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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
Jan 30, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Feb 6, 2027 at 8:00 AM
7 Day CruiseCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseCelebrationBudgetWarm Weather

From the sun-kissed shores of Port Canaveral, embark on an unforgettable 7-day Eastern Caribbean adventure aboard the magnificent Mardi Gras. Your journey begins with a departure from Orlando's vibrant gateway, promising a seamless transition from theme park thrills to tropical tranquility. Days at sea offer boundless opportunities for indulgence and entertainment onboard, as you sail towards idyllic destinations. Discover Nassau, the colorful capital of the Bahamas, where historic charm meets modern allure. Explore pastel-hued colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches, all contributing to the lively atmosphere of this captivating city. The private island paradise of Half Moon Cay awaits, famed for its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, offering a tranquil escape for relaxation and water activities. Venture to Amber Cove, a popular port in the Dominican Republic, offering a perfect blend of exhilarating water sports, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. Concluding your adventure is a visit to the highly anticipated Celebration Key, Carnival's newest private island destination, poised to deliver a lively and immersive Bahamian experience designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests. Your unforgettable voyage culminates back in Port Canaveral, leaving you with cherished memories of sun-drenched days and starlit nights.

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: Jul 1, 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

This 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise with easy ports, private islands, and a modern ship is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers.

Is a 7-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 7-day cruise is often considered ideal for first-time cruisers. It's long enough to fully experience the ship and a few destinations without being overly extended, providing a good introduction to cruising.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
The itinerary includes popular and generally easy-to-navigate ports like Nassau, Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. These ports are well-equipped for cruise visitors and offer straightforward excursion options, which is great for first-timers.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-time cruisers?
The Mardi Gras is a very modern and large ship, offering a wide array of activities, dining, and entertainment, which is exciting for first-timers. Carnival is a well-known brand, making it a comfortable choice for those new to cruising.

Families

Fit 85

With a 7-day duration, private islands, and the family-friendly Mardi Gras ship, this cruise is a great fit for families seeking fun and exploration.

Is the Mardi Gras ship suitable for families with children?
Yes, Carnival's Mardi Gras is specifically designed with extensive family-friendly amenities, although specific details are not in this description. Its large size and modern facilities generally mean a wide array of activities for all ages.
What kind of activities are available for kids and teens on this itinerary?
The itinerary includes visits to Half Moon Cay and the new Celebration Key, both private islands known for water activities and family fun. While specific ship activities aren't listed, Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer robust kids' clubs, water parks, and entertainment.
Are there family-friendly dining options or accommodations?
The description does not specify dining or cabin types. However, on a large ship like the Mardi Gras, families can expect a variety of dining choices, and connecting cabins or family staterooms are usually available to accommodate different family sizes.

Groups

Fit 80

With a large modern ship and diverse destinations, this 7-day cruise is well-suited for groups seeking a fun and varied Eastern Caribbean experience.

Is the Mardi Gras suitable for large group bookings?
Yes, as a very large and modern ship, the Mardi Gras is well-equipped to handle large groups. It offers numerous dining venues, entertainment options, and public spaces where groups can gather and enjoy activities together.
Are there activities and dining options that cater to diverse group interests?
The itinerary features diverse destinations including cultural exploration in Nassau, relaxation at Half Moon Cay, and adventure in Amber Cove, alongside the new Celebration Key. This variety, combined with the Mardi Gras's extensive onboard offerings, typically caters to a broad range of group interests for both activities and dining.
Can groups arrange private events or block off cabins together?
The cruise description does not explicitly state options for private group events or cabin blocks. However, cruise lines, especially Carnival, typically offer group rates and services to help coordinate cabin assignments and special events for bookings of a certain size.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a good balance of relaxation and activities, with private island stops and varied ports that couples can enjoy together.

Are there any romantic or adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras?
While the description doesn't explicitly mention specific adults-only areas for romance, the Mardi Gras is a large ship from Carnival, known for having diverse onboard offerings. The private island stops at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key could offer more secluded spots for couples to enjoy.
What kind of dining options are available for an intimate experience?
The cruise description doesn't detail specific dining venues onboard the Mardi Gras. However, most Carnival ships of this size offer a range of dining experiences beyond the main dining room, which could include specialty restaurants suitable for an intimate evening.
Are there balcony cabins available for a more private experience?
The description does not specify cabin types. However, as Mardi Gras is a large, modern ship, it is highly probable that balcony cabins are available, providing couples with a private outdoor space to enjoy the ocean views.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While offering beautiful destinations, the large ship and focus on private islands might lack the intimate, premium feel some honeymooners desire.

Does this cruise offer a private or romantic experience for honeymooners?
The cruise visits private islands like Half Moon Cay and the upcoming Celebration Key, which are ideal for relaxation and beautiful scenery. However, the Carnival Mardi Gras is a very large ship, and the overall atmosphere is generally lively rather than overly private.
Are there special amenities or packages for honeymooners?
The description does not mention any specific honeymoon packages or exclusive amenities. It would be best to check directly with Carnival Cruise Line for any available romance enhancements for special occasions.
Are there premium dining options for a special honeymoon dinner?
The cruise description does not detail the specific dining venues on the Mardi Gras. While most large ships have specialty dining options, their premium level for a honeymoon experience would need further investigation.

Seniors

Fit 60

A 7-day Eastern Caribbean offers an engaging itinerary with private island relaxation, but seniors might seek more details on ship-specific enrichment or pace.

Is the pace of this cruise itinerary relaxed enough for seniors?
The 7-day itinerary includes a few sea days evenly distributed and full days at each port, allowing for a balanced pace between exploration and relaxation. The private islands like Half Moon Cay offer tranquil environments.
Are there enrichment programs or quieter areas on the Mardi Gras?
The description doesn't specify enrichment programs or quiet zones for seniors. The Mardi Gras is generally known for a lively atmosphere, but as a large ship, it likely has quieter lounges or dedicated spaces if sought out.
Is accessibility good for seniors with mobility concerns?
The cruise description does not provide details on ship accessibility or specific port accessibility beyond general descriptions. Typically, newer ships like the Mardi Gras are built with ADA compliance in mind, but it's best to confirm with the cruise line regarding specific needs at ports like Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key, which are private islands.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What dates does the 7-Day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral on Mardi Gras depart?
This specific 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Mardi Gras departs on January 30, 2027.
What ports will I visit on the 7-Day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral?
You will visit Nassau, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Carnival's new private island, Celebration Key.
What activities are available at Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is known for its crescent-shaped beach, clear waters, and marine life, offering opportunities for relaxation and water activities.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival's newest private island destination in the Bahamas, designed to provide an immersive Bahamian experience exclusively for Carnival guests.
What kind of experience can I expect in Amber Cove?
Amber Cove, located in the Dominican Republic, offers a mix of water sports, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
Is transportation from Orlando to Port Canaveral included in the cruise fare?
The description mentions departing from Orlando's gateway, but does not specify if transportation to Port Canaveral is included. You should confirm this detail with the cruise line or your travel agent.
What is the Mardi Gras ship like for this cruise?
The Mardi Gras is described as a 'magnificent' ship that offers 'boundless opportunities for indulgence and entertainment onboard' during days at sea.