Carnival Cruise Line is known for its vibrant onboard atmosphere. It is a favorite of travelers who want to enjoy a high-energy vacation. However, not every Carnival ship fits every vibe. So, how do you know which is the best Carnival Cruise ship for you?
This guide is the answer. It explores different vessels and shows you real Reddit reviews to match the ship with your travel style. Whether you like family-friendly ships or the ones that are perfect for a party, keep reading to see which one fits you the best.
30-Second Summary
Carnival Cruise is a favorite of many cruisers. With its diverse fleet, travelers come back to enjoy more of it. But which is the best Carnival Cruise ship out of its 29 vessels? This comprehensive guide breaks it down.
Learn about different Carnival ships and which of them are ideal for families, thrill-seekers, couples and party-lovers.
Carnival Ships at a Glance
Carnival Cruise Line is the world’s second largest by passenger capacity. It has 29 vessels in service. These ships are large but not gigantic by today’s standards.
However, it has started to operate its first three giant ships over the last five years. These ships are among the 20 largest ships in the world.
The entire fleet is divided into 8 classes.
Excel Class (Newest and Largest)
- Mardi Gras (2021)
- Carnival Celebration (2022)
- Carnival Jubilee (2023)
Vista Class
- Carnival Vista (2016)
- Carnival Horizon (2018)
- Carnival Panorama (2019)
Dream Class
- Carnival Dream (2009)
- Carnival Magic (2011)
- Carnival Breeze (2012)
Splendor Class
- Carnival Splendor (2008)
Conquest Class
- Carnival Conquest (2002)
- Carnival Glory (2003)
- Carnival Valor (2004)
- Carnival Liberty (2005)
- Carnival Freedom (2007)
Spirit Class
- Carnival Spirit (2001)
- Carnival Pride (2002)
- Carnival Legend (2002)
- Carnival Miracle (2004)
Sunshine Class (Revamped Destiny Class)
- Carnival Sunshine (1996, got upgraded in 2013)
- Carnival Sunrise (1999, got upgraded in 2019)
- Carnival Radiance (2000, got upgraded in 2021)
Fantasy Class
- Carnival Elation (1998)
- Carnival Paradise (1998)
Fun Italian Style Class (From Costa Cruises)
- Carnival Venezia (2023)
- Carnival Firenze (2024)
Luminosa/ Adventure Class
- Carnival Luminosa (joined in 2022)
- Carnival Adventure (joined in 2025)
- Carnival Encounter (joined in 2025)
Best Carnival Cruise Ship: A Comparison
Although every ship has its own charm, let’s compare the top contenders to find out your best Carnival Cruise ship.
| Ship | Year Launched | Passenger Capacity | Class | Highlights |
| Carnival Jubilee | 2023 | 6,400 | Excel | Sailing from Texas, ocean-themed zones, and the BOLT roller coaster |
| Carnival Celebration | 2022 | 6,500 | Excel | Exclusive dining, loft 19 cabanas, and a good balance for families and adults |
| Carnival Mardi Gras | 2021 | 6,500 | Excel | Huge water park and family harbor staterooms |
| Carnival Magic | 2011 | 3,690 | Dream | Deck parties, nightlife hotspot, and Punchliner Comedy Club |
| Carnival Panorama | 2019 | 4,008 | Vista | Sky-zone trampoline park, excellent for first-time travelers |
| Carnival Vista | 2016 | 3,934 | Vista | Cloud 9 spa, romantic dining options, and Havana suites |
Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Families: Mardi Gras
Carnival’s Mardi Gras was built keeping families in mind. This ship is packed with activities, both for adults and kids. It is a part of the Excel class, which means you will find fun, comfort and convenience on board.
- This ship has Family Harbor Staterooms. You get exclusive lounge access and child-friendly perks.
- You can enjoy the BOLT roller coaster, ropes course, sports court and an expansive water park.
- There are age-specific clubs for kids. Camp Ocean is for 2 to 11-year-olds. The Circle C club is ideal for kids aged 12 to 14. For 15 to 17-year-olds, Club O2 is superb.
