Does Bigger Really Mean Better? How Carnival Cruise Ships Stack Up in Size

Carnival currently operates 29 cruise ships with even more newbuilds scheduled to join the fleet between 2027 and 2033.

Aerial view of the Mardi Gras cruise ship in Miami, flanked by the vibrant blue waters of the bay with the city's lush residential areas in the backdrop.

Take the largest and smallest Carnival ships, for example. The massive Carnival Jubilee dwarfs the Carnival Elation, coming in at just over two and a half times its size. But at a glance, the difference might not be as obvious as you’d expect.

That’s because cruise ship size is measured in gross tonnage, which reflects internal volume rather than just length. Two ships might be similar in length, but factors like width and the number of decks make a huge impact on their overall size.

For reference, Carnival’s ships range from 855 to 1,130 feet long, with 11 to 17 guest decks. A ship with fewer decks and a slimmer build will naturally feel much smaller than one that’s bulkier and stacked high.

So, how do the rest of Carnival’s ships compare? And does bigger always mean better? Let’s take a look to find out.

List of Carnival ships from biggest to smallest

Carnival Cruise Ship Sizes

First of all, here is a table comparing the sizes of Carnival ships, ranked by gross tonnage, along with their length, number of guest decks, and maximum guest capacity.

Ship	Gross Tonnage	Length (Feet)	Guest Decks	Max Guest Capacity
*Carnival Jubilee*	183,521	1,132	17	6,631
*Carnival Celebration*	183,521	1,130	17	6,500
*Mardi Gras*	180,808	1,130	17	6,465
*Carnival Venezia*	135,225	1,061	14	5,260
*Carnival Firenze*	135,156	1,061	15	5,078
*Carnival Panorama*	133,500	1,055	15	5,146
*Carnival Horizon*	133,500	1,055	15	4,977
*Carnival Vista*	133,500	1,055	15	4,977
*Carnival Breeze*	130,000	1,004	14	3,690
*Carnival Magic*	130,000	1,004	14	3,690
*Carnival Dream*	130,000	1,004	13	3,646
*Carnival Splendor*	113,300	952	13	3,734
*Carnival Conquest*	110,000	952	13	3,756
*Carnival Glory*	110,000	952	13	3,756
*Carnival Liberty*	110,000	952	13	3,756
*Carnival Valor*	110,000	952	13	3,756
*Carnival Freedom*	110,000	952	13	3,754
*Carnival Adventure*	108,865	951	13	3,158
*Carnival Encounter*	108,865	951	13	3,158
*Carnival Sunshine*	102,853	893	13	3,758
*Carnival Radiance*	101,509	893	13	3,873
*Carnival Sunrise*	101,509	893	13	3,873
*Carnival Luminosa*	92,600	963	12	2,826
*Carnival Miracle*	88,500	963	12	2,680
*Carnival Pride*	88,500	963	12	2,680
*Carnival Legend*	88,500	963	12	2,610
*Carnival Spirit*	88,500	963	12	2,610
*Carnival Paradise*	71,925	855	11	2,190
*Carnival Elation*	71,909	855	11	2,190

Excel Class – the Largest Ships of Carnival

Carnival’s Excel-class ships are a whopping 35% larger than the next biggest ships in the fleet. They share the same hull design as other ships in the Carnival Corporation family, including P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Iona, AIDAnova and AIDAcosma, and Costa Smeralda and Toscana.

What sets the Excel-class apart? For starters, they boast exclusive features you won’t find on other Carnival ships—like the first-ever rollercoasters at sea! Let’s take a look at each of them.

Carnival Jubilee

Launched in December 2023, the Carnival Jubilee is as large as a floating city. She’s one of the biggest in the fleet with a massive weight of 183,521 GT. The ship stretches for an amazing 1,130 feet. You’ll find more than just a standard cruise experience here. Aboard, there’s room for 6,630 passengers, supported by a crew of 1,735 people. There are 2,641 rooms to stay in, so you’re spoiled for choice.

For thrills, take a ride on the BOLT roller coaster at sea. If you fancy a splash, the WaterWorks aqua park is ideal. For a quieter moment, head to the adults-only Serenity Retreat sundeck. Young ones can explore the exciting Space Cruisers program.

