Hello, cruise lovers! As you probably know, Carnival Cruise has quite a large number of ships, and sometimes it can be difficult to choose between them.
In this article, you will find a ranking based on the size of the ships, from smallest to largest.
You will initially see a detailed list of the ships, followed by a summary table and a comparison chart at the article’s conclusion.
27. Carnival Elation
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,190
- Guest Decks: 10
- Length (Feet): 855
- Gross Tonnage: 71,909
Launched in 1998, Carnival Elation is a cozy ship with a nostalgic touch. It’s the smallest ship in the Carnival fleet, yet it feels quite spacious and can accommodate about 2,200 passengers. The interior decor is a funky mix of the 1970s and Vegas flair.
It features eight cabin types and 10 different places to eat. The 2017 and 2020 refurbishments spruced things up, adding modern dining, bars, and entertainment, including a cool water park and mini-golf.
I personally think is great for older people and for those looking for relaxation.
What really stands out? The crew’s warmth and dedication to making your journey unforgettable.
26. Carnival Paradise
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,606
- Guest Decks: 10
- Length (Feet): 855
- Gross Tonnage: 71,925
Carnival Paradise is definitely a unique ship. It’s been cruising since 1998, so it’s not the newest ship, but it’s still full of fun things to do on board. In 2018, it got a big update, and now it also has Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, a big water park, and mini-golf.
It’s 855 feet long and can hold more than 2,100 guests. It’s one of those cozy and easy to get around ship.
On board, you can find very different cabins, from simple ones to fancy suites. They all have nice beds, lots of space, and great service. On this ship, I particularly like the ocean-view rooms; they have big windows and great views.
An interesting fact is that Carnival Paradise was the first cruise ship that didn’t allow smoking on board.
25. Carnival Spirit
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,610
- Guest Decks: 12
- Length (Feet): 963
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Spirit, Carnival Cruise Line’s first venture outside the U.S., is a hit with Australian cruisers.
It’s got a chill, fun vibe and caters to families, couples, and singles. There’s a mix of kid-friendly areas and adults-only spots like the Serenity area.
The crew guarantees exceptional service, and you can definitely experience a friendly and community feel on board. It may not have the best features, but it’s got great family-friendly amenities, like the Green Thunder water slide and various dining options. From buffets to fancy Chef’s Tables, I really liked the food on this ship. Entertainment-wise, there’s live music, comedy, and theme nights. I have to be honest; the ship is a bit older, but its cleanliness and dedicated crew make every trip enjoyable.
24. Carnival Legend
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,610
- Guest Decks: 12
- Length (Feet): 963
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Legend is part of the Spirit Class and focuses a lot on variety. It offers unique restaurants and even has a wedding chapel onboard. So it is the perfect choice if you want to get married or want to celebrate your anniversary at sea.
The ship has quite a vibrant atmosphere, with attractions like the Green Thunder water slide and Seuss at Sea for families.
The decor is inspired by legends from around the world; while some might find this a little odd, I think it’s quite interesting about this ship.
It travels different routes, appealing to both American and Australian cruisers. Dining choices include Truffles, Unicorn Cafe, Guy’s Burger Joint, and specialty options. In my opinion, Carnival Legend is great for an action-packed holiday with good food and service.
I traveled on this ship several years ago and still have fond memories. Despite being quite small I consider her one of the best in the Carnival fleet!
23. Carnival Pride
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,680
- Guest Decks: 12
- Length (Feet): 963
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Pride had its first trip in 2002, and it’s still going! I love the Michelangelo-inspired decor that showcases Renaissance and Victorian England beauty.
In my opinion, the Renaissance Lobby is a masterpiece, setting the stage for the ship’s grand style. Yet, it’s not just about looks; the ship offers popular features like Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, and modern entertainment.
Its unique layout places most amenities on the lower decks, making for a cozy yet spacious feel. Carnival Pride is perfect for those who like big-ship services but prefer fewer crowds.
22. Carnival Miracle
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,680
- Guest Decks: 12
- Length (Feet): 963
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Launched in 2003, Carnival Miracle belongs to the Spirit class. Along with its siblings, this ship boasts a superb passenger-to-space ratio, and Its clever design avoids overcrowding.
It’s themed around miraculous concepts and includes The Raven Library, Mad Hatter’s Ball Lounge, The Bacchus Dining Room and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab Dance Club.
