What is the Largest Carnival Cruise Ship? It's Carnival Jubilee

The largest Carnival cruise ship is the Carnival Jubilee, launched in 2023 as the flagship of the Excel class. It stands as the biggest vessel in Carnival’s 29-ship fleet, leading in gross tonnage, length, and guest capacity. With over three decades of shipbuilding behind it, Carnival’s lineup has expanded in both scale and complexity, but Jubilee clearly marks the high point of that evolution—built to carry more passengers, offer more features, and sail farther than any ship before it.

Here's what makes Carnival Jubilee the largest Carnival cruise ship in service today.

‎

Why Carnival Jubilee Is the Largest

1. Gross Tonnage

At 183,521 gross tons, Carnival Jubilee has the highest tonnage of any ship in the Carnival fleet. Gross tonnage is the key measurement used to define the internal volume of a cruise ship and is the primary standard for determining size across the industry.

2. Length

The ship measures 1,130 feet from bow to stern, making it the longest in the fleet.

3. Passenger Capacity

Jubilee can accommodate up to 6,500 guests at maximum occupancy, with a double occupancy capacity of approximately 5,374. This is the highest of any Carnival ship to date.

4. Crew

With around 1,735 crew members onboard, the ship maintains a staff-to-guest ratio designed to support large-scale operations without sacrificing service.

5. Class and Design

Jubilee belongs to the Excel class, which features Carnival’s newest and most advanced ship designs. This class is larger than any other in Carnival's history and includes enhanced layout efficiency, LNG fuel systems, and expanded public areas.

These factors combined confirm Jubilee’s status as the largest Carnival cruise ship to date.

‎

Key Features That Reflect Its Scale

Several design and operational features reinforce the Jubilee’s position as the largest Carnival cruise ship:

1. LNG Propulsion

Carnival Jubilee is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it part of a new generation of ships focused on cleaner, more efficient energy use. Its propulsion system supports long-distance cruising with reduced emissions.

2. Multi-Zone Layout

The ship is divided into themed zones designed to manage guest flow and enhance onboard experiences. These include Summer Landing, The Ultimate Playground, and Grand Central—each offering open spaces, multiple dining options, and entertainment areas.

3. BOLT™ Sea Coaster

One of its most notable features is BOLT™, the first roller coaster at sea. Built on the ship’s top deck, it emphasizes the scale of the vessel and adds a new dimension to onboard recreation.

4. Expanded Dining and Public Spaces

The Jubilee offers more dining venues than any previous Carnival ship, including specialty restaurants, casual options, and regionally themed concepts. Public areas are larger and designed for higher capacity without crowding.

5. Ocean-Facing Design

The ship’s layout emphasizes outdoor space, panoramic views, and open-air venues, with more balconies and ocean-facing seating than any previous Carnival model.

‎

Summary

Among Carnival’s 29 ships, the Carnival Jubilee is the largest Carnival cruise ship, outperforming every other vessel in the fleet in both capacity and scale. As part of the Excel class, it represents the latest evolution in the fleet’s design—built to accommodate more people, offer broader features, and support longer voyages. Its size isn’t defined by a single metric, but by its overall capability to handle volume, space, and experience at scale.

‎

Want a closer look at Carnival Jubilee?

We’ve already featured everything you need to know about the ship—design, features, itineraries, and more. Read the full breakdown here →

‎

‎

‎

‎

Frequently Asked Questions

⚓︎ What is the largest Carnival cruise ship right now?

As of 2025, the largest Carnival cruise ship is the Carnival Jubilee, launched in 2023. It leads the fleet in gross tonnage, length, and passenger capacity.

⚓︎ How many passengers can the largest Carnival cruise ship hold?

Carnival Jubilee can carry up to 6,500 passengers at maximum capacity, with accommodations for approximately 5,374 guests at double occupancy.

⚓︎ What class is the largest Carnival cruise ship?

The ship belongs to the Excel class—Carnival’s newest and most advanced class to date.

⚓︎ What makes Carnival Jubilee the largest?

It ranks highest in key categories including gross tonnage (183,521 GT), length (1,130 feet), and total guest capacity.

⚓︎ Are there other ships similar in size to Carnival Jubilee?

Yes. Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, also Excel-class ships, are close in size, but Jubilee holds the current top spot in the fleet.