Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic
- Cruises
- 10
- From
- $320
Ship comparison
Carnival Magic vs Independence of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
- Cruises
- 45
- From
- $363
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Magic is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 3,690 passengers, in service since 2011. Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008.
Choose Carnival Magic if you want a more family-friendly ship or more of a party: it outscores Independence of the Seas for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.5) and party (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Independence of the Seas if you want a more romantic trip, better-rated staterooms or more adventure and nature: it outscores Carnival Magic for romantic (4.0 vs 2.0), staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and adventure & nature (4.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Magic | Independence of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2011 (better) | 2008 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 130,000 | 160,000 |
| 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 | 44.0 (better) |
| Decks | 17 | 18 |
| Length | 1,004 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 122 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 10 | 45 |
| Upcoming sailings | 72 | 75 |
| Cruise lengths | 6 to 8 nights | 4 to 9 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $320 (better) | $363 |
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, Independence 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
Independence of the Seas
Meet Independence of the Seas, packed with a long list of onboard activities typical of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class of ships. Highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, and more.
Highlights
- Relaxing spa treatments at Vitality Spa
- Four pools in adults-only Solarium
- 30 types of cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
Sailing now
45 cruises on sale, from $363.
About Independence of the Seas Plan my cruise on Independence of the Seas
Questions
Carnival Magic or Independence of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Carnival Magic or Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 130,000 gross tons for Carnival Magic. Carnival Magic carries 3,690 passengers and Independence of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Magic or Independence of the Seas?
Carnival Magic is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2011 against 2008 for Independence of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Independence of the Seas, with 44.0 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?
Carnival Magic scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.5 for Independence of the Seas.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Carnival Magic, Independence of the Seas or a ship that suits you better.