A 2020 refurbishment even added more dining options and WaterWorks slides. It usually sails to Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico.
21. Carnival Luminosa
- Max Guest Capacity: 2,826
- Guest Decks: 12
- Length (Feet): 963
- Gross Tonnage: 92,600
Carnival Luminosa is a mid-sized ship, therefore giving an intimate cruising experience.
It accommodates about 2,800 guests, suiting those who prefer a personal touch to their cruise.
On board, you will find quite a few dining options, from specialty restaurants to casual eateries. Guests also enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment, including a casino, live shows, and a water park. It’s also a family-friendly ship with special children’s areas and activities. I personally tried one of the staterooms a few years ago, and it was comfortable and convenient for a relaxed stay.
20. Carnival Sunrise
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,873
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 893
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509
The Carnival Sunrise was recently refurbished.
It presents an interesting array of dining experiences that range from casual to fine dining.
The ship features a ropes course, a mini-golf, and a water park. All these kid-friendly activities make it ideal for family vacations. Adults can also have a good time thanks to the serenity retreat and entertainment options, including musical shows, comedy clubs, and bars with live music.
19. Carnival Radiance
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,873
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 893
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509
Carnival Radiance provides a very fun-filled cruise experience. It features diverse dining options, from the classic Guy’s Burger Joint to the BlueIguana Cantina.
The entertainment highlights include the water park, mini-golf, sports court, and comedy club. While, the Cloud 9 Spa offers relaxation and revitalization for adults. This ship is very family-friendly, with programs and activities designed specifically for children. I really think that Carnival Radiance is the perfect choice for a lively cruise.
18. Carnival Sunshine
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,758
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 893
- Gross Tonnage: 102,853
Carnival Sunshine it’s still a mid-size ship, but it stands out with its modernized bars, restaurants, and children’s areas.
It offers a good balance between relaxation and fun. Dining choices include the usual Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. In terms of activities, on board, you will find similar areas we already saw on the other ships, like the WaterWorks water park, mini-golf, and the Serenity area for adults.
17. Carnival Freedom
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,754
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 952
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Freedom is the fifth and last ship of the Conquest class, which includes (Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty and Freedom)
On board, you will find all Carnival Favorite areas, and you could have a lot of fun with all the entertainment options.
An interesting thing that I want you to note is that she is themed to celebrate American history.
16. Carnival Valor
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,756
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 952
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Valor is notable for its port-intensive itineraries and resort-like amenities. The ship features multiple pools, Tiki-style bars, a water slide, and various dining options. Its décor celebrates American history in a fun and interesting way.
I would suggest this ship to families, couples, and friend groups. It offers a comfortable atmosphere for all ages, and all cabins are quite spacious and well-furnished.
15. Carnival Liberty
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,756
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 952
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Liberty offers a good mix of classic and innovative elements. It features creatively designed staterooms with a very interesting design. These include Interior Upper/Lower and Scenic Ocean View rooms and Premium Vista Balcony staterooms. The dining options range from Guy’s Burger Joint to Seafood Shack, and there are plenty of bars and lounges like Alchemy Bar and The RedFrog Pub.
Entertainment includes Playlist Productions shows and The Punchliner Comedy Club. I wanna also say that Carnival Liberty has very good reviews and is known for its excellent service.
14. Carnival Glory
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,756
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 952
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Glory is famous for its spacious staterooms, so you may want to consider it if you are looking for a big cabin.
Dining experiences are varied, featuring options like Guy’s Burger Joint (as we have seen on almost every previous ship) and Platinum Restaurant. Activities span from relaxing adults-only areas to exciting water slides and mini-golf. Entertainment includes the Amber Palace Main Lounge and nightly live music.
The ship has also undergone enhancements, adding modern bars, dining, and entertainment venues. Passengers usually really appreciate the ship’s quality, service, and activity variety.
13. Carnival Conquest
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,756
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 952
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Conquest showcases creatively designed staterooms and a great ship’s art and décor that draw inspiration from 19th-century French Impressionism. Ratings highlight its great cabins, good service, and fun activities.
12. Carnival Splendor
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,734
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 952
- Gross Tonnage: 113,300
Carnival Splendor is the only ship in its class! Why is that? Because it was built for Costa Cruises to join the Concordia Class, but then plans changed during her construction.
The ship’s unique “Splendid theme” is reflected in its bold colors and whimsical decor. It was placed in the Australian market to serve cruises in Asia and South Pacific.
