Our 2026 Guide to Carnival Cruise Ships By Size: Largest to Smallest

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2022. In the line’s five-plus decades, Carnival’s Fun Ships have transformed from a cruise line associated with boozy partying to a company well respected for budget-friendly family vacations that offer a tremendous value.

Now more than two-dozen strong, Carnival’s fleet spans over 25 years’ worth of ship hardware. While Carnival ships were once considered behemoth floating hotels, the past two decades of mega ships from brands like Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises tower in comparison. Many of Carnival’s ships would be considered mid-sized by today’s standards.

That doesn’t mean that Carnival doesn’t compete when it comes to onboard amenities. Newer ships feature attractions like a top-deck coaster and a large family waterpark. There are also dining options from celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri and room categories that accommodate every configuration — even cabana-style patios, complete with hammocks. Plus, the line’s signature friendly service endures, regardless of the age of the ship you’re sailing.

Of course, ship size as well as interior design and at-sea offerings can vary from ship to ship. This guide to Carnival Cruise ships will give you a clearer idea of the size, age, and difference between ship classes across the fleet.

How many cruise ships does Carnival Cruise Line have?

There are 29 ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The newest ship is Carnival Jubilee, an Excel-class vessel that debuted in 2023. The two most recent to join the fleet (in 2025) are Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Both vessels previously sailed for Carnival’s sister line P&O Cruises Australia before that brand was dissolved and they transferred to the Carnival fleet.

Two additional Excel-class ships, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, are scheduled to debut in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Three additional vessels, which will be part of a new class that’s currently referred to as “Project Ace,” are set to debut in 2029, 2031, and 2033. They will be by far the largest cruise ships Carnival Corporation has ever had, coming in at 230,000 gross registered tons each. For reference, that’s about the size of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels.

What is Carnival’s largest ship?

As is the case with many major cruise lines, Carnival’s newest ships are also its largest. Launched in 2022 and 2023, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee are the cruise line’s most massive vessels. They both measure in at 183,521 gross registered tons (GRT) and accommodate 5,362 passengers each.

Along with sister ship Mardi Gras, which comes in slightly smaller at 180,800 GRT and is the other ship in the Excel-class, size drops drastically in the Carnival fleet after the Excel vessels. The next two ships as far as size, which are Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, come in at around 135,000 GRT each.

In regard to size comparison over the years, some might wonder ‘How do Carnival cruise ships compare to the Titanic?’ While historic at the time, the Titanic came in at only 46,328 GRT. That is nearly half the size of some of Carnival’s smallest ships. The majority of the Spirit Class ships weigh in at 88,500 GRT.

What is Carnival’s smallest ship?

Carnival’s smallest cruise ship is currently Carnival Paradise. Built in 1998, Carnival Paradise measures at 71,925 GRT and carries 2,124 guests.

Carnival Cruise Line Ships: Largest to Smallest

• Carnival Jubilee (2023) – 183,521 GRT, 5,374 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Celebration (2022) – 183,521 GRT, 5,374 guests at double capacity
• Mardi Gras (2021) – 180,800 GRT, 5,270 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Venezia (2023) – 135,225 GRT, 4,090 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Firenze (2024) – 135,156 GRT, 4,126 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Panorama (2019) – 133,500 GRT, 4,008 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Horizon (2018) – 133,500 GRT, 3,960 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Vista (2016) – 133,500 GRT, 3,934 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Breeze (2012) – 130,000 GRT, 3,690 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Magic (2011) – 130,000 GRT, 3,690 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Dream (2009) – 130,000 GRT, 3,646 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Splendor (2008) – 113,575 GRT, 3,012 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Conquest (2002) – 110,000 GRT, 2,980 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Valor (2004) – 110,000 GRT, 2,980 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Glory (2003) – 110,000 GRT, 2,980 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Freedom (2007) – 110,000 GRT, 2,980 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Liberty (2005) – 110,000 GRT, 2,974 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Encounter (2002) – 108,865 GRT, 2,600 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Adventure (2001) – 108,865 GRT, 2,636 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Sunshine (2013) – 102,853 GRT, 3,002 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Sunrise (2019) – 101,509 GRT, 2,984 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Radiance (2021) – 101,509 GRT, 2,984 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Luminosa (2009) – 92,720 GRT, 2,260 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Pride (2002) – 88,500 GRT, 2,134 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Legend (2002) – 88,500 GRT, 2,124 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Miracle (2004) – 88,500 GRT, 2,124 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Spirit (2001) – 88,500 GRT, 2,124 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Elation (1998) – 72,909 GRT, 2,190 guests at double capacity
• Carnival Paradise (1998) – 71,925 GRT, 2,124 guests at double capacity

What are the different Carnival cruise ship classes?

