Bigger Isn’t Always Better? How Carnival Cruise Ships Stack Up in Size

Carnival currently operates 27 cruise ships, with two more set to join the fleet by the end of 2028. But did you know there’s a huge difference in size between them?

Take the largest and smallest Carnival ships, for example. The massive Carnival Jubilee dwarfs the Carnival Elation, coming in at 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 10 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	182,800	1,130	17	6,500
Carnival Celebration	182,800	1,130	17	6,500
Mardi Gras	180,800	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 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	10	2,606
Carnival Elation	71,909	855	10	2,606

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. It’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 spoilt 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 programme.

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

Carnival Celebration

Sailing since November 2022, the Carnival Celebration matches the Jubilee in size and style. It stretches the same 1,130 feet and carries the same weight of 183,521 GT. Like its sister ship, it 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 on offer. Registered in Panama, the Carnival Celebration is worth an investment valued at $1 billion.

Mardi Gras

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

This ship isn’t just about smooth sailing. It’s a centre of 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 is 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. Although 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

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 colourful 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. Its 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 plenty, from quick bites to exquisite meals at speciality 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

When Carnival Panorama joined, it initially had a different destiny, set for the P&O Cruises Australia fleet. Now, as a grand addition to the Vista class, it shares similar traits with Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. 

Yet, it 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 cosy hideaways or dive into the fun with so much to explore.

Dream Class

Carnival Dream

Set sail on the Carnival Dream, which made its grand entrance in 2009. It became the biggest vessel in the Carnival family at that time, boasting about 11% more room than the previous leader, Carnival Splendour. Onboard, you’ll discover all the favourite Carnival bars and dining spots. 

There’s 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 favourites 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 ahead.

Splendour Class

Carnival Splendor

You’ll find the Carnival Splendour as the only ship of its kind in this class. Initially, it was meant to be part of a different group for Costa Cruises. During its construction, it switched to flying the Carnival flag.

For a brief time, this ship held the title of the largest in the fleet. It 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

Carnival Conquest

When you step aboard the Carnival Conquest, you’ll discover one of the biggest ships from this fleet, introduced in 2002. It’s packed with exciting experiences across its vast space. For children, there are thrilling interactive activities with Seuss at Sea, and for adults, an array of spots to relax or have fun awaits. 

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 favourite among guests. 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 Takeover 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. Its 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 favourites, it 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.

Sunshine Class

Carnival Sunshine

The Carnival Sunshine, previously known as the Carnival Destiny, holds a special place in cruise history. It was the trailblazer in breaching the 100,000 gross tonnage mark when it was built in 1996.

Its transformation in 2013 introduced all of Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, giving it a fresh identity as the Carnival Sunray. Now, it sets sail from places like Charleston and Norfolk, offering voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Despite being the oldest in the fleet, it remains a favourite 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, it’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 revitalised in 2020. This makeover introduced new delights such as Shaq’s Big Chicken and Guy’s Burger Joint.

You might want to try Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse or relax at the RedFrog pub. There’s no shortage of entertainment and activities to enjoy. Departing from Long Beach, the ship journeys to enchanting destinations like Hawaii and Mexico. With its range of meat-loving eateries and lively entertainment, it’s a sea adventure not to be missed.

Spirit Class

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa might not have been part of the original launch of the Spirit Group 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 Group ships, blending elements from each.

Although she doesn’t have every single upgrade seen on her sister ships, you’ll still find many beloved Carnival touches onboard. She hosts journeys from Seattle, Sydney and Brisbane, taking you to fantastic places like Alaska and around Australasia. Look out for popular restaurants, lively bars, the Piano Bar, and comedy shows that are sure to bring a smile.

Carnival Spirit

The original ship of the Spirit Group, 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.

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. Setting off from Long Beach, San Francisco, and Galveston, she navigates extensively to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. If you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful cruise, Carnival Miracle offers just the right balance.

Fantasy Class

Carnival Paradise

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

Although it might not have the sprawling features of larger vessels, it 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 its fleet, it 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	181,000
Venice (Vista) Class	Venezia	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
Sunshine Class	Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine	102,000
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.

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