Food lovers have lots to look forward to as well. Whether it’s fresh seafood at the Seafood Shack, a taste of big flavors at Shaq’s Big Chicken, or smoky goodness at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, there’s bound to be something to tickle your taste buds.

Carnival Celebration

Sailing since November 2022, the Carnival Celebration matches the Jubilee in size and style. She stretches the same 1,130 feet and carries the same weight of 183,521 GT. Like her sister ship, she accommodates 6,630 guests.

There are plenty of activities on board to keep you entertained. Feel the wind on your face with a ride on the BOLT roller coaster or engage in a spirited round of Family Feud Live. If you need to relax, Latitudes bar is themed around travel and perfect for a quiet corner. WaterWorks aqua park is perfect for a splash with family and friends.

Dining on this ship offers delights from different cuisines. Surf and turf fans will love Bonsai Sushi and Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse. For something unique, Rudi’s Seagrill and Shaq’s Big Chicken are also great offers.

Registered in Panama, the Carnival Celebration is an investment valued at $1 billion.

Mardi Gras

The Mardi Gras not only introduced Carnival’s Excel class, but she also broke new ground by being the first ship in class to use Liquified Natural Gas, promoting a more eco-friendly way to cruise.

This ship isn’t just about smooth sailing. She’s a center for excitement. The BOLT roller coaster offers high-speed fun while Family Feud Live lets everyone join in friendly competition. The RedFrog Tiki Bar is perfect for sipping a refreshing drink in a tropical setting, while WaterWorks aqua park keeps the fun going all day.

Dining on the Mardi Gras is sure to be an adventure. Try something different with Chibang!, a unique blend of Mexican and Chinese dishes. The revamped Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse is another option, complemented by the delights at Rudi’s Seagrill and Shaq’s Big Chicken, which you won’t want to miss.

Venice Class – Former Costa Cruises Vessels

Next are the Venice-class ships, which were originally built for Costa Cruises, a sister company of Carnival. Carnival Venezia first set sail as Costa Venezia, while Carnival Firenze was initially Costa Firenze.

Back in 2015, Carnival Corporation signed a deal for five new ships to be delivered between 2019 and 2022, with two earmarked for Costa Cruises’ expansion into the Chinese market. However, when the 2020 global shutdown derailed those plans, the ships were reassigned to Carnival Cruise Line instead.

Since construction was already underway, these ships retained distinct Costa-inspired features—most noticeably, their rounded funnels instead of Carnival’s iconic whale tails.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia, the first of the Fun Italian Style ships, started taking passengers on adventures in 2023.

While not as huge as some of Carnival’s later cruise liners, she offers a wealth of activities for everyone in the family. You’ll be thrilled with the superb selection of Italian and global eats, lively bars, and the Serenity Retreat, which is a peaceful haven exclusively for adults.

Kids and teens won’t run out of things to do either. They can join fun activities and hang out at the three youth zones. For those who enjoy active pursuits, there are ropes courses, mini-golf, water slides, and other exciting features.

Carnival Venezia departs from New York and Port Canaveral, offering cruises to the Caribbean and Canada/New England.

Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze is an amazing mix of Italian flair and Carnival’s popular elements. You’ll find many places to indulge in Italian dishes, such as at the Palazzo and Medici restaurants or grab a bite at La Strada Grill. Do not miss classics like Guy’s Burger Joint and Bonsai Teppanyaki.

There’s plenty of excitement onboard for all ages. You can race down the water slides, try the ropes course, and enjoy a round of mini-golf. While exploring the ship, don’t forget to visit unique bars and lounges. Young guests will have a great time in the well-designed youth areas.

Carnival Firenze sails from Long Beach to Mexico, providing an enjoyable getaway with an Italian twist.

Vista Class – With Standout Onboard Features

Carnival’s Vista-class ships are modern, activity-packed megaships designed for cruisers who want a little bit of everything—big energy, lots of choices, and plenty of outdoor space.

They’re known for standout features like the SkyRide aerial cycling track, a more expansive waterpark-style pool area, and upgraded dining and lounge options compared with older ships. The layout feels fresh and resort-like, with smart-use public spaces that stay lively from morning coffee to late-night entertainment.

If you want a newer Carnival experience with more “wow” factor and more to do on sea days, Vista-class is an easy pick.

Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista might not be the biggest ship in the fleet, but don’t let that fool you—she’s packed with fun. One of the standout attractions is the SkyRide, a suspended bike course that made its debut on this very ship.