Carnival’s 29 total ships are divided into 10 ship classes. While there are differences, Carnival has worked hard to provide consistency in many of its onboard offerings through various upgrades and refurbishments over the years. For example, on nearly every pool deck you can expect to see a RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Cantina. Guy’s Burger Joint is also a fleet signature eatery from Guy Fieri.

Excel Class

The three ships of Carnival’s recent Excel Class usher into an era of mega-ships. About 35 percent bigger than the Vista-class, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee measure in at a whopping 180,000+ GRT. Further, they invite over 6,000 guests apiece at full capacity.

If their namesake is any indication, these ships are ready to party. BOLT is the first roller coaster at sea, parading its way to sea with the debut of Mardi Gras in 2021. It wouldn’t be in true Mardi Gras fashion if there wasn’t a bit of New Orleans. So, Chef Emeril Lagasse helps out with creole flavors at Emeril’s, the flagship restaurant of the French Quarter neighborhood on board. Creative new bar concepts, like the Fortune Teller Bar, are located here as well.

Also new to the fleet beginning with Mardi Gras is Rudi’s Seagrill, an upscale seafood restaurant; Big Chicken, Fun Ambassador Shaquille O’Neal’s homage to home-cooked poultry; Chibang, a Mexican-Asian fusion eatery; and Street Food, which mimics the style of food trucks with three stands featuring tasty finger foods like dumplings, kebabs, and fries.

Loft 19 is a swanky new sundeck with cabana rentals available to all, but access to the deck comes included with a booking in a Carnival Excel suite.

The Excel Class is accelerating Carnival Cruise Line into the future, with advancements like the use of LNG fuel. Although, it’s also celebrating the company’s half-century of cruise experience with nods to its history. Aboard Carnival Celebration, the Golden Jubilee is a tribute to ships of yore as a bar filled with artifacts and reclaimed décor from previous or refurbished vessels. It’s a great place to make use of your Cheers drink package!

In addition to the theater, Celebration Central is a show space employing hi-def video screens and state-of-the-art effects across three decks.

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship featuring an underwater ocean theme to some public spaces. In the Currents section, find new craft cocktail lounges the Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks Ph.D. with cutting-edge mixology. In Shores, enjoy boardwalk-style eats and amusements.

Vista Class

The three modern ships of the Vista-class kicked off with Carnival Vista in 2016. Larger than previous ships, these vessels ushered in a new era for Carnival. They largely leave the kooky décor behind and instead opt for bright and inviting vacation spaces with a more contemporary touch.

At 133,500 GRT, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama still aren’t considered very large ships in the grand scheme of things. Though, they do accommodate about 4,000 passengers each — a jump in size from the rest of the fleet.

These cruise ships aim to grab your attention with wow-worthy features like the pedal-powered, top-deck SkyRide; the SkyZone trampoline park on Carnival Panorama; and the Dr. Seuss-themed waterpark on Carnival Horizon. Meanwhile, IMAX theaters can be found on Vista and Horizon.

The first-in-class additions don’t end there. Carnival Vista introduced entirely new cabin categories in Havana Cabanas and Family Harbor. These keycard-accessed areas of the ship not only contain new types of staterooms, but dedicated spaces for occupants as well. Perks of family-minded Family Harbor rooms extend to a free night of babysitting, free specialty restaurant access for under-12s, and access to a dedicated family lounge. Those staying in the Havana area have their own themed pool and sundeck.

Date night onboard these ships is a no-brainer, with ample bars including the line’s first working brewery in the RedFrog Pub & Brewery on Carnival Vista. For foodies, Carnival Panorama’s Carnival Kitchen is the seriously cool opportunity to book a cooking class, from a full Indian feast to the secret behind the line’s fan-favorite chocolate melting cake. Kids 12 and older can join in on the culinary action.

Venice Class (also considered part of the Vista Class)

Two more recent acquisitions of Costa ships form the “Italian famiglia style” Venice-class. These ships are also considered part of the Vista class. Rolled out over 2023 and 2024, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze retain and celebrate their Italian roots with themed public spaces and restaurants, among other touches.

