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

Embark on a captivating 5-day Bahamian escape aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras, setting sail from Port Canaveral. Your journey begins with the allure of Orlando's world-class attractions before whisking you away to the highly anticipated Celebration Key™. This exclusive Carnival destination promises an immersive Bahamian experience designed just for you, brimming with vibrant culture and endless fun. Next, discover the rich tapestry of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where historic charm intertwines with modern delights. Explore its colorful colonial architecture, browse bustling markets, and unwind on pristine white-sand beaches. Conclude your island hopping with a visit to the idyllic Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private oasis. Renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life, it's the perfect spot for ultimate relaxation and exhilarating water activities. A rejuvenating day at sea allows you to savor the Mardi Gras's exceptional amenities before returning to Port Canaveral, refreshed and filled with cherished memories.

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-time cruisers due to its short duration, popular destinations, and easy access from Port Canaveral.

Is a 5-day cruise a good length for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 5-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-timers, offering a comprehensive cruise experience without being overwhelmingly long. It allows you to explore multiple destinations and ship amenities.
Are the ports of call easy for first-time cruisers to navigate?
The itinerary includes popular Bahamian destinations like Nassau, Celebration Key, and Half Moon Cay, which are generally well-organized for cruise visitors and offer clear excursion options.
Is Carnival's Mardi Gras a good ship for someone new to cruising?
The Mardi Gras is a modern, large ship with many amenities, making it a great choice for first-timers. Its diverse offerings cater to many interests, ensuring there's always something to do.

Families

Fit 85

Excellent fit for families due to the child-friendly destinations, private islands with activities, and the large, amenity-rich Mardi Gras ship.

Are there enough activities to keep my kids entertained on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is a very large ship with numerous amenities perfect for families. The private island stops at Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay also offer extensive water activities and fun for children.
What kind of activities are available for families at the ports of call?
Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay are private island destinations known for their beaches, water sports, and family-friendly atmosphere. Nassau offers beaches and cultural sights suitable for family exploration.
What is the duration of this cruise, and is it suitable for families with young children?
This is a 5-day cruise, which is an ideal duration for families with young children, providing a taste of cruising without being too long.

Groups

Fit 80

This cruise on the large Mardi Gras ship offers excellent amenities and destinations for groups, with diverse activities.

Is the Mardi Gras ship suitable for large groups with varied interests?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is a very large ship with diverse dining, entertainment, and activity options, making it ideal for groups with varied interests, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.
Are there opportunities for group dining or gathering spaces on the ship?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining venues and public spaces that can accommodate groups. It is advisable to pre-arrange group dining reservations if you wish to eat together nightly.
Do the destinations offer activities that groups can enjoy together?
Absolutely, destinations like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay provide ample opportunities for group activities such as beach relaxation, water sports, and organized excursions. Nassau also offers various group exploration options.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

The modern Mardi Gras ship likely offers good accessibility, but specific port transfer details should be verified for full comfort.

Are the ports of call for this cruise primarily docked or tendered?
Nassau is typically a docked port, which is generally more accessible. Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private islands that often utilize tenders, so it's important to verify their specific accessibility provisions for transfers.
What accessibility features are available on the Mardi Gras ship?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is expected to have accessible cabins, elevators, and wide corridors. It's recommended to contact the cruise line directly to confirm specific features for your needs, such as shower facilities or chair lifts.
Can I arrange for mobility assistance for shore excursions at the destinations?
Accessible shore excursions should be coordinated directly with Carnival Cruise Line or their shore excursion desk onboard. They can provide information on availability and suitability for various mobility needs, especially for private islands.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a good base for couples looking for a quick getaway, with private island stops and the large Mardi Gras ship for amenities.

Will there be romantic dining options on this ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship known for a wide variety of dining, so you are likely to find options for more intimate dining experiences beyond the main dining rooms, although specific romantic packages are not detailed.
Are there adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras ship?
Large Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras typically feature adults-only retreats like the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, offering a quieter space for relaxation away from general family areas.
Are the destinations suitable for couples seeking relaxation and some exploration?
Yes, destinations like Half Moon Cay provide pristine beaches for relaxation, while Nassau offers cultural exploration. Celebration Key is anticipated to offer immersive Bahamian experiences for all guests.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

A good option for honeymooners seeking a fun and lively short escape on a large ship, though it may lack the intimate luxury some seek.

Will this cruise offer an intimate and romantic experience for our honeymoon?
While the Mardi Gras is a large, lively ship, you can find quieter moments in adults-only areas. The private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key offer beautiful backdrops for relaxation.
Are there special amenities or packages for honeymooners on this cruise?
The cruise description does not detail specific honeymoon packages, but Carnival often offers amenities that can be arranged, such as specialty dining or spa treatments, for celebrations.
Will we be able to enjoy privacy and relaxation on this cruise and at the destinations?
You can find opportunities for privacy on the ship, especially in cabin categories with balconies, and during ashore excursions at the serene beaches of Half Moon Cay.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and activities on a modern ship, though some may find the Mardi Gras's large size and energy bustling.

Is the pace of this 5-day cruise relaxing enough for seniors?
This 5-day cruise includes three port days and one day at sea, offering a good balance of exploration and relaxation. The private islands, like Half Moon Cay, are designed for tranquil beach experiences.
Will the Mardi Gras ship be easy to navigate for guests with mobility concerns?
The Mardi Gras is a modern, large ship, generally well-equipped for accessibility, with elevators and spacious public areas. However, very long walks might be needed to get around, so check specific accessibility features.
Are there quiet areas on the ship to relax and avoid crowds?
Large ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer various lounges and areas, including adults-only retreats like Serenity, where guests can find a more peaceful atmosphere away from the main activities.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is Celebration Key™ and what can I expect there?
Celebration Key™ is an exclusive Carnival destination in The Bahamas. It offers an immersive Bahamian experience designed for guests, featuring vibrant culture and various activities.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island known for its crescent-shaped beach and clear waters. You can expect ultimate relaxation and various water activities there.
What kind of experience does Nassau offer?
Nassau, the Bahamian capital, offers a blend of historic charm and modern delights. You can explore colonial architecture, visit bustling markets, and relax on beaches.
Which ship is used for this 5-day Bahamas cruise?
This 5-day Bahamas cruise is aboard the Mardi Gras.
Where does this cruise depart from and return to?
This cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
How many nights is this cruise package?
This cruise package is 5 nights long.
When does this cruise depart in 2027?
This cruise departs on 2027-09-20.