Two Carnival Cruise Line ships, head to head — specs, amenities, and what each one is genuinely better at.
Carnival Mardi Gras (2020) is the newer ship by 18 years versus Carnival Encounter (2002). Carnival Mardi Gras is the larger hull at 180,000 GT (~65% bigger). Carnival Encounter sails with fewer guests at double occupancy (2,600 vs 5,282).
| Spec | Carnival Encounter | Carnival Mardi Gras |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2002 | 2020 |
| Tonnage | 108,977 GT | 180,000 GT |
| Guests (double occupancy) | 2,600 | 5,282 |
| Guests (max) | 3,100 | 6,500 |
Trophy marks the ship that wins each row. Smaller capacity = more space per guest.
Distinct ports each ship visits in the next 12 months.
No ports in common in the next 12 months.
None unique — everywhere this ship goes, the other does too.