Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Allure of the Seas
Mardi Gras
Gross Tonnage
Allure of the Seas
225,282 GT
Mardi Gras
180,800 GT
Length
Allure of the Seas
362 m
Mardi Gras
344 m
Beam
Allure of the Seas
60 m
Mardi Gras
42 m
Passengers
Allure of the Seas
6,780
Mardi Gras
5,282
Crew
Allure of the Seas
2,100
Mardi Gras
1,745
Decks
Allure of the Seas
—
Mardi Gras
—
Year Built
Allure of the Seas
2,010
Mardi Gras
2,021
Space Ratio
Allure of the Seas
33.2 GT/pax
Mardi Gras
34.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Allure of the Seas
3.23 :1
Mardi Gras
3.03 :1
| Specification | Allure of the Seas | Mardi Gras |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Oasis Class | Excel Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,010 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 225,282 GTWinner | 180,800 GT |
| Length | 362 mWinner | 344 m |
| Beam | 60 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,780Winner | 5,282 |
| Crew | 2,100Winner | 1,745 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.2 GT/pax | 34.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.23:1 | 3.03:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | STX Finland | Meyer Turku |
| Flag | Bahamas | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9383948 | 9837444 |
Allure of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 225,282 GT — 25% more than Mardi Gras's 180,800 GT. Built in 2021, Mardi Gras is 11 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Mardi Gras edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.0:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Allure of the Seas |
| Capacity | Allure of the Seas |
| Modernity | Mardi Gras |
| Service | Mardi Gras |
| Spaciousness | Mardi Gras |
Bottom line: Mardi Gras wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Allure of the Seas
Large 6,780-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,780 passengers means tons of activities
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Mardi Gras
Large 5,282-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,282 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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42 m |
| Draft | 9.3 mWinner | 8.8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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