Which Carnival cruise ship class is right for you? Read about the different classes, from Vista to Excel, and find the ship that matches your ideal cruise experience.
Thinking about a cruise with Carnival? It helps to know that Carnival ships are grouped into nine classes. Each class includes ships built around the same time with a similar design. That means if you've been on one ship in a class, you'll already be familiar with its sister ships. The newest and biggest class is the Excel class, which includes Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. These ships are packed with fun features like roller coasters, tons of dining spots, and big water parks.
Carnival also has other ship classes like Vista and Dream, which are slightly smaller but still full of options. If you like smaller ships with fewer crowds, check out the Spirit and Fantasy classes. These older ships have a more laid-back feel and are great for cruisers who prefer a simpler, more relaxed experience. Carnival continues to grow, with new Excel-class ships on the way and two vessels coming from P&O Cruises Australia. So, no matter what kind of cruise you want, there’s likely a Carnival ship that fits your style.
Here is a quick look at the Carnival Cruise ship classes. Each class offers a slightly different experience, from the massive Excel class with roller coasters to the cozier Fantasy class. Knowing the class can help you pick the ship that fits your travel style best.
| Class Name | Introduced (Approx.) | Ships | Size (Approx. Gross Tonnage) | Guest Capacity (Approx.) | Key Features/Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Class | Early 1990s | Ecstasy, Sensation, Elation, Paradise (mentions some sold/scrapped) | 70,000 GT | 2,000-2,600 | Older, smaller, and more intimate, they have fewer bells and whistles but offer classic cruise experiences and good value. Many have received "Evolutions of Fun" upgrades. |
| Spirit Class | Early 2000s | Spirit, Pride, Legend, Miracle | 88,500 GT | 2,100-2,600 | Known for a high percentage of balcony cabins, themed décor, and a good balance of size and amenities, many international itineraries. |
| Conquest Class | Early-Mid 2000s | Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty, Freedom | 110,000 GT | 3,000-3,700 | Larger ships that introduced many signature Carnival features like the Seaside Theatre, family-friendly with lots of activities. |
| Splendor Class | 2008 | Splendor (sole ship in its class) | 113,300 GT | 3,000-3,700 | A unique, one-off design, larger than Conquest but with similar features, described as a bridge between Conquest and Dream classes. |
| Dream Class | Late 2000s/Early 2010s | Dream, Magic, Breeze | 128,000-130,000 GT | 3,600-4,700 | Introduced new features like the Lanai wraparound promenade and larger water parks; focused on family fun and entertainment. |
| Sunshine Class | 2013 (Originally Destiny 1996, transformed) | Sunshine, Sunrise, Radiance (transformed ships) | 101,000-102,000 GT (post-transformation) | 3,000-3,700 | Originally, older ships (Destiny/Triumph/Victory)were massively refitted and renamed; offer many modern Carnival amenities after transformation. |
| Vista Class | Mid-Late 2010s | Vista, Horizon, Panorama | 133,500 GT | 4,000-5,000 | Introduced innovations like the SkyRide, IMAX Theatre (on some), and Havana complex; focuses on outdoor spaces and varied entertainment. |
| Excel Class | 2020s | Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee | 180,000+ GT | 5,200-6,600+ | Largest and most innovative ships, LNG-powered; feature "zones" with distinct themes, and the BOLT rollercoaster. Represents Carnival's newest and most feature-packed offerings. |
If you like really big cruise ships, Carnival’s Excel class might be perfect for you. These ships weigh over 180,000 tons, making them about 35% larger than Carnival’s next-biggest ships. They have more restaurants, bars, lounges, and deck attractions than any other Carnival ship. These ships even have roller coasters on the top deck, a first in the cruise world. They also offer more types of suites than older ships, giving guests more choices for where to stay and how much space they want.
