Carnival Cruise Line is the biggest cruise line with 27 ships in its fleet and more being built. It is the main brand of Carnival Corporation & plc. It is known as America’s Cruise Line because it carries more Americans and serves more U.S. homeports than any other cruise line.
Not all Carnival Cruise Ships are the same. The newest Carnival Cruise Ships have more amenities like dining places, bars, and unique attractions as compared to older ships.
In this guide, we will discuss Carnival Ships by Age from oldest to newest to help you choose your next cruise.
Carnival Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest
This table shows the Carnival Ships newest to oldest and their ship class. Note: Carnival Firenze has not sailed yet.
| Carnival Ships | Class | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Firenze | Venice | 2024* |
| Carnival Jubilee | Excel | 2023 |
| Carnival Venezia | Venice | 2023 |
| Carnival Celebration | Excel | 2022 |
| Carnival Luminosa | Spirit | 2022 |
| Mardi Gras | Excel | 2021 |
| Carnival Panorama | Vista | 2019 |
| Carnival Horizon | Vista | 2018 |
| Carnival Vista | Vista | 2016 |
| Carnival Breeze | Dream | 2012 |
| Carnival Magic | Dream | 2011 |
| Carnival Dream | Dream | 2009 |
| Carnival Splendor | Splendor | 2008 |
| Carnival Freedom | Conquest | 2007 |
| Carnival Liberty | Conquest | 2005 |
| Carnival Miracle | Sprit | 2004 |
| Carnival Valor | Conquest | 2004 |
| Carnival Glory | Conquest | 2003 |
| Carnival Conquest | Conquest | 2002 |
| Carnival Legend | Sprit | 2002 |
| Carnival Pride | Sprit | 2002 |
| Carnival Spirit | Sprit | 2001 |
| Carnival Radiance | Sunshine | 2000 |
| Carnival Sunrise | Sunshine | 1999 |
| Carnival Elation | Fantasy | 1998 |
| Carnival Paradise | Fantasy | 1998 |
| Carnival Sunshine | Sunshine | 1996 |
We will keep updating the list with recent information when new Carnival Cruise Ships are added to the fleet.
Carnival Ships by Age
Here is the list of Carnival Ships by size and age.
Carnival Firenze (Costa Firenze)
Carnival Firenze started as a Costa Cruises ship in 2021. After a refit, she will be part of Carnival’s fleet in 2024. It will have its first voyage on April 24, 2024. Carnival Firenze is now the 27th ship in the Carnival fleet.
Carnival Firenze is the second Carnival Fun Italian Style ship, like sister ship Carnival Venezia. She will sail from Long Beach, California as part of the Venice Class.
- Class: Venice
- Maiden voyage: 2021 (renamed in 2024)
- Size: 135,156 GT
- Passenger capacity: 4,126
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee is the third ship in Carnival Excel Class, started sailing on 23 December 2023. Carnival Jubilee was delivered to the cruise line on December 4 in Bremerhaven, Germany, after being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Originally, its first voyage was planned for October 30, 2023, from Southampton, UK to Galveston, Texas, but it was delayed due to supply chain issues. Now, Carnival Jubilee’s first cruise has departed from Galveston, Texas on December 23 for 7-day trip to the Western Caribbean.
- Class: Excel
- Maiden voyage: 2023
- Size: 183,521 GT
- Passenger capacity: 5,374
Carnival Venezia (Costa Venezia)
Costa Venezia first sailed as Costa Venezia for Costa Cruises in May 2019, mainly for the Chinese market. In March 2023, Carnival took over the ship, refurbished it, and introduced it as Carnival Venezia. She had her first voyage with Carnival on May 29, 2023. It is part of Carnival and Costa’s “Costa by Carnival” project.
Carnival Venezia had a big makeover in Cadiz, Spain, costing millions of dollars, but it still kept its traditional Italian decor. The ship can hold 4,072 guests in 2,045 rooms. It has 15 decks.
- Class: Venice
- Maiden voyage: 2019 (renamed in 2023)
- Size: 135,225 GT
- Passenger capacity: 4,072
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the Excel Class series, following Mardi Gras. It starts operating in November 2022. Carnival Celebration is named after an old Carnival cruise ship called Celebration, which was part of the Holiday class. The name also honors Carnival Cruise Line’s long history, as the ship was delivered during the Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday year and was named in Miami, Florida.