11. Carnival Dream
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,646
- Guest Decks: 13
- Length (Feet): 1,004
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000
Carnival Dream offers spacious staterooms, including Cove Balcony and Spa Staterooms, with a really interesting spa access. Dining ranges from Chef’s Art Steakhouse to Mongolian Wok and Tandoor. Entertainment includes Playlist Productions, Punchliner Comedy Club, and Seaside Theatre.
Relaxation options include Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. The ship also has a water park, mini-golf, and Camp Ocean for kids. Its design is elegant and modern, creating a dreamy atmosphere for guests.
10. Carnival Magic
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,690
- Guest Decks: 14
- Length (Feet): 1,004
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000
Launched in 2011, Carnival Magic is a Dream-class ship that focuses on fun. The 2016 upgrade introduced new dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint and a new sports area.
I really enjoyed the supersized hot tubs over the ship’s edge, while kids can have fun at the aqua park and ropes course.
Entertainment ranges from Broadway-style shows to a piano bar with impressive quality.
Carnival Magic sails mainly in the Caribbean from Miami, Florida.
9. Carnival Breeze
- Max Guest Capacity: 3,690
- Guest Decks: 14
- Length (Feet): 1,004
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000
Carnival Breeze, a Dream-class vessel, is well known for family fun.
It features SportsSquare and WaterWorks for outdoor activities, and for this reason, I think it is perfect for families with kids.
Dining ranges from casual to elegant, and the ship also offers a very vibrant nightlife. It sails mainly in the Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas.
8. Carnival Vista
- Max Guest Capacity: 4,977
- Guest Decks: 15
- Length (Feet): 1,055
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500
Carnival Vista is the first Vista-class ship. It debuted in 2016 and is finally different from the previous classes.
As Carnival’s largest ship at the time, Carnival Vista accommodates 3,954 guests. Highlighting outdoor spaces, it offers nearly 30 dining and drinking venues, including an onboard brewery.
Amenities include an IMAX Theatre, a SkyRide, and a water park. The ship also has a variety of staterooms, including Havana Cabanas, a “tropical chich” type of cabins. It operates mainly in the Caribbean.
7. Carnival Horizon
- Max Guest Capacity: 4,977
- Guest Decks: 15
- Length (Feet): 1,055
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500
Carnival Horizon was launched in 2018 and is the second Vista-class ship.
It can accommodate 3,934 passengers, and like its sister Vista, Horizon features attractions like a bike ride-in-the-sky, an IMAX Theatre, and a water park.
Diverse dining options include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que. The ship provides a great mix of spacious and well-equipped cabin types. This ship mainly focuses on cruises to the Caribbean.
6. Carnival Panorama
- Max Guest Capacity: 5,146
- Guest Decks: 15
- Length (Feet): 1,055
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500
Carnival Panorama is a really good ship, and I consider it the perfect size for a cruise. It’s not too big and not too small.
The ship features 14 bars and lounges, three pools, and six hot tubs. Activities range from Piano Bar 88 to WaterWorks water park.
Carnival Panorama also includes a Cloud 9 Spa and Carnival’s favorite dining options. For adventure seekers, there’s also the SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike hanging on the ship’s deck.
5. Carnival Firenze
- Max Guest Capacity: 5,078
- Guest Decks: 15
- Length (Feet): 1,061
- Gross Tonnage: 135,156
Carnival Firenze was the second ship transferred from Costa Crociere to Carnival Cruise Line.
It offers a variety of interesting staterooms, including Terrazza Premium Vista Balcony. Staterooms come with amenities like soft linens and climate control.
I traveled on this ship when it was still under the Costa brand, it I have to say I really enjoyed it.
Dining options include Bonsai Sushi and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. It also offers two pools and six hot tubs, along with activities like a comedy club and ropes course.
4. Carnival Venezia
- Max Guest Capacity: 5,260
- Guest Decks: 14
- Length (Feet): 1,061
- Gross Tonnage: 135,225
Carnival Venezia initially debuted as Costa Venezia for Costa Cruises. Was after being transferred to the Carnival fleet to start the new cruising brand “Carnival Fun Italian Style“.
Staterooms include Terrazza Cabana and Premium Balcony, offering access to Terrazza Carnevale. The ship provides a range of dining options, including Bonsai Sushi and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Entertainment features various bars and lounges, art auctions, and a comedy club.
