For cruise enthusiasts, the allure of setting sail on a state-of-the-art vessel is undeniable. Newer cruise ships often represent the pinnacle of innovation, boasting the latest technologies, designs, and onboard experiences. While older ships possess their own charm and can access unique ports, the modern marvels of the cruise industry offer a distinct appeal.
Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, a flagship of their Excel-class and a game-changer for the brand, launched in 2021. Having also sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, an Oasis-class vessel and a benchmark in cruise ship design, I was keen to draw a comparison. Both ships are in the same league in terms of size and passenger capacity, promising a similar style of family-oriented cruise vacation.
This article dives deep into a comparison of Carnival Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, offering an honest perspective on what each ship delivers. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding the nuances between these giants can significantly enhance your cruise planning.
Excel Class vs Oasis Class: A Design and Innovation Showdown
Carnival’s Excel-class and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships stand as testaments to the evolution of cruise ship design and technology. Each class signifies a pivotal moment for their respective cruise lines, pushing boundaries and redefining the onboard experience.
Royal Caribbean has long been recognized as an innovator in the cruise industry. The debut of the Oasis-class in 2009 revolutionized cruising with its unprecedented size and groundbreaking entertainment options. The Oasis-class ships introduced the concept of “neighborhoods,” creating distinct zones onboard, a feature that was unheard of at the time.
A defining characteristic of Oasis-class ships is the neighborhood concept, most notably Central Park, an open-air space with genuine greenery, and the Boardwalk, reminiscent of seaside amusement parks, complete with a carousel and the AquaTheater. Harmony of the Seas, launched in 2016 and once the world’s largest cruise ship, continued this legacy, offering a vast array of dining, activities, and entertainment choices. The neighborhood design makes navigation intuitive and enjoyable. Harmony of the Seas boasts a gross tonnage of 226,000 and can accommodate up to 6,700 passengers at full capacity.
On the other side, Carnival Mardi Gras, while smaller than Harmony of the Seas at 180,000 gross tons and a 5,500 passenger capacity, marked a revolutionary step for Carnival. It is the second largest in Carnival’s fleet, only surpassed by its sister ship, Carnival Celebration. Mardi Gras represented a 40% size increase over Carnival’s previous ships, signaling a significant shift towards larger, more innovative vessels. Carnival, traditionally known for maintaining a consistent ship design philosophy, broke the mold with the Excel-class, embracing the mega-ship trend.
Mardi Gras introduced Carnival’s version of themed zones, similar to Royal Caribbean’s neighborhoods. These zones create distinct atmospheres and experiences throughout the ship, housing themed bars, restaurants, and lounges. Like Harmony of the Seas, Mardi Gras offers a wide spectrum of dining, entertainment, and thrill-seeking activities. A standout feature is Center Stage, a novel entertainment venue that transforms from an atrium into a dynamic performance space for headline shows. For someone familiar with older Carnival ships, Mardi Gras is a revelation. It’s a modern, stylish, and well-designed ship that challenges previous perceptions of the Carnival experience.
Dining Delights: A Culinary Cruise Comparison
For many cruisers, onboard dining is a highlight of the voyage. Both Harmony of the Seas and Mardi Gras excel in offering a plethora of dining choices, ensuring that every palate is catered to. The sheer variety on both ships means you’re unlikely to sample everything in a single cruise.
Harmony of the Seas features nine complimentary dining options. The Main Dining Room offers a classic cruise dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that are designed to impress. The Windjammer Marketplace buffet is a Royal Caribbean staple, providing a wide array of options for more casual meals.
For quick bites, Harmony of the Seas provides Sorrento’s Pizza, Dog House, Mini Bites, Cafe Promenade, and Park Cafe. However, when it comes to casual, complimentary dining, Carnival Mardi Gras truly shines. Many cruisers who have experienced both Royal Caribbean and Carnival often agree on Carnival’s superior casual dining offerings.
