Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines at sea and has a large fleet of ships ranging from 70,000 to over 184,000 gross registered tons.
Today, Carnival has 29 ships in its fleet with another 2 expected to enter service between 2027 and 2028. The largest Carnival cruise ship is Carnival Jubilee, while the smallest is Carnival Elation.
Despite the age gap between Carnival's newest and oldest ships, the "Fun Ship 2.0" initiative upgraded the line's older ships' onboard dining, entertainment, and other public venues. In addition, venues that became popular on newer ships were added, including BlueIguana Tequila Bar and Guy's Burger Joint.
While Carnival may not have the largest ships at sea (that record is held by Royal Caribbean!), they are filled with fun and unique experiences.
In 2021, for instance, they became the first cruise line to feature a roller coaster at sea with the introduction BOLT onboard the Excel Class' Mardi Gras. The third Excel Class ship, Carnival Jubilee, debuted in December 2023. What's even more exciting is that they have two more Excel Class ships planned to debut in 2027 and 2028, along with a secret project for the line's largest ships ever built.
Here's a deep dive into Carnival Cruise Line's entire fleet based on ship size from biggest to smallest, based on gross tonnage!
Editor's note: These statistics were pulled directly from Carnival's website. Each fact sheet lists the gross tonnage, double occupancy, total number of team members, shipyard, the country of residency, and when the vessel entered service.
Project Ace
Little has been revealed about Project Ace other than that they'll be Carnival's largest ships yet, measuring 230,000 gross registered tons. The first, which will be built by Fincantieri, is scheduled to be delivered in 2029, followed by another in 2031 and 2033.
Excel Class
Carnival Festivale size
Meyer Werft announced that it reached an agreement with Carnival to build a fourth and fifth Excel Class ship, which will be a sister to the Carnival Jubilee, indicating that the size of the vessel should be similar — roughly around 180,000 GRT.
The delivery date of the first, Carnival Festivale, is scheduled for 2027. The fourth Excel Class ship will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Carnival Tropicale size
The fifth Excel Class ship will be delivered to Carnival in 2028. Carnival hasn't revealed details about where it might be deployed from. However, like Festivale, BOLT, the Ultimate Sea Coaster, will be removed to make way for the brand-new Sunsation Point.
Carnival Jubilee size
Carnival Jubilee is the newest, biggest Carnival ship. She has the same maximum passenger capacity as Carnival Celebration, with the ability to hold over 6,600 guests in 2,687 staterooms.
Carnival Jubilee is based out of Galveston, Texas, and sails to the Western Caribbean. Onboard, guests will find Texas-themed merchandise and special programming. As such, don't forget to pack your oversized belts and cowboy boots to fit in!
Gross tonnage: 183,521
Length: 1,130 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,362
Carnival Celebration size
Entering service in November 2022, Carnival Celebration is the cruise line's second-newest ship. She's the second in Carnival's Excel Class, meaning she is the second cruise ship to feature a roller coaster at sea.
Like Mardi Gras and Carnival Jubilee, Celebration is divided into six zones for guests to explore: Celebration Central, The Gateway, Summer Landing, 820 Biscayne, Lido, and The Ultimate Playground.
From now through at least April 2027, Carnival Celebration's home is Miami, Florida, and she will be making round-trip Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean sailings ranging from 6 to 8 nights.
Gross tonnage: 183,521
Length: 1,130 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,362
Mardi Gras size
Mardi Gras was the first Excel Class ship to enter service. Unlike all other Carnival ships, Mardi Gras does not feature the "Carnival" prefix. This pays homage to the cruise line's first ship, which debuted in 1972.
One thing Carnival fans might notice is that the beloved RedFrog Rum Bar was replaced with the two-deck RedFrog Tiki Bar. No worries, you can still find your favorite rum-based island cocktails here!
She sails 6- to 9-night Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida. She'll also embark on two transatlantic cruises in Sept. and Oct. 2025 as she sails to Europe for drydock.
Gross tonnage: 180,800
Length: 1,130 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,270
Vista Class
Carnival Venezia size
As part of Carnival and Costa's "Costa by Carnival" initiative, Costa Venezia received a refit and became Carnival Venezia. She joined the fleet in mid-2023 and currently sails from New York and Florida, depending on the season.