With two pools and six hot tubs, Carnival Venezia it’s not the biggest ship of the company but it’s still considered a pretty big one.
3. Mardi Gras
- Max Guest Capacity: 6,465
- Guest Decks: 17
- Length (Feet): 1,130
- Gross Tonnage: 180,800
Carnival Mardi Gras was the first ship in the excellence class.
A thing that I want to underline, and I personally think is really important, is that this ship was the first one of the company powered by liquified natural gas. A very important change with the aim to reduce pollution and emissions in the environment.
It’s one of the biggest ships in the Carnival fleet and can almost accommodate 6,500 passengers.
2. Carnival Celebration
- Max Guest Capacity: 6,500
- Guest Decks: 17
- Length (Feet): 1,130
- Gross Tonnage: 182,800
Carnival Celebration was the second ship in the excellence class, and it can accommodate just a few more passengers than the Mardi Gras.
It has six zones, each offering unique experiences. Cabins are modern with a soothing color palette. Relaxation options include Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
Dining choices range from Emeril’s Bistro 1397 to Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Activities include BOLT roller coaster and WaterWorks. I think that this ship is ideal for multigenerational families because it has numerous areas both for kids and adults.
1. Carnival Jubilee
- Max Guest Capacity: 6,500
- Guest Decks: 17
- Length (Feet): 1,130
- Gross Tonnage: 182,800
The Carnival Jubilee is the biggest ship in the Carnival fleet. Its gross tonnage is over 182,000 and its length is more than 1,100 fleets.
It has six pools and seven hot tubs, including an adults-only pool. Staterooms range from standard interior cabins to Cloud 9 Spa staterooms.
The Ultimate Playground includes the BOLT roller coaster and ropes course. Dining options include 21 choices like Street Eats, Seafood Shack, and Anchor Smokehouse. The ship’s design particularly focuses on outdoor activities and entertainment, so I would recommend it for a trip in warm weather.
Summary table
Below here you can find the summary table that goes from the smallest ship to the biggest one. You can also see their max guest capacity, the number of decks, their length, and the gross tonnage.
| Ship | Max Guest Capacity | Guest Decks | Length (Feet) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Elation | 2,606 | 10 | 855 | 71,909 |
| Carnival Paradise | 2,606 | 10 | 855 | 71,925 |
| Carnival Spirit | 2,610 | 12 | 963 | 88,500 |
| Carnival Legend | 2,610 | 12 | 963 | 88,500 |
| Carnival Pride | 2,680 | 12 | 963 | 88,500 |
| Carnival Miracle | 2,680 | 12 | 963 | 88,500 |
| Carnival Luminosa | 2,826 | 12 | 963 | 92,600 |
| Carnival Sunrise | 3,873 | 13 | 893 | 101,509 |
| Carnival Radiance | 3,873 | 13 | 893 | 101,509 |
| Carnival Sunshine | 3,758 | 13 | 893 | 102,853 |
| Carnival Freedom | 3,754 | 13 | 952 | 110,000 |
| Carnival Valor | 3,756 | 13 | 952 | 110,000 |
| Carnival Liberty | 3,756 | 13 | 952 | 110,000 |
| Carnival Glory | 3,756 | 13 | 952 | 110,000 |
| Carnival Conquest | 3,756 | 13 | 952 | 110,000 |
| Carnival Splendor | 3,734 | 13 | 952 | 113,300 |
| Carnival Dream | 3,646 | 13 | 1,004 | 130,000 |
| Carnival Magic | 3,690 | 14 | 1,004 | 130,000 |
| Carnival Breeze | 3,690 | 14 | 1,004 | 130,000 |
| Carnival Vista | 4,977 | 15 | 1,055 | 133,500 |
| Carnival Horizon | 4,977 | 15 | 1,055 | 133,500 |
| Carnival Panorama | 5,146 | 15 | 1,055 | 133,500 |
| Carnival Firenze | 5,078 | 15 | 1,061 | 135,156 |
| Carnival Venezia | 5,260 | 14 | 1,061 | 135,225 |
| Mardi Gras | 6,465 | 17 | 1,130 | 180,800 |
| Carnival Celebration | 6,500 | 17 | 1,130 | 182,800 |
| Carnival Jubilee | 6,500 | 17 | 1,130 | 182,800 |
Comparison chart
To help you visualize the different sizes, I also made a chart comparing all the Carnival fleet ships. You can see them in the chart below from the biggest to the smallest.
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