Carnival Cruises is one of the most famous cruise lines at sea. Today, Carnival has 29 ships. Two more are expected to become a part of its fleet in 2027 and 2028. This cruise line has a very diverse fleet.
The small ships can accommodate 2000 passengers, while the largest ones compete with the rivals. Moreover, it initiated the “Fun Ship 2.0,” which upgraded all the old ships. Travelers can enjoy new onboard dining and entertainment experiences on those ships now.
Despite not being the biggest ship at sea, Carnival Cruise Line offers unique and fun journeys. This blog explores Carnival ships by size and age. With a comprehensive table and onboard features, you can choose the best one to make your voyage unforgettable.
30-Second Summary
Carnival Cruise Line is well-established and a favorite of cruisers. It has a large fleet that consists of 29 vessels. Each vessel has its own charm. However, it is important to know about their particular features, such as age and size. You need to understand these features to choose the ship wisely.
This blog will delve deep into exploring Carnival ships by size. Learn about the ships’ ages, launch years, and features.
Carnival Ships by Size: A Complete Table
This table features a comparison of Carnival ships: from biggest to smallest.
| Ship Name | Gross Tonnage | Passenger Capacity (Double Occupancy) | Length (feet) | Launch Year |
| Carnival Jubilee | 183,521 | 5,362 | 1,130 | 2023 |
| Carnival Celebration | 183,521 | 5,362 | 1,130 | 2022 |
| Mardi Gras | 180,800 | 5,270 | 1,130 | 2021 |
| Carnival Venezia | 135,225 | 4,090 | 1,061 | 2019 |
| Carnival Firenze | 135,156 | 4126 | 1,061 | 2020 |
| Carnival Panorama | 133,500 | 4,008 | 1,055 | 2019 |
| Carnival Horizon | 133,500 | 3,960 | 1,055 | 2018 |
| Carnival Vista | 133,500 | 3,934 | 1,055 | 2016 |
| Carnival Breeze | 130,000 | 3,690 | 1,004 | 2012 |
| Carnival Magic | 130,000 | 3,690 | 1,004 | 2011 |
| Carnival Dream | 130,000 | 3,646 | 1,004 | 2009 |
| Carnival Splendor | 113,300 | 3,012 | 952 | 2008 |
| Carnival Freedom | 110,000 | 2,980 | 952 | 2007 |
| Carnival Liberty | 110,000 | 2,974 | 952 | 2005 |
| Carnival Valor | 110,000 | 2,980 | 952 | 2004 |
| Carnival Glory | 110,000 | 2,980 | 952 | 2003 |
| Carnival Conquest | 110,000 | 2,980 | 952 | 2002 |
| Carnival Adventure | 108,865 | 2,600 | 951 | 2001 |
| Carnival Encounter | 108,865 | 2,600 | 951 | 2000 |
| Carnival Sunshine | 102,853 | 3,002 | 892 | 1996 |
| Carnival Sunrise | 101,509 | 2,984 | 893 | 1999 |
| Carnival Radiance | 101,509 | 2,984 | 893 | 2000 |
| Carnival Luminosa | 92,720 | 2,260 | 964 | 2009 |
| Carnival Miracle | 88,500 | 2,124 | 963 | 2004 |
| Carnival Legend | 88,500 | 2,124 | 963 | 2002 |
| Carnival Pride | 88,500 | 2,134 | 963 | 2002 |
| Carnival Spirit | 88,500 | 2,124 | 963 | 2001 |
| Carnival Paradise | 71,925 | 2,124 | 855 | 1998 |
| Carnival Elation | 71,909 | 2,190 | 855 | 1998 |
Carnival Ships by Age: From Newest to Oldest
In this section, we will break down all Carnival ships according to their launch date.
Excel Class
Right now, this class has 3 active vessels, which are the largest Carnival ships by size. Expect the addition of two new ships in the near future.
Carnival Tropicale (2028)
This will be the fifth ship in the Excel Class. The deployment year is 2028. However, the details about the sailing port are not revealed by Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Festival (2027)
Recently, it was announced that the fourth vessel of the Excel Class will be Carnival Festivale. It is Carnival Jubilee’s sister ship and will start its journey from Port Canaveral, Florida. The size will be around 180,000 GRT.
Carnival Jubilee (2023)
Carnival Jubilee is the newest ship in the fleet and made its maiden voyage in 2023. It is by far the largest Carnival cruise ship by tonnage. It has around 2,687 staterooms that accommodate 6,600 guests.
Jubilee is based out of Galveston, Texas. It sails to the Western Caribbean. You can enjoy Texas-themed merchandise and special programmes on board.
