The Ultimate Carnival Cruise Ship Guide (2019)

What are the main differences between the various ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet?

This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to know about Carnival cruise ships — the older ones all the way to the newer.

Whether you’re getting ready to take your first Carnival cruise or trying to figure out which ship to take on your 20th, this look at what each of the vessels in their fleet has to offer will help you make the decision.

We’ve listed them in alphabetical order so you can easily find the ship you are looking for.

Carnival Breeze

• Name: Carnival Breeze 
• Class: Dream
• Size: 130,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: June 3, 2012
• Guest Count: 3,690
• Crew: 1,386
• Godmother: Philanthropist Tracy Wilson Mourning
• View Carnival Breeze Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 10 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 44 oceanview balcony Junior Suites, Ocean Suites and Spa Suites
• 851 oceanview balcony staterooms
• 221 oceanview staterooms
• 690 interior staterooms
• 29 oceanview and interior upper/lower staterooms
• 35 Accessible Staterooms
• 1,845 total guest staterooms

Highlights: While Carnival’s newer ships feature a more muted color palette, many of the public and private spaces aboard Breeze have a tropical vibe that’s perfect for its Caribbean-heavy itineraries. Although she doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the newer ships, her WaterWorks and Serenity areas make her a big hit with families.

FAQ: Does Carnival Breeze have a casino? Yes, it does. When was Carnival Breeze refurbished? 2022

Fun Fact: This was the first ship to feature Bonsai Sushi, which has since become a wildly popular venue among Carnival passengers.

Carnival Celebration

• Name: Carnival Celebration
• Class: Excel
• Size: 180,000 gross tons
• Inaugural Sailing: November 6, 2022
• Guest Count: 6,465
• Crew: 1,745
• Godmother: Cassidy Gifford

Highlights: As the second Carnival Excel-class ship, Celebration has a lot in common with her sister Mardi Gras, such as the BOLT roller coaster, Rudi’s Seagrill restaurant, and huge Serenity deck space with a pool. Some differences though, include two newly-themed zones: the travel-themed Gateway zone with the Latitudes bar with a working flip board, and the Miami-themed 820 Biscayne zone which offers Cuban coffees and Sunshine State-inspired cocktails.

FAQ: Does Carnival Celebration have a roller coaster? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Celebration have a laundry room? No, but it does have an ironing room. Laundry service is also available. Does Carnival Celebration have a casino? Yes.

Fun Fact: To celebrate its history, Carnival Cruise Line incorporated many pieces from former Carnival ships on Carnival Celebration, including glass murals from Carnival Victory in the Aquaria Bar, and the antique Rolls Royce from Carnival Ecstasy in the travel-themed Gateway zone.

Carnival Conquest

• Name: Carnival Conquest
• Class: Conquest
• Size: 110,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: November 15, 2002
• Guest Count: 2,980
• Crew: 1,150
• Godmother: Corrine Lindy Clairborne Boggs, the first woman elected to Congress from the state of Louisiana
  
• View Carnival Conquest Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 2 deluxe Captain’s Suites
• 10 oceanview Grand Suites
• 42 oceanview Ocean Suites and Junior Suites
• 6 scenic oceanview balcony staterooms
• 521 oceanview balcony staterooms
• 324 oceanview staterooms
• 564 interior staterooms
• 10 oceanview upper/lower staterooms
• 11 interior upper/lower staterooms
• 26 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,490 total guest staterooms

Highlights: Although currently sailing out of Miami, the Conquest was originally designed to sail out of New Orleans. As such, much of her decor reflects that city’s culture and history, including the Blue’s Piano Bar and the Toulouse-Lautrec Main Show Lounge.

FAQ: What terminal in Miami does Carnival Conquest use? Terminal D, E, and F. Does Carnival Conquest have a casino? Yes, it does.

Fun Fact: The controversial 2008 book Cruise Confidential chronicles, in part, its author’s experiences as a restaurant worker on the Conquest.