Families will love the colorful world of Dr. Seuss Bookville, while adults can sneak off to quieter spots to unwind. Whether you’re after non-stop action or total relaxation, Carnival Vista has you covered.

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon provides a similarly thrilling experience to her sister, Carnival Vista. Her attractions seem almost endless. Picture yourself at the multi-screen cinema, where you can catch the latest blockbusters, or at the water park enjoying some splashy fun.

Dining options are plentiful, from quick bites to exquisite meals at specialty restaurants, catering to every taste. Departing from Miami, you’ll journey into the beautiful Caribbean, all while being entertained with fantastic live shows at night.

Carnival Panorama

The Carnival Vista cruise ship sails on a serene blue ocean, its multiple decks and distinctive red funnel standing out against a backdrop of scattered clouds in a bright sky.

When Carnival Panorama joined, she initially had a different destiny, set for the P&O Cruises’ Australia fleet. Now, as a grand addition to the Vista class, she shares similar traits with Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. Yet, she also offers something new—a lively Sky Zone trampoline park in place of an IMAX theatre.

Cruises to Mexico from Long Beach provide even more variety, featuring top Carnival dining and exciting live shows. Find your peace in cozy hideaways or dive into the fun with so much to explore.

Dream Class – Experience without the Headache

Carnival’s Dream-class ships are a sweet spot for cruisers who want a big-ship experience without the newest-megaship vibe.

They’re known for an open, breezy layout with plenty of deck space, lots of casual dining choices, and popular hangouts like the Serenity adults-only retreat. You’ll get the classic Carnival energy—shows, comedy, pool-deck fun—plus enough venues to spread out on sea days.

If you like a lively atmosphere with solid variety (but not overwhelming size), Dream class delivers.

Carnival Dream

Set sail on the Carnival Dream, which made her grand entrance in 2009. She became the biggest vessel in the Carnival family at the time, boasting about 11% more room than the previous leader, Carnival Splendor.

Onboard, you’ll discover all your favorite Carnival bars and dining spots. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor areas to enjoy the warmth of the sun, along with water slides, a relaxing spa, comedy shows, and a theatre.

This ship heads to the Caribbean from Galveston, offering something fun every moment of your journey.

Carnival Magic

When Carnival Magic set sail in 2011, she brought some of Carnival’s most iconic features with her. This was the first ship to introduce Cucina del Capitano, the laid-back Italian restaurant, and SportsSquare, home to the world’s first ropes course at sea.

She also debuted the RedFrog Pub—along with its exclusive ThirstyFrog Red beer—and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. While these favorites have since made their way onto other ships, Carnival Magic was the one that started it all.

Now, she sails from Miami and Norfolk, heading to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

Carnival Breeze

As the final ship in the Dream class, Carnival Breeze didn’t need to reinvent the wheel—she just took everything that made Carnival Magic a hit and ran with it.

From outdoor sports and water slides to a mix of casual and specialty dining, there’s something for everyone. Kids’ clubs, adults-only retreats, and endless entertainment keep things lively, while her home port in Galveston means plenty of Caribbean adventures are ahead.

Splendor Class – a Class of One

Carnival’s Splendor-class is essentially a “class of one,” because Carnival Splendor is the only ship in it—and she has a fun, slightly different personality because of that.

She’s a big, high-energy ship with lots of classic Carnival staples: multiple dining options, lively pool decks, shows and comedy, plus a spacious Serenity adults-only area for when you want to slow down. The décor leans bold and playful, and the layout feels familiar if you’ve sailed Carnival before, just with a few unique twists.

If you want a proven, all-ages ship that balances party vibes with plenty of places to chill, Splendor fits the bill.

Carnival Splendor

The Carnival Splendor was originally meant to be part of a different group for Costa Cruises, but during her construction, she switched to flying the Carnival flag instead.

For a brief time, this ship held the title of the largest in the fleet. She brings fun and tasty dining experiences to the Australian cruise scene. From Sydney, you can join cruises that explore Asia and the South Pacific, with some departures from Singapore.

Conquest Class – The Workhorse Class

Carnival’s Conquest-class ships are the line’s big, classic “fun ship” workhorses—built to pack in plenty of venues without feeling overly flashy.

