Ship Comparison
Carnival Festivale vs Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Festivale elevates family cruising with unprecedented interconnecting cabins and a new waterpark, while Mardi Gras pioneered the Excel-class with its iconic roller coaster and vibrant themed zones.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Festivale and Carnival Mardi Gras comes down to whether you prioritize the very latest in family-centric design or prefer a proven, thrill-packed experience. Festivale, launching in 2027, is poised to take family harmony to new heights with its vast number of interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark, Carnival WaterWorks Ultra. It emphasizes music-inspired immersive experiences and a fresh take on outdoor fun. Mardi Gras, launched in 2021, is the trailblazer of the Excel-class, renowned for its exhilarating BOLT roller coaster and distinct themed 'neighborhoods,' offering a high-energy, diverse vacation. Both ships are powered by LNG for a more sustainable journey and promise the lively Carnival 'Fun Ship' atmosphere, but Festivale nudges ahead for large family groups, while Mardi Gras holds its own for those seeking established, high-thrill innovation.
Choose Carnival Festivale if…
The Carnival Festivale is designed for large and multi-generational families seeking seamless connections and endless aquatic fun. It's also ideal for those who appreciate new, immersive entertainment concepts centered around music and a modern, sustainable cruise experience.
Best for
- Large and multi-generational families
- Travelers seeking the newest innovations in cruising
- Guests who enjoy immersive, music-themed entertainment
- Those prioritizing extensive waterpark features
Avoid if
- Seeking a smaller, more intimate cruise experience
- Preferring a ship with a more established track record of operations
- Desiring itineraries beyond the Caribbean in its initial years
Choose Carnival Mardi Gras if…
The Carnival Mardi Gras is perfect for thrill-seekers and social butterflies who want a high-energy vacation with unique attractions like a roller coaster at sea. It caters to families and adults alike, offering a wide array of dining and entertainment across its distinct themed zones.
Best for
- Thrill-seekers looking for unique attractions like a roller coaster at sea
- Foodies eager to explore diverse culinary options, including celebrity chef venues
- Guests who appreciate themed zones and varied nightlife
- Families and adults seeking a high-energy, established Excel-class experience
Avoid if
- Preferring a quieter, less crowded ship, especially in popular areas
- Prioritizing privacy in balcony cabins (some mid-front decks have visibility issues)
- Expecting a large, traditional swimming pool in the Havana area
Overall Vibe
Carnival Festivale
Launching in 2027, the Carnival Festivale, an Excel-class ship, is designed with a fresh take on family cruising. Spanning 19 decks and carrying 5,356 guests, this new build prioritizes communal experiences and innovative fun. Its six themed zones, including two new music-inspired areas like Studio 724, promise an engaging atmosphere. The emphasis on family harmony is clear, particularly with the introduction of the expansive Carnival WaterWorks Ultra and outdoor Sunsation Point. It's poised to be a vibrant, forward-thinking vessel for those seeking the latest in cruise innovation.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Launched in 2021, Carnival Mardi Gras, a groundbreaking Excel-class ship, redefined what a 'Fun Ship' could be. Carrying 5,282 guests across its decks with a dedicated crew of 1,750, it brought a high-energy, modern atmosphere to the seas. Its six distinct zones, like the New Orleans-inspired French Quarter and the thrilling Ultimate Playground featuring BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, offer a diverse range of experiences. Mardi Gras is a vibrant, innovation-driven vessel, perfect for travelers looking for a lively and memorable vacation with plenty of new discoveries.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Festivale
The Carnival Festivale is being built with family at its heart, evidenced by its 5,356 guest capacity and a focus on 'family harmony'. With 926 crew members, the ship aims to provide attentive service within a lively environment. The new Carnival WaterWorks Ultra and dedicated 'Turtles' kids' program for infants and toddlers suggest a bustling, joyful atmosphere, particularly in the Sunsation Point outdoor zone. Guests can expect a high-energy, modern cruise experience where shared family fun is paramount, from splash pads to immersive music venues.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras offers a consistently high-energy and fun atmosphere, catering to a diverse crowd of 5,282 passengers with a substantial crew of 1,750. Its themed 'neighborhoods' like the Ultimate Playground and French Quarter help distribute guests, but popular areas can get quite lively. The ship balances active thrills, like BOLT, with more relaxed adult-only spaces like Serenity. Expect a vibrant, bustling environment where there's always something happening, though finding quieter corners might require seeking out specific venues.