Carnival Dream

Photo by Andy Newman

• Name: Carnival Dream
• Class: Dream
• Size: 130,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: September 21, 2009
• Guest Count: 3,646
• Crew: 1,367
• Godmother: Actress Marcia Gay Harden
• View Carnival Dream Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 70 Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites
• 817 Oceanview with balcony/lanai staterooms
• 258 Oceanview staterooms
• 678 Interior staterooms

Highlights: The first in her class — soon to be followed by the Magic and the Breeze — the Dream introduced a new concept in the Ocean Plaza area, which featured music and a cafe with indoor/outdoor seating areas. The ship’s atrium is a stunner, stretching all the way up to a top-deck skylight. Another great feature: Deck five’s promenade, which circles the entire ship and features several hot tubs that are cantilevered over the edge!

FAQ: Where does Carnival Dream go? Carnival Dream currently sails from Galveston to the Caribbean. Does Carnival Dream have a casino? Yes, it does. Has Carnival Dream been refurbished? Yes, in 2022.

Fun Fact: The Dream was the very first Carnival ship to be built with a top-deck water slide.

Carnival Elation

• Name: Carnival Elation
• Class: Fantasy
• Size: 71,909-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: March 20, 1998
• Guest Count: 2,606
• Crew: 920
• Godmother: Shari Arison Dorsman, President of the Arison Foundation and daughter of Carnival’s Chairman Emeritus, Ted Arison
• View Carnival Elation Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 54 Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites
• 564 Oceanview with Balcony/Lanai staterooms
• 389 Oceanview staterooms
• 19 interior staterooms

Highlights: Elation is one of the older Carnival ships which still manage to retain a sense of individuality. There are bursts of bright colors everywhere, and venues with completely unique design elements (such as the enormous Statue of Liberty head in the piano bar). When people say, “They don’t make ’em like that anymore” in reference to cruise ships, this is exactly the kind of ship they’re talking about. During a 2017 dry-dock, numerous oceanview staterooms were converted into the more in-demand balcony category.

FAQ: Is Carnival Elation still sailing? Yes, it is as of early 2023. Where is Carnival Elation? Carnival Elation currently sails from Jacksonville, Florida to the Bahamas. When was Carnival Elation last refurbished? Early 2023.

Fun Fact: Like her fellow Fantasy-class members, this ship was originally named, Elation. In 2007, the decision was made to add the word “Carnival” to all of their names.

Carnival Freedom

• Name: Carnival Freedom
• Class: Conquest
• Size: 110,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing:  March 14, 2007
• Guest Count: 3,754
• Crew: 1,150
• Godmother: Supermodel Kathy Ireland
• View Carnival Freedom Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 2 Deluxe Captain’s Suites
• 10 Grand Penthouse Suites
• 42 Suites
• 6 Scenic Oceanview staterooms
• 521 Balcony/Lanai staterooms
• 334 Oceanview staterooms
• 575 Interior staterooms

Highlights: Fresh out of a dry-dock in early 2019, Freedom now offers a wide variety of venues and entertainment options that have long been staples on other Carnival ships. For example, a Bonsai Sushi Express was added, and the water park got a whole new look, including two water slides.

But one of our favorite things about sailing on older Carnival ships, is seeing familiar venues such as dance clubs and main dining rooms with unusual names, picked for the ship’s theme (something that no longer exists on new builds).

For instance, on this ship you have the Centuries Promenade, International Aft Lounge and Victoriana Main Show Lounge.

FAQ: Does Carnival Freedom have a casino? Yes, it does. When was Carnival Freedom last refurbished? 2019. Does Carnival Freedom have Guy’s Burger Joint? Yes!

Fun Fact: This was the first ship to replace Camp Carnival with Camp Ocean, the popular children’s program, as well as the first to introduce the Dr. Seuss-themed Bookville and its reading room. 

Watch Carnival Freedom Ship Tour (2019)

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Carnival Glory

• Name: Carnival Glory
• Class: Conquest
• Size: 110,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: July 14, 2003
• Guest Count: 3,756
• Crew: 1,150
• Godmother: Dr. Sally Ride, Astronaut
• View Carnival Glory Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 2 deluxe Captain’s Suites
• 10 Grand Penthouse Suites
• 42 Suites
• 6 Scenic Oceanview cabins
• 521 Balcony/Lanai cabins
• 334 Oceanview cabins
• 577 Interior cabins

Highlights: Thanks to dry-docks, which saw changes both major and minor in 2012 and 2017, Glory has a whole lot of popular venues despite being more than 15 years old. But it also retains some of the things we love about the older ships, including four glass elevators. Another feature you won’t find on the newer ships is a band playing on the promenade at night, just outside the casino, bringing that entire area to life. One thing we’ll say about this ship: It definite has the mark of Joe Farcus, meaning you’ll find a whole lot of unique design touches, including some that border on Gothic. 

