Carnival Cruise Line vs MSC Cruises — a head-to-head on the specs, the amenities, and what each ship is genuinely better at.
MSC World Asia (2026) is the newer ship by 6 years versus Carnival Mardi Gras (2020). MSC World Asia is the larger hull at 215,863 GT (~20% bigger). Carnival Mardi Gras sails with fewer guests at double occupancy (5,282 vs 5,400).
| Spec | Carnival Mardi Gras | MSC World Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2020 | 2026 |
| Tonnage | 180,000 GT | 215,863 GT |
| Guests (double occupancy) | 5,282 | 5,400 |
| Guests (max) | 6,500 | 6,762 |
Trophy marks the ship that wins each row. Smaller capacity = more space per guest.
Carnival Mardi Gras has one thing the other doesn't: Self-service laundry.
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.