Cruises A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone. By Megan duBois Megan duBois Megan duBois is a travel journalist who specializes in theme parks. Her work has been featured in multiple outlets in addition to Travel + Leisure including Delish, Condé Nast Traveler, Today.com, and Insider. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on March 21, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you? After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation, and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point. When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price. Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest. Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise 01 of 27 Carnival Firenze Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2024 Ship Class: Venice Class Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests Standout Amenities: Amari bar for aperitivi and digestivi; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze, you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board. 02 of 27 Carnival Jubilee Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2023 Ship Class: Excel Class Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar. 03 of 27 Carnival Venezia Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2023 Ship Class: Venice Class Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks. 04 of 27 Carnival Celebration Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2022 Ship Class: Excel Class Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 05 of 27 Carnival Luminosa Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2022 Ship Class: Spirit Class Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch. 06 of 27 Carnival Mardi Gras Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2021 Ship Class: Excel Class Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant. 07 of 27 Carnival Radiance Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory, which set sail in 2000) Ship Class: Sunshine Class Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts. 08 of 27 Carnival Panorama Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2019 Ship Class: Vista Class Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea. 09 of 27 Carnival Sunrise Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2019 Ship Class: Sunshine Class Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch Carnival Sunrise (formerly Carnival Triumph) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas. 10 of 27 Carnival Horizon Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2018 Ship Class: Vista Class Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine. 11 of 27 Carnival Vista Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2016 Ship Class: Vista Class Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun. 12 of 27 Carnival Sunshine Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2013 Ship Class: Sunshine Class Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space. 13 of 27 Carnival Breeze Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2012 Ship Class: Dream Class Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club. 14 of 27 Carnival Magic Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2011 Ship Class: Dream Class Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch. 15 of 27 Carnival Dream Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2009 Ship Class: Dream Class Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course. 16 of 27 Carnival Splendor Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2008 Ship Class: Splendor Class Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather. 17 of 27 Carnival Freedom Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2007 Ship Class: Conquest Class Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had. 18 of 27 Carnival Liberty Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2005 Ship Class: Conquest Class Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun. 19 of 27 Carnival Valor Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2004 Ship Class: Conquest Class Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles. 20 of 27 Carnival Miracle Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2004 Ship Class: Spirit Class Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle. Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks. 21 of 27 Carnival Glory Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2003 Ship Class: Conquest Class Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries. 22 of 27 Carnival Legend Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2002 Ship Class: Spirit Class Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales. 23 of 27 Carnival Conquest Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2002 Ship Class: Conquest Class Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails. 24 of 27 Carnival Pride Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2002 Ship Class: Spirit Class Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride. The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options. 25 of 27 Carnival Spirit Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 2001 Ship Class: Spirit Class Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m. Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment. 26 of 27 Carnival Paradise Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 1998 Ship Class: Fantasy Class Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa. 27 of 27 Carnival Elation Courtesy of Carnival Cruises Inaugural Year: 1998 Ship Class: Fantasy Class Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit