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Bahamas Bliss: 5-Day Escape on the Mardi Gras cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

Bahamas Bliss: 5-Day Escape on the Mardi Gras

Bahamas Bliss: 5-Day Escape on the Mardi Gras

The Bahamas 5 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Oct 4, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Oct 9, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Bahamian cruise aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral. Your journey begins with a day of exciting exploration at Celebration Key™, Carnival’s exclusive destination where pristine beaches and endless activities await. Discover the rich history and vibrant markets of Nassau, then unwind in paradise at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, known for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil waters. Onboard, the Mardi Gras offers an unparalleled cruising experience. From thrilling waterslides and delectable dining options to captivating entertainment and relaxing spa treatments, there’s something for everyone. This 5-day escape is meticulously crafted for those seeking a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, all wrapped in the Carnival’s signature fun-loving atmosphere. Return to Port Canaveral refreshed and rejuvenated, with a treasure trove of memories from your Bahamian bliss. This cruise promises an idyllic escape, showcasing the very best of the Caribbean with convenience and flair.

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)
    Experience the magic of Florida, just a short drive from Orlando's renowned theme parks and the Kennedy Space Center. Port Canaveral offers a sun-soaked gateway to adventure.
  2. 2
    Celebration Key™
    Experience the untouched beauty of Celebration Key, where the turquoise waters meet pristine white sands, offering a vibrant Bahamian getaway.
  3. 3
    Nassau
    Nassau, the vibrant capital of The Bahamas, boasts stunning beaches, colorful coral reefs, and a fascinating history of pirates and colonial architecture.
  4. 4
    RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™
    Half Moon Cay is a pristine slice of paradise in the Bahamas, a private island where turquoise waters meet powdery white sands, offering a secluded escape for relaxation and watersports.
  5. 5
    At Sea
  6. 6
    Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    Port Canaveral is a bustling gateway to Orlando's theme parks and a prime launchpad forাইলcruises, offering a sunny start to any adventure.

Who this cruise is for

AI-scored fit by traveler type, grounded in this cruise's itinerary and ship.

First-time cruisers

Fit 95

The concise 5-day duration, variety of Bahamian ports, and the fun-filled Mardi Gras make this an excellent choice for first-time cruisers.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-timer?
Yes, a 5-day escape is an ideal duration for first-time cruisers, offering a substantial taste of the cruising experience without being too long, allowing for both adventure and relaxation.
Are the port stops easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes Carnival's private destination Celebration Key™ and the well-known ports of Nassau and Half Moon Cay™, providing a mix of guided experiences and straightforward exploration for first-timers.
What can I expect on a ship like the Mardi Gras as a first-time cruiser?
On the Mardi Gras, you can expect an 'unparalleled cruising experience' with 'thrilling waterslides and delectable dining options to captivating entertainment and relaxing spa treatments,' embodying Carnival’s fun-loving atmosphere perfect for an engaging first cruise.

Families

Fit 90

With a fun-loving ship like Mardi Gras and destinations like Celebration Key, this is an excellent fit for families seeking adventure.

What activities are available for kids on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is equipped with thrilling waterslides and a 'fun-loving atmosphere,' indicating plenty of kid-friendly activities, though specific details on kids' clubs are not provided in the description.
Are the port stops family-friendly?
Yes, Celebration Key is described as Carnival’s exclusive destination with 'endless activities,' and Half Moon Cay is known for its 'breathtaking beauty and tranquil waters,' offering family-friendly beach time and exploration.
Is the ship suitable for families with different age groups?
The Mardi Gras offers an 'unparalleled cruising experience' with 'something for everyone,' suggesting a wide range of attractions that can cater to various age groups within a family, from exhilarating to relaxing.

Groups

Fit 75

The vibrant Mardi Gras and diverse Bahamian ports make this cruise a strong option for groups seeking shared fun and exploration.

Does the Mardi Gras accommodate group dining?
With 'delectable dining options' and a 'fun-loving atmosphere,' the Mardi Gras likely offers various dining venues and arrangements suitable for groups, although specific group dining policies are not detailed.
Are there activities on board that are good for groups?
Absolutely, the Mardi Gras features 'thrilling waterslides' and 'captivating entertainment,' providing numerous group-friendly activities and shared experiences throughout the cruise.
Can a group book cabins close together or get special rates?
While the description confirms the ship's many amenities, it does not specify group booking benefits like cabin proximity or special group rates, which would typically need to be arranged directly with the cruise line.

Solo travelers

Fit 65

The Mardi Gras's fun atmosphere and engaging ports offer a reasonable fit for solo travelers seeking social interaction and adventure.

Are there opportunities to meet other travelers?
The Mardi Gras promotes a 'fun-loving atmosphere,' which generally makes it easy to meet other passengers through shared activities like thrilling waterslides and various entertainment options.
Are solo cabins available or is there a single supplement?
The description does not specify the availability of solo cabins or address single supplements, so it's advisable to check directly with the cruise line regarding pricing for single occupancy.
Will I feel out of place as a solo traveler on this cruise?
With the Mardi Gras's 'unparalleled cruising experience' and diverse offerings, including both adventure and relaxation, a solo traveler should find plenty to enjoy and opportunities to engage or unwind as they prefer.

Couples

Fit 60

This cruise offers some romantic elements on a lively ship, making it a reasonable fit for couples seeking a fun, short escape.

Are there romantic dining options for couples?
The Mardi Gras offers delectable dining options, which may include more intimate settings, but specific details on dedicated couples' dining experiences are not provided.
What activities are available for couples on board?
The Mardi Gras features thrilling waterslides and captivating entertainment, providing a variety of activities that couples can enjoy together, from high-energy fun to relaxing shows.
Is the atmosphere primarily geared towards families or can couples find quiet spaces?
While the Mardi Gras is known for Carnival's fun-loving atmosphere, which often appeals to families, it also offers relaxing spa treatments and tranquil port destinations like Half Moon Cay where couples can find quiet relaxation.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What destinations are included in the 5-day Bahamas Bliss cruise on the Mardi Gras?
This 5-day cruise visits Celebration Key™, Nassau, and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ in the Bahamas.
What activities are available at Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ offers pristine beaches and various activities as Carnival's exclusive destination.
What can I expect to do in Nassau during this cruise?
In Nassau, you can explore its rich history and vibrant markets.
What is unique about RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™?
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is known for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil waters, offering a paradise-like experience.
What kind of onboard experiences does the Mardi Gras offer?
The Mardi Gras features thrilling waterslides, diverse dining options, captivating entertainment, and relaxing spa treatments.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
With thrilling waterslides and diverse entertainment, the Mardi Gras offers activities suitable for all ages, including families.
When does this 5-day Bahamas Bliss cruise depart?
This cruise departs on October 4, 2027.
Where does the Mardi Gras depart from for this Bahamian cruise?
The Mardi Gras departs from Port Canaveral for this 5-day Bahamian cruise.