The Excel class ships also bring new food options to sea. They feature the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant on a cruise and the first Big Chicken eatery, created by basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. One of the ships, Mardi Gras, runs on liquefied natural gas, which is said to be cleaner than regular ship fuel. These ships are very popular and hold a lot of people, up to 6,630 when fully booked. If you don’t enjoy big crowds, these ships might feel too busy.
The Vista class ships are no longer the biggest in Carnival’s fleet, but they still have a lot to offer. Each ship has a water park with waterslides, mini golf, ropes courses, and several pools. They’re also known for SkyRide, a pedal-powered ride high above the deck. Carnival Vista and Horizon have IMAX theaters, while Panorama features the first trampoline park at sea. These ships may not be the newest, but they’re packed with fun things to do for guests of all ages.
When it comes to food, these ships give you lots of choices. There are casual spots like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, plus sushi, steakhouses, and Italian restaurants. Some ships even have breweries and barbecue places by Guy Fieri. Venezia and Firenze have a strong Italian theme and unique food options. The ships also include special cabin areas like Havana Cabanas and Family Harbor, which are only for guests with keycard access. Each ship holds about 4,000 passengers.
The Sunshine class ships are some of the most unique in Carnival’s fleet. Even though they started as older ships, each one has been almost completely rebuilt. Carnival took out nearly everything and gave them new names after big makeovers. Carnival Destiny became Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Triumph turned into Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Victory is now Carnival Radiance. These rebuilds began in 2013, with Carnival spending millions to add new features like water parks, ropes courses, and adult-only areas that weren’t on the original ships.
Carnival also added popular restaurants and lounges to match newer ships. Carnival Sunrise now has Cucina Del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, and Bonsai Express sushi. Carnival Sunshine got a new pool area with a multideck waterfall. Carnival Radiance’s upgrades were delayed but are now complete. Even after all these changes, these ships are smaller than Carnival’s newest ones. They weigh about 102,000 tons and hold around 3,000 passengers, though they were once considered the largest cruise ships in the world.
Carnival’s Dream class ships are about the same size as the Vista class ones and have a similar feel. But there are some clear differences. Dream class ships don’t have IMAX theaters, trampoline parks, or keycard-only cabin areas like the Vista class. They also miss a few newer dining spots. Still, many of the main features are the same, so if you’ve sailed on a Vista class ship before, you’ll probably feel right at home on one of the Dream class ships without needing to adjust too much.
The Dream class ships include Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze. They all have top-deck fun like water parks, ropes courses, sports areas, and mini golf. Inside, there are comedy clubs, show lounges, casinos, and piano bars. You’ll find crowd-favorite places to eat like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, steakhouses, and Cucina Del Capitano. Some ships also have sushi spots and the RedFrog Pub. These ships carry about 3,650 guests at double occupancy, making them large but not too overwhelming.
Carnival Splendor is a special ship in the Carnival fleet because it doesn’t belong to any major class. Still, it has many features that are like the Conquest class ships. It was first made for Costa Cruises, Carnival’s sister brand in Italy, and shares the same basic design as Costa’s Concordia class ships. Since Concordia ships were based on the Conquest class design, Carnival Splendor will feel familiar to anyone who has been on a Conquest class ship before.
What makes Carnival Splendor stand out is its top deck. The main pool area has a retractable glass roof, which is not found on Conquest class ships. There’s also a splash zone for kids and a larger spa than usual. Besides these changes, the ship is mostly like its Conquest class cousins. It’s slightly bigger, but the layout and feel are nearly the same. Carnival Splendor carries around 3,012 passengers when full, with two people per cabin.
Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure are part of what many call the Grand class ships in the Carnival fleet. These ships are smaller than Carnival’s newer vessels but still offer a fun cruise experience. They were designed to be narrow enough to sail through the Panama Canal, which means they can visit more unique ports. Even though they aren’t the biggest ships, they include plenty of activities and entertainment, making them a great choice for travelers who prefer a more relaxed and less crowded cruise.
