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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
Oct 9, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Oct 14, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape to the Bahamas aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras, sailing from Port Canaveral, your gateway to Orlando's magical attractions. Your journey begins with anticipation for Celebration Key™, Carnival's thrilling private island experience, promising sun-soaked fun and authentic Bahamian flair designed exclusively for you. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches await your exploration.Indulge in pure relaxation at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's idyllic private island oasis. Sink your toes into the crescent-shaped beach, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, or discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface – a perfect haven for serene escapes and exhilarating water activities. With a blissful day at sea, you'll return to Port Canaveral refreshed and rejuvenated, carrying memories of the Bahamas that will last a lifetime.

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 95

This 5-day cruise is an excellent choice for first-timers, offering a short, clear itinerary with popular ports and a well-known, fun ship.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Absolutely, this 5-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers. Its short duration, popular destinations, and sailing on the well-regarded Mardi Gras make it very approachable and fun.
Are the ports easy to navigate for first-timers?
Yes, with stops at private islands like Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, the experiences are designed to be straightforward and tourist-friendly. Nassau is also a common and accessible port with clear attractions and tours.
Will I feel overwhelmed by the ship or activities as a first-timer?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship known for its fun and easy-to-understand layout and activities. The 5-day duration also provides enough time to explore without feeling rushed, making it perfect for getting a taste of cruising.

Families

Fit 90

This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras is an excellent fit for families, offering private islands, family-friendly destinations, and a fun ship.

Is this a good cruise for kids and teens?
Absolutely! Sailing on the Mardi Gras, a Carnival ship known for its family-friendly amenities, combined with stops at Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay (both private islands), offers plenty of kid-centric fun, beaches, and activities.
What kinds of activities are available for families at the ports?
At Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, families can enjoy beach activities, swimming, and various water sports. Nassau offers cultural exploration and more beaches, ensuring diverse options for all ages.
Is the duration of the cruise suitable for families with younger children?
The 5-day duration is ideal for families, particularly those with younger children, as it provides a substantial vacation without being too long, perfectly balancing relaxation and exploration.

Groups

Fit 85

This lively 5-day cruise to the Bahamas is ideal for groups seeking fun, diverse activities, and a good value vacation together.

Is this cruise suitable for large groups or family reunions?
Absolutely, this 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras is very well-suited for groups or family reunions, offering a lively ship atmosphere and a mix of fun private island experiences and a vibrant capital city.
Are there group activities or spaces available on the ship or at ports?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous onboard activities and dining venues perfect for groups. At Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, groups can enjoy shared beach time, water activities, and excursions together.
Can we arrange group dining or block cabins together?
Cruises on large ships like the Mardi Gras typically allow for group reservations, which can include arranging blocks of cabins together and facilitating group dining options, making it ideal for organized group travel.

Solo travelers

Fit 70

This lively 5-day cruise is good for solo travelers looking for fun and easy socialization, especially with its private island visits.

Will I be able to meet other solo travelers on this cruise?
Sailing on the Mardi Gras, a large and popular Carnival ship, generally means a lively atmosphere with many opportunities to socialize and meet new people, often through shipboard activities and common areas.
Are there activities available for solo travelers to participate in?
The cruise offers a mix of private island fun at Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay, plus exploring Nassau, providing ample activities for solo travelers to enjoy, from relaxing on the beach to shore excursions.
Are there single supplement fees on this cruise?
While the cruise description doesn't specify single supplement details, Carnival generally applies them for solo occupancy in standard cabins. Some ships may have specific solo cabins or programs, but this cruise doesn't mention them.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

This cruise visits private islands likely with good accessibility, but the Carnival fun atmosphere might not suit all accessible travelers.

Are the ports of call accessible for travelers with mobility challenges?
Celebration Key™ and Half Moon Cay are private islands, generally designed with accessibility in mind for guests to enjoy the beach areas and facilities. Nassau's accessibility can vary, but generally offers options if arranged.
Is the ship, Mardi Gras, wheelchair accessible?
The Mardi Gras, as a modern Carnival ship, is built to ADA specifications, offering accessible cabins, elevators, and public area routes to accommodate travelers with mobility challenges.
Are the private island stops tendered or docked?
The description does not specify if Celebration Key™ or Half Moon Cay are tendered or docked for this particular cruise. Private islands often have docking facilities, but tendering can sometimes be required depending on the ship and day.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and activities with private island stops and Nassau, appealing to couples who enjoy lively atmospheres.

Will there be romantic dining options on this cruise?
The cruise aboard the Mardi Gras is a larger ship from Carnival, known for its fun atmosphere. While there will be many dining options, the emphasis may be more on lively rather than strictly intimate settings.
Are there adults-only areas for relaxation?
The description highlights 'sun-soaked fun' and a 'lively' private island experience at Celebration Key™, suggesting a vibrant, energetic atmosphere rather than secluded adults-only relaxation specific to the itinerary. Ships typically have adults-only spaces, but the itinerary itself doesn't emphasize private romantic spots.
Are the destinations suitable for a romantic getaway?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, an idyllic private island, which can be very relaxing and picturesque, and Nassau, offering a blend of culture and beaches. Celebration Key also promises a fun Bahamian experience.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

This cruise offers beautiful private island stops and a good value, suitable for honeymooners who prioritize fun and relaxation over exclusive luxury.

Does this cruise offer privacy and intimate experiences for honeymooners?
While the destinations like Half Moon Cay offer idyllic settings, the Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship known for lively fun, which might mean less emphasis on exclusive intimate experiences; however, private island stops can be romantic.
Are there premium dining options suitable for a honeymoon celebration?
The Mardi Gras offers a variety of dining choices, and while it's more focused on fun and variety, there are usually specialty dining restaurants that can offer a more elevated experience suitable for a celebration.
Are the destinations romantic for a honeymoon?
With stops at idyllic private islands like Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key™, the destinations themselves offer beautiful beaches and tranquil settings that can be very romantic for honeymooners.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian destinations will this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Celebration Key™, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay™.
What is the departure port for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
What kind of experience can I expect at Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival's new private island destination designed to offer sun-soaked fun and authentic Bahamian experiences.
What activities are available at Nassau, Bahamas during this cruise?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches.
What can I do at Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ offers a crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters for swimming, and opportunities to discover marine life.
How many days is this cruise and what ship is it on?
This is a 5-night cruise aboard the Mardi Gras.