Carnival Celebration (2022)
Carnival Celebration entered the fleet in 2022 and became the second-newest ship. It is the second ship in the Excel Class as well and features a rollercoaster. Carnival Celebration’s gross tonnage is 183,521, making it one of the biggest ships in the fleet.
It features six zones with multiple amenities that passengers can explore, including The Gateway, Celebration Central, Summer Landing, Lido, 820 Biscayne, and The Ultimate Playground.
Mardi Gras (2021)
Mardi Gras was the first ever ship in the Excel Class. It is also the first ship in the entire Carnival fleet that is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Like Celebration, it is also divided into six zones.
It has many new onboard features, such as the BOLT rollercoaster, Fortune Teller bar, Emeril’s Bistro, Street Eats, and Rudi’s Seagrill.
Venice Class
This class has two ships so far.
Carnival Venezia (2019)
This ship is slightly larger than the Vista-class cruises. It is also the first in the fleet that offers Italian-style sailing. Earlier, it was Costa Venezia but became a part of the Carnival fleet in 2023 through the “Costa by Carnival” initiative.
The distinct Italian flair and fan favorite spots, including Bonsai Teppanyaki, WaterWorks, SportsSquare, and Piano Bar 88, make your entire vacation memorable.
Carnival Firenze (2020)
Carnival Firenze was also once part of the Costa fleet. It is the sister ship of Venezia and entered Carnival’s fleet in 2024. This vessel is similar in gross tonnage, length, and passenger capacity to Venezia.
The itineraries of this ship focus on the Caribbean. Just like Carnival Venezia, it has Italy-inspired decor and vibe. It blends an Italian lively atmosphere with excellent amenities.
Vista Class
Vista has 3 ships right now.
Carnival Panorama (2019)
Carnival Panorama is based on the West Coast of the U.S. It offers week-long cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ports of call include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. It has the first-ever Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea.
It also features Skyride suspended bikes, WaterWorks, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, and a ropes course.
Carnival Horizon (2018)
Carnival Horizon is a year older than the Panorama. It provides year-round sailing from Miami, Florida. This ship offers the same features as Carnival Vista, but it has a slightly larger passenger capacity.
Horizon also has a new Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse venue. Moreover, you can find an IMAX theater, Cloud 9 Spa, Punchliner Comedy Club, and mini golf among many other entertainment spots.
Carnival Vista (2016)
It was the first ship in the Vista Class. It debuted in May 2016 and introduced new features in the Carnival fleet. Today, it sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. It has the first Sky Ride, which offers a big ride experience on the open deck at the top of the ship.
Additionally, this ship has an onboard brewery. The exclusive tastes are limited to the travelers cruising on the ship.
Dream Class
Dream Class also has 3 ships in operation.
Carnival Breeze (2012)
Carnival Breeze entered service in 2012. It is the last vessel in the Dream Class. This ship is not much smaller than the Vista-class ships. Carnival Breeze was the flagship for a while, until Carnival Vista debuted in 2016.
The onboard amenities have all of Carnival’s standard favorites. You can find the Punchliner Comedy Club, Redfrog Pub, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, WaterWorks, and Serenity Retreat.
Carnival Magic (2011)
Carnival Magic came into service only one year before the Carnival Breeze. It was also the first one in the fleet to feature a ropes course. Many of its old venues were replaced with the new ones during its dry dock in 2016.
Now you can enjoy Alchemy Bar, Pizzeria del Capitano, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and RedFrog Rum Bar onboard.
Carnival Dream (2009)
Carnival Dream was the first ship in the Dream Class. Entering service in 2009, it has a changed layout from all the previous ships. However, she no longer holds the top position of being the largest in carnival ships by size.
This ship is the only one in the Dream Class with no ropes course. However, you can still make your journey thrilling through the waterpark, pickleball, basketball court, and more.
Splendor Class
This class comprises only one ship.
Carnival Splendor (2008)
Carnival Splendor was supposed to join the Concordia Class of Costa Cruises. However, it was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line during construction. This ship went through significant enhancements in 2019 during dry docking.
Apart from routine maintenance, some new amenities replaced the old ones. These enhancements include WaterWorks, adults-only Serenity Retreat, RedFrog Rum Bar, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
Older Ships
These are all the ships of Carnival Cruise from 2007 to 1998. Fantasy Class ships are the smallest of all Carnival ships by size.
Conquest Class: Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Valor (2004), Carnival Glory (2003), Carnival Conquest (2002)
Adventure Class: Carnival Adventure (2001), Carnival Encounter (2000)
Sunshine Class: Carnival Sunshine (1996), Carnival Sunrise (1999), Carnival Radiance (2000)
Spirit Class: Carnival Luminosa (2009), Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001)
Fantasy Class: Carnival Paradise (1998), Carnival Elation (1998)
Comparisons of Different Ships
Let’s see how the top Carnival Ships differ from each other.
