Carnival Mardi Gras Eastern Caribbean Cruise: A Day-by-Day Guide

We chose to celebrate our first wedding anniversary at sea aboard Carnival Mardi Gras—and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable adventures of our lives. Seven days, four islands, and endless fun—this is the Carnival Mardi Gras Eastern Caribbean Cruise experience.

Cruises are one of the best ways to experience multiple destinations in one trip—without ever unpacking your suitcase more than once. On our 7-day Carnival Mardi Gras sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, we explored islands across the Caribbean, balanced adventure with relaxation, and soaked up every bit of fun on board. If you’re wondering what it’s like to spend a week sailing the Caribbean on Carnival’s Mardi Gras, let me take you through our journey. From sandy beaches to vibrant island markets, lazy sea days to thrilling excursions, this cruise offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Port Canaveral, Florida – Boarding & exploring the ship
• Day 2: Fun Day at Sea – Settle in, explore, and enjoy the ship
• Day 3: Nassau, Bahamas – Historic charm & lively markets
• Day 4: Fun Day at Sea – Roller coasters, spa & shows
• Day 5: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic – Waterfalls & culture
• Day 6: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos – Beaches & stingrays
• Day 7: Fun Day at Sea – Relaxation & farewell celebrations
• Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral – Disembarkation

Day 1: Port Canaveral, Florida – Boarding Day

The energy in Port Canaveral was electric as we pulled our luggage through the bustling terminal. After months of planning, we were finally here. Check-in was seamless, and the moment we stepped onto Mardi Gras we were awestruck. The ship stretched endlessly, with restaurants tucked into every corner, pools glistening under the Florida sun, and entertainment venues waiting to be discovered. We wandered the decks like kids in a candy store, noting places we wanted to revisit later. By the time the sail-away party began, we were on the top deck, music blasting, cocktails in hand, and the shoreline slowly slipping away. The salty breeze and the sight of the open ocean made it official—we were on vacation.

Things to Do On the Ship:

• Explore the ship’s layout early
• Join the sail-away party
• Unpack and settle in for a stress-free evening

Excursions to Try (Before or After Cruise):

• Kennedy Space Center
• Cocoa Beach for sun and surf
• Orlando theme parks

Food to Try (Florida): Fresh seafood, key lime pie, local craft beers

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea – Settling In

Waking up to nothing but endless ocean outside our balcony was pure magic. This first sea day gave us the chance to truly settle into cruise life. We began the morning with a lazy breakfast, followed by hours of exploring—from testing out the pools to wandering through the Grand Central atrium. In the afternoon, we tried our luck at trivia, lounged in Serenity, and grabbed tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The evening brought us to the main dining room for a multi-course dinner and then into the theater for one of Carnival’s big production shows. It was the perfect introduction to what sea days are all about—doing as much or as little as you like.

Things to Do On the Ship:

• Relax in Serenity adults-only retreat
• Try Guy’s Burgers or BlueIguana Cantina
• Join trivia, games, or cooking demos
• Watch a production show in the evening

Food to Try (Onboard): Breakfast burritos, chocolate melting cake, Alchemy Bar cocktails

Day 3: Nassau, Bahamas – Historic Charm & Lively Markets

Nassau greeted us with color and rhythm the moment we stepped off the ship. We made our way first to the Queen’s Staircase, its limestone walls echoing with history, before wandering through the lively Straw Market filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs. Later, we escaped the bustle of downtown with a trip to Cable Beach, where soft white sand and calm turquoise waters gave us the perfect spot to unwind. Dinner that evening was at Social House Sushi & Grill, where we shared crisp sushi rolls and a flavorful bento box that hit the spot after a long day in the sun. Between history, beach relaxation, shopping, and delicious food, Nassau was the perfect blend of experiences in one port.

Things to Do On the Ship (if you skip port):

• Relax by the pool with fewer crowds
• Take advantage of spa specials

Excursions to Try:

• Atlantis Paradise Island
• Catamaran sail and snorkel
• Blue Lagoon Island
• Jeep or buggy tours
• Rum distillery and chocolate tour

Food to Try (Bahamas): Conch salad, conch fritters, guava duff, rum cake, Kalik beer, sushi rolls and bento boxes at Social House

Day 4: Fun Day at Sea – Roller Coasters, Spa & Shows

This sea day was all about fun. We kicked things off with an adrenaline rush on BOLT, Carnival’s roller coaster at sea, screaming with laughter as we looped above the ship with endless blue all around us. Later, we slowed things down at Serenity, where cushioned loungers and infinity whirlpools made the hours slip by. In the afternoon, we booked a couples massage, relaxing as floor-to-ceiling windows framed the ocean. Dinner meant indulging at Rudi’s Seagrill, where seafood was the star, and the evening ended with side-splitting laughter at the Punchliner Comedy Club. It was the kind of day that proves you don’t need a port to feel like you’re on vacation.

