An explanation of the 8 types of ships in Carnival Cruise Line

Considering a cruise with a Carnival Cruise Line ship? Your choices are plentiful.

As the second-largest cruise line in the world by passenger capacity, Carnival operates 27 vessels. This is more than any major cruise line except for Royal Caribbean, which has 28 ships in service.

Generally speaking, Carnival ships are sizable, although, with a few exceptions, they aren't considered giants by modern standards.

In the last three years, Carnival has introduced its first trio of truly massive ships in a long time: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Each of these ships weighs around 180,000 gross tons, placing them among the 20 largest cruise ships globally.

Besides these three ships, Carnival's largest vessel is the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia, which weighs in at just 135,225 tons, ranking as the 68th largest cruise ship globally. Many of Carnival's 24 other ships don't even make it into the Top 100.

This represents a significant shift for the brand compared to a couple of decades ago. There was a period when Carnival operated some of the largest cruise ships worldwide. However, for many years, it refrained from keeping pace with competitors like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises in constructing ever-larger ships.

The introduction of Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee has signaled a crucial change for the line. It now appears dedicated to creating massive vessels akin to those that have become a trademark of Royal Caribbean, its primary competitor.

Earlier this year, Carnival announced plans for three even larger ships that will rank among the biggest in the world.

The great news for anyone looking to navigate the various options in the Carnival fleet is that the ships can easily be categorized into just eight groups, each featuring similar amenities. If you're familiar with one ship in a group, you're familiar with them all.

Each of these groups — referred to as "classes" in the cruise industry — consists of ships built around the same time with a similar fundamental design.

A guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships

As noted earlier, Carnival's ships can be classified into eight unique classes. However, even across different classes, there are numerous similarities throughout the Carnival fleet.

In contrast to Royal Caribbean and several other cruise lines, Carnival typically doesn't make drastic design changes between its ship classes.

Instead, Carnival generally opts for a gradual approach to design modifications across its new ship classes. For example, you'll find many similarities between the Vista and Dream classes, and these two aren't too different in ambiance from the older Splendor and Conquest classes, albeit they are somewhat larger.

That being said, Carnival is undergoing a significant shift in its ship design philosophy. Its new Excel-class vessels — which made their debut in 2021 with Mardi Gras — are considerably larger than earlier ships. These vessels also introduce numerous new features and amenities, including the first-ever roller coasters on a cruise ship — and no, we're not kidding about that.

For many years, Carnival avoided the trend of larger ships within the industry. Executives believed that the increasingly massive vessels being launched by companies like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises were too large to provide an enjoyable cruising experience.

Carnival is now changing its approach — undoubtedly influenced by the immense popularity of the massive ships introduced by other cruise lines.

At Carnival, similar to other cruise lines, the largest ships in the fleet feature more amenities, dining options, lounges, bars, and deck attractions compared to their smaller counterparts. This is a significant advantage for travelers who prefer having a multitude of choices during their vacations.

However, Carnival's larger ships also accommodate more passengers, which might be off-putting if you favor a more intimate cruising experience.

Overall, Carnival's largest and most amenity-rich ships tend to be its newest ones. If you're seeking a cruise with the maximum array of onboard activities and venues, you should consider the ships in Carnival's new Excel class, along with its relatively recent Vista and Dream classes.

If you prefer a more intimate cruising experience, consider some of Carnival's earlier ship classes, such as the Spirit and Fantasy classes.

The Carnival fleet is set to expand by two additional ships in the coming year as it incorporates two vessels from P&O Cruises Australia, which is owned by the same parent company and will be ceasing operations in early 2025.

As mentioned earlier, the line has also placed orders for three massive new ships, expected to launch between 2029 and 2033.

Additionally, Carnival has ordered two more ships in its newly introduced Excel Class series, slated to start operations in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Excel class

Ships in this class: Mardi Gras (2020), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023)

Weight: 181,808 to 183,521 tons

If you believe that bigger is better when it comes to cruise ships, then this is the Carnival class for you.

With a weight exceeding 180,000 tons, Carnival's three new Excel-class ships are 35% larger than the next biggest vessels in the fleet, providing a wealth of dining options, lounges, bars, and deck attractions that surpass any other Carnival ships by a wide margin.

Aimed at elevating Carnival's "fun ship" concept, these vessels are so spacious that they even feature roller coasters on their upper decks — a groundbreaking first in the cruise industry. Additionally, they offer a much wider selection of suites compared to previous Carnival ships.

