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26 Carnival Ships by Size And Age – Which Ship To Sail?

Carnival Ships by Size and Age feature

Greetings, fellow travel enthusiasts! If you’ve navigated to this page, you’re likely in search of a comprehensive list detailing the Carnival ships by size and age. Perhaps you’re in the exciting stage of planning your next cruise vacation with Carnival, and with their extensive fleet, choosing the right ship can seem like a daunting task.

Indeed, Carnival ships by size and age might not be your ultimate deciding factor, but it can undoubtedly influence your overall cruise experience. Larger vessels often boast a wider array of activities, whereas smaller ships offer a more intimate and cozy ambiance.

As an avid traveler with a particular passion for cruise journeys, I’ve dedicated countless hours to researching various cruise lines. Whether you’re a cruise rookie or a seasoned seafarer, this guide to Carnival ships by size and age aims to assist you in making an informed decision.

I’m well-acquainted with the thrill and sometimes the stress that comes with planning a cruise vacation. I’ve been in your shoes, and that’s why I’m here to help. So, let’s set sail on this informational voyage together, and by the end of this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to select the perfect ship for your upcoming cruise adventure.

Fleet Info For Carnival Ships By Class

Understanding the different classes within the fleet can be incredibly helpful when choosing which Carnival Cruise ship fits your needs. Each class of ships offers a unique set of features, amenities, and experiences catering to a wide range of passenger preferences.

Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet has several distinct classes, each with its own charm and character. From the latest and most innovative Excel Class to the classic and intimate Fantasy Class, Carnival’s diverse fleet ensures there’s a ship for every type of cruiser.

In the following section, we’ll provide an image that visually represents the different Carnival classes, helping you to better understand and choose the perfect ship for your next cruise adventure.

Carnival Class Ships Chart

Carnival Ships By size and age image of classes
photo credit of the ships to (Carnival Cruise Line)

Features Of Each Class Of The Carnival Cruise Line

Each class of Carnival ships offers unique features and amenities, catering to a wide range of preferences and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a ship with the most modern amenities or one that offers a more intimate cruising experience, Carnival Cruise Line has a ship for you.

Excel Class:

The Excel class ships, including Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), and Carnival Jubilee (coming December 2023), are the largest in the Carnival fleet. According to the Carnival ships by size and age chart, these three ships are newer and larger. They offer a plethora of eateries, lounges, bars, and deck-top attractions, including the first-ever roller coaster on a cruise ship. These ships also feature the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant at sea and the first Big Chicken eatery at sea, a chain created by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.

Vista/Venezia Class:

Ships in this class include Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Horizon (2018), Carnival Vista (2016), Carnival Venezia (2023), and Carnival Firenze (coming in 2024). These ships are known for their water parks with waterslides, miniature golf courses, ropes courses, and multiple pool areas. They also feature the pedal-powered, suspended-in-the-air SkyRide attractions.

Dream Class

The Dream class ships, Carnival Breeze (2012), Carnival Magic (2011), and Carnival Dream (2009), are similar in size to the Vista class ships and offer a variety of amenities. They feature water parks with waterslides, miniature golf courses, sports courts for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools.

Splendor Class

The Splendor class consists of a single ship, Carnival Splendor (2008). It is similar to the Conquest-class ships but features an enlarged and redesigned top deck area and a bigger spa area.

Conquest Class

Ships in this class include Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Valor (2004), Carnival Glory (2003), and Carnival Conquest (2002). They offer water play areas with waterslides, miniature golf courses, and adults-only Serenity deck-top retreat areas.

Spirit Class

The Spirit class ships, including Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001), and Carnival Luminosa (2009), are built for “all-weather” cruising. They feature pools that can be covered by retractable domes for colder climates and boast the largest percentage of balcony cabins and oceanview cabins in the Carnival fleet.

Sunshine Class

The Sunshine class ships, Carnival Radiance (2000/2021), Carnival Sunrise (1999/2019), and Carnival Sunshine (1996/2013), have been almost completely gutted and rebuilt, offering a variety of new amenities and venues.

Fantasy Class

The Fantasy class ships, Carnival Paradise (1998) and Carnival Elation (1998) are Carnival’s oldest and smallest ships. According to our Carnival ships by size and age, these two were among the first built and weigh the least. They offer a more intimate cruising experience and have undergone renovations over the years to add more balcony cabins.

Carnival Jubilee

The Carnival Jubilee, set to arrive in late 2023, is part of the Excel class. It will be similar in size and amenities to the Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, offering a wide selection of entertainment options as well as various dining options.

You can compare the features of the classes of ships to the Carnival ships by size and age, listed below, to get a bigger picture of what will be the best fit for you.