Things to Do On the Ship:

• Ride BOLT, ropes course, or SkyRide
• Lounge in Serenity or Havana pool
• Book specialty dining
• Watch Broadway-style entertainment or comedy

Food to Try (Onboard): Guy’s Burgers, Big Chicken, Rudi’s Seagrill, Alchemy Bar cocktails

Day 5: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic – Waterfalls & Culture

Amber Cove sparkled under the morning sun, but instead of staying at the sprawling pool complex by the port, we set off for an adventure. A 40-minute hike took us through the tropical forest, where we spotted exotic plants and listened to the sounds of hidden wildlife. The trail led us to the famous Damajagua Waterfalls, a string of natural slides and pools carved into limestone. Sliding down a waterfall for the very first time was both scary and exhilarating—I screamed the whole way down, but the moment I splashed into the cool pool below, I was laughing and ready to do it again. Each waterfall felt like its own victory, and by the end, I couldn’t stop smiling. Back near the cruise port, we still had time to take a dip in Amber Cove’s pools and zip down the slides, finishing the day with a perfect balance of thrill and relaxation.

Things to Do On the Ship (if you stay onboard):

• Enjoy an almost-empty ship
• Lounge by quiet pools or hot tubs

Excursions to Try:

• Damajagua Waterfalls
• Monkeyland Safari
• Puerto Plata cable car
• Catamaran and snorkel tours
• Resort beach day

Food to Try (Dominican Republic): Mofongo, rice and beans, tropical juices, Dominican rum

Day 6: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos – Beaches & Stingrays

Grand Turk instantly won our hearts. Just steps from the ship, the beach shimmered with crystal-clear waters, but we decided to spend most of our day at the infamous Governor’s Beach. With powdery sand and calm, turquoise waters, it was everything you dream of in a Caribbean escape. The sun was warm, the waves were gentle, and it quickly became my favorite beach I’ve ever visited. There was something about its simple beauty that made it stand out—I know this is a place I’ll come back to for sure.

Things to Do On the Ship (if you skip port):

• Enjoy pools and waterslides with no wait
• Join daytime entertainment or shows

Excursions to Try:

• Snorkeling and stingrays at Gibbs Cay
• Horseback riding by the beach
• ATV or dune buggy tours
• Glass-bottom boat ride
• Grand Turk Lighthouse visit

Food to Try (Turks & Caicos): Conch fritters, cracked conch, conch chowder, jerk chicken, Turk’s Head beer

Day 7: Fun Day at Sea – Farewell Celebrations

Our final sea day was bittersweet. We revisited all our favorite spots—lounging at the Havana pool, sipping mojitos at the Havana Bar, and indulging in one last Guy’s Burger. The afternoon was spent shopping for duty-free souvenirs before dinner in the main dining room. The night ended with dancing and live music, celebrating the memories we’d made while knowing our adventure was almost over.

Things to Do On the Ship:

• Shop duty-free for gifts
• Catch a comedy show or performance
• Take a behind-the-scenes ship tour
• Revisit your favorite restaurants

Food to Try (Onboard Favorites): Lobster, Guy’s Burgers, Big Chicken sandwiches, Carnival desserts

Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral – Disembarkation

The Florida shoreline came into view as dawn broke. Disembarkation was quick and organized, but stepping off Mardi Gras felt surreal. After a week of laughter, adventure, and new experiences, it was hard to say goodbye. Still, we left with full hearts, sandy shoes, and a new love for cruising that we know will bring us back.

Cruise FAQs

Do I need cash at each port? Yes—small bills are best for tips, taxis, and markets.

What’s included at Amber Cove vs. extra? Pool, loungers, and lazy river are free. Excursions, cabanas, and off-site tours cost extra.

Best excursions for couples? Private cabanas, snorkeling, spa days, horseback rides.

Do I need a passport? Yes, a valid passport is highly recommended.

Best cabin type for first-timers? Balcony cabins for views, interior cabins for budget.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this trip was so much more than just a vacation—it was a celebration of our first wedding anniversary, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From sliding down waterfalls in the Dominican Republic to wandering Nassau’s markets and beaches, every port brought something new to discover. But the memory that stays with me most is Governor’s Beach in Grand Turk—the calm, crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched sand made it my favorite beach in the world, the kind of place I’d happily return to again and again. The Carnival Mardi Gras Eastern Caribbean Cruise gave us adventure, relaxation, amazing food, and unforgettable moments. As we stepped off the ship, we knew this was only the beginning of many more anniversaries celebrated at sea.

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Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @minnecravings if you post photos from your travels! Whether it’s a scenic hike, a cozy café, or a one-of-a-kind cultural moment. You can also follow along on Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook for more travel cravings, foodie finds, and weekend getaway ideas.