Mardi Gras boasts over 20 complimentary eateries, each delivering on taste and variety. Signature Carnival options include Guy’s Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor BBQ Smokehouse, creations of celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Big Chicken, a partnership with Shaquille O’Neal, is another popular spot, serving up delicious chicken tenders and sandwiches reminiscent of Chick-Fil-A. Emeril’s Bistro 1396, by Emeril Lagasse, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Creole twist, though with a small surcharge per item.
Mardi Gras’s complimentary dining extends to BlueIguana Cantina, a pizzeria, a panini shop, and JavaBlue Cafe. For sit-down experiences included in the cruise fare, Cucina del Capitano offers Italian cuisine, and ChiBang! presents an intriguing fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors. These venues have the ambiance of specialty restaurants but are available to all without extra charge. Carnival also maintains its Main Dining Room, famous for its SeaDay brunch, which extends into the afternoon – perfect for those leisurely cruise mornings. The Lido Marketplace buffet is also available for buffet-style dining.
However, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas takes the lead in specialty dining. With over ten specialty restaurants, including Chops Grille (steakhouse), Jamie’s Italian, Izumi (sushi), and 150 Central Park (fine dining), the options are extensive and upscale. While Mardi Gras also has specialty dining venues, the quality, service, and ambiance on Harmony of the Seas are generally considered superior in this category.
In terms of the Main Dining Room experience, Harmony of the Seas often receives higher marks for food quality, variety, and service compared to Mardi Gras. However, Carnival’s Melting Chocolate Cake, a nightly offering in the Main Dining Room, remains an iconic and beloved dessert that’s hard to beat. Buffets are another point of difference. The Lido Marketplace on Mardi Gras can feel crowded and less varied compared to the Windjammer Marketplace on Harmony of the Seas, which is generally praised for its quality and selection.
In summary, Mardi Gras excels in complimentary casual dining, offering a wider range of delicious and accessible options. Harmony of the Seas, on the other hand, provides a more refined experience in specialty and main dining, along with a generally better buffet experience.
Headline Entertainment: Shows and Productions Compared
Larger cruise ships typically invest heavily in top-tier entertainment, and both Harmony of the Seas and Carnival Mardi Gras are no exception. Both ships offer a diverse range of high-quality entertainment, from Broadway-style shows to live music and comedy.
Cruisers on both Harmony of the Seas and Mardi Gras can expect to be impressed by the level of entertainment offered. Expect dazzling productions with music, dance, acrobatics, and more, regardless of your chosen cruise line.
Harmony of the Seas, being an Oasis-class ship, boasts some of Royal Caribbean’s most spectacular entertainment. A standout is the full 90-minute production of “Grease,” a Broadway-caliber musical that’s a major highlight.
Unique to Oasis-class ships, Harmony of the Seas also features an ice skating rink and the AquaTheater. The AquaTheater hosts breathtaking shows with high divers, synchronized swimmers, and aerialists, offering a truly unique spectacle at sea. The ice skating rink production, “1887: A Journey Through Time,” showcases impressive skating skills with twirls, flips, and gravity-defying stunts. Beyond these signature shows, Harmony of the Seas offers a variety of headliner performances in the main theater, including comedians, magicians, and musical revues, along with live music and parties throughout the ship’s bars and lounges.
Carnival Mardi Gras has significantly elevated its entertainment offerings, especially with the introduction of Center Stage, a central atrium venue that transforms into a high-tech performance space. This multi-deck, outward-facing venue is home to some of Mardi Gras’s most ambitious productions. Shows like “Celestial Strings,” “VooDoo Moon,” “Vegas Nights,” and “We Are One” combine music, acrobatics, and special effects for captivating performances.
Mardi Gras also features Playlist Productions in a more traditional theater setting and is known for its interactive game shows like “Family Feud” and “Deal or No Deal.” Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club is another highlight, featuring multiple daily shows with rotating comedians. Carnival prides itself on employing more comedians than any other company globally, ensuring a strong comedy lineup.
Comparing the two, Harmony of the Seas leans towards specialty entertainment with Broadway shows, ice skating, and diving productions – unique offerings exclusive to Oasis-class ships. Mardi Gras, while also offering excellent production shows, provides a more diverse range, including high-energy deck parties and nightclubs, appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene. Ultimately, both ships deliver outstanding entertainment, and personal preference will dictate which style is more appealing.
