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

From the sun-kissed shores of Port Canaveral, embark on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras. Your journey begins with the allure of Orlando's world-class theme parks before setting sail for the captivating capital of the Bahamas, Nassau. Here, vibrant colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine white-sand beaches beckon. The idyllic private island of Half Moon Cay™ awaits, offering a tranquil escape with its crescent-shaped beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving marine life. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration as you explore this Bahamian paradise. Your voyage continues to Amber Cove, a popular cruise port nestled on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Immerse yourself in a world of water sports, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. As you cruise through the azure waters, anticipation builds for Celebration Key™, Carnival's exclusive upcoming destination in the Bahamas, promising an unparalleled and lively island experience. With two relaxing days at sea, indulge in Mardi Gras's exceptional amenities, from gourmet dining to exhilarating entertainment. This 7-day Eastern Caribbean escape culminates back in Port Canaveral, leaving you with cherished memories of sun-drenched days and unforgettable moments.

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 95

This cruise is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers, offering a short duration, popular ports, and a fun, familiar brand experience.

Is a 7-day cruise a good duration for a first-time cruiser?
Yes, a 7-day cruise is an ideal duration for first-timers, providing enough time to experience cruising fully without being overly long, and includes a good mix of sea days and port visits.
Are the ports of call easy for a first-timer to navigate and enjoy?
The itinerary features popular and well-established Eastern Caribbean ports like Nassau and Amber Cove, along with private islands like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, which are very cruiser-friendly and easy to enjoy.
Is the Mardi Gras a good ship for someone new to cruising, and is Carnival a recognized brand?
Carnival is a very well-known and reputable cruise line, and the Mardi Gras is one of their newest and most amenity-rich ships, offering a fun, easy-to-understand, and enjoyable experience for first-time cruisers.

Families

Fit 90

This cruise is an excellent fit for families, offering a fun-filled ship, family-friendly ports, and upcoming private island experiences.

What kind of activities are available for children on the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is a Carnival ship, known for extensive family-friendly amenities and entertainment, including kids clubs, water parks, and various onboard activities suitable for all ages.
Are the port stops good for families with children?
The itinerary includes destinations like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, and the upcoming Celebration Key, all offering beaches, water activities, and family-friendly excursions.
Will there be enough time to enjoy the ship's features with all the port visits?
With two full days at sea, there's ample time to explore and enjoy the Mardi Gras's exceptional amenities, alongside the excitement of days spent in various Caribbean ports.

Groups

Fit 85

This cruise is an excellent choice for groups, offering group-friendly amenities, diverse activities, and popular Caribbean destinations.

Is the Mardi Gras suitable for group bookings, and can we get cabins together?
The Mardi Gras is a large Carnival ship with many cabins, making it ideal for group bookings. Cruise lines typically offer options to book cabins close together for groups, depending on availability.
Are there group dining options or private spaces for our group to gather?
Carnival ships offer various dining venues that can accommodate groups, and there are often onboard spaces that can be used for group gatherings, which can be arranged with the cruise line.
Are there enough activities and entertainment on board and in port to appeal to a diverse group?
With its extensive amenities on the Mardi Gras, including entertainment, dining, and activities, plus diverse port options in the Eastern Caribbean, this cruise provides a wide range of choices to satisfy various interests within a group.

Accessible travelers

Fit 70

Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer good accessibility, with main ports and private islands designed for ease of access.

Are the Mardi Gras ship and its cabins accessible for travelers with mobility challenges?
Carnival's Mardi Gras, as a modern ship, is designed with accessibility in mind, offering ADA-compliant cabins and accessible public areas for travelers with mobility challenges.
Are the ports of call easily accessible, especially for wheelchair users?
Nassau, Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key are developed cruise destinations, typically offering accessible gangways and wheelchair-friendly paths or excursions. Specific needs for tendered ports should be verified.
Will I have difficulty getting on and off the ship at the various ports?
The cruise primarily visits ports with docking facilities. For private islands like Half Moon Cay, Carnival typically uses tenders, and accessible tender service availability might vary depending on sea conditions and specific ship arrangements.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a good balance of island exploration and relaxation, with a lively ship experience suitable for couples seeking fun.

Will there be romantic dining options available?
The Mardi Gras offers numerous dining experiences, including gourmet options, which can provide a lovely setting for couples. However, specific premium romantic dining might come at an extra cost.
Are there any adults-only areas on the ship where we can relax?
While the ship is known for its energetic atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, Carnival ships typically have adults-only areas like the Serenity Retreat where couples can find a quieter escape.
Is the itinerary suitable for a romantic getaway, mixing relaxation and exploration?
The itinerary includes picturesque stops like Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove, offering opportunities for beach relaxation and cultural experiences, coupled with two sea days for enjoying ship amenities together.

Honeymooners

Fit 60

While offering fun and relaxation, this cruise might be better suited for honeymooners seeking a lively atmosphere rather than secluded romance.

Does this cruise offer packages or amenities specifically for honeymooners?
While specific honeymoon packages aren't detailed, Carnival often has options for celebrations. The ship provides a vibrant atmosphere and beautiful destinations for a memorable trip.
Are there private or intimate spaces where we can enjoy quiet time together?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship designed for a lively experience, but it does include areas like the Serenity Retreat meant for adults. Balcony cabins would also offer private space.
Will the dining options cater to special romantic dinners?
The Mardi Gras likely offers specialty restaurants that could provide a more intimate dining experience for an additional cost, complementing the main dining rooms.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Caribbean islands and ports will this 7-day cruise visit?
This 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Mardi Gras will visit Nassau, Half Moon Cay™ (a private island), Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Celebration Key™.
Where does this Eastern Caribbean cruise depart from and return to?
This cruise departs from and returns to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What ship will I be sailing on for this 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary?
You will be sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras for this 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary.
How long is the cruise and when does it depart?
This cruise is 7 nights long and departs on March 27, 2027.
What can I expect at Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival's exclusive upcoming destination in the Bahamas, promising an unparalleled and lively island experience.
Are there days at sea on this itinerary?
Yes, this itinerary includes two relaxing days at sea.