Ship Comparison
Carnival Liberty vs Carnival Mardi Gras
For a classic, value-driven 'Fun Ship' experience, Carnival Liberty delivers; for cutting-edge thrills and diverse zones, Carnival Mardi Gras is the clear innovator.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Liberty and Carnival Mardi Gras comes down to what kind of fun you're seeking. The Liberty, a beloved veteran of the fleet, offers a consistently enjoyable and laid-back cruise with familiar favorites and a strong sense of community. Its recent refurbishment ensures modern comforts, making it a reliable choice for families and value-conscious travelers. The Mardi Gras, on the other hand, is a bold statement in cruise innovation. As Carnival's largest and newest ship, it pushes boundaries with distinct themed zones and first-at-sea attractions, catering to those who desire a high-energy, destination-within-a-ship experience. Both uphold Carnival's commitment to fun, but in very different styles.
Choose Carnival Liberty if…
Travelers seeking a classic Carnival 'Fun Ship' experience with a vibrant, carefree atmosphere and a wide array of proven, crowd-pleasing activities and dining options, all at a great value.
Best for
- Families seeking a classic, value-driven cruise experience
- First-time cruisers looking for an easy-to-navigate ship
- Travelers who appreciate consistent, reliable service and a lively atmosphere
- Guests who enjoy a mix of casual dining and traditional main dining room experiences
Avoid if
- Guests seeking the very latest in cruise ship innovations and high-tech attractions
- Those who prefer a quieter, more intimate, or ultra-modern ship environment
- Travelers sensitive to potentially dated decor in standard cabins
- Individuals who dislike crowded popular venues or want guaranteed spa hot tub access
Choose Carnival Mardi Gras if…
Explorers eager for the latest in cruise innovation, including a roller coaster at sea and distinct themed zones, who appreciate diverse dining from celebrity chefs and a high-energy, modern atmosphere.
Best for
- Thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts (e.g., roller coaster, extensive water park)
- Families and multi-generational groups looking for diverse activities and dining
- Foodies eager to explore celebrity chef restaurants and unique culinary concepts
- Travelers who prioritize modern amenities, innovative design, and robust Wi-Fi
Avoid if
- Guests who prefer smaller, more intimate cruise ships with fewer crowds
- Those seeking a very quiet or traditional cruise experience
- Budget-conscious travelers who may not want to pay for many specialty dining or activity upcharges
- Individuals sensitive to privacy concerns on certain balcony cabins or crowded public spaces
Overall Vibe
Carnival Liberty
The Carnival Liberty, launched in 2005 and thoughtfully refurbished in 2011, embodies the classic Carnival 'Fun Ship' spirit. It offers a comfortable, established atmosphere, focusing on delivering a consistent and enjoyable vacation experience. With its $500 million overhaul, it ensures that while it's not the newest, it remains fresh and appealing, making the most of its features to keep guests happy and engaged without overwhelming them. It’s a ship where the joy of cruising feels familiar and welcoming, perfect for those who appreciate a proven formula for fun.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras, a true mega-ship launched in 2021, redefines the Carnival experience with its innovative design and sheer scale. It's built around six distinct themed zones, creating a ship that feels like multiple destinations in one. The vibe is decidedly modern and high-energy, showcasing Carnival's latest advancements, including being powered by liquified natural gas. This ship is for those who crave new experiences and a vibrant, bustling environment where the ship itself is the main attraction, offering endless discovery around every corner.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Liberty
On Carnival Liberty, you'll find a vibrant, carefree, and genuinely family-friendly atmosphere. Carrying 2,974 guests and supported by 1,160 crew members, the ship maintains a good balance, ensuring a lively environment without feeling overwhelmingly crowded. The passenger-to-crew ratio of approximately 1:2.5 means attentive service is a standout feature, contributing to a happy and engaged onboard community. It's a place where guests consistently find themselves smiling, whether they're enjoying a poolside burger or a nighttime show.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras exudes a high-energy, lively, and decidedly fun atmosphere, designed to cater to a diverse crowd. As a significantly larger vessel, it accommodates up to 5,282 passengers with a crew of 1,750, resulting in a passenger-to-crew ratio of about 1:3. This means it can get bustling, especially in popular areas, but the ship's layout with its themed zones helps distribute guests. It's sophisticated without being snooty, providing a dynamic environment where everyone from thrill-seekers to relaxation enthusiasts can find their niche.
