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)
Mardi Gras
MSC World America
Gross Tonnage
Mardi Gras
180,800 GT
MSC World America
215,863 GT
Length
Mardi Gras
344 m
MSC World America
333 m
Beam
Mardi Gras
42 m
MSC World America
47 m
Passengers
Mardi Gras
5,282
MSC World America
6,762
Crew
Mardi Gras
1,745
MSC World America
2,138
Decks
Mardi Gras
—
MSC World America
—
Year Built
Mardi Gras
2,021
MSC World America
2,025
Space Ratio
Mardi Gras
34.2 GT/pax
MSC World America
31.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Mardi Gras
3.03 :1
MSC World America
3.16 :1
| Specification | Mardi Gras | MSC World America |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Excel Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021 | 2,025Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 180,800 GT | 215,863 GTWinner |
| Length | 344 mWinner | 333 m |
| Beam | 42 m | 47 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,282 | 6,762Winner |
| Crew | 1,745 | 2,138Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.2 GT/paxWinner | 31.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.03:1Winner | 3.16:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9837444 | 9871645 |
MSC World America is the larger vessel at 215,863 GT — 19% more than Mardi Gras's 180,800 GT. Built in 2025, MSC World America is 4 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 | MSC World America |
| Capacity | MSC World America |
| Modernity | MSC World America |
| Service | Mardi Gras |
| Spaciousness | Mardi Gras |
Bottom line: MSC World America wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
MSC World America
Large 6,762-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,762 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2025 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 | 8.8 m | 9.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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