Carnival Venezia is the largest Vista Class ship. Technically, however, Carnival says she is part of their Venice Class, although the design is almost identical to the Vista Class.
What makes her so different is her distinct Italian flair, which the cruise line calls "Fun Italian Style." Of course, they brought back fan favorites, such as Bonsai Teppanyaki, Piano Bar 88, WaterWorks, and SportsSquare.
Gross tonnage: 135,225
Length: 1,061 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,090
Carnival Panorama size
Carnival Panorama was the last brand-new Vista Class ship to enter service for Carnival in 2019 and stands out as the only vessel to feature a Sky Zone trampoline park!
You will also find other Vista Class and Carnival favorites on board, including the SkyRide suspended bike, WaterWorks, a ropes course, Guy's Burger Joint, and Alchemy Bar.
Carnival Panorama sails to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles (Long Beach), California.
Gross tonnage: 133,500
Length: 1,055 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,008
Carnival Horizon size
Carnival Horizon is just one year younger than Carnival Panorama. She sails year-round from Miami, Florida.
Onboard, you will find an IMAX theatre, Punchliner Comedy Club, Cloud 9 Spa, and mini-golf, among many other activities and venues.
Gross tonnage: 133,500
Length: 1,055 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,960
Carnival Vista size
Making her debut in May 2016, Carnival Vista was the first Vista Class ship and the first to feature the SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike that's suspended over the top deck of the ship.
Today, she sails from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Gross tonnage: 133,500
Length: 1,055 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,934
Dream Class
Carnival Breeze size
Entering service in 2012, Carnival Breeze was the last Dream Class ship for the cruise line. Overall, these vessels aren't much smaller than the Vista Class.
In terms of onboard amenities, you will find all of Carnival's standard favorites, such as SportSquare, the Punchliner Comedy Club, RedFrog Pub, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, WaterWorks, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat.
She sails to the Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas. In January and March 2026, she'll embark on two transatlantic cruises to Europe to reposition to and from her dry dock.
Gross tonnage: 130,000
Length: 1,004 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,690
Carnival Magic size
Carnival Magic is only one year older than Carnival Breeze and was the first ship in the cruise line's fleet to include a ropes course.
During her 2016 dry dock, many of her older venues were replaced with newer ones, such as the Alchemy Bar (which replaced Plaza Bar at Ocean Plaza), Pizzeria del Capitano (which replaced Carnival Deli), and RedFrog Rum Bar and Blue Iguana Tequila Bar (which replaced the pool bar.
Carnival Magic was moved to Miami, Florida, in October 2023. She'll remain there through at least April 2027.
Gross tonnage: 130,000
Length: 1,004 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,690
Carnival Dream size
Carnival Dream is the namesake ship for the Dream Class and entered service in September 2009.
Note that she's the only Dream Class ship without a ropes course onboard. Still, there are a lot of other activities for thrill-seekers, including a waterpark, basketball court, pickleball, and more.
Fun fact: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked was filmed onboard Carnival Dream!
Gross tonnage: 130,000
Length: 1,004 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,646
Splendor Class
Carnival Splendor size
Carnival's Splendor Class is comprised of a single ship: Carnival Splendor. The vessel was originally ordered for Costa Cruises' Concordia Class; however, it was transferred to Carnival during construction.
She received major upgrades when she went into dry dock in 2019. In addition to routine maintenance, Carnival's WaterWorks replaced the Twister Water Slide, the Aft pool on the Lido Deck was converted into the adults-only Serenity Retreat, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar replaced two pool bars, among other enhancements.
Carnival Splendor is not based in the United States. Rather, she primarily sails a variety of different itineraries from Sydney, Australia, ranging from 2 nights to 12 nights.
Gross tonnage: 113,300
Length: 952 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,012
Conquest Class
All five Conquest Class ships have the same gross registered tonnage of 110,000 and are 952 feet in length. Where they differ is maximum passenger occupancy, as some of the ships have additional berths in the cabins, increasing the total number of guests that the ship is able to carry.
They also primarily sail to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida and Louisiana.
Carnival Freedom size
Departing on her maiden voyage on March 14, 2007, Carnival Freedom is the youngest Conquest Class vessel.