Carnival Celebration sails from Miami all year. It is the second ship that has a BOLT rollercoaster.
- Class: Excel
- Maiden voyage: 2022
- Size: 183,521 GT
- Passenger capacity: 5,374
Carnival Radiance (Carnival Victory)
Carnival Radiance started as Carnival Victory in 2000. In 2021, the ship got a $200 million makeover and a new name (carnival radiance) in Cadiz, Spain.
Carnival Radiance is the third ship in the Carnival Sunshine Class, along with Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunrise. It is sailing from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in California starting December 13, 2021. Dr. Lucille O’Neal is the ship’s godmother.
- Class: Sunshine
- Maiden voyage: 2000 (overhauled and renamed in 2021)
- Size: 101,509 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,984
Carnival Luminosa (Costa Luminosa)
Carnival Luminosa used to be called Costa Luminosa and started sailing in 2009. After getting a makeover in September 2022, the ship started sailing as part of the Carnival fleet. It is a mix of Vista and Spirit classes, but Carnival calls it part of the Spirit Class.
Carnival Luminosa used to be a Costa ship, so it doesn’t have the usual funnel design of Carnival ships. Instead, Carnival painted over Costa’s yellow funnel with their red, white, and blue colors.
It had its first guest trip from Brisbane, Australia in November 2022. After its first season in Brisbane, the ship is now sailing from Seattle to Alaska.
- Class: Spirit
- Maiden voyage: 2009 (overhauled and renamed in 2022)
- Size: 92,720 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,826
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is the first ship in Carnival Excel Class. It started sailing on July 31, 2021, from Port Canaveral in Florida. Kimberly Jimenez, Miss Dominican Republic, is the ship’s godmother.
Mardi Gras is the first ship in North America to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). It is also the first ship to have BOLT, the Ultimate Speed Coaster, which is the first roller coaster at sea. The Red Frog Rum Bar got a new name and look. Now, you’ll see the two-story Red Frog Tiki Bar on Mardi Gras.
- Class: Excel
- Maiden voyage: 2021
- Size: 180,800 GT
- Passenger capacity: 5,282
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Panorama is the third and last ship in carnival Vista class, made by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. It started sailing in 2019 with its first trip in December. It is slightly larger than its sister ships, Carnival Vista and Horizon. Vanna White was the godmother who named the ship.
Carnival Panorama is the only ship in the fleet with a Trampoline Park called Sky Zone. The ship introduced Carnival Kitchen, which is a cooking center with over 15 interactive cooking, baking, and decorating sessions.
- Class: Vista
- Maiden voyage: 2019
- Size: 133,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 4,008
Carnival Sunrise (Carnival Triumph)
Carnival Sunrise was originally called Carnival Triumph and started sailing in 1999. In 2019, it underwent a $200 million transformation. and was renamed Carnival Sunrise, becoming a Sunshine Class ship. Kelly Arison is the ship’s Godmother.
- Class: Sunshine
- Maiden voyage: 1999 (overhauled and renamed in 2019)
- Size: 101,509 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,984
Carnival Horizon
Carnival Horizon is the second ship in the Vista class that started sailing in 2018. It started sailing again in 2021 after the industry stopped due to the pandemic.
Carnival Horizon’s Godmother is Queen Latifah, who is a rapper, actress, and singer. Carnival Horizon introduced new features like Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Brewhouse and the first Dr. Seuss-themed water park.
- Class: Vista
- Maiden voyage: 2018
- Size: 133,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,960
Carnival Vista
The Carnival Vista is the first Vista Class cruise ship in Carnival Cruise Line, built by Fincantieri in 2016. It was also the first ship to have the SkyRide, a bike ride that hangs above the ship’s top deck. It offers many fun activities, like two theaters, an IMAX movie theater, the Red Frog Pub and Brewery, a big Carnival Waterworks, Sport Square with the SkyRide, and the Havana Bar & Pool.
