Carnival Cruise Ship Classes, Which One is Right For You?

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise brands in the world, renowned for its lively atmosphere, family-friendly offerings, and affordable prices. With a fleet of 29 ships sailing worldwide, Carnival offers something for every type of traveler. Carnival Cruise Line’s ship classes are divided into eleven different class levels, each with different ships that offer many different amenities. You will find ships that are perfect for first-time cruisers, families, cruisers looking for intimate vacations, and seasoned cruisers looking for something new. One of the best ways to decide which ship is right for you is to learn about the different cruise ship classes and what they offer. Keep reading to learn about the different cruise ship classes available to you on Carnival. You are bound to find a cruise ship class that is right for you.

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Carnival Cruise Ship Classes Have Unique Features

Not all Carnival ships are created equal. The fleet is divided into eleven distinct cruise ship classes, with unique features, amenities, and sizes. Many ships have been upgraded with modern amenities, including popular entertainment features found on most ships. The classes are generally grouped by the dates the ships were introduced into service and the size of the ship.

Whether you’re seeking massive waterslides and high-tech entertainment or a more intimate, classic cruising experience, understanding the different Carnival cruise ship classes will help you make the most informed choice for your vacation.

Let’s dive into the Carnival cruise ship classes, from oldest to newest, and break down what makes each one unique.

Carnival Vista and Carnival Magic at the Grand Turk Cruise Port

Carnival Fantasy Class (Launched 1990 through 1998)

The Carnival Fantasy Class launched beginning in 1990 and consisted of eight different ships. The Fantasy Class is the oldest of Carnival’s cruise ship classes. It currently has two ships still operating within this class, the Carnival Elation and the Carnival Paradise. Both ships entered service in 1998.

The Fantasy Class ships are the smallest in Carnival’s fleet, with a gross tonnage of 71,925 for the Carnival Paradise, which is the larger of the two ships. The Carnival Elation is slightly smaller. Both ships can carry approximately 2,100 cruise guests.

The Carnival Elation sails from Jacksonville, Florida, while the Carnival Paradise sails from Tampa, Florida. Both ships sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. These ships are ideal for shorter itineraries of three to five days. However, they also sail on longer itineraries of six to seven days.

While these are smaller ships, they have been refurbished and have several of the bells and whistles of newer ships, such as the Waterworks play area, waterslides, and the Serenity Adult-Only area. They also have popular dining options such as the BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint.

Both ships’ smaller size provides a cozy, nostalgic cruise experience with lower prices and fewer crowds.

The Fantasy Class is Best For:

First-time cruisers, budget-conscious travelers, or those who prefer a simpler, quieter cruise experience.

Carnival Spirit Class (Launched 2001 through 2004 and 2022)

The Carnival Spirit Class launched in 2001 through 2004 and in 2022. The Spirit Class consists of five ships. Ships in this class are the Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, and Carnival Luminosa. The Carnival Luminosa was part of Costa Cruises but was added to the Carnival fleet in 2022. The Carnival Luminosa is a hybrid ship, featuring elements of both the Spirit Class and the Vista Class.

The ships in the Spirit Class have a gross tonnage of 88,500. The Carnival Luminosa is a standout in the Spirit Class with a gross tonnage of 92,720, making it the largest ship in this class. The ships were built to the Panamax Form Factor, allowing them to cross through the original locks of the Panama Canal. All ships in the Spirit Class can carry a little over 2100 passengers.

The ships that make up the Spirit Class are mid-sized and well-suited for longer and more exotic itineraries. They sail from a variety of cruise ports, including Brisbane, Rome, Seattle, San Francisco, Singapore, London, and Miami, to name a few.

The ships sail to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, and other cruise destinations. Thanks to their smaller size, ships in the Spirit Class can access ports that larger ships can’t.

Key Features of the Spirit Class include elegant atriums and panoramic glass elevators, the Adults-only Serenity retreat, specialty dining restaurants, large indoor and outdoor promenade areas, including waterslides, pools, and waterworks.

The Spirit Class is Best For:

Cruisers who are looking for longer voyages, more destination-focused trips, and a less crowded experience.

Carnival Miracle at the Port of Long Beach — Carnival Miracle

Carnival Conquest Class (Launched 2002 through 2004)

The Carnival Conquest Class launched in 2002 through 2004 and consists of five ships. The ships in the Conquest Class include the Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Freedom.

