Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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 Venezia
Mardi Gras
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Venezia
135,225 GT
Mardi Gras
180,800 GT
Length
Carnival Venezia
323 m
Mardi Gras
344 m
Beam
Carnival Venezia
37 m
Mardi Gras
42 m
Passengers
Carnival Venezia
4,072
Mardi Gras
5,282
Crew
Carnival Venezia
1,400
Mardi Gras
1,745
Decks
Carnival Venezia
—
Mardi Gras
—
Year Built
Carnival Venezia
2,019
Mardi Gras
2,021
Space Ratio
Carnival Venezia
33.2 GT/pax
Mardi Gras
34.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Venezia
2.91 :1
Mardi Gras
3.03 :1
| Specification | Carnival Venezia | Mardi Gras |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Excel Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,225 GT | 180,800 GTWinner |
| Length | 323 m | 344 mWinner |
| Beam | 37 m | 42 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,072 | 5,282Winner |
| Crew | 1,400 | 1,745Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.2 GT/pax | 34.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.91:1Winner | 3.03:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Turku |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9801689 | 9837444 |
Mardi Gras is the significantly larger vessel at 180,800 GT — 34% more than Carnival Venezia's 135,225 GT. Built in 2021, Mardi Gras is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Venezia 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 Venezia |
| 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 Venezia
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,072-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,072 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.5 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
