Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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 Firenze
Mardi Gras
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Firenze
135,156 GT
Mardi Gras
180,800 GT
Length
Carnival Firenze
323.6 m
Mardi Gras
344 m
Beam
Carnival Firenze
37.2 m
Mardi Gras
42 m
Passengers
Carnival Firenze
4,126
Mardi Gras
5,282
Crew
Carnival Firenze
1,425
Mardi Gras
1,745
Decks
Carnival Firenze
14
Mardi Gras
—
Year Built
Carnival Firenze
2,020
Mardi Gras
2,021
Space Ratio
Carnival Firenze
32.8 GT/pax
Mardi Gras
34.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Firenze
2.90 :1
Mardi Gras
3.03 :1
| Specification | Carnival Firenze | Mardi Gras |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Costa Smeralda Class | Excel Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,156 GT | 180,800 GTWinner |
| Length | 323.6 m | 344 mWinner |
| Beam | 37.2 m | 42 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,126 | 5,282Winner |
| Crew | 1,425 | 1,745Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.8 GT/pax | 34.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.90:1Winner | 3.03:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Turku |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9871757 | 9837444 |
Mardi Gras is the significantly larger vessel at 180,800 GT — 34% more than Carnival Firenze's 135,156 GT. Carnival Firenze edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.9:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Mardi Gras |
| Capacity | Mardi Gras |
| Modernity | Mardi Gras |
| Service | Carnival Firenze |
| Spaciousness | Mardi Gras |
Bottom line: Mardi Gras wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Firenze
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,126-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,126 passengers means tons of activities
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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| Draft | 4.2 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | 14 | — |
