Carnival Cruise Line marked a sensational milestone in 2022, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, Carnival’s Fun Ships have undergone a remarkable evolution, transitioning from a cruise line known for lively party scenes to a company revered for providing affordable and family-friendly vacations that deliver exceptional value.

With a fleet now exceeding two dozen vessels, Carnival boasts a legacy of 25 years’ worth of ship innovation. While Carnival’s ships were once regarded as colossal floating hotels, the recent surge in mega-ships from competitors like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises has set new standards in size.

Despite this, many of Carnival’s ships, by contemporary measures, fall into the mid-sized category. However, this certainly doesn’t imply any compromise on amenities.

The newer additions to the fleet showcase thrilling features such as top-deck coasters and onboard breweries. Culinary delights are taken to new heights with renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse contributing to the dining options.

Carnival ensures a variety of accommodations, including unique cabana-style patios with hammocks. The hallmark friendly service is a constant, regardless of a ship’s age.

Carnival’s fleet currently comprises 25 cruise ships, with two more anticipated to join by the close of 2024. The surprising fact is that these ships exhibit substantial variations in size.

It’s not always evident at first glance, primarily because cruise ship size is gauged in gross tonnes, a measure of a ship’s internal volume.

Consequently, two ships with similar lengths may differ significantly due to variations in decks and width, influencing the overall volume.

So, how do Carnival’s ships measure up against each other? And does a larger size equate to a better experience?

Dive into our guide to Carnival Cruise ships, where we break down the nuances of size, age, and distinctions between ship classes, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what each vessel has to offer.

Ship	Year	Gross Tonnage	Length (Feet)	Guest Decks	Max Guest Capacity	Ship Cost
Carnival Jubilee	2023	182,800	1,130	17	6,500	$950 Million
Carnival Celebration	2022	182,800	1,130	17	6,500	$1,000 Million
Mardi Gras	2020	180,800	1,130	17	6,465	$950 Million
Carnival Venezia	2019	135,225	1,061	14	5,260	$780 Million
Carnival Firenze	2023	135,156	1,061	15	5,078	$780 Million
Carnival Panorama	2019	133,500	1,055	15	5,146	$780 Million
Carnival Horizon	2018	133,500	1,055	15	4,977	$800 Million
Carnival Vista	2016	133,500	1,055	15	4,977	$800 Million
Carnival Breeze	2012	130,000	1,004	14	3,690	$740 Million
Carnival Magic	2011	130,000	1,004	14	3,690	$740 Million
Carnival Dream	2009	130,000	1,004	13	3,646	$740 Million
Carnival Splendor	2008	113,300	952	13	3,734	$700 Million
Carnival Conquest	2002	110,000	952	13	3,756	$500 Million
Carnival Glory	2003	110,000	952	13	3,756	$500 Million
Carnival Liberty	2005	110,000	952	13	3,756	$500 Million
Carnival Valor	2004	110,000	952	13	3,756	$500 Million
Carnival Freedom	2007	110,000	952	13	3,754	$500 Million
Carnival Sunshine	2013	102,853	893	13	3,758	$400 Million
Carnival Radiance	2021	101,509	893	13	3,873	$410 Million
Carnival Sunrise	2019	101,509	893	13	3,873	$420 Million
Carnival Luminosa	2009	92,600	963	12	2,826	$550 Million
Carnival Miracle	2004	88,500	963	12	2,680	$375 Million
Carnival Pride	2002	88,500	963	12	2,680	$375 Million
Carnival Legend	2002	88,500	963	12	2,610	$375 Million
Carnival Spirit	2001	88,500	963	12	2,610	$375 Million
Carnival Paradise	1998	71,925	855	10	2,606	$300 Million
Carnival Elation	1998	71,909	855	10	2,606	$300 Million

All the ships have their own elegance and from being at the top of the table Carnival Jubilee and celebration have more in its arsenal however it cannot overpass the fun the other ships have to offer.

You must have seen, Carnival Elation in the list It may be one of the smaller ships in the Carnival fleet, but it packs a punch when it comes to keeping guests entertained and content throughout their cruise.

Despite its size, this ship is loaded with amenities for both kids and adults, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

For the little ones, there’s the thrilling WaterWorks splash area, three dedicated youth spaces, and an arcade to keep them engaged and excited. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes.

From the delectable offerings at BlueIguana Cantina, specializing in burritos and tacos, to the savory delights at Guy’s Burger Joint, there’s a culinary adventure awaiting every palate.

The excitement doesn’t stop there; Carnival Elation also boasts vibrant bars for grown-ups to explore, ensuring a lively atmosphere onboard.

Setting sail from Jacksonville, Carnival Elation offers enchanting cruises to the Bahamas. Despite its smaller size, this ship promises a cruise experience filled with fun and relaxation.

Now, let’s delve into the fascinating world of Carnival cruise ships and their classes, ranging from the grandest to the most intimate.

Currently, there are nine distinct classes, with each ship within a class sharing remarkable similarities, albeit with some charming nuances that make each voyage unique. Join us on a journey as we explore the diversity of Carnival’s fleet, where every class offers a distinct yet equally delightful cruise experience.

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
Sprit Class	Legend, Miracle, Pride, Spirit	88,500
Fantasy Class	Elation, Paradise	70,367

I understand, that choosing between larger and smaller Carnival ships comes with its own set of advantages.

The larger vessels, being more recent additions, offer a wealth of onboard facilities, boasting expansive water parks and an array of activities tailored for children.

However, as I mentioned earlier the charm of the older, smaller ships in the Carnival fleet should not be overlooked.

These cruises often prioritize the destinations on the itinerary, allowing passengers to spend less time at sea and more time exploring exciting ports.

Additionally, opting for these smaller ships can be a cost-effective choice, making them appealing to budget-conscious travelers.

It’s important to note that the older, smaller ships may have limited balcony room options, predominantly featuring interior and ocean-view accommodations.

Carnival’s fleet spans a diverse range of sizes, from the vast to the medium-sized. None of the ships fall into the small category, and each one is equipped with a plethora of entertainment options to keep guests engaged throughout their cruise experience.

Whether you’re drawn to the modern amenities of larger ships or the unique appeal of smaller, more budget-friendly options, Carnival Cruise Line has a variety of vessels to suit different preferences.

So, set sail with confidence, armed with the knowledge of Royal Caribbean cruise ships’ sizes, and let your seafaring adventure unfold in style, Bon voyage!

FAQS

Q1. Which is the smallest Carnival Cruise Ships in the fleet?

Answer: Ship, Carnival Elation Specifications: 71,909 GT, 10 passenger decks.

Q2. Which are the biggest Carnival Cruise Ships in the fleet?

Answer: Ships: Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee with a volume of 182,800 gross tons, 1,130 feet length, 17 passenger decks, it outsizes Mardi Gras by 2,000 GT.

Q3. How long are these Carnival fleets?

Answer: It actually ranges from 855 to 1,130 feet, Equivalent to two to three football fields.

Q4. How many decks do Carnival Ships have?

These fleets have decks from 10 to 17 guest decks, with additional crew decks, The tallest Ships is around 300 feet, contingent on water depth.