Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world so to keep track of the growing fleet we’ve decided to put together Carnival ships by size.
What we’ve done is listed all the Carnival ships in Size order along with a brief description about each ship so if you’re not fully familiar with the cruise line, you can find out more. With new larger ships on the way, it’s always been a popular question in knowing which ship is the biggest, now you are about to find out.
Also Read: A Simple Guide on Royal Caribbean Ships by Size
Which Carnival Cruise Ship is the Biggest?
To cut it short, the largest Carnival cruise ship right now is the 133,500 gross ton Carnival Panorama, the third Vista-class vessel which joined the fleet at the end of 2019. She will soon be outclassed in just about everything when the much larger 180,800 gross ton Mardi Gras finally arrives after major delays in February 2021.
Carnival Panorama
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500
- Guest Capacity: 4,008
- Length: 1,055 Feet
The final Vista-class ship joined the fleet in December 2019 and is the firsrt new Carnival cruise ship in 20 years to be based on the U.S. west coast. She features the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at Sea which replaced the IMAX Thater found on sister ships Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.
Ship Page: 21 Reasons You Should Take a Carnival Panorama Cruise
Carnival Panorama is based on the U.S. west coast sailing week0long Mexican Riviera cruises including calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.
Carnival Horizon
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500
- Guest Capacity: 3,960
- Length: 1,055
The second Vista-class ship and the largest in the fleet until Carnival Panorama arrives. Carnival Horizon has a slightly larger guest capacity than sister ship Carnival Vista even though she offers many of the same features.
Ship Page: 21 Reasons to Cruise on Carnival Horizon
Carnival Horizon was the first ship to introduce a new Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse venue, Dr. Seuss WaterPark, and a dedicated Teppanyaki restaurant.
Carnival Vista
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500
- Guest Capacity: 3,934
- Length: 1,055 Feet
The first in her class which brought brand new features to the Carnival fleet and entered service in Spring 2016. The ship was the first to introduce SkyRide, a big ride like experience located on the open deck at the very top of the ship. Carnival Vista also has her own onboard brewery with exclusive tastes just for those cruising on the ship.
Ship Page: 20 Reasons to Cruise on Carnival Vista
Carnival Breeze
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000
- Guest Capacity: 3,690
- Length: 1,004 Feet
The last ship int he Dream class which started sailing for Carnival Cruise Line in 2012. Carnival Breeze was the flagship for a while as there wasn’t a new ship until Carnival Vista arrived in 2016.
Ship Page: 15 Reasons to Cruise on Carnival Breeze
The ship has some really good features and during dry docks has been added with a new Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ. Carnival Breeze was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debuted on March 6, 2012.
Carnival Magic
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000
- Guest Capacity: 3,690
- Length: 1,004 Feet
The second dream class vessel which was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Carnival Magic debuted on May 1, 2011, which was the same year all the new FUN 2.0 upgrades were introduced.
Ship Page: 20 Reasons to Cruise on Carnival Magic
Carnival Dream
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000
- Guest Capacity: 3,646
- Length: 1,004 Feet
This is where the Dream class all started which is an evolution of the popular Conquest-class ships. Carnival Dream changed the layout compared to ships before her and had a distinct red theme throughout.
Ship Page: 17 Ways to Enjoy a Carnival Dream Cruise
All the latest FUN features were added during a 217 dry dock. Carnival Dream debuted on September 21, 2009, and was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Carnival Splendor
- Gross Tonnage: 113,300
- Guest Capacity: 3,012
- Length: 952 Feet
Kind of an odd ship and the only one of her class in the fleet. However sister cruise line Costa Cruises does have an identical class ship. Carnival Splendor was built at the Fincantieri Genoa shipyard and sailed her maiden cruise on July 2, 2008.
Ship Page: 14 Things to Do on a Carnival Splendor Cruise
The ship spent a season sailing the Baltic which is very rare for Carnival. The ship will be based in Australia form the end of 2019.
Carnival Freedom
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
- Guest Capacity: 2,980
- Length: 952 Feet
The final Conquest-class cruise ship which has proved to be extremely popular for Carnival. Just like many ships in the fleet she was built by Fincantieri and cost $500 Million. Carnival Freedom departed on her maiden voyage on March 14, 2007.
Ship Page: 13 Reasons Why You Should Cruise on Carnival Freedom
Carnival Liberty
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
- Guest Capacity: 2,974
- Length: 952 Feet
Carnival Liberty was the first ship in the fleet to have all the FUN 2.0 upgrades during a huge refurbishment in 2011. The updates included the hugely popular Guy’s Burger Joint which has since become an important food venue across the fleet. The inaugural cruise departed on July 20, 2005.
