Carnival Mardi Gras itinerary map for December 26, 2026 (7 nights)
Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship

Carnival Mardi Gras — December 26, 20267-Night Eastern Caribbean on Carnival

This 7-night cruise aboard the Mardi Gras departs from Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, December 26, 2026 and returns on Saturday, Jan 2nd. December weather across this route averages 82°/53°F. Cabins are currently tracked from $1,429.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 7.5 out of 10, averaged across 5 ports.

Cruise Length
7
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Port Canaveral
Florida
Port Stops
5
Sea Days
2

Cruise Price - Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026

Carnival Mardi Gras · December 26, 2026

The graph below tracks historic price of the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship departing December 26, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $1,429 ($205 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $1,354 ($194 per night), this represents a recent increase of 6%.

🛏️
Inside
$1,429
🌊
Oceanview
$1,744
🌅
Balcony
$1,819
👑
Suite
$2,914

Price History – Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026

inside cabin
Carnival Mardi Gras
December 26, 2026
$1,429
6% vs avg: $1,354

Prices change often and may differ at checkout. Click to see the latest available price.

🔔
Get Price Drop Updates

Get an email notification when the price of the Carnival Mardi Gras – December 26, 2026 drops below the current rate.

Never spam · Opt out anytime
Explore all Carnival Mardi Gras cruises

Cruise Itinerary Map - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Carnival Mardi Gras · December 26, 2026

The Carnival Mardi Gras sails on December 26, 2026 for a 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Port Canaveral, Florida at 2:30 PM and will return to the port of Port Canaveral, Florida on Jan 2nd at 7:00 AM. During the 8-day journey, the Carnival Mardi Gras will visit 4 additional ports and will spend 2 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

  • DEC26
    Port Canaveral, Florida
    Port Canaveral, Florida
    A: — - D: 2:30 PM
  • DEC27
    Nassau, Bahamas
    Nassau, Bahamas
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • DEC28
    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC29
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC30
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC31
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN01
    Celebration Key, Bahamas
    Celebration Key, Bahamas
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN02
    Port Canaveral, Florida
    Port Canaveral, Florida
    A: 7:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

Cruise Ports

December 26, 2026 · 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Port Canaveral, Florida — Day 1 of Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise
Day 1•Saturday, Dec 26

Port Canaveral, Florida

Arrival: —•Departure: 2:30 PM

Port Canaveral, Florida, offers docking at Port Canaveral. Travelers explore Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. Excursions include airboat rides in Merritt Island. Local markets sell key lime pie. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures space shuttles and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes grouper, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like space-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover NASA history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance space center walks. Port Canaveral’s modern charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of space exploration and scenic coasts, making Port Canaveral an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Nassau, Bahamas — Day 2 of Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise
Day 2•Sunday, Dec 27

Nassau, Bahamas

Arrival: 9:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

Nassau, Bahamas, offers docking at Prince George Wharf. Travelers explore Atlantis Resort and Straw Market. Excursions include snorkeling at Rose Island. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cracked conch, a Bahamian favorite. Souvenirs, like straw crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lucayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Nassau’s vibrant charm offers a lively Bahamian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of resort thrills and cultural markets, making Nassau an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island) — Day 3 of Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise
Day 3•Monday, Dec 28

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island), offers docking at a private port. Travelers explore white-sand beaches and Stingray Cove. Excursions include horseback riding by the sea. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cracked conch, a Bahamian favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lucayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Half Moon Cay’s island allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of serene beaches and marine activities, making Half Moon Cay an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 4 at sea — Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 itinerary
Day 4•Tuesday, Dec 29

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Mardi Gras — featuring Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster, Watering Hole & Pixels.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic — Day 5 of Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise
Day 5•Wednesday, Dec 30

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic, offers docking at Amber Cove Port. Travelers explore Fort San Felipe and Amber Museum. Excursions include Damajagua Waterfalls. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like amber crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance waterfall hikes. Amber Cove’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and adventurous waterfalls, making Amber Cove an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 6 at sea — Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 itinerary
Day 6•Thursday, Dec 31

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Mardi Gras — featuring Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster, Watering Hole & Pixels.