Carnival is joining together its classic offerings such as the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, kid and teen clubs, Piano Bar 88, SportSquare, and WaterWorks together with a lounge inspired by Venice or an Italian-Mexican fusion venue called Tomodoro. Don’t forget about the wine and coffee, all molto Italy.

Carnival Venezia set sail as part of the Carnival fleet in 2023, now cruising from New York with some departures from Port Canaveral. Carnival Firenze sails to Mexico from Long Beach.

Dream Class

The three ships in Carnival’s Dream-class all measure 130,000 GRT. Carnival Dream was unveiled in 2009, followed by Carnival Magic in 2011 and Carnival Breeze in 2012.

The Dream Class is where many innovations that would be developed on Vista Class ships were first introduced. Similar in size, these ships classes aren’t entirely dissimilar. In addition to sports courts and waterslides, there is a ropes course as part of the top-deck attractions on any Dream Class ship. On Carnival Breeze, the Thrill Theater is an indoor, 4D interactive ride available for an additional charge — the first of its kind in the fleet.

Experimentation across the ship class continued. For example, on Breeze, the library became the Library Bar, with self-service wine dispensers. The Cherry on Top candy shop is the place to go for a special sweet treat. Further, cruisers can dig into something savory at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse — a delicious and complimentary offering that expands upon the line’s longtime partnership with “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” host Guy Fieri.

Splendor Class

The Splendor Class is the only Carnival class containing a single ship. Formerly a Concordia Class vessel with Costa Cruises, Carnival Splendor — built in 2008 — is a unique ship.

Splendor is one of Carnival’s dedicated ships Down Under, sailing from Sydney. It carries 3,000-plus passengers through itineraries in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Carnival Splendor boasts the branded Cloud 9 Spa, with thermal suite area. The theater hosts updated shows like “Epic Rock” and game show series “Deal or No Deal.” The Dive-In movies, held on the pool deck, are aided by a retractable roof.

Still, there is a mix of modern staples like Alchemy Bar and Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, alongside somewhat garish lounges like the El Morocco and somewhat dated staterooms. Some might say the overwhelming pink décor gives the ship its own character. Masala Tiger, the Indian counter in the Lido, is wildly popular and typically has a wait.

There are 1,506 cabins in all, with 68 dedicated as Cloud 9 Spa cabins, a first for the line at the time. These rooms carry a serene, Asian theme as well as upgraded toiletries and robes. They also include a few yoga or fitness classes, unlimited use of the thermal suite and of course, close access to the spa on Deck 11.

Conquest Class

The Conquest Class contains five cruise ships of the same size with very patriotic names. These include Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Freedom.

At 110,000 GRT, these ships aren’t teeny-tiny but also aren’t overrun with other cruisers, accommodating just shy of 3,000 passengers. Spanning 2002 to 2007, these ships have been around the block, but thanks to upgrades they still feature fresh Carnival signatures like the Serenity adults-only sun deck; Alchemy Bar; waterslides; and the reptilian rum and tequila bars of the pool deck.

These ships are a blend of old and new, with one foot in traditional and another that introduced newer ship concepts in the form of Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, around 2019. An elegant library might feel out of place, while Bookville — an all-ages reading nook near Camp Ocean kids club — is an interactive space that’s part of Carnival’s Seuss at Sea family programming.

There are more dining options on Conquest Class ships than Carnival’s oldest vessels as well. These include specialty dining in the form of a steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, and the alfresco Seafood Shack.

Adventure Class

The newest class in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet (in terms of when it joined the fleet) is the Adventure Class. It consists of two former P&O Cruises Australia vessels, which were transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in 2025 and renamed Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Both part of Princess Cruises’ Grand Class prior to P&O Australia, interior architecture on both vessels has many similarities to Grand Princess.

Since they were previously part of P&O Australia, both ships have a number of unique venues that you won’t find on other vessels in the fleet. For example the EDGE Adventure Park is perfect for thrill-seekers, offering adrenaline-fueled attractions like a roof walk, rock climbing wall, zip line, and even a “walk the plank”-style activity.

Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan has multiple venues on board, including the up-charge Luke’s Bar & Grill and Luke’s Burgers venues. Other dining includes the Italian Trattoria restaurant, Asian bites at Yum Cha Express, and the upscale Chef’s Table experience. You can even find New Zealand Natural ice cream on board.