FAQ: Does Carnival Glory have a casino? Yes, it does. Does Carnival Glory have a laundry room? Yes, it has self-service launderettes as well as laundry services. Does Carnival Glory have a RedFrog Pub? No, but it does have RedFrog Rum Bar.

Fun Fact: While the steakhouse on most Carnival ships is named Fahrenheit 555, here it’s known as The Emerald Room. It’s a bit less formal looking than some of the steakhouses found on newer ships, but reservations are still recommended. Don’t have one? You might still be able to get in… plus, the Emerald Room offers a bar where you can have a cocktail while you wait for a table to become available. 

Watch Carnival Glory Tour (2019)

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Carnival Horizon

• Name: Carnival Horizon
• Class: Vista
• Size: 133,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: April 2, 2018
• Guest Count: 4,977
• Crew: 1,450
• Godmother: Queen Latifah
• View Carnival Horizon Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 8 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 66 oceanview Ocean Suites
• 2 Junior Suites (obstructed standard balcony)
• 38 Ocean Suites (large balcony)
• 6 Cloud 9 Spa Suites (large balcony)
• 16 Family Harbor Suites (large cove balcony)
• 4 Havana Cabana Suites (patio cabana & Ianai)
• 864 oceanview balcony staterooms
• 23 oceanview with patio cabana & Ianai
• 254 oceanview staterooms
• 752 interior staterooms
• 20 oceanview & interior upper/lower staterooms
• 25 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,987 total guest staterooms

Highlights: In many ways, Horizon is a virtual twin to the first-in-class Vista. Both offer the new Havana staterooms (including some with a cool lanai and even hammocks!), and both feature the thrilling SkyRide that allows you to essentially ride a bicycle while suspended some 140 feet above the sea.

The biggest difference between the two mega-ships? While Vista became the first ship to brew its own beer, Horizon upped the ante by combining ship-brewed beer with smoked meats to create the amazing venue that is Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse. 

FAQ: Does Carnival Horizon have laundry facilities? Yes, it has self-service launderettes as well as laundry services. Does Carnival Horizon have a gym? Yes! Does Carnival Horizon have a casino? Yes, it does.

Fun Fact: As part of the festivities following the ship’s naming ceremony, godmother Queen Latifah kicked Philadelphia Eagles’ kicker Jake Elliott’s butt during a Lip Sync Battle. 

Watch Carnival Horizon Ship Tour (2019)

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Carnival Legend

• Name: Carnival Legend
• Class: Spirit
• Size: 88,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: August 24, 2002
• Guest Count: 2,610
• Crew: 930
• Godmother: Dame Judi Dench
• View Carnival Legend Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 6 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 44 oceanview balcony Suites
  • Ocean Suites (32)
  • Junior Suites (2)
  • Vista Suites (10)
• 632 oceanview balcony
• 64 oceanview French doors
• 103 oceanview window
• 213 interior cabins
• 17 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,062 total guest cabin

Highlights: Another of the old-school Carnival ships, Legend dates back to a time when ships had themes… and this one is obvious. You don’t simply get a Lido Pool or casino, but rather venues with names like the Camelot and Avalon Pools, and the Club Merlin Casino. Of course, there are more modern “legends” aboard as well… and yes, we count Guy Fieri as a legend thanks to his incredible Burger Joint.

FAQ: Does Carnival Legend have Dive-In movies on an outdoor movie screen? No, it doesn’t. Does Carnival Legend have a casino? Yes!

Fun Fact: The ship’s maiden voyage was also Carnival’s first cruise in Europe, a three-night trip from Harwich to Amsterdam and back. This was also the first Carnival ship to offer specialty dining. 

