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7-Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL cruise ship
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Carnival Cruise Line

7-Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

7-Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

Eastern Caribbean 7 days Mardi Gras
Departs
Apr 17, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Apr 24, 2027 at 8:00 AM
7 Day CruiseCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm Weather

From the sun-kissed shores of Florida to the vibrant rhythms of the Eastern Caribbean, this 7-day adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras promises an unforgettable escape. Your journey begins in Port Canaveral, your gateway to the magic of Orlando's world-class theme parks before sailing to the colorful colonial charm of Nassau, Bahamas. Explore bustling markets, pristine white-sand beaches, and dive into the island's rich history.The itinerary features a call at Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's idyllic private island paradise in the Bahamas, renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. Then enjoy two relaxing days at sea as you sail towards Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, where you can choose from exhilarating watersports, immersive cultural experiences, or simply bask in the lush natural beauty of the north coast.The grand finale awaits at Celebration Key™, Carnival's brand-new Bahamian private island destination. This lively and immersive experience is designed exclusively for Carnival guests, offering a unique blend of relaxation and exhilaration before you return to Port Canaveral.

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
    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.
  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
    At Sea
  5. 5
    Amber Cove
    Amber Cove is a popular cruise port located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, offering a mix of water sports, cultural experiences, and lush natural beauty.
  6. 6
    At Sea
  7. 7
    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.
  8. 8
    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

With a popular itinerary, clear highlights, and a well-known cruise line, this is an excellent choice for a first-time cruiser.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for a first-time cruiser. It's a 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary on Carnival's Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral, which is a popular and straightforward cruise experience.
What are the main highlights of this cruise for a first-timer?
Highlights include visits to vibrant destinations like Nassau, the pristine private island paradise of Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and the new immersive Celebration Key, offering a diverse array of experiences.
Will the onboarding process in Port Canaveral be easy for beginners?
Port Canaveral is a major cruise port, and Carnival is known for its efficient onboarding processes. Departing from a familiar port like this makes it easier for first-time cruisers to navigate.

Families

Fit 85

This Carnival cruise on Mardi Gras, with stops at private islands and a departure from Orlando, is an excellent fit for families seeking fun and adventure.

Is the Mardi Gras ship good for kids and teens?
The Mardi Gras is a Carnival ship, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and attractions, making it generally very suitable for kids and teens, although specific amenities aren't listed here.
Are there kid-friendly activities at the ports like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key?
Both Half Moon Cay and the brand-new Celebration Key™ are Carnival's private island destinations, designed to offer a lively and immersive experience with activities suitable for guests of all ages, including families.
What kind of activities are available for families in Amber Cove?
Amber Cove offers a mix of water sports and cultural experiences, and its lush natural beauty provides various options for families to explore and enjoy during their visit.

Groups

Fit 75

This cruise offers a fun, activity-rich itinerary and a large ship like Mardi Gras which is generally well-suited for group travel and activities.

Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a group celebration or reunion?
The Mardi Gras, a large ship from Carnival, is generally well-suited for groups due to its extensive onboard activities and entertainment options, making it a good choice for celebrations or reunions.
Are there options for group dining or booking cabins together?
The description does not explicitly state group dining or cabin booking options, but Carnival Cruise Line typically accommodates groups with arrangements for dining together and booking blocks of cabins. You would need to contact the cruise line for details.
What group activities are available at the private islands like Celebration Key?
Celebration Key, Carnival's brand-new private island, is designed for a lively and immersive experience. This means it will likely offer a variety of activities and facilities that groups can enjoy together, such as beaches, water activities, and dining.

Seniors

Fit 70

This cruise offers a balanced itinerary with a mix of relaxing private island days and destination exploration, but accessibility details are not provided.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed enough for seniors?
The cruise offers a balanced pace with two relaxing 'at sea' days and stops at private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, allowing for both exploration and leisure.
Are the ports of call easily accessible for those with mobility concerns?
The cruise does not specify accessibility details for the ports of call. While private islands often have good infrastructure, it's best to check with the cruise line regarding specific port accessibility and potential tender services.
What kind of enrichment activities are available on the Mardi Gras?
The description highlights vibrant destinations and island experiences but does not detail specific enrichment programs on the Mardi Gras. Carnival ships typically offer a variety of entertainment and activities, but not always academic enrichment.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a blend of island adventure and relaxation, with private island stops providing opportunities for quality time together, but lacks explicit romance-focused amenities in the descript

Are there romantic dining options available on the Mardi Gras?
The cruise description does not detail specific romantic dining options. However, Carnival ships typically offer specialty restaurants that provide a more intimate setting for an additional charge.
Will we have enough alone time or is this a very family-oriented ship?
While the Mardi Gras is a large ship that caters to families, it does feature two 'at sea' days and stops at private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which offer opportunities for couples to find quieter spots and enjoy relaxation together.
Are there good excursions for couples at the ports of call?
The ports like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key offer a variety of activities such as exploring historical sites, relaxing on beaches, or engaging in water sports, which can be enjoyed by couples looking for adventure or relaxation.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While offering beautiful destinations and private islands, the cruise description doesn't highlight exclusive honeymoon amenities or overly private experiences.

Does this cruise offer any special packages or amenities for honeymooners?
The cruise description does not mention any specific packages or amenities tailored for honeymooners. You would need to inquire with Carnival Cruise Line directly about honeymoon specials.
Are there quiet, romantic spots on the Mardi Gras or in the destinations?
The itinerary includes two 'at sea' days and visits to private islands like Half Moon Cay, known for its pristine beaches, and the new Celebration Key, which offer opportunities for relaxation and private moments for honeymooners.
What kind of cabins are available for honeymooners seeking privacy?
The cruise description does not specify cabin types. However, booking a balcony cabin or a suite would typically offer more privacy for honeymooners.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What is the departure port for this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise?
This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Which islands will this Eastern Caribbean cruise visit?
This cruise visits Nassau, Half Moon Cay™ (Bahamas), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), and Celebration Key™ (Bahamas).
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival Cruise Line's newly developed private island destination in the Bahamas, designed exclusively for Carnival guests.
What activities can I expect at Half Moon Cay™?
Half Moon Cay™ is known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, offering opportunities for relaxation and water activities.
Does this cruise include any days at sea?
Yes, the itinerary includes two relaxing days at sea as you sail towards Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
What type of experiences are available at Amber Cove?
At Amber Cove, you can choose from watersports, cultural experiences, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic's north coast.
When does this cruise depart?
This specific cruise departs on April 17, 2027.
What ship will I be sailing on for this Eastern Caribbean itinerary?
You will be sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras ship.