Think multiple dining rooms and casual bites, lively pool decks, big show lounges, and lots of late-night energy, all in an easy-to-navigate layout. They’re especially popular for Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries where you want maximum onboard options between port days.

If you’re after a straightforward, high-energy cruise with tons to do (and plenty to eat), Conquest Class is a solid bet.

Carnival Conquest

When you step aboard the Carnival Conquest, you’ll discover one of the biggest ships from this fleet, introduced in 2002. She’s packed with exciting experiences across her vast space.

For children, there are thrilling interactive activities with Seuss at Sea, and for adults, an array of areas to relax or have fun await. Enjoy the sun outdoors by the pool or visit the Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar for some good company and drinks.

This splendid ship departs from Miami and offers journeys to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and even through the iconic Panama Canal.

Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory is your go-to ship if you’re in search of lively entertainment and scrumptious food.

The WaterWorks water park, featuring slides like the Twister and AquaTunnel, is a favorite among guests. And for a more peaceful experience, enjoy the Dive-In Movies right by the pool as the night sets in. Foodies will relish the offerings from Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the upscale Emerald Room Steakhouse.

Whether you board from New Orleans or Port Canaveral, you’ll set sail towards stunning destinations such as the Bahamas, Caribbean islands, and beyond to the Panama Canal.

Carnival Valor

Launched in 2004, Carnival Valor has been providing guests with memorable voyages, further enhanced by recent upgrades. The ship features diverse dining spots, relaxing venues, and plenty of exciting activities.

Children will be delighted with the Seuss at Sea adventures and the exhilarating Twister slide. For evening fun, enjoy movie screenings under the stars or check out live performances in comedy and music.

The ship’s charm extends into the Caribbean, departing from New Orleans, ensuring endless excitement and relaxation.

Carnival Liberty

Set sail on the Carnival Liberty, introduced in 2005 as a major part of the Conquest-class. This ship was among the first to receive the Fun Ship 2.0 improvements, making it a vibrant place to explore.

Dive into the sports action at the SkyBox Sports Bar, catch an incredible show at Playlist Productions theatre, or let the little ones enjoy the dynamic Camp Ocean clubs.

Her routes include dreamy trips to the Bahamas, the enchanting Caribbean, and the Panama Canal, with departures from Port Canaveral and New Orleans.

Carnival Freedom

Carnival Freedom, the final ship in this adventurous class, promises endless choices for fun and relaxation, making every journey unique to you. Filled with cherished Carnival favorites, she ensures there’s plenty for everyone. For those who love variety in dining and entertainment, this ship is ideal.

Explore its routes around the Caribbean and to the Bahamas, starting your journey from the vibrant Port Canaveral. Enjoy the ‘freedom’ to sail in style and comfort, enjoying a cruise experience that’s all about how you like it.

Adventure Class – The Latest Addition from P&O

Carnival’s Adventure Class is a newer “family” in the Carnival lineup that brings a bigger, modern, resort-style ship experience—lots of dining, entertainment, and hangout space—without needing to overthink the details.

The twist is that these ships originally sailed for P&O Cruises Australia as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter. When Carnival Corporation folded the P&O Cruises Australia brand into Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025, both ships transferred over and were rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Carnival Adventure

Enter the Carnival Adventure, a newer addition to the Carnival lineup that joined the fleet in 2025 after transferring over from P&O Cruises Australia where she sailed as Pacific Adventure.

Onboard, you’ll find the kind of “something for everyone” vibe Carnival is known for—think waterslides, multiple pools, an adventure-park style ropes course, plus plenty of bars, entertainment, and dining spots to keep sea days busy.

Her itineraries are built around easy, vacation-forward sailings from Australia, with Sydney as her primary homeport and a mix of quick getaways and longer escapes to regional favorites.

Carnival Encounter

Meet the Carnival Encounter, one of Carnival’s newer Australia-based ships and the sister ship to Carnival Adventure. She also joined the Carnival fleet in March 2025 after transferring over from P&O Cruises Australia where she formerly sailed as the Pacific Encounter.

Onboard, you’ll find a mix of high-energy “do it all” fun and easy places to unwind—multiple pools and waterslides, plus EDGE for adrenaline fixes like the flying fox, rock climbing, and walking the plank. When it’s time to slow down, there’s an adults-only retreat, spa time, and plenty of entertainment and dining options to keep every sea day feeling full.