Carnival Liberty

• Name: Carnival Liberty
• Class: Conquest
• Size: 110,00-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: July 20, 2005
• Guest Count: 3,756
• Crew: 1,160
• Godmother: Actress Mira Sorvino
• View Carnival Liberty Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 2 deluxe Captain’s Suites
• 10 oceanview Grand Suites
• 42 oceanview Ocean Suites & Junior Suites
• 521 oceanview balcony staterooms
• 327 oceanview staterooms
• 564 interior staterooms
• 10 oceanview upper/lower staterooms
• 11 interior upper/lower staterooms
• 29 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,487 total guest staterooms

Highlights: Unlike today’s more homogeneous ships, this is yet another on which you’ll find unique details around every corner. The three-story atrium features an interesting combination of multi-colored lights and wrought iron, while the main dining room has white iron chandeliers that are reminiscent of the ballroom from Disney’s Beauty & The Beast.

The lights-and-ironwork combo recurs throughout, especially along the promenade. A nice feature of the pool deck is that it’s tiered, offering several levels of loungers. All of these have nice views of the pool, as opposed to a standard flat-plan where the majority of loungers are all on one level.

FAQ: Does Carnival Liberty have a basketball court? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Liberty have waterslides? Yes. Can you smoke on Carnival Liberty? Yes, but only in the casino and in the designated outdoor smoking areas.

Fun Fact: This was the first Carnival ship to be outfitted with a Seaside Theater, which is now famous for the nightly poolside Dive-In Movies.

Carnival Luminosa

• Name: Carnival Luminosa (formerly Costa Luminosa)
• Class: Spirit
• Size: 92,720 gross tons
• Inaugural Sailing: November 6, 2022 (for Carnival)
• Guest Count: 2,826
• Crew: 1,050
• Godmother: Olympic fencing champion Valentina Vezzali

Staterooms:

• 6 Penthouse Suites
• 44 Suites
• 632 Ocean View Balcony
• 68 Ocean View without Balcony
• 99 Ocean View Window
• 213 Interior Cabins
• 1,062 total staterooms

Highlights: Hearkening back to the traditional cruise ship architecture, Luminosa features a 10-story atrium topped with a glass ceiling. There’s also a pool deck with a sliding roof, one of Carnival’s largest Cloud 9 Spas, the Serenity adults-only sundeck, and Carnival’s popular Alchemy Bar.

FAQ: Does Carnival Luminosa have water slides? No, it doesn’t. Does Carnival Luminosa have Guy’s burgers? No. Does Carnival Luminosa have a laundry room? No, but laundry service is available.

Fun Fact: Carnival Luminosa, formerly Costa Luminosa, is kind of in a class of her own; her design is a hybrid of the Spirit class and the Vista class. She was christened with sister ship Costa Pacifica in 2009 — the first time two cruise ships were simultaneously christened in Italy.

Carnival Magic

• Name: Carnival Magic
• Class: Dream
• Size: 130,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: May 1, 2011
• Guest Count: 3,690
• Crew: 1,386
• Godmother: Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who went on to become an ambassador for the organization. 
• View Carnival Magic Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 10 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 44 oceanview balcony Junior Suites and Spa Suites
• 851 oceanview balcony staterooms
• 221 oceanview staterooms
• 690 interior staterooms
• 29 oceanview and interior upper/lower staterooms
• 35 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,845 total guest staterooms

Highlights: In some ways, the Carnival Magic represents a middle ground for the line’s ships. On the one hand, it features many of the things we now associate with Carnival — including venues like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint — yet it manages to feel old-fashioned and retain some of the intimacy that was once associated with cruising. It also bridges the gap between some of the more over-the-top ships (such as the Miracle) and today’s vessels, which don’t really offer the individual themes that Carnival’s older ships once did.

FAQ: Does Carnival Magic have a roller coaster? No, it doesn’t. Does Carnival Magic have a movie theater? No, but you can watch movies on the outdoor Dive-In screen. Does Carnival Magic have a casino? Yes, it does!

Fun Fact: During a typical week-long cruise, guests on the Carnival Magic consume upwards of 40,000 pastries. 