Her last dry dock was in late 2023. Before that, she received major upgrades in 2019, including WaterWorks, Bonsai Sushi Express, 324 additional berths, expanded retail space, relocated mini-golf course, as well as some ADA updates.
She sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. However, following her dry dock in 2026, she'll embark on two special European cruises: an 8-day Mediterranean sailing and a 13-day transatlantic crossing.
Gross tonnage: 110,000
Length: 952 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,980
Carnival Liberty size
In 2011, Carnival Liberty became the first ship to receive many of the Fun Ship 2.0 venues.
During the same dry dock, some upgrades were made to the cabins, such as basic cosmetic enhancements, replacing all old televisions with flat screens, and converting 18 family cabins into balconies.
She is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, through at least April 2027.
Gross tonnage: 110,000
Length: 952 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,974
Carnival Valor size
Carnival Valor made her grand debut on December 19, 2004.
Like her sisters, she has certain Fun Ship 2.0 amenities; however, she is one of only four ships in Carnival's fleet that does not have a WaterWorks onboard! You can find other fan favorites, though, including Guy's Burger Joint, Cherry on Top, Blue Iguana Cantina, and Club O2 for teenagers.
Carnival Valor sails out of New Orleans.
Gross tonnage: 110,000
Length: 952 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,980
Carnival Glory size
Carnival Glory is over 20 years old, having set sail on her maiden voyage on July 14, 2003!
In early 2022, she received a few minor updates, including routine hotel maintenance and cosmetic enhancements, JavaBlue Cafe, a Carnival Adventures Store, and an expanded casino.
Itineraries aboard Carnival Glory depart from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Gross tonnage: 110,000
Length: 952 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,980
Carnival Conquest size
Delivered in 2002, Carnival Conquest was the first ship in the cruise line's Conquest Class.
Like Carnival Valor, she does not have a WaterWorks onboard. That being said, you can find the singular Twister Water Slide. In October 2022, Carnival Conquest got the new red, white, and blue hull design, as well as a Carnival Adventures Store, Dreams Studio, and an expanded casino.
Carnival Conquest is one of two Carnival ships hosting special adult-only cruises in fall 2025. The other vessel is Carnival Magic. These sailings are invite-only through Carnival's casino loyalty program.
Gross tonnage: 110,000
Length: 952 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,980
Adventure (Grand) Class
Two former P&O Australia ships were transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025. Though operating under the Carnival brand, they are rather unique, as they have signature P&O offerings onboard. Plus, both operate year-round in Australia, sailing to New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Carnival Adventure size
Formerly P&O Adventure, Carnival Adventure measures 108,685 gross registered tons, making her smaller than Conquest Class ships.
If her design looks familiar, that's because she was originally built for Princess Cruises! She was acquired by the now-defunct P&O Australia after sailing as Golden Princess for nearly 20 years. Today, Grand Princess, Diamond Princess, and Sapphire Princess still sail for Princess.
Gross tonnage: 108,865
Length: 951 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,600
Carnival Encounter size
Like Carnival Adventure, Carnival Encounter measures around 108,000 gross registered tons. She is scheduled to undergo a dry dock in 2026 to bring her up to speed with many Carnival venues that couldn't be added before she began sailing for Carnival.
Gross tonnage: 108,865
Length: 951 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,600
Sunshine (Destiny) Class
All three ships in the former Destiny Class received complete refits and were renamed! The new name of the class became the Sunshine Class to pay homage to the first ship to undergo the transformation, as Carnival Destiny became Carnival Sunshine in 2013. While they are some of Carnival's older ships, they are not the smallest in terms of gross registered tons!
Carnival Sunshine size
When she made her debut as Carnival Destiny in 1996, she was the first cruise ship to ever exceed 100,000 gross tons. In 2013, she became the Carnival Sunshine after undergoing a complete transformation.
She was the last Carnival ship to sail out of Charleston, as the city decided not to renew its contract with the cruise line. Now, Carnival Sunshine sails from Norfolk, Virginia.
Gross tonnage: 102,853
Length: 892 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,002
Carnival Sunrise size
Carnival Triumph was the second Destiny Class ship to undergo the refit (which cost $200 million), and in 2019, the ship officially became Carnival Sunrise.
