Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size: Complete Fleet Ranked by Gross Tonnage

This guide ranks all active Carnival Cruise Lines ships by size, measured by gross tonnage, to help you navigate the fleet and find the right ship for your next getaway.

Whether you're planning a high-energy Caribbean escape or a relaxing transatlantic crossing, understanding the scale and scope of each vessel can elevate your cruise planning and expectations.

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Key Takeaways

Carnival Jubilee is currently the largest ship in the fleet, boasting a gross tonnage of 183,521 GT.
The Excel Class vessels — Jubilee, Celebration, and Mardi Gras — represent Carnival’s newest and most spacious cruise ships.
Carnival’s fleet ranges widely in size, from mega-ships over 180,000 GT to smaller vessels under 75,000 GT.
Larger ships tend to offer more onboard attractions, like rollercoasters and waterparks, while smaller ships provide a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
This ranking is based on gross tonnage, which measures the ship's internal volume — not passenger capacity or physical length.

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1. Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size comparison featuring Carnival Jubilee, the largest ship in the fleet, shown at sea with its expansive decks, multiple outdoor zones, and Excel Class design visible from above — Photo by Ed Uthman

Gross Tonnage: 183,521 GT
Class: Excel Class
Entered Service: 2023

Leading the list of Carnival Cruise Lines ships by size, Carnival Jubilee is the newest and largest vessel in the fleet. At over 183,000 gross tons, this Excel-class ship began sailing from Galveston, Texas, in December 2023, offering vibrant Western Caribbean itineraries. It shares design roots with Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras but introduces unique spaces and energy inspired by its homeport.

Jubilee delivers on scale and experience with six themed zones, a top-deck water park, the thrilling BOLT rollercoaster, and an expansive Serenity retreat for adults. Guests can enjoy diverse dining options, immersive entertainment, and a fresh take on Carnival’s signature fun, all spread across multiple decks designed for seamless flow and open-air connection to the sea.

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2. Carnival Celebration

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size ranking featuring Carnival Celebration at sea, showcasing its large-scale Excel Class layout with multiple decks, open-air zones, and modern cruise ship design — Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gross Tonnage: 183,521 GT
Class: Excel Class
Entered Service: 2022

Carnival Celebration is tied with Jubilee as the largest ship in the fleet by gross tonnage, offering the same impressive scale but with her own unique flair. Entering service in late 2022, she sails primarily from Miami and features a vibrant onboard atmosphere with distinct themed zones, designed to reflect Carnival’s legacy and its future.

From the Grand Central atrium and the top-deck rollercoaster to Celebration Central's high-energy entertainment, the ship presents a full spectrum of experiences for guests of all ages. Its layout is optimized for both relaxation and activity, including exclusive lounges, a wide range of casual and upscale dining, and Carnival’s signature festive vibe across every deck.

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3. Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size comparison featuring Mardi Gras at sea, highlighting its Excel Class scale, multi-deck layout, and expansive top-deck attractions — Photo by kees torn.

Gross Tonnage: 180,000 GT
Class: Excel Class
Entered Service: 2021

As the first of the Excel Class, Mardi Gras marked a turning point in Carnival’s fleet evolution. Weighing in at 180,000 gross tons, she was the largest in the lineup at her debut and set the tone for what guests now expect from Carnival Cruise Lines ships by size. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Mardi Gras brought bold innovations that blended mega-ship excitement with signature Carnival charm.

She introduced six themed zones, including the French Quarter and Summer Landing, each offering immersive food, drink, and entertainment experiences. Notably, Mardi Gras was also the first cruise ship in North America powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reflecting Carnival’s step toward more sustainable cruising.

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4. Carnival Venezia

Gross Tonnage: 135,225 GT
Class: Venice Class
Entered Service with Carnival: 2023

Carnival Venezia joined the fleet with a distinctive identity, reflecting her Italian roots from her time with Costa Cruises. Her Venetian-inspired design offers a different onboard atmosphere, with elegant architectural touches and themed venues that set her apart from Carnival’s typical decor.

