P&O Cruises
Iona
- Cruises
- 60
- From
- $482
Ship comparison
Iona vs Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $363
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Iona is a mega P&O Cruises ship carrying 5,206 passengers. Mardi Gras is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,282 passengers, in service since 2021. Iona has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Iona if you want more cruises to choose from: it has 60 cruises on sale (vs 12).
Choose Mardi Gras if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $363 (vs $482).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Iona | Mardi Gras | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | P&O Cruises | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | — | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 184,000 | 180,000 |
| Passengers | 5,206 | 5,282 |
| Crew | — | 1,745 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | — | 3.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 35.3 (better) | 34.1 |
| Decks | — | 17 |
| Length | 1,130 ft | 1,130 ft |
| Beam | 177 ft | 137 ft |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 60 | 12 |
| Upcoming sailings | 153 | 102 |
| Cruise lengths | 5 to 35 nights | 4 to 7 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $482 | $363 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Iona has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
P&O Cruises
Iona
Sailing now
60 cruises on sale, from $482.
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
Iona or Mardi Gras?
Which is bigger, Iona or Mardi Gras?
Iona is bigger at 184,000 gross tons, against 180,000 gross tons for Mardi Gras. Iona carries 5,206 passengers and Mardi Gras carries 5,282.
Which has more space per passenger?
Iona, with 35.3 gross tons per passenger against 34.1 on Mardi Gras. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Still deciding?
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