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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
Feb 20, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Feb 27, 2027 at 8:00 AM
7 Day CruiseCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesRelaxingDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseWarm Weather

Prepare for an unforgettable 7-day Eastern Caribbean adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Your journey begins with the allure of Orlando, a vibrant hub of world-class theme parks and thrilling attractions, all just a short drive from your embarkation point. You'll then set sail to discover the captivating charm of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colonial elegance meets modern vibrancy. Explore its colorful architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches, immersing yourself in its unique culture. The relaxation continues at Half Moon Cay™, Carnival's idyllic private island oasis, boasting a crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life, offering the perfect escape for tranquil moments and exhilarating water activities. Indulge in days at sea, savoring the Mardi Gras's unparalleled amenities and entertainment. Your adventure continues at Amber Cove, a delightful cruise port on the Dominican Republic's north coast, where you can delve into water sports, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. As your journey draws to a close, anticipate the excitement of Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's upcoming private island destination. Designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests, this lively Bahamian paradise promises an immersive experience filled with vibrant energy and unforgettable moments. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and exhilarating experiences, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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
Families, First-time cruisers, 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.

Families

Fit 90

The Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for families, offering a fun-filled itinerary with private islands and a ship known for family-friendly amenities.

Is the Mardi Gras ship good for kids?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and largest ship, built with extensive family-friendly amenities. It features the first roller coaster at sea, a large water park (WaterWorks), and various active zones, making it highly suitable for children and teens.
What activities can my family do on the private islands?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™, both Carnival's private island destinations designed with family fun in mind, offering pristine beaches, water activities, and opportunities for relaxation and adventure suitable for all ages.
Are there kid-friendly excursions in the ports?
Ports like Nassau and Amber Cove offer a variety of excursions that can be family-friendly, from exploring local culture and markets in Nassau to water sports and nature activities in Amber Cove. Carnival typically offers excursions tailored for families.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

This Carnival cruise on the modern Mardi Gras offers an easy-to-navigate Eastern Caribbean itinerary, making it a great option for first-time cruisers.

Is a 7-day cruise a good length for a first-timer?
Yes, a 7-day cruise is an excellent duration for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to experience a variety of ports and enjoy the ship's amenities without being overwhelming, offering a great introduction to cruising.
Are the ports easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes well-known Eastern Caribbean ports like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key™. These destinations are popular cruise stops and often have organized tours and facilities making them generally easy for first-time cruisers to explore.
Is Carnival's Mardi Gras a good ship for a first cruise?
Absolutely. The Mardi Gras is one of Carnival's newest and most amenity-rich ships, offering a wide array of dining, entertainment, and activities. This provides a dynamic and engaging experience that can ease first-timers into the world of cruising with plenty to see and do.

Groups

Fit 80

The Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for groups looking for an energetic and fun experience with plenty of activities and dining options.

Is this cruise good for a large group celebration?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is an excellent ship for large group celebrations. Its extensive amenities, diverse dining options, and wide array of entertainment ensure there's something for everyone, making it perfect for a lively group experience.
Can a group easily dine together on the ship?
On a large ship like the Mardi Gras, main dining rooms can typically accommodate large groups with advance notice. There are also numerous casual and specialty dining venues that offer flexibility for groups of varying sizes.
What activities are available for groups to do together?
Groups can enjoy activities like the BOLT roller coaster, WaterWorks water park, live shows, various bars and lounges, and explore the different zones on the Mardi Gras. The private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ also offer group-friendly beach and water activities.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a lively atmosphere and a mix of private island relaxation and port stops, suitable for couples looking for a fun escape.

Are there good dining options for a romantic meal?
While specific romantic dining options aren't detailed, the Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship known for having a variety of dining venues, which likely includes specialty restaurants suitable for couples looking for a more intimate experience.
Will we be able to find quiet spots away from crowds?
As the Mardi Gras is a large ship from Carnival, it will likely have many common areas. However, private balcony cabins would offer a personal oasis, and adults-only areas, often found on Carnival ships, could provide quieter spots.
What activities are there for couples on this cruise?
This Eastern Caribbean cruise offers stops at vibrant Nassau, relaxing Half Moon Cay, and Amber Cove, providing opportunities for couples to explore, enjoy beaches, and engage in water activities together. Days at sea on the Mardi Gras will also offer various entertainment options.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

This lively cruise offers fun and relaxation with private island stops and varied ports, suitable for honeymooners seeking an energetic start.

Is this a romantic cruise for a honeymoon?
While the Mardi Gras is known for its energetic and fun atmosphere, it can be romantic for honeymooners who enjoy a lively setting. The private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ offer beautiful beach settings ideal for romantic relaxation.
Are there special packages or amenities for honeymooners?
Specific honeymoon packages are not detailed in the cruise description. However, Carnival often offers celebration packages, and booking a balcony cabin or suite would enhance the privacy and special feel of a honeymoon.
What kind of dining options are available for a special occasion?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship with numerous dining venues, likely including specialty restaurants that offer a more upscale and intimate experience, which would be perfect for a celebratory honeymoon dinner.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras as a modern ship likely has good accessibility features, but the multiple private island stops could involve transfers, which might be a consideration.

Does the Mardi Gras ship have accessible cabins?
As a modern Carnival ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with accessible cabins. It is recommended to contact the cruise line directly or your travel agent to confirm availability and specific features to meet individual needs.
Are the ports of call wheelchair-friendly?
The itinerary includes Nassau and Amber Cove, which are typically larger cruise ports with varying levels of accessibility. Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ are private islands, which often involve tendering or gangway access that may require specific mobility considerations; checking with Carnival for details on these specific ports is advised.
What accessibility features are on the ship itself?
Carnival's Mardi Gras, being a modern vessel, is expected to have features like elevators, accessible restrooms, and ramps in public areas. For specific medical equipment or mobility device needs, it’s best to verify with Carnival directly.

Frequently asked about this cruise

When is the best time to book this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Mardi Gras?
Booking in advance is generally recommended for cruises, especially for popular itineraries and ships like the Mardi Gras, to secure your preferred cabin and departure date for the February 2027 sailing.
What unique features does the Mardi Gras ship offer for this Eastern Caribbean itinerary?
The Mardi Gras is known for its extensive amenities, including BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, various themed zones, and a wide array of dining and entertainment options for all ages.
Which ports will this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise visit?
This cruise visits Nassau, Half Moon Cay™ (Carnival's private island), Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Celebration Key™ (Carnival's upcoming private island).
Is the Port Canaveral departure convenient for travelers coming from Orlando attractions?
Yes, Port Canaveral is a short drive from Orlando, making it convenient for travelers who wish to combine their cruise with a visit to Orlando's theme parks and attractions.
What kind of experience can I expect at Half Moon Cay™ and Celebration Key™?
Half Moon Cay™ is designed for relaxation with pristine beaches and water activities, while Celebration Key™ is anticipated to be a lively Bahamian paradise with vibrant energy and immersive experiences, exclusive to Carnival guests.
What is the starting price for this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise?
The starting price for this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Mardi Gras is $624.
What activities are available in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic?
Amber Cove offers opportunities for water sports, cultural experiences, and exploring the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic's north coast.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
Mardi Gras is a family-friendly ship with numerous activities and amenities catering to all ages, and the private island stops offer options for both relaxation and adventure enjoyable for families.
What is the typical embarkation and disembarkation process like at Port Canaveral?
Guests typically receive a designated embarkation time slot to streamline boarding, and disembarkation usually begins shortly after the ship clears customs on the final morning of the cruise.