On board Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, guests can enjoy pools, waterslides, and casual spots like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. There are also steakhouses, buffet restaurants, and quiet spaces like the Serenity adults-only retreat. These ships feature theaters for live shows, comedy clubs, and lounges for music and dancing. With rooms for around 2,100 guests at double occupancy, they offer a more personal atmosphere while still giving guests many things to see, do, and eat throughout the trip.
Conquest class ships are smaller than Carnival’s Vista and Dream class ships, but they still offer plenty of fun. At about 111,000 tons, they’re packed with classic Carnival features like waterslides, mini-golf, and Serenity areas for adults. Each ship also includes favorite food spots such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and a steakhouse. While they may not have all the new extras found on bigger ships, they still give guests a full cruise experience with entertainment, pools, and relaxing spaces to enjoy the journey.
Since they’re smaller, Conquest class ships also carry fewer guests, just under 3,000 at double occupancy. That’s around 1,000 fewer people than the Vista class ships, which can make a big difference if you like a quieter cruise. Some travelers like the easier navigation and calmer atmosphere on these ships. Others may miss the bigger attractions found on larger vessels. Either way, the Conquest class offers a more classic Carnival experience with plenty to keep you busy.
Carnival’s Spirit class ships are smaller and sleeker, making them great for unique trips to places like Alaska and Australia. These ships are built for all kinds of weather, with main pools that have retractable glass roofs to protect guests from cold or rainy days. Because of their size, they can fit into smaller ports that big ships can’t reach. This makes them perfect for cruises that explore less crowded spots. They also often sail from cooler ports like Baltimore during the winter months for Caribbean cruises.
Spirit class ships hold around 2,124 passengers at double occupancy, which makes them feel more personal and easier to navigate. They have more oceanview and balcony cabins than most other Carnival ships, a big plus for scenic places like Alaska. On board, you’ll still find favorites like water parks, mini-golf, and fun lounges. One special feature is the elegant specialty restaurant located inside the ship’s funnel with a dome-style glass ceiling, great for a romantic dinner. Carnival Luminosa is also part of this class, though it was originally built for Costa Cruises.
Carnival’s Fantasy class ships are the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet. They were first built in the 1990s, and Carnival has slowly been removing them. Before 2020, there were eight Fantasy class ships. After the pandemic began, Carnival retired several of them, including Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy. Now, only two ships remain. These vessels usually sail from smaller ports like Jacksonville, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, places that aren’t large enough for Carnival’s newer, bigger ships.
Even though they’re older, Fantasy class ships are still popular with some loyal Carnival fans. They’re smaller and easier to get around, but they don’t have many balcony cabins, which are in high demand. Most rooms are inside or have an ocean-view without outdoor space. Some balcony cabins were added in recent updates, including new suites. These ships don’t have large water parks or big dining areas like the newer ones, but they still offer water slides, spray zones, and a fun atmosphere for families. Each ship holds around 2,100 guests.
Carnival has many types of cruise ships, but they are not very different from each other. Most ships have the same kinds of places and activities onboard. Carnival has also spent money to improve its older ships, so they feel more like the new ones. If you want a big ship with lots to do, the newer ships like the Excel or Vista class are a good choice. If you like a smaller and quieter trip, older ships like the Spirit class are a better fit.
Planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation and looking for the best shore excursions? Then, this blog is for you! With so many options available, choosing the best Disney Cruise excursions for your [...]
May 21, 2025
Whether you're planning your dream vacation at sea or eagerly waiting to greet friends and family returning from their voyage, keeping tabs on cruise ship locations has become easier than ever. [...]
May 20, 2025
How to Save Money on Princess Cruises?
Princess Cruises is known for its blend of premium service, elegant ships, and exotic destinations — but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to enjoy a luxury cruise. Whether [...]
May 19, 2025
Royal Caribbean Wedding Packages
Tying the knot is one of life’s most unforgettable milestones—and what better way to begin your journey than with a magical celebration in the middle of the ocean? A Royal Caribbean [...]
May 16, 2025