Ship Page: 15 Ways to Experience the Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship
Carnival Valor
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
- Guest Capacity: 2,980
- Length: 952 Feet
Carnival Valor is the third in the Conquest-class and continued by offering a large ship experience and to expand the cruise line even further. The ship received all the latest onboard features during a huge dry dock in 2016.
Ship Page: 21 Reasons to Take a Carnival Valor Cruise
Carnival Glory
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
- Guest Capacity: 2,980
- Length: 952 Feet
Another large ship for Carnival Cruise Line at the time but now this tonnage would not be considered the biggest. Carnival Glory was built in Italy like her sister ships and set off on her inaugural sailing on July 14, 2003. The ship had a fairly recent refurbishment in 2017 so is up to date.
Ship Page: 17 Things to Do on a Carnival Glory Cruise
Carnival Conquest
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000
- Guest Capacity: 2,980
- Length: 952 Feet
The very first Conquest-class ship which started a new era for the cruise line and started a new shipbuilding boom. Carnival Conquest was built by Fincantieri in Italy and departed on her inaugural cruise November 15, 2002.
The Carnival ship was one of the early ships to receive all the FUN 2.0 upgrades in 2012. The most recent updates were in 2017, so the ship is all updated with the latest that the cruise line has on offer.
Carnival Sunshine
- Gross Tonnage: 102,853
- Guest Capacity: 3,002
- Length: 892 Feet
Formerly known as the Carnival Destiny, the ship was completed overhauled in a huge dry dock in 2013 and renamed as Carnival Sunshine. Under the new name, the inaugural sailing departed on May 5, 2013. The transformation cost $155 Million and added a ton of new features and upgrades.
Ship Page: 10 Reasons to Cruise on Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunrise
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509
- Guest Capacity: 2,984
- Length: 893 Feet
Carnival Sunrise became a reality in 2019 when the ship was completely transformed from the Carnival Triumph into the new Carnival Sunrise. The $200 million dry dock took place in Cadiz, Spain and the inaugural sailing departed on April 29, 2019.
Ship Page: 18 Reasons to Take a Carnival Sunrise Cruise
Carnival Victory (Carnival Radiance)
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509
- Guest Capacity: 2,764
- Length: 893 Feet
Carnival Victory is in the same class to Carnival Triumph and just smaller than the popular Conquest-class ships. The ship was built by Fincantieri in Italy and cost $430 Million. A major refurbishment was completed in Spring 2018 where all the latest FUN 2.0 upgrades were added along with newly added cabins.
Update: The ship was scheduled to under a massive transformation into the Carnival Radiance in Cadiz, Spain but due to the difficult situation the industry is currently in the ship remains docked awaiting her upgrader. Carnival has said the ship will now undergo the makeover in April 2021.
Carnival Miracle
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
- Guest Capacity: 2,124
- Length: 963 Feet
The final Spirit-class vessel which entered service in 2004. Unlike many other ships in the fleet, the Carnival Miracle was built at the Kvaerner-Masa Yards in Helsinki, Finland. The Fantasy-class ships were also built here. The ship s 12 passenger decks and can fit through the Panama Canal.
Ship Page: 12 Ways to Experience the Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship
Carnival Legend
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
- Guest Capacity: 2,124
- Length: 963 Feet
Another Spirit-class Carnival ship and this one has just about sailed everywhere including Australia and Alaska. Carnival Legend was built in Finland just like her sister ships and departed on her inaugural cruise on August 24, 2002.
Ship Page: 11 Things About the Carnival Legend Cruise Ship
Carnival Pride
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
- Guest Capacity: 2,124
- Length: 963 Feet
A fully updated Carnival cruise ship that has all the latest FUN 2.0 features. The also is scheduled for a dry dock in 2019. Carnival Pride was built in Finland and began cruising on January 12, 2002.
Ship Page: 15 Reasons You Should Take a Carnival Pride Cruise
Carnival Spirit
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500
- Guest Capacity: 2,124
- Length: 963 Feet
The very first in her class, the Carnival Spirit was built to sail through the Panama Canal and offer a cruising experience not just in the Caribbean but other continents too. The ship was built in Finland has 12 passenger decks and joined the fleet in 2001.
Ship Page: 13 Things You’ll Really Like About the Carnival Spirit
Carnival Elation
- Gross Tonnage: 71,909
- Guest Capacity: 2,130
- Length: 855 Feet
Carnival Elation is a Fantasy-class ship and she might be an older type ship but can often offer the best experience. With fewer passengers guests usually have a great vacation. The ship entered service in March 1998 and has 11 passenger decks.
