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)
Carnival Celebration
Mariner of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Celebration
183,521 GT
Mariner of the Seas
139,863 GT
Length
Carnival Celebration
344 m
Mariner of the Seas
311 m
Beam
Carnival Celebration
42 m
Mariner of the Seas
48 m
Passengers
Carnival Celebration
5,374
Mariner of the Seas
3,807
Crew
Carnival Celebration
1,735
Mariner of the Seas
1,185
Decks
Carnival Celebration
—
Mariner of the Seas
—
Year Built
Carnival Celebration
2,022
Mariner of the Seas
2,003
Space Ratio
Carnival Celebration
34.1 GT/pax
Mariner of the Seas
36.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Celebration
3.10 :1
Mariner of the Seas
3.21 :1
| Specification | Carnival Celebration | Mariner of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Excel Class | Voyager Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 2,003 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 183,521 GTWinner | 139,863 GT |
| Length | 344 mWinner | 311 m |
| Beam | 42 m | 48 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,374Winner | 3,807 |
| Crew | 1,735Winner | 1,185 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.1 GT/pax | 36.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.10:1Winner | 3.21:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Kvaerner Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9837456 | 9227510 |
Carnival Celebration is the significantly larger vessel at 183,521 GT — 31% more than Mariner of the Seas's 139,863 GT. Built in 2022, Carnival Celebration is 19 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Celebration edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Celebration |
| Capacity | Carnival Celebration |
| Modernity | Carnival Celebration |
| Service | Carnival Celebration |
| Spaciousness | Mariner of the Seas |
Bottom line: Carnival Celebration wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Celebration
Large 5,374-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,374 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Mariner of the Seas
Large 3,807-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,807 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.6 m | 9.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
