Cruise Frog guide
Carnival Cruise Line vs Marella Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line rates higher than Marella Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.1 out of 5 across their rated ships. Carnival Cruise Line leads on cabins, entertainment and value; Marella Cruises on pools & decks. Pick Carnival Cruise Line for first-time cruisers and friends and groups; Marella Cruises for couples and adults only.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Carnival Cruise Line | Marella Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups, Value seekers | Couples, Families, Adults only, Value seekers |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 |
| Cabins | 3.1 | 2.4 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.0 | 2.0 |
| Service | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 2.9 | 3.0 |
| Value | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 29 | 5 |
| Ships on the way | 3 | — |
| Largest ship | Carnival Celebration (183,521 GT) | Marella Voyager (77,302 GT) |
| Newest ship | Carnival Jubilee (2023) | Marella Voyager (1997) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,253 | 1,863 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Bermuda | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands |
| Solo cabins | None | Every ship |
| Single supplement | Fares are quoted per person based on double occupancy, and a solo guest pays a single supplement that varies by sailing and cabin. In a… | Single cabins are priced for one with the same fittings as double cabins. Marella runs regular solo deals across single inside to balcony… |
| Loyalty program | Carnival Rewards | — |
| Owner | Carnival Corporation & plc | TUI Group |
| Headquarters | Doral, Florida, United States | Luton, England |
| Founded | 1972 | 1973 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Carnival Cruise Line or Marella Cruises?
Carnival Cruise Line rates higher than Marella Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.1 out of 5 across their rated ships. Carnival Cruise Line leads on cabins, entertainment and value; Marella Cruises on pools & decks.
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Marella Cruises better value?
Carnival Cruise Line scores higher for value, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Marella Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Marella Cruises better for entertainment?
Carnival Cruise Line scores higher for entertainment, 4.0 to 2.0 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Marella Cruises better for cabins?
Carnival Cruise Line scores higher for cabins, 3.1 to 2.4 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Carnival Cruise Line or Marella Cruises?
Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship, Carnival Celebration, measures 183,521 gross tons, against 77,302 for Marella Voyager, Marella Cruises's largest. An average Carnival Cruise Line ship carries 3,253 guests, a Marella Cruises ship 1,863.
How many ships do Carnival Cruise Line and Marella Cruises have?
Carnival Cruise Line has 29 ships in service and 3 on the way; Marella Cruises has 5 ships in service.
Are Carnival Cruise Line and Marella Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Carnival Cruise Line is part of Carnival Corporation & plc; Marella Cruises is part of TUI Group.