Carnival Ships by Size and Age 1
photo credit of the ships to (Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Ships by Size And Age

Carnival ships by size and age, boast a diverse fleet, with ships varying significantly in size. The size of a ship is typically in gross tonnage, which refers to the internal volume of the ship and its length. From the colossal Carnival Celebration, part of the Excel Class and boasting a gross tonnage of 183,900 and a length of 344 meters, to the more compact Carnival Elation, part of the Fantasy Class with a gross tonnage of 71,909 and a length of 260 meters, there’s a ship for every preference.

The Carnival ships by size and age also list the age of a ship. The age of a ship can also be a crucial factor when planning your cruise. While newer ships often come equipped with the latest technology, amenities, and a wide range of entertainment options, older ships have their own charm.

Carnival refurbishes its older ships regularly to maintain a modern and comfortable environment for passengers. Carnival’s fleet ranges from the brand new Carnival Jubilee, set to launch in late 2023, to the Carnival Sunshine, which first set sail in 1996. To help put the carnival ships by size and age into perspective, here is a table of the 26 Carnival cruise ship sizes.

Table Of Carnival Cruise Ships By Size And Carnival Cruise Ships By Age

ShipYearCapacityTonnage
Jubilee(late) 20235,347183,900
Celebration20225,374183,900
Mardi Gras20215,282183,900
Venezia20194,232135,225
Vista20163,934133,500
Horizon20183,960133,500
Panorama20193,930133,500
Dream20093,646128,251
Breeze20123,690128,052
Magic20113,690128,048
Splendor20083,016113,573
Liberty20052,978110,320
Freedom20072,984110,320
Glory20032,984110,239
Conquest20022,984110,239
Valor20042,984110,239
Sunshine19963,002103,881
Radiance20002,896101,509
 Sunrise19992,984101,509
Luminosa20092,26092,720
Spirit20012,12488,500
Legend20022,12488,500
Miracle20042,12488,500
Pride20012,12485,920
Paradise19982,12471,925
Elation19982,18871,909
Carnival Ships by Size and Age
photo credit to (Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Ships on Order

Carnival Cruise Line continues to innovate and expand its fleet. Currently, the cruise line has one ship on order, the Carnival Jubilee, which will launch in 2023. This Excel-class ship will join its sister ships, the Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, in providing passengers with a state-of-the-art cruising experience.

As of mid-July 2023, Carnival does not have any other new ships on order.

By understanding Carnival Ships by Size and Age, you can easily decide which ship aligns with your cruising preferences. Whether you prefer the grandeur of the newest and largest ships or the charm of the older and smaller vessels, Carnival Cruise Line offers a ship for every type of cruiser.

Remember, the best ship is not necessarily the newest or the biggest but the one that provides the experience you’re looking for. So, which Carnival ship will you choose for your next cruise adventure?

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Ships By Size And Age

When planning a cruise vacation, it’s natural to have questions when it comes to choosing the right ship. To assist you further, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about “Carnival ships by size and age.” Here are the answers to some of the most common queries:

What is the largest ship in the Carnival fleet?

The largest ship Carnival has is the Carnival Celebration, part of the Excel Class. Its gross tonnage is 183,900. It offers a plethora of amenities, including the first-ever roller coaster on a cruise ship.

What is the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet?

The Fantasy Class has the Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, both launched in 1998, which makes them the oldest ships. Despite their age, they offer a classic and intimate cruise experience and have undergone renovations over the years to add more balcony cabins.

What are the main differences between the classes of Carnival ships?

Each class of Carnival ships by size and age offers unique features and amenities. For instance, the Excel Class ships are the newest and largest, boasting a wide array of modern amenities. On the other hand, the Fantasy Class ships are the oldest and smallest, offering a more intimate cruising experience. The specific amenities and experiences offered can vary from class to class, so it’s important to research each class when choosing your ship.

Additional Resources

If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on cruises, here are some additional posts about cruises:

Conclusion – Carnival Ships By Size And Age

In conclusion, understanding the various “Carnival ships by size and age” is crucial when planning your next cruise vacation. Each class of Carnival ships by size and age, from the Excel class to the Fantasy class, offers unique features and amenities that cater to a wide range of preferences and experiences.

Whether you’re looking for the most modern amenities on the Excel class ships or a more intimate cruising experience on the Fantasy class ships, Carnival Cruise Line has a ship for you.

This comprehensive guide to “Carnival ships by size and age” provides detailed information about each class of ships, their features, and the years they were launched. With this information at your fingertips, you’re now well-equipped to make an informed decision for your next cruise vacation.

Remember, the perfect ship for you depends on your personal preferences, and Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of options to meet every cruiser’s needs.

Happy cruising, my friends.

Photo of author

Laura Fuller

Hello, I am a luggage and travel fanatic. With a vast knowledge of TSA regulations, I am here to assist you on your journey. Please join me, and together, we will navigate the world of travel. From TSA and air to cruising the high seas, we will explore the best accessories and tips for smooth travel.

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