All ships in the Conquest Class have a tonnage of 110,000 and can carry a little over 2900 passengers each.

The ships sail from Port Canaveral, Miami, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. They’re widely used for Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexican Riviera cruises and are a favorite among families and groups.

The ships in the Conquest Class represent a step up in size and amenities. These ships have more public spaces, bigger pool decks, and additional entertainment options. Key features include larger pool and sun deck areas, more specialty dining options and bars, Carnival’s Seaside Theater—a giant outdoor movie screen, and expanded kids’ and teen clubs.

The Conquest Class is Best for:

Families, multigenerational groups, and cruisers who want more dining and entertainment options without being overwhelmed by larger mega-size ships.

Carnival Splendor Class (Launched in 2008)

The Carnival Splendor Class launched in 2008. It is a unique class as it is comprised of only one ship, the Carnival Splendor. The Carnival Splendor is a Concordia-class ship that was originally built for Costa Cruises. Instead of sailing for Costa Cruises, the Splendor was transferred to Carnival’s fleet and thus was placed into a class of her own.

The Carnival Splendor has a gross tonnage of 113,573 and can carry 3012 passengers. It is a mid-to-large ship with unique flair and vibrant décor. The Carnival Splendor is currently sailing throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, including Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.

Its key features include expanded Cloud 9 spa facilities, larger water play areas for kids, a larger waterslide, and a larger selection of casual and formal dining options.

The Splendor Class is Best For:

Cruisers looking for longer itineraries, spa enthusiasts, and travelers cruising in Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific.

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Carnival Dream Class (Launched 2009 through 2012)

The Carnival Dream class consists of three ships, the Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze. The Carnival Dream began sailing in 2009 and was the first ship in this class, followed by the Carnival Magic in 2011, and the Carnival Breeze in 2012. The ships in the Dream Class were the largest in the Carnival Fleet until the Vista Class was introduced in 2016.

The introduction of the Dream Class marked Carnival Cruise Line’s move into the “mega-ship” territory. The ships introduced more space and additional venues, including the Lanai exterior promenade with outdoor cafes, restaurants such as Pig & Anchor, and hot tubs along the outside promenade area.

The Dream Class ships have a gross tonnage of 130,000. The Carnival Magic and Carnival Breeze can both carry 3690 passengers. The Carnival Dream carries 3646 passengers.

Both the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Breeze sail from Galveston, Texas. The Carnival Magic sails from Miami, Florida. Their destinations include the Caribbean cruise ports such as La Romana, Amber Cove, Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire. Their destinations also include the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Mahogany Bay, Roatan, the Yucatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Key features of the Dream Class include the Ropes Course, Sportsquare, the WaterWorks waterpark, the Twisted Waterslide, and enhanced Cloud 9 Spa features such as thermal suites and a hydrotherapy pool.

The Carnival Dream Class is Best For:

Families, couples, and anyone looking for modern, well-rounded cruise ships with plenty of entertainment and food options.

Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista at the Grand Turk Cruise Port.

The Carnival Sunshine Class (Launched 2013 through 2021)

The Carnival Sunshine Class includes ships that were originally part of the Carnival Destiny Class. The original launch years for this class were 1996 through 2000. The revised years represent the years the ships were refurbished and reintroduced into Carnival’s fleet.

The ships in this class include the Carnival Sunshine, previously known as the Carnival Destiny, the Carnival Sunrise, previously known as the Carnival Triumph, and the Carnival Radiance, previously known as the Carnival Victory. All three ships were refurbished and upgraded with modern amenities, renamed, and placed in a new class.

The Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance have a gross tonnage of 101,509 and can accommodate 2984 passengers. The Carnival Sunshine is slightly larger, with a gross tonnage of 102,853 and a capacity for 3,002 passengers.

The Ships in the Sunshine class were updated with many of the popular amenities of newer ships, such as a ropes course, SportsSquare, and waterslides. They also offer many popular dining options found on many Carnival ships, such as BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Big Chicken.

Ships from the Sunshine Class are great to sail on because they encompass parts of larger ships, such as the upgraded amenities, with the comfort of smaller ships.

The Carnival Sunrise sails from Miami, Florida, and visits destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Carnival Sunshine sails from Norfolk, Virginia, and visits destinations such as Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, New England, and Canada. On the West Coast, you will find the Carnival Radiance, which sails from Los Angeles, visiting destinations such as Catalina Island in California, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Mexico, and the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaii itinerary includes stops in Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

The Sunshine Class is Best For:

First-time cruisers, budget-conscious travelers, families, or those who prefer a quieter cruise experience with enhanced dining options.

The Carnival Vista Class (Launched 2016–2019)

The Carnival Vista Class consists of three ships, the Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama. The design of the Vista Class marked a significant step for Carnival in its transition to the mega ships currently sailing.

The Vista Class ships have a gross tonnage of 133,500 and can accommodate between 3,934 and 4,008 passengers, depending on the specific cruise ship.

The Vista Class ships introduced a whole new level of onboard experiences for Carnival Cruise passengers. The ships were designed with innovative family suites known as the Family Harbor suites and the Havana Suites.

Passengers who book a Family Harbor Suite have exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge. Breakfast and snacks are available daily at the Family Harbor lounge.

Passengers who book a Havana Suite have exclusive access to a gated section of the deck. The exclusive section includes a plunge pool, hot tubs, and an outdoor bar.

The Vista class ships, with the exception of the Carnival Panorama, have an IMAX theater. A Sky Zone Trampoline Park was added on the Carnival Panorama in lieu of the IMAX theatre.

The outdoor experiences of the Vista Class ships were also enhanced. The ships feature regular amenities commonly found on most Carnival ships, including a water park, waterslides, SportsSquare, and a Ropes Course. The Vista Class ships introduced SkyRide, a pedal-powered aerial vehicle that you ride high above the top deck. There are two tracks side by side, allowing you to race the person pedaling on the track next to you.

The Vista Class ships are among the largest in the Carnival fleet and are full of activities for all ages.

The Vista Class Destinations

The Carnival Horizon sails from Miami, Florida, and visits destinations in the Caribbean. The Carnival Vista sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, and also visits destinations in the Caribbean. On the West Coast in California, you will find the Carnival Panorama, which sails from Los Angeles (Long Beach) and visits destinations in Mexico, including Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and La Paz. The Carnival Panorama is one of the few cruise ships that offers two-day stops in Cabo San Lucas as part of their itinerary.

The Carnival Vista Class is Best for:

Active families, first-time cruisers, cruisers seeking a lively atmosphere, cruisers looking for private accommodations, and cruisers who are looking for state-of-the-art amenities.

The Carnival Excel Class (Launched 2020–present)

The Carnival Excel Class consists of three ships, the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Celebration, and the Carnival Jubilee. The Excel Class ships are hands down one of the more popular cruise ship classes available in Carnival’s fleet. The Excel Class ships are the largest in Carnival’s fleet and offer enhanced experiences. The Mardi Gras has a gross tonnage of 180,800 and can accommodate 5270 passengers. Both the Carnival Celebration and the Carnival Jubilee have a gross tonnage of 183,521 and can accommodate over 5362 passengers.

The Excel Class is the latest and most innovative class in Carnival’s lineup, featuring LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion, making them more environmentally friendly.

These mega-ships offer thrilling features like the first roller coaster at sea (BOLT), themed zones such as the French Quarter and Summer Landing, a relaxing outdoor area with pools, hot tubs, and bars. The Excel Class also offers some of Carnival’s most luxurious accommodations.

The Carnival Excel Class offers enhanced dining options like Street Eats, Chibang!, and Emeril’s Bistros at Sea. There are so many dining options that it is possible to eat at different venues every day. Outdoor activities on Excel Class ships include pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and mini golf, as well as an outdoor water park, waterslides, and a ropes course.

The Excel Class Ship Destinations

The Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, and visits destinations throughout the Caribbean. The Carnival Celebration sails from Miami, Florida, and visits destinations throughout the Caribbean. The third Excel Class ship, Carnival Jubilee, sails from Galveston, Texas, and visits destinations such as the Bahamas, Mahogany Bay, Roatan, and destinations in Mexico such as Cozumel and Costa Maya.

The Carnival Excel Class is Best for:

Cruisers who want maximum entertainment and the “wow factor.” Cruisers who are looking for luxury and enhanced dining options.

Future Excel Class Ships

Recently, Carnival announced the addition of two more Excel Class ships, the Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale. Both ships will be designed to carry over 6000 passengers.

Carnival Festival’s design will eliminate the BOLT rollercoaster and introduce Carnival’s new Sunsation Point zone. One of the main features of Sunsation Point will be an expanded water park that is perfect for families. Along with the waterpark, there will be expanded outdoor areas for passengers to enjoy.