Her sailings run year-round from Brisbane, with itineraries built around quick escapes and longer getaways to Queensland and the South Pacific—like Airlie Beach, Vanuatu & New Caledonia, and even Papua New Guinea—along with short themed weekend-style cruises.

Sunshine Class – As Bright as Their Names

Carnival’s Sunshine-class ships are smaller, easy-to-navigate ships that still pack in a surprisingly fun lineup of features.

They’re known for a bright, revamped feel, with staples like water slides, a lively pool deck, plenty of casual dining, and a Serenity adults-only retreat for quieter moments. The vibe is classic Carnival—social, upbeat, and simple to settle into—without the “mega-ship” scale.

If you like a more manageable ship that still delivers big on entertainment and deck time, Sunshine class is a great fit.

Carnival Sunshine

The Carnival Sunshine, previously known as the Carnival Destiny, holds a special place in cruise history. She was the trailblazer in breaching the 100,000 gross tonnage mark when she was built in 1996. Her transformation in 2013 introduced all of Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, giving her a fresh new identity as the Carnival Sunshine.

Now, she sets sail from places like Charleston and Norfolk, offering voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Despite being the oldest in the fleet, she remains a favorite among passengers.

Carnival Sunrise

Once known as the Carnival Triumph, the Carnival Sunrise emerged with a new look and name in 2019. This ship is a hub of entertainment, perfect for those who seek endless activities at sea.

You can enjoy thrilling water slides, refreshing pools, and dedicated youth areas. There are also live comedy acts, music performances, and theatre shows to ensure you have a fantastic time. With a piano bar for sing-alongs and an array of sports facilities, she’s a haven for fun-seekers.

The ship launches from Miami, setting course for the captivating Bahamas and the scenic Caribbean.

Carnival Radiance

Sailing into the new millennium as the Carnival Victory, the Carnival Radiance was revitalized in 2020.

Her makeover introduced new delights such as Shaq’s Big Chicken and Guy’s Burger Joint, which you won’t want to miss, or you might enjoy relaxing at the RedFrog pub. With her range of meat-loving eateries and lively entertainment, it’s a sea adventure not to be missed.

Departing from Long Beach, the ship journeys to enchanting destinations like Hawaii and Mexico.

Spirit Class – The ‘Destination’ Class

Carnival’s Spirit-class ships are mid-size favorites that feel a little more relaxed and easy to navigate than the mega-ships.

They’re great for itinerary-focused cruising, with lots of windows and open deck space that shines on scenic routes like Alaska and other port-heavy sailings. You still get the classic Carnival lineup—shows, comedy, pool-deck fun, and plenty of casual dining—just in a ship that feels more “personal.”

If you want a lively vibe without the crowds and complexity of the newest giants, Spirit class is a strong choice.

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa might not have been part of the original launch of the Spirit class ships, but she sure stands out! First launched as Costa Brightstar in 2009, she became part of Carnival’s fleet in 2022.

This ship offers a mix of features from both the Vista and the Spirit class ships, blending elements from each. While she doesn’t have every single upgrade seen on her sister ships, you’ll still find many beloved Carnival touches onboard. Look out for popular restaurants, lively bars, the Piano Bar, and comedy shows that are sure to bring a smile.

She hosts journeys from Seattle, Sydney and Brisbane, taking you to fantastic places like Alaska and around Australasia.

Carnival Spirit

The original ship of the Spirit class, Carnival Spirit, delivers excitement whether you’re after a lively adventure or some peaceful relaxation.

During the day, try a round of mini golf, enjoy the splash of the water slide, or chill out by the pool — there’s also an adult-only space for those seeking a quieter retreat. But when the sun sets, entertainment comes alive with musical performances, bustling bars, and comedy shows.

Depending on the season, Carnival Spirit sets sail to places like Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, embarking from Miami, Mobile and Seattle.

Carnival Pride

When Carnival Pride debuted, she wasn’t the largest ship, yet she set the standard for others with her dining and entertainment choices. Over the years, she’s seen some exciting updates, such as the addition of the renowned Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and improvements to the Cloud 9 Spa.

Her cruises often depart from Tampa in Florida, but she also occasionally sails from Rome and Baltimore. So, if you’re looking for a ship that combines style and entertainment, Carnival Pride might just be your ticket to a delightful getaway.

Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend has all you need for an unforgettable cruise. Even during her cross-Atlantic trips, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Onboard, you’ll find classic Carnival staples: the Club Merlin Casino, tasty eats at the BlueIguana Cantina, and chic dining at Truffles. For nightlife, there’s Billie’s Piano Bar, the bustling RedFrog pub and, for thrill-seekers, the Green Thunder waterslide.

In summer, she cruises the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome, and heads to the U.S. cities of Baltimore, Tampa, San Francisco and Galveston in winter.

Carnival Miracle

Though Carnival Miracle might be smaller than some of her fleet mates, she’s not short on fun or relaxation.

The youngsters will enjoy WaterWorks park and kid-friendly clubs, while adults can unwind in the Serenity retreat. Culinary experiences abound, with the elegant Nick & Nora’s Steakhouse and drinks from the Alchemy Bar serving creative cocktails. If you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful cruise, Carnival Miracle offers just the right balance.

Setting off from Long Beach, San Francisco, and Galveston, she navigates extensively to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Fantasy Class – Small (Relatively) but Mighty

Carnival’s Fantasy-class ships are the line’s original “smaller, classic” fun ships—easy to navigate, lively, and packed with the core Carnival staples in a more compact footprint. They’re especially appealing if you prefer shorter walks, a simpler layout, and that old-school Carnival energy for pool days, comedy, and casual dining.

In today’s fleet, the Fantasy class is essentially represented by two ships.

Carnival Paradise

You’ll find that Carnival Paradise was the final ship built in her class, introducing herself in 1998. Over the years, she has received multiple updates, making sure she still feels fresh and delightful.

Although she might not have the sprawling features of larger vessels, she offers a good amount of fun with pools, hot tubs, and a splash-tacular WaterWorks waterpark. For families travelling with children, Seuss at Sea is a must-visit.

A variety of delicious restaurants and lively bars await you onboard as the ship embarks from Tampa on journeys to the Bahamas.

Carnival Elation

While Carnival Elation holds the title of the smallest ship in the fleet, she certainly does not lack in activities or fun.

Younger guests can enjoy the WaterWorks splash area, various youth spaces, and an arcade. For your dining pleasure, you’ll discover a host of options such as the BlueIguana Cantina serving up burritos and tacos, and Guy’s Burger Joint. Adults can relax with a drink at the exciting bars on board.

This ship sets sail from Jacksonville, inviting you on a cruise towards the Bahamas.

A Look at Different Ship Classes

Carnival currently has nine different ship classes, each with its own unique design and features. While ships within the same class are nearly identical, there are a few small differences between them.

The table below ranks Carnival’s ship classes from largest to smallest based on gross tonnage:

Class	Ships	Average Gross Tonnage
Excel Class	Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee	181,000
Venice (Venezia) Class	Venezia, Firenze	135,225
Vista Class	Horizon, Panorama, Vista	133,500
Dream Class	Breeze, Dream, Magic	130,000
Splendor Class	Splendor	113,300
Conquest Class	Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Liberty, Valor	110,000
Adventure Class (ex-Grand-class from P&O Australia)	Adventure, Encounter	108,865
Sunshine Class	Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine	102,000
Luminosa (Spirit/Vista hybrid, ex-Costa)	Luminosa	92,720
Spirit Class	Legend, Miracle, Pride, Spirit	88,500
Fantasy Class	Elation, Paradise	70,367

Is Size Important? What to Expect on Big vs. Small Carnival Ships

There are perks to both bigger and smaller Carnival ships, depending on what you’re looking for.

The biggest ships are the newest in the fleet, packed with extra facilities like larger water parks, more dining options, and tons of activities for kids. If you love sea days and non-stop entertainment, these mega-ships are a great choice.

But don’t count out the smaller, older ships—they have their own advantages. Their itineraries are often more destination-focused, meaning less time at sea and more time exploring. Plus, they’re usually cheaper, making them a great option for budget-conscious cruisers.

One thing to note: balcony rooms are rare on older ships, as most cabins are either interior or ocean view.

Carnival ships aren’t small by any means—whether you choose a massive ship like Carnival Jubilee or a more mid-sized option, you’ll still find plenty to do. The biggest ships tend to be the nicest, not just because of their size, but because they’re the newest in the fleet.