- You get easy access to multiple casual eateries, including Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken and BlueIguana Cantina.
Additional Tip: Family Harbor Staterooms tend to book early. Therefore, reserve as soon as you can.
Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Adults: Carnival Celebration
This ship is deemed the best Carnival Cruise ship where adults can have all the fun. There are multiple adult-only areas where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
- The ship has multiple entertainment options, such as karaoke, adult-only comedy clubs and game shows.
- You can have the best relaxation in Serenity Adult Only Retreat, which has plush loungers and a private bar.
- If you want to enjoy VIP style luxury, this ship has Loft 19 cabanas.
- There are many gourmet food options, such as Emeril’s Bistro, Chef’s Table and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
- Multiple bars and lounges let you have the perfect time, including Golden Jubilee, The Latitudes Bar and Brass Magnolia.
Additional Tip: You should splurge on Loft 19 to have a truly serene experience away from the crowd.
Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Couples: Carnival Vista
Who does not like a romantic getaway with their partner? On Carnival Vista, the serene ambiance, spa days and private lounges make your time more beautiful together. Therefore, it is the best Carnival Cruise ship for you and your partner.
- Cloud 9 Spa provides packages that include thermal suites and couples treatments.
- You get access to Havana Cabana suites and the pool.
- You can enjoy a romantic dinner in specialty restaurants, including JiJi Asian Kitchen, Cucina del Capitano and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
- To enjoy each other’s company with a splendid ocean view and cocktails, you can go to Havana Bar.
Additional Tip: Make sure to book a Havana stateroom to get access to the Havana pool area.
Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Party Enthusiasts: Carnival Magic
Whether you are traveling with family, partner, or alone, Carnival Magic is perfect for unlimited entertainment. Due to its numerous bars, clubs and themed parties, this is the best Carniva Cruise ship for people who do not want the fun to stop.
- Puchliner Comedy Club and nightly deck parties make it the best Carnival cruise ship for partying.
- The vibrant atmosphere in RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar makes your stay memorable.
- You can dance to live music, sing in the karaoke and dress up to participate in themed parties.
- SportSquare and The Lanai are perfect for active fun and relaxation.
Additional Tip: Do not miss the 80s Night and Silent Disco. These are the favorites of many travelers.
Best Carnival Cruise Ship for First-Timers: Carnival Panorama
For first-time cruisers, the best Carnival cruise ship is Panorama. The ship is easy to navigate and has a range of onboard activities. It has a balanced itinerary with a wide range of onboard activities. The experience is not overwhelming for a first-time cruise traveler.
- This ship has a straightforward layout with intuitive signage.
- Enjoy the IMAX theater and Sky Zone trampoline park.
- The ship is mid-sized, but the options for activities and relaxation are numerous.
- The staff is great, and excursions are all well-paced.
Additional Tip: If you are a first-time traveler, you can also use the Carnival Hub App to navigate onboard maps, food ordering and daily schedules.
Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Thrill-Lovers: Carnival Jubilee
It is the best Carnival cruise ship for young adults, social travelers, tech-savvy cruisers and families that like the latest onboard services. You can enjoy the freshest cruise experience on Carnival Jubilee.
- It is a brand new Excel class ship with the latest amenities.
- The bold design and interactive zones like LED walls and ocean-themed tech spaces make it an ideal choice for cruisers.
- There are many activities for adrenaline-lovers, including the BOLT rollercoaster.
- The cuisine options are immense. You can enjoy Guy’s Burger, BlueIguana, and Emeril’s Bistro.
Additional Tip: The entertainment spots and specialty dining restaurants fill up fast. It is wise to reserve them in advance to enjoy the Carnival Jubilee’s atmosphere.
Honorable Mentions: Other Ships Worth Considering
Apart from these ships, there are other vessels you can book and enjoy.
Carnival Freedom: This is the best Carnival cruise ship for people looking for a budget-friendly voyage. It is a small-sized ship but great for short journeys.
Carnival Legend: It is ideal for scenic tours, such as Alaska.
Carnival Breeze: This cruise ship is best if you are looking for a well-rounded option with a relaxing atmosphere.
