacy and scenic views, especially during the sea day and while approaching the beautiful Bahamian islands like Half Moon Cay.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

A large ship and popular ports mean opportunities to socialize, but solo-specific cabins or programs are not highlighted by the cruise details.

Are there designated solo cabins or single traveler discounts?
The cruise description does not mention specific solo cabins or single traveler discounts. Solo travelers typically pay a single supplement for a double occupancy cabin on most cruises.
What social opportunities are available for solo travelers?
On a large ship like Mardi Gras, there are usually many social opportunities through various bars, lounges, and activities, offering chances to meet other passengers. The bustling ports of Celebration Key and Nassau also provide environments for group tours or interactions.
Is it easy to navigate the ship and ports alone?
The Mardi Gras is a modern ship, designed for easy navigation. The ports like Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau are well-developed tourist destinations, making them straightforward for solo exploration or joining organized shore excursions.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian destinations will I visit on this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise from Port Canaveral?
This cruise visits Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's private island oasis, offering custom-designed activities and Bahamian charm exclusively for Carnival guests.
What can I expect to do in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colonial streets, visit local markets, and relax on white-sand beaches.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay offers relaxation on its crescent-shaped shore, swimming in turquoise waters, and various water sports.
Is there a day at sea on this itinerary?
Yes, there is a full day at sea before returning to Port Canaveral, allowing guests to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Which ship operates this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
This cruise is operated by the Mardi Gras ship.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.