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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
Mar 20, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
Mar 27, 2027 at 8:00 AM
7 Day CruiseCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeAdults FriendlyFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandValue CruiseBudgetWarm Weather

From the moment you depart Port Canaveral (Orlando), a gateway to Florida's most enchanting theme parks, prepare for an unforgettable 7-day Eastern Caribbean adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras. Your journey begins with the vibrant charm of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, where colonial elegance meets bustling markets and pristine beaches. The idyllic Half Moon Cay™ awaits, a private island paradise offering tranquil turquoise waters and vibrant marine life for a truly serene escape. As you discover the heart of the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove beckons with its blend of exhilarating water sports, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. Interspersed with days at sea, perfect for indulging in the Mardi Gras's world-class amenities, your voyage culminates at Celebration Key™, Carnival's exciting new private island destination in the Bahamas, promising an immersive and lively experience before returning to Port Canaveral (Orlando).

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

This 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Mardi Gras offers a fantastic, action-packed itinerary with private islands, ideal for families seeking fun and variety.

Is the Mardi Gras ship good for kids and families?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is one of Carnival's newest and largest ships, known for its extensive family-friendly features and world-class amenities, ensuring plenty of activities for all ages.
What kind of activities are available for children on the cruise and at ports?
The cruise includes visits to Half Moon Cay and the new Celebration Key, both private islands designed for active fun with beaches and water activities. Amber Cove also offers water sports, while Nassau has beaches and markets. The ship itself will have varied entertainment.
Will my family enjoy the destinations on this cruise?
Absolutely! The itinerary is packed with family-friendly destinations including Nassau, the private island paradises of Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key with their beaches and water activities, and Amber Cove which offers water sports and cultural experiences.

First-time cruisers

Fit 90

This 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on a modern ship with popular ports and private islands is excellent for first-timers looking for an easy, fun experience.

Is a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise a good choice for a first-timer?
Yes, a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise is an excellent choice for first-timers. It offers a good duration to experience cruising, visits popular and easy-to-navigate destinations like Nassau and private islands, and mixes sea days with port calls.
Are the ports of call easy to navigate for someone new to cruising?
Absolutely. Destinations like Nassau are well-accustomed to cruise visitors, and private islands such as Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are specifically designed for cruise guests, making them very easy and convenient to explore without prior experience.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for first-time cruisers?
The Mardi Gras, a modern Carnival ship, is ideal for first-time cruisers due to its wide array of amenities, diverse dining, entertainment options, and generally lively atmosphere, providing a comprehensive and fun cruise experience.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise on the Mardi Gras to the Eastern Caribbean offers a fun, varied itinerary and a large ship perfect for groups seeking enjoyment and easy coordination.

Is the Mardi Gras ship suitable for large groups?
Yes, the Mardi Gras is a very large and modern ship, making it highly suitable for groups. It offers numerous dining venues, entertainment options, and ample public spaces to accommodate groups of various sizes.
Are there group activities or celebration spaces available on this cruise?
While the description doesn't specify dedicated group celebration spaces, the Mardi Gras, with its extensive amenities and lively atmosphere, will certainly offer many venues for group gatherings, dining, and activities. Private island visits also provide great group experiences.
Are the destinations good for a group vacation?
Absolutely. The itinerary includes popular destinations like Nassau and Amber Cove, which offer diverse activities for groups, as well as the private islands of Half Moon Cay and the new Celebration Key, which are perfect for group fun and relaxation on the beach.

Seniors

Fit 70

The cruise offers a good balance of active ports and sea days, with popular destinations; however, the Mardi Gras might be more active than what some seniors prefer for a relaxed pace.

What is the pace of this cruise, is it too busy?
This 7-day cruise includes three days at sea and four port days, offering a balanced pace. The private islands like Half Moon Cay allow for relaxation, while Nassau and Amber Cove provide options for more active exploration.
Are the destinations easily accessible for seniors?
All listed ports (Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, Celebration Key) are well-established cruise destinations, implying good infrastructure for disembarkation and exploring, with Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key being private islands designed for easy access from the ship.
Does the Mardi Gras offer a relaxed atmosphere with classic amenities?
The Mardi Gras is a newer, larger ship known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, which might be more active than a classic, quiet cruise experience some seniors prefer. However, it will still offer a range of amenities suitable for relaxation.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a lively atmosphere on a large ship with some private island experiences that couples might enjoy, though it's not specifically tailored for romance.

Are there good options for intimate dining on this ship?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship, so while specific intimate dining options aren't detailed, it's likely to have specialty restaurants suitable for couples seeking a more private experience beyond the main dining rooms.
What romantic destinations will we visit?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, both private islands with pristine beaches and clear waters that can offer a romantic setting. Nassau and Amber Cove also provide opportunities for couples to explore together.
Are there adults-only areas on the Mardi Gras?
While the cruise description highlights the ship's world-class amenities, the specific mention of adults-only areas is not provided. Large Carnival ships typically have Serenity Adults-Only Retreats, which would offer a quieter space for couples.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

This cruise offers beautiful private islands and a lively atmosphere, but might lack the intimate, premium, and specifically tailor-made romantic experiences honeymooners often seek.

Does this cruise offer privacy for honeymooners?
While the Mardi Gras is a large, lively ship, the private islands of Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key can offer more secluded spots. Booking a balcony cabin or suite, if available, would enhance privacy.
Are there special romantic experiences or packages for honeymooners?
The description highlights world-class amenities and vibrant island experiences, but does not specifically mention dedicated honeymoon packages or particularly intimate, signature romantic offerings. You may need to arrange special dinners or activities independently.
Are the destinations suitable for a romantic honeymoon?
The itinerary includes Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are beautiful private islands perfect for relaxing on serene beaches. Nassau and Amber Cove offer cultural exploration and more active pursuits, providing a mix for a honeymoon.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

The Mardi Gras, as a modern ship, likely has good accessibility, but specific details on accessible cabins, tendered vs. docked ports, and overall shore excursion accessibility are not provided, makin

Does the Mardi Gras offer accessible cabins?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras is expected to have ADA-compliant accessible cabins, but the cruise description does not explicitly state their availability or types. It is recommended to contact the cruise line for specific details.
Are the ports of call accessible for mobility impairments?
The itinerary includes calls at Nassau, Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. Half Moon Cay is a private island often tendered, which can sometimes pose challenges, while Celebration Key is new and designed for accessibility. Confirming port-specific accessibility is advised.
How accessible are the ship's public areas and amenities?
Modern cruise ships like the Mardi Gras are designed with accessibility in mind for public areas, elevators, and amenities. However, specific details about features such as pool lifts or accessible restrooms in all public venues are not provided in the description.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Caribbean islands does the 7-day Mardi Gras cruise from Port Canaveral visit?
This cruise visits Nassau, Half Moon Cay™, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key™.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival's new private island destination in the Bahamas.
Is Half Moon Cay™ a private island?
Yes, Half Moon Cay™ is described as a private island paradise.
What port does this cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
When is the departure date for this cruise?
This specific cruise departs on March 20, 2027.
What activities are available at Amber Cove?
Amber Cove offers exhilarating water sports, rich cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
Are there days at sea on this itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes days at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.
What is the ship for this Eastern Caribbean cruise?
The ship for this cruise is Mardi Gras from Carnival Cruise Line.