Carnival Firenze and Venezia: These vessels have a unique decor and dining options. The theme is “Fun Italian Style.”
Best Carnival Cruise Ship: Reddit Reviews
Real reviews are important to make an informed decision and to choose the ideal Carnival vessel. Let’s see which is the best Carnival cruise ship according to Reddit reviews.
Carnival Jubilee
- One Reddit user wrote: “I thought the casino was certainly large enough. We mostly ate at the main dining room every night and the food was great. Ate at big chicken and Guy’s burgers. Both were good enough. Pizza was awesome.”
- Another person writes: “I was on this cruise and I had a great time…This is a beautiful ship and I have had great service from all the staff.”
Carnival Celebration
- One person writes in praise: “It’s my favorite ship, I’ve been on her 9 times.”
- Another cruiser writes on Reddit: “It’s one of my favorite ships. Patio pool on deck 8 was my go-to hangout spot.”
Carnival Mardi Gras
- A traveler gave a detailed review: “The ship overall: it’s a beautiful ship, very nice decor, the center stage show area is a bit awkward and low in seating for the turnouts they draw, so a lot of time has been spent camping out early so my kids have a good view. Not a huge deal, but it’s a pinch point of the ship.”
- Another Reddit user shared: “Rooms were awesome, showers were spacious for a cruise ship. Had a balcony room, and def recommend if you can afford it – just for the sake of breathing room. The elevator system is the absolute worst! Hated it so much.”
Carnival Magic
- A Reddit user wrote: “We sailed on her at the beginning of August and it seemed like the ship was well maintained. The performers were good and friendly, the food was generally good but not spectacular. The water did taste off, and the free coffee wasn’t great.”
- Another cruiser said: “ Was on it in December, best cruise I have had so far.”
Carnival Panorama
- A cruiser shared their experience: “We got back a week ago from a week-long cruise on the Carnival Panorama to the Mexican Riviera. It was our first cruise ever, and it was great! We have three kids, ages 13, 11, 1/2 and three. The cruise was great because there was activity for everyone.”
- A traveler reminisces: “I was also on this cruise last week and had a balcony room on the 2nd floor. Today’s my first day back at work, actually. Missing the cruise badly!”
Carnival Vista
- A cruiser wrote on Reddit: “The Vista is my favorite ship. I love the Havana cabana area.”
- A user happily writes: “I spent a week on Vista in the Caribbean(Grand Cayman, Jamaica, & Cozumel) last March 2023, and I had an amazing time. It was my first cruise, but one of the best times I’ve had in my life so far!!!”
Final Thoughts
Every cruiser is different. Some like to cruise because they want to enjoy family time. Others feel attracted to the never-ending fun onboard. Carnival Cruise has a diverse fleet to cater to everyone’s taste.
But which is the best Carnival Cruise ship out of all the vessels? There is no fixed answer for that. Every ship has its own charm. This blog delved deep into different Carnival Cruises and which one is best for different types of travelers.
Use this guide to plan your next voyage. For more cruise-related information and updates, explore CruiseTidal.
FAQs
How many ships does Carnival Cruise operate?
Carnival Cruise Line operates 29 vessels as of 2025. These ships are divided into 8 classes and all of them have various onboard amenities.
Which is the Newest Carnival Cruise ship?
Carnival Jubilee is the latest Carnival ship. It is the third and largest ship of the Excel Class.
Which is the Best Carnival Cruise Ship for families?
For families, Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration are top choices. These ships have spacious Family Harbor Staterooms, water parks and a BOLT roller coaster.
Which Carnival ships are good for First-time cruisers?
The best Carnival Cruise ships for first-timers are Panorama, Breeze and Radiance. These ships are easier to navigate and do not make your stay overwhelming.
How can I choose the Best Carnival Ship according to my travel style?
If you want to choose the best Carnival cruise ship, you first need to identify your priorities. See if you are traveling solo, with family, or only with your partner. Research the ship and see what it offers onboard. If it matches your priorities, book it and enjoy your time at the ocean.