Among Carnival Cruise Lines ships by size, Venezia sits in the mid-tier range, providing a strong balance of amenities and intimacy. Sailing primarily from New York, she handles a mix of Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries, appealing to cruisers who enjoy familiar Carnival experiences with a European twist.

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5. Carnival Firenze

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size visual featuring Carnival Firenze at sea, showing its Venice Class exterior, evenly spaced balconies, and clean, modern superstructure — Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gross Tonnage: 135,156 GT
Class: Venice Class
Entered Service with Carnival: 2024

Carnival Firenze is a sister ship to Carnival Venezia, also transferred from Costa Cruises and redesigned with Carnival’s “Fun Italian Style” branding. While her layout is nearly identical to Venezia’s, Firenze offers subtle changes in theming and onboard programming, giving cruisers a slightly different flavor of the same class.

She primarily sails from Long Beach, California, offering itineraries along the Mexican Riviera. Passengers can expect a mix of Italian-inspired decor, family-friendly amenities, and a variety of dining options, making her a versatile choice for West Coast departures.

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6. Carnival Panorama

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size illustration of Carnival Panorama underway, with a long Vista Class silhouette, busy upper decks, and activity areas visible along the top levels — Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gross Tonnage: 133,500 GT
Class: Vista Class
Entered Service: 2019

Carnival Panorama is the final ship in the Vista Class and was built with families and thrill-seekers in mind. From a trampoline park to SkyRide and WaterWorks, its amenities lean heavily toward active entertainment. The layout mirrors its sisters but includes a few unique touches like expanded outdoor spaces.

The ship sails year-round from Long Beach, California, on Mexican Riviera itineraries. Despite being among the older Vista-class ships, Panorama remains a strong performer thanks to regular refurbishments and a high-energy onboard experience.

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7. Carnival Horizon

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size image showing Carnival Horizon from an elevated angle, revealing its wide beam, continuous balcony lines, and open-air deck spaces — Photo by Mason Piscitelli.

Gross Tonnage: 133,596 GT
Class: Vista Class
Entered Service: 2018

Carnival Horizon shares the same gross tonnage as Vista but offers some key differences, such as an IMAX theater and Havana staterooms with exclusive access to a private pool area. The ship has a well-balanced mix of family and adult spaces, making it a popular choice for multigenerational groups.

It sails primarily from Miami, offering Caribbean itineraries. Horizon’s updated public areas and specialty dining options like Bonsai Teppanyaki contribute to a modern cruising experience without straying too far from the classic Carnival feel.

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8. Carnival Vista

Gross Tonnage: 133,596 GT
Class: Vista Class
Entered Service: 2016

Carnival Vista introduced the Vista Class and set the template for the ships that followed. It was the first Carnival ship to debut features like the SkyRide and the first brewery at sea. Vista’s design emphasized panoramic views and outdoor spaces, which remain highlights today.

The ship has operated out of multiple homeports over the years, currently sailing from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean. With its blend of innovation and comfort, Vista helped redefine Carnival’s approach to onboard experiences during the mid-2010s.

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9. Carnival Breeze

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size image featuring Carnival Breeze with a balanced Dream Class layout, visible pool deck, and stacked stateroom balconies — Photo by ChrisCruises.

Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
Class: Dream Class
Entered Service: 2012

Carnival Breeze stands out in the Dream Class with a lighter, more tropical aesthetic introduced during its build. While its gross tonnage is slightly below the Vista Class ships, Breeze still offers a full range of activities like the WaterWorks park and the Punchliner Comedy Club.

The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, focusing on short Caribbean itineraries. Though not as large or modern as newer vessels, it remains a fleet favorite due to its lively atmosphere and consistently solid guest reviews.

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10. Carnival Magic

Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
Class: Dream Class
Entered Service: 2011

Among Carnival cruise lines ships by size, Carnival Magic holds a notable spot as one of the earlier Dream Class vessels that introduced a new scale for the fleet. It features expansive public areas, family-friendly cabins, and popular venues like Guy’s Burger Joint and the RedFrog Pub, which debuted on this ship.

