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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 23, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Oct 28, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingShort CruiseDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm WeatherEasy Getaway

Prepare for an unforgettable 5-day escape to The Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras! Your journey begins in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, your gateway to world-class theme parks and thrilling attractions. From there, set sail for the highly anticipated Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis, tailor-made for an immersive Bahamian experience. Indulge in lively activities and soak up the sun in this vibrant new destination.The adventure continues to Half Moon Cay, an idyllic private island paradise in the Bahamas. Here, you'll discover crescent-shaped beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life, offering a pristine haven for relaxation and exhilarating water sports. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant charm of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches await your exploration.Spend a leisurely day at sea, enjoying the ship's incredible amenities before returning to Port Canaveral, refreshed and rejuvenated from your extraordinary Bahamian adventure. This cruise promises a perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and cultural immersion, all wrapped in the unparalleled comfort and fun of the Mardi Gras.

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
    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.
  4. 4
    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.
  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 cruise is an excellent choice for first-timers, offering a short duration, popular destinations, and a fun ship experience.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Absolutely, a 5-day cruise is an ideal length for first-timers, providing enough time to experience the ship and destinations without feeling too long, making it a great introduction to cruising.
Are the ports of call easy for first-time cruisers to navigate?
Yes, the itinerary includes private islands (Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay) which are designed for ease of use by cruise guests, and Nassau offers straightforward exploration options, making these ports welcoming for first-timers.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for someone new to cruising?
The Mardi Gras is a modern Carnival ship, known for its extensive amenities and fun atmosphere, which makes it an excellent choice for first-time cruisers looking for an engaging and memorable experience.

Families

Fit 85

This 5-day cruise on Mardi Gras to the Bahamas is an excellent fit for families, offering fun islands, kid-friendly activities, and a short duration.

Is The Bahamas a good destination for families with kids?
Absolutely, the itinerary includes family-friendly private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, known for their beaches and water activities, plus Nassau for shore excursions, making it ideal for families.
What kind of activities are available for kids on the Mardi Gras ship?
While specific kids' club details aren't provided, the Mardi Gras is a modern Carnival ship, renowned for its extensive family-friendly amenities, likely including water parks, kids' clubs, and activity zones suitable for various ages.
Is the 5-day duration good for a family vacation?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for families, offering enough time to enjoy the ship and destinations without being too long for younger children, and starting from Port Canaveral is convenient for Orlando theme park extensions.

Groups

Fit 80

This short Carnival cruise on the Mardi Gras is highly suitable for groups looking for fun and diverse activities.

Is the Mardi Gras suitable for a large group looking to have fun?
Absolutely, the Mardi Gras is a large, modern Carnival ship known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive activities, making it highly suitable for groups seeking entertainment and fun together.
Are there options for group dining or gathering spaces onboard?
Carnival ships typically offer multiple dining venues and public spaces that can accommodate groups of various sizes, and special arrangements for group dining can often be made in advance.
Does the itinerary offer varied activities that would appeal to different interests within a group?
Yes, the itinerary includes private island beach days at Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay for relaxation, plus a visit to Nassau for cultural exploration and shopping, offering diverse options for group members.

Seniors

Fit 65

This cruise offers a relaxed pace with private island stops and a convenient duration, suitable for seniors who enjoy a lively ship.

Is the pace of this cruise suitable for seniors looking for relaxation?
Yes, the 5-day cruise includes ample time for relaxation at private islands like Half Moon Cay and a day at sea, allowing for a balanced pace, though the Mardi Gras can be quite lively.
Are the ports of call easily accessible for seniors?
The itinerary includes private islands (Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay) which generally involve tendering, and Nassau, where shore excursions vary in accessibility; seniors should check specific excursion details.
What kind of onboard activities are available for seniors seeking enrichment or entertainment?
While the Mardi Gras is known for its wide range of entertainment, the description does not specifically detail enrichment programs; however, there will be live music, shows, and various activities suitable for diverse interests.

Couples

Fit 60

This Bahamas cruise offers couples a good balance of relaxation and activities, though it might lack high-end romantic exclusivity.

Are there good options for romantic dining on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with many dining venues; while specifics aren't listed, Carnival typically offers specialty dining that can be a more intimate experience for couples.
Will we be able to find quiet spots or adults-only areas?
Large Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras usually feature adults-only areas like Serenity Deck, providing a quieter escape from the general ship activities, along with private island stops at Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay for relaxation.
Is the itinerary varied enough for a couple looking for both adventure and relaxation?
Yes, the itinerary includes private island stops at Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay for relaxation and beach activities, plus a visit to Nassau for cultural exploration, offering a good mix for couples.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

This cruise offers some accessible features on a new ship but may have limitations at tendered private island ports.

Are there accessible cabins on the Mardi Gras?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras likely offers ADA-compliant accessible cabins, though specific details about their availability and features are not provided in the cruise description.
Are the ports of call accessible for travelers with mobility challenges?
The itinerary includes private islands (Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay) which are tendered ports, meaning guests transfer via smaller boats, which can pose challenges for some mobility devices. Nassau is a docked port but shore excursions vary in accessibility.
What is the ship's overall accessibility like for getting around?
The Mardi Gras is a modern vessel and is generally designed with accessibility in mind, featuring elevators and wide corridors. However, it's always recommended to contact the cruise line directly for specific accessibility features and accommodations.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What dates are available for the 5-Day The Bahamas cruise on Mardi Gras?
This specific 5-day cruise departs on 2027-10-23 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
What destinations will this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise visit in The Bahamas?
This cruise visits Celebration Key™, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau in The Bahamas.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island oasis in The Bahamas, designed for an immersive Bahamian experience with lively activities.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise in the Bahamas known for its crescent-shaped beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and marine life, offering relaxation and water sports.
What activities are available in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches.
What is the starting price for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
The starting price for this cruise is 424.
Where does this cruise depart from and return to?
This cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with many amenities, and the stops at private islands like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay often provide activities suitable for all ages, making it a good option for families.