Royal Caribbean
Hero of the Seas
- Cruises
- 11
- From
- $971
Ship comparison
Hero of the Seas vs Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $363
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Hero of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,654 passengers. Mardi Gras is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,282 passengers, in service since 2021. Hero of the Seas has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Hero of the Seas if you want more space per passenger or more crew per passenger: it has 44.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 34.1) and it has a crew member for every 2.4 passengers (vs 3.0).
Choose Mardi Gras if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $363 (vs $971).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Hero of the Seas | Mardi Gras | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | — | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 248,663 | 180,000 |
| Passengers | 5,654 | 5,282 |
| Crew | 2,350 | 1,745 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.4 (better) | 3.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.0 (better) | 34.1 |
| Decks | — | 17 |
| Length | 1,198 ft | 1,130 ft |
| Beam | — | 137 ft |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 11 | 12 |
| Upcoming sailings | 39 | 102 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 9 nights | 4 to 7 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $971 | $363 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Hero of the Seas has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Hero of the Seas
Sailing now
11 cruises on sale, from $971.
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
Hero of the Seas or Mardi Gras?
Which is bigger, Hero of the Seas or Mardi Gras?
Hero of the Seas is bigger at 248,663 gross tons, against 180,000 gross tons for Mardi Gras. Hero of the Seas carries 5,654 passengers and Mardi Gras carries 5,282.
Which has more space per passenger?
Hero of the Seas, with 44.0 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?
Hero of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.4 passengers against one for every 3.0 on Mardi Gras.
Still deciding?
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