Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic
- Cruises
- 10
- From
- $320
Ship comparison
Carnival Magic vs Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
- Cruises
- 71
- From
- $299
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Magic is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 3,690 passengers, in service since 2011. Freedom of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Carnival Magic if you want more of a party or a newer ship: it outscores Freedom of the Seas for party (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2011 (vs 2006).
Choose Freedom of the Seas if you want a more romantic trip, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Carnival Magic for romantic (6.0 vs 2.0), family friendly (10.0 vs 8.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Magic | Freedom of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2011 (better) | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 130,000 | 154,407 |
| Passengers | 3,690 | 3,634 |
| Crew | 1,367 | 1,360 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 35.2 | 42.5 (better) |
| Decks | 17 | 18 |
| Length | 1,004 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 122 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 10 | 71 |
| Upcoming sailings | 72 | 113 |
| Cruise lengths | 6 to 8 nights | 2 to 15 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $320 | $299 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Magic leads on 2 of the ten, Freedom of the Seas on 7, with 1 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic
At 1,004 feet, Carnival Magic continued Carnival's Dream class tradition, with food and entertainment space in the Ocean Plaza, the splashy stylings of Carnival WaterWorks and The Lanai, a convenient and scenic half-mile outdoor wraparound promenade deck.
Highlights
- Exclusive teens-only Club O2
- Waterslides at Carnival WaterWorks
- Mini golf course at SportSquare
- Relaxing in Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
Sailing now
10 cruises on sale, from $320.
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas features several maritime innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen.
Highlights
- Meeting Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience
- Shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Ice skating in the onboard ice skating rink
- Sipping delicious wines at Vintages wine bar
Sailing now
71 cruises on sale, from $299.
About Freedom of the Seas Plan my cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Questions
Carnival Magic or Freedom of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Carnival Magic or Freedom of the Seas?
Freedom of the Seas is bigger at 154,407 gross tons, against 130,000 gross tons for Carnival Magic. Carnival Magic carries 3,690 passengers and Freedom of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Magic or Freedom of the Seas?
Carnival Magic is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2011 against 2006 for Freedom of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Freedom of the Seas, with 42.5 gross tons per passenger against 35.2 on Carnival Magic. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.7 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Freedom of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Carnival Magic.
Still deciding?
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