Carnival Magic sails primarily from Miami and offers itineraries across the Caribbean. It’s known for blending high-capacity cruising with a well-thought-out layout that avoids feeling crowded, despite its size. The ship continues to be a reliable choice for cruisers seeking value, variety, and an upbeat onboard vibe.

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11. Carnival Dream

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size image showing Carnival Dream at sea, with its wide hull, evenly stacked balcony cabins, and a busy upper deck filled with pools and open-air spaces — Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
Class: Dream Class
Entered Service: 2009

Carnival Dream is the namesake of the Dream Class and brought with it a number of firsts for the cruise line when launched, including a larger layout and expanded dining options. Despite being over a decade old, it remains popular due to consistent updates and thoughtful design that provides ample space for both activity and relaxation.

The ship operates Caribbean itineraries and is well-regarded for its balance between quiet areas and high-energy venues. With long sailings and a slightly more laid-back pace, Carnival Dream attracts cruisers looking for extended getaways without the intense crowds of newer mega-ships.

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12. Carnival Splendor

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size visual of Carnival Splendor cruising in open water, highlighting its distinctive superstructure, curved deck lines, and multi-level outdoor areas

Gross Tonnage: 113,300 GT
Class: Splendor Class (Standalone)
Entered Service: 2008

Carnival Splendor is a unique vessel in the fleet, not only because it’s the only ship in its class, but also due to its eclectic decor and slightly different layout. Originally intended for another cruise line, it was absorbed into the Carnival fleet and retrofitted to match the Fun Ship experience.

The ship is currently based in Australia and serves itineraries across the South Pacific, New Zealand, and other regional destinations. Its standout features include the Cloud 9 Spa, Splash Park for kids, and a variety of international dining options.

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13. Carnival Freedom

Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
Class: Conquest Class
Entered Service: 2007

Carnival Freedom is one of five Conquest-class ships and shares many of the same features and amenities with its sister vessels. It has a classic Carnival layout with well-defined areas for entertainment, dining, and relaxation, offering plenty of variety for both families and adults.

Currently homeported in Port Canaveral, Carnival Freedom sails a mix of short and longer itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The ship also received significant updates, including the addition of the popular Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, enhancing its onboard appeal.

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14. Carnival Valor

Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
Class: Conquest Class
Entered Service: 2004

Among Carnival cruise lines ships by size, Carnival Valor ranks as a mid-sized vessel with a tonnage of 110,000 GT. It carries a lively onboard vibe, balancing family-friendly fun with late-night entertainment. Popular spaces include the SkyBox Sports Bar, Serenity adult-only retreat, and a well-loved main pool area that remains bustling on sea days.

Sailing from New Orleans, Carnival Valor offers year-round Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. Its blend of signature Carnival experiences—such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Punchliner Comedy Club—alongside consistent service, has kept it a fan favorite despite its age.

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15. Carnival Glory

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size visual showing Carnival Glory at sea, highlighting its balanced proportions, open pool deck, and multi-level passenger decks

Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
Class: Conquest Class
Entered Service: 2003

Carnival Glory is another key entry when looking at Carnival cruise lines ships by size. Sharing the same tonnage and design as its Conquest-class siblings, it offers cruisers a well-rounded onboard experience with familiar favorites like the BlueIguana Cantina and RedFrog Rum Bar.

The ship was refreshed in mid-2024 and continues to operate popular short cruises to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Its size offers a sweet spot between the intimacy of smaller vessels and the energy of larger ones, making it a dependable option for first-time and repeat cruisers alike.

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16. Carnival Conquest

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size reference image of Carnival Conquest underway, with its broad mid-sized hull, continuous balcony rows, and expansive top deck — Photo by Derek Kastner.

Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
Class: Conquest Class
Entered Service: 2002

Designed with a French Impressionist theme, Carnival Conquest carries the hallmark features of its class—Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and a multi-deck atrium. Its onboard atmosphere is vibrant yet a touch more subdued in décor than some of its sister ships.

