Carnival Cruise Line has 27 cruise ships each with its own unique amenities and experiences. With so many ships to choose from, finding the right one might seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, Carnival Cruise Line has grouped its ships into different classes to make it easier for you to pick based on what you like.
By learning about each Carnival Cruise Ship Class, you can create your perfect cruise whether you prefer relaxing by the pool or trying an adventurous activity like BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster.
Let’s explore the various Carnival Ship Classes to help you find your ideal floating paradise.
Carnival Ships by Class
Carnival Cruise Lines has 9 classes of cruise ships that include:
- Venice
- Excel
- Vista
- Sunshine
- Dream
- Splendor
- Conquest
- Spirit
- Fantasy
Carnival Cruise Line has big ships, but most are not as big as the newest ones. In the last two years, Carnival launched huge ships like Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration. These are much larger than their other ships like the Carnival Venezia.
Carnival Ship Classes by Age
This table shows the different Carnival Ships by Class and Age:
| Class | Age: Ships Launched Between |
|---|---|
| Venice | 2023 to 2024 |
| Excel | 2021 to 2024 |
| Sunshine | 2013 to 2021 |
| Vista | 2016 to 2019 |
| Dream | 2009 to 2012 |
| Splendor | 2008 |
| Conquest | 2002 to 2007 |
| Spirit | 2001 to 2004 |
| Fantasy | 1991 to 1998 |
Carnival Ship Classes by Size
Carnival Ship Classes vary significantly in size. Excel Class ships are about 2.5 times larger than Fantasy Class ships in terms of Size (Gross Tonnage). The Carnival Jubilee (Excel Class ship) has a gross tonnage of about 183,521 GT, while Carnival Paradise (Fantasy Class ship) is around 71,925 GT. But the Ships within a Class slightly differ in size
This massive difference in size allows Excel Class ships to offer more amenities, larger public spaces, and a greater variety of cabin options.
Here is the Carnival Ship Classes Chart by size:
| Class | Average Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|
| Excel | 182,000 GT |
| Venice | 135,000 GT |
| Vista | 133,500 GT |
| Dream | 128,000 GT |
| Splendor | 113,300 GT |
| Conquest | 110,000 GT |
| Sunshine | 102,000 GT |
| Spirit | 88,500 GT |
| Fantasy | 72,000 GT |
Carnival Excel Class
Excel Class Ships are given below:
- Mardi Gras (Launched in 2021)
- Carnival Celebration (Launched in 2022)
- Carnival Jubilee (Launched in 2023)
- Unnamed Excel ship (Yet to be Launched in 2027)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 180,800 to 183,521 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 6400
- Crew Capacity: Around 1700
Amenities and Entertainment
Carnival Excel Class ships are the biggest in Carnival’s fleet, with more dining options, lounges, bars, and attractions. The ships in this class are Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and a fourth ship in the Excel Class is planned to launch in 2027. They are powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and have advanced waste management and energy-efficient systems.
The ships have BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first roller coaster at sea. There are six themed zones with unique dining, entertainment, and activities like Summer Landing, Lido, and The Ultimate Playground.
There are over 20 dining venues, including specialty restaurants like Emeril’s Bistro, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and Rudi’s Seagrill. The ships also have bars and lounges like RedFrog Tiki Bar, Alchemy Bar, and Havana Bar. Family-friendly features include Camp Ocean for kids, Circle C for tweens, Club O2 for teens, and Dr. Seuss Bookville.
Entertainment options include the Punchliner Comedy Club, Playlist Productions shows in the main theater, and live music venues. Guest can check the shows timing through Carnival Funtimes. There are multiple pools, including an aft infinity pool, and the WaterWorks aqua park with slides.
The ships offer sports and recreation activities like SportSquare with a ropes course and mini-golf, as well as a fitness center with modern equipment. For wellness, there is the Cloud 9 Spa with a thermal suite and the Serenity Adult Only Retreat.
The ships also offer accommodation innovations like Excel Suites with access to Loft 19, a private retreat, Family Harbor staterooms and lounge, and Havana staterooms with an exclusive pool area.
Carnival Venice Class
Venice Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Venezia (Launched in 2023)
- Carnival Firenze (Launched in 2024)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 135,156 to 135,225 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 4,000
- Crew Capacity: Around 1,425
Amenities and Entertainment
The newest ship class is called the Venice Class. It includes two ships. Carnival Venezia, which started sailing as Costa Venezia in 2019, and now started sailing for Carnival in 2023. Carnival Firenze, launched in 2019 by Costa Cruises and joined Carnival Cruise line in 2024.
Carnival Venice ships are structurally similar to the Vista Class, but they are categorized differently due to their Italian design. For example, the Venice Class ships have areas with Italian names like Terrazza Carnevale and Il Viaggio restaurant.