The new dining options onboard include the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant at sea, along with the debut of Big Chicken, a restaurant chain established by basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal, who also acts as a spokesperson for Carnival.

Mardi Gras not only boasts a roller coaster but also stands out as the first ship from a North American cruise line designed to run on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuel.

One thing to consider if you're thinking about booking an Excel-class ship is the large number of passengers. If you prefer to avoid crowds, these ships might not be ideal for you, as they are built to accommodate an impressive 5,282 guests at double occupancy and can stretch to hold up to 6,630 when all available bedding is in use.

Vista/Venezia class

Ships in class: Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Horizon (2018), Carnival Vista (2016), Carnival Venezia (2023), and Carnival Firenze (2024)

Size: 133,596 to 135,225 tons

With the launch of the Excel Class ships beginning in 2021, the Vista-class and Venezia-class vessels (which are so alike we’ve grouped them together) are no longer the largest or most feature-rich ships in Carnival's lineup. Nevertheless, they still provide a wide array of dining options, bars, lounges, and top-deck attractions—more than most other Carnival ships.

Each of the four ships in the Vista and Venezia classes includes water parks with waterslides, miniature golf courses, ropes courses, and multiple pool areas. They are also famous for their SkyRide attractions, which are pedal-powered and suspended above the deck.

Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon (both categorized as Vista-class ships) feature IMAX theaters, a cruise industry first. In contrast, Carnival Panorama, another Vista-class vessel, boasts the first-ever trampoline park on a cruise ship, developed in collaboration with Sky Zone.

Each of these ships is packed with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and lounges. Notably, they feature Carnival's inaugural breweries at sea (excluding Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, which are categorized as Venezia-class ships and have some distinct differences).

At Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse on Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon, guests can enjoy on-site brewed beers paired with barbecue creations by Food Network's Guy Fieri. Meanwhile, Carnival Vista has its own standalone brewery along with a separate barbecue venue.

Other dining options on these vessels include the casual Guy's Burger Joint designed by Guy Fieri, a Chipotle-style burrito eatery called BlueIguana Cantina (which serves as Tomodoro on Carnival Venezia and offers some Italian dishes), sushi bars, and steakhouses. Additionally, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama feature the Italian restaurant Cucina Del Capitano and JiJi Asian Kitchen, while Carnival Venezia hosts an Italian eatery named Il Viaggio.

Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Firenze feature teppanyaki restaurants, and all five ships include exclusive chef's tables in their kitchens.

Both the Vista-class and Venezia-class ships share the same fundamental design and are approximately the same size with similar configurations. However, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze were initially constructed for Costa Cruises, Carnival's Italy-based sister brand, leading to a more pronounced Italian theme and some design variations. Nevertheless, they remain essentially Vista-class vessels in practice, prompting us to list them together.

The Vista-class ships were the first in the Carnival fleet to feature exclusive, keycard-accessible cabin areas — a trend that is becoming more common across mass-market lines. There are two such areas on the three Vista-class ships: Havana Cabanas and Family Harbor, specifically designed for families. Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze also offer keycard-restricted areas with different names.

The water park on Carnival Horizon is particularly enticing for Dr. Seuss fans, standing out among the water parks in the Carnival fleet with its unique Dr. Seuss theme. Additionally, the water park on Carnival Venezia boasts one more waterslide than those found on the Vista-class ships, making it especially noteworthy.

Each of these vessels accommodates approximately 4,000 passengers when fully booked based on double occupancy.

Dream class

Ships in class: Carnival Breeze (2012), Carnival Magic (2011), and Carnival Dream (2009)

Size: 130,000 tons

Carnival's Dream-class vessels are about the same size as the Vista-class ships and share many similarities, though several notable differences exist.

Firstly, the Dream-class ships do not feature IMAX theaters or trampoline parks, both of which were introduced with the Vista-class ships. They also lack the exclusive keycard-restricted cabin areas and some dining options available on Vista-class ships.

However, for the most part, if you've sailed on a Vista-class ship, you'll find the atmosphere on a Dream-class ship quite familiar.

Dream-class ships include several amenities found on Vista-class ships. For example, both Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic offer ropes courses on their upper decks, while Carnival Breeze boasts a 4D "thrill theater." These features were first introduced on Dream-class vessels.

Additionally, Dream-class ships feature water parks with waterslides, miniature golf courses, sports courts for basketball and volleyball, and multiple swimming pools.

