NEWMAN FAMILY CARIBBEAN CRUISE
OCTOBER 7, 2026 * EASTERN CARIBBEAN * CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS
Renee Newman is inviting you to sail the Eastern Caribbean!
She'svery excited to have you join her for a one-of-a-kind gathering of her nearest & dearest sailing across the Eastern Caribbean. The cruise will embark on October 7, 2026, and she would love for you to spend a well-deserved week with her on Carnival's amazing Mardi Gras ship.
Rachel and Vinnie from Hidden Gem Travel, a group travel agency, will be taking care of all of you to make sure you can enjoy all of the fun! They have worked very hard to secure cabin rates so all guests can set sail as a group.
Should you have any questions regarding your trip, you can email Rachel or Vinnie at hello@hiddengem-travel.com or call us at 417-693-4548. Email is best for the quickest response, and you can also schedule a call with Vinnie here.
Please scroll through this entire page for all information, and you're welcome to just click the links in the "Quick Links" section at the top of this page to jump to a section.
The Mardi Gras - Carnival's fun-fueled Vacation Innovation
With this Mardi Gras®, Carnival isn't just paying homage to their first ship — in cruising circles this name suggests innovation, signals the start of something big. Oh, and this Mardi Gras still 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 now. Come on down!
Dates, Package Deposit & Payment Schedule
Reservation Dates
- Arrival Date: {{FIRST DATE OF CONTRACT}} Check-in is {{INSERT CHECK-IN TIME}}
- Departure Date: {{LAST DATE OF CONTRACT}} is {{INSERT CHECKOUT TIME}}
- Pricing does not include any pre- or post-stays. It is strongly recommended to add a pre- and post-stay for your cruise to prevent any delays in travel. These can be requested on your reservation form.
The cabin categories listed on this page are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cruise Deposit & Payment Schedule
- A payment of $50.00 per person is all that is due to secure your special group cruise rates.
- April 17, 2026 is the deadline to pay the $50.00 per person deposit to secure your cabin. Any reservations requested after that date can be added, though no special discounts can be applied after June 22, 2026.
- Full payment for your trip is due no later than June 22, 2026. Reservations submitted after this date are due in full, and space is not guaranteed.
- Payments towards your balance can be made monthly. Hidden Gem Travel sends out monthly statements on the 22nd of each month after you have approved and deposited for your package, where you can optionally apply a payment at your convenience.
- We recommend flying into {{NEAREST ARIPORT (AIRPORT CODE)}}. The {{RESORT}} is approximately {{DRIVING TIME}} minutes from {{AIRPORT CODE}}.
- {{AIRPORT CODE}} is where your transportation will meet you to bring you to the resort.
Accessibility
Accessible Cabins are available upon request and are not guaranteed. Please mention your request for an accessible cabin on your reservation form.
7- Eastern Caribbean Sailing
Day 1: Port Canaveral (Orlando) Departs at 3:30 PM
Buckle up for big adventure on the Space Coast when you book a Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. Fun in the sun is a mission easily accomplished in Port Canaveral: before or after your cruise, take time to blast off from the Kennedy Space Center, hug the turns in a stock car at the world famous speedway, and zoom through the screaming roller coasters of Orlando's theme parks. In addition to all these man-made thrills, cruises from Port Canaveral depart from a coastline of sugary sand beaches and protected islands for native wildlife.
- See a rocket up close at the Kennedy Space Center™.
- Walk the bustling Cocoa Beach boardwalk before your cruise from Port Canaveral.
- Encounter exotic animals and exciting adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom® park.
- Enjoy an exciting wildlife and alligator tour by airboat.
Day 2: Nassau - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sightseeing, swimming and soaking up the island flavor — it's all yours for the taking on a Carnival cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. Boasting balmy breezes and jumping to a bouncy calypso beat, Nassau promises sizzling fun in the sun. The historic and cultural heart of The Bahamas is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations — one million travelers board cruises to Nassau every year. Carnival guests come for fine beaches, shopping, water sports, and fun-filled attractions at the Atlantis Resort, connected to Nassau by a bridge to Paradise Island. Throw in a chance to swim with dolphins, or do a little slipping and sliding at a water park, and it's clear what makes Nassau a top spot for cruisers of all ages.
- Shop the straw market for cute and kitschy crafts.
- Pose for the classic ‘dolphin kiss’ during a private island swim with the dolphins.
- Relax on the white sands of a private island.
- Stroll 18th-century colonial streets and climb the sandstone Queen’s Staircase.
Day 3: Fun Day at Sea
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
Day 4: Amber Cove - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Discovering new sights is one of the beauties of travel, and that couldn't be more true when it comes to Amber Cove®, Dominican Republic. In this world full of information on just about everything, Amber Cove is a throwback — it’s the kind of quiet little spot you won’t find on most maps. But you will find it — brimming with bars and pools, plus opportunities for lounging and shopping — to be the gateway to island paradise, Dominican-style. Beyond Amber Cove is Puerto Plata, a town that began life as the first European settlement in the Americas. Its founder? Oh, just a guy named Christopher Columbus… so you know that arriving by sea is the ultimate way to get here. Whether you're looking for a day at the beach, some Dominican Republic adventure or just a little poolside me-time, Amber Cove is just the ticket.