Carnival Firenze features an atrium inspired by Florence’s cathedral. Guests can also enjoy a Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant onboard and Italian pizza at Pizzeria del Capitano.
Carnival’s Venice Class ships offer various amenities and activities. Key amenities include multiple dining options, bars, Carnival Seaside Theater, a casino, swimming pools, and Could 9 Spa. Activities for kids and teens include Circle C and Club O2.
Main activities include live entertainment, poolside games, fitness classes, art auctions, trivia, dance classes, and casino games. Extra features may include a water park, mini-golf course, sports court, jogging track, The Warehouse Video Arcade and an adults-only relaxation area called Serenity.
Carnival Vista Class
Vista Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Vista (Launched in 2016)
- Carnival Horizon (Launched in 2018)
- Carnival Panorama (Launched in 2019)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 4008 to 4977
- Crew Capacity: 1450
Amenities and Entertainment
The Vista Class of Carnival Cruise ships include Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Vista. The ships have many amenities like eateries, lounges, and bars. They have a top deck with attractions and fun.
Carnival Panorama was the first to have a trampoline park at sea. Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon were the first to have IMax theaters at sea showing the latest movies and IMAX documentaries. There is a themed waterpark on Carnival Horizon for Dr. Seuss fans that includes water slides, and splash areas.
Vista Class ships also had the first breweries and BBQ smokehouses at sea, like Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse on Carnival Panorama and Horizon. They offer freshly brewed beer on-site.
Other Dining options include Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, JiJi Asian Kitchen, and Seafood Shack. Bars and lounges on the ships include Alchemy Bar and SkyBox Sports Bar.
The Cloud 9 Spa features a thermal suite, treatment rooms, and a fitness center. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is a triple-deck area for adults with loungers, hot tubs, and a bar. Family-friendly features include Camp Ocean, Circle C, Club O2, and Dr. Seuss Bookville. Sports Square offers a mini-golf, basketball court, and outdoor fitness equipment.
Entertainment options include the Punchliner Comedy Club, Piano Bar 88, Playlist Productions shows, and Dive-in Movies. The ships have various pools, specialty accommodations like Family Harbor staterooms and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms. Carnival Havana Cabana suites have outdoor patios and access to an exclusive Havana Bar and pool.
Carnival Dream Class
- Carnival Breeze (Launched in 2012)
- Carnival Magic (Launched in 2011)
- Carnival Dream (Launched in 2009)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 3600
- Crew Capacity: Over 1300
Amenities and Entertainment
Carnival Dream Class Ships include Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze. They are similar in size to Vista-class ships and have many of the same features. Dream Class ships do not have Imax theaters or Trampoline parks like Vista-class ships.
Carnival Dream Class Ships also lack exclusive cabin areas and some dining options. Despite these differences, Dream-class ships offer similar amenities. For instance, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic have ropes courses, and Carnival Breeze has a 4D thrill theater.
The ships have WaterWorks Aqua Park with slides like Twister and DrainPipe. SportSquare offers activities like SkyCourse, mini-golf, and basketball. Cloud 9 Spa has a pool, steam rooms, and massage services. Serenity Adult-Only Retreat has loungers and hot tubs.
Entertainment venues feature Punchliner Comedy Club, Piano Bar 88 and Jackpot Casino. Family-friendly features like Camp Ocean, Thrill Theater and Warehouse Arcade are provided. Pools include the Main Pool and Tides Pool. Additional amenities like an Art Gallery and Library are available. Stateroom options range from Interior room to Suites.
The dining options are like those on Vista-class ships. Complimentary venues include Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. For specialty dining, there is a steakhouse and Italian eatery Cucina Del Capitano on all three ships.
Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream have sushi eateries, while Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic have RedFrog Pub. Bars and lounges like Ocean Plaza and Alchemy Bar are available. You can also check Carnival Drink Prices and Bar Menus.
Carnival Splendor Class
Splendor Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Splendor (Launched in 2008)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 113,300 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 3012
- Crew Capacity: 1150
Amenities and Entertainment
The Carnival Splendor, built in 2008, is the only ship in the Splendor Class of Carnival cruise ships. Carnival Splendor is unique because she was originally meant for Costa Cruises but was transferred to Carnival during construction. It is similar to Costa’s Concordia-Class ships, which were based on the design of Carnival’s Conquest class.
The main difference is that Carnival Splendor has a larger top deck area with a retractable glass roof magrodome and a water play area for kids. It also has a bigger spa. Carnival Splendor is basically a variation of the Conquest-class ships, just a bit bigger in size. Carnival Splendor offers specialized trips to Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand.
Carnival Splendor received Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades in 2016. The ship has a grand atrium where live entertainment happens, and the Ocean Plaza, a place for live music, dancing, and socializing.