Dream-class ships feature a variety of interior venues, including Punchliner comedy clubs, piano bars, casinos, and showrooms hosting large production performances. The dining selections mirror those found on Vista-class ships, offering Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, steakhouses, and the Italian restaurant Cucina Del Capitano across all three vessels.

Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream both include sushi restaurants, while Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic feature Carnival's Caribbean-themed bar, RedFrog Pub.

These ships accommodate between 3,646 and 3,690 passengers at double occupancy.

Splendor class

Ships in class: Carnival Splendor (2008)

Size: 113,300 tons

Carnival Splendor stands apart within the Carnival fleet, creating a class of its own. However, it shares many features with the ships from Carnival's Conquest class (see below).

Initially conceived for Costa Cruises, Carnival's Italian sister brand, the ship is actually a sibling to Costa's four Concordia-class vessels. Those familiar with Carnival will recognize that Costa's Concordia class was inspired by Carnival's Conquest class, showcasing striking similarities between the two.

The primary distinction between Carnival Splendor and its Conquest-class counterparts lies in its expanded and reimagined top deck area. The design surrounding the main pool is noticeably unique, featuring a retractable glass roof that is absent on Conquest-class ships, along with a dedicated water play zone for children. Additionally, Splendor boasts a larger spa facility.

Apart from that, Carnival Splendor is essentially a variant of the Conquest-class ships. In terms of size, it's only slightly larger, accommodating 3,012 passengers based on double occupancy.

Conquest class

Ships in class: Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Valor (2004), Carnival Glory (2003), and Carnival Conquest (2002)

Size: 110,000 tons

Weighing in at 111,000 tons, the Conquest-class ships (including Carnival Splendor mentioned earlier) are about 20% smaller than the newer Vista-class and Dream-class vessels, resulting in slightly fewer amenities.

Nevertheless, these ships still feature many of the classic Carnival "fun ship" attractions, such as water play areas with waterslides, miniature golf courses, and adults-only Serenity deck retreats.

Each ship also boasts a good selection of dining options, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina for burritos, and various steakhouses.

Besides being smaller than the Vista-class and Dream-class ships, Conquest-class vessels accommodate fewer passengers, hosting just under 3,000 guests at double occupancy—about 1,000 less than the Vista-class ships.

This difference is significant for those who prefer to avoid large crowds. While some Carnival enthusiasts appreciate the more intimate size of the Conquest and Splendor classes, others might miss the additional amenities found on larger ships.

Spirit class

Vessels in this class: Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001), and Carnival Luminosa (2009)

Weight: 88,500 tons

The ships of the Carnival Spirit-class are the adventurous explorers within the Carnival fleet.

These vessels are designed for "all-weather" cruising, featuring pools that can be covered by retractable domes during colder and stormier conditions. They navigate regions like Alaska, where summer temperatures can still be too brisk for lounging by an open pool deck.

These ships are also utilized by Carnival for winter voyages to the Caribbean from Baltimore, which often includes a day or two of chilly and turbulent sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.

In recent years, Carnival has even sent one of its Spirit-class ships across the Pacific to Australia — marking the most distant destination on its itinerary.

With a weatherproof main pool area, Spirit-class ships are well-suited for remote destinations due to their relatively compact size, allowing them to dock at smaller ports. Weighing in at just 88,500 tons, they rank among the smallest ships in the Carnival fleet — significantly smaller than the new Excel-class vessels.

The Spirit-class ships have a notably lower and sleeker profile compared to most vessels in the Carnival fleet, making it easy for them to pass under smaller bridges. Unlike many recently constructed cruise ships, they are narrow enough to navigate through the older locks of the Panama Canal.

The Spirit-class ships feature the highest proportion of balcony and oceanview cabins within the Carnival fleet, making them ideal for destinations like Alaska, where enjoying the view from your cabin is a significant advantage.

These vessels offer a more intimate cruising experience, accommodating just 2,124 passengers at double occupancy — which classifies them as "mid-size" by today's cruise standards.

However, you can still enjoy many of the fun-focused amenities found on larger Carnival ships, such as water parks equipped with waterslides and miniature golf courses.

One of the standout features of Spirit-class ships is their unique date-night restaurants, ingeniously located within their funnels and topped with translucent glass-dome ceilings.

It's worth noting that Carnival Luminosa, one of the Spirit-class vessels, was originally designed for Costa Cruises, Carnival's sister line, and first sailed under the name Costa Luminosa. Built to similar specifications as the four Spirit-class ships, it is slightly larger and has the capacity for a few more passengers, dating back to 2009.