Currently based in PortMiami, Carnival Conquest sails on short Bahamas itineraries, offering quick, affordable getaways. While it lacks some of the newer innovations, it delivers a reliable, well-rounded cruise experience.

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17. Carnival Liberty

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size image featuring Carnival Liberty cruising near the coast, showing its Conquest Class structure, upper-deck recreation areas, and layered cabins

Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
Class: Conquest Class
Entered Service: 2005

Carnival Liberty is another Conquest-class ship with a well-balanced combination of entertainment and dining options. It features many Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que and the Alchemy Bar.

Operating from New Orleans, it offers short Caribbean sailings, making it ideal for weekend escapes. Known for attentive service and efficient embarkation, it remains a solid pick among the fleet’s mid-sized options.

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18. Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size photo of Carnival Sunshine at sea, highlighting its compact Sunshine Class footprint, redesigned decks, and open-air pool areas — Source: Flickr

Gross Tonnage: 102,853 GT
Class: Sunshine Class
Entered Service: 1996 (Refit: 2013)

Carnival Sunshine stands out for its extensive transformation from the former Carnival Destiny. The overhaul introduced an expansive adults-only Serenity retreat spanning three decks, along with new dining and entertainment venues.

From Norfolk, it sails on Bahamas, Bermuda, and seasonal New England routes. Despite its age, the ship feels refreshed and well-suited for travelers seeking short but feature-packed voyages.

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19. Carnival Radiance

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size visual of Carnival Radiance underway, showing its refreshed exterior, stacked balcony cabins, and activity-focused upper decks — Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gross Tonnage: 101,509 GT
Class: Sunshine Class
Entered Service: 2000 (Refit: 2021)

Previously known as Carnival Victory, Carnival Radiance underwent a major refurbishment and was reintroduced with new features like Big Chicken by Shaq, the expanded WaterWorks park, and updated staterooms.

Departing from Long Beach, it serves the West Coast with itineraries to Ensenada and Baja Mexico. The ship’s updated amenities and compact size make it an excellent choice for short, action-packed cruises.

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20. Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Cruise Lines Ships by Size image showing Carnival Sunrise sailing in daylight, with its streamlined hull, renovated deck layout, and visible outdoor recreation spaces

Gross Tonnage: 101,509 GT
Class: Sunshine Class
Entered Service: 1999 (Refit: 2019)

Carnival Sunrise plays a key role in Carnival cruise lines ships by size, sitting just below the 102,000 GT mark. A significant refurbishment turned the former Carnival Triumph into a much more modern and engaging vessel, packed with enhanced dining, entertainment, and stateroom options.

The ship is homeported in Miami and mostly offers short cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas. With upgrades like Guy’s Burger Joint, Serenity Adult‑Only Retreat, and the WaterWorks park, it remains a favorite for cruisers who want value and variety on shorter sailings.

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21. Carnival Luminosa

Gross Tonnage: 92,720 GT
Class: Spirit Hybrid Class
Entered Service: 2009 (Entered Carnival fleet: 2022)

While not one of the largest in Carnival cruise lines ships by size, Carnival Luminosa offers a more intimate cruise experience. Formerly part of the Costa fleet, it blends Italian design with Carnival's Fun Ship features, such as the Punchliner Comedy Club and Playlist Productions shows.

Carnival Luminosa primarily sails from Brisbane and Seattle, depending on the season, offering South Pacific, Alaska, and repositioning itineraries. It appeals to guests looking for a quieter, more relaxed vibe without compromising on key amenities.

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22. Carnival Miracle

Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
Class: Spirit Class
Entered Service: 2004

Carnival Miracle delivers a classic cruising experience with a strong emphasis on open spaces and scenic views. Thanks to its smaller size, it tends to feel less crowded, even on sea days, and offers a more relaxed pace for travelers.

The ship offers seasonal itineraries in Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mexican Riviera. Its features include the Serenity Adult‑Only Retreat, a retractable-roof pool, and a large theater hosting Playlist Productions shows.

