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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 25, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Sep 30, 2027 at 8:00 AM
CaribbeanFamiliesShort 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 Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Your journey begins with a leisurely day at sea, allowing you to indulge in all the amenities and activities your ship has to offer. The first port of call, Half Moon Cay™, awaits, providing a pristine private island paradise where you can bask in the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and discover vibrant marine life. This idyllic escape promises relaxation and exhilarating water sports amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nassau, the bustling capital of The Bahamas. Explore its charming colonial architecture, browse lively markets for local treasures, and sink your toes into the soft sand of its renowned white-sand beaches. This delightful blend of historical allure and modern conveniences offers something for everyone. The adventure continues to Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's new private island destination, designed exclusively for Carnival guests to experience an immersive and lively Bahamian atmosphere before returning to Port Canaveral, where memories of sun-drenched days and turquoise waters will linger long after you disembark.

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
    At Sea
  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
    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 90

A 5-day Bahamian cruise on the popular Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral is an excellent and accessible choice for first-time cruisers.

Is a 5-day cruise too short or too long for a first-timer?
A 5-day cruise is an ideal length for first-time cruisers, offering enough time to experience the ship and destinations without committing to a longer voyage.
Are the ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes popular Bahamian destinations like Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key, which are generally very straightforward and tourist-friendly for exploration.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and largest ship, offering a wide array of activities, dining options, and a lively atmosphere that provides a comprehensive and exciting first-time cruise experience.

Families

Fit 85

The Mardi Gras is a large, activity-rich ship with family-friendly private islands, making this a great option for families.

What kind of activities are available for kids on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and largest ship, known for its extensive family-friendly attractions including BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, and various themed kids' clubs.
Are the private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, good for families?
Yes, both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are private island destinations designed for Carnival guests, offering beaches, water activities, and family-friendly amenities.
Is the itinerary suitable for families with young children?
This 5-day cruise to The Bahamas with only one sea day and two private island stops provides a balanced itinerary that's not too long and offers plenty of engaging activities for families.

Groups

Fit 80

The Mardi Gras's size, numerous activities, and diverse dining options make it well-suited for groups seeking a fun and engaging cruise experience.

Are there good options for group dining on this ship?
The Mardi Gras, being a large Carnival ship, offers many different dining venues, including main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, which can accommodate group reservations.
What group activities are available on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is packed with activities from the BOLT rollercoaster to various bars, lounges, and entertainment venues, offering plenty of options for groups to enjoy together.
Is it possible to arrange blocks of cabins for a group booking?
Yes, cruise lines like Carnival typically offer services for group bookings, including the ability to request blocks of cabins, especially when booking in advance.

Solo travelers

Fit 70

The lively Mardi Gras and its shorter duration make it a good option for solo travelers looking for social opportunities, though single supplements might apply.

Are there opportunities to meet other solo travelers?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with many common areas, bars, and activities, providing numerous opportunities to socialize and meet other passengers.
Does this cruise offer studio cabins for solo travelers?
The cruise description does not specify the availability of studio cabins; solo travelers would typically book a standard cabin, which may incur a single supplement.
Is this a good cruise for a first-time solo cruiser?
This 5-day cruise to the Bahamas is a relatively short and popular itinerary, making it a good choice for first-time solo cruisers to experience cruising in a lively environment.

Couples

Fit 65

This short Bahamian cruise offers some romantic spots like Half Moon Cay and Nassau, but the Mardi Gras ship is generally very lively.

Are there good options for romantic dinners on this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship known for its variety of dining options, which would include venues suitable for a romantic dinner, though specific details aren't provided.
Will we be able to find quiet, adults-only areas?
Larger Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras typically feature adults-only areas, such as the Serenity Retreat, perfect for couples seeking some quiet time.
Is Half Moon Cay a good spot for couples activities?
Half Moon Cay is described as a pristine private island paradise, ideal for basking in the sun, swimming, and water sports, which can be enjoyed by couples.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While the private islands offer romantic potential, the lively Mardi Gras ship might not provide the intimate, luxurious honeymoon experience some seek.

Does the ship offer any special packages or amenities for honeymooners?
The cruise data does not specify honeymoon packages, but Carnival typically offers extra amenities or services for special occasions upon request.
Are the destinations romantic and private enough for a honeymoon?
Half Moon Cay is a pristine private island paradise perfect for relaxing, and Nassau has beautiful beaches, offering romantic settings during your honeymoon.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a quiet, intimate honeymoon experience?
The Mardi Gras is a large, vibrant ship known for its multitude of activities and lively atmosphere, which might not be ideal for couples seeking a very quiet or intimate honeymoon.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Bahamian islands will this 5-day Mardi Gras cruise visit?
This cruise will visit Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key.
Where does the 5-day Mardi Gras cruise to The Bahamas depart from?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What can I expect at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is a private island offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports in clear waters.
What activities are available in Nassau?
In Nassau, you can explore colonial architecture, shop at local markets, and relax on white-sand beaches.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's new private island destination designed for Carnival guests to experience Bahamian culture and activities.
Is a day at sea included in this itinerary?
Yes, your journey begins with a leisurely day at sea, allowing time to explore the ship's amenities.