Those staying in suites can access an exclusive sundeck called Byron Beach Club, which includes its own pool, hot tubs, and bar.

Carnival Encounter sails from Brisbane to destinations in Australia and the South Pacific. Carnival Adventure homeports in Sydney, visiting ports throughout the same region.

Sunshine Class

The three ships of the Sunshine Class have unusual backstories. They have all been refurbished and renamed. Longtime Carnival cruisers might better know them as the Destiny Class.

Carnival Sunshine first came onto the scene back in 1996 as Carnival Destiny but transformed into the first Sunshine Class ship in 2013. Following a $155-million total refit, Carnival Sunshine emerged brighter and newer. The ship features spaces and amenities similar to a Dream Class ship, but at a size between the Spirit and Conquest classes (102,853 GRT).

Fast forward to 2019 and Carnival did it again. This time, it took 1999’s Carnival Triumph and gave it a $200 million makeover to shine again as Carnival Sunrise. From the top deck down, Sunrise was transformed to include Carnival WaterWorks waterpark, a SportSquare, the adults-only Serenity sundeck, Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant, and on and on from the Limelight Lounge to the Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Radiance emerged in 2021 from its former life as Carnival Victory, built in 2000. With plenty of upgrades (like Shaq’s Big Chicken) to impress its 2,984 passengers, it’s a sought-after option sailing to Mexico and Hawaii from the Port of Long Beach, near Los Angeles.

Spirit Class

The Spirit Class contains four virtually identical ships plus a slightly larger ship, formerly known as the Costa Luminosa. Launched in the early 2000s (except for Luminosa which launched in 2009), the Spirit Class consists of Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, and Carnival Luminosa.

With the ability to access some small ports — and features built into their design that aid in weatherproofing (pools with domes overhead, for example) — the Spirit Class have been deployed to some far-flung destinations over the part 20 years. With a high percentage of balcony cabins, they are fitting ships to sail to scenic destinations.

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, as Carnival calls them, hit these ships with the addition of popular mixology spot Alchemy Bar; Bonsai Sushi; Playlist Productions shows in the theater; the Punchliner Comedy Club; and the RedFrog Pub featuring craft beer including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red ale. Still, Carnival’s in-your-face décor, courtesy of longtime, maximalist ship designer Joe Farcus, is not to everyone’s tastes. Others find it charming.

Most of the activities on these ships are centered around a hub on Decks 2 and 3, where the pools and lounges are located. Nightlife, including the remaining bars and restaurants, are on Decks 9, 10, and 11.

There are a few connecting and accessible rooms onboard Spirit Class ships. But there’s nothing groundbreaking apart from standard categories like interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins as well as suites.

Carnival Luminosa is slightly larger. It is also at least five years newer than any of the other Spirit Class ships but is similar in layout and amenities.

Fantasy Class

Carnival’s current fleet origin began in the ‘90s, with the two-ship Fantasy Class. This class, originally eight ships strong, is now down to just Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation. This is after six ships were sold off following the global pandemic.

Both built in 1998, the remaining ships of the Fantasy Class bear the hallmarks of smaller ships, with less dining options and fewer top-deck bells and whistles. Still, renovations — including major refurbishments in 2020 and 2023 — have made marked improvements.

These are the cheap and cheerful ships. They offer tremendous deals on cruise fares from the smaller Florida homeports of Tampa and Jacksonville. In addition, you won’t find too many nickel-and-diming upsells onboard. Instead, there is only one extra-fee dining experience in the once-per-cruise Chef’s Table. The pool deck burritos and burgers along with the buffet and main dining rooms keep it fast casual — perfect for 20-somethings on a shoestring budget or families with small children who want to keep things easy and kid-friendly.

An Art Deco-style theater with nightly performances, lots of bars and lounges including a piano bar, comedy shows, a casino, a spa, and an adults-only sundeck provide plenty of entertainment for friends and couples. The Camp Ocean kids club, Seuss at Sea programming, a video arcade, mini golf, and small WaterWorks waterpark will keep your kids and teens busy on short getaways.

Comments

Did you find this guide to Carnival cruise ships by size helpful? On which classes of Carnival cruise ships have you sailed? Drop us an anchor below to share your favorite ships from Carnival Cruise Line.