Before that, she sailed as Carnival Triumph from 1999 to 2019. If that same sounds familiar, it's because Carnival Triumph is known for the infamous "poop cruise" of 2013, when the ship was stranded for TK days following a complete loss of power and propulsion.
Carnival Sunrise's homeport is Miami, Florida.
Gross tonnage: 101,509
Length: 893 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,984
Carnival Radiance size
Carnival Victory was the last Destiny Class ship to be transformed. She sailed as Carnival Victory for twenty years from 2000 to 2020. As a result, she was renamed Carnival Radiance.
She is based in Los Angeles, California, and makes 3-, 4-, and 6-night cruises to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.
Gross tonnage: 101,509
Length: 893 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,984
Spirit Class
Carnival Luminosa size
Carnival Luminosa is the newest ship in the Spirit Class. In fact, she wasn't a Carnival ship to begin with! She was originally built for Costa Cruises and sailed as Costa Luminosa for about thirteen years before being transferred to Carnival Cruise Line.
Before entering service for Carnival, she received many fan favorites, including the Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Piano Bar 88, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. Unfortunately, certain signature Carnival eateries, namely Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, weren't added.
During the spring and winter months, Carnival Luminosa sails out of Brisbane, Australia. She operates seasonally in Alaska, sailing from Seattle in 2025 and San Francisco in 2026.
Gross tonnage: 92,720
Length: 964 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,260
Carnival Miracle size
Even though Carnival Miracle is younger than a few of the Conquest Class ships (she set sail in February 2004), that does not mean she's larger! All Spirit Class ships, except Carnival Luminosa, are around 88,500 gross registered tons.
Between her dry docks in 2020, 2022, and 2025, she has received an expanded casino, new hull design and paint scheme, Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, WaterWorks, Guy's Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Java Blue Cafe, Bonsai Sushi Express, a redesigned mini-golf course, The Cove (which replaced the video arcade on deck 4), and The Warehouse Arcade (which replaced the Raven Library and Chapel).
Gross tonnage: 88,500
Length: 963 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,124
Carnival Legend size
Carnival Legend has been sailing since 2002. Between June 2025 and April 2027, she'll offer voyages from a range of ports, including London, England; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Galveston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and San Francisco, California.
As of her last in August 2021, she has now the new hull design and paint scheme, a brand-new arcade, The Cove (which replaced the arcade on deck 4), Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, additional retail outlets, and some enhancements to Camp Ocean and Circle "C," among other venues that were added in 2014.
She was freshened up even more in 2024, getting a new nightclub, upgrades to the pool and waterpark, and even a trendy Chef's Table specialty restaurant.
Gross tonnage: 88,500
Length: 963 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,124
Carnival Pride size
Carnival Pride entered service in 2002. Today, she is the only Carnival ship to sail from Baltimore, Maryland. She'll remain in Maryaldn through at least April 2027, offering voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, and even Greenland & Canada!
She's scheduled to undergo a dry dock for routine maintenance in March and April 2026.
Gross tonnage: 88,500
Length: 963 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,134
Carnival Spirit size
Carnival Spirit was the first-ever Spirit Class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, making her grand debut in April of 2001.
She received a refit in early 2025. During the dry dock, a new Heroes Tributes Bar was added. Common areas like the Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, and retail shops were also refreshed.
Gross tonnage: 88,500
Length: 963 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,124
Fantasy Class
Carnival Paradise size
Carnival Paradise is one of Carnival's oldest and smallest ships at sea! Many of her sister ships, including Carnival Fantasy, Imagination, and Inspiration, have been sold and scrapped.
She sails out of Tampa, Florida, year-round to the Western Caribbean and Bahamas.
Gross tonnage: 71,925
Length: 855 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,124
Carnival Elation size
At 71,909 gross registered tons, Carnival Elation is Carnival Cruise Line's smallest ship, but at full capacity, she can carry 2,697 passengers, which is more than most of the Spirit Class ships.
She, too, has 14 passenger decks, with the 14th being added during her dry dock in 2017. Since then, she's gotten other new features and venues like a new hull paint scheme, Bonsai Sushi Express, Limelight Lounge, the Alchemy bar, and more.
Today, Carnival Elation is the only Carnival ship to sail out of Jacksonville, Florida.
Gross tonnage: 71,909
Length: 855 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,190
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