Carnival Splendor also has an outdoor area called The Lanai, which is good for walking, dining outside, and enjoying ocean views. It has a water park with Twister slides. There are two pools, including one at the back of the ship.
The Cloud 9 Spa is a big spa with a pool, steam rooms, and massage services. There is also a fitness center. Adults can enjoy the Serenity Retreat area with loungers and hot tubs. Families can enjoy kids’ clubs and a video arcade. There are sports activities like mini-golf and basketball.
Unique features on the ship include a wine bar and a Red-Carpet Dance Club. Other amenities include shops, and The Alexandria Library. There are different types of rooms to stay in, from interior rooms to suites.
Carnival Conquest Class
Conquest Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Freedom (Launched in 2007)
- Carnival Liberty (Launched in 2005)
- Carnival Valor (Launched in 2004)
- Carnival Glory (Launched in 2003)
- Carnival Conquest (Launched in 2002)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 2980
- Crew Capacity: Over 1100
Amenities and Entertainment
The Conquest Class Ships, like the Carnival Splendor, are smaller than the Vista class and Dream class ships, so they have fewer amenities. These ships still offer classic Carnival attractions like water play areas, mini golf, and Serenity adult-only retreat areas.
The Conquest class ships carry fewer passengers compared to the Vista class ships, accommodating around 3,000 passengers at double occupancy. This is about 1,000 fewer passengers than the Vista class ships, making it less crowded. These ships are popular with Carnival cruisers who prefer smaller crowds. Conquest ships are mid-sized and visit smaller ports.
Conquest Class Ships have Waterworks Aqua Park with Twister waterslide and Sports Deck with Mini-golf, Jogging track, and Basketball courts. A lively pool deck with music, and a main show lounge with various performances. Stateroom Options include Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suites.
Carnival Conquest Class Ships have entertainment venues like Punchliner Comedy Club, a Hot and Cool Night Club, Piano Man Bar, and a casino. They also offer family-friendly features such as Camp Ocean for kids, Circle C for tweens, Club O2 for teens, and a video arcade.
Dining options on Conquest ships are fewer than on larger Carnival ships but still include favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguanna Cantina, Carnival Deli, Pizza Pirate, and a steakhouse. The ships also have the Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar on the pool deck. Some ships have specialty dining options like Mongolian Wok or Seafood Shack.
Carnival Spirit Class
Spirit Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Spirit (Launched in 2001)
- Carnival Pride (Launched in 2002)
- Carnival Legend (Launched in 2002)
- Carnival Miracle (Launched in 2004)
- Carnival Luminosa (Launched in 2009/2022)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 2100
- Crew Capacity: Over 900
Amenities and Entertainment
The ships in Spirit Class including Carnival Legend, Miracle, Pride, and Spirit were mostly launched in the early 2000s. Carnival Luminosa, previously known as Costa Luminosa, started sailing in 2009.
In September 2022, Carnival Luminosa was renovated and joined the Carnival fleet. It is slightly larger and can accommodate more passengers than the other Spirit Class Ships.
Spirit Class Ships offer many fun features found on larger Carnival ships despite their smaller size such as water parks, waterslides, miniature golf courses and an adults-only area. One unique feature of Spirit class ships is their special date-night restaurants located in their funnels, featuring translucent glass dome ceilings.
Spirit Class Ships offer many dining options such as the RedFrog pub, BlueIguana Cantina, and Nouveau Steakhouse, bars, and lounges that also host live music and entertainment. Each ship has a central Renaissance-style atrium.
These ships have been renovated as part of the Fun Ship 2.0 program, but they don’t have all the same features as the bigger ships.
They are designed for cruising in all types of weather, with pools that can be covered by retractable domes when it’s cold or stormy. These ships sail to places like Alaska. Carnival also uses these ships for winter trips to the Caribbean from Baltimore.
These ships are often used for long trips because they are designed to be strong, have many amenities, and can dock in smaller ports. Spirit Class ships have a high percentage of balconies and Oceanview cabins, making them ideal for destinations like Alaska where guests can enjoy the scenery from their cabin.
Carnival Sunshine Class
Sunshine Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Radiance (Launched in 2021)
- Carnival Sunrise (Launched in 2019)
- Carnival Sunshine (Launched in 2013)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509 GT to 102,853 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 2900
- Crew Capacity: Over 1100
Amenities and Entertainment
The Sunshine class, previously known as the Destiny class, is unique in the Carnival fleet. These ships are some of the oldest in Carnival’s fleet but have been extensively renovated since 2013. Carnival spent over $200 million on each ship to rebuild them, with Carnival giving them new names.
For example, Carnival Sunshine was formerly Carnival Destiny, Carnival Sunrise was Carnival Triumph, and Carnival Radiance was Carnival Victory. The ships were redesigned in almost every area, which was a big change for Carnival.