Carnival Miracle

• Name: Carnival Miracle
• Class: Spirit
• Size: 88,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: February 27, 2004
• Guest Count: 2,680
• Crew: 910
• Godmother: Jessica Lynch
• View Carnival Miracle Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 6 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 44 oceanview balcony Suites
  •  Ocean Suites (32)
  • Junior Suites (2)
  • Vista Suites (10)
• 632 oceanview balcony
• 64 oceanview French doors
• 103 oceanview window
• 213 interior cabins
• 16 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,062 total guest cabins

Highlights: This might be the most unique of the remaining old-school Carnival ships. The work of longtime designer/entertainment architect Joe Farcus is unmistakable in venues like the Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, the two-story disco featuring a 15-foot tall version of the mad scientist’s creation. Unusual design elements abound whether in the practically hidden Gatsby’s Garden Promenade or the steakhouse which is essentially built into the famous whale-tail funnel (which is, by the way, another Farcus design).

FAQ: Does Carnival Miracle have a casino? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Miracle have Dive-In movies? No, it doesn’t. Does Carnival Miracle have a laundry room? Yes, there are self-service launderettes as well as laundry service.

Fun Fact: Outside each stateroom is a larger-than-life picture of a famous fictional character. 

Watch Carnival Miracle Tour (2019)

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Carnival Panorama

• Name: Carnival Panorama
• Class: Vista
• Size: 88,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: December 11, 2019
• Guest Count: 5,146
• Crew: 1,450
• Coming Soon: Carnival Panorama Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 70 Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites
• 891 Balcony and Lanai cabins
• 254 Oceanview cabins
• 789 Interior cabins
• 2,004 total cabins

Highlights: Truth be told, Carnival Panorama has been a bit overlooked thanks to her attention-hogging sister, Mardi Gras. After all, Mardi Gras is sort of a game-changer for Carnival, from her hull art to her top-deck roller coaster. But Panorama is deserving of a whole lot of attention in her own right. For one thing, the ship introduced a fleet-first in SkyZone, a multi-purpose trampoline park. It was also be the first Carnival ship to feature a culinary studio. This third Vista-class ship sails year-round out of Long Beach, California. Of course, the ship offers many of the favorites featured on her siblings, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse, the SkyRide, and the Alchemy Bar.

FAQ: Does Carnival Panorama have an IMAX theater? No, it doesn’t. Does Carnival Panorama have single rooms? Unfortunately, no. Does Carnival Panorama have a casino? Yes, it does.

Fun Fact: This was the first newly-built Carnival ship to sail from Long Beach in over two decades. 

Carnival Paradise

• Name: Carnival Paradise
• Class: Fantasy
• Size: 70,367-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: November 25, 1998
• Guest Count: 2,606
• Crew: 920
• Godmother: Paula Zahn, American newscaster and journalist
• View Carnival Paradise Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 78 Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites
• 662 Balcony/Lanai cabins
• 391 Oceanview cabins
• 31 Interior Staterooms

Highlights: During a 2018 refurbishment, Carnival Paradise received 38 brand new staterooms. Also added was Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, Camp Ocean kids program, and a WaterWorks aqua park.

FAQ: Does Carnival Paradise have a movie screen? No, it doesn’t. Does Carnival Paradise have a casino? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Paradise have a basketball court? No

Fun Fact: Carnival Paradise was launched at the world’s first non-smoking cruise ship. It was so anti-smoke that even the crew members were not allowed to smoke. On top of that, if you were caught smoking on the ship you were fined $250 and sent home from the next port of call. Carnival discontinued the smoke-free policy in 2003.

Carnival Pride

• Name: Carnival Pride
• Class: Spirit
• Size: 88,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: January 12, 2002
• Guest Count: 2,680
• Crew: 910
• Godmother: Dr. Tamara Jernigan, an astronaut who flew five different space shuttle missions
• View Carnival Pride Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 6 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 44 oceanview balcony Suites
  • 32 Ocean Suites 
  • 2 Junior Suites 
  • 10 Vista Suites 
• 632 oceanview balcony
• 64 oceanview French doors
• 103 oceanview window
• 213 interior cabins
• 17 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,062 total guest cabins

Highlights: This midsize ship underwent a renovation in early 2019 which mostly involved sprucing things up. At that time, the chapel and library were removed and an area known as “The Cove” was added. This is largely used in conjunction with Carnival’s newly-formed partnership with Michael’s, meaning it’s where a lot of family-friendly crafting events are held. You’ll find some of Carnival’s newer offerings — like Guy’s Burger Joint and Bonsai Sushi — on board, but the ship also managed to maintain some of its old-world charm in venues such as the Normandie Dining Room.

