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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 27, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Mar 6, 2027 at 8:00 AM
7 Day CruiseCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandAccessibleWarm Weather
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
Groups, Families, First-time cruisers, Accessible travelers
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.

Groups

Fit 90

Excellent fit for groups, offering a vibrant ship with diverse activities and port options to entertain a wide range of interests.

Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for a large group with varied interests?
Absolutely, the Mardi Gras is an excellent choice for groups due to its size and diverse offerings, including numerous dining venues, entertainment options, bars, and activities like the roller coaster, ensuring there's something for everyone in your group.
Can we arrange group dining or special events on board?
Cruise lines like Carnival are typically very accommodating for groups and can arrange group dining in the main dining rooms. For special events, you can usually work with the cruise line's group coordinator to plan private gatherings or celebrations.
What group activities are available on the itinerary?
The itinerary includes multiple port calls like Nassau, Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key™, allowing for group excursions and beach outings. Onboard, the Mardi Gras provides countless options for group fun, from pools and casinos to shows and bars, ensuring plenty of shared experiences.

Families

Fit 90

Excellent fit for families due to the Mardi Gras's family-friendly ship, private island stops, and engaging Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

Is the ship Mardi Gras good for kids?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is one of Carnival Cruise Line's newest and largest ships, known for its extensive array of family-friendly amenities, including the first roller coaster at sea (BOLT), a large water park, and dedicated kids' clubs for various age groups.
Are there kid-friendly activities at the ports?
The itinerary includes stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™, both private islands designed for fun and relaxation, offering family-friendly beaches, water sports, and activities. Nassau and Amber Cove also offer excursions suitable for families, though specific details weren't provided.
What kind of cabins are available for families?
While specific cabin types aren't detailed, the Mardi Gras, being a modern cruise ship, offers a variety of cabin categories including connecting cabins and staterooms with extra berths to accommodate families of different sizes.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

An excellent choice for first-time cruisers with a popular brand, varied itinerary including private islands, and a modern, feature-rich ship.

Is Carnival a good cruise line for first-timers?
Yes, Carnival is widely considered a great choice for first-time cruisers due to its fun-focused atmosphere, a wide range of activities, diverse dining options, and accessible pricing, making it easy to enjoy your first cruise experience.
Are the ports of call easy for a first-timer?
The itinerary features popular Eastern Caribbean destinations like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Amber Cove, which are well-equipped for cruise visitors with clear signage and readily available excursions, making them easy to navigate for first-timers.
Will I know what to expect on a bigger ship like the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is one of Carnival's newest and largest ships, offering a vast array of amenities and experiences. As a first-timer, you can expect a comprehensive onboard experience with many dining, entertainment, and activity choices, along with a user-friendly app to navigate.

Accessible travelers

Fit 75

The modern Mardi Gras likely offers good accessibility features, but tender ports might pose challenges for some accessible travelers.

Are there accessible cabins available on the Mardi Gras?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is built with accessible cabins designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges, featuring wider doors, roll-in showers, and grab bars. Specific availability should be confirmed when booking.
Are all the ports accessible for wheelchairs?
Many ports on this itinerary like Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Amber Cove are typically dock-in ports, making them largely accessible. However, Half Moon Cay is a tender port, meaning guests transfer to shore via smaller boats, which can pose challenges for guests with mobility restrictions.
Is the Mardi Gras ship accessible for guests with mobility issues?
As a new Carnival ship, the Mardi Gras is designed with guest accessibility in mind, featuring elevators, accessible restrooms, and ramps in public areas. Specific areas and venues might have varying levels of accessibility, so it's advisable to check with Carnival directly.

Honeymooners

Fit 70

A good option for honeymooners seeking a fun, active, and amenity-rich cruise with private island escapes, though it may be less intimate for some.

How private will this cruise be for our honeymoon?
While the Mardi Gras is a large and popular ship, often bustling with activity, there are likely quieter spots and possibly adults-only areas available. The private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ offer opportunities for more secluded beach time.
Are there special experiences or upgrades for honeymooners?
The cruise details do not specify honeymoon packages. However, most cruise lines offer options for specialty dining, spa treatments, and excursions that can enhance a honeymoon experience, which you would need to book separately.
Does this cruise offer premium dining options?
The Mardi Gras is known for its diverse culinary offerings, which typically include a range of specialty restaurants beyond the complimentary dining rooms, providing premium dining experiences suitable for a honeymoon celebration.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a lively atmosphere with ample activities and private island stops, suitable for couples who enjoy an energetic vacation, though it may lack intimate romance.

What kind of dining options are available for a romantic dinner?
The cruise description doesn't detail specific romantic dining options. However, larger ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer specialty restaurants beyond the main dining room that can provide a more intimate setting for couples.
Are there adults-only areas on the ship where we can relax?
While the Mardi Gras is a large, family-friendly ship, it likely features adults-only areas like a Serenity Deck or specific bars, offering spaces for couples to relax away from the main family activities. The itinerary also includes private island stops like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key™ which generally offer relaxing beach experiences.
Will we have enough quality time together with this itinerary?
The 7-day itinerary includes three sea days, which provide opportunities for quality time together with no port commitments. The private island stops also offer relaxing beach days where you can enjoy each other's company.

Seniors

Fit 60

This cruise offers a mix of sea days and varied ports, suitable for active seniors, but the ship's lively atmosphere may not suit those seeking a very traditional or quiet experience.

Is the pace of this cruise relaxed enough?
The 7-day cruise includes three sea days, offering leisurely time aboard. The port days are well-spaced, allowing for exploration at destinations like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Amber Cove, which can be enjoyed at a comfortable pace.
What kind of activities are available for seniors on the Mardi Gras?
While the Mardi Gras is known for its energetic atmosphere and attractions like the roller coaster, it also offers more relaxed options such as pools, lounges, shows, and diverse dining experiences. The private island stops provide relaxing beach time.
Are the ports easy to navigate for seniors?
The itinerary includes popular ports like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, and the new private island, Celebration Key™. These ports typically offer accessible transportation and organized excursions, though detailed accessibility information would need to be confirmed for each specific port.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Caribbean islands are visited on the 7-day Mardi Gras cruise departing February 27, 2027?
This cruise visits Nassau in the Bahamas, calls at Half Moon Cay™ (Bahamas), Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Celebration Key™ (Bahamas).
Where does this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Mardi Gras depart from?
This cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is the duration of this Mardi Gras cruise?
This is a 7-night cruise.
Is this cruise suitable for first-time cruisers?
With 7 nights and multiple port stops including private island experiences, this cruise offers a balanced introduction to cruising for first-timers.
What is 'RelaxAway' mentioned in the itinerary?
RelaxAway likely refers to a sea day during which you can enjoy the ship's amenities and choose how you want to relax at sea.
When is the best time to book this February 2027 cruise?
Booking well in advance, especially for popular departure dates like February, typically offers the best selection of cabins and potentially better pricing.