Celebration Key, Bahamas — Day 7 of Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise
Day 7•Friday, Jan 1

Celebration Key, Bahamas

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Celebration Key, Bahamas, docks at a private pier for Grand Bahama cruises. Travelers enjoy water parks and cabana rentals. Snorkeling reveals artificial reefs. No local markets; island shops sell branded merchandise. Peak season December to April; no taxis, free shuttles provided. Dining includes jerk chicken at beach buffets. Souvenirs feature Bahamian straw hats. Kayaking and paddleboarding available.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Port Canaveral, Florida — Day 8 of Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise
Day 8•Saturday, Jan 2

Port Canaveral, Florida

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: —

Returning to Port Canaveral, Florida — see Day 1 above for port info.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

Carnival Mardi Gras - December 26, 2026 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Port Canaveral, Florida

⛅

December

Typical Weather

82°F

Average High

37°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.09in

Daily average

2.6 in monthly total

Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

See all Port Canaveral Shore Tours

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
75 / 100
safer than 75% of all cruises
75
8
/ 10
Port Canaveral, Florida
Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is a safe cruise destination with low crime, but travelers should remain vigilant and follow standard safety precautions.
6
/ 10
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau
Travelers in Nassau should stay vigilant, stick to well-populated areas, and be aware of their surroundings to ensure safety.
9
/ 10
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay ensures guest safety with strong security measures and controlled access, minimizing crime risks for a worry-free visit.
8
/ 10
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Amber Cove
Amber Cove ensures safety within the port, but travelers should remain vigilant and cautious when exploring areas outside it.
7
/ 10
Celebration Key, Bahamas
Celebration Key
Celebration Key prioritizes guest safety with controlled access and security, but travelers should remain vigilant against petty crime.

Cruise Ship

Carnival Mardi Gras

⚓ Tonnage

180,800

vs avg 121,145

🛠️ Year Built

2,020

vs avg 2,009

📏 Length (ft)

1,130

vs avg 992

👥 Passenger Count

6,630

vs avg 4,158

The Mardi Gras has a construction date of 2020 and a total size of 180,800 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet in length. Carnival Mardi Gras is included in Carnival’s XL class. At full capacity, the Carnival Mardi Gras holds 6,630 passengers. That includes 4,885 cruise vacationers and 1,745 staff members. The Mardi Gras total number of staterooms is 2,625.

Click above for more Carnival Mardi Gras stats, tips, imagery, and more.

  • 📊Size comparison chart against other ships
  • 🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • 🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • ❓FAQ's about Carnival Mardi Gras

Also of interest:

Carnival Mardi Gras Deck PlansCarnival Mardi Gras Cabin SearchCarnival Mardi Gras Health Score

Cruise Director

On duty at sail date (December 26, 2026)

Rainier Scholtz — cruise director for the Carnival Mardi Gras sailing on December 26, 2026

Rainier Scholtz

Country: South Africa•Start: Oct 31, 2026•End: Jan 16, 2027

Ranier Scholtz is a Carnival Cruise Line cruise director known for his lively personality, international background, and engaging hosting style.

Rainier Scholtz Full Profile

Other Carnival Mardi Gras Sailings

Same ship, different dates

← Previous sailing

Dec 19, 2026

7-Night 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

All sailings

Carnival Mardi Gras schedule

Full itinerary calendar

Next sailing →

Jan 2, 2027

7-Night 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 cruise?▾

The lowest currently-tracked fare for this sailing is $1,429 for an Inside cabin. Pricing is updated daily — see the live price chart above for the latest snapshots.

What's the weather like on the Carnival Mardi Gras December 26, 2026 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 7-night route, December averages 82°F highs and 53°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the December 26, 2026 Carnival Mardi Gras itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 7.5 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 5 ports. We weight current travel advisories, recent crime data, and Global Peace Index signals — see the Safety Score section above for the full per-port breakdown.

When does the Carnival Mardi Gras sail and return on this itinerary?▾

The Carnival Mardi Gras departs Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, December 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM and returns on Saturday, Jan 2nd, 2027 at 7:00 AM. Total duration: 7 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the Carnival Mardi Gras sailing on December 26, 2026?▾

Rainier Scholtz is scheduled as cruise director for this sailing. See the Cruise Director section above for their bio.

Can I track price drops for this Carnival Mardi Gras itinerary?▾

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get an email when cabin prices drop for this exact sailing. We snapshot fares daily.

Researched and assembled by Gangwaze Cruise Editorial using daily-refreshed itinerary, pricing, weather, and safety data.

Last Updated: May 16, 2026