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)
Mardi Gras
Oasis of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Mardi Gras
180,800 GT
Oasis of the Seas
225,282 GT
Length
Mardi Gras
344 m
Oasis of the Seas
362 m
Beam
Mardi Gras
42 m
Oasis of the Seas
60 m
Passengers
Mardi Gras
5,282
Oasis of the Seas
6,780
Crew
Mardi Gras
1,745
Oasis of the Seas
2,165
Decks
Mardi Gras
—
Oasis of the Seas
—
Year Built
Mardi Gras
2,021
Oasis of the Seas
2,009
Space Ratio
Mardi Gras
34.2 GT/pax
Oasis of the Seas
33.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Mardi Gras
3.03 :1
Oasis of the Seas
3.13 :1
| Specification | Mardi Gras | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Excel Class | Oasis Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 2,009 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 180,800 GT | 225,282 GTWinner |
| Length | 344 m | 362 mWinner |
| Beam | 42 m | 60 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,282 | 6,780Winner |
| Crew | 1,745 | 2,165Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.2 GT/paxWinner | 33.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.03:1Winner | 3.13:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | STX Finland |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9837444 | 9383936 |
Oasis 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 12 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 | Oasis of the Seas |
| Capacity | Oasis 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.
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
Oasis 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
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.8 m | 9.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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