Onboard Activities and Thrills: Fun for Everyone
Mega-ships are synonymous with a vast array of onboard activities and amenities. Both Harmony of the Seas and Carnival Mardi Gras are packed with thrilling and engaging options, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Royal Caribbean is renowned for its innovative onboard thrills, and Harmony of the Seas is a prime example. Most of these activities are complimentary, adding significant value to the cruise experience. Highlights include the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, an ice skating rink, a zip line, miniature golf, FlowRider surf simulators, and rock climbing walls. Harmony of the Seas provides a non-stop adventure for all ages.
Carnival Mardi Gras also emphasizes family fun, with a major attraction being Bolt, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea. This thrilling ride offers an exhilarating experience as it whips around the ship’s top deck. Bolt is a paid activity, costing around $15 for two rides, but for rollercoaster enthusiasts, it’s a must-try.
Complimentary thrills on Mardi Gras can be found at the Ultimate Playground, featuring WaterWorks waterslides, miniature golf, and a sports court. The ropes course is another exciting complimentary activity, challenging guests to navigate obstacles high above the deck, including sections that extend over the ship’s edge for the truly daring.
Onboard Vibe and Atmosphere: Setting the Mood
The onboard atmosphere is a crucial part of the cruise experience. Harmony of the Seas and Carnival Mardi Gras, while both catering to families, offer distinct vibes.
Carnival Mardi Gras is known for its lively and casual atmosphere, particularly appealing to those seeking a fun, party-centric cruise. The nightlife and deck parties are vibrant, creating a high-energy environment. Despite the party atmosphere, it maintains a friendly and welcoming environment for all. For adults seeking a quieter retreat, the Serenity adults-only area at the front of the ship provides a peaceful escape with loungers, daybeds, and pools.
Harmony of the Seas, while lively, has a slightly more refined and upscale atmosphere. While still offering nightlife, it’s generally less party-focused than Mardi Gras. The overall ambiance leans towards a sophisticated yet relaxed vacation. The Solarium, an adults-only area similar to Serenity, offers a tranquil space with pools, loungers, and daybeds. The Solarium is partially enclosed, making it enjoyable even in less favorable weather, adding to its appeal for relaxation.
Staterooms and Suites: Accommodation Options
Both Harmony of the Seas and Carnival Mardi Gras offer a wide variety of stateroom and suite options to suit different budgets and preferences, from inside cabins to luxurious suites.
Harmony of the Seas provides standard cruise accommodations, including inside, ocean view, and balcony cabins. Unique to Oasis-class ships are the Central Park and Boardwalk view balcony cabins, offering views of the ship’s interior neighborhoods. For luxury accommodations, Harmony of the Seas features impressive suites like the aft-facing AquaTheater Suites and Crown Loft Suites.
Mardi Gras also offers a range of staterooms, with the advantage of potentially more accessible pricing, allowing for upgrades. Options include themed staterooms like Havana Cabanas, providing access to the Havana Club and lounge, and Family Harbor staterooms, conveniently located near kids’ clubs and including access to a family lounge. Suites on Mardi Gras, such as the Ocean Suites, offer more spacious accommodations, often at a price point comparable to standard balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Ideal Cruise Ship
Both Carnival Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas represent the best of what their respective cruise lines offer. Choosing between them depends largely on personal preferences and priorities for your cruise vacation.
If you prioritize Broadway-caliber entertainment, upscale specialty dining, and unique onboard activities like ice skating and diving shows, Harmony of the Seas might be your preferred choice. It offers a slightly more refined and structured cruise experience.
However, if you’re drawn to a more casual, high-energy atmosphere with exceptional complimentary casual dining and a vibrant nightlife scene, Carnival Mardi Gras is an excellent option. It’s perfect for those who want a fun, carefree vacation with a focus on delicious, accessible food and lively entertainment. Ultimately, both ships promise a fantastic cruise vacation, and the “better” ship is simply the one that best aligns with your individual cruise style.