FAQ: Does Carnival Pride have laundry facilities? Yes, there are self-serve launderettes as well as laundry service.

Fun Fact: Pride was the first ship to do year-round sailings out of Baltimore, Maryland’s port. 

Carnival Radiance

• Name: Carnival Radiance, formerly Carnival Victory
• Class: Sunshine, formerly Destiny
• Size: 133,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: October 15, 2000, as Victory; December 13, 2021 as Radiance
• Guest Count: 3,873
• Crew: 1,108
• Godmother: Dr. Lucille O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal’s mother
• View Carnival Radiance Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 2 Balcony Captain Suites
• 10 Balcony Grand Suites
• 41 Balcony Ocean Suites
• 502 Balcony staterooms
• 6 Scenic Oceanview staterooms
• 304 Oceanview staterooms
• 527 Interior staterooms
• 1,492 total guest cabins

Highlights: Following her massive refurbishment and name change in 2021, Carnival Radiance now features a RedFrog Pub, the Bonsai Sushi specialty restaurant, and Shaq’s counter-service venue Big Chicken. The ship also features a WaterWorks aqua park, the Serenity adults-only sundeck, Alchemy Bar, and the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge.

FAQ: Does Carnival Radiance have a casino? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Radiance have a water slide? Yes, it has two! How many decks does Carnival Radiance have? 14

Fun Fact: The ship’s massive transformation cost $200 million!

Watch Carnival Victory Ship Tour (2019)

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Carnival Spirit

• Name: Carnival Spirit
• Class: Spirit
• Ship Size: 88,550-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: April 29, 2001
• Guest Count: 2,610
• Crew: 930
• Godmother: Elizabeth Dole, former North Carolina senator and spouse of the late Bob Dole

Staterooms

• 6 Penthouse Suites
• 44 Suites
• 632 Balcony cabins
• 68 Oceanview without balcony cabins
• 99 Oceanview window cabins
• 213 Interior cabins
• 1,062 total guest staterooms

Highlights: For several years, this ship sailed exclusively out of Australia. But she has since returned to the United States and now does voyages out of ports including Seattle, Mobile, and Miami. Like some of the other older ships, Spirit has a very cool “hidden” area, called the Jungle Promenade and featuring cozy seating, bamboo and nice ocean views.

FAQ: Does Carnival Spirit have laundry facilities? Yes, Carnival Spirit has self-service launderettes as well as laundry service. Does Carnival Spirit have a casino? Yes, it does. Does Carnival Spirit have Dive-In movies? Yes!

Carnival Splendor  

• Name: Carnival Splendor
• Class: Splendor
• Size: 113,300-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: July 2, 2008
• Guest Count: 3,734
• Crew: 1,150
• Godmother: British model/singer/pianist Myleene Klas
• View Carnival Splendor Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 54 Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites
• 537 Balcony/Lanai staterooms
• 335 Oceanview staterooms
• 580 Interior staterooms
• 1,506 total guest staterooms

Highlights: If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind ship, this one might qualify… if for no other reason than she is the only one in her class! That’s because Splendor was originally ordered and built for Costa Cruises, but at some point during construction, the decision was made to transfer her to their sister line, Carnival.

Carnival Splendor currently sails year-round out of Sydney, Australia.

FAQ: What currency is used on Carnival Splendor? Australian dollars. Does Carnival Splendor have a casino? Yes, it does.

Fun Fact: When the ship relocated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Long Beach, California in 2009, the trip actually took 49 days. Why? Because Splendor was too wide to traverse the Panama Canal, so the ship instead went around Cape Horn … becoming the first Carnival ship to ever make that journey!

Carnival Sunrise

• Name: Carnival Sunrise (formerly Carnival Triumph)
• Class: Sunshine (formerly Destiny class)
• Size: 101,509-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: April 29, 2019
• Guest Count: 3,873
• Crew: 1,108
• Godmother: Kelly Arison
• View Carnival Sunrise Deck Plans 

Staterooms

• 2 balcony Captain Suites
• 10 balcony Grand Suites
• 41 balcony Ocean Suites
• 502 balcony staterooms
• 302 oceanview window staterooms
• 512 interior staterooms
• 1,492 total guest staterooms

Highlights: Talk about something old, something new! Following an extensive dry-dock, the Carnival Triumph morphed into Carnival Sunrise, a sister ship to the much-loved Carnival Sunshine. The sort of new-and-definitely-improved ship has been updated with such popular outlets as Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ, the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Cucina del Capitano. If you’re looking for a special dining experience, check out the gorgeous new space in which the Chef’s Table is held.