During the renovations in 2013, the Sunshine was upgraded with new amenities like an adults-only area, a waterpark, and a Sports Square with a basketball court, miniature golf, and a ropes course.
They also added a Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Sushi restaurant, and Italian Cucina del Capitano onboard. Carnival Sunshine was the world’s biggest cruise ship in 1996. It was the first cruise ship to weigh over 100,000 gross tons. It no longer ranks among the top 50 largest cruise ships today.
Carnival spent $200 million in 2019 to overhaul Carnival Sunrise, adding similar features like Carnival Sunshine. Carnival Radiance recently completed its scheduled overhaul after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2021.
Despite the renovations, the Sunshine-class ships do not have all the features of newer Carnival ships like Carnival Panorama. These newer ships are larger, offering more attractions, restaurants, and lounges.
Carnival Fantasy Class
Fantasy Class Ships are given below:
- Carnival Paradise (Launched in 1998)
- Carnival Elation (Launched in 1998)
Size and Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 71,909 GT to 71,925 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Over 2100
- Crew Capacity: Over 900
Amenities and Entertainment
The first Carnival Ship Class is the Fantasy Class. It is the oldest and smallest Carnival Ship Class which includes two ships; Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise. Due to COVID-19, Carnival is phasing out these ships.
Before the pandemic, Carnival had 8 Fantasy Class ships, but now there are only two. Both Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise were launched in 1998.
They provide a cozy and intimate experience for passengers with limited dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint, various onboard activities like waterpark, slides, a spray park for kids and lively entertainment. The ships also have the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for relaxation. These ships have lesser amenities than New Carnival Class Ships.
Despite being smaller and older, they offer a classic Carnival experience. The ships have limited balconies rooms due to their age and size, so guests may need to book an ocean view room instead. These ships are mainly used in smaller ports like Jacksonville, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama.
FAQs – Carnival Ship Classes 2024
How Many Classes of Ships Does Carnival Have?
Carnival Cruise Line currently operates 9 classes of ships. These include Excel, Venice, Vista, Dream, Sunshine, Conquest, Spirit, Fantasy, and Splendor classes.
What is Camp Ocean on Carnival?
Camp Ocean is Carnival Cruise Line’s youth program designed for children aged 2 to 11. It offers supervised age-appropriate activities, games, and educational experiences in a marine-themed environment. The program is divided into three age groups: Penguins (2 to 5 years), Stingrays (6 to 8 years), and Sharks (9 to 11 years), each with tailored activities and spaces.
What is Club O2 on Carnival?
Club O2 is a special program on Carnival Cruise Line for teens aged 15 to 17. It gives teens a safe place to hang out, do activities, and have fun without alcohol. They can join dance parties, sports games, and video game contests. Club O2 is a fun and safe place for teens to make friends and have a good time on their cruise.
Which Carnival Ships Have a Roller Coaster?
Carnival’s BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster is only on Excel class ships like Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. BOLT is the first roller coaster at sea, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph.
Which Carnival Cruise Ships Have Cove Balconies?
Carnival Cove Balconies are available on Carnival Excel Class, Dream Class and Vista Class ships. They’re private, enclosed, cheaper and bigger than regular balconies. The downside is they’re shaded and might close in bad weather.
Which Carnival Ships Have Havana Rooms?
Carnival Havana Cabana suites have a private patio with loungers and a hammock. Guests can use the Havana pool area. Carnival Havana rooms are available on Carnival Excel Class ships (Carnival Jubilee, Celebration and Mardi Gras) and Carnival Vista Class ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama).
Which Carnival Cruise Ships Have Casinos?
All Carnival Cruise Line ships have casinos. The casinos offer games like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and poker. The size and types of games in the casino depend on the ship’s class and size. Larger ships usually have bigger casinos with more games.
Which Carnival Cruise Ships Have Cloud 9 Spa?
The Cloud 9 Spa is available on Carnival’s Dream Class, Sunshine Class, Splendor class, Vista Class, and Excel Class ships. Only Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Splendor have the Hydrotherapy Pool. These spas offer a range of treatments, thermal suites, and specially designated spa staterooms for a more luxurious and relaxing cruise experience.
Which Carnival Ships Have Waterslides?
Most Carnival Ships have waterslides in their WaterWorks aqua parks. This includes Dream Class, Vista Class, and Excel Class ships, and some refurbished Fantasy-class and Conquest Class ships. The only ships without waterslides are Carnival Conquest, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Splendor. The types and number of waterslides can differ by ship, with newer ships usually having more exciting slide choices.
Which Carnival Ships Have a Serenity Pool?
The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, which often includes a pool or hot tubs, is available on most Carnival ships across various classes. Not all Serenity areas have a dedicated pool. The newer and larger ships, such as those in the Vista and Excel classes, are more likely to feature a Serenity pool. It’s best to check the ship’s amenities for accurate details.
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