Ship Page: 10 Things to Know About the Carnival Elation Cruise Ship
Carnival Paradise
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,124
- Length: 855 Feet
The ship is slightly newer than Carnival Elation but has a little lower gross tonnage. The ship is Fantasy-class and sailed her inaugural cruise on December 6, 1998. Carnival Paradise underwent a dry dock in 2018 and is fully updated with all the latest Carnival features.
Ship Page: 10 Reasons You Need to Take a Carnival Paradise Cruise
Carnival Inspiration (Scrapped)
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,054
- Length: 855 Feet
A popular cruise ship and just like her sister ships is a great choice for shorter cruise vacations. Carnival Inspiration has gone through seven drydocks since entering service in March 1996. There is also a planned refurbishment at the end of 2018.
Ship Page: 11 Ways You Can Enjoy a Carnival Inspiration Cruise
Update: Due to the global health pandemic, parent company Carnival Corp decided to sell the Carnival Inspiration for scrap. The ship is currently being dismantled and then recycled at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey. You can read more about the scrapping right here.
Carnival Imagination (Long-Term Layup)
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,056
- Length: 855 Feet
Carnival Imagination arrived in July 1995 and was built at the Masa-Yards in Finland. The ship has ten passenger decks and costs $330 million. The ship is perfect for shorter cruises in the Caribbean or Bahamas and features all the FUN 2.0 upgrades. Another dry dock will take place in 2019.
Ship Page: 13 Things About the Carnival Imagination Cruise Ship
Update: It was announced that due to the health crisis that Carnival Imagination would be put into a long-term cold layup. It’s not known when or even if the vessel will return to service.
Carnival Fascination (Long-Term Layup)
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,056
- Length: 855 Feet
Another Fantasy-class Carnival ship which is the smallest in the fleet. Carnival Fascination made her debut in October 1994 and has ten passenger decks where a great small ship experience is offered. The most recent renovation took place in 2018 so she’s fully updated with all the latest.
Ship Page: 10 Reasons to Cruise on the Carnival Fascination
Update: Just like her sister ship Carnival Imagination, the Carnival Fascination is in a long term layup due to the health crises impacting the cruise industry. Right now it’s not known when the ship will resume sailings or maybe she never will.
Carnival Sensation
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,056
- Length: 855 Feet
One of the oldest ships in the fleet but still among the best. Carnival Sensation has gone through nine drydocks, and there is another one scheduled for 2020. She’s fully updated with everything you would expect on a Carnival cruise. The ship was built in Finland, has ten passenger decks and entered service in November 1993.
Ship Page: 9 Things to Know About the Carnival Sensation Cruise Ship
Carnival Ecstasy
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,056
- Length: 855 Feet
Now we’re almost into the 80’s with the Carnival Ecstasy. If the cruise line decides to sell or transfer Carnival Fantasy, then she will be the oldest ship in the fleet. The Fantasy-class vessel has ten passenger decks and sailed her inaugural cruise on June 2, 1991.
Carnival Fantasy (Scrapped)
- Gross Tonnage: 70,367
- Guest Capacity: 2,056
- Length: 855 Feet
And we come to the oldest ship in the fleet which entered service in 1990 and kicked off a new era for Carnival Cruise Line with a new class of ships and the first new-build for the Miami-based cruise line. Carnival Fantasy might not be the largest in the fleet but still can offer a just as good experience as in her heyday. The ship has ten passenger decks and costs $225 million to construct in Finland.
Related: Looking Back at the Carnival Fantasy Cruise Ship
Update: In August 2020 the Carnival Fantasy which was the first in her class was sadly sold for scrap. This was forced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of cruise operations. The ship is being dismantled at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey. More details are here.
We’ll See You Onboard!
Carnival Cruise Line is changing and constantly and moving towards larger cruise ships. When we look beyond the Carnival Panorama, there will be a new era of Excel-class cruise ships starting with the Mardi Gras in 2021 and then a sister ship in November 2022, they will be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
Carnival Cruise Ship FAQ
Right now the largest cruise ship in the fleet is the Carnival Panorama which entered service at the end of 2019. The ship 133,500 gross tons with a guest capacity of 4,008 at double occupancy.
The new Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship will overtake the Carnival Panorama when she enters service in February 2021. The new LNG mega-ship will be 180,800 gross tons and have a guest capacity of 5,282 at double occupancy.
The oldest ship in the fleet as of August 2020 is the Carnival Ecstasy which is 70,367 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,056 at double occupancy. She was delivered in 1991.
Carnival Fantasy was previously the oldest ship in the fleet as she was delivered in 1990 but in August 2020 she was sold for scrap due to the global pandemic and the impact on the cruise industry.
As of August 2020, there are 25 cruise ships in the fleet including Carnival Imagination and Fascination which will remains in a cold layup. When Carnival Mardi Gras arrives there will be 26 ships unless more vessels leave the fleet before then.
