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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
May 8, 2027 at 3:30 PM
Returns
May 15, 2027 at 8:00 AM
7 Day CruiseCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanFamiliesDrive To PortBahamasBeach FocusedFirst Time FriendlyGroupsKid Friendly ShipNightlifeFamily FunFirst TimePrivate IslandWarm Weather

From the sun-kissed shores of Port Canaveral, embark on a spectacular 7-day Eastern Caribbean adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line's magnificent Mardi Gras. Your journey begins with the tantalizing promise of Celebration Key™, Carnival Corporation's exclusive Bahamian island oasis, where vibrant experiences and Bahamian charm await. Feel the rhythm of the sea during relaxing days at sea as you anticipate the treasures ahead.Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of San Juan, where the colorful Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan invite you to stroll through centuries of heritage. Next, find your tranquil escape in St. Thomas, an island paradise where breathtaking turquoise waters beckon for exploration and vibrant marine life thrives beneath the surface. Relish two more indulgent days at sea, unwinding in the Mardi Gras's luxurious amenities and world-class entertainment, before returning to Port Canaveral, refreshed and renewed.This unforgettable cruise offers a perfect blend of captivating port discoveries and boundless onboard excitement, promising cherished memories at every turn.

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
    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.
  3. 3
    At Sea
  4. 4
    San Juan
    Old San Juan is a charming, historic city with colorful Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
  5. 5
    St. Thomas
    Beyond the bustling main street, discover a tranquil escape in St. Thomas, where the mesmerizing turquoise waters invite you to unwind and explore the vibrant marine life.
  6. 6
    At Sea
  7. 7
    At Sea
  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

With a vibrant ship like Mardi Gras and a private island, this cruise is an excellent fit for families seeking fun and activities.

Is the ship good for kids and teens?
The Mardi Gras is Carnival's newest and largest ship, known for its extensive family-friendly amenities, including the first roller coaster at sea, which would be very appealing to kids and teens.
Are there kid-friendly ports on this itinerary?
Celebration Key™ is a private Bahamian island designed specifically for Carnival guests, likely offering many kid-friendly activities, and St. Thomas provides good beach opportunities for families.
What kind of activities are available for families onboard?
The description highlights 'boundless onboard excitement' and 'world-class entertainment', which on a ship like Mardi Gras, translates to a plethora of family-oriented activities and areas.

First-time cruisers

Fit 85

This cruise offers a familiar brand, exciting private island port, and a good mix of sea days and vibrant destinations, making it ideal for first-timers.

Is this a good cruise for someone who has never cruised before?
Yes, Carnival is a popular, well-known brand, and the 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary with a private island stop is a classic and enjoyable first-time cruise experience.
What kind of ports will we visit?
You'll visit Celebration Key™, a private Bahamian destination, the historic city of San Juan, and the beautiful island of St. Thomas, offering a diverse taste of the Caribbean.
Will we be bored on the sea days?
With 'two more indulgent days at sea' and the Mardi Gras's 'luxurious amenities and world-class entertainment', boredom should not be an issue as there will be plenty to do onboard.

Groups

Fit 85

The Mardi Gras is a large, activity-rich ship with diverse entertainment and dining, making it excellent for groups looking for fun and shared experiences.

Is there enough to do for a diverse group of people?
With 'boundless onboard excitement' and 'world-class entertainment' on the Mardi Gras, there will be a wide array of activities, dining, and shows to cater to varied interests within a group.
Can we arrange group dining or specific meeting spaces?
Large ships like the Mardi Gras typically offer multiple dining venues and public spaces suitable for group gatherings, though specific arrangements would need to be made with Carnival.
Are the port visits good for group excursions?
The itinerary includes Celebration Key™, which is designed for Carnival guests, as well as San Juan and St. Thomas, offering diverse options for group excursions from cultural tours to beach activities.

Couples

Fit 65

This cruise offers a blend of lively activities and relaxation; while not specifically curated for romance, couples can find enjoyable moments.

Are there good dining options for a romantic evening?
The Mardi Gras is a large ship, likely offering a variety of specialty dining options for a more intimate experience, though the cruise description focuses on overall 'world-class entertainment' rather than specific romantic dining.
Will there be adults-only areas for relaxation?
Carnival ships typically feature adults-only areas like Serenity Retreats, which would provide a peaceful escape for couples, though this specific cruise description doesn't explicitly mention them.
What kind of port experiences can we expect as a couple?
Ports like San Juan offer historic exploration, and St. Thomas provides beautiful beaches and water activities, allowing couples to choose between cultural immersion and relaxing together.

Accessible travelers

Fit 60

As a new mega-ship, Mardi Gras should be accessible, but more details on tenders vs. docks and specific cabin types are needed.

Are the ports of call easily accessible for someone with mobility challenges?
The description doesn't specify if ports are tendered or docked, which is crucial for accessibility. San Juan is a city port, while St. Thomas often offers good accessibility, but Celebration Key™ details are limited.
Does the Mardi Gras have accessible cabins?
As a modern ship, the Mardi Gras would undoubtedly offer ADA-compliant accessible cabins, though the cruise description does not explicitly detail them.
How easy is it to get around the ship in a wheelchair or scooter?
Modern mega-ships like Mardi Gras are designed to be accessible, with elevators and wide hallways; however, the sheer size of the ship might mean longer distances between venues.

Solo travelers

Fit 60

A large, lively ship like Mardi Gras can be good for solo travelers to meet people, but specific solo cabin or program info is not provided.

Does this ship offer any single cabins?
The cruise description does not specify if the Mardi Gras offers dedicated solo cabins, which could mean solo travelers might pay a single supplement for a standard cabin.
Are there opportunities to meet other solo travelers onboard?
With 'boundless onboard excitement' and 'world-class entertainment' on a large ship like Mardi Gras, there will likely be many social opportunities and group activities where solo travelers can meet others.
Is the itinerary suitable for a solo traveler?
The itinerary includes vibrant destinations like Celebration Key™, San Juan, and St. Thomas, offering a mix of relaxation and exploration that can be enjoyed independently.

Frequently asked about this cruise

What Caribbean islands does the 7-day Mardi Gras cruise from Port Canaveral visit?
This 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Mardi Gras visits Celebration Key™ (Bahamas), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands).
Where does this Eastern Caribbean cruise depart from?
The cruise departs roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
What is Celebration Key™?
Celebration Key™ is Carnival Corporation's exclusive Bahamian island oasis with various experiences and Bahamian cultural elements.
What can I expect to do in San Juan?
In San Juan, you can explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Old San Juan, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
What activities are available in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas offers opportunities to explore its turquoise waters, marine life, and enjoy the island paradise atmosphere.
How many days at sea are included in this itinerary?
This itinerary includes four days at sea, split between the outbound and return journeys to Port Canaveral.
When does this specific 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise depart?
This particular cruise is scheduled to depart on May 8, 2027.
What type of ship is the Mardi Gras?
The Mardi Gras is a Carnival Cruise Line ship, known for its extensive amenities and entertainment options.