Carnival Festivale is scheduled to join the fleet in 2027. Its home port is scheduled to be Port Canaveral, Florida.

Carnival Tropicale, the fifth of the Excel-class ships, is rumored to have many of the same designs as the Carnival Festivale. It is scheduled to join Carnival’s fleet in 2028. Its home port has not yet been announced.

Picture of the Carnival Celebration Cruise Ship — Carnival Celebration Cruise Ship

Carnival Venice Class (Launched 2023 and 2024)

Ships in the Carnival Venice Class include the Carnival Venezia and the Carnival Firenze. Both of these ships were initially built for Costa Cruises and have an Italian-inspired theme. Both of these ships were initially built for Costa Cruises and have an Italian-inspired theme. Carnival transferred Carnival Venezia to its fleet in 2023, followed by the Carnival Firenze in 2024

The Carnival Venezia has a gross tonnage of 135,225 and can accommodate 4090 passengers. The Carnival Firenze has a gross tonnage of 135,156 and can accommodate 4126 passengers.

Both Venice Class ships were renovated with many features available on most Carnival ships, such as the Serenity Adult-only retreat, SportsSquare, WaterWorks water park, and water slides.

Dining options include many options available on Carnival ships, with the addition of Il Viaggio, an elevated dining experience that showcases dishes from several regions in Italy.

The Venice Class Ship Destinations

The Carnival Venezia sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, and Manhattan, New York, and visits destinations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Nova Scotia, and the Caribbean. You will find the Carnival Firenze on the West Coast, sailing from Los Angeles (Long Beach) and visiting destinations in Mexico.

The Carnival Venice Class is Best for:

Couples, cruisers who want to visit different destinations, cruisers looking for enhanced dining options, and cruisers looking for quieter vacations.

Carnival Adventure Class (Launched 2025)

The Adventure Class is the latest addition to Carnival’s ships. Ships in the Carnival Adventure Class include the Carnival Adventure and the Carnival Encounter. Both ships were part of the P&O fleet sailing in Australia. Both ships were transferred to Carnival’s fleet in 2025.

Key features of the Adventure Class include the Edge Adventure Park, which has thrilling, fun-filled activities such as rock climbing, Walk the Plank, the Beam Walk, and the Highline. The Byron Beach Club and Cloud 9 Spa services.

The Adventure Class Ship Destinations

Both the Carnival Adventure and the Carnival Encounter sail from Australia and Singapore and sail throughout Australia, Asia, and the South Pacific with stops in Fiji and Vanuatu.

The Carnival Adventure Class is Best for:

Cruisers who want to sail in Australia, Asia, and the South Pacific.

The Future For Carnival’s Fleet of Ships

Carnival recently announced Project Ace, which will add larger ships to its fleet. These new mega-sized ships will have a gross tonnage of 230,000 with the capacity to host almost 8000 passengers. These ships are scheduled to be introduced to Carnival’s fleet starting in 2029.

Choosing the Right Carnival Ship Class for You

With so many choices, picking the right ship class can feel overwhelming. A key thing to keep in mind is what you would like out of your cruise vacation. If you are a budget traveler and prefer to save money on a cruise, sailing on an older ship would be best. Older ships are less costly, allowing you to save money on a cruise vacation. If it’s adventure that you crave, then sailing on a Vista or Excel-class ship would be best. These ships have many exciting and adventurous options. If you are a relaxation-focused cruiser, consider sailing on a ship in the Spirit or Splendor Class. Carnival has many options to choose from, and I am sure you can find the perfect ship for you.

Final Thoughts on Carnival Cruise Ship Classes

Carnival Cruise Line’s diverse cruise ship classes mean there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you prefer a classic, intimate cruising experience or want the latest and greatest in cruise ship adventure and excitement, understanding the different ship classes will help you decide which ship is perfect for you. By understanding the different Carnival cruise ship classes, you can plan a vacation that fits your needs, whether it’s to maximize value, comfort, or fun.

Carnival’s fleet continues to evolve with newer, greener, and more exciting ships. Now is a great time to explore what Carnival has to offer. Choose the ship that matches your vibe and get ready to set sail on the vacation of a lifetime.

Carnival Cruise Ship Classes, Which One is Right For You?

Carnival Cruise Ship Classes Have Unique Features