Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Tropicale
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
Ship comparison
Carnival Tropicale vs Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $400
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Tropicale is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,200 passengers, due to enter service in 2028. Mardi Gras is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,282 passengers, in service since 2021.
Choose Carnival Tropicale if you want a newer ship, a more active cruise or better-rated dining: it outscores Mardi Gras for active (8.0 vs 7.0) and dining (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2028 (vs 2021).
Choose Mardi Gras if you want a more romantic trip, more culture or more of a party: it outscores Carnival Tropicale for romantic (6.0 vs 5.0), cultural (5.0 vs 4.0) and party (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Tropicale | Mardi Gras | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2028 (better) | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 180,000 | 180,000 |
| Passengers | 5,200 | 5,282 |
| Crew | 1,735 | 1,745 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 34.6 (better) | 34.1 |
| Decks | 18 | 17 |
| Length | 1,128 ft | 1,130 ft |
| Beam | 138 ft | 137 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | — | 12 |
| Upcoming sailings | — | 107 |
| Cruise lengths | — | 4–7 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | — | $400 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Tropicale leads on 4 of the ten, Mardi Gras on 4, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Tropicale
About Carnival Tropicale Plan my cruise on Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
When you step on board Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, which debuted in July 2021, you will see all the great features you have come to expect from Carnival Cruises and then find all the new treasures on this ship.
Sailing now
12 cruises on sale, from $400.
Questions
Carnival Tropicale or Mardi Gras?
Which is bigger, Carnival Tropicale or Mardi Gras?
They are the same size, 180,000 gross tons each. Carnival Tropicale carries 5,200 passengers and Mardi Gras carries 5,282.
Which has more space per passenger?
Carnival Tropicale, with 34.6 gross tons per passenger against 34.1 on Mardi Gras. 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 3.0 passengers.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10.
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 Tropicale, Mardi Gras or a ship that suits you better.