Sunshine class

Ships in class: Carnival Radiance (2000/2021), Carnival Sunrise (1999/2019), and Carnival Sunshine (1996/2013)

Size: 102,000 tons

The Sunshine class, formerly known as the Destiny class, is perhaps the most distinctive group of ships within the Carnival fleet. While technically, these vessels are some of the oldest in operation, they can also be viewed as among the newest due to significant renovations.

This is because each vessel in this series has undergone extensive renovations, essentially being stripped down and reconstructed from the waterline up.

The renovations, which began in 2013, were so comprehensive that Carnival has renamed each ship. For instance, Carnival Sunshine was previously known as Carnival Destiny, Carnival Sunrise took over from Carnival Triumph, and Carnival Radiance was originally Carnival Victory.

In 2019, Carnival invested $200 million solely in the overhaul of Carnival Sunrise. This extensive upgrade not only refreshed nearly every area of the ship but also introduced classic Carnival attractions that were previously missing, including a complete water park replacing a single waterslide on the upper deck.

Carnival Sunrise now features a SportSquare area on its upper deck, akin to those found on newer Carnival ships. It includes a ropes course, basketball court, miniature golf course, outdoor pool, and ping-pong tables. Additionally, Carnival added an adults-only Serenity lounge area with padded loungers, daybeds, a hot tub, and a full bar to enhance the deck experience.

Furthermore, Carnival Sunrise boasts six new dining and beverage options, including Carnival's signature steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555; the beloved Italian restaurant, Cucina Del Capitano; and a Bonsai Express sushi outlet.

The 2013 refurbishment of Carnival Sunshine introduced similar upgrades, including a complete redesign of the pool area featuring a multilevel waterfall.

Carnival Radiance recently completed its long-planned refurbishment, which was postponed in late 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's important to note that even after these renovations, the ships still lack some of the amenities found on Carnival's newest vessels, such as Carnival Panorama. As mentioned earlier, Carnival's latest ships are larger than the older ones, which allows for more attractions, dining options, and lounges.

Weighing in at approximately 102,000 tons, the Sunshine-class ships are over 20% smaller than Carnival Panorama and more than 40% smaller than Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

These vessels accommodate between 2,984 and 3,002 passengers at double occupancy.

Interestingly, these ships were not always viewed as smaller. When Carnival Sunshine debuted in 1996 (originally named Carnival Destiny), it held the title of the largest cruise ship in the world and was the first to exceed 100,000 tons.

Today, it doesn't even make it onto the list of the 50 largest cruise ships.

Fantasy class

Ships in class: Carnival Paradise (1998) and Carnival Elation (1998)

Size: 70,000 tons

Constructed in the 1990s, the Fantasy-class ships represent Carnival's oldest and smallest vessels, and the company is gradually retiring them. As of 2020, there were eight in operation. Four were removed from the fleet shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year, two more — Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy — were also retired.

The two remaining Fantasy-class ships primarily operate in smaller ports — like Jacksonville, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama — which may not accommodate larger ships.

Though still cherished by Carnival enthusiasts for their cozy size, these ships significantly lack balcony cabins, which are highly sought after nowadays. Most accommodations are ocean-view cabins featuring either a window, a porthole, or are windowless inside cabins.

However, the two Fantasy-class ships have been refurbished over the years to incorporate additional balcony cabins. Depending on the vessel, between 98 and 150 new balconies have been added, including some new suites.

These ships feature fewer amenities and venues compared to Carnival's newer and larger vessels. You won't encounter massive water parks like those found on the latest ships, but there are several slides and a splash park for children. Dining choices are also somewhat limited.

Nevertheless, many Carnival enthusiasts still consider these ships to be a lot of fun.

Each of the two vessels can accommodate approximately 2,100 passengers at double occupancy.

In summary

Carnival operates various classes of ships, but the distinctions between many of them are not as pronounced as those found between classes at other cruise lines.

Carnival's fleet offers a high degree of uniformity in the types of venues available across its ships. Recently, the line has invested $2 billion to renovate many vessels, ensuring consistency in onboard offerings and amenities.

Travelers seeking a large resort experience with plenty of choices should opt for one of Carnival's newer ships, which are larger and feature more amenities. Conversely, if you prefer a more intimate cruising experience, older classes like the Spirit class may be ideal.