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23. Carnival Legend

Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
Class: Spirit Class
Entered Service: 2002

Carnival Legend continues to attract repeat cruisers with its manageable size and updated amenities. Its whimsical, mythology-inspired decor makes it distinct among the fleet, while its layout ensures easy navigation throughout the ship.

It splits time between the Caribbean and Europe, offering Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Transatlantic itineraries. Key features include a Green Thunder waterslide, Bonsai Sushi, and the RedFrog Pub.

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24. Carnival Pride

Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
Class: Spirit Class
Entered Service: 2002

Carnival Pride balances traditional cruising with updated features that appeal to both families and couples. Spacious cabins, tasteful decor, and plenty of balcony staterooms make it a comfortable choice for longer cruises.

This ship sails from Baltimore to destinations like the Caribbean, Bermuda, and occasionally Canada. Dining highlights include David’s Steakhouse, while nighttime entertainment spans comedy clubs and stage shows.

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25. Carnival Spirit

Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
Class: Spirit Class
Entered Service: 2001

Carnival Spirit was the first of its class and remains a favorite thanks to its well-designed layout and vibrant personality. It features a retractable dome over the pool deck, spacious lounges, and popular dining options like BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint.

The ship is based seasonally in Australia and the U.S., offering a mix of South Pacific, Hawaii, and Alaska cruises. It’s a go-to choice for cruisers who want a mid-sized ship without missing out on signature Carnival fun.

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26. Carnival Paradise

Gross Tonnage: 71,925 GT
Class: Fantasy Class
Entered Service: 1998

Carnival Paradise is one of the smallest ships in the fleet, but it still delivers a full cruise experience with signature Carnival amenities. It features multiple pools, the Serenity Adult‑Only Retreat, and casual dining venues like Guy’s Burger Joint.Despite its size, it holds a solid place in the lineup of Carnival cruise lines ships by size. Its shorter itineraries from Tampa to the Western Caribbean make it an attractive option for quick, budget‑friendly getaways.

27. Carnival Elation

Gross Tonnage: 71,909 GT
Class: Fantasy Class
Entered Service: 1998

Carnival Elation, along with Carnival Paradise, represents the final entries when ranking Carnival cruise lines ships by size. These compact vessels are great for travelers who want fewer crowds and a more intimate cruise setting.

Elation sails short itineraries from Jacksonville to the Bahamas. While smaller than the newer mega-ships, it maintains the Carnival spirit with a WaterWorks aqua park, live entertainment, and popular dining spots like BlueIguana Cantina.

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Final Thoughts

Carnival’s fleet offers something for every type of cruiser, from mega-ships packed with cutting-edge amenities to smaller vessels focused on simplicity and value. By looking at Carnival cruise lines ships by size, travelers can better decide which ship aligns with their vacation style—whether that’s non-stop thrills or laid-back escapes.

As the cruise line continues expanding with upcoming vessels, this size-based ranking is a helpful reference to compare features, space, and overall experience. Whether you're planning your first sailing or your next big getaway, understanding the scale of each ship is a great place to start.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the largest Carnival cruise ship by gross tonnage?

The largest Carnival ship is Carnival Jubilee, with a gross tonnage of 183,521 GT, offering space for over 5,000 guests and packed with top-tier amenities.

2. Are larger Carnival ships better than smaller ones?

Not necessarily. Larger ships offer more entertainment and dining options, while smaller ships can provide a quieter, more relaxed experience with easier navigation.

3. Do all Carnival ships offer the same amenities?

No. Amenities vary by ship size and class. Newer and larger ships tend to have more modern features, such as roller coasters, expanded water parks, and themed dining.

4. Which Carnival ship is best for short cruises?

Ships like Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation are ideal for short getaways, offering 3- to 5-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

5. How often does Carnival add new ships to the fleet?

Carnival regularly updates its fleet, with new ships entering service every few years. The next addition is expected in 2027, continuing the trend of larger, more advanced vessels.