Carnival Jubilee vs Carnival Celebration
Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration are both the largest Carnival ships by size. They both belong to the Excel Class and have a similar passenger capacity of around 5400.
The gross tonnage of both ships is 183,521, with a length of 1,130 feet.
Key Differences
Apart from the similarities mentioned above, there are some minor differences between the two vessels.
Décor and Theme Zones: Both ships have their own charm. Carnival Jubilee has a Texas coastal decor, while Carnival Celebration has a more modern and Miami feel.
Dining Options: Both have famous food venues, including Guy’s Burger Joint, Emeril’s Bistro, and Shaq’s Big Chicken. However, the menus of both ships can be modified based on the places they visit.
Bar and Lounge Updates: Carnival Jubilee has more enhanced versions of many bars, such as the Golden Mermaid Lounge. This fresh feel is absent in Carnival Celebration.
Carnival Panorama vs Carnival Breeze
Carnival Panorama vs Breeze size: Panorama is 133,500 GT, while Breeze is 130,000 GT.
Class: Carnival Panorama belongs to the Vista Class, while Carnival Breeze operates under the Dream Class.
| Carnival Panorama | Carnival Breeze |
| This ship debuted in 2019, making it a newer ship of the Vista Class. | This ship started its maiden journey in 2012, with a laid-back Caribbean-style ambiance. |
| The Sky Zone trampoline park is a unique attraction for travelers, which is not available on Breeze. | Carnival Breeze offers a strong itinerary that features popular and scenic Western Caribbean routes. |
| It has updated staterooms, technology enhancements, and sleeker decor than older ships. | Passengers report a better flow with less crowd, compared to Panorama, which is full of activity. |
Which Ship is Right For you?
Now that you have become familiar with all Carnival ships by size and features, you can select the best one depending on your travel style.
Fan of modern and advanced ships? Choose ships from the Excel Class.
Like to have a balance of modern and family-friendly vacation? Opt for Vista Class ships.
Prefer a classic voyage vibe? Book your vacation on Carnival Spirit or Carnival Paradise.
Future Plans of Carnival Cruise
If you think Jubilee, Celebration, and Mardi Gras are the largest Carnival ships by size, there is something in store for you. Carnival Cruise Line has started an initiative called “Project Ace.”
This cruise line is bringing mega-ships for its passengers. These ships are built by Fincantieri, and the first one will debut in 2029, followed by 2031 and 2033.
These ships will be around 230,000 gross registered tons and will be able to carry 8000 passengers. Moreover, they will have innovative designs, new dining, and upscale entertainment options.
Final Remarks
Carnival Cruise Line has one of the largest fleets in the industry. Comprising 29 cruises, it is still planning on adding more. The next ships are even bigger and grander than the previous ones.
Every traveler has a distinct travel style. Some like bigger crowds and noise, and others prefer intimate journeys. It depends on the cruise size and how much it can accommodate. This blog explores all about Carnival ships by size and age.
Using this guide, you can plan your next trip for a memorable time at sea. For more interesting cruise facts, information, and updates, explore CruiseTidal.
FAQs
How Many Classes does Carnival Cruise Line have?
Currently, Carnival Cruise Line operates 9 classes. The names are: Excel, Vista, Venice, Dream, Conquest, Spirit, Fantasy, Sunshine, and Splendor.
Which are the largest new Carnival ships by size?
Right now, Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration are the largest Carnival ships by size. They measure around 183,521 gross tons.
What is the size of Carnival Jubilee vs Celebration?
Both ships are similar in size and length. They both measure around 183,521 gross tons, 1,130 ft long, and can carry around 5,400 travelers.
What is the smallest Carnival ship’s capacity?
The Carnival Ecstasy had the smallest capacity of 2,056 passengers. However, it has now retired. Among the active fleet, Carnival Elation now has the smallest passenger capacity of 2,130.
What are the Carnival Conquest’s size and capacity?
Carnival Conquest is 110,000 gross tons and is 952 ft long. It can carry around 2,980 passengers.
Which Carnival Cruise ship is the most luxurious?
Although Carnival Cruise Line focuses more on a laid-back atmosphere and affordability, the Excel Class ships are more luxurious. Carnival Jubilee, Celebration, and Mardi Gras have premium onboard amenities, such as the BOLT roller coaster, gourmet dining, and themed zones.
Which Carnival Ship offers unique itineraries?
Carnival Spirit, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Legend are known for offering unique itineraries, including destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.