Carnival Vista started sailing in 2016 and is slightly smaller than Carnival Horizon. The ship offers cruises to the Caribbean. It was named by Miss USA, Deshauna Barber
- Class: Vista
- Maiden voyage: 2016
- Size: 133,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,934
Carnival Sunshine (Carnival Destiny)
Carnival Sunshine used to be called Carnival Destiny when it first came out in 1996. In November 2013, Carnival Destiny got a $155 million upgrade in 49 days and was transformed into Carnival Sunshine, the first ship in Sunshine class. They added a new deck to the front and put in 182 more cabins. Lin Arison is the ship’s godmother.
- Class: Sunshine
- Maiden voyage: 1996 (overhauled and renamed in 2013)
- Size: 102,853 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,002
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze is the third and last Dream class ship and was built by Fincantieri in Italy. It was launched in 2012 and last refurbished in 2017. Tracy Wilson Mourning, who founded the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, became the ship’s godmother.
Carnival Breeze can hold up to 3,690 guests and 1,386 crew members. It is slightly smaller than the newer Vista-class vessels.
- Class: Dream
- Maiden voyage: 2012
- Size: 130,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,690
Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic is the second Carnival Dream Class ship. It was launched in 2011 and last updated in May 2021 with a new blue, white, and red look. It was the first ship in the cruise line to have a ropes course.
Lindsey Wilkerson was the one who named the ship. It can hold 3,690 guests and 1,367 crew members. There are 14 decks for passengers.
- Class: Dream
- Maiden voyage: 2011
- Size: 130,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,690
Carnival Dream
Carnival Dream is the first ship in Carnival Dream Class and started sailing in 2009. In 2021, the ship got a new Carnival-colored look during a dry dock.
Carnival Dream was the first ship in the fleet to have a water park with many slides. It also has an 18 hole mini golf course and The Lanai, an outdoor deck with a café and four whirlpool Jacuzzis. The ship has a red interior in some public areas. Actress Marcia Gay Harden named the ship.
- Class: Dream
- Maiden voyage: 2009
- Size: 130,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,646
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor is the only ship in Carnival Splendor Class. Originally, the ship was ordered by Costa Cruises as a Concordia-class vessel. During its construction in 2008 in Genoa, Italy, the ship was transferred to operate for Carnival.
Carnival Splendor started sailing in 2008 and last renovated in 2017. The ship’s Godmother is British musician and businesswoman Myleene Klass.
- Class: Splendor
- Maiden voyage: 2008
- Size: 113,300 GT
- Passenger capacity: 3,012
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom is the last ship in the Carnival Conquest Class. It started sailing in 2007 and cost $500 million. It was renovated in 2019. The ship’s Godmother is Kathy Ireland, who is an American author, entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist, and fashion model.
- Class: Conquest
- Maiden voyage: 2007
- Size: 110,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,980
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty is the fourth ship in the Conquest Class series. Carnival Liberty was launched in 2005 and is now 17 years old. The ship has been refurbished multiple times. In 2011, it was the first to get FUN 2.0 upgrades, like Guy’s Burger Joint and Alchemy Bar. In 2021, it got a new blue, white, and red look.
Mira Sorvino, an Italian American actress who won an Oscar, is the ship’s godmother.
- Class: Conquest
- Maiden voyage: 2005
- Size: 110,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,974
Carnival Valor
Carnival Valor is the third ship in the Conquest Class and is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The ship is expected to stay there until at least April 2025. It started sailing in December 2004. It has 13 decks for passengers and is 952 feet long. Katie Couric, Co-host of NBC News Today, is the ship’s godmother.
- Class: Conquest
- Maiden voyage: 2004
- Size: 110,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,980
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Miracle is the fourth ship and last ship in Spirit Class. It was built in Helsinki, Finland. It was launched in 2004 and last refurbished in 2020. The ship provides more space per passenger than any other ship in the fleet.
Carnival Miracle is popular for Alaska cruises and can go through the Panama Canal.
- Class: Spirit
- Maiden voyage: 2004
- Size: 88,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,124
Carnival Glory
The Carnival Glory is the second ship in the Conquest-class. It was built by Fincantieri in Italy and cost $500 million. It started sailing on July 14, 2003. She had maintenance in mid-2021 and got more upgrades in 2022, like a new store, a bigger casino, and an improved café. The ship’s Godmother is Dr. Sally Ride, an American astronaut and physicist.
