Carnival Cruise Line Ships By Age - Carnival Ships Newest to Oldest
Carnival Cruise Line, known as the "Fun Ship" fleet, offers a wide variety of ships catering to families, couples, and solo travelers. This guide highlights Carnival's fleet from newest to oldest, including key details such as gross tonnage, guest capacity, ship classes, and refurbishment history. Whether you're looking for a modern, feature-packed vessel or a classic ship with a cozy vibe, this breakdown will help you choose the perfect Carnival cruise.
Information of Note: Gross Tonnage and Guest Capacity
Gross Tonnage (GRT): Gross tonnage measures a ship's internal volume, encompassing all passenger spaces like cabins, lounges, and entertainment venues. It is a critical metric for cruise ships, as it determines the space available for amenities and the overall guest experience. Higher GRT often translates to more facilities and room for guests to spread out.
Guest Capacity: Guest capacity is calculated based on double occupancy, meaning two guests per cabin - even though most cabins can fit up to 4 passengers. This provides a snapshot of how many passengers the ship can comfortably accommodate. Larger ships with higher guest capacities are designed with ample spaces and features to ensure a balance between capacity and comfort.
Carnival Cruise Line Ships: Newest to Oldest
Carnival Jubilee
Class: Excel
Built: 2023
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 6,630
Gross Tonnage: 183,521
Carnival Celebration
Class: Excel
Built: 2022
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 6,630
Gross Tonnage: 183,521
Carnival Firenze
Class: Vista
Built: 2020
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 4,232
Gross Tonnage: 135,156
Mardi Gras
Class: Excel
Built: 2020
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 6,630
Gross Tonnage: 180,800
Carnival Venezia
Class: Vista
Built: 2019
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 5,260
Gross Tonnage: 135,225
Carnival Panorama
Class: Vista
Built: 2019
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 5,146
Gross Tonnage: 135,500
Carnival Horizon
Class: Vista
Built: 2018
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 4,977
Gross Tonnage: 133,500
Carnival Vista
Class: Vista
Built: 2016
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 4,977
Gross Tonnage: 133,500
Carnival Breeze
Class: Dream
Built: 2012
Last Refurbished: 2017
Guest Capacity: 4,724
Gross Tonnage: 130,000
Carnival Magic
Class: Dream
Built: 2011
Last Refurbished: 2016
Guest Capacity: 4,724
Gross Tonnage: 130,000
Carnival Dream
Class: Dream
Built: 2009
Last Refurbished: 2017
Guest Capacity: 4,631
Gross Tonnage: 130,000
Carnival Luminosa
Class: Spirit
Built: 2009
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 2,826
Gross Tonnage: 92,720
Carnival Splendor
Class: Splendor
Built: 2008
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 3,734
Gross Tonnage: 113,300
Carnival Freedom
Class: Conquest
Built: 2007
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 3,754
Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Liberty
Class: Conquest
Built: 2005
Last Refurbished: 2016
Guest Capacity: 3,756
Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Miracle
Class: Spirit
Built: 2004
Last Refurbished: 2020
Guest Capacity: 2,680
Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Valor
Class: Conquest
Built: 2004
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 3,756
Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Glory
Class: Conquest
Built: 2003
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 3,756
Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Conquest
Class: Conquest
Built: 2002
Last Refurbished: 2017
Guest Capacity: 3,756
Gross Tonnage: 110,000
Carnival Legend
Class: Spirit
Built: 2002
Last Refurbished: 2018
Guest Capacity: 2,610
Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Pride
Class: Spirit
Built: 2002
Last Refurbished: 2019
Guest Capacity: 2,680
Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Spirit
Class: Spirit
Built: 2001
Last Refurbished: 2018
Guest Capacity: 2,610
Gross Tonnage: 88,500
Carnival Radiance
Class: Sunshine
Built: 2000
Last Refurbished: 2020
Guest Capacity: 3,873
Gross Tonnage: 101,509
Carnival Sunrise
Class: Sunshine
Built: 1999
Last Refurbished: 2019
Guest Capacity: 3,873
Gross Tonnage: 101,509
Carnival Paradise
Class: Fantasy
Built: 1998
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 2,606
Gross Tonnage: 71,925
Carnival Elation
Class: Fantasy
Built: 1998
Last Refurbished: 2020
Guest Capacity: 2,606
Gross Tonnage: 71,909
Carnival Sunshine
Class: Sunshine
Built: 1996
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 3,002
Gross Tonnage: 102,853
Key Trends in Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet
Carnival Cruise Line has embraced innovation and modernization, with newer ships like the Excel class offering groundbreaking features and increased guest capacities. Vista-class ships emphasize entertainment and family-friendly spaces, while Sunshine-class vessels showcase reimagined interiors with expanded dining and activity options. Older ships remain competitive through regular refurbishments, ensuring that Carnival maintains a well-rounded fleet to suit every type of cruiser.
Conclusion
Carnival Cruise Line’s diverse fleet provides endless options for an unforgettable cruise vacation. From the cutting-edge Excel class to the charming, smaller Spirit class, every ship has its own personality and features. Use this guide to find the perfect Carnival ship for your next adventure, and prepare for the fun of a lifetime!
Aerial ship photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.