Carnival Cruise Line
Mardi Gras
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $363
Ship comparison
Mardi Gras vs Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Utopia of the Seas
- Cruises
- 18
- From
- $418
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Mardi Gras is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 5,282 passengers, in service since 2021. Utopia of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,668 passengers, in service since 2024.
Choose Mardi Gras if you want more of a party or a more romantic trip: it outscores Utopia of the Seas for party (9.0 vs 7.0) and romantic (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Utopia of the Seas if you want better-rated entertainment, more space per passenger or a more active cruise: it outscores Mardi Gras for entertainment (9.0 vs 7.0) and active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 41.8 gross tons per passenger (vs 34.1).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Mardi Gras | Utopia of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2021 | 2024 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 180,000 | 236,860 |
| Passengers | 5,282 | 5,668 |
| Crew | 1,745 | 2,287 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.0 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 34.1 | 41.8 (better) |
| Decks | 17 | 18 |
| Length | 1,130 ft | 1,188 ft |
| Beam | 137 ft | 156 ft |
| Speed | — | 22 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 12 | 18 |
| Upcoming sailings | 102 | 151 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 7 nights | 3 to 7 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $363 (better) | $418 |
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 2 of the ten, Utopia of the Seas on 3, 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
Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas debuted in July 2024 and sails three- and four-night itineraries from Florida’s Port Canaveral — a first for Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships.
Sailing now
18 cruises on sale, from $418.
About Utopia of the Seas Plan my cruise on Utopia of the Seas
Questions
Mardi Gras or Utopia of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Mardi Gras or Utopia of the Seas?
Utopia of the Seas is bigger at 236,860 gross tons, against 180,000 gross tons for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras carries 5,282 passengers and Utopia of the Seas carries 5,668.
Which ship is newer, Mardi Gras or Utopia of the Seas?
Utopia of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2024 against 2021 for Mardi Gras.
Which has more space per passenger?
Utopia of the Seas, with 41.8 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?
Utopia 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?
Utopia 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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