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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 18, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Oct 23, 2027 at 8:00 AM
FamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseAccessibleBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

From the bustling hub of Port Canaveral, set sail on the magnificent Mardi Gras for an unforgettable 5-day escape to the dazzling Bahamas. Let the ocean breeze carry your cares away as you cruise towards paradise. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nassau, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches await your exploration. Indulge in the serene beauty of Half Moon Cay, Carnival Cruise Line's private island oasis, boasting a crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life – perfect for ultimate relaxation or thrilling water activities. Conclude your Bahamian adventure at the revolutionary Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation's newest private island destination, designed to deliver an immersive and lively Bahamian experience exclusively for Carnival guests, before returning refreshed and rejuvenated to Port Canaveral, your gateway to the magic of Orlando.

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, Accessible travelers
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
    At Sea
  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
    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.
  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

Excellent for first-timers with a short duration, popular ship, and easy-to-navigate private island destinations.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for my first cruise?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience all the ship offers and visit multiple destinations, but short enough that it won't feel overwhelming.
Are the destinations easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
Absolutely. Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key are popular Bahamas destinations with clear onshore activities and plenty of support for cruise guests, making them very easy to explore for first-timers.
Is the Mardi Gras ship a good choice for someone's first cruise?
The Mardi Gras is a fantastic choice for a first cruise! It's one of Carnival's newest and most innovative ships, offering a wide array of activities, dining, and entertainment, providing a memorable and exciting first cruise experience.

Families

Fit 90

This 5-day cruise on Mardi Gras to the Bahamas and private islands is an excellent fit for families looking for fun and diverse experiences.

Is the Mardi Gras ship good for kids?
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras is a brand new, highly-rated ship known for its family-friendly amenities, including the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT, and extensive kids' clubs for all age groups, making it excellent for children.
What activities are available for families on the private islands?
Half Moon Cay offers plenty of beach activities, water sports, and horseback riding. Celebration Key, Carnival's newest private destination, is specifically designed with a variety of family-friendly immersive experiences and activities for all ages.
Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a family vacation?
A 5-day cruise is an ideal length for families as it provides enough time to enjoy the ship and explore the destinations without being too long for younger children. It's a great introduction to cruising for first-time family cruisers.

Groups

Fit 90

This lively ship and itinerary with private islands are excellent for groups seeking fun and social experiences.

Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a group trip?
The Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for groups! Its large size and wide variety of activities, entertainment, and dining options ensure there's something for everyone, fostering a fun and social atmosphere for group members.
Are there options for group dining or gathering spaces?
Yes, the Mardi Gras offers numerous dining venues, including specialty restaurants suitable for group reservations, as well as many bars and lounges perfect for group meet-ups and celebrations. There are also large public deck areas.
Do the private islands offer good group activities?
Both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key provide fantastic opportunities for group fun, from relaxing on the beach together to participating in water sports or island-specific activities. Celebration Key, in particular, is designed for immersive and lively experiences for all guests, including groups.

Accessible travelers

Fit 75

The Mardi Gras is a modern ship likely to have good accessibility, but port tenders at private islands need confirmation.

Are there accessible cabins on the Mardi Gras?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is required to have a good selection of ADA-compliant accessible cabins with features like wider doors, roll-in showers, and grab bars. It's recommended to book these well in advance.
Are the ports of call accessible for guests with mobility challenges?
Nassau offers accessible shore excursions, though some areas may vary. Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands; it's crucial to confirm if they use tenders, as transferring via tender can be challenging for some mobility scooter users. It's best to contact Carnival directly for specific port accessibility details prior to booking.
What accessibility features does the Mardi Gras offer onboard?
Modern ships like the Mardi Gras typically feature accessible routes, elevators, and public restrooms throughout the ship. There are likely accessible seating areas in theaters and dining venues to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Solo travelers

Fit 70

A lively ship and short duration make this cruise good for solo travelers, although specific solo cabins or programs are not highlighted.

Will I feel out of place traveling solo on this cruise?
Carnival cruises, especially on a large ship like the Mardi Gras, tend to have a lively and social atmosphere where solo travelers can easily meet new people. While specific solo traveler programs aren't mentioned, the ship's numerous activities and dining options encourage interaction.
Are there opportunities to meet other solo travelers?
The Mardi Gras offers many common areas, bars, and activities that lend themselves to socializing. Participation in onboard events or excursions to Nassau and the private islands can provide good chances to connect with other guests.
Are there any solo-specific cabins or pricing benefits?
The cruise details do not specify solo cabins or a waived single supplement. Solo travelers typically pay the double-occupancy rate, but it's worth checking with Carnival directly for any potential solo traveler deals or specific cabin availability.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamas cruise offers a lively atmosphere and private island stops, but might lack the intimate, romantic feel some couples seek.

Will there be enough romantic activities for two on this cruise?
While the Mardi Gras is a large, lively ship with many activities, it might not be the most intimate setting. However, private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key could offer some opportunities for romantic strolls and relaxation on the beach.
Are there good dining options for a romantic dinner?
The Mardi Gras is known for its diverse dining options, including specialty restaurants that could offer a more upscale experience for a date night. You would need to check for specific romantic-themed dining packages or venues available on board.
Are the private islands a good escape for couples?
Yes, Half Moon Cay is known for its beautiful, serene beaches, perfect for relaxing together. Celebration Key is designed to be lively but will also offer areas for relaxation, ensuring couples can find their own space.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian destinations will I visit on this 5-day cruise?
This cruise visits Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key.
Which ship will I be sailing on for this Bahamian cruise?
You will be sailing on the Mardi Gras ship for this cruise.
Where does this 5-day Bahamas cruise depart from?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is unique about Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival Cruise Line's private island, known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear waters, and marine life.
What can I expect at Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's newest private island destination, offering an immersive Bahamian experience exclusively for Carnival guests.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
The Mardi Gras ship and destinations like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key typically offer activities and amenities suitable for families.