Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $363
Ship comparison
Mardi Gras vs Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $588
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Mardi Gras is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,282 passengers, in service since 2021. Symphony of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,518 passengers, in service since 2018.
Choose Mardi Gras if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $363 (vs $588).
Choose Symphony of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, better-rated entertainment or more space per passenger: it outscores Mardi Gras for active (10.0 vs 7.0) and entertainment (10.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 41.3 gross tons per passenger (vs 34.1).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Mardi Gras | Symphony of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2021 (better) | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 180,000 | 228,000 |
| Passengers | 5,282 | 5,518 |
| Crew | 1,745 | 2,200 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.0 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 34.1 | 41.3 (better) |
| Decks | 17 | 18 |
| Length | 1,130 ft | 1,184 ft |
| Beam | 137 ft | 215 ft |
| Speed | — | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 12 | 32 |
| Upcoming sailings | 102 | 71 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 7 nights | 4 to 10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $363 (better) | $588 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Mardi Gras leads on 0 of the ten, Symphony of the Seas on 5, with 5 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
If you like to go big, you can’t get much bigger than Symphony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. The ship set sail in April 2018 as the world's largest — Wonder of the Seas has since surpassed it — and now home-ports in Miami.
Highlights
- Spectacular original productions of "Flight" and the Broadway hit "Hairspray," coupled with shows in the Aqua Theater and the Studio B ice rink
- If you have the funds, the Suite Collection includes several private venues, including a restaurant, private sun deck, lounge and priority seating at all shows and events
- The Ultimate Family Suite comes complete with a personal cinema, a wrap-around balcony, an in-cabin slide and even a personal whirlpool
Sailing now
32 cruises on sale, from $588.
About Symphony of the Seas Plan my cruise on Symphony of the Seas
Questions
Mardi Gras or Symphony of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Mardi Gras or Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas is bigger at 228,000 gross tons, against 180,000 gross tons for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras carries 5,282 passengers and Symphony of the Seas carries 5,518.
Which ship is newer, Mardi Gras or Symphony of the Seas?
Mardi Gras is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2021 against 2018 for Symphony of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Symphony of the Seas, with 41.3 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?
Symphony of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 3.0 on Mardi Gras.
Which is better for families?
Symphony 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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