- Explore Fort San Felipe, originally built to ward off pirates, which today welcomes curious travelers of all kinds.
- This spot is known for its remarkable local amber — actually the clearest you’ll find anywhere in the world.
- Take a ride on the wild side on an amazing ATV Adventure tour through the undiscovered Dominican Republic backcountry!
- Swim with dolphins, stingrays — and yes, even sharks! — at Ocean World.
Day 5: Fun Day at Sea
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
Day 6: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
See the pristine beaches and breathtaking turquoise waters and it's no surprise that Half Moon Cay was named Best Private Island... for more than 20 straight years! And in 2026 the destination will be expanding with not only more tropical tranquility, but new ways to spend your paradise-time.
That's why we'll start calling it RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay! Stroll a nature path and relax at the private beach club. The beachfront adds new ways to lounge, like cabanas, plus more activities. We're also building new complimentary lunch spots, and great new island-themed bars for sipping and unwinding.
But it's still the perfect place to cozy up and lounge with your someone-special in a shady clamshell hideaway. If you’re looking for more private space, there are rental cabanas and villas too. And who can resist an expert massage by the beach? Play in turquoise seas, ride horseback on powdery white sand, or gently paddle a kayak through acres of protected lagoon, encountering silky-smooth stingrays.
- Compare swim strokes with the island’s gentle stingrays.
- Enjoy the buffet at the updated lunch venue… with drink in hand.
- Find plenty of room to enjoy nature with over one mile of white-sand beach.
- See the island’s incredible scenery from atop horseback.
Day 7: Celebration Key™ - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
It's time to check out Celebration Key — a new exclusive destination from Carnival, nestled on the south side of Grand Bahama island, that's designed for Carnival guests. It’s perfect for adults, families with kids… everybody who appreciates fun and natural beauty. Get ready for unforgettable experiences like a mile-long white sand beach, the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean† and five “portals” for you to enjoy.
Paradise Plaza™ will be the first portal to explore, welcoming you ashore with guest information, live music, photo ops and more. Starfish Lagoon™ is made for families — and kids of all ages — with Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin waterslides, Guppy Grotto splash pad, and a selection of sports courts offering basketball, beach volleyball and pickleball action. Calypso Lagoon™ is designed for adults ready to relax... or go for more of an active vibe, with lagoon-side swim-up and swings bars, a DJ island and more. Pearl Cove Beach Club™ welcomes adults — and only adults — to take paradise to the next level with great ocean views, infinity pool, swim-up bar, elevated dining, plus attentive service poolside or beachside. Lokono Cove™ offers goods from local artisans, plus showcases Bahamian art, music, history and culture.
† Based on publicly available data of surface area measurements as of 01/22/25.
- Paradise Plaza greets you with live music and helps you find your way to all the fun that’s still to come… like maybe that Suncastle in the distance?
- The atmosphere at Calypso Lagoon is lively… and chill! This adult-friendly portal features a swim-up bar, dining spots, a DJ island, plus plenty of ways to relax.
- Starfish Lagoon is perfect for kids, teens and families, featuring a splash pad, sports courts, designated beach, dining spots, game pavilion and more.
- Pearl Cove Beach Club is the adults-only spot that takes luxury to the next level with an infinity pool, private beach access, elevated dining, the best views of Bahamian waters and more.
- The Retail Portal, known as Lokono Cove, is a colorful showcase of Bahamian culture featuring local art, live music and flavors, plus artisanal goods, duty-free jewelry and more great shopping.
What We have held for you on the Mardi Gras
Interior Standard Cabin
Here’s the most affordable way to experience Mardi Gras®, without cutting even a single corner in the comfort department. With an Interior stateroom you’ll get a full private bathroom, your choice of bed size and layout — covered in linens you can feel at home in — all of which make this truly a great spot for curling up after a long day’s fun.
Standard Ocean View
These comfy rooms with a view let you take in the scenery as you sail toward your beautiful destinations. And how about those views? Nowhere on land will you find anything like ‘em. But the views aren’t all that matters here — Ocean View staterooms on Mardi Gras® are a little bit bigger than Interior rooms and most feature a supremely loungeable couch for those times when neither lying nor standing will do.
Cove Balcony
Love the sea? Mardi Gras Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.
Standard Balcony
Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.
Cabin Pricing
Please review the pricing grid below for each cabin category. Pricing is broken down per person and also includes Carnival Cruise's Travel Protection plan, which is not required to purchase to reserve your cabin.
Pricing is based on Double Occupancy of each Cabin (2 guests). Single guests will pay the same price as 2 adults. Cabins requesting 3rd and 4th guests will receive pricing per guest at a discount to the prevailing rate.
Suites are available upon request and will be priced at prevailing rates at the time of request.
Getting to the Port (and back!)
While you're welcome to arrange your own transportation to and from Port Canaveral and and Orlando Airport (MCO), we are happy to assist with pre-and post-travel stays. It's highly recommended to have at least one night before and after your cruise near Port Canaveral so you don't miss your sailing, or your flight back home.
