Royal Caribbean
Harmony of the Seas
- Cruises
- 39
- From
- $309
Ship comparison
Harmony of the Seas vs Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $363
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Harmony of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,479 passengers, in service since 2016. Mardi Gras is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,282 passengers, in service since 2021.
Choose Harmony of the Seas if you want better-rated entertainment, more space per passenger or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Mardi Gras for entertainment (10.0 vs 7.0) and family friendly (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 41.4 gross tons per passenger (vs 34.1).
Choose Mardi Gras if you want more adventure and nature, more culture or a newer ship: it outscores Harmony of the Seas for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 2.0) and cultural (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2021 (vs 2016).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Harmony of the Seas | Mardi Gras | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2016 | 2021 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 227,000 | 180,000 |
| Passengers | 5,479 | 5,282 |
| Crew | 2,100 | 1,745 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 (better) | 3.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 41.4 (better) | 34.1 |
| Decks | 18 | 17 |
| Length | 1,188 ft | 1,130 ft |
| Beam | 215 ft | 137 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 39 | 12 |
| Upcoming sailings | 86 | 102 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 9 nights | 4 to 7 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $309 (better) | $363 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Harmony of the Seas leads on 5 of the ten, Mardi Gras on 2, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Harmony of the Seas
The 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas is currently the world's third biggest cruise ship behind Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (with the largest, Icon of the Seas, coming in 2024).
Highlights
- The Ultimate Abyss is the tallest waterslide at sea with a 100-foot drop.
- Fun choices for active cruisers, including 2 FlowRiders, a zipline, ice rink and bumper cars.
- Lots to keep the kiddies entertained, including Splashaway Bay with its sea creature water cannons and winding slides.
- Multiple upscale dining options
Sailing now
39 cruises on sale, from $309.
About Harmony of the Seas Plan my cruise on Harmony of the Seas
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 $363.
Questions
Harmony of the Seas or Mardi Gras?
Which is bigger, Harmony of the Seas or Mardi Gras?
Harmony of the Seas is bigger at 227,000 gross tons, against 180,000 gross tons for Mardi Gras. Harmony of the Seas carries 5,479 passengers and Mardi Gras carries 5,282.
Which ship is newer, Harmony of the Seas or Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2021 against 2016 for Harmony of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Harmony of the Seas, with 41.4 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?
Harmony of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 3.0 on Mardi Gras.
Which is better for families?
Harmony of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 9.0 for Mardi Gras.
Still deciding?
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