Carnival Miracle

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Miracle

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Mardi Gras

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    Ship Comparison

    Carnival Miracle vs Carnival Mardi Gras

    Carnival Miracle offers a classic, comfortable cruise with a friendly vibe, while Carnival Mardi Gras delivers a high-energy, innovative mega-ship experience with thrilling new attractions and diverse dining.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Carnival Miracle and Carnival Mardi Gras truly comes down to the kind of cruise experience you're seeking. The Miracle, a beloved Spirit-class ship from 2004 (refurbished in 2020), provides a more intimate, traditional Carnival journey, focusing on comfort, a friendly crew, and a manageable array of activities. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a familiar atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. The Mardi Gras, launched in 2021, is a groundbreaking mega-ship designed for those who crave constant excitement and innovation. With its themed zones, first-at-sea roller coaster, and vast dining landscape, it's a ship that is a destination in itself. While both offer that signature 'Fun Ship' spirit, the Mardi Gras is for the adventurer seeking the latest and greatest, while the Miracle is for those who cherish a tried-and-true, comfortable escape.

    Choose Carnival Miracle if…

    Travelers seeking a comfortable, mid-sized ship experience with a classic Carnival atmosphere, friendly service, and a good balance of relaxation and activities.

    Best for

    • Cruisers who prefer a mid-sized ship with a more intimate feel
    • Guests who enjoy traditional Carnival entertainment and dining
    • Families seeking a comfortable and manageable cruise experience
    • Travelers looking for a good passenger-to-space ratio

    Avoid if

    • Those seeking the newest and most innovative ship features
    • Foodies desiring a vast array of unique specialty dining options
    • Travelers who prefer a very quiet, adult-centric environment without any family-focused areas
    • Guests who want a wide selection of modern, themed bars

    Choose Carnival Mardi Gras if…

    Cruisers looking for a high-energy, innovative mega-ship with an abundance of new attractions, diverse dining options, and a bustling, festive environment.

    Best for

    • Thrill-seekers looking for unique onboard attractions like a roller coaster
    • Food enthusiasts eager to explore diverse, themed dining experiences
    • Families and groups who thrive in a high-energy, bustling environment with endless activities
    • Travelers who appreciate modern ship design and innovative features

    Avoid if

    • Guests who prefer a quieter, more intimate cruise experience
    • Travelers who dislike large crowds and bustling public spaces
    • Those seeking a very traditional cruise ship atmosphere
    • Light sleepers sensitive to potential noise from lively deck areas

    Overall Vibe

    Carnival Miracle

    A mid-sized vessel launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2020, Carnival Miracle offers a comfortable and upbeat atmosphere with a whimsical fantasy theme throughout its 12 decks. Guests can expect a classic Carnival experience, where fun is the focus without feeling overwhelmingly large. Its design prioritizes a good passenger-to-space ratio, leading to a generally less crowded feel. The ship balances lively public areas with inviting, cozy nooks, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a traditional cruise feel with a touch of modern updates.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    As Carnival's newest and largest mega-ship, launched in 2021, Carnival Mardi Gras boasts a high-energy, innovative, and decidedly festive atmosphere. Powered by liquified natural gas, it introduces six distinct themed "zones" spread across its 19 decks, creating diverse environments for dining, entertainment, and relaxation. The ship is designed to be a destination in itself, offering groundbreaking attractions like the first-ever roller coaster at sea, BOLT, alongside sophisticated touches that elevate the traditional "Fun Ship" experience.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Carnival Miracle

    Carrying 2,124 passengers and a crew of 934, Carnival Miracle cultivates a friendly and comfortable environment that avoids the intense crowds often found on larger ships. Its well-designed deck layout helps distribute guests, contributing to a more relaxed feel even with a packed schedule of activities. The ambiance is generally upbeat and fun-focused, appealing to a mix of families, couples, and friends seeking a lively but manageable cruise experience where interaction with a friendly crew is a highlight.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    With a capacity for 5,282 passengers and a crew of 1,750, Carnival Mardi Gras is a bustling, high-energy environment built for vibrant social interaction and continuous activity. The ship's sheer size and multitude of attractions mean there's always something happening, drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. While designed to handle its large passenger count, popular venues and attractions can become quite lively, making it ideal for those who thrive in a dynamic, bustling atmosphere and enjoy being surrounded by a festive crowd.