FAQ: Does Carnival Sunrise have a casino? Yes, it does. How many pools are on Carnival Sunrise? There are two. Does Carnival Sunrise have a gym? Yes!

Fun Fact: The largest room on the ship? The Captain’s Suite, which also happens to come with priority boarding and disembarkation.

Carnival Sunrise Video Tour (2019)

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Carnival Sunshine

• Name: Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny)
• Class: Sunshine (formerly Destiny class)
• Ship Size: 102,853-tons
• Inaugural Sailing:  November 17, 2013
• Guest Count: 3,758
• Crew: 920
• Godmother: Lin Arison
• View Carnival Sunshine Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 48 Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites
• 448 Balcony/Lanai staterooms
• 310 Oceanview staterooms
• 515 Interior staterooms
• 1,321 total guest staterooms
  

Highlights: It’s impossible to talk about the Carnival Sunshine without mentioning the feature which sets it apart from all other ships in the fleet. A gorgeous Serenity deck, complete with the waterfall! It’s easy to forget that from 1996 until 2013, the ship was known as Carnival Destiny. Only after a $155 million makeover did she become the Sunshine. This process also saw the Triumph morph into the Sunrise and Carnival Victory transformed into Radiance.  The ship does have a few layout quirks which can lead to a bit of confusion when newcomers first begin exploring, but over time the ship has become one of the most popular in the fleet.

FAQ: Does Carnival Sunshine have a casino? Yes, it does. Does Carnival Sunshine have a gym? Yes!

Fun Fact: At the time of her introduction, Carnival Sunshine was the world’s largest ship in terms of weight, being the very first to cross the 100,000 gross ton mark.

Carnival Valor

• Name: Carnival Valor
• Class: Conquest
• Size: 110,000-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: December 19, 2004
• Guest Count: 3,756
• Crew: 1,180
• Godmother: Katie Couric
• View Carnival Valor Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 2 Deluxe Captain’s Suites
• 10 Grand Penthouse Suites
• 42 Suites
• 6 Scenic Oceanview cabins
• 521 Balcony/Lanai cabins
• 334 Oceanview cabins
• 575 Interior cabins
• 1,490 total staterooms

Highlights: Another ship from the era when vessels in the fleet had themes, Valor’s through-line here is “heroes and heroics.” The message does get a bit muddled, with venues like the moon-themed One Small Step dance club and the Paris Hot Lounge. But you’ll also find all your favorite Carnival hot spots, including Guy’s Burger Joint, the Alchemy Bar and a steakhouse (although it’s called Scarlet’s here, as opposed the Fahrenheit 555 branding). Like other similarly-aged ships in the fleet, Valor isn’t going to have the big-ticket attractions. But those looking for a classic ship will find exactly what they were seeking once they step on board.

FAQ: Does Carnival Valor have a casino? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Valor have laundry facilities? Yes, it has self-service launderettes as well as laundry service.

Fun Fact: The aft pool on Valor has a retractable sunroof, making it the perfect place to hang out on days with less-than-ideal weather.

Carnival Venezia

• Name: Carnival Venezia (formerly Costa Venezia)
• Class: Vista
• Size: 135,225 gross tons
• Inaugural Sailing: May 29, 2023 (originally March 8, 2019)
• Guest Count: 5,260
• Crew: 1,278
• Godmother: Gan Beiye (a frequent Costa Cruises passenger)

Highlights: Carnival Venezia, as her name implies, has a Venetian theme that extends to many public areas. As the first ship in Carnival’s new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ offering, the cruise line has merged the Italian influences with many of its signature amenities, such as a newly-themed Guy’s Burger Joint with an Italian burger on the menu as well as the Amari Bar, which is similar to the popular Alchemy Bar. Another distinctive feature is the Lido deck, which is modeled after the Italian Riviera and features a retractable roof.

FAQ: Is Carnival Venezia a new ship? It was built in 2019. Will Carnival Venezia have Guy’s burgers? Yes! Does Carnival Venezia have water slides? Yes, it does.