- Class: Conquest
- Maiden voyage: 2003
- Size: 110,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,980
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Conquest is the first ship in the Conquest Class. It was launched in 2002 and cost $125 million more to build than Carnival Spirit. The Carnival Conquest had maintenance and upgrades in September and October 2022. The updates included a new hull design, Carnival Adventures Store, Dreams Studio, a bigger casino, and improvements to ADA cabins. The ship has 13 decks.
The ship was first based in New Orleans, LA, and made headlines for being the largest ship to sail from there. It has many references to its original homeport and its godmother is Corrine Lindy Claiborne Boggs.
- Class: Conquest
- Maiden voyage: 2002
- Size: 110,000 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,980
Carnival Legend
Carnival Legend is the third ship in the Spirit-class for the cruise line. It was built at the Kvaerner-Masa yards in Helsinki, Finland and cost $375 million. It was launched in 2002 and last refurbished in 2021. The ship has a retractable roof for bad weather. Dame Judi Dench is the ship’s godmother.
Carnival Legend had two accidents in Cozumel. The first was with Enchantment of the Seas in 2009. In 2019, Carnival Legend collided with Carnival Glory.
- Class: Spirit
- Maiden voyage: 2002
- Size: 88,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,124
Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride is the second ship in the Spirit-class. It was launched in 2002 and last renovated in 2019 The ship is 88,500 gross tons, just right to go through the Panama Canal and sail in tough places. It was built in Helsinki, Finland and cost $375 million.
The ship’s godmother is Dr. Tamara Jernigan. Carnival Pride offers guests more space compared to other Carnival ships. This class of ship usually sails from ports like Tampa due to restrictions on taller ships.
- Class: Spirit
- Maiden voyage: 2002
- Size: 88,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,124
Carnival Spirit
The Carnival Spirit is the first ship in the Carnival Spirit Class. It started sailing in 2001 and was last renovated in 2018. It was built in Helsinki, Finland and cost $375 million. It sails in regions like Panama, Alaska, and Northern Europe. The Carnival Spirit has mainly been in Australia in recent years.
Carnival Spirit has been updated with new features like The Warehouse video arcade, Ol’ Fashioned BBQ, Waterworks, Serenity adults-only deck, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Bonsai Sushi.
Carnival Spirit has special features like a retractable roof pool for bad weather and a glass-roofed supper club for romantic dinners. Dr. Tamara Jernigan is the ship’s Godmother.
- Class: Spirit
- Maiden voyage: 2001
- Size: 88,500 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,124
Carnival Paradise
The Carnival Paradise is a Fantasy-class cruise ship. It was built in Helsinki, Finland and cost $300 million. It started sailing in 1998 and was last refurbished in 2018. The ship has 11 decks for 2,124 passengers and can accommodate 920 crew members. Paula Zahn is the ship’s Godmother.
It has Fun Ship 2.0 amenities like Waterworks, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, and Guy’s Burger Joint, like Carnival Elation.
- Class: Fantasy
- Maiden voyage: 1998
- Size: 71,925 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,124
Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation belongs to Fantasy Class and is the smallest ship in the cruise line’s fleet. The ship was built in Finland and cost $315 million. It started sailing in March 1998. Carnival Elation was last updated in 2020 and has had 10 dry docks, with the latest one giving it a new red, white, and blue look.
Shari Arison is the ship’s Godmother. Carnival Elation has some Fun Ship 2.0 features and amenities like Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, Red Frog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, Water Works, Java Blue Cafe, Bonsai Sushi Express, and the Alchemy Bar.
- Class: Fantasy
- Maiden voyage: 1998
- Size: 71,909 GT
- Passenger capacity: 2,190
FAQs – Carnival Cruise Ships by Age
How many Carnival Cruise Ships are there?
Carnival operates 27 ships that go on trips ranging from 2 to 31 days. The cruises leave from all U.S. coasts and are famous for Caribbean trips. They also go to other cool places like Mexico, Alaska, The Bahamas, Europe, and Hawaii.
What’s the newest Carnival Cruise Ship?
The Carnival’s newest ship is called the Carnival Jubilee. It is the second ship in the Excel-class and powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). The ship started operating from Port Canaveral, Florida in December 2023.
What’s the oldest Carnival Cruise Ship?
The Carnival Ecstasy was the last ship in the fleet which left in October 2022. The Carnival Elation, built in 1998, is now the oldest ship in the fleet.
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