    Dining

    Carnival Miracle

    Dining on Carnival Miracle leans towards classic Carnival favorites, offering a solid selection of included and specialty options. Guests can enjoy three-course meals in the Bacchus and Ariadne dining rooms, which also host a popular Seaday Brunch. Casual fare is plentiful at Lido Marketplace, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the 24-hour Pizza Pirate. For a more elevated experience, Nick & Nora's Steakhouse provides an elegant evening, while Bonsai Sushi Express offers quick sushi bites. The variety is comfortable for shorter cruises, emphasizing familiar tastes.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    Carnival Mardi Gras truly excels in dining, offering an expansive and innovative culinary landscape across its themed zones. Beyond the main Palm and Flamingo dining rooms and the extensive Lido Marketplace, guests can savor celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s Creole cuisine at Emeril’s Bistro 1396™ or indulge in BBQ at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. Specialty options range from Japanese Teppanyaki and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse to Rudi’s Seagrill™ and the exclusive Chef's Table. The ship also features unique complimentary choices like Big Chicken and diverse Street Eats food truck-style stations, ensuring a fresh experience every day.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Carnival Miracle

    Entertainment on Carnival Miracle provides a mix of traditional cruise shows and lively social venues. The Phantom Main Show Lounge hosts Playlist Productions and game shows, while the Mad Hatter's Ball Lounge offers comedy, with both family-friendly and adult-only performances. Guests can enjoy live music at RedFrog Pub or sing along at Sam's Piano Bar. For late-night fun, Dr. Frankenstein's Lab nightclub and Mr. Lucky's Casino are popular. Outdoor activities include WaterWorks slides, multiple pools, mini-golf, and a basketball court, ensuring options for all ages.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    As a true innovator, Carnival Mardi Gras delivers a spectacular array of entertainment and nightlife. The star attraction is BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, complemented by five waterslides and a ropes course in The Ultimate Playground. The Mardi Gras Theater features production shows and the interactive Family Feud Live. Evenings come alive across various themed bars like the jazz-infused Brass Magnolia, the mystical Fortune Teller Bar, and the vibrant Alchemy Bar, known for its personalized cocktails. The ship also boasts Carnival's largest casino and a lively nightclub, ensuring endless options for every taste.

    Cabins & Suites

    Carnival Miracle

    Carnival Miracle offers 1,062 cabins, with 64% featuring balconies, providing ample opportunities for sea views. Standard cabins are a comfortable 185 square feet. The suite selection includes Grand, Vista, Ocean, and Junior Suites, each offering enhanced space and perks like priority services, pillow-top mattresses, and bathrobes. While some balcony and interior-with-window cabins on lower decks might have obstructed views or be near public areas, the ship provides a range of options from cozy interiors to spacious suites designed for a relaxed and traditional cruise stay.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    Carnival Mardi Gras redefines onboard accommodations with 2,641 cabins, including 180 innovative suites. The ship introduces new Excel Suites, offering expansive living areas, wet bars, and large wraparound balconies, with some even featuring private hot tubs. Guests in Excel Suites also receive exclusive access to Loft 19 with its infinity whirlpool. Unique themed accommodations like Havana Cabanas and Suites provide private patios and exclusive access to the Havana Pool, while Cloud 9 Spa cabins offer spa-centric amenities. All cabins boast modern designs, upgraded bathrooms with glass shower doors, and convenient USB charging ports.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Carnival Miracle

    The service on Carnival Miracle is characterized by its friendly and attentive crew, a hallmark of the Carnival experience. The onboard style is upbeat and comfortable, maintaining a classic "Fun Ship" vibe with a personal touch. Dining venues like Nick & Nora's Steakhouse offer doting service, and the crew's enthusiastic dance routines in the main dining room contribute to a cheerful atmosphere. The overall approach is to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment where guests feel well-cared for and part of a lively community.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    Carnival Mardi Gras maintains Carnival's reputation for friendly service while adding layers of modern sophistication. The ship's crew, including dedicated youth staff and concierges for Excel suite guests, are trained to provide attentive and personalized experiences. The overall style is high-energy and innovative, blending affordability with a polished feel. The KultureCity "sensory inclusive" certification highlights a commitment to broader accessibility, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests, while the diverse themed zones offer varied service styles, from casual poolside to elegant specialty dining.

    Best Itineraries

    Carnival Miracle

    Carnival Miracle is well-suited for classic cruise itineraries that emphasize comfortable relaxation and a consistent, fun-focused experience. Guests who enjoy a mid-sized ship with a good balance of activity and ample space will find its voyages appealing. Its layout and features are ideal for those seeking traditional Caribbean or Mexican routes, where the ship itself serves as a familiar and cheerful home base between exploring "stunning destinations" that don't require the scale of a mega-ship.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    Carnival Mardi Gras is designed for destination-rich itineraries where the ship's innovative features are a significant part of the vacation. Its sheer size and extensive array of activities, including the BOLT rollercoaster and diverse dining zones, make it perfect for cruisers who want a dynamic and constantly engaging experience, especially on popular routes like the Caribbean. It caters to those who appreciate a modern, bustling ship that offers something new and exciting around every corner, ensuring the journey is as thrilling as the ports of call.

    What reviewers say

    Carnival Miracle

    4/5

    Carnival Miracle is a comfortable, mid-sized ship offering an upbeat environment with activities from dawn till night, making it a good choice for cruisers of all ages. While appealing to Carnival regulars, it may feel short on diverse dining options for longer voyages.

    Carnival Mardi Gras

    5/5

    If 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 Miracle

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    Carnival Mardi Gras

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