Dining
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty offers a robust selection of dining options, with a strong emphasis on complimentary, crowd-pleasing choices. Guests can savor Guy's Burger Joint, fresh Mexican fare at BlueIguana Cantina, and the diverse offerings at Emile's Lido Buffet, which also houses the popular Mongolian Wok. The main Dining Room, with its fixed or 'Your Time Dining' options, presents a rotating menu of delectable favorites. For an additional cost, guests can indulge in The Seafood Shack, the elegant Steakhouse, or the exclusive Chef's Table, ensuring variety for every palate.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras elevates the culinary experience with an astounding array of options, including several innovative new venues. Beyond the familiar Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, guests can explore Emeril's Bistro 1396™ for New Orleans-inspired cuisine, Shaq O'Neal's Big Chicken, and the global flavors of Street Eats. Specialty dining is abundant, from Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki to Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Rudi's Seagrill, offering unique experiences. While some new complimentary options are currently for a limited time, the sheer diversity ensures a culinary adventure for every guest.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Liberty
Entertainment on Carnival Liberty is classic Carnival fun, with a focus on live performances and interactive experiences. The Venetian Palace Main Lounge hosts vibrant Playlist Productions shows, while The Punchliner Comedy Club offers nightly PG and adult-only performances that consistently pack the house. Guests can enjoy live music across various venues, sing their hearts out at Karaoke at The Stage Bar, or try their luck at the busy Casino. Dive-In Movies on the Lido Deck and a range of themed trivia and wacky contests ensure there's always something engaging happening.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras takes entertainment to new heights, highlighted by BOLT, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea, located in The Ultimate Playground alongside Carnival WaterWorks' three waterslides and a SportSquare. The ship's themed zones introduce unique nightlife, like the jazz-filled Brass Magnolia and the mystical Fortune Teller Bar in the French Quarter. Grand Central serves as a multi-level entertainment hub with live music and variety shows. The ship also boasts the largest casino in the Carnival fleet and the interactive Family Feud Live game show, offering a dynamic and thrilling experience.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty offers comfortable and generously sized cabins, typically ranging from 185 to 220 square feet for standard categories. While the decor might feel a touch traditional with soft peach and yellow highlights, the cabins are well-appointed with convertible beds, ample storage, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. Suites, such as the Junior, Ocean, Grand, and Captain's Suites, provide significantly more space and deluxe features like whirlpool tubs and priority services, though standard bathrooms are noted for their shower curtains that can splash.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras features contemporary cabins with thoughtful design and improved functionality. All staterooms include convertible twin-to-queen beds, convenient USB ports, modern wardrobe storage, and glass shower doors that enhance the bathroom experience. The ship introduces new Excel suites, which are among the largest at sea, offering separate living areas, multiple TVs, and expansive wraparound balconies with private hot tubs. Unique Havana Cabana rooms provide exclusive outdoor patios and pool access, though some mid-front balcony cabins may have privacy limitations due to the ship's tiered design.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Liberty
The service on Carnival Liberty is consistently highlighted as excellent, with a dedicated crew of 1,160 ensuring a warm and attentive experience for 2,974 guests. The onboard style is classic Carnival: vibrant, unpretentious, and focused on creating a carefree vacation. From the lively atmosphere of the main pools to the more serene adults-only retreat, the crew excels at fostering an environment where guests feel well-cared for and can truly relax and enjoy themselves, reinforcing a sense of established hospitality.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras, with its 1,750 crew members serving 5,282 guests, offers a high-energy and modern onboard style that blends innovation with Carnival's signature fun. The ship is KultureCity® Sensory Certified, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and personalized service for guests with sensory needs. While the ship is larger, the service is designed to be efficient and engaging, particularly within its distinct themed zones. Excel suite guests receive enhanced concierge service and exclusive access to Loft 19, providing a tiered level of personalized attention.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty is well-suited for lively Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries. Its established 'Fun Ship' atmosphere, coupled with its size and array of activities, makes it an excellent choice for guests seeking a value-focused cruise where the onboard experience is a significant part of the vacation. While feedback suggests the ship's enrichment opportunities could be more tailored to local culture, it consistently delivers an enjoyable and engaging experience for those looking to soak up the sun and fun in popular tropical destinations.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras is ideally positioned for dynamic Caribbean voyages, frequently calling at popular destinations like Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island. Its innovative design and extensive onboard attractions mean the ship itself is a primary destination. These itineraries are perfect for travelers who want to combine relaxing beach days and island adventures with a cutting-edge cruise experience, offering a blend of classic Caribbean charm and groundbreaking ship features for an unforgettable, action-packed getaway.
What reviewers say
Carnival Liberty
4.5/5Launched in 2005 and refurbished in 2011, Carnival Liberty makes the most of its $500 million overhaul with crowd-pleasing options at every turn. The carefree atmosphere and abundance of activities make it a great value.
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
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Mardi Gras
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Ship Guide
Carnival Liberty: Carefree Cruises with Great Value
Enjoy a voyage filled with crowd-pleasing activities and diverse dining options at an excellent price.
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.
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B