Fun Fact: Carnival Venezia was originally built for the Chinese market as Costa Venezia for Carnival’s sister brand Costa Cruises, and debuted in 2019. Alongside several other recent Costa ships, Venezia’s interior public spaces were themed after a specific region of Italy — in this case Venice. One of the main dining rooms features an authentic Venetian gondola atop lit-up flooring that’s reminiscent of water.

Carnival Vista

• Name: Carnival Vista
• Class: Vista
• Size: 133,500-tons
• Inaugural Sailing: May 1, 2016
• Guest Count: 4,977
• Crew: 1,450
• Godmother: Deshauna Barber, the first member of the U.S. military to be crowned Miss USA.
• View Carnival Vista Deck Plans

Staterooms

• 8 oceanview balcony Grand Suites
• 66 oceanview Ocean Suites
  • 2 Junior Suites (obstructed standard balcony)
  • 38 Ocean Suites (large balcony)
  • 6 Cloud 9 Spa Suites (large balcony)
  • 16 Family Harbor Suites (large cove balcony)
  • 4 Havana Cabana Suites (patio cabana & Ianai)
• 854 oceanview balcony staterooms
• 23 oceanview with patio cabana & Ianai
• 264 oceanview staterooms
• 732 interior staterooms
• 20 oceanview and interior upper/lower staterooms
• 25 modified for wheelchair users
• 1,967 total guest staterooms

Highlights: The first of her class, Vista introduced several exciting new concepts to the Carnival fleet. For example, she was the first ship to have the SkyRide (which might be the closest thing to those flying bikes from E.T.). This was also the first ship to have the Havana staterooms and, perhaps more importantly, the Havana Retreat. The ship also boasts an IMAX theater and in the expansive Serenity area, a Fresh Creations salad bar. 

FAQ: Does Carnival Vista have a casino? Yes, it does. Does Carnival Vista have laundry facilities? Yes, there are self-service launderettes as well as laundry service.

Fun Fact: At the time that Vista joined the Carnival fleet, she was the largest ship Carnival had ever built. 

Mardi Gras

• Name: Mardi Gras
• Class: Excel
• Size: 180,000 gross tons
• Inaugural Sailing: July 31, 2021
• Guest Count: 6,465
• Crew: 1,745
• Godmother: Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jiménez

Staterooms:

• 2 Cloud 9 Spa Deluxe Vista Suites
• 12 Deluxe Vista Suites
• 12 Captain’s Suites
• 8 Premium Balcony Suites
• 2 Havana Vista Suites
• 4 Havana Cabana Suites
• 6 Cloud 9 Spa Suites
• 129 Ocean Suites
• 8 Havana Forward-View Extended Balcony
• 44 Havana Cabana
• 8 Cloud 9 Spa Forward-View Extended Balcony
• 48 Cloud 9 Spa Balcony
• 12 Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
• 34 Aft-View Extended Balcony
• 48 Forward-View Extended Balcony
• 104 Extended Balcony
• 1,026 Standard Balcony
• 112 Cove Balcony
• 23 Junior Balcony
• 4 Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View
• 6 Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View
• 41 Family Harbor Ocean View
• 130 Ocean View
• 40 Havana Interior
• 43 Cloud 9 Spa Interior
• 41 Premium Interior
• 22 Family Harbor Interior
• 672 Interior
• 2,641 total guest staterooms

Highlights: Mardi Gras is the first ship in Carnival’s Excel-class, boasting a brand-new design for the cruise line. The ship is divided into themed “zones,” including the casual Summer Landing with Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and the aft Patio Pool, Italian-themed zone La Piazza, and New Orleans-themed French Quarter with a new restaurant by Chef Emeril Lagasse. The ship also features — for the first time in Carnival’s history — a side-facing atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows and a roller coaster on the top deck.

FAQ: Does Carnival Mardi Gras have laundry rooms? No, but it does have ironing rooms and laundry service. Does Carnival Mardi Gras have a casino? Yes, it does! Does Carnival Mardi Gras have a movie theater? No, but it does show movies outdoors on the Lido deck screen.

Fun Fact: Mardi Gras is the first North America-based ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas. She’s also the first cruise ship in the world to feature a roller coaster.