Dining
Carnival Festivale
The Carnival Festivale offers a diverse culinary landscape with both complimentary and specialty options. Guests can enjoy the Main Dining Room with new selections from Emeril Lagasse and a dedicated vegan menu, alongside casual favorites like Big Chicken and Guy's Burger Joint. For international flavors, Street Eats provides varied global street food, while Seafood Shack and Bonsai Sushi/Teppanyaki offer additional-cost experiences. Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse provides a complimentary BBQ lunch, ensuring plenty of delicious choices throughout the cruise.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras boasts an extensive and innovative dining program, including celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's first at-sea restaurant, Emeril's Bistro 1396, a culinary highlight in the French Quarter. Complimentary options abound with Guy's Burger Joint, Big Chicken, and the diverse Street Eats. Guests can also enjoy Italian fare at Cucina del Capitano and Pizzeria del Capitano, or opt for specialty dining like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Rudi's Seagrill. The ship provides a wide array of choices, from casual bites to upscale experiences.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Festivale
Entertainment on Carnival Festivale leans into innovative, music-themed experiences with new venues like The Spark, offering live performances, and The Mix, where guests can personalize cocktails. Studio 724 provides a multimedia light and sound show. The ship's largest-ever Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, complete with evening illuminations and a DJ, creates a vibrant night scene on deck. For adult fun, the Festivale Casino is the largest in the fleet, featuring a $1 Million Slot Progressive Jackpot, alongside returning favorites like Alchemy Bar and Piano Bar 88.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras distinguishes itself with BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, offering a unique thrill. Its entertainment is spread across distinct zones, from the lively Grand Central atrium with live music to the New Orleans-inspired Brass Magnolia and mystical Fortune Teller bar. Family Feud Live provides interactive game show fun, while the Punchliner Comedy Club and Piano Bar 88 offer classic cruise entertainment. The ship’s large casino, with both smoking and non-smoking sections, caters to those seeking evening gaming excitement.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is set to enhance family travel with an unprecedented 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a 70% increase over other Excel-class ships. These replace the Family Harbor staterooms, emphasizing flexible family arrangements. Guests can choose from standard Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, or opt for Suites offering VIP status. Carnival Excel Suites provide further luxury with concierge service and Loft 19 access, while Havana Staterooms and Suites offer exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool for guests 12 and older.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras offers 180 suites, including the luxurious Excel Suites with separate living and dining areas, some boasting wraparound balconies with private hot tubs. Suite guests also enjoy access to Loft 19, a private sundeck. The ship features Family Harbor Ocean View Suites with lounge access and perks like free kids' meals and babysitting. Havana Staterooms and Suites, with their Cuba-inspired décor, provide exclusive access to the Havana Pool for guests aged 12 and above, adding a unique, adults-focused enclave to the cabin offerings.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Festivale
As a new build in 2027, Carnival Festivale will embody a modern and innovative onboard style, powered by LNG for sustainability. Its service ethos is centered on 'family harmony' and providing a personalized experience, particularly with its new music-inspired zones and expansive waterpark. While specific service details are still emerging, Carnival's reputation for friendly, attentive crew (926 staff for 5,356 guests) suggests a welcoming atmosphere focused on ensuring every guest finds their rhythm of fun and relaxation.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras delivers a lively and attentive service experience, with a crew of 1,750 catering to 5,282 passengers. The ship's onboard style is characterized by its distinct themed zones, such as the elegant French Quarter and the vibrant Ultimate Playground, which offer varied ambiances. Service is generally efficient, even with the ship's high energy, and the functional Carnival HUB app streamlines guest interactions. While it's a large vessel, the crew strives to maintain a personalized touch amidst the bustling atmosphere, ensuring guests feel well-cared for.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Festivale
The Carnival Festivale will primarily sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from its homeport in Port Canaveral. A key highlight for guests will be visits to Carnival's private destinations, including the new Celebration Key. These itineraries are ideal for those seeking classic tropical getaways, with a blend of sun-soaked days at sea and exciting shore excursions, all designed to complement the ship's family-focused and fun-centric offerings.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras also primarily sails Caribbean itineraries, offering guests opportunities to explore the vibrant islands of the Eastern and Western Caribbean. These cruises often include calls at Carnival's private island destinations like Half Moon Cay, known for its pristine beaches and diverse activities. The ship's innovative features and wide array of dining and entertainment are perfectly suited for tropical voyages, providing a dynamic backdrop for exploring various ports of call.
What reviewers say
Carnival Festivale
As a forthcoming Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale is poised to redefine family cruising with an unprecedented number of interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark. While specific itineraries and full dining details are still emerging, it promises a fun-filled, sustainable vacation experience.
Carnival Mardi Gras
5/5If you give a cruise ship the name Mardi Gras, you're setting expectations that everyone onboard is going to have a good time -- and Carnival's newest ship delivers just that. With its own roller coaster and a stunning Atrium, the ship packs a punch with lots of free dining and entertainment options.
Itineraries to compare
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Carnival Festivale
Carnival Mardi Gras
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Ship Guide
Carnival Festivale: Redefining Family Cruising Adventures
Discover unprecedented interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark for all ages.
Ship Guide
Carnival Mardi Gras: A New Era of Fun at Sea
Discover this innovative ship with its thrilling roller coaster, stunning Atrium, and diverse dining.
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