Please request pre and post stay on your reservation request form in the "Special Requests" box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance required?
While travel insurance is not required, it is strongly recommended, because you never know what life will throw at you.
Vacations are a big investment, and losing it for any reason can be disappointing. Travel Insurance can help protect your investment, should anything happen before or during travel.
For more information on travel insurance for this and future trips, CLICK HERE.
Is there a payment plan?
The only requirement is the intial $50.00 per person, which is due by April 17, 2026. Missed the deposit deadline? We can still book you into our group until May 6, 2026.
Final payment is due by June 22, 2026.
Hidden Gem Travel sends out monthly statements with the option to make payments at your convenience.
I am going to have a roommate. How does it work when they are not my partner?
No problem! We request you get the required information from them for our reservation form, and submit one form for the two of you. We can send each of you the invoice approval and payment link.
What happens if I don't book with Hidden Gem Travel?
You will not have access to our exclusive discounts. Hidden Gem Travel will also not be able to assist you on aspects of your booking.
I have more questions - HELP!
That's what we do! If you have more questions, you're welcome to schedule a call with Vinnie. Click the link below to schedule a call:
Chat with Vinnie
-Very Important - Please Read-
Reservation Cancelation Policy
- If you cancel your reservation before July 7, 2026, you are only responsible for a $50.00 per person cancelation fee to be assessed by Carnival Cruises.
- If you cancel your reservation between August 10, 2026 and September 5th, you will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of your reservation total by Carnival Cruises.
- If you cancel your reservation between Septmber 6, 2026 and September 20, 2026, you will be assessed a penalty equal to 75% of your total reservation by Carnival Cruises.
- If you cancel on or after September 21, 2026, you will be assessed a penalty equal to 100% of your reservation totalby Carnival Cruises.
- If you have travel insurance you can file a claim to get a refund based on their terms.
Additionally, the cruise line will not allow the following modifications after May 7, 2026:
- Downgrading a cabin category
- Removing a guest from your reservation (reducing the occupancy of your cabin)
This cruise line will not allow any changes, including name changes, to your reservation after May 6, 2026.
What can you do with your reservation between April 17, 2026, and May 6, 2026?
- Upgrade your cabin category, if an upgraded cabin category is available
- Add an additional guest to your cabin
The cruise line will not provide a travel or credit voucher if you miss embarkation or are late from a tour getting back on the ship in time when sailing.
Hidden Gem Travel is not an agent of the cruise line and has no control over the refund policies and other rules mandated by Carnival Cruise Line.
If you do not purchase travel insurance and have to cancel your reservation you may still have to pay a partial penalty up to the full amount of the reservation.
If you purchased a travel insurance policy and have to cancel you will be refunded by the travel insurance company according to the travel insurance guidelines minus the non-refundable premium paid to the travel insurance company.
Travel Insurance
**If you have any questions about travel insurance please call Travel Insured at 1-800-243-3174. We (Hidden Gem Travel) are not a licensed insurance company and cannot legally answer any insurance-related questions.**
Not purchasing travel protection could result in the loss of your travel money and/or require more money to correct the situation. Without protection, there is no way to recoup any costs, losses, or expenses incurred. The price of Travel Protection is NOT included in the price of room selections and is non-refundable once purchased.
Having travel protection is definitely important and we recommend it for everyone. However, the choice to have travel protection is solely up to you, and you are welcome to purchase through any company you like.
Click here to purchase travel insurance.
When you click the link, you will need to answer a few questions about your trip, and you'll be redirected to a page with their policy plans and pricing.
The website offers plans like the "Worldwide Trip Platinum Protector" plan with optional add-ons like CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason), Optional Bed Rest to cover any quarantine expenses, and more. Travel Insured is the company we personally use and we highly recommend them for travel insurance needs.
If you want the CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) benefit you will have to add it to the policy and you must purchase insurance no later than 21 days (20 days for Missouri Residents) after you make your initial payment. CFAR is not available to NY residents.
The basic "Worldwide Trip Platinum Protector" plan which does not include CFAR can be purchased at any time, including more than 21 days after your first payment, but it will not cover the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver or the Bankruptcy/Default of an airline, cruise line, tour operator or any other travel vendors. However, you can still cancel for a covered reason and potentially receive up to 100% in refunds as long as it's a covered reason.
Depending on the reason for canceling, travel insurance will cover 75-100% of your trip cancelation and many other things like medical services, trip delay, lost luggage, and more.
We strongly suggest you call and verify which policy will be best for your travel needs. You can reach an insurance agent at 1-800-243-3174.
Ready to Book?
Click the button below to submit your reservation request. Fill out the form for all guests in your room, and add any special requests you may have.
We will hold your room and send an invoice approval, outlining the terms and conditions for this group reservation. Review the invoice to ensure all guest information and room information is correct, and approve.
A payment link is provided in the invoice approval email. Once payment is submitted, it is manually processed by Hidden Gem Travel and may not show up on your statement for 3-5 business days.
Payments submitted after 12 pm CST will be processed the following business day.